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Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Small Pet Select Guinea Pig Food Pellets; Brand: Small Pet Select; Review: I stumbled upon Small Pet Select on Facebook when I was just cruising around. I was impressed by what I saw and read. I was in need of some quality Timothy Hay for my two girls Coral and Rosie. I saw they offered a free shipping code (I'm all about free shipping) so I went to their site to check them out. I was thoroughly impressed. I had some questions, I emailed them and they got right back to me. They always respond on Facebook too - that is amazing customer service. Next to try their product. I ordered some grass - great savings over store-bought, extremely fresh, delivered quickly and in a cute box. I was sold. THEN I discovered that they were selling Timothy Hay pellets. I'm pretty picky about what I give my girls so I figured I'd buy the hay and food combo (another great savings!) and wouldn't be out too much $ if they didn't like the pellets. My girls jumped in with all 8 paws - they were ecstatic. Wonderful quality, smelled SO fresh (I closed and opened the bag a few times just to get that initial fresh smell) and good for the pocketbook. I totally believe in supporting small companies - especially this one which offers great deals, a quality product, coupons, free shipping, and excellent customer service (nope, I don't work with or for them and have never met them personally). They have made me a very faithful customer. Try the pellets, and any other of their products. You won't be disappointed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pioneer Pet SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post; Brand: SmartCat; Review: My little rescue kitty LOVES it! She has been in a cage at the Humane Society for the past 2 1/2 months and before that at another Humane Society. She's got a parasite that doesn't allow her to interact with other cats, so she's been cage bound for a VERY long time. We brought her home, let her out of her traveling case and she immediately started pawing the floor like she wanted to scratch. We put her up to the post and she immediately loved it. She started scratching, stretching and climbing on it. She's 5 1/2 months old. It's very sturdy, attractive and I feel it will hold up very well. It's been one of the best purchases I've made so far.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Halo Grain Free Natural Wet Cat Food for Senior Cats; Brand: Halo, Purely For Pets; Review: I wouldn't hesitate to get it for your cat. My latest rescue kitty Hattie loves it . Her "waste" isn't as stinky either as it was on the Hill's Prescription I/D. She's flourishing on this. NO hesitation in recommending this food. I brought it along to Hattie's vet visit the other day and the vet looked at it and said it looked like an excellent food. My three cats love it. (I also mix it with Halo's grain-free dry food to make it stretch a bit longer - more economical). My black kitty, Luna, likes it as well. Since I've been feeding her this, her coat is absolutely luxurious (I also supplement with Anitra's Vita Mineral Mix). She's just plush. A gorgeous and healthy cat starts with what you put into her/him.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier; Brand: Sherpa; Review: Excellent case. Love the color. Got it at an excellent deal "used like new." It was obviously used (we found a large piece of dog food inside) but it was in excellent shape. We aired it out and washed the padding. Love that I can put my cat in from top or side. Great visibility and it seat belts into the car for safety. Not sure I'll ever use it on a plane but it's certified for use. Outside pockets.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Catit Hagen Treat Ball; Brand: Catit; Review: Great fun for My kitty. She very quickly learned how to turn it just enough to get the treat out. She stood in one place and rolled it back and forth with her paw until she emptied it. Once empty she sees no point in playing with it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Treats Cats; Brand: PureBites; Review: Cats likes, big pieces so was hard to chew, my Luna didn't care though. She gnawed it anyway. Still, I probably won't order again. There are treats she likes better.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aeromark International Armarkat Cat tree Furniture Condo, Height -70-Inch to 75-Inch; Brand: Armarkat; Review: Love this brand. This is the second one I bought. Gave it to my DD for her large orange kitty. My black kitty faded to invisible in it. The round piece doesn't fasten very well. It spun around in place. My DD didn't put it up. Tree fine w/o it. Pretty, functional, sturdy, tall. I'd buy again. Ladder is dumb except for looks and stability, cats certainly aren't going to use it as a ladder. It was very "tippy" on carpet but my DD put it on top of a large thick board and it was just fine, No fears of it tipping over. Love the scratching posts; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Voyager All Weather No Pull Step-in Mesh Dog Harness Padded Vest; Brand: Best Pet Supplies, Inc.; Review: By far the best and most secure vest we've found so far. However the XS is still too large for my 9 month old kitten. We cinch it up so much that the velcro barely catches, but we like the security of the extra buckle as well as the 2 d-rings that you clip the leash to. I ordered a second one for my newest kitty. Still too large but we make do.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sherpa Element Duffle Pet Carrier; Brand: Lambow; Review: Excellent case. Color is ugly (it's a beige, not a cute peach/orange like in the picture) but quality is fab. I got it from Amazon Warehouse deals so I got it for about half the price and it was in excellent condition, hence the reason I put up with the hideous color. I feel confident of my cat's safety and comfort when I use it. Comes with nice luggage tag as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PetSafe Drinkwell Mini Dog and Cat Water Fountain, 40 oz.; Brand: PetSafe; Review: Love this! So easy to use, great for small spaces, very quiet. Easy to clean/maintain. Not sure if my kitties love it or not but they do use it. With urinary tract issues in kitties if they don't get enough water being so rampantI I feel confident that I'm doing what's best for them. It's fine for two cats unless they both want to drink at the same time. If that's the case, it's too small, go for the larger size. Of course, you could always get 2 and put them in different locations. They are so economical.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FurHaven Pet Cat Furniture | Tiger Tough Cat Tree - Available in Multiple Colors & Styles; Brand: Furhaven Pet; Review: Not super sturdy, wobbled a bit on hardwood floor. Shelves are one on top of the other so hard to go from one to the other and fabric is very slippery so my uncoordinated kitty would jump on it and slide right off. She is not a jumper so she needs to be able to go from ledge to ledge. Puzzle box great idea except the holes are slightly too large. Cat loved it until she shoved the balls out of the holes and lost the balls. Too many negatives. I returned it. This is the second cat tree from this company that I bought and returned - both not steady on the floor and. Relatively cheaply made. It might work for other, just not for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Voyager All Weather No Pull Step-in Mesh Dog Harness Padded Vest; Brand: Best Pet Supplies, Inc.; Review: By far the best and most secure vest we've found so far. However the XS is still too large for my 9 month old kitten. We cinch it up so much that the velcro barely catches, but we like the security of the extra buckle as well as the 2 d-rings that you clip the leash to. I ordered a second one for my newest kitty. Still too large but we make do.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blueberry Pet Pack of 1 Cat Collar, Chic Red & Black Leopard Print PU; Brand: Blueberry Pet; Review: Love it! So cute, unique, appears well-made. Didn't come small enough for my cat. She lost it the first night she had it on. Wish it would come in a smaller size. Cutest collar out there imho. I have a 7 month old kitten who is petite. I ordered so it would be here when we brought her home from the Humane Society. Didn't realize just how large it was.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Cashew Nut Villa; City: Siem Reap Siem Reap Province; Review: We had such a lovely time at the Cashew Nut. The staff were delightful, so genuinely pleased to help and so pleasant to deal with. They come out to the front of the building to wave you goodbye when you leave, which says a lot to me. Our room was spacious and clean and the standard of decor perfectly appropriate for the price. The courtyard area is particularly nice for breakfast - lots of interesting Cambodian life happening just outside the gates but the courtyard is a sanctuary from the dust and noise. It's well located, 10 mins walk from 'Pub Street' and the Tuk Tuks are handy and should be just $1 to get in to town. We particularly enjoyed the Cambodian cookery class organised by the hotel at Sojourn nearby. We would also recommend making the trip out to Bantaey Srey temple and stopping at the sugar cane village on the way. A long way on a Tuk Tuk but a wonderful experience of Cambodia.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A74 Hotel; City: Duong Dong Phu Quoc Island Kien Giang Province; Review: We came across this cool little place when trying to escape from the pricey resort we had booked ourself in to down the road. We immediately liked the vibe of the lovely garden at the front which although next to the road was a very relaxing place to sit and drink their delicious iced coffee. They had done an excellent job with the planting, lighting and decor to make it seem stylish and secluded. It was a good place to hang out and chat to other travellers. Outdoor movies were also a good touch. The staff were very friendly and we had a nice night's stay. The room was clean and comfortable and the only downside the unventilated bathroom. This was not as bad as other reviewers have made out but it did seem it could be improved by a vent duct.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ngoc Hoa; City: Cat Ba; Review: On arrival at Cat Ba we were greeted by a swarm of hoteliers offering us rooms for $6 a night, we checked out a few, including the duc tuan which is highly rated on trip advisor, and found them mainly to be a bit grim. This one however is quite newly renovated and clean, with a lift, which is quite important when taking a 7th floor room for a great view of the harbour. We got a large, clean room with 2 beds for $7.50 a night which is fantastic value! Mr Zoom, the owner was a nice, friendly and helpful chap with good English. As for the slightly worrying earlier TA review regarding the vegetable peeler incident, I would suggest there are 2 sides to every story and this didn't seem anything to worry about. Cat Ba is a bit of a miserable place out of season and we were 2 of only a handful of backpackers so evenings were a bit dead. It seemed to us only worth 2 nights so we could take a day trip of Halong Bay etc organised by Mr Zoom. Although this wasn't exactly as he described it to us in his slideshow, i.e. different boat and crew, it was an enjoyable day nonetheless and very good value. Apart from Mr Zoom the staff don't really speak any English so it's worth leaving a little time to deal with check out and other matters at reception in case they need to call him!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Saigon Phu Quoc Resort; City: Phu Quoc Island Kien Giang Province; Review: We had a lovely couple of days here enjoying the pool and air conditioned comfort of our room and huge, relatively soft bed. It's a nice resort if that's what you're looking for, but we were after more of a younger, backpacker vibe. What shocked us was the price of food here. A totally unjustifiable $4.70 for a portion of fries and $23.50 for a seafood bbq. This is disgraceful when you consider most main courses we've had have been about $2-3 and up the beach there's a seafood bbq for $7 including a drink. The sea and beach here was full of rubbish despite the efforts by the staff to keep it clean. I think this may depend on tides as further south, beyond la veranda, it was very clean and beautiful even without any obvious efforts to clean it! Overall good value for the room at $87.50 a night as long as you buy food and drink elsewhere!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Borei Angkor Resort Spa; City: Siem Reap Siem Reap Province; Review: We paid $85 to stay here for a night, which if you compare it to UK prices is amazing value, however we had 5* expectations that were just not quite met. The hotel is very grand and impressive at cursory glance. However the devil is in the detail at 5* standard and this is where it fell short, along with the stiff and stuffy service. Things like a ripped shower curtain which has been patched up with parcel tape, ripped bed covers, slightly worn feel to the room were below expectations. Having stayed in small hotels and B&Bs for around $20 a night up to this point we sadly found that the service was not anywhere near as good. The staff were perfectly polite but lacked the warmth and genuine nature that we found elsewhere. They seemed to be following strict processes/scripts without any of their own initiative. This led to frustrating conversations when asking for things and being told the same thing over and over again. However, overall it was nice. The spa area was lovely and perfect if you've checked out and have a flight later - you can use the shower, jacuzzi, sauna etc for free after lounging by the pool (and there's free water so you don't have to pay the $5 for a bottle of water!!) The breakfast was absolutely amazing - a whole world of options! Oh and we can confirm that the bed was indeed very hard, we normally enjoy a firm mattress but this was quite unforgiving!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort Spa; City: Da Lat Lam Dong Province; Review: We didn't really know what to expect when arriving at Ana Mandara Dalat, particularly given some of the poor reviews, but can say that from the start and for all of our 3 night stay we were absolutely delighted, with only a few minor exceptions. The hotel grounds and villas are beautiful and it all makes for a very characterful and unique place. The 'petit' room was very well appointed and stylish and didn't seem small at all. The bed was SO comfortable, just like our bed at home, especially with the choice of pillows. We loved the pool area and totally relaxed there for a few days. The location was very quiet, we could only just make out the sounds of local animals that others had complained of on TA. It was nice to be at a retreat on the edge of town, only a 30k dong taxi ride from the centre. The reception would organise for a taxi to pick you up at your villa if you wished. The a la carte breakfast was exquisite, best eggs Benedict ever! We also had lunch twice and a 7 course chef menu with wine pairing for dinner one night. All was fantastic and good value, considering the high standard, even though much more expensive than standard Vietnamese fayre in town. The staff were lovely and extremely helpful. The only mishaps we had (which didn't affect our overall enjoyment) were a big electric shock from a light in the bathroom (fixed promptly by electrician) confusing and ambiguous exchanges about options for potential tours (we stayed by the pool instead) and failure in arrangements for airport transfer on departure. To be fair the hotel made up for this and sorted the transfer. We avoided the ripoff $15usd per person airport transfer offered by the hotel on arrival as there's a shuttle bus timed to Vietnam airlines arrivals at $2usd per person which will drop you at the hotel! Thanks all at Ana Mandara for a lovely stay!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bacolet Beach Club; City: Bacolet Bay Tobago Trinidad and Tobago; Review: We were managing our expectations of this hotel as prior reviews were a bit mixed, but it seemed like the best option for poolside relaxation towards the luxury end of what is available in Tobago, without paying too much. We were very pleasantly surprised. On arrival the view through the reception to the pool and sea is stunning. It's very quiet and generally there were only a few people around the pool. The beach is lovely, smooth sand and clear waters and not too choppy, despite being on the Atlantic side of the island (we'd found waves much bigger on the other side of the island). The beach benefits from some dappled, leafy shade in the morning. The room was spot on, big comfy bed, thankfully devoid of mosquitoes following our stay in the rainforest. Cafe Havana was surprisingly good with a varied breakfast each day and we had dinner there more than once. One might expect the restaurant linked to the hotel to be awful but it was really quite nice - Pina Coladas were the best ever! There is also the option of a little local lunch at a snack shop 5 mins walk towards town, on a bend in the road, where we had some lovely local soup for a few £ each! Staff were nice, although we were a bit disappointed to have no flexibility on late checkout despite hanging by the pool all day and seeing nobody arrive in the room by 5pm and nobody cleaning the room for hours after we had checked out! Little things like an extra hour to dip in the pool and change in your own room afterwards can make the difference. However they redeemed themselves by letting us use a room to change and shower before our flight. All considered, would highly recommend!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tresor Petite Hotel; City: Cagliari Province of Cagliari Sardinia; Review: We were made to feel so very welcome and Gianfranco gave us a very informative tour on Google Earth, preparing a hand drawn map for us to take a walk through the city. The walk he recommended was the perfect way to spend the evening, taking in some lovely sights and enjoying a few aperitifs along the way before a fantastic dinner at Degli Spiriti. The room was very spacious and spotlessly clean. The bed was large and comfortable. The place had the character of a small, family run establishment and had a really nice feel about it. There was a small balcony opening on to a side street (no traffic) where the sounds of life would drift through in the afternoon, making a perfect soundtrack for a nap. It's a great location, a short walk from the bus station (where the airport bus goes for 4 euros each way, every 30 mins and takes 10 mins) and close to some great little restaurants and snack bars with amazing sandwiches! Oh and to top it all off SUPER FAST WIFI!!! My husband is a geek and confirmed that the speed was indeed faster than at home!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Villa Ana; City: Bol Brac Island Split Dalmatia County Dalmatia; Review: Wow. Where I start? This is such a lovely place. For a VERY reasonable price compared to other accommodated we stayed in at Split and Dubrovnik we had a spotlessly clean and very well presented apartment here for 6 nights. Bol is a lovely little town with a pretty harbour where you can sit and watch the little boats come and go from the numerous cafes and restaurants. There are also some great little beaches nearby, apart from the famous Zlatni Rat, where the stunningly clear water gently laps up at the stony beaches. Villa Ana is the perfect place to stay. Yes it's a bit of a stiff walk back up the hill from the beach/harbour but most of the accommodation tends to be in such locations and I think most people wouldn't find the walk too challenging. The location is quiet, with lovely views. The apartments are spot on - comfy beds, reasonably well equipped kitchen, clean and airy. What's best is the lovely family that run the apartments. Peter is a gem. He was so welcoming and seemed so genuinely keen to make sure we were happy. What struck us most was that, on our departure, he organised a transfer for 6 people in his people carrier to get the ferry at Supetar for a very reasonable price. He could easily have asked for more money, but he seems to want to be reasonable and earn a good reputation. Well done Peter and family.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Firs Hotel; City: Hitchin Hertfordshire England; Review: This is a great little hotel. I was a bit put off by the frontage of the hotel as it's a bit tired looking, but once you get inside it's a completely different story. Yes it's not the height of contemporary design, but it's spotlessly clean and very well maintained. It generally feels very comfortable. I was really pleased with our triple room which had 3 proper beds (no sofa bed/'put you up' which you commonly find in triple rooms and which I find unsuitable for adults). The staff were really nice and friendly. The full English breakfast was lovely, decent sausages and we were very well looked after. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable stay in Hitchin.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Villa Antea; City: Dubrovnik Dubrovnik Neretva County Dalmatia; Review: This is a great location to stay in. The Old Town is expensive and touristy, it's so much better to stay out of the Old Town and use the cheap and efficient travel options to visit it. We were a group of 4 so a taxi was about the same price (about 70 kuna) as the bus fare for 4; hence we didn't use the bus. However the bus appeared a very convenient option with the stop close by and the regular timetable from early until late. Getting a taxi was easy as there was a free phone to use in the apartment and they seemed to come very quickly! On the way back all the drivers knew where the apartments were. We were welcomed to the apartments by the very friendly and enthusiastic Damir - what a lovely chap. He looked after us beautifully and the home made drinks were very welcome too. The apartment was clean, comfortable and well equipped. There's a PEMO shop nearby for stocking up on groceries, about a 5-10 minute walk, uphill on the way back so a backpack is recommended to avoid plastic bags cutting in to hands!! We used the pool for free at the Valamar, which is reasonable walking distance and we were very pleasantly surprised by how big and nice it was! Well worth a visit. Although the rooftop pool at Villa Antea has a lovely view and is great for a bit of sunbathing with comfortable facilities. The Babin Kuk area has its own little promenade with cafes and restaurants, within walking distance, which is cheaper than the Old Town, so it's quite nice to mix it up a bit and stay local some evenings. All in all we'd highly recommend Villa Antea.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tri Lava Luxury Living; City: Split Split Dalmatia County Dalmatia; Review: Olivia apartments are very well located on a pedestrian only street. You're right in the thick of it but shutters block out the noise of the city very effectively. Lots of amenities very close by. The city is great for shopping and the old town is very atmospheric for drinks in the evening. We stayed in the brown apartment on the second floor. The apartment is beautiful - the photos don't do it justice. It feels really luxurious and the bed was extremely comfortable. The kitchenette was reasonably well appointed and although there was no kettle or toaster there were teabags, sugar, salt and pepper and oil, which was welcome and more than provided in other accommodation we stayed in in Croatia. What struck us most was the very hospitable service from Bruno and his son. The son (whose name I'm sorry I have no idea how to spell) met us there to let us in and told us what we needed to know. He recommended the Sperun street/area for restaurants and this turned out to be a very good recommendation. Between him and Bruno they arranged for a transfer to the airport on our departure, which was very convenient, being picked up at the top of the pedestrian street for a pre-agreed price. It is cheaper to get the bus but the times aren't always good for the flights (too early/late) and we didn't fancy going to the rather hectic harbour/bus station area again on our departure. Bruno turned up punctually to check us out of the apartment and help us with our bags to the car. These small things make the experience so much easier and more comfortable. Thank you very much.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Woodlands Motel Conference Venue; City: Kerikeri Bay of Islands Northland Region North Island; Review: This is a gorgeous little motel. Our room and all the facilities were spotlessly clean and the communal kitchen was very well equipped. The pool was clean and quiet and the hot tub very welcome! The owners worked hard to run the place and one could tell they cared a lot about it. They were lovely, friendly people. It was in a great location, within easy walking distance of extensive amenities in Kerikeri. In context of other stays around NZ this was also amazing value for money.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park; City: Fox Glacier Westland National Park Te Wahipounamu West; Review: This is convenient accommodation for taking Fox Glacier tours. The wood panelled room felt a bit grim, but was clean and comfortable enough. The kitchen was not equipped but had toaster and hot water boiler (useful when lots of people using kitchen). The toilet/shower block was very buggy, but I suppose this can't be helped when the lights have to stay on all night. Generally this is an OK stay, but I wouldn't rush to stay there again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park; City: Kaikoura Canterbury Region South Island; Review: This is a really nice Top 10, we'd stayed in another and visited another and it seems much nicer. The staff were very friendly and helpful, one chap going out to buy some clothes pegs when it turned out a previous customer had nicked off with the supply. The toilets were kept nice and clean. The studio we had was pleasant and fairly secluded. One big bonus is the on site hot tub - you book it out for private use (for free) and it's a really nice private experience in a high quality wooden tub! The heated pool was also lovely for a morning dip. The accommodation was conveniently located for the town. The only downside is that it's right next to the railway line - I mean RIGHT next to it! We had unit 50 which had a view right across the railway sidings - sleepers just outside our window! We're deep sleepers so it didn't stop us having a good night's sleep, but on the first night I did awake terrified at about 11pm when I though an earthquake was happening, but it turned out to be a train pulling in!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charme Hotel Hancelot; City: Ghent East Flanders Province; Review: This is a beautiful, historic building with such a feeling of peace and calm in the lobby area, which is really nice to return to. The greeting at reception was very welcoming and informative. Our room was lovely. Yes there were some noises from the old plumbing etc but it didn't disturb us. The breakfast was spectacular and such a nice room to enjoy it in. The location was great, an interesting walk to the centre or an easy hop on the tram. On the whole we were very well looked after and would highly recommend this lovely hotel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel MANI; City: Berlin; Review: This is a gem of a hotel. So stylish, contemporary and beautifully finished. Our room was stunning. The staff on reception were lovely and very helpful. We paid for the breakfast on one day and found it good value for money, however the Sucre e Sal french bistro also does a lovely breakfast a few doors down, so you can mix it up a bit. The location is excellent. The U-Bahn station is a hop skip and a jump away and a great way to get around. The area itself also has some nice restaurants, which the hotel staff can recommend. Hotels just don't get better than this. We slept like the dead in the sooooo comfy beds and were well prepared and positioned to explore Berlin each day from this fabulous hotel. Only one small thing let the hotel down. The cleaner came at 8am on our last morning tapping on the door and then letting herself in, then 'oh sorry' and going away. I couldn't get back to sleep after this disturbance, which was really annoying and such a shame to take the shine off an otherwise wonderful stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Am Markt; City: Cochem Rhineland Palatinate; Review: The location on the main square is great for just dotting about the centre of Cochem. Our room was a little smaller and a little more expensive than other places we had stayed in Germany but I guess there is a premium attached to the very central location in this popular tourist town. It was so very nicely decorated, comfortable and beautifully clean though that it still seemed like value for money. The breakfast was lovely and the lady who served it a treasure! A great selection and they helpfully filled our flasks for our early departure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Typisch Naumburg; City: Naumburg Saxony Anhalt; Review: We toured all around Germany and this was our favourite place to stay. It's a beautifully designed and finished 'pension' with the feeling of a boutique hotel. Our room was large and comfortable and amazing value for money - it was the cheapest and the largest room of any that we stayed in. Everything was so clean and well considered. The chap who runs the place is very pleasant and attentive. The little breakfast room was lovely and the breakfast selection perfect. It's perfectly located to explore the pretty streets of Naumburg.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arago 312 Apartments; City: Barcelona Catalonia; Review: We had the penthouse apartment with large terrace and 4 bedrooms and it was really exceptional. The staff were all very pleasant to deal with and got everything right. It's always a concern, booking apartment type accommodation that there will be nobody there to meet you as arranged. However we arranged an early checkin and the lady was there at the small reception as promised. We were able to leave our bags securely and get a coffee at the nice cafe around the corner whilst they finished cleaning (we were very early) and we got the apartment earlier than the official checkin time. On departure we had a very late flight so were able to leave our bags and they manned the reception beyond normal hours so we could pick them up later. Very convenient since the Gracia railway station for the airport line is just up the road. The apartment location is superb. Not bang in tourist central (who would want to stay there?!) but with very easy access on foot or by metro to wherever you want to go. The little supermarket and deli a hop, skip and a jump from the apartment were very useful and there was a fab restaurant nearby - La Rita. The apartment itself was clean, modern, well equipped and the beds were very comfortable. Really faultless. The views from the terrace were superb and it was a great place to enjoy breakfast with pastries from the little deli!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Casual Valencia del Cine; City: Valencia Province of Valencia Valencian Country; Review: There's so much to like about this little hotel. The staff are really friendly and efficient. One particular guy is a bit of a character and speaks really good English. Our room was faultless - nice to have 2 single beds together as it makes a very large double (which seems difficult to find in Spanish accommodation). Although we're not really a fan of shower curtains in hotels (they stick to you and frequently look a bit grotty!) the shower curtain was spotless! The little balcony on to the pedestrianised street was nice. Good that it's on a pedestrianised street as this keeps the traffic noise down, but Spain can be a noisy place at night with the refuse collections etc, so if you prefer to sleep with the window open than use the aircon then it could be noisy. Closed windows and shutters kept out the street noise. The breakfast is plentiful - nice that they include tortilla. Perfect location, convenient for main train station and train line to airport, plus all the sights you might want to see. We really liked that you would buy large, chilled bottles of water from reception for 1 euro. This was the cheapest we found it so a really good service, without the feeling that you're paying over the odds, as is often the case for extras in hotels. The WIFI was also SUPER FAST! Overall a superb stay!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 6 Rooms 1070; City: Vienna; Review: Beautiful apartment, elegantly furnished with high ceilings in a lovely old building. Perfectly quiet and a very comfy bed for a great night's sleep. Great staff accommodated our late arrival due to flight delay with reassuring contact via WhatsApp. Very well equipped with helpful things such as laundry powder tablets and a few teabags/coffee pods. The area is great, convenient to walk to the main sights and get public transport to others. Nearby restaurants and cafes are great. Area has a 'hipster' vibe. Shop and bakery also nearby for fresh pastries in the morning. Visit to the foodie market 'Nachsmarkt' is a must for lunch or dinner!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lady Capulet Apartments; City: Verona Province of Verona Veneto; Review: Where do I begin? This is possibly the most beautiful apartment I have ever stayed in. It all feels perfectly brand new and is decorated in a classic style with modern amenities e.g. Nespresso machine with plenty of pods provided - very welcome. It feels very romantic, with doors to the balcony and an internal mezzanine looking over the living space and its old beams and chandelier. The bed was huge and SO comfortable. The bathroom was delightful. The little kitchenette was perfectly appointed with nice glassware and crockery. The location was fantastic - all the old town is in easy walking distance and it's on a quiet street. Julia Maria, the owner, checked us in with her assistant and it was, hands down, the best checkin I have ever experienced! They were SO helpful and gave us recommendations of bars and restaurants to experience Verona like locals, which we followed up and they absolutely made our trip. Julia Maria booked a restaurant for us on the night we arrived and kindly printed our boarding passes. There was also a lovely little surprise when we got back on the first night, which I won't disclose as I might spoil the surprise for others!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Residenza Corte Molin; City: Venice Veneto; Review: This is a charming little guesthouse. Despite what other reviewers say, I found it easy to find via Google walking directions with a little preparation. Venice is an absolute rabbit warren of little streets, so easy to get lost. The San Polo area is a great place to stay - a lovely little restaurant just a few steps away and other options on pleasant squares and streets close by, but out of the main tourist areas, which to me is a blessing! However all the main sights are within easy walking distance. The hotel is dripping in Venetian splendour with gold, antiques and plush fabrics. It's all very clean and the owners/staff are all lovely and attentive. We loved the breakfast being served in our room - we just had to call and ask for tea/coffee and a nice lady would appear 5 mins later with a beautiful tray of pastries, bread, cheese, pate, jam, yoghurt etc. Our only problem is that we were given a room on the ground floor and, because of the canal water level, there was a sewer smell. This is a problem all over Venice, so you may not avoid it in any hotel! We asked if we could move rooms and were given a much nicer, bigger and smell-free room on the first floor. The toilet to this room was a 'floating' style, fixed to the wall, and was a bit wobbly, making toileting a bit precarious! I think this was the reason they didn't give us the room in the first place, but believe me the toilet wobbliness was less problematic than the sewer smell in the other room! Anyway, I'm sure that the owners will fix the toilet so hopefully it won't be a problem for others. Otherwise, the place was well maintained.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Kastraki; City: Kalambaka Trikala Region Thessaly; Review: Nice, family run hotel. Excellent welcome from the young lady on reception, giving us helpful information about enjoying Meteora, loaning us a book about it. Everything was clean and smart, quite luxurious and well maintained. Comfy bed and quiet room. Great location for visiting the monateries and nunneries of Meteora. Plenty of nice little restaurants nearby.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Maison Borella; City: Milan Lombardy; Review: We pair were away for a girly weekend and chose this boutique hotel because of the great reviews, the look of the place and the location. The Navigli area is great - really lively at night with people out for the evening passegiata. Not rowdy though, plenty of people of all ages. We were really pleased when the reception staff organised us a table for drinks on the front, where we could watch the people go by. Good seats on the frontage are hard to find so we felt we'd done really well to stay here and take advantage of this. Our room was lovely - very comfortable twin beds and a spacious bathroom. It was quiet in our room even though we were there on a Saturday night. The staff on reception were very professional and the porter was a very friendly chap. Altogether we were very pleased with our stay until they spoiled it with the experience we had at breakfast time..... We had an early flight to catch, so needed to leave at 8am, when breakfast begins at the weekend. Therefore we asked the receptionist if we could arrange something to take away or have a little earlier. We appreciated this was an exception and were only hoping for maybe a couple of croissants (or other breakfast items if the croissants weren't ready), coffee and juice. We spoke to the receptionist more than once to confirm this and arrange that we would come down at 7.30am and sit in the lounge area to take breakfast, rather than in the breakfast room. Unfortunately we were greeted with breakfast staff who did not know about these arrangements and told us breakfast was not open (a few times). After some debate they huffily conceded to fetch us some breakfast items. The ridiculous thing was that the breakfast was already laid out like a bountiful banquet of pastries etc and we could see it through the glass doors, but they wouldn't let us in there to pick a couple of things! Instead we had to awkwardly point through the glass whilst they picked things out. They brought us out some drinks but then we had to send them back for milk and they brought us yoghurts without spoons. The man was clearly cross about this taking up his time when he was supposed to be setting up breakfast so I don't know why he didn't just let us serve ourselves! This was a really stressful start to the day and a disappointing end to the stay at this hotel. We were on a tight timescale to leave for the airport so having our time wasted by waiting for someone to bring us things when they weren't prepared was really annoying.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pullman Liverpool; City: Liverpool Merseyside England; Review: This hotel has everything right. The style of checkin is a great choice by the hotel, with a focus on customer experience. The friendly and professional staff are waiting to welcome you, sit you down and deal with you personally rather than at a stuffy reception desk. The hotel is brand new and every inch is gorgeous. The room was supremely comfortable - the kind of bed where you check the brand of the bedding before departure because you want it at home! Lovely, well thought through touches like a soft open/close sliding bathroom door, which was absolutely silent - no waking up your partner in the middle of the night. Checkout time of 12pm made for a very relaxing morning using the gym facilities and watching the huge TV in the room. Convenient parking at the Waterfront directly across the road - hotel provides 25% discount voucher for this car park. Absolutely one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel; City: Hounslow Greater London England; Review: Very convenient location for airport, but with shops and basic eats within walking distance. Very comfortable room for a good night's sleep before your flight. We had a runway view and were amazed at how effective the glazing system was at cutting out the noise - aircraft noise was not a problem at all. Only complaint was the incredibly strong air freshener smell in the lobby - it was offensive! We decided we couldn't eat in the hotel due to this smell!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thistle London Heathrow Hotel; City: West Drayton Greater London England; Review: This is the perfect choice for staying the night before a T5 departure. Great value rate included parking and it was easy to just drive in and find a spot to park. Reception staff were welcoming. Room was fine - very comfy bed, a bit of a fusty smell on first arrival but it seemed to go away. Aircraft noise didn't bother us - it's to be expected being so close to the airport! Breakfast was excellent - great choice of hot and continental items. My husband asked for Eggs Bendict and they made it for him. POD access was so easy. You pay for it at reception £5 per person, each way. It is not included in the room+parking rate. The receptionist gives you a code for the gate through to the POD station. It's just across a small car park from reception and the POD is right there. You simply tell it where you want to go and you're in T5 in a matter of minutes! Such an easy and relaxing start to our travels.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Palou Boutique Hotel; City: Sant Pere de Ribes Catalonia; Review: What a super place! We found it by chance perusing booking.com as we were looking for somewhere we could get to on the train from Barcelona. It's a 10 min taxi journey from the train station in Sitges and a lovely place to be based without a car. We wandered down in to the little town in the evenings and found the main square to be full of life, with the local residents training for their human towers. There's a good choice of places to eat and drink and the town is very traditional and non-touristy. The hotel is beautiful, it has a really nice feel of old fashioned grandeur. Our room was large and had an incredibly comfortable bed. We tried the breakfast one day and it was exceptional - creative cooking with local specialties and a huge choice of dishes cooked to order. The garden and pool were just lovely. Plenty of loungers and towels and the lush smell of jasmine drifting over the pool. This is the perfect place to relax.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Appart City Confort Nimes Arenes; City: Nimes Gard Occitanie; Review: This is probably the best located apartment we have ever stayed in! We were on a railway journey through France and this place is less than 10 mins walk along a beautiful pedestrianised boulevard from the railway station. It's right next to the Roman Arena and the beautiful esplanade that surrounds it. Just across the esplanade are the historic streets of Nimes with beautiful shops, bars and restaurants. We stayed on an extremely hot weekend and it was nice to be able to return to the apartment easily throughout the day to cool down and relax between sight seeing and eating etc. The apartment building is beautiful and the room was quiet and perfectly air conditioned. You could keep the air conditioning on overnight without it blowing across you or getting too cold. The bed was super comfy - we had twin beds which clipped together to make a generous super-king size and didn't come apart in the night. The little kitchenette was well equipped for making breakfast. The only advisory is that, because this is a serviced hotel, the optional cleaning service is an extra charge. We were asked if we wanted housekeeping services on checkin and declined. I think this is a good policy as there is no need for a cleaner for a couple of nights stay and this helps them to keep their prices very reasonable. The staff were really friendly and helpful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Napoli Pietrasanta bnb; City: Naples Province of Naples Campania; Review: ; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elakati Luxury Boutique Hotel; City: Rhodes Town Rhodes Dodecanese South Aegean; Review: This is an amazing hotel. They pay so much attention to getting everything right and giving guests an amazing experience. We have never experienced such genuinely warm and attentive hospitality. It was beautifully designed, the room was so comfortable and the location was great for visiting the old town and harbour but also enjoying the nice area around the hotel. The breakfast was lovely - the honey was the best I'd ever tasted. We actually felt quite emotional on departure because they gave us such a warm goodbye with gifts and hugs. We wished we could have taken the hotel with us on our travels!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Majestic Grande Hotel; City: Bangkok; Review: After consulting Reviews of Hotels in Bangkok we decided to book the Majestic Grande. We felt we got a very good deal booking 2 triple rooms for ourselves and our daughter and friends and their daughter. The rooms were of a very good standard and the bathroom had a real touch of luxury, an oversized bath and a brilliant walk in shower. We ate in the restaurant on the 7th floor, selecting foods to be barbecued by the staff - it was exceptional. We spent most of our time sightseeing and shopping in Bangkok and found our way very easily on the Skytrain. On the last morning we spent a leisurely time around the outdoor pool and the Spa area, which was fabulous. We lazed on sunloungers on the decked area and dipped into the small but interesting outdoor pool. We vacated our rooms and spent the afternoon shopping, but used the Spa to get showered before leaving in the late evening for a flight back home. It was certainly a favourite hotel, which we would love to return to.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Samui Palm Beach Resort Hotel; City: Bophut Ko Samui Surat Thani Province; Review: We holidayed with friends and rented 3 Garden Villas to accommodate my husband and I, our friends and our respective teenage daughters from the 22nd August for 9 nights. We had tried to book the Beach Front Villas but they were already booked. We were not disappointed with the standard of accommodation or location of our rooms. They were spacious, furnished to a high standard and had all the extras to make our stay very enjoyable. Hair dryer, safe, TV, fridge, four poster bed with mosquito nets. We really enjoyed the supply of ice and clean beach towels supplied every evening. We ate in the Tradewinds Restaurant on our first evening, but then visited a number of restaurants a short walk down the beach in the Fishermans Village. We thoroughly enjoyed the varied choice of food available for breakfast every morning and the restaurant staff could not have been more friendly, polite and helpful. We also appreciated the free internet connection to allow us to keep in contact with friends and family. Staff were very helpful to position sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach directly in front of the hotel. We also made use of the plentiful supply of massage treatments available on the beach and the locals preparing fresh pineapple, mango and barbecued corn on the cob. We would not hesitate returning to this hotel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dusit Thani Pattaya; City: Pattaya Chonburi Province; Review: My husband, daughter and myself stayed at the hotel from 19th to 22nd August and thoroghly enjoyed our stay. I researched hotels in Pattaya using Trip Adviser and it lived up to all expectations. The staff were very polite and friendly and the entrance, lobby and rooms were excellent. We spent a morning around the pool looking out to sea and loved the attention and care received from the pool attendants who prepared sunbed and umbrellas. We would not hesitate to return to this hotel; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brunerie Hotel; City: Les Deux Alpes Isere Auvergne Rhone Alpes; Review: What a find. Lived up to all the great comments already recorded on Trip Advisor. The staff were very good and always had a warm welcome. I could not criticise any aspect of care we were given during our week stay, Very Well l Done. All inclusive drinks from 4-10pm including beer, wine, spirits and tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Something mentioned something when I booked but I did not register too much as had never encountered anything like this other than in a catered chalet and that was only wine with the meal. We were also sent us off with packed lunches every day, sandwich, can of drink or water (including Perrier sparkling water), piece of fruit, bag of crisps, mini Mars bar, small cake or jelly – great idea. Did get bit boring by end of week, but then so would pizza every day? Food in restaurant was great. Fantastic salad bar – every day included different items. We would have been happy for this to be our mains. Pudding – lots of variety and also serve yourself ice cream. Mains usually 2 choices mostly a meat and a fish, sure there was also a vegetarian option for those who wanted it. Great food and much better than having an array of items on display everyday where you try a bit of everything and quickly become bored. The Tartiflette was excellent, the best I have tasted. I asked for the recipe and the Manager arranged this for me. Many thanks We got a great room at the front of the hotel overlooking the main street. Lots and lots of light from the windows which spanned the whole of the outside wall, including a balcony. As soon as we got in here I remembered the comments on Trip Advisor about the noise on a night from people coming home in the early hours and from the deliveries to the next door supermarket from around 4am. We did find this a problem (not that it’s anything to do with the hotel) but on balance the room outlook and size outweighed this issue. If we returned we would travel armed with ear plugs. Hired our skis from the shop over the road and again had a great rapport with the guys who got us kitted out with skis and boots. A real gem would not hesitate to recommend and hope to return. Oh and by the way the snow was great up on top of the mountain and the sun was glorious.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Hermann; City: Solden Tirol Austrian Alps; Review: We booked a skiing holiday for the 2nd week in March this year through Skiline (part of Ski Total), after having the company recommended by some friends. We outlined our requirement to Mal from Skiline and he suggested Chalet Hermann. It turned out to be one of the best skiing holidays we have had. From the wonderful welcome from Clare and Mike and the care and attention we got from them and the rest of their staff who looked after us troughout the week. We have been in catered chalets before, but none have been as good as our stay at the Hermann. The chefs must be praised for the amaging afternoon teas and fab evening food & wine. After a day on the piste we all looked forward to taking our skis and boots off and tucking into the sandwiches, scones and cake etc - what a joy. We had to take care to leave room for the evening meal though! The rooms were very comfortable and were a lovely retreat at the end of the day. There was a large group staying plus a number of other smaller groups, all very friendly. We skied in Solden for 5 days and did one day in Obergurgl with the the ski guide which we thoroughly enjoyed. We can not praise Clare, Mike and the rest of the staff enough for making our holiday one to remember. The snow was still very good and the weather was glorious.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aeolos Mykonos Hotel; City: Mykonos Town Mykonos Cyclades South Aegean; Review: What can I say that has not already been said? We booked the hotel in February based on the fab reviews recorded and it lived up perfectly to our expectations. We stayed the first week in June and had a great room close to the pool and the amazing double sun beds - which we spent a whole day on. The hot tub was another great addition. Panos very kindly arranged for us to be collected from the airport and taken back again by George at the end of the holiday. The friendliness and service were outstanding. We were given suggestions on where to eat at the beginning of the week, which is always helpful when visiting somewhere new. Every evening when we strolled through reception Panos asked if we were eating in town and then immediately said he would have a lift organised for us in 5mins. George provided most of the lifts and was just as helpful and courteous. As were Maria and the rest of the staff we came across. We went to Elia beach from the bus stop just outside the hotel - on Panos's recommendation and its fab. We also visited Ornos from the bus in town, equally as nice. We walked to Agios Stefanos beach on the one cloudly but warm day and had lunch at the Beach Taverna, we enjoyed it so much we caught the bus from the Old Port on our last day to spend the day there. Perfect end to the holiday, delightful sunbeds, fab beach and lovely food at the Stefanos beach taverna. After spending the evenings in Town we caught a taxi back to the Hotel from the taxi rank, which cost between 4-5 euros. On the evening we booked to eat at Megali Ammos beach, Geoge dropped us off at the restaurant. We could not ask anymore from the fantastic welcome and service we got from Panos and his team. We are really enjoying telling all our family and friends about our lovely holiday experience in Mykonos and will definitely be back.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blau Varadero Hotel; City: Varadero Matanzas Province Cuba; Review: I would echo all the positive comments and would be happy to return and recommend, apart from the fact that after being dropped off by the transfer coach for a 7 night stay on 22nd Jan with about 16 other people, we were then informed by reception staff that we were all being moved to the Blau Marina their sister hotel which was an upgrade as it was 5 stars. I said our party of 4 did not want to move as Cuba Direct had highly recommended this hotel and said this hotel was much better than their 5* Sister hotel and I was sticking by their words. We had no choice as we were told there was an electrical fault on one of the floors and we had to go. I asked when we could return and they said we would be moving for the whole week. The transfer was shambolic, we were told taxis would arrive to transfer us. About an hour later 2 of our party managed to get in a taxi and the others eventually followed. I have done a separate review of the Marina, the conclusion being I would never, ever want to go back there. Our Cuba Direct representative worked tirelessly the next morning to negotiate us being moved back to the Blau – but only after spending 2 nights at the Marina. Once back at the Blau our holiday began and we had a great time, but we can’t get away from the fact it was this hotel who sent us away – due to overbooking!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blau Marina Varadero Resort; City: Varadero Matanzas Province Cuba; Review: We were transferred to the Blau Marina as the Blau where we were supposed to stay was overbooked, although the official line they gave us was an electrical fault on one of the floors and we would need to spend the whole week at the Marina. I support the vast number of negative reviews about musty, smelly, damp rooms. Anyone not experiencing this must have been on the first floor or above to avoid the rising damp. We spent 2 nights here before being moved back to the Blau. The first room faced the road where dumper trucks rattled past, the room was dated and it felt as if it was in need of a good clean but anything that smells so mouldy and damp would never give the feeling of being clean. The mosquito net was torn, patio door did not lock, no remote for the TV, only 2 hand towels, damp sheets, noisy rattling fan in the room, need I go on. We were reluctantly moved for our second and last night and told we would get a first floor room, only to be moved to another ground floor room, but this time facing the sea. The room smelled very strongly of bleach – but by the time we were leaving the room the familiar musty damp smell had returned. In this second room we did not have any towels, or sheets on the bed. After requesting towels several times, towelling robes were delivered for us to dry ourselves with after our shower. The sheets arrived about 10pm. The mosquitos were a nightmare - I was bitten to death. Most Reception staff gave the same monotone responses and whilst were not rude did not appear to be concerned about any of our issues – it appeared this was daily life in this hotel. Transport had been arranged for us to move back to the Blau at 5.30 in the evening and when we arrived back from a full days excursion to Cayo Blanco we were locked out of our room. Reception staff said we should have vacated the rooms earlier, they supposedly validated the key cards and we tried again to get into the rooms, it took 3 trips to Reception before we got access for a shower and gather our luggage together, we did get the feeling this was being done on purpose, who knows? I would never want to stay in this hotel again – and I fail to understand why its rated higher than the Blau its sister hotel where we eventually had a great time. My only concern it was the Blau that had moved us here in the first place!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Croft House; City: Harome North Yorkshire England; Review: Had a fab time staying at Croft House. Frances was a fab host - very friendly and full of information on the local area. The scones and coffee on arrival were the best! So was the breakfast the next morning. The room, house and garden were just lovely. Would not hesitate to recommend and will definitely be returning.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Villa Marbella Old Town; City: Marbella Costa del Sol Province of Malaga Andalucia; Review: We booked La Villa Marbella for 7 nights having read the great reviews and were not disappointed. As we booked directly with them breakfast was included in the price which was lovely - the cooked breakfast for my husband every morning, but the continental option suited me better. Marcus, Ben and the team could not have been more helpful giving us advice and answers to all our questions - places to eat, places to visit etc etc. The Old Town is charming and it was fab to stay on the first floor of the Courtyard building, where the breakfast is served and they have a small pool and roof top area. Our room was lovely with double aspect windows and the bathroom and shower were great too. We tried lots of restaurants and needless to say had our favourites, El Cortijo, Tempura and the Orange Tree. Orange Square was very pretty - we had lunch there on the first day at Cafe Los Naranjos We got the ferry to Porto Banus and the bus back (dont expect too much of the bus as we found they do not run on time so did experience a long wait on one occasion). We had a day trip to Ronda on the local bus as suggested by Marcus which was well worth it. Very efficient taxi service to and from the airport arranged for us. Weather was fab what more could we ask. Will definitely return.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Hollow Man (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Igby Goes Down (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ice Storm (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Don't Say a Word (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 24 Hour Party People (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ice Age (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brazil (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spy Game (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Seinfeld: I'm Telling You for the Last Time (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Transporter (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Barfly (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Training Day (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Enemy at the Gates (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shallow Hal (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The 6th Day (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mexican (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saving Private Ryan (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Following (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Showtime (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Crow (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Come Undone (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 28 Days (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Road to Perdition (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Powaqqatsi (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Keeping the Faith (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heat: Special Edition (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Frailty (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Windtalkers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Edge of Seventeen (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eight Legged Freaks (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Love is the Devil (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Insomnia (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Orange County (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 8 Mile (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Hour Photo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 1 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Queer as Folk: Season 2 (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Dragon (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Planner (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Zed & Two Noughts (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Double Jeopardy (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Emerald Forest (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reservoir Dogs (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: High Fidelity (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Revolutions (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Daredevil (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dancer in the Dark (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghost World (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pi: Faith in Chaos (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Big Lebowski (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Donnie Brasco (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: City of God (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Analyze This (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Nemesis (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Dreams May Come (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Intacto (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bad Santa (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Elf (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hellboy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Super Size Me (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hidalgo (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sideways (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hero (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Octane Lighting H4 100w Ceramic Fused PnP Heavy Duty Automotive Wiring Harness Headlight Foglight Booster Relay 12v; Brand: Octane Lighting; Review: Very nicely made and easy to install. Installed on a 1993 Jeep Cherokee and it made a significant difference in my headlight brightness.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bosch 69302 Original Equipment Replacement Electric Fuel Pump; Brand: Bosch; Review: Amazon lists this pump as a factory pump for my 1993 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L, but that is not the case. This pump required a fair amount of modification to fit because it is significantly smaller. Fortunately it is not that difficult to fit most in-tank fuel pumps into the Cherokee assembly, but this pump is being sold as an OE fit and that is why i gave it 2 stars. I ended up cutting the large white plastic adapter almost in half (far right in the picture) and cutting a hole in the rubber of the upper mount of my in-tank assembly for the hose to run through. I ordered this in a rush and it is working fine, but most of the reviews of this pump on the Jeep forums have a low lifetime expectancy (~2 years). I would recommend looking elsewhere (avoid Carter and Airtex too).; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: TYC 620560 Jeep Cherokee Replacement Radiator/Condenser Cooling Fan Assembly; Brand: TYC; Review: These fans fit any year of Jeep Cherokee. I installed it in my 1993 and it has the same fit as the OEM unit. It is a slight upgrade over the OE design for the early years in terms of the amount of air it moves and the noise it makes (better fan blade design). HOWEVER - the connector is different. Just cut the connector off your old fan and crimp/solder it onto this new fan. It is only two wires and any shadetree mechanic should be able to handle it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Genuine Chrysler Accessories 4318001AD Combustion Chamber Cleaner - 13 oz. Aerosol Can; Brand: Genuine Chrysler; Review: Bought this stuff after reading on bobistheoilguy (petrol-geek forum) that it is one of the few products that is actually proven to work. My engine is definitely running smoother after using it, although i'm probably not going to take the engine apart to see how effective it was. This stuff comes out of the can as more of a liquid. You'll need to do more than just remove the air filter...you need to have a downhill route into the engine, or it will just come rolling back out of your air intake.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dorman 419-602 Idler Pulley; Brand: Dorman; Review: I picked this pulley and paid extra for it because the pictures show an NTN bearing. That is not what was installed in the pulley I received. It has some cheap no name Chinese bearing in it... Just as bad as the rest! Buy something else.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Automotive |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Bay City; City: Bay City Texas; Review: We visited Bay City for the Rodeo to see friends and family. The hotel is new. It was very clean and the staff were all very friendly. The best part - the BED! I have never slept on a one of those foam Tempurpedic mattresses until this stay. I have always heard that they are hot and if you are naturally warm natured they are miserable but this was absolutely NOT the case. They had some CoolMax cover on it (yes, I unmade the bed and looked) and it was so comfortable and provided a great nights sleep. The staff knew the details on the mattress (apparently lots of folks ask) and they were very pleasant. It is good to see this sort of quality hotel in a small town.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Quinta Inn Suites Bay City; City: Bay City Texas; Review: It has been several years since I stayed at this hotel and I have to say, nothing has changed. The room was clean, comfortable and the beds are still awesome. Dependability is the name of the game. I was in town for a funeral and it was so great to get a good sleep despite all the stuff going on.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites Spring Hill; City: Spring Hill Florida; Review: The hotel can be tricky to get to if you use google maps. The hotel is clean and the staff friendly. The free breakfast is what you would expect - only do it if you are cheap or really hungry, otherwise, there are places near by that are better. The rooms are nice and the beds are FIRM. The staff will make sure you have anything you need. I would stay here again just because of the great staff experience I had.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Atton Santiago El Bosque by AccorHotels; City: Santiago Santiago Metropolitan Region; Review: This is a reasonable place to stay. Our room was too hot and they couldn't seem to get it cool. The housekeeping people are very nice. The food is good but breakfast isn't the best. I would stay here again but I wouldn't rule out trying somewhere different.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Villa del Palmar Beach Resort Spa; City: Puerto Vallarta; Review: We didn't stay here but were walking by and the staff out at the entrance asked how our day was going and gave us a map and told us great places to see and where to catch a bus into town. We were walking from the cruise ship terminal. I would stay here if I was staying in PV just because of the friendly staff experience.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vallarta Shores; City: Puerto Vallarta; Review: We booked a suite but were moved to the Penthouse because of loose floor tile (not a big deal for us). The staff is fantastic and took care of everything. The chef for our suite is great and cooks everything we could ask for. The location is ideal. Airport taxi wasn't familiar with location but everyone else was.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vallarta Shores; City: Puerto Vallarta; Review: We love this hotel. The staff is great and the facilities are top notch. Some of the reviews complain about noise from outside the hotel - you are in a city (old town) where activity happens. If you want a resort with no interruptions go to that part of town. If you want to experience a foreign city in an incredible setting, stay at Vallarta Shores! Daniel, Favio, Rojelio, etc are great. They will take care of everything. The chef that comes with the suites will fix amazing food - whatever you want. 2017 was our 2nd trip and we have already booked our 2018 trip. This place is great for groups/families in the suites and penthouse. We have done both. The new pool and deck on the beach are great additions.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Menger Hotel; City: San Antonio Texas; Review: The staff was truly exceptional. The historic part of the hotel is very comfortable while still showcasing the grandiose beauty of a piece of Texas. The Alamo is just next door. It is very easy too get in and out and to the River Walk.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vallarta Shores; City: Puerto Vallarta; Review: This was our third trip with friends to the hotel. We booked the penthouse last year when we left. Every year there are upgrades to the facilities. The staff is consistent year after year so you know they must be treated well. They have added more tourists recommendations and services and can handle it all. The chef was great for the week too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: 1 Pair Black Acrylic Fake Plugs - 16G Wire - 8mm; Brand: Angst Bodyware; Review: As described. Quick delivery. I just don't like the little rubber bands on the ends of it. They seem to come off easily.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: L-Bend Nose Screw with Clear Bezel Set Cz Gem; Brand: BodyJewelryOnline; Review: Its hard to find a 16 gauge nose ring. This was my first L shaped and I love it. I actually went back and ordered 2 more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bravado Men's Eminem Recovery T-shirt; Brand: Bravado; Review: I wanted to get my son some shirts that he likes. He is not into name brands. As far as Eminem goes, he is not into the "Slim Shady" side of him but the honest, hard times guy. So far through all the washings, and his consistent wear, it has held up great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bravado Eminem Men's Slim Shady Sum Dynamite T-Shirt; Brand: Bravado; Review: I wanted to get my son some shirts that he likes. He is not into name brands. As far as Eminem goes, he is not into the "slim Shady" side of him but the honest, hard times guy. So far through all the washings, and his consistent wear, it has held up great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fake Taper Black Acrylic Spiral Earrings 316L Steel 16G; Brand: ; Review: Cute; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harley-Davidson Women's Headband Scrunchie, Studded Winged Skull, Black HE71530; Brand: Harley-Davidson; Review: Cute. Good price. Fast shipping.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: PERSUN Women Cold Shoulder Lace Trumpet Sleeve Spaghetti Strap Dress Tops, White; Brand: PERSUN; Review: Really cute. Its not 'flattering' in the sense of showing off curves, but it is cute.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gilind Vintage Charm Multilayer Woven Wrap Adjustable Leather Bracelet Unisex Fashion Jewelry; Brand: Gilind; Review: 3 stars- Its ok is really what it is. It does kind of look on the cheap side, but considering I didn't spend 30 bucks for it, fair is fair. For the price, its ok.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: HOTAPEI Women Dark Purple Halter Fringed Floral Printed Bikini Swimsuit Medium Thong Bottom; Brand: HOTAPEI; Review: The picture is literal. The back/bottom is cut the way shown. Not necessarily a thong, but not full bottoms. Its cute, but kind of awkward.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: INGEAR Summer Jumper Long Tie Dye Strapless Beach Romper Playsuit Jumpsuit; Brand: INGEAR; Review: Holy cuteness! I was a little scared considering I am 5'8 with long legs, many items are short, but this is ADORABLE! Very flattering. I cannot wait to wear it out. (Belt is mine and did not come with the outfit); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: roswear Women's Lined Up Double Up Bathing Suit Tankini Swimsuit with Triangle Swimsuit; Brand: roswear; Review: Super cute. Fit is as described.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UGET Women's Sweater Casual Oversized Baggy Off-Shoulder Shirts Batwing Sleeve Pullover Shirts Tops; Brand: UGET; Review: So comfy, cute..Love it; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hilton Garden Inn Conway; City: Conway Arkansas; Review: This is a great hotel to stay in, I have for both leisure and business. The downside is that there is not a breakfast available, other than the restaurant that is not really worth the price. The location is great for shopping! The traffic can be a little dicey if you're not familiar with traffic patterns during the current construction.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Hot Springs; City: Hot Springs Arkansas; Review: This property is clean; service is outstanding and the staff is friendly. I would recommend this hotel. I have stayed here repeatedly and appreciate the consistently of this property. The location is handy to lake and to downtown; and the mall is across the street :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Bentonville Rogers; City: Rogers Arkansas; Review: The staff at this Hampton Inn was very welcoming and polite. The location is great and the rooms are clean, as is the hotel overall. There are several free things to do in the area, such as Wal Mart Museum and Crystal Bridges and wonderful restaurants all over the place. I would highly recommend this property.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Huntington Barboursville; City: Barboursville West Virginia; Review: The staff was great, rooms were comfortable. The challenge with this particular stay was the noise level on our floor -- however there was a big reunion or something going on. So lots of loud talking but no real sound proofing .... The staff was fantastic and helpful and very polite even with a full house. I would stay here again :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Charlotte Monroe; City: Monroe North Carolina; Review: The staff here was excellent. I was traveling to the area for a wedding. They were incredibly busy, but managed to make you feel like you were the most important guest there. The only challenge was the walls were thing and the people next to me left their TV on ALL NIGHT and it was very loud. I did not ask to be moved, but believe that if I had brought it to their attention they would have addressed it immediately. I would recommend this property.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Buxton Double Flap Mini Cross Body Bag; Brand: Buxton; Review: My only wish is that this was leather! I have been looking for some time for this type of mini-bag. They are not easy to find. This is an attractive color and for its size, it is loaded with organizing options!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bundle Monster Womens Vintage Satin Cocktail Party Handbag w/Shoulder Chain-BLACK; Brand: Bundle Monster; Review: This vintage looking bag has lots of class and has enough room for the essentials. I am thrilled with the purse and the price!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VASSARETTE Women's Add A Size Push Up Bra 75349; Brand: VASSARETTE; Review: This bra fits perfectly! It is very comfortable which is not always the case with push up bras. I also know from experience that Vassarette bras last for years if you keep them out of the dryer. My only complaint is that although the lace trim is pretty, I wish that the bra cups were completely smooth without lace.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vassarette Women's Extreme Plunge Push Up Bra 75208; Brand: VASSARETTE; Review: I bought this bra in a store ,not on Amazon. I have a number of Vassarette bras and they fit very well and last for years. This one was a disaster. I wore it one time, machine washed it in cold water in a net bag, and line dried it. The padding became distorted in the wash process, and when I put the bra on it was all lumpy. I threw it out. A shame.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Sterling Silver Basket Setting 5mm-9mm Brilliant Round CZ Leverback Dangle Earrings; Brand: Kezef; Review: I prefer lever back earrings, because I think there is less chance of losing these. I especially like the size of the stones, They are large and 'sparkly' without being too over the top.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3 AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard; Brand: Gigabyte; Review: Flawless, almost the same performance as higher priced models with all the features! Good motherboard layout aswell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CORSAIR CARBIDE 200R Compact ATX Case, CC-9011023-WW; Brand: Corsair; Review: Best case I have ever owned. Extremely easy wire management and big enough for anything you want to stuff inside it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kingston HyperX FURY 16GB Kit (2x8GB) 1600MHz DDR3 CL10 DIMM - Black (HX316C10FBK2/16); Brand: HyperX; Review: Works like a charm, and looks great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NZXT FN V2 120mm Performance Case Fan Cooling (RF-FN122-RB); Brand: Nzxt; Review: Great design, comes with rubber on all four screw holes to ensure that they stay quiet in your case.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Redragon K502 Gaming Keyboard RGB LED Backlit Illuminated 104 Key Silent Keyboard Karura with Wrist Rest for Windows PC Games; Brand: Redragon; Review: The keys seem to be slightly farther apart than the standard keyboard, but for the price, and with backlight you can't beat it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-75E250B/AM); Brand: Samsung; Review: 7.9 on windows rating. Great buy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Janet Evanovich Page; Review: Evanovich still makes me laugh until tears roll down my cheeks. Foremat is always basically the same, but I love it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Invention of Wings; Author: Visit Amazon's Sue Monk Kidd Page; Review: As stated in the book, the novel was based in part on facts. Kidd obviously did a lot of research into what life was like in the early 1800s for both wealthy families and their slaves. I found it to be moving and powerful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Takedown Twenty (Stephanie Plum); Author: Visit Amazon's Janet Evanovich Page; Review: I can always count on Janet Evanovich to make me laugh til tears run down my cheeks. Even though all the Stephanie Plum novels are basically the same I love all the characters and can't get enough of them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Girl in Translation; Author: Visit Amazon's Jean Kwok Page; Review: I had read Mambo in Chinatown first and would give it 5 stars. Since Girl in Translation was the author's first book it wasn't quite as good, but well worth reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Kindness of Strangers: Penniless Across America; Author: Visit Amazon's Mike McIntyre Page; Review: Courage, perserverance, appreciation and the willingness to trust others made Mike's journey a success. I'm glad that he shared his story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Best Western Hibiscus Motel; City: Key West Florida Keys Florida; Review: Love staying at this hotel in Key West during Fantasy Fest. It is away from all of the business on Duvall and just a short walk from that. I have stayed here for 6 years during Fantasy Fest and have never been disappointed. The breakfast is great each morning as well. Don't have to find a restaurant to eat breakfast. I would recommend this hotel if you are staying in Key West any time of year! Staff is very friendly and accommodating.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Hibiscus Motel; City: Key West Florida Keys Florida; Review: Stay in this hotel once a year. Love the familiar, friendly staff. Great location with short walk to beach or Duvall st. Great updates to pool area and breakfast area. Great free breakfast. Rates are reasonable. Would pick this hotel each time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Travelodge by Wyndham Sharon Springs; City: Sharon Springs Kansas; Review: Thank god there was a room available on a very cold snowy night! Nice rooms, quaint diner with great food! Was a ways off of I-70 but great place to land in a snowstorm. So glad they were there and very easy to find right off main highway.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites Phoenix North; City: Phoenix Arizona; Review: We booked this hotel through hotwire, and it was a nice hotel for the price.It was centrally located to all of the ballparks we chose to visit. It was a suite, meaning it had a sofa/sleeper as well as the beds. It also had a refrigerator and microwave as well. Free breakfast each morning, just wish it had lasted longer than 9 AM. Being on vacation we enjoyed sleeping in. The beds were comfortable, but the walls between the rooms were very thin. And since the hotel is right off of I-17 there was a lot of traffic noise all the time. The fitness room only had 2 pieces of equipment so, didn't use it. And there was an indoor pool that we didn't use either. The staff was very pleasant and helpful when we needed it. The wifi was very slow and should be updated to be more efficient.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn Exit 4; City: Clarksville Tennessee; Review: Spent one night here. Staff was very friendly. Hotel could use a little updating but the amenities made it worth it. Two pools one indoor one outdoor, a kids pool, hot tub, and sauna. The room came with a FREE breakfast buffet. Delish! Bed was comfortable but shower tub area was pretty small but like having the sink outside of shower .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Americas Best Value Inn Canton; City: Canton North Carolina; Review: Asheville was sold out so traveled on down the road and found a gem! Quaint town and hotel was right off interstate and you couldn't hear the noise of it. Great restaurant right down the hill from hotel. Make sure to check out the town!!!! The streets are a great place to wander. It also has war history.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile; City: Chicago Illinois; Review: Stayed at this hotel for the first time via Hotwire. Excellent hotel in a great location. Close to Water Tower area, Rush and Division streets. Tons of shopping, restaurants and other businesses. Easy check in, room was ready when I arrived. Huge shower with separate tub. Rooms have great amenities. I was in a corner room and it was extremely quiet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Hays North of I 70; City: Hays Kansas; Review: Stayed here for one night. Remember to ask for a room away from the interstate. Lots of noise from that. Restroom has no fan and hard to get steam and odors out of it. I prefer the sink outside of room. Slow draining in shower. Breakfast was very good. Hot and cold options and a huge variety. Got all we needed. I would recommend for a short stay. Had a pool area but didn't use.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Red Roof Inn Gallup; City: Gallup New Mexico; Review: We stayed here on our way to Phoenix. Room was a little old but clean. It was quiet and they had free breakfast but we checked out before it started. Rate was great since we were only there a few hours. It was also extremely easy to find, right off the interstate.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Parkwood Inn Suites; City: Manhattan Kansas; Review: First time to stay here. Rooms were very nice. Great area for parking while there. A great free breakfast was included. It had both hot and cold options! Very good. They also had a shuttle that took us to and picked us up from Aggieville that ran until 2am. No driving needed. I would definitely stay here. Only problem we had was no room cleaning after first night.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus Wendover Inn; City: Wendover Utah; Review: Stayed here on travels and took time to visit friends in the area. Was very impressed with this hotel. We had a dog and it was only $10 extra for that. Our room was near a door to take dog out. The beds were very comfortable and the rooms were very clean and comfy. The sin area was separate from stool and shower which I love!!!! Also it had soap dispensers instead of hotel sized bottles. Great idea and less waste that way. If you are into casinos you are only about a mile away. Would definitely stay here again.!!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Suites Bentonville; City: Bentonville Arkansas; Review: Stayed here because it was close to Crystal Bridges Art Museum. Seemed to be fairly new but upon further review there were many flaws.... no fan in bathroom or racks or hooks to hang towels on. There were stains on the carpet and walls looked like they were in the process of being painted and not finished. Hotel checkin was very smooth and friendly young man at front desk. Breakfast was great! Probably the best part of the stay. Might stay here again but please clean up the rooms.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mission Valley Resort; City: San Diego California; Review: This hotel has not been updated in the last 15 years. Still has a tube TV, door opens to outside, daylight coming in under the door, tub was very rough looking, table was all scratched up. Did not feel safe and ended up checking out early and moving to a better hotel down the street. I would not recommend this hotel unless you are really desperate. The staff was very friendly and when I checked out the man behind the desk said he would verify to the company I booked through that I was only there one night. I did receive my money back from the third party company.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town SeaWorld Area; City: San Diego California; Review: Moved to this hotel after being in a dump. Wow! What a welcome relief. Beautiful hotel, friendly staff, close to Old Town and major highways. It is also within walking distance of the light rail station. Huge rooms, comfortable beds, delicious room service food, spacious bathroom, and beautiful flat screen TV. There was also a Keurig coffee maker, small refrigerator and microwave in the room. Only thing I would ask to improve is the signage. Very hard to find the entrance especially at night. The name is on the building but it's not very big and not very well lit. And there are trees in front of the sign between the street and the hotel name. The entrance sign is behind the trees and very low on the ground and you don't see it until you actually turn the corner and you don't even know that that's the corner to turn into. I think it needs to be closer to the street. Pictures are of room service food that was delicious!!! Ordered another time but didn't take a picture but was delicious as well. I would recommend and stay there again!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Desert View at Mayo Clinic; City: Phoenix Arizona; Review: Stayed here for the first time and it was excellent. We needed a handicap shower and we were put into a two bedroom suite at the same price as a one bedroom and had one regular bathroom and one handicap bathroom. It worked out GREAT! The staff on the phone (Taylor and Courtney) were great and helpful in getting right room secured. Also had very friendly staff at check-in. We didn't even know that others were in the hotel until we went to breakfast in the AM, it was so quiet. The room had a kitchen (full size refrigerator), dishwasher, stovetop, and microwave. We had all of the comforts of home. Breakfast was great each morning and was included in the price of the room. There were tables outside that you could use to eat outside----BONUS! Hotel was off of the main highway far enough that you didn't hear the noise of it. Great walking trails and close to Mayo Clinic if that is why you are there. We found it easy to get to baseball stadiums for Spring Training baseball. No parking fee and plenty of parking available. I would highly recommend this hotel if you are in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. WILL stay here again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: KitchenAid K45WSSWH Classic Series 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer with Spatula, White; Brand: KitchenAid; Review: Have always wanted a Kitchen Aid Mixer on my Counter. Have acheived the ultimate appliance. Couldn't pass up the Great price I got on this one. Just plain Happy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chef'n Hullster Tomato Huller; Brand: Chef'n; Review: Works better than expected.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Emson EZCracker Handheld Egg Cracker/Separator; Brand: Emson; Review: Waste of money worked correctly once.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: King Kooker JS12 Jalapeno Stuffer; Brand: King Kooker; Review: This works so great makes fast work of stuffing the Poppers.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chef'n Zipstrip Herb Stripper; Brand: Chef'n; Review: Takes stripping herbs to a new level.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tealyra - Matcha Whisk 100 prong - Bamboo - Traditional Handmade - Best Japanese Matcha Tea Accessories; Brand: Tealyra; Review: Something I didn't know I needed until I needed it. LOL Works great for the job it is intended for.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Plantronics BackBeat Fit Wireless Headphones - Retail Packaging - Green; Brand: Plantronics; Review: Great fit, sound, and long battery life; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Avantree 2 Pack Short Lightning Cable 1ft [Apple MFi Certified], Apple Charging Cable Cord Compatible with iPhone X, 8,; Brand: Avantree; Review: as advertised; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable - 9.8 Feet (3 Meters) Supports Ethernet, 3D, 4K and Audio Return; Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: does what its supposed too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Garmin Universal 5-Inch Soft Carrying Case; Brand: Garmin; Review: Works; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ORICO Toolfree USB 3.0 to SATA External 3.5 Hard Drive Enclosure Case for 3.5 SATA HDD and SSD[Support UASP and; Brand: ORICO; Review: works, quality of case pretty cheap.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Foscam Home Security Camera, R2 Full HD 1080P WiFi IP Camera with Real-time 1080P Video at; Brand: Foscam; Review: works as advertised, very easy set-up; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: v28 Womens Cowl Neck Colorblocks Knit Long Sleeves Sweater Dress; Brand: v28; Review: Perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elove Jewelry Tungsten Carbide Steel Lord Rings; Brand: Elove; Review: Bought it for my son who is a Huge LOTR fan..... He loved it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Jungle Moc (Toddler/Little Big Kid); Brand: Merrell; Review: My son loved them. Super comfy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Kids' Jungle Moc 2; Brand: Merrell; Review: My son loved them. Super comfy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FootFitter 1"-3" High Heel Shoe Stretcher, Width Only, Women's; Brand: FootFitter; Review: Very well made. Works great. I only wish I'd have bought two!! Saved me from throwing out an expensive pair of shoes that fit just awful!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: COCOSHIP Womens' Two Piece Bandeau Blouson Tie Swimsuit Removable Straps Tankinis(FBA); Brand: COCOSHIP; Review: Very loose; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Nike Mens Alpha Shark Football Cleats; Brand: ; Review: Great Cleats; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shoes 18 Womens Classic Round Toe Ballerina Ballet Flat Shoes; Brand: Shoes8teen; Review: The most horribly uncomfortable shoes imaginable; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano 20 Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Love these shoes! Need more ....but no size 8 available.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Barco Grey's Anatomy Women's 71166 Two Pocket V-Neck Scrub Top With Shirring Back; Brand: ; Review: Fit as expected. A little short waisted but okay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Havaianas Women's Slim Logo Pop Up Multicolored Flip-Flop Sandals; Brand: ; Review: Love these!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jessica Simpson Women's Delaine Boot; Brand: ; Review: Cute boots; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carlos by Carlos Santana Women's Brie Ankle Bootie; Brand: Carlos by Carlos Santana; Review: Love the boots!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: WallyBags 42 Inch Shoulder Strap Garment Bag, Brown; Brand: Wally Bags; Review: Bought this for my son in law. He loves it but the shoulder strap broke within 4 months; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Jumping Jacks Martina Flat (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid); Brand: Jumping Jacks; Review: My 5 year old daughter loves these shoes. They are soft and flexible and narrow, perfect for her skinny foot. In the picture it looks like it has sequins, but they aren't really sequins. It's more of a sequin pattern. I decided this was better any way since the sequins will never rub off.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skechers Kids 80895L Stride Lace Up Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: My daughter loves these shoes. She wears them every day. The color is vibrant and fun. The soles are flexible and have great traction. She says they're very comfortable too. She has a narrow foot and these seem to fit well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skechers Women's Plus 3-Pyramids Wedge Boot; Brand: ; Review: These are super cute and cozy. They fit perfectly. I always wear 7.5 in Skechers and these are no exception. Be sure you noticed that these have a hidden wedge. They are like wearing heals without having the heal look, so they aren't good walking shoes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Disguise Power Rangers Megaforce Robo Knight Boy's Muscle Costume, 10-12; Brand: Disguise; Review: This is an awesome costume that looks just as it's pictured. My son loved it and it held up very well through a night of trick or treating so I'm saving it to use again next year. It runs large (my 5 year old wears a size 5 in boys), so I took it in a bit with safety pins.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nickelodeon Big Boys' Ninja Turtles Cotton Pajama Set, Assorted, 8; Brand: ; Review: My son loves these pajamas. They wash well and are soft and cozy. They, like all of these snug cotton style pjs, run small. I always buy two sizes up in cotton pjs. My son wears a size 5 in clothes, but is close to needing a 6 for the length, so I ordered an 8 in these pjs and am pleased. The 8 is a bit long on him, but still comfortable to wear now as he continues to grow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skechers USA Women's Keepsakes-Boiling Point Mid-Calf Boot; Brand: ; Review: I love the look of these boots and I wear them often on cold days. I have to wear them with thick socks because they run wide. In all fairness, I do have a somewhat narrow foot, but these run a little wider than normal. Don't order a size down though or the length will be too short. The length is true to size, they just are a little wide.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: go2victoria Satin & Organza Party Bridesmaids/Flower Girl Dress 4 to 12 Years; Brand: go2victoria; Review: My daughter has a formal ball at her school for 2nd grade. This dress is perfect. She says it's comfortable. It fits true to size and is so pretty.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SwimZip Little Girl Rash Guard Swimwear Set Ruffle Me Pretty; Brand: SwimZip; Review: We love SwimZip suits. My daughter is super fair and burns easily. These suits help protect her skin. My daughter is very slim and wears a size 7 in clothes, but the size 6 suit fits perfectly. My younger daughter wears a size 6 in clothes and she can wear the 5 in this suit. If your daughter isn't slim, then you may want to order true to size. The top is long. The 6 came down low enough on my daughter that it covered half of her bottom.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coodebear Boys' Girls' Map Lined Pockets Buttons V Collar Vests (2-16 Years); Brand: Coodebear; Review: This vest is super nice. It looks and feels great. Even the lining is high quality. The only problem is that it runs small. I bought this for my 8 year old son that wears a size 8 in every brand of clothe, but this vest in an 8 was too short. My son is very average height and slim. I would advise ordering a size up.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coodebear Boys' Girls' Map Lined Pockets Buttons V Collar Vests (2-16 Years); Brand: Coodebear; Review: This vest is super nice. It looks and feels great. Even the lining is high quality. The only problem is that it runs small. I bought this for my 8 year old son that wears a size 8 in every brand of clothe, but this vest in an 8 was too short. My son is very average height and slim. I would advise ordering a size up.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Champion Women's Spot Comfort Full-Support Sport Bra; Brand: ; Review: This sports bras is fantastic. The straps are supportive and comfortable. I run in it and I'm a D cup. It works great, even on long runs. It's comfortable enough that I wear it all day sometimes. I previously wore an under armour high impact sports bra. I like this one just as much. The fit is accurate to a true bra size. I used to be a bra fitter. I measure a 34 D and the 34 D in this bra fit perfectly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: SHIMANO SG-7C20 Nexus Sprocket (22T); Brand: SHIMANO; Review: Bought it for my super fat tire, Huffy Beast (to make it a bit easier to peddle). Works great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: G-Shock Mens Rescue Series G7900; Brand: Casio; Review: Great, sturdy watch and love the "tide" gauge.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FCS Wet Bucket Surf Hat (Large/X-Large); Brand: FCS; Review: Great fit, very lightweight but well made. Found the strap easy to use and the sides covered my ears just fine. I bought a size "large" and Was pleased with the fit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Klean Kanteen Silicone Pint Cup Ring; Brand: Klean Kanteen; Review: Great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug; Brand: Stanley; Review: I would give it ZERO stars if I could. The caps to north bottles smelled so strongly of chemicals that it was overwhelming. No amount of cleaning/washing got rid of it. I am returning mine as soon as possible. This bottle is totally unusable. I had a different Stanley (silver bottle) that was great - but a different cap. Again do not buy these. They are useless.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: The Butterfly Effect: Director's Cut (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Human Stain (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Ten Yards (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ned Kelly (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: People I Know (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: On the Edge (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 13 Going on 30 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hidalgo (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Johnson Family Vacation (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Madame Butterfly (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Before Sunrise (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: All About My Mother (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Taking Lives (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cooler (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: B Monkey (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Disco Pigs (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Station Agent (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Laws of Attraction (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mostly Martha (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Passion of the Christ (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twisted (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Highwaymen (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Connie and Carla (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New York Minute (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Ladykillers (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ella Enchanted (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tiptoes (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dogville (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Man on Fire (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jersey Girl (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Love (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jackie Brown: Collector's Series (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jackie Brown: Collector's Series: Bonus Material (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mean Girls (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Young Adam (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Super Size Me (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Envy (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raising Helen (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Stateside (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 21 Grams (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Van Helsing (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saved! (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Baadasssss! (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Intermission (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: White Chicks (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Taboo: The Beginning of Erotic Cinema (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bollywood Queen (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Striptease: The Greatest Exotic Dancers of All Time (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Godsend (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Stepford Wives (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Terminal (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: East Is East (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tully (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elf (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Collateral (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Roger Dodger (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Chronicles of Riddick (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: King Arthur (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Supremacy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Manchurian Candidate (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Surviving Christmas (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Garden State (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hero (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Catwoman (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Door in the Floor (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Beauty and the Beast (1946); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: We Don't Live Here Anymore (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Secondhand Lions (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ray (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: First Daughter (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Paparazzi (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Notebook (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: She Hate Me (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Monsieur Ibrahim (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Grudge (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wimbledon (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cellular (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Redemption (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Forgotten (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Sea is Watching (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ray: Bonus Material (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Village (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pride and Prejudice (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taxi (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Woman Thou Art Loosed (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Friday Night Lights (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alfie (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Maria Full of Grace (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Starsky & Hutch (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Jury (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Neverland (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Closer (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: After the Sunset (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sideways (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spanglish (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elektra (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Education (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Twelve (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Vanity Fair (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Being Julia (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Birth (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Rwanda (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: House of Flying Daggers (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shall We Dance? (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Carolina (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: In Good Company (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Woodsman (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Fockers (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Phantom of the Opera: Special Edition (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Assault on Precinct 13 (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hellsing (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr. 3000 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Criminal (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Be Cool (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Open Hearts (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Aviator (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kinsey (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beyond the Sea (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hitch (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blade: Trinity (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Jacket (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lady Death (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Madea's Family Reunion (Stage Play) (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Love Song for Bobby Long (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bride and Prejudice (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Machinist (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Million Dollar Baby (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Prozac Nation (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vera Drake (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hide and Seek (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Upside of Anger (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coach Carter (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Guess Who (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Constantine (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alexander: Director's Cut (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Very Long Engagement (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Deal (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Santitos (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: XXX: State of the Union (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Motorcycle Diaries (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beauty Shop (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sin City (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monster-in-Law: Bonus Material (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster-in-Law (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sahara (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Lot Like Love (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Date (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Layer Cake (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tarnation (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Longest Yard (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Interpreter (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Stage Beauty (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sea Inside (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dear Frankie (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fat Girl (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fever Pitch (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mad Hot Ballroom (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bewitched (2005); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Last Days (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kingdom of Heaven: Bonus Material (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kingdom of Heaven (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Born Into Brothels (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Carlito's Way: Rise to Power (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff Smith Page; Review: I found the negative comments about this being in black and white a bit odd, as this is how it was originally published. My husband loves comics but I was never that interested, except for Bone. I couldn't wait for him to pick up each issue. He has most of the single issues and a few of the first printings of the soft cover volumes (don't speak "comic book" so please forgive my ignorance) and they are all black and white. I am not sure if this was done as an artistic choice or out of financial necessity when the series was originally published. Whatever the reason, no color should not be a negative on this particular work. As to this version, there is a little show through on the pages, but not enough to bother me. A thicker paper would have made this too heavy to be practical as a single volume (remember, it is well over 1000 pages long). We also have similar volumes of older comics and there is more show through on those than this gigantic version of Bone. This is a great economical way to read the entire story, which stands the test of time. We read this before we had kids and now our 3 teenagers (1 boy, 2 girls who hate what we like as a matter of principle) are lining up to read it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Workbook for Aphasia: Exercises for the Development of Higher Level Language Functioning; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Howell Brubaker Page; Review: The content is good and the directions are easy to follow. I bought this for my father so that he can continue speech therapy at home after a massive stroke. This looks easy to follow and I think that my mother will be able to work with him every day by giving him a couple of pages to do. Unfortunately, they are in another state so I will have to follow his progress at a distance and will update this review when they give me some feedback. I think that this will prove to be a useful tool to help him maximize his progress. The binder is a great idea, but mine had a ring that didn't quite close so the pages caught every time I tried to turn them. Also, the inside front cover is already split almost the entire way down the seem. I will have to see if Amazon can help me out with a replacement but since I had a large binder on hand, I just moved the content into that one for now. Update: Amazon has replaced the defective product, no problem. I did notice that the replacement was shrink wrapped but the first one wasn't. If you buy this, just take a minute to check it over and make sure it is in good condition.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kick Your Fat in the Nuts; Author: Visit Amazon's T.C. Hale Page; Review: I really liked Mr. Hale's style and I think that this would be a good book if you have been working to lose weight and haven't succeeded. However, I think if you just eat too many cookies and don't work out (like me) that there may be simpler things that you can do to get started. One thing that I have heard from friends that have lost weight and kept it off for years is that a food diary can be the most helpful tool out there but he dismisses this method right off the bat. Even if only done for a few days, this makes you aware of what you are eating on a daily basis. I am a big believer in starting out with the simplest things out there. If you have done this and aren't getting anywhere, this may be the book for you. He suggests lab test and supplements to help with issues that may be preventing you from losing weight and why. Explanations are simple and easy to understand. I recommend this if you have already examined and changed your diet and activity but aren't getting anywhere. I will most definately go back to this book if I give up cookies and dust off the exersize equipment and get back to using it without getting results.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: If The Shoe Fits: Once Upon A Romance, Book 1 (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Laurie LeClair Page; Review: I read about anything, including young adult because I have teenagers and buy a lot of YA books for them. This is boring and silly. One of the few of the thousands of books that I have read in my lifetime that I have not finished.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 7,000 Clams: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Irby Page; Review: There are so many positives about this book. The story line is clear without being predictable. The author obviously knows and loves this era and gives wonderful descriptions. My only problem is that there wasn't a much character development. By that, I mean that none of the main characters were particularly likeable (or hate-able). I wasn't really invested in what happened to any of them. I thought that some of the minor characters were more interesting than the main ones, including Mrs. Babe Ruth, Mabel Wright, an ex-con landlady, and Vecchio, an aging hit man who is reluctant to kill a woman. I will read Mr. Irby's next installment because the positives outweigh the negatives and this is a fun read. I am interested to see how he develops as a writer and hope that he gives a little more insight into his main characters.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Natural Cleaning Recipes: Master the Art of Natural and Organic Cleaning (Green House Keeping; Author: Visit Amazon's Aubrey Azzaro Page; Review: I downloaded a free version of this book by Aubrey Azzaro and am surprised at all the high marks. This book is in desperate need of an editor. It is obvious that English is a second language. The sentence structure is awkward and confusing and it is full of typos. For example, "Rust is a quiet thing that shelters in pans, pots, serving ware, and even our dear furniture." This sounds more like a poem titled, "Ode to Rust," than a how-to book. Another example in an ingredients list is, "1 oz Gin of (sic) Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol." The author also has 2 more troubling errors that I noticed. Baking powder and baking soda are not the same thing. Also, washing soda in the United States is sodium carbonate, NOT sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda, which is edible. Sodium carbonate, washing soda, is NOT. With a good editor and correction of errors, this could be a useful book. In it's current state, I do not recommend it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hard Luck Hank: Screw the Galaxy (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Campbell Page; Review: I normally do not read science fiction but I needed some light reading after a bunch of WWII memoirs. I really liked this book. It was just funny and entertaining. The characters were developed enough to keep them interesting and there was a plot that didn't just meander around for the sake of giving them something to do. That being said, the ending was a bit weak but I look forward to the sequel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Woman; Author: Visit Amazon's David Bishop Page; Review: I really do not understand all the positive reviews. Again and again, the characters did things that made zero sense. Someone tries to kill you, but instead of taking a gun left for your protection, you bury it in the sand (where your head would have to be in order to buy that). While off duty, police officer stops kid with gun but doesn't have his own service revolver on him. Police chief shares many details of murder with potential witness/suspect. I have watched enough episodes of "The First 48," to know that wouldn't happen. The whole premise was hard to swallow which was to kill the friend of the primary target because she MIGHT know something. This is obviously a better idea than just having her interviewed by the police chief that she trusts and you are paying off. I do think that the chapter of the author's next book that was included sounded much better than this one and I wish him all the luck in the world with his career as a writer. Just writing a book is a huge accomplishment in my eyes. Even so, I am getting frustrated with all the stuff getting published that should have undergone more editing or another rewrite before asking people to pay money for it. The only reason that I finished this is because it is NHL playoffs right now. I can't take anymore hockey but my husband seems to need to watch every game. Every game. Every single game. All of them.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Big Stone Gap: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Adriana Trigiani Page; Review: There were so may problems that I had with this book. So much of it was just improbable. I don't think that any Catholic would name her child Ave Maria (Hail Mary). I have a hard time believing that a long time member of a rescue squad would have never lost a patient in the 1970's. No heart attacks or strokes? CPR doesn't succeed that often out in the field. No fatal farm, car, or coal mining accidents? Makes no sense. Also, the only licensed pharmacist in town makes her own deliveries? Why? Anyone can make do that job but only the pharmacist (the only one with a license) can do a lot of the paperwork and preparation of the prescriptions. Another big issue for me was how there was absolutely no mention of World War 2 when the main character is 35 in 1978, born to an Italian mother who seemed to have no problem leaving Italy in the early 1940's. This isn't even getting into just how weird some of the main character's actions and decisions are. I know this sounds nit-picky but when so many things don't make any sense it is a distraction. A few liberties can be taken to move a story along in fiction but too many detract from the story, which wasn't that good or believable to begin with. I am sorry that I took the time to finish it. The positive reviews of this book kept me going. I thought that I was missing something. I don't think that there was much to miss.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Scavenger's Daughters (Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters); Author: Visit Amazon's Kay Bratt Page; Review: The intent of the book is good. The story is of a poor couple who makes a living scavenging for discards to resell. In the course of their work, they begin finding discarded baby girls who they then take home to raise. Although their resources are few, they always find a way and, now, in their elderly years, have taken in 24 girls. Some have married and moved on, but they still have many girls of various ages at home. This sounds interesting, however, the character development is superficial. Some minor details didn't seem to make sense and that dialogue. American phrases like "tapped out," just do not fit the setting or situations. I bought this based on the many 4 and 5 star reviews without reading them, like I normally do. I have read fiction and memoirs by Chinese and Chinese-American authors and this one was a let down in comparison. I was surprised to read that the author had ever set foot in China, but she spent 5 years there. I think that if she had approached this by using her own experiences as an American in China, it would have had a ring of truth. Telling a similar story but from the point of view of an outsider looking in may have been a better decision. I believe that Kay Bratt has a devoted fan base who will enjoy this book but someone who is looking for a deeper insight into China and its people, should skip this one.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Paradise: A Novel (TV tie-in) (Les Rougon-macquart); Author: Emile Zola; Review: The plot and details of this novel are well discussed in other reviews so I am going to skip that to keep this brief. I became interested in this book after watching The Paradise" on PBS. The series is really not an adaptation of the book but was inspired by the book. The biggest difference is that the book is set in Paris. I am kind of surprised that so many reviewers gave a negative review because the book isn't like the series considering the book was published around 1883. There are pages (and pages, and pages) of descriptions of the store that can be tedious to the modern reader but would have been necessary at the time it was written to paint a picture of the elaborate setting for the readers. I don't feel that this should be a negative. I found the interactions between the characters easy to read and interesting. In many ways, some of the topics are very timely. A large business is responsible for the demise of many smaller ones. The wages paid to the workers on the bottom are so low that they are impossible to live on. It could almost be a story about Wal-Mart, if it was a luxury goods store. There is also a good picture of the income disparity at the time, which is a current topic now. The main character, Denise, struggles to keep her values and support her younger brothers when opportunities are few. While this is often not an easy read, it is a worthwhile one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 150 Pounds: A Novel of Waists and Measures; Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Rockland Page; Review: I thought that I would like this book being that I have been very thin and later in life I have become quite fat. So, I can relate to both characters in this book in that respect. However, the many mistakes in this book ruined it for me. At one point, a one-eyed dog is mentioned. Later he has two eyes. With all the obsession over pounds, height is not mentioned. I think at one point, it says the thin character is only 5 feet tall and 100 pounds. While on the thin side, this is not unhealthy for an active woman that height. The other characters height is not mentioned that I recall. Also, later in the book, there is mention of red delicious apples being the best for pie. It is the worst for pie. I didn't go from super thin to overweight without some baking involved. That kind of irked me because it was later on in the book and by then the many mistakes were getting on my nerves. There were many others, some of which are mentioned in other reviews. It is a shame that this book didn't go through a final edit by a really picky editor because there were some nice moments and weight and body image is a topic that most women can relate to. The internet makes it so easy to fact check that there is really no excuse for some of the errors in fiction today. Also, I would hope that enough people would read a book before it goes to print to notice that, "Hey, didn't that dog have one eye in the beginning of the book? How is she looking into his EYES now." The final product that was published could have been so much better with some fact checking and other fixes.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Still Life: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Joy Fielding Page; Review: In the acknowledgements, Ms. Fielding admits that she doesn't like to do research but did a bit for this book. I believe that she spoke to 3 doctors for this one. However, the majority of the main character's experience has to do with the nursing care that she receives and that part of the book is full of errors. The one that bugged me the most is the idea that a nurse aide would have to remove a patient from her bed to change the sheets. Anyone who has spent any time in a hospital knows that it is a simple task to change the sheets with the patient in the bed. Also, this was for a weekly change of the sheets. That is just ridiculous. You know how disgusting those sheets would be if left on the bed for a week? They would be changed at least daily. There were also errors regarding feeding tubes and urinary catheters. I bring this up because nursing is a common profession. Any RN, LPN, or CNA would notice this. Anyone who has cared for a family member with a brain injury or stroke would also. It also bothered me how many caregivers would say that the main character "can't hear you." Really, even the crappiest of caregivers doesn't really say that. It has been standard for decades to assume that the patient might hear you (unless, of course, the can't-as in they are hearing impaired.) The nursing care wasn't the only problem. I personally can't believe that a young woman who lost both her parents while still in her 20's wouldn't have all her financial ducks in a row when it came to her sister and her niece. Especially when there is a point to drone on and on about how responsible she is. None of the legal/inheritance questions made sense if you gave it more than 30 seconds of thought. This is becoming a pet peeve for me. Authors want you to pay for a book and invest the time reading it yet some are too lazy to do the research to make that book authentic. Also, it is insulting to the audience to assume that we are too ignorant to know more about a subject than the author does. I guess the thought is, "If I don't know this, nobody else will either." I am not a huge fan of doing research either but now it is so easy with the internet that there is really no excuse. Also, since Joy Fielding has published several books, I think that she could have easily asked or hired someone as a technical adviser to review her manuscript and suggest corrections. This is the first book that I read by Joy Fielding and it will probably be the last.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: How to Start a Fire; Author: Visit Amazon's Lisa Lutz Page; Review: This is a story of 3 college women and their lasting friendship for the next 20 years or so. Each one has something that is preventing her from happiness that needs to be resolved. As many other reviewers noted, the decision to jump randomly from time and place in each chapter was a poor one. It added nothing to the story and made reading the book a bit of a chore. I am really on the fence on this one. I can't really recommend it, but it wasn't exactly terrible either. I think that 2 1/2 stars would be the most accurate rating for how I feel about it. I suspect that if it was read in chronological order, it would be a lot better.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Below the Peacock Fan: First Ladies of the Raj; Author: Visit Amazon's Marian Fowler Page; Review: This book is four brief but thorough biographies of British first ladies in India during the 1800's. One was a sister of the viceroy and the other 3 were wives. The stories are told in chronological order and the later ones often refer to the earlier ones which ties the histories together very well. I would have rated this higher but the author is judgmental in places and this detracted from the otherwise excellent book. She is especially hard on Mary Curzon and calls her self pitying in places. However, this woman gave birth 3 times, suffered miscarriages, survived tropical fevers, then died of a heart attack at age 36. She may well have been self pitying, but I am guessing that most of us would have been. I believe that the problem is that these women are judged by modern standards and therefore some of the objectivity is lost. In spite of that, this is still an interesting book and has enough information in it for me to recommend it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Girl Who Wrote in Silk; Author: Visit Amazon's Kelli Estes Page; Review: I do not understand how anyone could give this book a 5 star review. The subject is an interesting and shameful one in American history. Chinese people were treated horribly in the 1800's in spite of the huge role they played in developing our country and Canada. This book has a past story line and a present one. Neither is very good. Much of the conflict feels manufactured and silly. For example, the main character gets her father to finance the conversion of her great-great aunt's property (which she has inherited) into a boutique hotel but then he seems intent on sabotaging her. Why give her the money in the first place? Why not just explain that he feels it is a bad investment and say no instead of going to all the trouble of having a bunch of pink toilets delivered instead of white ones? They are supposed to be exceptionally close following the death of her mother in a car accident but none of that is reflected in her interactions with her father. The dialogue is bad. Also, when trying to use dialects in the dialogue, it is distracting because it is so poorly done. I wish that I had read the first chapter or two when I first ordered this because it is too late to return it. In spite of how much I dislike this book, I gave it two stars because the idea was interesting and fiction can be a great tool to provoke interest in this part of our history. We should know more about the history of Chinese people in America and those who worked so hard and suffered so much deserve to be remembered with respect and gratitude.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Woman Who Stole My Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Marian Keyes Page; Review: I am going to skip a description of the plot since so many others have described it better than I could. I just didn't like this book at all. Normally, I enjoy Marion Keyes but the characters in this book were unlikeable and her sense of humor as an author was missing. It is about a bunch of self-centered, selfish people who can't even pull together when a family member is suffering from a terrible disease. I became a RN in the 90's and the nursing care and communication methods in the book with a patient unable to speak were stupid to me. It isn't like there are not cases out there where someone is alert and oriented but can't speak. To make me a bit more irritated, I actually knew 2 people who had this particular disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, in my personal life. One was a relative when I was a child and the other was a co-worker that I met years later as an adult. Interestingly, my co-worker had the disease very young and had a better recovery than my relative who was around 40 at the time. Although the literature says that recovery is usually complete, the people I knew had life-long deficits in their mobility as a result which effected their gaits while walking. One was never able to return to work. I found the idea of some of the post-recovery workouts hard to accept. This whole book just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't think that the characters seemed real at all and neither did their actions. I don't think that Marion Keyes ever really hit her stride with this book.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ragnar Lothbrok and a History of the Vikings: Viking Warriors including Rollo, Norsemen, Norse Mythology, Quests in America, England,; Author: Visit Amazon's Noah Brown Page; Review: Some good information but so poorly organized that it is barely readable. I broke by own rule about never buying independently published work because I have bought some real crap with 5 star reviews that must have been written by the author's friends and relatives. Unfortunately, this book did not change my opinion. It needlessly jumps around when a simple chronological approach would have worked much better.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: VELCRO Brand ONE WRAP Thin Ties | Strong & Reusable | Perfect for Fastening Wires & Organizing Cords |; Brand: VELCRO Brand; Review: These work great! I use so many of them for the most ridiculous things. Definitely worth it :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Apple iPod shuffle 2GB Green (4th Generation); Brand: Apple; Review: Works great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skullcandy Ink'd 2.0 Wired Earbuds with in-Line Microphone and Remote, Tangle-Reducing Flat; Brand: Skullcandy; Review: Great earbuds. Comes with two size buds so that you can pick whichever fits your ear better. Sound quality is good enough for me!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Headphone Splitter Adapter Jack Adaptor Music Charging and Jack Aux Audio Converter Extender Stereo Charger Cables; Brand: BENEWY; Review: Great product. It has some weight to it, is quite poofy, and is very comfortable. The cover is a bit hard to put on, but otherwise it's wonderful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cheetah Mounts APFMSB TV Wall Mount Bracket for 20-55” TVs Up To VESA 400 and 115 lbs including a Twisted; Brand: Cheetah; Review: Works great so far. Instructions are pretty easy to follow. I'd recommend this :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics Apple Certified Lightning to USB Cable - 6 Feet (1.8 Meters) - White; Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: Perfectly functional cable. Good length, too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Plemo 15 - 15.6 Inch Sleeve Laptop Case Lightweight Bag for MacBook Pro/ New MacBook/ Tablet; Brand: Plemo; Review: Works great! Soft in the inside and easy to handle.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Asi; Author: Monica McCarty; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Iskoc romani kavramini her zerresinde hissettigim bir romandi. Highlanderlarinda at kosturdugumun sexy lordlari fazlasiyla mevcuttu mutemadiyen Rory'e sovdum rahatsiz edici tek noktasi highlander romani klisesi olan sexy dev - minnos hanim kiz ikilisindeki hanim kizimizin okculuk, binicilik vb yetenekleri kitap boyunca israrla ovulmesine ragmen dara dustugunde suradan bir kasli Iskoc ciksada beni kurtarsa diye beklemesi hayir yani bacim bir ok at ne bileyim bicak firlat olmadi gecir elinin tersiyle bir tokat neden yani?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sardinya Efsaneleri; Author: Grazia Deledda; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Yazarin dilini cok sevdim okurken kendi memleketimden yasli teyzelerin geceleri anlattigi korku hikayelerini animsadim. Kisacasi ben kitabi sevdim cerezlik de diyebiliriz okudugunuza deger ama okumadiginiz icin de bir sey kaybetmezsiniz.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kötü Kraliçe: Marie Antoinette; Author: Carolyn Meyer; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Marie Antoinette'e bilinen simarik, acimasiz gorunen maskesinin ardindan bakmak cok iyi oldu bir nevi onu daha cok insan olarak gordum. Tarihte bu kadar zalim gosterilse de baska bir bakis acisindan bakmak cok hosuma gitti.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: İsyan ve İhanet (Young Royals, #2); Author: Carolyn Meyer; Genres: history, young-adult, comics, children, paranormal, graphic, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3,5 Kitap bariz bir sekilde editor elinden gecmemisti cok fazla yazim hatasi ve ceviri yanlisi vardi eger onlar olmasaydi daha fazla puan verebilirdim ama harcandi.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vurun Kahpeye; Author: Halide Edib Adivar; Genres: history, biography, fiction, historical fiction; Review: Yeri bende cok ayri olan bir kitaptir ne zaman okusam huzunlenirim. Onca gecen seneye ragmen sokaga ciksak yine ayni zihniyette binlerce insan buluruz bu tokat gibi vuran bir gercek ama ne olursa olsun gelecegi kurtaracaksa gene kadinin gucu kurtaracak.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Çarpışma; Author: Gail McHugh; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Su kitaba 4 vermemin tek sebebi Gavin. Hayir en son bir kadin karakterden bu kadar nefret ettigimi hatirlamiyorum tamamen ne istedigini bilmeyen, zayif ve hatta bildigimiz salak bir kiz Emily. Bana gore kitabi goturen Gavin'di onun karakterini cok sevdim ama bu Emily'nin salakligini bastiramadi.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kleopatra'nın Kızı; Author: Michelle Moran; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Kleopatra ve Antonius'un cocuklarinin gelecegi tarihte silinmis bir kose gibi haklarinda bir sey bulmak cok zor bunun icin hep merak etmisimdir onlara ne oldugunu bu kitap guzel bir aciklama verdi bana kurgusuyla. Mukemmel miydi deseniz hayir ama Kleopatra'nin hikayesine ilginiz varsa, historical seviyorsaniz bos zamaninizda okuyabileceginiz guzel bir kitap.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn (Ladies in Waiting, #1); Author: Sandra Byrd; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Anne Boleyn benim en buyuk zaaflarimdan biridir. Sirf bunun icin bile kitabi sevebilirim ki kitabbi gercekten sevdim. Soyleyebilecegim tek sey var HAIN HENRY!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kır Zincirlerini (MacLeods of Skye Trilogy, #3); Author: Monica McCarty; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: " Evlilik bana sahip olmadigim neyi verebilir ki? " Flora Maclean is my spirit animal. Yani ne soyleyebilirim ki Harikaydi! Yani Rory ve Alex'in kardesinden daha azini da beklemezdim ama yuru be Flora! Skye MacLeodlari serisi historical sevenler icin okumadan olmemeniz gerekenlerden biri ve nedenini bilmedigim bir sebepten oturu kitabi okurken surekli Outlander dizisinin intro muzigi olan The Skye Boat Song caldi beynimde. Baska ne diyebilirim bilmiyorum okurken cok eglendim karakterleri cok sevdim ozellikle Flora'yi, Lachlan'i cileden cikarmak icin yaptigi uslanmaz minik sabotajlarini, ayartmalarini, cesaretini ve kural tanimaz halini. Highlander in Heels! Go Girl!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4.75 77. bolumden canli kurtulduysam her seyi yapabilirim. Bu seriye askim olumsuz Feyre ve Rhysand'in hikayesinin cok guzel bir sonu oldu ama acik cok uc birakildi cozulmeyen cok fazla sey vardi bunlarin yazarin sonraki kitaplar icin biraktigi seyler oldugunu dusunmeyi seciyorum. Nesta ve Cassian'in hikayesini gormek isterim devam kitaplarinda cunku onlar benim 2. POWER COUPLE'im Daha ne diyebilirim ki Amren minik seri katilim, Mor bencilligiyle sasirtti ama yinede bizden, Azriel minnos shadowsinger, Seker kiz Candy edasinda Elain ve su cocugun cektikleri yetmedi mi diye haykirmak istedigim Lucien. Lutfen devam kitaplarindan Azriel, Elain ve Lucien icin bir sekilde mutlu son olsun lutfen. Tek gercek askim Rhysand olsa da Azriel ve Lucien'a sarilip ne cektiniz diye aglamaktan kendimi alamiyorum.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sis ve Öfke Sarayı (Dikenler ve Güller Sarayı, #2); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Harikaydi... Hayallerimin otesindeydi diyebilirim. Rhysand gonlumun efendisi diyecek bir sey bulamiyorum. En sevdigim kitaplar arasinda basa tirmaniyor bu seri. Bugunden itibaren 3. kitap icin yasayacagim.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bahar Tanrıçası (Tanrıça Serisi, #2) (Goddess Summoning, #2); Author: P.C. Cast; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Okurken sevdim mi? A++ok! 4 saat gibi bir sA1/4rede bitirdim kitabA+- ASSok da beAYendim en sevdiAYim TanrA+- Hades hakkA+-nda yazA+-lmA+-AY kurgu bulamama sA+-kA+-ntA+-sA+-ndan kurtardA+- beni. Tek sA+-kA+-ntA+-m sonunun biraz aceleye geldiAYini dA1/4AYA1/4nmem oldu. Gece evi serisiyle ergenliAYimi karartan yazardan baAYka bir AYey okumak ve sevmek... Bu kitap yazara karAYA+- olan APn yargA+-mA+- yA+-kmamA+- saAYladA+- diyebilirim ama yinede bA1/4yA1/4k konuAYmayayA+-m. Her ne kadar gerASSek bir Hades & Persephone hikayesi gAPrmek istesem de aAYA+-k KaranlA+-k lordum Hades de bana yetti dY'oe; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her Şey İçin Teşekkürler; Author: Tommy Wallach; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Eglenceli bir seyler okuyayim diye elime aldigim kitabin her yerinden dram akmasi sasirtti tabiki ama ben bu kitabi bir beklenti ile okumadim belki de bu sebeple fazlasiyla sevdim. Kitabi okumaya baslarken hic olmadi mutlu edecek tatlis bir hikayedir diye dusunuyordum tamamen yanildim. Beklemediginiz bir yerlerden vuran bir kitap bence mutlu oldum mu okurken bazi yerlerde evet ama bana daha cok kurgunun altinda yatan kucuk mesajlar dokundu. Hicbir sey kaybetmem diyerek okudugunuz bir kitabin size cok farkli seyler kazandirmasi gibi guzel bir mutluluk.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zelda Fitzgerald'ın Romanı; Author: Therese Anne Fowler; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 diyebiliriz ama sA+-rf sonu iASSin 4'e taAYA+-dA+-m. AdegASSinde bulunduAYum reading slump'A+- atlatmama ucundan bile yardA+-m etmedi ama tarihte ASSok merak ettiAYim kiAYilerden biridir Zelda Fitzgerald APzelliklle Hemingway'in ona olan nefretiyle dikkatimi ASSekmiAYti. Kitapta ASSok farklA+- bir tarafA+-nA+- gAPrdA1/4k kA1/4kreyen 20'lerin parti kA+-zA+- Zelda yerine bir role bA1/4rA1/4nmA1/4AY kocasA+- iASSin AYAPhretini bA+-rakmA+-AY bir kadA+-n vardA+- ki ASSok A1/4zdA1/4 beni bu durum. PuanA+-mA+- dAPrde ASSA+-karmamA+-n sebebi ise kitabA+-n sonu oldu. Duygusal aASSA+-dan ASSok gA1/4zel yansA+-tA+-lmA+-AYtA+-.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Yıldızlara Sarılı Kraliçe (The Star-Touched Queen, #1); Author: Roshani Chokshi; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Hint mitolojisini okumak nasil bu kadar zevkli olur ben sasirdim. Yazarin kalemini gercekten cok begendim 3-4 saat gibi bir surede bitti kitap. Ozellikle sonunda dagilan benim bile nasil toplanacak dedigim olaylari aniden toparlamasi ve guzel bir sekilde baglamasi bence muhtesem bir detay; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Speak; Author: Laurie Halse Anderson; Genres: young-adult, fiction; Review: Icimde bir seyler kirildi ne oldugunu ben bile bilmiyorum.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dışarıdakiler; Author: S.E. Hinton; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: HER ZAMAN PARLA PONYBOY. ALTIN GAdegBAdeg PARLA... Reading Slump'A+-mA+- parASSa parASSa etti. Rebel Without a Case havasA+-nda harika bir kitaptA+-. Bir AYey okuyormuAY deAYilde sanki baAYA+-ndan beri Ponyboy ile bunlarA+- yaAYA+-yormuAY gibiydim ASSok ASSok ASSok sevdim. Bu arada Darry dY'oe; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Yazdan Geriye Kalanlar; Author: Stephanie Perkins; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Leigh Bardugo, Jennifer E. Smith, Nina Lacour, Libba Bray, ve Francesca Block o hikayeleri roman yapsa ister 600 sayfa olsun okurum muhtesemler ama Jon Skovron o kisacik hikaye ile beni reading slumpa sokmayi basardi helal.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bossman; Author: Vi Keeland; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Yorumunu sonra yapacaAYA+-m bebeAYim; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, #1); Author: Leigh Bardugo; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: KaranlA+-klar Efendisi ASSok ASSabuk harcandA+- benim gAPzA1/4mde asA+-l kahraman hala odur. Malven'e itina ile gA+-cA+-k olmaya devam ediyorum ve Alina'nA+-n bu kendi iASSinde iki yA1/4zlA1/4 halleri GERA++EKTEN GET IT TOGETHER tokatA+- atmamA+- istememe sebep oluyor kendine gel artA+-k Neyse KaranlA+-klar Efendisi is my BAE dY'*; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Asla Bir İskoçyalı Sevme; Author: Maya Banks; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Bence bu kadin historical yazmasin diger romanlarini sevmistim ama yok bu ture bulasmasin. Baslarda inmeler gecirsem de sonunu sevdim kitabin bir bolumu Rionna'nin Caelen'in iligini kemigini somurmesi ile geciyor ama sonunda klisenin disina cikarak bir historicalda savas yoneten bir kadin gorduk ve Caelen'in Rionna icin kendi soyadini degistirip kizin soyadini almasi da paha bicilmezdi.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: To Pleasure a Prince (Royal Brotherhood, #2); Author: Sabrina Jeffries; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3,5/4 Sevdim yazarA+-n dilini zaten seviyorum Sadece ilk kitabA+-n gA1/4zelliAYine ulaAYmamA+-AYtA+- bu kitap aralarda Marcus'u gerASSekten boAYmak istedim ve sonu aceleye gelmiAY gibiydi. DediAYim gibi Marcus'u sevdim hemde tA1/4m o ejderha muhabbeti ile birlikte ama bir Alec deAYildi ve Alec'i bu kitapta da gAPrmek paha biASSilemezdi. BebeAYim ikinci kitapta da Husband Goals olmaya devam etti dY'*; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ömür Boyu Sürecek (Royal Brotherhood, #3); Author: Sabrina Jeffries; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3,5/4 Arada kafalarA+-ndan birbirine vurup kesin AYu inadA+- diyesim gelmedi deAYil. Draker ileyken Alec'i kitap boyunca gAPrebiliyorduk Gavin'da ise kardeAYleri o kadar az gAPrdA1/4k ki neredeyse yoktular ilk ve ikinci kitaptaki gibi kardeAYlerin daha ASSok aktif olmasA+-nA+- tercih ederdim dY'* ve Christabel aradA+-AYA+-mA+-z asker kA+-zA+-dA+-r yA1/4rA1/4 be! "Kraliyet PiASSlerinin KardeAYliAYi'ne!"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stolen: A Letter to My Captor; Author: Lucy Christopher; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: "Hem gercegi kabul edelim, beni caldin. Ancak hayatimi da kurtardin. Ikisinin ortasinda bir yerlerde bana cok farkli ve guzel bir yer gosterdin. Bunu hicbir zaman aklimdan cikaramam. Seni de oradan cikaramam. Kendi damarlarim gibi beynimin icindesin." 4,25 Kitabi, yazarin dilini, her seyini sevdim. Kitap oyle bir yazilmisti ki o col sicagini, kumu, susuzlugu her seyi kendi basima geliyor gibi hissettim. Mektup formati bile beni rahatsiz etmedi hatta hoslandim bile diyebilirim. Icim parcalandi, canim yandi ama kitabi her zerremle sevdim. Cogu kisi kitabin sonunu Stockholm Sendromuna baglamis ama bana gore basindan sonuna alakasiz Gemma'nin Ty'dan etkilendigi havaalanindaki ilk sahneden beri belirtiliyor aralarinda degisik bir bag oldugu ilk bastan beri belli ben daha cok kitabin sonunda bu duygularin daha ortaya ciktigini Ty'in ona gostermeye calistigi seylerin Gemma tarafindan sonunda algilanmasi olarak goruyorum olaylari. Gemma'nin annesi katlanamayacagim bir kadindi onun hakkinda verilen her sey beni sinir etti. Kadinin tavirlari kkizi yeni kurtulmus biri degildi gayet bu kacirilma olayini medya ve spot isiklari icin kullaniyormus gibiydi. 5 puan vermememin sebebi cok acik uclu bir sekilde bitmesiydi kesinlikle bunun devam kitabini okumak isterdim mahkemede ne oldu Ty'in basina ne geldi Gemma ne ifade verdi mektup Ty'a ulasti mi Gemma ve Ty yeniden bulustu mu bunlarin hepsini delice merak ediyorum ama galiba bu merakla yasamak zorundayim diyebilecegim tek sey lutfen bu kitabi okuyun.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Castle Hill (On Dublin Street, #3.5); Author: Samantha Young; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: "Adam mentioned strippers," Braden warned me, his eyes twinkling. "If Adam books a stripper for you, I'll force Ellie to book a stripper for me." Chuckling, Braden relaxed back in his chair. "Let's agree to no strippers." I raised my glass of water and waited for Braden to do the same. "To no strippers." "To no strippers," he repeated. "And let's just make that a motto for our marriage." Cok ozlemisim Allahim cok cok ozlemisim !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gül Tanrıçası (Tanrıça Serisi, #4) (Goddess Summoning, #4); Author: P.C. Cast; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Bahar Tanrica'sina gore icinde cok daha fazla mitolojik ogeler barindiriyordu ki beni bilen bilir yunan mitolojisine bayilirim ve Hecate de en sevdigim tanricalardan biridir. Selam olsun sana Karanlik Ayin, Kesisme Noktalarinin, Vahsi Yaratiklarin ve Sihrin Yuce Tanricasi!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mutsuz Çocuklar Ülkesi; Author: Ozgur Bacaksiz; Genres: young-adult; Review: "Yeni bir dunya, biraz ic sizisi. Dostoyevski okumaya devam ettim. O gunden sonra Dostoyevski haricinde kimse anlamadi beni." 90'lar neslinden herkes sever bu kitabi o kadar ben o kadar biz ki... Okudukca ilkokula, mahallemize dondum. Buyukce kayboldu ikiside yazarin da dedigi gibi galiba "Cocukluktan sonraki tum cabalar delik bir balonu sisirme ugrasi kadar bos ulu Tanrim"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1); Author: Richelle Mead; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Ben ergenliAYimi saASSma sapan AYeyler arasA+-nda geASSirirken sen neredeydin gA1/4zellik? Rose heralde gAPrdA1/4AYA1/4m en gA1/4ASSlA1/4 kadA+-n karakterlerden biridir kAPtA1/4 durumlarda bile ezilmemesi kendini alaycA+-lA+-AYa vurmasA+- muhteAYemdi ve Dimitri ah Dimitri diyorum baAYka bir AYey demiyorum dY'*; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Buz Öpücük (Vampire Akademisi, #2); Author: Richelle Mead; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Adrian'A+- sevdim Mason'a yazA+-k oldu Tasha istediAYi kadar iyi olsun gAPrdA1/4kASSe tokatlayasA+-m geldi ama sondaki Dimitri & Rose sahnesi dY'*; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kan Sözü (Vampir Akademisi #4); Author: Richelle Mead; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4,5/5 "Seni her zaman seveceAYim." "Bunu benim sAPylemem gerekirdi." A++ok fazla duygu yoAYunluAYu yaAYA+-yorum bir dakika dY'"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ruh Bağı (Vampir Akademisi, #5); Author: Richelle Mead; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Adrian'i artik gercekten sahneden inmesi gerektigini dusunuyorum ve tum bu geri donme olayindan sonra Dimitri'nin durumu tabiki anlasilabiliyor ancak cok fazla olayi tek kitaba sigdirmislar gibiydi Kan Sozu serinin ara kitabi gibi kalmisti onda olaylari bu kadar yayacaklarina ve bu kitap bu kadar sikisik gececegine keske bolselermis ve dedigim gibi Dimitri anlasilsa bile sanki cok hizli olmus gibiydi ve Rose ile aralari da hemen Buz Opucuk'teki hale dondu. Isin kotu tarafi seri boyunca duygularindan ve kendinden emin Rose bir anda Adrian'a cekilmeye baslandi. Bana gereksiz bir hamle gibi gorunuyor hani ask koyalim biraz daha demek icin yapilmis adeta. Ancak ne olursa olsun hem strigoi haliyle hem dampir haliyle Dimitri gonlumuzun efendisidir onun oldugu bir kitap kotu olamaz diye cekiliyorum.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Son Fedakarlık (Vampir Akademisi, #6); Author: Richelle Mead; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: TOO MANY EMOTIONS Bittigi icin icimde olusan bosluk anlatilamaz. Cok guzeldi mutlu sona baglanacagini elbette biliyordum ama beklentimin uzerinde cikti tek sikintim sonlarda yasanan Adrian&Rose&Dimitri dramasiydi Dimitri'nin Rose'u kendinden uzak tutmak icin girdigi triplere gercekten sinir oldum yalan degil ama o durumda olan biri icin anlasilirdi ama ne denirse densin ben Rose'un Adrian'i gercekten sevdigine inanmadim bence sadece Dimitri'den sonra onu guvenli liman olarak gordu ve Adrian'in Rose'a olan takintili sevgisi bunu pekistirdi. Sonuc olarak endgame'in Rose ve Dimitri oldugunu hepimiz biliyoruz onlar kanitlanmis ruh esleri savasci bir power couple aralarindaki ayrilik ve yasanan seyler tamamen halledilebilirdi cunku Dimitri'nin dedigi gibi neler oldugunu sadece onlar goruyor onlar anliyor bu sebeple %100 Rose Adrian'a haksizlik yapti diyebilirim cok daha once ayrilmasi gerektigini biliyordu ama yapmadi. Power Royal Couple'im Christian ve Lissa her zamanki gibi muhtesemliklerine devam ediyordu ve simdi Lissa Kralice Vasilissa olduguna gore ekstra bir power couplelik geliyor. Jill'in prenseslik mevzusuna gelince bana da kurtlarin onune atilmis gibi geliyor ama ote yandan artik kralice bir ablasi ve simdi abisi sayilabilecek bir eski akil hocasi var. Sydney konusuna gelirsek diger kitaplarda gercekten ondan hoslanmamistim ama son kitapta Rose'un da dedigi gibi bir savasciya donustu gozumuze girdi. Ote yandan Tasha, yilan Tasha bu konuda spoiler yemistim ama bildigim halde sasirtti beni. Sasirtma demisken ozellikle Tatiana konusunda gercekten sok gecirdim kadin bu kitapta bir anda "egoist surtuk" halinde "iyi kalpli kralice" haline gecti. Baska ne diyebilirim Abe muhtesem bir detay hatta Abe ve Janine kesinlikle muhtesem bir detay aralarindaki uyum tartisilmaz. Sorumluluk sahibi bir gardiyan ve bir mafya babasindan daha bir cift olur mu? Ne olursa olsun Abe'i seviyoruz sonuc olarak her gun birileri Dimitri Belikov'u korkutmayi basaramiyor.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Foretold: 14 Tales of Prophecy and Prediction; Author: Carrie Ryan; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3,5 O da sirf Dimitri icin; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tanrıçanın Savaşı; Author: Aimee Carter; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Kate ve Henry arasindaki iletisimsizlik sinir krizi gecirmeme neden olsa da guzel ilerledi ama ilk kitabi daha cok sevmistim gibi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ejderin Aşkı; Author: G.A. Aiken; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Uzun zamandir bu kadar eglenmemistim hayatimi kurtardi; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Now You See Her; Author: Linda Howard; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: CanA+-m Richard dY'* Linda Howard her zaman bir zevktir; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bodyguard; Author: J. Lynn; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3,50/3,75 Slumpdan ASSA+-kardA+- en azA+-ndan dY~...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ejderin Arzusu; Author: G.A. Aiken; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Kitabin ilk yarisi Briec'i Fearghus ile cok karsilasirtirdim ama elimde degil Fearghus benim bebegim. Kardeslerin ve sonunda Kara Ovalar'in power couple'inin isin icine girmesiyle gercekten guzellesti. Bu kitapta da asiri eglendim seri bana istedigim her seyi veriyor ve okurken surekli kahkaha attim diyebilirim. Daha ikinci kitabinda yavrularim diye herkesi ayri benimsedim devam etmek icin sabirsizlaniyorum.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: A9 Invitation Envelopes w/Peel & Press (5 3/4 x 8 3/4) - Grocery Bag (50 Qty) | Perfect for; Brand: Envelopes.com; Review: Great envelopes!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Electric Pencil Sharpener- Automatic, Best, Quiet Motor; Battery Operated or USB-powered; Safe for Kids; Perfect for Home and Office; Brand: tatji; Review: Great sharpener, lots of power; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics 12-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder with Pullout Basket; Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: Love this shredder! Works like the expensive ones.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Surebonder DT-50 All Temperature 50 Glue Sticks, 4-Inch; Brand: Surebonder; Review: melts as expected; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 50 White A6 Envelopes - 6.5" x 4.75" - Square Flap; Brand: Note Card Cafe; Review: nice and sturdy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 50 Kraft A6 Envelopes - 6.5" x 4.75" - Square Flap; Brand: Note Card Cafe; Review: nice and sturdy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GM-X Automatic Electric Stapler, Heavy Duty Jam-Free 25 Sheet Full-Strip Capacity Free Staples; Brand: Gizmomate; Review: Love this stapler! I have not had it jam once and I use 25 sheets alot! Highly recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Office_Products |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Submerged; Author: Visit Amazon's Cheryl Kaye Tardif Page; Review: I rated this book high as it was extremely interesting and kept me wanting to read more. Great story line and plenty of action.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Run; Author: Visit Amazon's Blake Crouch Page; Review: Enjoyed every minute of reading this book. Could not put it down. Suspenseful and totally absorbing read. Would recommend it highly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Held; Author: Visit Amazon's Kimberly A Bettes Page; Review: The author kept my attention throughout the book. It was graphic and not for squeamish readers. Those that love realism and situations that you know are true to life will love this novel. The first time she is put into the basement - I felt scared for her. I cared about her and wanted her to find a way out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Social Research: A Simple Guide; Author: Visit Amazon's Morley D. Glicken Page; Review: This required text for college arrived quickly and in excellent shape. Perfect. The pages appeared to be excellent and did not have any markings on them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Total Victim Theory; Author: Visit Amazon's Ian Terrell Ballard Page; Review: Loved every minute. Great suspense and better ending. It was excellent for a weekend reading or at the shore. It is a book you will not put down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Crypt (A Sarah Roberts Thriller, Book 3) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Jonas Saul Page; Review: A winner! Kept my interest. It was a fast paced book that yielded surprises and suspense. This book is a keeper; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Beautiful-Ugly: The Trilogy; Author: Visit Amazon's James Snyder Page; Review: Wonderful soul searching book. Going through the stages of her life made me feel entwined with her. It had a heart warming story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: If Angels Fall; Author: Visit Amazon's Rick Mofina Page; Review: I loved this book. The characters were real and the story line was intelligent. The killer was a sick psycho and the story was well written.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Art of Eating through the Zombie Apocalypse: A Cookbook and Culinary Survival Guide; Author: Visit Amazon's Lauren Wilson Page; Review: Gave it as a Christmas gift to my 16yr old granddaughter. She loved it. It had survival tips as well as cooking guides. My granddaughter has a great desire to be a cook. She finished the first chapter and started talking and discussing it. I am so glad I bought this book..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Kick: A Novel (Kick Lannigan); Author: Visit Amazon's Chelsea Cain Page; Review: Can,t wait to read the next in the series Her other books were so dark. This was pleasant, cute and sharply written. The characters were strong and you felt you knew them. Not for the light of heart as many scenes discussed child pornagraphy; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: At God's Mercy; Author: Visit Amazon's L. L. Fine Page; Review: Definitely kept my interest. Finding you have a twin who is a Christian clergy and you are a rabbi added a deeper connection. y; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Infinite Ending: Ten Stories; Author: Visit Amazon's Frank Marcopolos Page; Review: I found it slow to get into and I didn't get the characters formed right away. I put it down in chapter 3 and said no more.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Amid the Shadows; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael C. Grumley Page; Review: Sarah was only six years old but had terrific power given her. The book is a power play about good and evil but had enough plots to keep everyone interested. Looking forward to reading more from this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Running into the Darkness (Deepest Darkness) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's D. A. Bale Page; Review: I really enjoyed this book as it made my emotions run wild. The characters were well done and I can not wait for the next one in the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Eagle's Covenant eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Parker Page; Review: It kept my interests peaked and I looked forward to picking up and reading it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pines (Wayward Pines); Author: Visit Amazon's Blake Crouch Page; Review: Absolutely kept my interest. The characters and scenes felt real. The wife and son truly wanted their dad back. Looking for the federal agents left you feeling vulnerable. Great book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Prettiest One: A Thriller; Author: Visit Amazon's James Hankins Page; Review: A book that held kidnapping, amnesia,family within family.it I am looking forward to reading more bout her. I enjoyed this author; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Son of a Gun (A David and Martin Yerxa Thriller) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Ed Markham Page; Review: Great father and son mystery. Enjoyed it from the beginning. Boys missing and father and son team up to find them. Fabulous read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chained Guilt; Author: Visit Amazon's Terry Keys Page; Review: Good roles, well developed plot I love the villain and that the kids not want to accept her. I enjoyed it....great read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Slenderman (Emma Frost Mystery) (Volume 9); Author: Visit Amazon's Willow Rose Page; Review: Fast moving, clear and concise plot. Love the characters.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bones of Others (A Skye Cree Novel) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Vickie McKeehan Page; Review: Good book and quick read. The plot was predictable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Skin (Insatiable Series) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Patrick Logan Page; Review: This was truly a horror story from start to finish. I haven't read anything as good as this in years. You won't want to put it down!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bone of Contention (Gina Mazzio RN Medical Series) (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's Bette Golden Lamb Page; Review: I thought the book was well written, but you know the end before you get too far. I like books that allow my imagination. This was like a romantic comedy but it tried to be a mystery.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Little Boy Lost; Author: Visit Amazon's J. D. Trafford Page; Review: A little boring. The plot was easy to understand. I found I just want d to flip pages to keep the story moving.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: She Can Run; Author: Visit Amazon's Melinda Leigh Page; Review: This was a believable story. The characters were handled like real people. I was totaled engrossed . I really wanted more story. I now want to read more books in this series. This; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Work; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Edwards Page; Review: Fabulous novel which kept my attention. The end was terrific and unusual. I could feel the writer going through this step by step.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Don't Speak (A Jade Harrington Novel) (The Jade Harrington Series); Author: Visit Amazon's J. L. Brown Page; Review: Wow. What a page turner. This book kept me up all night as the head of the FBI, a woman, was put in charge of a manhunt for a serial killer. Her skills were amazing and the story rang true. This book is a keeper!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: No Kiss Goodbye; Author: Visit Amazon's Janelle Harris Page; Review: Wow! Great storyline. I got a little tired of the husband always crying. To see the main character honestly confused and reliving her accident was well done and well written. The ending was definitely an eye opener. I didn't expect it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Game You Played; Author: Visit Amazon's Anni Taylor Page; Review: How would you handle it, if your child disappeared? Poor phoebe had a great deal of problems. The police don't believe her nor does her husband. Good book to crawl up with and read during a storm.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Code Name Camelot - A Noah Wolf Thriller (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's David Archer Page; Review: Great book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hunt Chronicles Volume 1 Awakening; Author: Visit Amazon's J. D. Demers Page; Review: A little bit boring and like every zombie book I have ever read. I would have liked to see more depth.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hack: International Crime Thriller (Hunter/O'Sullivan Adventure) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Will Patching Page; Review: This was really a well written novel The sordid thoughts of having a sexual Tryst in really lost him. Loved the storyline.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Searching for Faith; Author: Visit Amazon's Kristen Middleton Page; Review: This had all the ingredients of a great read. It was fast and kept moving. The ending was just so...I would have preferred it to be more drama.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kill Girl: Elayna Miller, Book One; Author: Visit Amazon's Jill M Beene Page; Review: Interesting book. I enjoyed reading this. It had enough action to keep my interest. It is also nice to have a female heroine and one that you can relate to.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wired In; Author: Visit Amazon's Toby Neal Page; Review: It is nice to read about a female heroine that understands computer technical problems. I enjoyed reading this book about computer piracy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Am Watching You; Author: Visit Amazon's Teresa Driscoll Page; Review: What a great novel..families picked apart from a tragedy.children not knowing what to say. Mysterious cards start arriving...with no one owning up that they did it. Two teens are excited about going to London".....only one comes back.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dying Hour; Author: Visit Amazon's Rick Mofina Page; Review: Great story. Riveting. I loved watching the characters unfold. It was following Jason that was greAt. Can't wAit to read the next on Jason wade.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girl in the Ice: A gripping serial killer thriller (Detective Erika Foster crime thriller novel) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Bryndza Page; Review: Best, best story I have read in a long time. Erika, the prime detective does not know how to stay out of trouble with her boss. In the end, she uses great reasoning power to determine who is killing young girls.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Buried (Twisted Cedar Mysteries) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's C. J. Carmichael Page; Review: Fun book. Dougle was a great writer looking for new ideas to write about. He went back home ...twisted ciders. Then he began research on librarians being killed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BRAINRUSH, a Thriller: (Book One); Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Bard Page; Review: This was a very entertaining book. Jake developed every day senses and could read and retain instantly. People wanted to study his brain. This was a fun read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Abducted; Author: Visit Amazon's T R Ragan Page; Review: Wow, I truly enjoyed this book. Litzy was a young girl who was captured as a child. She escaped and thus he chase began. This book kept my attention as it moved at a quick pace.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Betrayal; Author: Visit Amazon's Tim Tigner Page; Review: Great book. Twins that worked together to solve a crime against officials in our government. This book had the bad guys and lots of action including a bomb. Loved it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Girls In White Dresses: A Detective London McKenna Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Alex Gates Page; Review: What a great book! I can't wait to read everything this author as written about. He brought a young detective, London to life. With horrible stories of her past she saw through them to help save victims of a cult. Fabulous read! Loved it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Girl Bad Girl: A Mystery, Psychological Suspense Thriller (Kal Medi) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Ann Girdharry Page; Review: Although Kal went looking for her mother, she found herself instead stuck in the middle of a child sex ring. Her mother aided the story at the end, but using it to get your attention in the beginning was foolish. The book was enjoyable but led you down many strange paths.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Evelyn, After: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Victoria Helen Stone Page; Review: Wow, omg what a fabulous look at today,s wife, mother and lover. Finding out secrets and then adding your own personal secret to the mix left a powerful story. Every woman will find herself hidden in these pages. Really well written.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In The Fog; Author: Visit Amazon's John Meany Page; Review: Seeing the Killer doesn't help if the police don't believe you. You have all the details of the crime...but the police focus on you as the killer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What Remains True: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Janis Thomas Page; Review: Fabulous book about the lives of a family faced with tragedy. Each person grieves differently. You fall in love with the family.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gone Unnoticed (A Kate Reid Novel) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Robin Mahle Page; Review: What a great book. Excitement kept building and I wanted it to go on and on. I can't wait to read more books by Mahle.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cry From The Grave; Author: Visit Amazon's Carolyn Mahony Page; Review: Great story and really riveting. It kept my interest throughout. I felt for this young woman who lost her daughter.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Girl in Reverse: a compelling psychological thriller; Author: Visit Amazon's Lore Dresden Page; Review: Two twins. Parents that died a violent death. Sisters looking for revenge. All of the ingredients for a thriller. Gripping.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Girls Dancing; Author: Visit Amazon's Kylie Brant Page; Review: Wow! A great thriller. I did not even guess who was stealing young girls and making dance. Fathers, daughters...families torn apart. Great read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Umbrella Man; Author: Visit Amazon's Willow Rose Page; Review: Best book I have read in a long time. It definitely makes your fear factor high. Don't read it home alone....because the umbrella man is out there.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Those That Remain; Author: Visit Amazon's Rob Ashman Page; Review: Great story. Fabulous twists and turns. I found it hard to put down and can't wAit to read more from this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tyson & Joey: Two Worlds Collide; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom James Watts Page; Review: The characters were true to form and enjoyable. You learned the values of their lives and how they could transform them. Toward the end, it got a little trite.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silent Victim; Author: Visit Amazon's Caroline Mitchell Page; Review: Great read! I literally could not put down this book. Engrossing is really the best word to use for this novel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blind River: A Thriller; Author: Visit Amazon's Ben Follows Page; Review: This fabulous book will keep you up at night wondering ...where are the girls. You truly don't know who is responsible. Just a great read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dying Eyes (DS Brian McDone) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Ryan Casey Page; Review: Great read. It kept my interest from beginning till end. I feel the title was not the right one. Good,fun book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Girl in Trouble (An Alex Mercer Thriller) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Stacy Claflin Page; Review: A satisfying and excellent night time mystery. It will keep you thinking, but it is not the nail biter you often pick up to read. A little bland for me, but still good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gilchrist: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Christian Galacar Page; Review: What a great read! I didn't want to put it down. You don't expect the ending. I like books that keep you thinking and reading. L; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lies That Bind Us; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Hart Page; Review: The chapter in this certainly keep you entertained. This book was a glorious read and I recommended it K.Qq ............; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Personal Justice (A Marc Kadella Legal Mystery) (Volume 5); Author: Dennis L Carstens; Review: A book you shouldnt, client is a cold calculating woman. She is suspected of killing her husband. The book is wonderful written. Cant wait for the book I this series as the writer is. explosive; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stranger Danger; Author: Visit Amazon's Steve Richer Page; Review: Great book! A young killer, ten years of age is the star of this novel. I enjoyed it and would read it again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills Mall; City: Ontario California; Review: We're never disappointed every time we stay here! The staff here are excellent. Very professional, welcoming & accomodating. The rooms are nice, clean & very comfortable. Incredible beds w/down comforters. Updated bathrooms. Everything works. The entire hotel inside/out is beatiful. HOT BREAKFAST! This place is a Gem! For us, there isn't any other place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Buena Park; City: Buena Park California; Review: VERY IMPRESSED. Starting with the staff as soon as we walked in. From the Front desk attendants to the maintanence crew, all were very professional, welcoming & accomodating. Rooms are nice, clean & very comfortable. Updated bathroom, vanity and very "walk barefoot" clean carpet. When we first walked in our room we were greeted with a fresh, clean flowery scent, and temperature was perfect. Acually, every time we came back to the room after it was cleaned, it was like walking in the very first time. it was great! Everything worked, had no problems with anything. No noise from either side of the room or bathroom noise. The property is well maintained inside and out. The courtyard is beautiful and tranquil, with a sparkling pool. (Our room was steps away from the pool). The hotel is off the busy street but when your in the courtyard you don't hear traffic. The hotel is walking distance to Knott's Berry Farm/Waterpark, among other eating places. I am the type of traveler that notices everything, and has stayed in lots of hotels and resorts. This Marriott impressed me to no end. We would definately stay here again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pacific Palms Resort; City: City of Industry California; Review: I love staying at resorts! This one didn't let me down. Let me start with the staff. Wow...VERY professional, I have to say. They were so accomodating and EVERY hotel employee greeted us with a smile and hello. From the pro shop employees to the employee changing a light bulb...smile & a hello. With me...the service is whats important. Our room was nice, very modern and clean. Everything about the rooms are above standard. The carpet was "barefoot walking" clean. This resort sits on top of a hill and the views are wonderful all around. Our room was on the 9th floor and the city lights at night are great. The resort grounds are lush and green due to it being a Golf resort. The restraunts Cima & Red are awesome! Great food and outstanding service. The workout facility is above standard also, all machines in working order, water provided and towels and tv's at every eliptical & treadmill machine. They have a great spa for us ladies also. I don't golf...but the pro shop was nice! The atmosphere there is relaxing and since its on top of a hill, its quiet and tranquil. The pool and jacuzzi are great w/a waterfall. The patio outside of the restraunt has a great water pond and a huge fire pit. I really enjoyed my stay here and very impressed with the staff and facilities. A "Heads up": at check in they will charge your credit card $50 a day for incidentals (each room has a minibar fridge). We had an incident where my husband put his medication in there and a coke can fell out. We were charged, my husband imediately told the front desk, they said the fridge has sensors and will automatically charge. They were understanding of his medical needs and everything was straightend out. If at the end of your stay you didn't incur any misc. charges...no charge to your card. We will definately stay here again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Commerce; City: Commerce California; Review: I picked this hotel with shopping in mind! It's location is in the Citadel...off the I-5. Its a great place! The Citadel is a Outlet shopping place with a food court. The hotel is nice and even though its next to the freeway you can't hear the traffic. The service is wonderful and very accomodating. Beautiful interior and exterior with lush landscaping around. At check-in they give you fresh baked chocolate chip cookies! OMG are they good! We got to our room and opened the door to a fresh scented room with classical music playing on the radio. That was a great touch. The room itself was nice and the beds are comfortable with down comforters. The bathroom was great, with all updated fixtures. Even the carpet was...as I call it "barefoot walking" clean. If you are an excercise buff, try the workout facility. They have men/women bathrooms with a dry sauna, showers, & lockers in each! The rooms don't come with a mini frige and my husband has medication that needs to be refrigerated. We called the front desk and right away they brought up a fridge...no charge. I tell you...service with a smile. Our stay was wonderful, will stay there again and highly recommend this one!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort; City: Las Vegas Nevada; Review: Oh, I love this place. It's just east of the "Strip" and they have a shuttle to take you there. The staff is awesome, very accomodating. Check-in was a little hectic, everyone checking in at the same time. The grounds are beautifuly lanscaped and the amenities are great. We stayed in the 1 bedroom and i was VERY impressed with it. This place use to be an apartment complex and was renovated very nicely! The bed was sooo comfy and the tub/shower is gianormous! I loved the walk-in closet and washer/dryer very convienent. I had absolutely no complaints about the place, it was awesome!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ayres Suites Ontario Mills Mall; City: Ontario California; Review: If there was a picture next to the word Hospitality in the dictionary, it would be a picture of an Ayres hotel. Hands down this is the best hotel experience. My family and I love our stays so much we are sad to leave. The entire staff are equally accommodating, kind, helpful and there to make sure your stay is worry-free. I am the type who looks in every corner, every nook and cranny, inside and out of the Ayres hotels are immaculate. We've stayed at all the Southern Cal. Ayres and all are equally exceptional. The beds are comfortable, towels are thick and absorbent and the HOT breakfast is THE best around. This is not your run-of-the-mill continental breakfast I can assure you! As long as we've been guests at all Ayres hotels, never have we had any problems with staff, accommodations, reservations or the services provided. I can truly say that the Ayres hotel does make sure your stay is worry-free all the time. I highly recommend any Ayres Hotel. When a guest is sad to leave the hotel then that hotel has done it's job in hospitality. the Ayres hotel does just that.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ayres Hotel Orange; City: Orange California; Review: There is a reason we always choose Ayres Hotels. The hotels are so inviting and comfortable. The staff are very professional but friendly and knowledgeable. Never had a problem with anything, from check-in to check-out our stays have been worry free. We have stayed at their other locations throughout the years and always a wonderful experience.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Best Western Brook Hotel Felixstowe; City: Felixstowe Suffolk East Anglia England; Review: I dont think that I have ever been to a hotel of such contrasts. It is just off the main shopping street and the sea front. We were able to park outside. Everything on the ground floor was excellent. The food for both meals was well up to the mark, for quality and quantity as was the decor and the beer (Adnams) in the bar. The staff were friendly and helpful. But step on the stairs and things began to fall apart. The carpet had clearly seen much better days. Most floorboards seemed to creak, especially the ones outside our door. In the room it was warm and clean. However in the bathroom the radiator had clearly leaked and had been removed. All its fittings were still there, sticking out. The shower had been disconnected. The fan broken. The decorations in the room were tired. Thenet curtains ripped. The cream for the complementary coffee was out of date and "off". However we only paid £69 for a Groupon deal for one night. This included an excellent evening meal for two + comlementary wine and B&B. We felt that for the money this was very good. Had we paid the "normal" asking price then perhaps our rating may have been much lower.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Birmingham Redditch; City: Redditch Worcestershire England; Review: It is new, relatively cheap, clean and close to the town centre. Its close to the station. Dont expect a full English breakfast and you wont be dissapointed but otherwise ok. There is plenty of parking available.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stuart House Hotel; City: King s Lynn Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: We stayed for two nights on a deal which included a free meal for one of the two nights. The hotel is a little hidden but that brings rewards in quietness. However be aware the parking is a little cramped. The place itself is a splendid old Victorian edifice. We asked for a ground floor twin and were given a good room with large beds. It was spotlessly clean. Once settled we found the TV needed a degree in IT to operate it. It took 24 hours to find BBC1 and we never did get to BBC2. The beds (No23) were soft at the edges but comfortable enough in use. The first evening we went to the bar. The real ale was, well not off, just it was not very good. We chose the roast sirloin and went through to the restaurant when called. When the meal came through the meat was tender and fine. However there were very few vegetables. Which is odd. Surely they are the cheap bit ? It was a shame for us because we had turned away from a much better carvery in town at less than half the price. Then the afters was the fag ends of the cheese board and an Eton Mess sans meringue. I left the table hungry. Never mind there is always the bar except there never seemed to be anybody serving. Only half of four visits resulted in me buying some drinks. Breakfast was not as good as we have had in the nearby Fairlight Lodge, not in quality or quantity. The second evening for our "free" meal my burger was so full of onion that I received a refund for our wine and again left hungry. Having said all that the staff we met were excellent. They were helpful, friendly and to be perfectly honest the main redeeming feature of the Hotel. I don't have a clue why they are in the beer guide. I have been a CAMRA member since the 1970's and I can tell you that their beer (On these occasions) was not good. Perhaps it was lack of sales that effected quality and instead of having three ales on they should only have had one. I feel for the staff but we wont be going back mainly because of our disappointment with the food.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fairlight Lodge; City: King s Lynn Norfolk East Anglia England; Review: A warm stay is not what we would have called it. The family room was very cold because they turn the heating off between 8am and 4pm. Just what you want in January. Following our feed back I understand they have put in a new radiator in the room. I hope it is now all well. Certainly the boys were friendly enough. I believe there is a new bed going into the room as well. It needed it. So all should be well. I think they want to give a good service but it is being a steep learning curve. Good luck to them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alexandra Hotel; City: Derby Derbyshire England; Review: If you leave the station and bear right after a half a mile you will find the Alex opposite a set of traffic lights. There was upwards of a dozen different real ales on providing a mixture of flavours and colours. All those we tried were in excellent nick. The room was basic. But it was all there and it was clean. What do you want for the price ? There is no breakfast. However an excellent greasy spoon is to be found by going out of the pub, turn left and left again 2 roads on. It's about 5 minutes and opens at 07.30; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alpine Villa Guesthouse; City: Ipswich Suffolk East Anglia England; Review: The house is to be eventually found up a steep hill.You have to look carefully to spot the "Alpine Villa" sign. I drove past it twice. There is plenty of on-road parking nearby. The place it self is an old Victorian pile apparently spread over 3 floors. I arrived slightly before the "Normal" opening hours of 17.00 and ringing the bell or knocking on the large door knocker (the noise of which I felt echoed around the street) had no effect. I returned to my car for a short wait. When a light came on I went in and was shown up to the top floor and a small but perfectly adequate and clean room. Yes a shared bathroom but at least there was your own sink for general washing. The lady was very polite and helpful. The WiFi was excellent. The night was silent. Like a previous corespondent I too had been lead to believe that breakfast was included. However it was not and for my "extra" £5 I had a good full English together with much talking with the lady who seemed to think that a mouthful of eggybake and tea is conducive with good conversation. It's an interesting idiosyncratic building run by interesting idiosyncratic characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Opal Inn; City: Boulogne sur Mer Pas de Calais Hauts de France; Review: We went for a couple of days quick break. The hotel is on the sea fron but our rooms were at the back and we stared at a blank wall but we were not in the rooms long so it did not matter. The rooms were small but clean and the bed was excellent. Parking is free and just across the road. Yes I would return; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Cottage Hotel; City: Hope Cove Salcombe Devon England; Review: We stayed at the Hotel for a long weekend at the beginning of November 2007 - we were looking for somewhere with a sea view - and were not disappointed - the view from the hotel is spectacular. The hotel has been in the same family for over 30 years and the service was excellent - nothing was too much trouble.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Tiverton Hotel; City: Tiverton Devon England; Review: We only booked a long weekend the week before we visited - they had an offer of B, B and evening meal through August which seemed very reasonable. Although this wasn't an area we had stayed in before it was well situated for many of the North Devon attractions and Exmoor The Hotel was easy to find, plenty of parking and within walking distance of Tiverton. The room was clean and spacious but the bathroom - although more than acceptable with an excellent power shower was probably due for a refurbishment. All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The food was excellent and there was plenty of choice, and there was a good bar menu as well. The restaurant and the adjoining lounge bar looked as if they had recently been redecorated . The only issue we had was we had selected this hotel from a Great Western booklet of all their UK hotels in which it stated there was a lift - however when we arrived we had been allocated a first floor room but when we asked the receptionist how to access the lift we discovered that the lift was only for the conference facilties and that there was no lift access to the upstairs bedrooms. Luckily there was still a vacant downstairs room which she was able to switch us to.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Passage House Hotel; City: Kingsteignton Devon England; Review: We have just returned from a short break at the Passage House Hotel. We had a downstairs room in the main hotel - with a great view overlooking the estuary. There was plenty of space - it was very clean and comfortable. There were a couple of minor niggles - there was only one bedside cabinet and there wasn't an alarm clock provided but we were only there for 3 nights so it wasn't an issue. The hotel was exceptionally quiet - we had paid for an all inclusive BB & Evening meal short break - the food was good - with generous portions but we were disappointed that the menu didn't change at all while we were there - although we were offered the 'non inclusive' menu at no additional cost. However the nearby Inn offers a wide range of snacks, meals and a carvery - so we would in future eat an evening meal there when we return to this hotel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: De Vere Cotswold Water Park; City: South Cerney Cotswolds England; Review: This is a new hotel - only been open a couple of years and we stayed over the Easter weekend on a spring break DB&B offer. The hotel is clean and modern - the staff were friendly and the service was good. The room we had was a good size and had its own terrace overlooking the lake. If you don't want to eat in the restaurant there is a gastro pub next to the hotel. there is plenty of parking in the grounds and located near Cirencester makes it an ideal base for exploring the Cotswold villages and towns; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cottage Hotel; City: Hope Cove Salcombe Devon England; Review: This was the second time we stayed at the Cottage - having spent a long weekend there 3 years ago in November we were determined to return in the Spring months and we were not disappointed. This is an old fashioned family run hotel with the owners - William and his sister Sara, very actively involved in the day to day running of the hotel. The bedroom was spotlessly clean and while the ensuite shower room was small and the washbasin was actually in the main bedroom we didn't feel this was an issue as the room had spectacular views over the cove. Some of the furnishings in the lounges are fairly old fashioned and many of the pictures are of the hotel and the area in past years but this all adds to the overall charm and character of the hotel. The evening meals were exceedingly good ,the menu changed each day and was always a 5 course silver service meal - including a fantastic sweet trolley.The dining room also overlooked the sea and the sunsets were amazing. The hotel is accessed down a very steep slope - there is limited car parking adjacent to the hotel so anyone with mobility problems should mention this at the time of booking as a parking space will then be reserved.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ormonde House Hotel; City: Lyndhurst New Forest National Park Hampshire Hampshire England; Review: We stayed in this hotel at the end of September - having read some of the trip advisor reviews. It's a small hotel - situated about 5 minutes walk from Lyndhurst. We had a spacious ground floor room - spotlessly clean - 2 single beds joined together making a huge double bed plus a sofa as well. A partcularly nice touch was the small fridge in the room - with a bottle of water and fresh milk for tea and coffee making. Breakfast was exceedingly good - plenty of choice and all freshly cooked to order - so much better than many of the hot buffet styles offered in the larger hotels. There were several set choices for dinner - plus some 'special's' each day - and because the hotel is quite small guests were asked to choose their selection for dinner after breakfast - this wasn't an issue and much of the food is sourced locally. It probably does need a bit of updating - it is on a main road and without double glazing there is some road noise during the day- but not enough to be a problem. We found this to be an ideal base from which to explore the New Forest and we would go back again - the staff and the owner were all very helpful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Glasgow Marriott Hotel; City: Glasgow Scotland; Review: I stayed here for 4 nights at the end of February - the room, on the seventh floor, was clean and very spacious with 2 double beds and the Hotel is within walking distance of central Glasgow. I hadn't paid for breakfast as part of the daily room cost so on the one day that I had breakfast it was an additional £15.50 - apart from being quite expensive, the quality was poor - the toaster was barely making any difference to the bread and although a fresh tray of fried eggs was brought out just as we reached the buffet they were completely cold. The evening menu was fine and the food was OK but there was only a limited choice - we found that the room service menu offered a much greater choice and seemed reasonably priced. I think £100 per night for bed only is on the expensive side - but the hotel is convenient for the city- and the price did drop slightly over the weekend.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Passage House Hotel; City: Kingsteignton Devon England; Review: this was our third or fourth visit to the Passage House, though the first since it became part of the Best Western Group. We booked a spring special offer - £50 pppn for D, B&B which we thought was excellent value. The hotel is situated on the Estuary - and is a fairly peaceful location, despite the proximity of both a busy road and the railway line. We were in the South Lodge - a short distance across the car park from the main hotel and adjacent pub. The room was clean and spacious although the bathroom was very small - but did look as if it had been recently refurbished. There were a couple of minor issues - though nothing that would stop us staying again - there were only small bath towels, not bath sheets, provided and the extractor fan in the bathroom was quite noisy and ran on for 15 minutes after the light had been switched off - which was annoying if the bathroom was used in the middle of the night. The receptionists were very good, booking in and out was very quick and easy, and all the restaurant staff were very attentive. The hot breakfast is not a buffet but does mean it comes out freshly cooked and on a piping hot plate. I think the evening menu for the restaurant is quite limited - and doesn't change daily so I do think it would benefit from the inclusion of some sort of 'daily special' for each course - although if you opt for just B&B the pub also does evening meals that you can add to your hotel room bill. We would quite happliy stay here again..; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kings Paget Hotel; City: West Drayton Greater London England; Review: I stayed in in March for 2 nights - the room was fine but on the small side - although it was only classed as a single room - the TV (not flatscreen) was perched on top of the wardrobe as the only other flat space was taken up by the tea and coffee tray. However it looked like the ensuite bathroom had been recently refurbished and that was excellent. For the location (only about a 10 minute drive to Heathrow) it is reasonably priced and parking is free - although the car park isn't very big and it appears from the number of vans in the car park that the hotel is used by various contractors during the week. It's on a busy road - so there is quite a lot of traffic noise if you open the window. Reception is not staffed all the time - although I didn't experience any problems. There is a good fish and chip shop about 5 minutes walk from the hotel - which also looked like it had a small seating area. Further into West Drayton there are also a number of other takeaways and a very good Chinese restaurant.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Royal Chace Hotel; City: Enfield Greater London England; Review: The Roal Chace is situated between junction 24 of the M25 and Enfield Town - so it has a country hotel like location but is also only about 10 minutes to the M25. I stayed in July just for one night. Check in was quick - my bag was taken to my room (first floor - no lift) and the room itself was a reasonable size, well furnished and the bathroom looked like it had been recently refubished and was spotlessly clean, as was the rest of the accommodation. I had breakfast the following morning - (breakfast is served in the brasserie - also on the first floor up a different flight of stairs) there was quite a lot of choice - all provided as a buffet type service and the staff on duty were extremely good - nothing was too much trouble. I would stay here again if I needed to be in this area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Grosvenor; City: Stockbridge Hampshire England; Review: We stayed at the Grosvenor in Stockbridge for a weekend in November, It's ideally situated for both Salisbury and Winchester and also various attractions along the Test Valley. Stockbridge itself is a pretty little town with a single high street offering a number of individual shops and eating places. We had a room in the annex on the ground floor which overlooked the garden. It was a reasonably sized room, very clean, and while the furnishings may not have been new they were perfectly acceptable - with a large wardrobe, dressing table and a couple of chairs plus a unit with a selection of tea/coffee making items and a flat screen TV. We felt the room was fairly quiet - with less traffic noise or noise from other rooms than many hotels we have stayed in. We had a zip link bed which many hotels use to enable them to offer both twin or double options and we had absolutely no issue (unlike another review) it was extremely comfortable. . The bathroom looked like it had been repainted fairly recently - although the fittings and tiling were older and at some point would benefit in being replaced to give a really top quality feel. A couple of very minor issues that I feel could do with being addressed - the bathroom had a energy saving light so you had to switch it on and wait a few minutes before it was actually light enough to go in and close the door, and the wardrobe only had 5 hangers which I do not think is enough - (though this appears to be a common issue in many hotels.) The annex was linked to the main building by a conservatory so you could get to the main building completely under cover. We had all our meals in the hotel - the food was varied and well cooked and all the staff were very friendly and welcoming. We would be quite happy to stay again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sidmouth Harbour Hotel; City: Sidmouth Devon England; Review: We stayed for 3 nights in March - booking a standard room with sea view. The room was large with plenty of storage - though the furniture was slightly dated. However it was spotlessly clean and also had a door out onto the terrace - which had it been warmer I imagine it would have been very pleasant sitting outside looking across the pool to the sea views. Parts of the hotel do look a little tired or dated - but everywhere was clean, very comfortable and all the staff provided excellent service, even during the Mothers day lunch and afternoon tea - when they were extremely busy. We felt the breakfast provided a good selection of fruit, cereals and also cooked breakfast choice and the evening meals were also well cooked and well presented. The hotel is well situated for a gentle stroll into Sidmouth, or along the esplanade. We would certainly be happy to return, hopefully in the warmer weather - and the only niggling issue for us was there was no wifi (free or otherwise) available in the bedrooms. The hotel is perhaps suited more to the more mature guests rather than families with young children.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: West Lodge Park Hotel; City: Barnet Greater London England; Review: We stayed at West Lodge for 2 nights at the beginning of July. We had a lovely room on the first floor I think it was room 16 (it was just as well it was the first floor as unfortunately the lift broke down while we were there and my husband strugles with stairs) which had plenty of space, was comfortably furnished and I thought the walk in wardrobe was a real plus as everything was out of the way. The room overlooked the front of the hotel, which did include the car park and helipad but also had great views across the lake and aboretum.The hotel was really busy when we arrived and we parked in the overflow car park but we still managed to get an early evening meal booking - the food in the restaurant was really good, with a reasonable choice for each course and nothing was too much trouble for the waiter that we had. Breakfast was also good, with freshly cooked eggs and a good selection of other breakfast items. The second night was much busier, with 2 weddings and a jazz night in the restaurant but the staff still managed well.The weather was good and the aboretum is a great place for a pre or post meal stroll - we were amazed at the area that it covered when we were so close to built up areas and the M25.There's also some historical information about the family and the history of the hotel - which I also found really interesting (I remember Beales in Holloway Road) We did book on a summer break deal - which we thought was excellent value for money and would have no hesitation in returning to the hotel for another stay (hopefully when the lift is working); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Knife Cleaver; City: Houghton Conquest Bedford Bedfordshire England; Review: We were looking for somewhere near Bedford for a few days to visit friends - and quite by chance came upon the website for the Knife and Cleaver that mentioned that all accommodation was ground floor level - which my husband prefers - and it had many good reviews. From when we arrived the staff were friendly and attentive - our room - a superior double - number 1 - was obviously recently refurbished (as I believe all the rooms are) to a very high standard with a comfortable kingsize bed and there was a large shower cubicle in the ensuite - all spotlessly clean. It looked like a great deal of thought had been put into the decor - both in the bedroom and in the pub and restaurant - even the gardens are immaculate. Breakfast was good, with everything cooked to order - and the lady that served us at breakfast each morning was lovely - nothing was too much trouble. We also had all our evening meals in the restaurant - again all the staff were excellent and the food was extremely good. We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this to anyone looking for either accommodation or just a meal, in this area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The WatersEdge Canal Cottages; City: Uxbridge Greater London England; Review: I stayed for one night as I had a function in the pub and as I had a long drive home staying the night was the easiest option. The rooms were only converted late last year and the room I was in had a slightly unfinished feel - with unpainted skirting board and the floor of the wardrobe was half carpet and half old flooring. However the room was very clean, the bed was comfortable and the shower room certainly had a brand new look to it. It overlooked the canal, and was certainly convenient for attending a function at the pub. It's situated between Uxbridge and Heathrow, and was well priced both for the standard of the accommodation and proximity to Heathrow. Breakfast is only croissants and cereals left in the room in the evening but as they only have 3 rooms I can see why they are not able to offer a cooked breakfast in the mornings. This is quite clear on their website. The location on the canal is lovely in what is a very built up area generally, and the pub offers a good lunchtime and evening menu. I would be happy to stay again if I was in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heathrow Cottages; City: Stanwell Staines Surrey England; Review: I have stayed at the Heathrow Cottages B&B for a couple of nights most weeks for the last 18 months or so while working at Heathrow. Alan and Katrina have always been very welcoming and I have always felt very comfortable there. The cottage is a very old listed building with a lot of character, the beds are extremely comfortable with very high quality bedding used throughout and all the shower rooms have been finished to a very high specification. There is a big downstairs bedroom with a huge bed, and two of the three upstairs rooms are smaller, while the third upstairs room has an internal staircase with the bed on a mezzanine level. There is substantial building work going on in the back garden but this doesn't impact on the accommodation in any way. It's only 10 mins from the airport and is a real alternative to all the standard airport hotels and very competitively priced. It's a great place to stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The County Arms; City: Truro Truro District Cornwall England; Review: We stayed here for 5 nights in May as there were several places in Cornwall that we wanted to visit. The pub is ideally situated on the outskirts of Truro - with a bus stop right outside if you don't want to drive. The accommodation was excellent - our room was a good size, spotlessly clean and with a lovely view over the countryside at the back of the hotel . All the staff were very friendly and professional and the service was very good. There was a good selection for breakfast and the evening meals were reasonably priced.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sidmouth Harbour Hotel; City: Sidmouth Devon England; Review: We stayed here for nights in one of the newly opened courtyard rooms. While it was on the ground floor without a sea view the room was exceptionally well furnished - plenty of storage and seating - a well stocked mini bar/fridge and even a nespresso coffee machine as well as a hot drinks tray. The bathroom was spacious - including a double sink unit and a good selection of toiletries and being new - absolutely immaculate. the hotel itself is perhaps a little dated in some areas but the lounge and dining room have lovely views over the sea and service from all the staff - without exception - was excellent. Breakfast was good and there was a reasonable selection of evening meals - being able to mix choices from both menus and paying a supplement in some cases.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: West Lodge Park Hotel; City: Barnet Greater London England; Review: This was our second visit to West Lodge - when I rang to book two rooms the receptionist offered us the autumn break rate for DB&B which I think is very reasonable for a hotel of this quality. We then had to amend the booking once we had arrived for the second night and again reception were extremely helpful. West Lodge is an older, traditional style hotel - although even the basic rate rooms that we had were spacious, well furnished and very clean. Drinks at the bar are quite expensive but I suspect in line with similar standard hotels. The food is excellent - the evening meals are of a high quality, good produce and well presented. (our daughter described the Belgian chocolate dessert as' amazing') There is a good choice for breakfast and the breakfast waitress was extremely pleasant and helpful. We look forward to staying here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mortimer Arms Hotel; City: Romsey Hampshire England; Review: We booked for 2 nights in April as we were looking for somewhere that various friends and family could meet us for an Anniversary meal. There was a large car park and the pub was surrounded by well kept gardens, and for those who may be a little old for Peppa Pig at Paultons Park it was still a pleasant stroll to the river and entrance to the park - and it's far enough away that you couldn't hear any noise from the park at the pub. Breakfast was extremely good with a buffet for cereal and juice (although no fresh fruit) and a good choice of hot food cooked to order. There was an exceptionally good choice for dinner (food is served all day from about midday) - including some specials and a choice of roasts on Sundays - and all of our party said how much they enjoyed the food - we had a variety of starters, mains and desserts and everything was lovely and well priced for the range and quality and size of the portions. All the staff were also really friendly and helpful and the service was excellent. There are generally a number of families with small children staying or eating at certain times due to the proximity of Paultons Park - however children are not allowed in the restaurant after about 7pm and tables at the rear of the restaurant area tend to be quieter. We had a good size double room - the décor could probably have done with a little refreshing but the room was very clean and comfortable. We would be more than happy to stay again and would certainly like to return for a meal.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: West Lodge Park Hotel; City: Barnet Greater London England; Review: West Lodge is a traditional hotel surrounded by an arboretum. It's a family owned business and all the staff and service are excellent, as is the food. This was our third visit - unusually we had some minor issues with our room booking, newspaper request and final bill but these were all swiftly resolved by the reception staff. We were staying on a special D,B&B offer which I think represents exceptionally good value for the standard of the hotel. The hotel has a small lift giving access to both floors - although there are a few rooms at the top of the hotel that the lift does not access. There are no ground floor bedrooms in the main building so if you have any mobility issues - as my husband does - request the first floor as the lift broke down during our stay - as it did on our first visit. The staff are more than happy to help with luggage if this happens.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sidmouth Harbour Hotel; City: Sidmouth Devon England; Review: We had booked a courtyard room - as we had already stayed in these rooms twice before. The room - as on our previous stays - was immaculate and comfortable - the sofa which had been in these rooms previously had been removed - still leaving the two easy chairs and coffee table - so the room seemed much more spacious. Complimentary Gin and Sherry in the rooms and ice and lemon bought round early evening for those that wanted it. We stay in the ground floor rooms - there isn't any view from the windows and the shrubs screening the car park do mean the rooms have little natural light - if you would prefer a sea view then you may wish to book a room in the main hotel. A minor point - it would be useful if a freestanding mirror was provided in the bathroom as the double sink makes it impossible to get close to the wall mirror. The hotel has undergone a huge transformation - the lounge, bar and restaurant have been completely revamped with a great contemporary look in line with other Harbour hotels - both dinner and breakfast offer plenty of choice and the staff are all very helpful. There is still building work going on which does mean some noise during the day (we didn't find this an issue) and the parking is limited due to the contractors vehicles and materials in part of the car park - although we managed to park every day, there is also a big public car park opposite the hotel which guests can use. I'm not sure how much longer the building work will take but if it is completed to the same standard as the restaurant then it will be a fabulous place to stay. We look forward to returning in the near future.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Castle Ball Hotel; City: Marlborough Wiltshire England; Review: We booked a few nights at the Castle and Ball as a base to explore Wiltshire. The hotel is situated right in the middle of the High Street and has its own parking. It's a lovely old building in a great location . We had a standard ground floor room overlooking the car park - it was clean, light and quite spacious. We had all our meals in the hotel - plenty of choice from the standard Old English Inns menu - food is served all day. Breakfast also very good - again plenty of choice and hot food cooked to order. The staff were all extremely friendly and service was good both in the bar and the restaurant - even on busy evenings with several large parties dining. We would certainly like to return for another visit.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bridgewood Manor QHotels; City: Chatham Kent England; Review: Stayed here for a couple of nights as we were attending a wedding here. The room was comfortable and clean with all the normal facilities and the staff were all very pleasant. There was a good choice on the menu and the food served at the wedding was very good as well. Breakfast was ok - plenty of choice from the help yourself buffet for everything apart from tea and coffee. If we were ever in this area again I would be happy to stay here. It is close to some major roads so there is some traffic noise.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Fintie Folio Case for Kindle Paperwhite - Fits All Paperwhite Generations Prior to 2018 (Not Fit All-New Paperwhite 10th; Brand: Fintie; Review: Great case! Puts the kindle to sleep, is light weight, and feels durable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swiftech H220-X2 Liquid CPU Cooler - Dual 120MM Fans; Brand: Swiftech; Review: Great cooler. I look at my temps in Fahrenheit, and it dropped my temps by 30 degrees. The only complaint I have, is that my LED on the base that hooks to the CPU, doesn't light up! I looked into this, and apparently it's a common issue. It's merely aesthetic, but I was looking forward to it. Apparently it's a PWM splitter issue. The tube lights up though, so it's not a complete loss. Sorry about the bad pic. Not enough lights in my game room! UPDATE : my computer caught fire! The splitter shorted out and melted to my sata cable. I've contacted Swiftech in hopes they can help SECOND UPDATE: Sorry I forgot to post again. Swiftech sent me a new one free of charge! It arrived wuickly and has been working for a few months with no issues! Good customer service so I'm bumping it up to a 4 star from 2. Looks nice and is quiet enough for my liking.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy USB Adapter - For Windows 10/8.1/8 / Windows 7 / Vista, Raspberry; Brand: Kinivo; Review: Just got this and so far it's great! Works with win10 for me, and doesn't compromise any sound from V-Moda crossfades. Great deal!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MoKo Fitbit Blaze Band; Brand: MoKo; Review: Looks awesome and the magnet is strong enough that it doesn't come loose. Easy to put together as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear Headphone - Phantom Chrome; Brand: V-MODA; Review: I've had these headphones for a few months now, and I'm still taken back on how great the sound quality is. I don't like my face vibrating with bass, so these are perfect. I've heard parts of songs I didn't know were there. I think they're very comfortable and with the XL pads, they fit my ears perfectly. The only thing I would say is that if you have a pretty small head, they might be loose for you. I have an average sized head, and I don't extend them at all in length. The battery lasts a long time, and there's not a huge difference in sound quality vs wired. Worth every penny! I edited this because I also forgot to mention how sturdy they are! The metal is flexible but very sturdy. The case it comes with is a hard shell, which fits the headphones in it perfectly, and has a removable piece that carries it's cords. Great idea honestly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kinivo 501BN 5-Port High Speed 4K 30Hz HDMI Switch With IR Wireless Remote And AC Power Adapter; Brand: Kinivo; Review: Only splitter that has lasted me longer than a few weeks. Switched over immediately to whatever I turn on and has a nice little remote to switch between devices if you have more than one on at the same time. I use my computer monitor for all of my devices, and will usually have my computer on, as well as a console. This really helps switching between them easily.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Ladder 49 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Sign (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cellular (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fat Albert (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: After the Sunset (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spanglish (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elektra (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am David (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Woodsman (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Blind Horizon (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Alone in the Dark (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Phantom of the Opera: Special Edition (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Killer Within (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Assault on Precinct 13 (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darkness (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Team America: World Police (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boogeyman (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Submerged (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vampires: The Turning (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mail Order Bride (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Noise (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Are We There Yet? (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Aviator (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chronicle of the Raven (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Last Shot (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Prophecy: Uprising (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seed of Chucky (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Possessed (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Unstoppable (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Lake (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Blood Relic (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hitch (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Devour (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 7 Seconds (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Be Cool (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hostage (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Constantine (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Trail to Hope Rose (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dracula III: Legacy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hide and Seek (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guess Who (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Avia Vampire Hunter (2005); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Alexander: Director's Cut (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Million Dollar Baby (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Urban Legends: Bloody Mary (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: They Are Among Us (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dracula 3000 (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Psychic (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Man of the House (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Check and Double Check with Amos 'n' Andy (1930); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crusader (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Lot Like Love (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Murder at the Presidio (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Deal (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Off Season (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cross Bones (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Ring Two (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sahara (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wes Craven's Invitation to Hell (1984); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Prophecy 5: Forsaken (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Frankenstein (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Crash (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Today You Die (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Pacifier (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Marksman (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Corpses (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Forever Knight: The Trilogy: Part 2 (1994); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Thing Below (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Amityville Horror (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gunslinger's Revenge (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sin City (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Satan's Little Helper (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Witches of the Caribbean (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blood of Beasts (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Woman in White (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Stride Rite SRT Kyle Sandal (Toddler); Brand: ; Review: I really wanted to like these sandals because they match a lot of my 18 month old son's summer clothing. However, these are the worst Stride Rite sandals I have ever bought. They are poorly designed. Nearly all of my son's shoes are Stride Rite SRT shoes. We have been pleased with the design, materials, and construction of all his other shoes from Stride Rite, but these fall short. The bottom strap extends beyond the shoe so far, they look like clown shoes. The top strap is too short thereby causing the velcro to be exposed. I thought I could live with it at first, but I found myself avoiding these shoes depending on where we were going because I was embarrassed about the way the straps look. It is ridiculous. The image is not an accurate depiction of how the shoe straps look when you wear the shoe. We tried a different size but that did not resolve the issue. I did not want to try to return the shoes because my son had been wearing them, so I felt like I was stuck with them. I wrote a review on Stride Rite's website, and to my surprise, a rep responded and offered to let us return the shoes in exchange for a different style even though I bought them somewhere else (za***.com). It has been almost 3 weeks since I returned the shoes. I am waiting to see if we receive any of the 3 choices I selected for replacement. If you have never bought Stride Rite for your little one, don't let this review prevent you from buying their shoes. They are awesome for early walkers (except for their other brands). Just don't buy this particular sandal. There are other reviews with similar comments. Please take heed. I wish I did.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: L'eggs Women's Profiles Capri Shapewear; Brand: L'eggs; Review: I bought the large size in nude to wear under a long ball gown. These capris were suitable for my use. I suggest purchasing one size larger than your clothes size. I am a small to medium in clothes, but I ordered a large after reading other reviews This will ensure that you don't pull a muscle trying to pull these things up. Also, your body will thank you. You want to be smoothed out, but also want to feel comfortable. I am only 5'2" and I had to work to get these pulled up to the point that the crotch does not sag, so I do not know how these will work under pants or leggings. However, they would work perfectly for long, casual dresses that might cling to your curves.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Damara Womens Metal Mesh Crystal Mini Clutch Evening Bag; Brand: Damara; Review: I ordered this purse for a debutante ball for which my son was an escort. I was searching for a purse that had bling without looking cheap. The month of May is prom time, so everything with 'bling' is expensive. I did not have time to drive around the metroplex looking for the perfect purse to coordinate with my gown. It took me awhile to find the right purse online because I needed this purse to fit my lipstick, a small credit card purse, and most importantly, my encased HTC One phone. This purse fit the bill! The item arrived promptly with my Amazon Prime shipping. The workmanship is very good - no flaws or missing crystals. The price was excellent compared to the prices for similar purses found locally at boutiques and shops in the Dallas area. The price was even better than comparable items at our local Sam Moon stores. Also note that this purse does not have any rough edges that can snag a delicate ball gown.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fabulous Delicacy-07 Open Toe Platform Sandals for Women; Brand: Fabulous; Review: I ordered these shoes to wear with a ball gown for a debutante ball for which my son was an escort. I was hesitant to order because of the heel height. My maximum height preference is 3 inches. However, I could not pass up the price for a shoe with such intricate details. The shoes arrived on time with my Amazon Prime shipping. I ordered a size 7.5 which fit perfectly. The platform shoe bed compensates for the heel height so I did not have a problem wearing them for 5 hours. You cannot find a better priced shoe with all the 'blingy' rhinestones. Anything close would cost 3 times more. Note that the front of the shoe might be a little bulky feeling due to the rhinestone front. My feet are on the narrower side, but I had no problem with the front. The bling on the shoe worked perfectly with my long dress as it peeked from the bottom. If you are self conscious about your feet or legs, you probably would not wear this shoe with a short dress because eyes will be drawn to your feet instantly. Nevertheless, these shoes worked perfectly with my long gown and totally completed the look!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: pediped Flex Mercury Running Shoe (Toddler/Little Kid); Brand: pediped; Review: This is our 2nd pair of these shoes. My 4 year old loved these shoes so much, we had to find another pair in the next size when he outgrew them. My son has worn Pediped, as well as See Kai Run brands, almost exclusively since he started walking. Pediped shoes wear well and appear to be very comfortable on my active little boy. Pediped is the new 'Stride Rite' for us. We have grown children for whom Stride Rite was the gold standard for quality shoes for little people learning to walk and run. When we had our surprise little one, I went to Stride Rite to buy shoes. I was sadly disappointed with the inconsistency of their shoe quality beyond their SRT shoes (early walkers). Stride Rite carries a mixed bag of shoe brands that are not consistent with their original shoe standard. I wanted a high quality leather shoe that supported children's foot development. Pediped fits the bill for ALL of their shoes throughout their size ranges . I have bought many shoes through size 26. We have been happy with all our shoes - sandals, dress shoes, sneakers. This particular style is another winner!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stride Rite Taft Dress Shoe (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid); Brand: ; Review: Pay attention to other reviewers' comments concerning the shoe opening. I ordered these shoes for my 5 year old son to replace his Pediped dress shoes. I was in a pinch and needed them quickly so I ordered these against my better judgment after reading reviews. I ordered a size 11W. His feet are not particularly wide, but I purchased wide on the rare occasion that I purchase the Stride Rite brand. He has to work to get his foot in the shoe. We ALWAYS have to help him get his heel down into the shoe. I cannot believe these shoes are leather as they are not pliable at all and they are as tight as they were the day I bought them months ago. They feel like a Payless shoe. I typically only buy Pediped and See Kai Run shoes, so I know what leather shoes should feel like. They are also very clunky and are beginning to look scraped up. They serve the purpose now that we have them. He only wears them to church or special occasions. However, I cannot recommend these shoes to anyone who is looking for a quality leather dress shoe for their little one. I am rating them 2 stars since my little boy is wearing them. I am taking a star off for each factor of importance to me: fit, material, construction. Only buy these if they are priced right and order a size up with hopes of getting them on your little one's feet.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Clarks Women's Kacia Garnet Boot; Brand: ; Review: These are great looking and great fitting boots for Clarks. I am on a Clarks binge since I discovered that they sell fashionable heels. The leather is soft and the fit is great. The suede upper is thin as one reviewer noted, but it is soft and will not rub against your shin like some similarly styled boots. The arch support is excellent, too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CLARKS Women's Delsie Grace; Brand: ; Review: Ok, I am a mom of grown kids, but Clarks has an old lady stigma. Not anymore! These sandals are wonderful! I could just about run a marathon in these shoes. You can run (if you need to dash to your car) or walk briskly with confidence. They are stable sandals that are very comfortable even with the high heel. I am so glad I discovered Clarks high heels. No one can tell these are Clarks. They are so fashionable without sacrificing Clarks trademark leather quality and comfort. I bought these in tan and black. I love them both!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Women's 529 Curvy Crop Jean; Brand: ; Review: I am rating these 5 stars because they fit me and they were super cheap. Note that the jean material is very thin, but it is perfect for our hot climate in Texas. They are a bit stretchy, but they did not lose their shape as the day progressed. I ordered a size 8. They are indeed 'curvy' as I can only wear curvy jeans. There was no gap at the waist line. I ordered these jeans after reading some of the reviews. They met my expectations because I was looking for a lighter denim pant for our Texas weather. Only order these if you are looking for a lightweight crop jean.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boys Tomorrowland Miles Classic Halloween Costume; Brand: ; Review: I ordered this costume out of desperation for my little one. I paid the $30+ price tag. However, this costume is worth $10 at best. Like most costumes, it is cheesy super thin material intended for just a few wears. It is almost disposable. I am rating it 3 stars because it made my 4 year old happy, but it was soooo not worth the high price tag at the time of my purchase. Purchase with caution and super low expectations and you will be happy only because your child is happy.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Touch Ups Women's Allie Manmade Platform Sandal; Brand: Touch Ups; Review: I ordered these shoes to go with my 17 year old daughter's homecoming outfit. They fit as expected. They looked just as the picture depicted. My daughter said they were comfortable to walk in and she does not typically wear high heels. The price and look was just right for our purpose. Note that the platform helps, but these are indeed high heels, so only buy these if you can walk in high heels.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eddie Bauer Boys' Twill Pant (More Styles Available), Classic Khaki; Brand: ; Review: I ordered a size 5 for my five year old son to replace a ripped pair of Land's End uniform pants. These pants were huge on my little one. The waist swallowed him. He is on the lean side, but I can typically get a decent fit from some brands by tightening the adjustable waist. However, these were just an overall bad fit for him. I do not think a size 4 would work either. I think these pants are just generously cut. The overall construction is good for the price. The belt is a nice bonus. This was my first Eddie Bauer purchase, so I am unfamiliar with their product and fit. I'm sure these work fine for some, but unfortunately not for us.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Perry Ellis Little Boys' Dresswear Suit; Brand: Perry Ellis; Review: I don't know what suit for which other reviewers wrote glowing reviews. As for me, this suit did not 'suit' my taste. It fell short of my expectations. I purchased a size 5 for my five year old son for church. I barely took the suit out of the plastic packaging before I decided to immediately return it. I have no idea if it fit my son since I did not really take it out of the packaging. I had to choose a fit in order to complete the review, so I will assume it would have fit. The jacket was not so bad, but the pants were thin and flimsy polyester. I might have given it a chance if the pants had some structure. Also, these pants simply cannot be worn in colder temperatures, not even in Texas! I returned this suit and ordered a more 'suitable' suit from Janie and Jack. It is difficult to find a reasonably priced little boys suit that is similar to Dad's suits, but I refuse to compromise. I am giving it 2 stars, because it IS technically a suit and obviously it meets someone's needs...just not mine's.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Children's Place Big Boys' Straight Leg Jeans; Brand: ; Review: I ordered these jeans in 7 Slim. For the first time ever a slim was a tad bit too snug for my narrow little boy who had a little growth spurt. We normally buy slim fit Levi's which fit great. However, this Children's Place jean has a slimmer fit. We exchanged these for the regular 7 and they had a bit more room for play. These jeans are perfect at this cheap price point for daily school wear, especially for my little boy who has teeth in knees. Even though we returned them, I still recommend them for parents seeking a really slim fit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: RaanPahMuang Unisex Bright Africa Colour Children Dashiki Cotton Shirt; Brand: RaanPahMuang; Review: I was pleasantly surprised to see that this shirt washes nicely. I have washed it twice in cold water and it retained its color and shape. The color representation was accurate. The price was right and it arrived on time for our event.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Pride and Prejudice; Author: Jane Austen; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: GreRt book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 451; Author: Ray Bradbury; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: I have easily read this novel 7 times. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian(spelling) novels. It hits me close to home as I would probably be hording books in my walls if there ever came the point that they were banned. This book shows how allowing others to decide what you read and see really can change our futures.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Velveteen Rabbit; Author: Margery Williams Bianco; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book is still to this day one of my top five favorite children's books ever. It still makes me want to cry.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Shack; Author: William Paul Young; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This book makes me want to laugh and cry. It was well written and an makes a person reflect. I had everyone in my office reading it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Road; Author: Cormac McCarthy; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I have read this books twice! Also recommended it to countless people.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beyond Exile (Day by Day Armageddon,# 2); Author: J.L. Bourne; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Love this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban; Author: Malala Yousafzai; Genres: history, young-adult, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction; Review: I love novels and biography's about true courage. This young woman is changing our world through not only her own acts but the acts she inspires in others.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Orphan Train; Author: Christina Baker Kline; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: This book will have to go on the list of my favorite books I have ever read. It is both awe inspiring and simple. The melting of so many life's and the connects we make with others yet so often don't notice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zoo; Author: James Patterson; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I really enjoy almost all James Patterson's single novels. (never really got hooked by the Alex Cross series and whatnot). Well written and just as enjoyable as his other books I have read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Unimaginable; Author: Dina Silver; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Great read Very interesting read. It was captivating. I literally could not put it down, even during the most difficult sections to read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eden; Author: Tommy Arlin; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I really enjoy apocalypse books and this one was great.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Arena Two (The Survival Trilogy, #2); Author: Morgan Rice; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I have read the first two books in this series and honestly hope to see much more from this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Glitter and Glue; Author: Kelly Corrigan; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Will be reading more by this author!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Those Girls; Author: Chevy Stevens; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: I won this book and was asked to review it. I enjoyed this book so very much. I had to read it all in one sitting as the story was gripping. The characters fears and dreams become yours and you are just hoping for a happy ending. Jess, Courtney, and Dani live on a ranch where they try to stay out of the way of their father's fists. One night the sisters are forced to go on the run leaving almost everything behind.they get caught in an even worse situation when their truck breaks down leaving them at the mercy of two strange men. Events spiral out of control and they must change their names and create new lives. Years go by and life changes in many ways but in others the story is always the same.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seeker (Sweep, #10); Author: Cate Tiernan; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Was a very good young adult series. Have never read past this point but I passed my copies on to my younger cousin and her friends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Heir (The Selection, #4); Author: Kiera Cass; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I enjoyed this young adult series. Was an easy read and very enjoyable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Uncomplicated Life: A Father's Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter; Author: Paul Daugherty; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction; Review: I won this book as a Good Reads First. I enjoyed Daughtery's story of how he and his wife chose to raise their daughter. Their mantra was expect do not accept. Jillian was born with Down syndrome and both in school and at home her parents strive for her to be all she could. Paul tells stories from Jillian's mischievous childhood and moves to her early adulthood sharing endearing anecdotes as well as stories about her inspiring triumphs. This book demonstrates that love is possible in all things. I love the idea of this book and the message behind it. The flow and life of the words in the story seem to lack in many places. Over describing some things while others are left lacking. This is not my favorite book but I am glad I read it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: To Kill a Mockingbird; Author: Harper Lee; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Just recently read this book. I am looking forward to the sequel being published.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fault in Our Stars; Author: John Green; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: Honestly not a huge John Green fan(writing anyway his blogs are kind of amazing). I have read three of his novels and while they are well written and have very good character development none of them sucked me in the way books typically tend to.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; Author: Mark Twain; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: I read this novel in one sitting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alice in Wonderland; Author: Jane Carruth; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I enjoyed Alice in Wonderland very much the book had many fun and interesting elements. Do not read Through The Looking Glass though.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Little Boy Blue: A Puppy's Rescue from Death Row and His Owner's Journey for Truth; Author: Kim Kavin; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: The sheer amount of information in the novel is almost to overwhelming. This could definitely be a book to turn an individual away from dog breeds, and any shelter that is not a no kill shelter. It twists you up reading certain pages and is not for a animal lover that is very emotional.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog; Author: Susannah Charleson; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Not sure if it makes you want to buy a dog, or join a search and rescue group. This story is an amazing testament not just to the relationship people have with their pets but also shows how much we need these animals and how little you hear about their importance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four Perfect Pebbles: A Holocaust Story; Author: Lila Perl; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: The only thing I didn't like about this book was the fact it switched between first and third person. The story is both inspiring and heartbreaking. A true and engaging story of a jewish family during the Holocaust; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Let Me In; Author: John Ajvide Lindqvist; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read this when it was first published.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Code talker; Author: Chester Nez; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about World War II. The story is awe inspiring and really makes you feel as if you lived and breathed right beside Chester Nez. It is also very informative about Indian life on the reservation as he was growing up(being shipped off to school every year). This book spans through Mr. Nez's childhood, the development of the code used during World War II, as well as during and after the war until after the code was revealed to the general population. I am not sure how the book reads as I listened to the audio version but I loved this book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: We Are All the Same: A Story of a Boy's Courage and a Mother's Love; Author: Jim Wooten; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: This book is an amazing story of a young black african boy and his journey through life born hiv positive. His birth mothers surrender of him and his unofficial adoption by white african. Their fight for his education, medicine and the aids community. Born into a country that covered up or denied the existence of hiv and aids throughout his life he and his mother Gail fought to better and enhance the life's of so many. I laughed and cried at Nkosi fought so courageously for a haven for mother's and their babies born hiv positive.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust; Author: Edith Hahn Beer; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I enjoyed this book a lot. Have now read it twice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Islands at the End of the World (Islands at the End of the World, #1); Author: Austin Aslan; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I love dystopian and apocalypse books. This novel I ran across in the library while title surfing and it hooked me. A young girl and her father stranded on one side of the Hawaiian islands away from all they know. Using her unique gifts(read the book) and lots of bravery (or stupidity depending on who you ask) father and daughter travel both on the run from island residents and with their assistance towards the only future they can imagine. Does the lack of electrical power mean a grander life for their future or does it spell death not just for the family but for the entire population. Does the assistance they receive headed home spell trouble in the future not just for the family but for all Hawaii.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Congo; Author: Michael Crichton; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The book is always better then the movie. This holds true for this novel which I read a few years ago. I will without a doubt be reading more by this author; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Monster at the End of this Book; Author: Jon Stone; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This is one of my favorite Golden Books. I still read it at least once a year and buy it for all of my nieces nephews and any other child I am close with.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dark Coup; Author: David C. Waldron; Genres: fiction; Review: I enjoyed this series very much; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Road; Author: David C. Waldron; Genres: fiction; Review: Apocalypse books rank amongst my favorite type of reading. This book and the whole series really drew me in.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Grid; Author: David C. Waldron; Genres: fiction; Review: This is an easy reading series. It is not supposed to teach you to survive off the grid or any other teotwawki situation. It was supposed to be and is light interesting reading. I enjoyed that very much.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die, #1); Author: Danielle Paige; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I really enjoyed this book. Having never heard of this author or seen any of the reviews about her books I purchased this because of the name alone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scavenger's Daughters (Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters #1); Author: Kay Bratt; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Great This book made me happy and sad. An amazing story about humanity and how much one can do with so little. Also how easy it can be to bring joy to another.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Silent Sister (Riley MacPherson, #1); Author: Diane Chamberlain; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: I enjoyed reading this book. Riley believes that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager. When her father has passes away and she's cleaning out his house when she is told a different story. With each person she meets telling her something different the truth becomes a maze. Lisa is alive! Living under a new identity, and she may not be the sad girl Riley was told all her life. As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family. When everything in you is screaming for the truth how deep will you dig.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project; Author: Jack Mayer; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: I would give this book a million stars if it was an option. Everyone should read this book she was an amazing woman.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Elect: Malevolent; Author: Tamryn Ward; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: Okay Very much like divergent. Not a bad book but reading this I was thinking that over and over. A decent dystopian book though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hit (Hit, #1); Author: Delilah S. Dawson; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I listened to this as an audio book and enjoyed it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Small Great Things; Author: Jodi Picoult; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Fantastic book! Though I do always love her novels this particular novel is one of my favorites; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Blood Money; Author: Visit Amazon's Rochelle Majer Krich Page; Review: I had high hopes when starting this book. The reviews were so favorable. I received this and "Serpentine" as gifts. I gave up after about 200 pages. It was bogged down by an extended history of the victims family for 3 or 4 generations, and it was slow moving. If you value your time, read something else.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Daddy's Little Girl; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Higgins Clark Page; Review: Since so many people enjoy her books I thought I would give her a try. I purchased this and another one of her books since it was on sale. I had never read anything by her before. It was awful. There was very little character development and I didn't care what happened to any of them. After reading this I bought the other back without ever reading it. It reminded me of the one Danielle Steele novel I read years ago.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Brimstone (Pendergast, Book 5); Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas Preston Page; Review: Preston and Child are without a doubt 2 of the most very talented authors writing today. Their books are always entertaining and well written. You will not be disappointed by Brimstone. It is a fun and interesting book. The characters are well developed especially Pendergast who is charming and eccentric. I enjoy researching the topics that these authors present. I think that anytime a reader's interest is piqued enough to continue learning is a testment to an author's skill.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Descent (Descent Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff Long Page; Review: I almost stopped reading this after about 100 pages since I found it a bit confusing when it jumped from character to character without any apparent link. It did eventually gel together shortly afterward and turned out to be pretty good. I would read other books by Jeff Long. Nice mix of sci-fi and suspense.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jinn: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew B.J. Delaney Page; Review: I agree with other reviewers that the book was inconsistent in its theme. The flow was awkward and I think that a good editor could have made revisions. Objects are used and then suddenly reappear, subjects are brought up and then never again addressed. I think the author has great potential and I would read another of this books with the hope that he is able to refine his talent.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Creepers; Author: Visit Amazon's David Morrell Page; Review: This is the first David Morrell book that I have read. It is not a horror novel which is what I initially thought after reading the jacket. It was good solid entertainment. Filled with suspense, action and good character development. Although I think that more could have been done with "the professor". Morrell's writing style is wonderful, it has a great flow and makes you anxious to read ahead. I will read more books by this author. The book would make a great movie.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Days to Never: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Tim Powers Page; Review: Throughout this book I felt as though I had picked up several books and started reading them from the middle. I understand that it is about "time travel" but it felt very disorganized. It was too in-depth in some areas and did not invest enough effort in others. The characters were not well developed. It just had an overall empty feel to it. I am a first time reader of Tim Powers and I guess I chose the wrong book to start with.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Ruins; Author: Visit Amazon's Scott Smith Page; Review: This book was like a bad "B" movie. I like fantasy and science fiction but this was just a silly gruesome tale that really went nowhere. I agree with the other reviewer who said that they were waiting for the villain to appear. The book jacket is misleading. There were no "ruins" and no "other".It could have been a great creepy story. Too bad.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wives of Henry VIII; Author: Antonia Fraser; Review: Great book about the many interesting women married to the famous Monarch. Ms Fraser is a great writer breathing life into each one of the Queen's, showing their vulnerability as well as strength. I will be reading more by this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Importer520 Rubberized Snap-On Hard Skin Protector Case Cover for For iPod Touch 4 - Red; Brand: Importer520; Review: Much prettier than pictured. Almost has two-tone finish. Snaps on tightly and leaves easy access for all buttons and plugs. Fits my iPod 4g. It has what appears to be an extra hole in front, but that might be needed for earlier versions of the iPod. I shopped around for this, read a lot of reviews, and I'm not sorry I chose this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cardo S-800 Bluetooth In-Ear, Over-the-Ear Headset; Brand: Cardo; Review: I read all of these reviews and ordered the product. I don't know what people are complaining about. This bluetooth is excellent. Sound quality is awesome. I've had a lot of bluetooths and this is just as good as any of the pricier units. I've paid more for units that didn't work half as well as this one. Save your money! Just order this. It's excellent.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Acer Iconia A200-10g16u 10.1-Inch Screen Tablet - Titanium Gray; Brand: Acer; Review: Go for the iconia a500. This one has barely audible speaker volume. A simple Google search will show you how many people are complaining about this.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Boom Cube As Seen on TV Speakers - COLORS MAY VARY!; Brand: Idea Village; Review: I love this thing! Just as advertised. I have a tablet that I just can't hear at all and now its not an issue anymore, thanks to the Boom Cube.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Samsung IT SM-T670NZKAXAR Samsung Galaxy View 32GB Android 18.4" Wi-Fi Tablet Computer (Black); Brand: Samsung; Review: Love this tablet!! People are asking if the built in stand is removable. Some are detailing how to remove the pin that holds it in. I understand that just reading a description of this tablet, you might think that it would be a hindrance, but honestly it isn't at all. In fact, the last thing I would want to do is remove it. It has a handle on top of it, which is really the only secure way to carry the tablet. Without it, it would be awkward and I'd be sure to drop this huge thing lol. Also, the stand is no bother at all when in your lap. In fact, you won't even know it's there. It's not cumbersome. The quality of the tablet itself is just what you expect from Samsung: Great graphics, speed, and seamless operation. It's perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Samsung Galaxy View 18.4" Screen Protector + Carbon Fiber Full; Brand: Skinomi; Review: ...you have to read the directions ! As they say in the directios, there may be streaks and bubbles no matter how careful you are. BUT, you just smooth them out as best you can and then wait two to three days. Yes they really will disappear. I was discouraged by the streaks and imperfections on mine, certain that I had just wasted my money. But I waited and they disappeared and now my screen protector is as smooth as glass. So don't fret. Also, I sprayed the solution all over the screen not just on the screen protector because I saw that tip on a YouTube video. I don't know how much of a difference that made, I just know that it turned out perfect after two to three days.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Phantom Touch; Author: Visit Amazon's Jessica Hawke Page; Review: A great, quick read for a dark, dreary weekend! The story was spell-binding -- no pun intended -- as a teenaged girl finds herself being the rope in a tug-of-war between a normal life and paranormal forces. She wants to live a normal life; but the only way to help her friends is by using her paranormal powers. I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 3500: An Autistic Boy's Ten-Year Romance with Snow White; Author: Visit Amazon's Ron Miles Page; Review: Those of us who teach autistic kids know the frustration of the fixations. But using the fixations, as this man did, can bring about wonderful growth, as shown in this book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Cherry Pie (Hell's Belles) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's JD Monroe Page; Review: Fast paced book with a great twisty plot and well-drawn characters. I'm looking forward to more from J.D. Monroe!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Phantom Traces (Phantoms) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Jessica Hawke Page; Review: I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Phantom Touch. The pace is exciting, the characters are well drawn, the plot seems as if it could be real. Keep the books coming, Ms. Hawke!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas; Author: Visit Amazon's James Patterson Page; Review: Anything by Sparks is a compelling read. But this is one of his best! I read it all in one day, simply couldn't put it down. Many emotions tumbling together.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Call It Chemistry: A Golden Grove Series Small Town Romance (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's D. J. Van Oss Page; Review: For those who think love is more than falling into bed on the first date, this one is the book for you. A lot of old memories of growing up together, along with a lot of making new memories when fate brings them together again. And fun, well-written characters.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Song of the Mockingbird; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Cronin Page; Review: I like the story line, I like the voice, I like the characters and the way they're filled out. But grammatical mistakes really get in the way of the enjoyment. There are numerous problems with subject/verb agreement. Quotations marks are left out, or out in the wrong place, or put in where none are needed. There are run-on sentences. There are partial sentences. There are commas where semi-colons are needed and vice versa. Not once or twice, but at least one of these problems on each and every page. Most word processing programs have a grammar check function, which would fix most of the problems, or at least point them out so that the author/editor could fix them. Please, please, please, someone re-edit this book so that it's readable!; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Safety In Numbers-21st Century Redux; Brand: Crack the Sky; Review: Be prepared for a new version of the songs previously released. The extra songs aren't so bad either.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crack the Sky: All Access; Brand: ; Review: A must for all CTS fans; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Keep Me Singing; Brand: Van Morrison; Review: Another fine example of Van Morrison at his best. For me not one bad song on this disc. A beautiful addition for any music collection.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unfinished Business; Brand: Danny Gatton; Review: This- in my mind - is a hidden gem by Danny. There is not a bad song on this disc. A must have in any Danny Gatton collection.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gemini Suite; Brand: Jon Lord; Review: I had this on vinyl years ago, and I really admired Jons' compositional skills on this project. I recommend this for both Deep Purple collectors as well as for the person who is looking for something completely different to listen to.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jazz Message; Brand: Art Blakey; Review: Ever since I downloaded this it has been on my daily play list. One of Mcoys best performances. The whole release is a definite favorite.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Genres: Adventure, Drama, IMAX; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dances with Wolves (1990); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Western; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batman (1989); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Batman Forever (1995); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Aladdin (1992); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Musical; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fugitive, The (1993); Genres: Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Silence of the Lambs, The (1991); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beauty and the Beast (1991); Genres: Animation, Children, Fantasy, Musical, Romance, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Waterworld (1995); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Outbreak (1995); Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Net, The (1995); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Firm, The (1993); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Babe (1995); Genres: Children, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Genres: Action, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Quiz Show (1994); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mask, The (1994); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Addams Family Values (1993); Genres: Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Usual Suspects, The (1995); Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Disclosure (1994); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Congo (1995); Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Client, The (1994); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American President, The (1995); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nell (1994); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Piano, The (1993); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sense and Sensibility (1995); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Holland's Opus (1995); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maverick (1994); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Western; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Little Women (1994); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (a.k.a. ID4) (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Remains of the Day, The (1993); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miracle on 34th Street (1994); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937); Genres: Animation, Children, Drama, Fantasy, Musical; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Madness of King George, The (1994); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hoop Dreams (1994); Genres: Documentary; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain, The (1995); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Musketeers, The (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bullets Over Broadway (1994); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Muriel's Wedding (1994); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: The Wedding Planner (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Super Size Me (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Jury (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seinfeld: Seasons 1 & 2 (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Terminal (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sideways (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hidden Hawaii: IMAX (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ray (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Seinfeld: Season 3 (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop III (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop II (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Turner and Hooch (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride 2 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Bride (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seinfeld: Season 4 (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Baby (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lean on Me (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Best of Friends: Vol. 1 (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking Now (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hitch (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Simplicity Kid's Costume Party Cowboy Straw Hat with Decorated Headband; Brand: ; Review: The top is not deep enough to be able to stay on your head, but if you use the chin string it works ok :); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: DailyShoes Women's Embroidered Legend Pointed Toe Pull up Zipper Mid Calf Western Cowboy Boots Knee High Boot; Brand: ; Review: Love this with the inside pockets. It even holds my little gun. I like these so much I am wanting them in every color!! They do run small, so if you wear a size 5 in woman like I do, you'll want a size 5.5 or 6.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bangkokpants Women's Long Bohemian Hippie Skirt Boho Dresses Elephant One Size Asymmetric Hem Design; Brand: Bangkokpants; Review: I love the pattern and how it flares out. Definitely compfy, I am 5'5 and if I do not wear it above my belly button with cow girl boots on it drags the floor. But I can wear it as a tube-top and it is cute!! ALSO you definitely would want to wear a slip under it. ;); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ZJ Clothes Ladies Women Boyfriend Open Cardigan with Pockets All Sizes; Brand: ZJ Clothes; Review: A little lighter in color than what I expected, but for the price, it is awesome!!! Very comfortable, and I love the feel of the clothe.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seamless Comfort Wirefree Racerback Workout Sports Yoga Bras for Women Orange M; Brand: OTIOTI; Review: These are excellent and I want to get the other colors too! I wear them instead of snap on or hook bras and they are amazing! Just enough padding so people can't tell that you are cold. lol; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doris Apparel Women's American Flag Print Tassel Hem Hi-Lo Tank Maxi Dress; Brand: Doris Apparel; Review: The colors are really faded, and not what I expected in fitting me. It did not look right or fit right on my curves. Baggy on my stomach and waste.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: NYKKOLA Pearl Rose Sheet Womens Vintage Fashion Long Necklace Flower Chain; Brand: NYKKOLA; Review: It is very pretty but came broken and was very hard to put back together.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: YAZILIND Wedding Bridal Rhinestone Purple Engagement Ring For Women; Brand: YAZILIND; Review: The jewel is very thin, but I LOVE this ring, it has not changed my finger any color and does not scratch easy. Still has it's sparkle!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lnabni Strapless Self Adhesive Silicone Invisible Push-up Bras for Women, Pack of 2 …; Brand: LONOVE; Review: You are not able to wear these under a regular T-Shirt they only stay put if you wear them under a fitted halter or dress. If the top is loose, they will fall off. I wear them all the time with my tops that have the built in bras.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Women Retro Wedding Jewelry Alloy Crucifix Pendant Chain Necklace; Brand: SPHTOEO; Review: I received this broken. Usually when I see good deals like this, I jump on it, because they normally are of good quality. But I could have got this out of a gumball machine.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lotsyle Faux Leather with Sequins Leggings Fashion Pants Bling Tights; Brand: Lotsyle; Review: Not what I expected. I was pleased that the sequins didn't poke through and poke my leg or ankles. They seem to be well made, and they are surprisingly comfortable. I ordered a medium, I am 5'5" weigh 130 and I have butt lol. these fit like leggings, they stretch a little. But when I got them they had a little hole in the front of them. They look better in the picture than on me. lol; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Body Candy Women's Aurora Snowflake Belly Button Ring; Brand: Body Candy; Review: I have not taken this off since I got it and even wear it in the shower, and it has not turned me any colors or snagged clothing. This is perfect! All the rhine stones are still intact. LOVE THIS!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Reiko BPC-IPHONE4SPK Durable Belt Clip-Style Holster Case for iPhone 4/4S - 1 Pack - Retail Packaging - Pink; Brand: Reiko; Review: for what it is worth and what I paid for this, it is decent. The only objection I have is the belt clip part. It slides off of the belt too easily.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: iPhone 4 Phone Case, Black Carbon Fiber Pattern with Slim Gold Chrome Bumper Frame Hard Back Case; Brand: Bastex; Review: Cheap plastic tabs (ears) broke the moment I stretched it a bit to insert my iPhone. Pure junk... Don't buy it....; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Acase iPhone 5s Case / iPhone 5 case - Superleggera PRO Dual Layer Protection case (White); Brand: Acase; Review: Those reviews I read before I placed order were RIGHT on the money. I did not give FIVE stars because the product was NOT delivered on the date it said it was to be delivered. Now I need to shop for the pouch that I can either clip onto the BELT or loop it on the belt.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CellAccessoriesStore Leather Horizontal Large Size Protective Carrying Cell Phone Case with Belt Clip and Belt Loops for AT&T Apple iPhone; Brand: CellAccessoriesStore; Review: It does not work for iPhone 4. Maybe I misread the product info when I placed the order, but this DEFINITELY does not work for iPhone 4. I am using it to hold my "reading glasses".. If you are looking for iPhone4 holder, look somewhere else as this will not work for you.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Premium Vertical Leather Pouch Case with Belt Clip for Apple iPhone 4S 4-S; Brand: NEM; Review: It did not fit my iPhone 4S which had the hard plastic protector. This pouch was too tight fit for the iPhone 4S with casing on it already. I did not want to return this back as the cost of returning would be more than what I paid. So I am keeping it for other use. But for anyone who has already bought any kind of iPhone 4S protector, this pouch will not fit....; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cocomii Robot Armor Galaxy S5 Active Case NEW [Heavy Duty] Premium Belt Clip Holster Kickstand Shockproof Bumper [Military; Brand: Cocomii; Review: The design concept was good, but the manufacturing execution failed. The rubber phone jacket is too thick when it was put on, it is almost impossible to yank it out of the holster. Not sure if the product designers and engineers put this to the test, but it is very HARD to INSERT and EXTRACT the phone from holster.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Galaxy S7 Case, Aduro Shell & Holster Combo Case Super Slim Shell Case w/Built-in Kickstand; Brand: Aduro; Review: Not sure what the material used for manufacturing the case is, but the material is so damn slippery and often times it slips off of your hand. That is the reason why I gave the 3 stars. Nothing bad about the seller. Seller was very punctual in delivering the product the day it was promised to. 2018-1-18: Seller contacted me and wanted to make good on the product. Seller offered the replacement at no additional cost. That was very generous. A true worthy of a good Amazon seller. Replacement product (same product) arrived. It is not much different, but better than the original. Thank you Seller.. So, I am changing the rating to 5 stars..; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Swanson's Moving & Delivery LLC; City: Tucson, AZ; Review: I called Swanson's on Monday. They Moved us on Wednesday. We were a disaster buy they were fantastic. It took five hours to move a house full of stuff across town. If we had been better prepared, I'm sure they could have done it in four or less. I chose them because of Yelp, and I wanted to make sure I spread the word too. They are priced right and very efficient.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Takamatsu; City: Tucson, AZ; Review: Great place for me and my family. They get to enjoy teppan while I get my sushi. Both are tasty. Not as fancy as Sakura, but the prices are better. I like their happy hour specials on sushi and appetizers. Minor downside is that their tables and chairs can be a bit rickety and the large open room can make things a bit loud.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bear Canyon Pizza; City: Tucson, AZ; Review: I ate at Bear Canyon Pizza on for the first time Thursday night. It was busy but the staff seemed on top of things. We got a cheese pizza, a side of meatballs for the kids, and some of their garlic knots. The garlic knots were quite tasty, although the looked more like biscuits than knots. The pizza was crisp in the right places and tender in the rest, although it was a little spicy. I ended up eating some of the kids meatballs to push back the burn a bit. We loved the play area for the kids, which kept them busy before and after we ate. I fully expect to come back.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starbucks; City: Tucson, AZ; Review: This is a nice Starbucks to hang out at. It is smaller than most, but the view is great and the staff is always nice. There is no drive in, which keeps the noise down. I am an ice coffee and scones kind of person and the quality here is first rate. I would certainly recommend it. I often take my kids here and they are always friendly to them. They also still have the old style tables and chairs, which I prefer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sushi-Cho; City: Tucson, AZ; Review: I've never left a review before because I only get takeout, but now that seems to be the way things are for everyone. Quality sushi. Prices are reasonable. I usually get the deluxe cho combo with either the rainbow roll or dragon roll. I've never been disappointed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Clarion Inn Historic Strasburg Inn; City: Strasburg Lancaster County Pennsylvania; Review: The hotel has a certain "historic" charm and the room we had was rather large. The room decorations are plain, but nice and go with the historic theme. The bed was very comfortable and after a long day of shopping and running around we were tired. The room had a rather large bathroom with a separate make-up sink. The staff was courteous and very helpful when we asked for dinner recommendations. After a restful night of sleep we woke up early and had breakfast in the sunroom. The whole place was kept nice and clean. Our son liked playing on the all wood playground I travel extensively for work and my wife is a meeting planner so we are used to hotels. We were very happy with the accommodations, the staff, and the price at this hotel. It was a nice surprise.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Disney s Caribbean Beach Resort; City: Orlando Florida; Review: I stayed at the Caribbean beach resort in oct 2012. Total stay was 4 nights. Rooms we nice enough clean enough and location was good. The grounds are really nice plenty to do for a family. Food choices are a bit weak other than fast food and pool grill. But then again most folks don't come to Disney to work so they eat elsewhere I am guessing Given the age of this hotel they have kept it up nicely and it doesn't show the age I would recommend it for families wanting the Disney experience; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen; City: Stockholm; Review: Just Stayed for 4 nights at The Marriott Courtyard in Stockholm. This is a nice hotel that is pretty easy to get to. I stayed in a single king bed room which was clean comfortable and nicely furnished. The room and bathroom were actually large by Euro City Standards and decorated in a very modern, style. We spent quite a bit of time in the lobby area which is also very hip and comfortable. I was offered a discount on breakfast when I checked in which I gladly accepted and was very pleased with. While it is a bit away from the main downtown area, it is only 1 block or so from the subway so transport was easy. The staff were extremely accommodating and offered excellent service for any request memboers of my group had during our stay. The restaurant Bjork is very good and the bar is nice as well. I will be traveling to Stockholm a few more times this year and will definitely stay at the courtyard again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thon Hotel Hoyers; City: Skien Skien Municipality Telemark Eastern Norway; Review: I stayed at the Thon Hoyers hotel in skien for 5 days. The hotel is in an excellent location. The restaurant/bar is very good and included an excellent breakfast each day. The only drawback was no air conditioning and it was unusually hot while I was there. That said there was an electric fan in the room which helped a lot. The room was nice sized, Had a large flat panel TV lots of channels, good wifi, and a good sized bathroom. Overall I was happy with this hotel and will recommend it to those traveling to skien.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Residence Inn Charlotte Piper Glen; City: Charlotte North Carolina; Review: I got stuck in Carlotte during the bomb cyclone. Was supposed to leave on Friday and was rescheduled to go Sunday instead. So needless to say I was in a foul mood. Arrived at hotel and the staff was so nice. Everyone I spoke to was top notch. My flight out Sunday was very early and they has some food and coffee out at 5:30AM which is unheard of and awesome. Will choose this hotel again next trip to Charlotte; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Orlando World Center Marriott; City: Orlando Florida; Review: Made last minute plans for a long weekend in Orlando. This is a large full service hotel. It has multiple restaurants, a great outdoor pool area with waterslides and dedicated area for Kids. Service was great overall, Valet was a bit slow at one point due to large group coming in. It is very close to Disney as well. My Wife and I both travel a lot for work and both thought this was a good property. My kids absolutely loved this resort. I would recommend it if you want a convenient full service property.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tewkesbury Park; City: Tewkesbury Cotswolds England; Review: Tewkesbury Park is a nice hotel which offers full service including onsite restaurants, spa, pool and gym. Oh and a full golf course as well. The hotel is maintained well and the staff are courteous and professional. The bedrooms are decent sized and have a nice bed TV desk, etc. mine had a beautiful view of the golf course and the surround hills. The restaurant is nice and offer a separate bar menu. Overall a nice place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Rv Buyers Survival Guide Edition II; Author: Bob Randall; Review: My apologies to other reviewers who had negative sentiments concerning this book but I (a 60 year old man) found this book very informative. No, there are no "tricks" and it does present "common sense" principles but it DOES explain in detail the dealer's process in establishing a price and in negotiating the lowest offer that they will probably take below the MSRP. It takes common sense and insider knowledge and organizes them so the average RV buyer can use them to their negotiating advantage. It is certainly better than walking into a dealership unarmed with any clues. I think some of the complaints concerned the first edition. The second edition is in booklet form. It is a bit high priced for the size and quality of the book but it is NOT high priced when compared to the information the contents give to the reader. Recently, a friend of mine bought a new Chevy pickup truck. While he was describing the negotiating process, I was thinking to myself that his actions seemed bull-headed and almost rude. But, as this book points out, you are negotiating for YOUR MONEY and not for five or ten dollars but for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. My buddy knew what a fair price was and he not only stuck to his guns but he was willing to walk out of the showroom unless they made a deal that day. Just as described in this book. If you have done your research properly and you KNOW what a fair price is then YOU MUST stick to your guns and not let sales-people talk you out of any more money with flimsy reasons. The glossary is helpful and the author did steer me toward a fifth-wheel rather than a travel trailer by letting me know that there is more liveable space in the fifth-wheel for a given length. The trailer has a 3' hitching point in front. Also, the combined length of the truck and fifth-wheel will be shorter than with a truck and trailer because of the way the fifth-wheel hitches up in the bed of the truck rather than on the rear bumper area. That allows for easier maneuvering. There were some very helpful guides about what to compare when shopping for a rig, too. They covered all the options such as bed size, holding tank size, hot water heater size, chassis, sidewall construction etc, etc. But, the "meat" of the book was how to take all the information that you have gathered and figure out a "fair" price. Then, how to take that information and use it when you go to the dealer. Priceless. He explains what the MSRP is, how it is calculated and, most importantly, why it exists. Remember, if the MSRP is a 40 % markup from the invoice price, you don't take 40 % off of the MSRP to get the invoice price. It would be a 28 % markdown from the MSRP to get the invoice price. Math is funny isn't it? Practice with your calculators.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion; Author: George J., PhD Thompson; Review: Eh; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ainslie's complete guide to Thoroughbred Racing; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom Ainslie Page; Review: It gave me enough information so that I decided that making money at the races was a losing proposition.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Eng Page; Review: Informative book that convinced me that trying to make money at the racetrack was a losing proposition.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GM Full-Size Trucks, 1980-87 (Chilton Total Car Care Series Manuals); Author: Chilton; Review: It's a Chilton's; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chevy/GMC Pickups & Suburbans 1970-87 (Chilton's Repair & Tune-Up Guides); Author: The Chilton Editors; Review: It's a Chilton's; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Understanding exposure; Author: Bryan F Peterson; Review: Good book for those who want to learn more about using their cameras.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The ARRL Extra Class License Manual for Radio Amateaurs, 8th Edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Larry D. Wolfgang Page; Review: Everything you need to pass the exam.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Murach's MVS TSO: Concepts and ISPF (Pt.1); Author: Visit Amazon's Doug Lowe Page; Review: Interesting and informative.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ford Windstar: 1995 through 2003 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual); Author: James Marotta; Review: It's a Chiltons. Good and bad but necessary.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bowies, Big Knives, And The Best Of Battle Blades; Author: Visit Amazon's Bill Bagwell Page; Review: Informative book. You'll learn a lot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Little Black Book of Violence: What Every Young Man Needs to Know About Fighting; Author: Visit Amazon's Lawrence A. Kane Page; Review: Yeah, good luck in the streets.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chevrolet & GMC Pick-ups, 1967 Thru 1987 (Haynes Repair Manual); Author: Haynes; Review: It's a Haynes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Do Everything with Digital Photography (How to Do Everything); Author: Visit Amazon's David Huss Page; Review: Interesting and informative.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Picking winners: A horse player's guide; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Beyer Page; Review: It gave me enough information so that I decided that trying to make money at the racetrack was a losing proposition.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Woodall's North American Campground Directory, 2005: The Active RVer's Guide to RV Parks, Service Centers & Atrractions; Author: Woodall's Publications Corp.; Review: Must have for those seeking information about campgrounds.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 50 Fast Digital Camera Techniques (50 Fast Techniques Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Gregory Georges Page; Review: Interesting and informative.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Digital Photography: Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks (Toop 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks); Author: Visit Amazon's Gregory Georges Page; Review: Interesting and informative.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jeep Wrangler/YJ 1987-95 (Chilton's Total Car Care.); Author: The Chilton Editors; Review: It's a Chilton's.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chrysler Neon, 1995-99 (Chilton Total Car Care Series Manuals); Author: Chilton; Review: The usual Chilton manual - good and bad. BUT, handy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide; Author: Visit Amazon's John Shaw Page; Review: Informative and interesting.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Terracotta: The Technique of Fired Clay Sculpture; Author: Visit Amazon's Bruno Lucchesi Page; Review: Informative book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jeep Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your Jeep (Owners Bible); Author: Visit Amazon's Moses Ludel Page; Review: Interesting and informative depending on what you are seeking.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Now You're Talking! All You Need to Get Your First Amateur Radio License, Fifth Edition; Author: American Radio Relay League; Review: The information you need to pass your exam.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crisp: Excellence in Supervision: Essential Skills for the New Supervisor (Crisp 50-Minute Book); Author: Richard Conlow; Review: Informative; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jeep Wrangler Automotive Repair Manual: 1987 through 2003 All Models; Author: Visit Amazon's Mike Stubblefield Page; Review: It's a Haynes manual.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How To Make Money with Digital Photography (A Lark Photography Book); Author: Visit Amazon's Dan Heller Page; Review: Interesting and informative for finding markets for your work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magic Lantern Guides: Canon EOS 30D; Author: Visit Amazon's Rob Sheppard Page; Review: Handy information for learning about and operating that camera.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pricing Photography: The Complete Guide to Assignment & Stock Prices; Author: Visit Amazon's Michal Heron Page; Review: Interesting and informative for putting a value on your work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bowie And Big-knife Fighting System; Author: Visit Amazon's Dwight C. McLemore Page; Review: Basically, the Bowie fighting system is based on fencing. The Bowie knife, after all, is just a short sword.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Photographer's Guide to Wedding Album Design and Sales; Author: Visit Amazon's Bob Coates Page; Review: Informative for those who want to branch out into another area of photography.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Professional Techniques for Pet and Animal Photography; Author: Visit Amazon's Debrah H Muska Page; Review: Interesting and informative for those who may want to branch out into another field of photography.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Bowie Primer: Era/Man/Knife; Author: F. R. Winchell; Review: Another aspect of history and how our culture originated and how our society was back in the day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Digital Wedding Photography; Author: Paul Gero; Review: An informative book for those who want to branch out into another area of photography or just improve their personal picture taking.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography; Author: Visit Amazon's David D. Busch Page; Review: Handy for learning about and operating that camera.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Defensive Tactics: Modern Arrest & Control Techniques for Today's Police Warrior; Author: Visit Amazon's Loren W. Christensen Page; Review: Some good - some not so good. But, informative.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The ARRL Extra Class License Manual; Author: Arrl Inc; Review: Over the years (decades), ARRL has refined and perfected these books. They have questions in the back of the book with references to the page and item number where the information is found. As you are reading, have a yellow highlighter handy and highlight those referenced numbers. Then, when you review the test questions, you can quickly find where the information is located to answer that question. Now you know why ARRL has been THE AUTHORITY for these books and for preparing for the exams as compared to other authors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The ARRL General Class License Manual Spiral Bound; Author: Visit Amazon's ARRL Inc. Page; Review: Over the years (decades), ARRL has refined and perfected these books. They have questions in the back of the book with references to the page and item number where the information is found. As you are reading, have a yellow highlighter handy and highlight those referenced numbers. Then, when you review the test questions, you can quickly find where the information is located to answer that question. Now you know why ARRL has been THE AUTHORITY for these books and for preparing for the exams as compared to other authors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual Spiral Bound; Author: Visit Amazon's ARRL Inc. Page; Review: Over the years (decades), ARRL has refined and perfected these books. They have questions in the back of the book with references to the page and item number where the information is found. As you are reading, have a yellow highlighter handy and highlight those referenced numbers. Then, when you review the test questions, you can quickly find where the information is located to answer that question. Now you know why ARRL has been THE AUTHORITY for these books and for preparing for the exams as compared to other authors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess; Author: Visit Amazon's Bobby Fischer Page; Review: We all know Bobby Fischer as a chess Master but who would have thought that he is a Master teacher, too. You figure someone like him could teach other Masters but would never be able to talk to a complete beginner. I am a total newbie and love the way he presents material and makes you think. I bought the paperback which was the most expensive format but am a bit disappointed in the quality of the paper and diagrams. The book is somewhat small (9"x6") and the diagrams are dark on unglossy off-white paper. I was hoping for an 8.5"x11" on glossy paper for the price. Then, there is another oddity. Half the book is upside down. Starting with page 25, each succeeding page is written on the right-side of the book while pages 179 thru 334 are upside down on the left side of the book. But, they too would be on the right side after flipping the book upside down. So, you read 25 thru 178 on just the right side pages then flip the book upside down to read 179 thru 334??? I wonder if the original was that way or if it is an error in rebinding? I wonder if the hardcopy is any better quality?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chess Tactics for Kids; Author: Visit Amazon's Murray Chandler Page; Review: Wow, maybe for EXPERIENCED CHESS PLAYING KIDS. But, for a newbie like me, I was lost after the first couple of pages. It took me awhile to figure out in the FIRST EXAMPLE, with only five pieces on the board, how the rook sacrifice let the knight put the King in checkmate. It would be obvious to any player with a few months of experience but that ain't me, yet. Then, the terminology that the author thinks we are all familiar with. "Of course, you can see several tactical motifs hidden below the surface - including deflection and discovered attack..." REALLY??? I SURE MISSED IT. I'll bet that after I become more familiar with chess then this book will be super helpful.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How to Run a Lathe: The Care and Operation of a Screw Cutting Lathe; Author: John Joseph O'Brien; Review: I knew just from the cover and that it was produced by South Bend Lathe Works that this book would be filled with priceless gems of wisdom. And, it hasn't disappointed. Remember, though, that the copyright is 1942 so some material is dated. For instance, lacing the leather belts that run from the motor to the headstock or using lard oil for lubricating your cutting work. But, there is a goldmine of information that transcends time about using the lathe for cutting, shaping or making threads and more. There is information about setting up the lathe so it is level, oiling and maintaining the lathe, checking for proper alignment between headstock and tailstock, cutting speeds for various metals, cutting tool formation, the use of center and follower rests and on and on.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chess for Juniors: A Complete Guide for the Beginner; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert M. Snyder Page; Review: I assume that when a teaching book is written for "Juniors" that I would be able to learn from it since I'm 72 years old. But, these "Juniors" must be 13 years old with 25 years of chess experience. It'll be quite awhile before I'm able to comprehend what this book is trying to teach me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Screwcutting in the Lathe (Workshop Practice Series); Author: Martin Cleeve; Review: This series of books is very technical. I was hoping for a high school level course but these seem more college oriented. But, I can't complain about a product being TOO good, can I?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hardening, Tempering and Heat Treatment (Workshop Practice); Author: Visit Amazon's George Gently Page; Review: This series of books is very technical. I was hoping for a high school level course but these seem more college oriented. But, I can't complain about a product being TOO good, can I?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tool & Cutter Sharpening (Workshop Practice); Author: Visit Amazon's Harold Hall Page; Review: This series of books is very technical. I was hoping for a high school level course but these seem more college oriented. But, I can't complain about a product being TOO good, can I?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vertical Milling in the Home Workshop; Author: Visit Amazon's Arnold Throp Page; Review: This series of books is very technical. I was hoping for a high school level course but these seem more college oriented. But, I can't complain about a product being TOO good, can I?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Workholding in the Lathe (Workshop Practice Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Tubal Cain Page; Review: This series of books is very technical. I was hoping for a high school level course but these seem more college oriented. But, I can't complain about a product being TOO good, can I?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beat the Heart Attack Gene: The Revolutionary Plan to Prevent Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes; Author: Bradley Bale M.D.; Review: This explained WHY I stopped losing weight. I've tried for years to get below 192 lbs. I started at 200 and when I cut out soda, cookies and ice cream I could drop the 8 lbs to 192 BUT NEVER GET BELOW 192. The book explains that when you STILL take in ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS that it signals the body to prepare for glucose. Now, it doesn't spike your insulin BUT when no sugars come down the throat the body goes into a craving mode. The body doesn't send the hormone signals to shut off because there was no glucose to send the signal. So, you constantly munch on stuff which is extra calories and your body-weight stays at that plateau. The answer is that you have to cut out sugars AND sweeteners in order for your body to "normalize" and become sensitive to insulin again. We saturate ourselves with sugars and sweeteners and then wonder why we have an obesity epidemic. Getting rid of sugar was hard enough for me but when I checked for artificial sweeteners it was really surprising. My pre-workout drink powder contains sucralose as does my protein powder. I'm 73 years old and really depended on the energy boost from that workout powder. But, I threw it all out. The protein powder I felt I really needed for muscle repair after a hard workout and there wasn't THAT much sucralose in it. Over the past 4 or 5 days, I've managed to drop below the dreaded 192 to 188. Hopefully, the trend will continue as I want to get back to my high school weight of 160. OH, NOTE THAT EATING SUGARY THINGS PROMPTS YOU TO EAT MORE SUGARY THINGS. Ever eat just ONE cookie? Of course not. That's why they sell cookies BY THE BOX and that box full disappears pretty quickly, doesn't it? Also note that the AHA recommends only 37 gms for men PER DAY. The WHO only recommends 25 gms. HOW MUCH DO YOU CONSUME?; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Armageddon (1998); Genres: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Genres: Action, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Back to the Future Part III (1990); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Western; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Judge Dredd (1995); Genres: Action, Crime, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999); Genres: Animation, Comedy, Musical; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989); Genres: Adventure, Children, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993); Genres: Action, Comedy, War; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Liar Liar (1997); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Johnny Mnemonic (1995); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Mummy, The (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Sixth Sense, The (1999); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Truman Show, The (1998); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Full Metal Jacket (1987); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Genres: Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels (2000); Genres: Action, Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Running Man, The (1987); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: 13th Warrior, The (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Blue Lagoon, The (1980); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Romance; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Universal Soldier (1992); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Crocodile Dundee (1986); Genres: Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 8MM (1999); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Bridge on the River Kwai, The (1957); Genres: Adventure, Drama, War; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Starship Troopers (1997); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991); Genres: Adventure, Drama; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Terminal Velocity (1994); Genres: Action, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Super Mario Bros. (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Children, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Flintstones, The (1994); Genres: Children, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Last Action Hero (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cutthroat Island (1995); Genres: Action, Adventure, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: And Your Mother Too (Y tu mamá también) (2001); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jeepers Creepers (2001); Genres: Horror; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Godzilla 2000 (Gojira ni-sen mireniamu) (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Death Becomes Her (1992); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bridge Too Far, A (1977); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bad Taste (1987); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Highlander II: The Quickening (1991); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Wo hu cang long) (2000); Genres: Action, Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992); Genres: Horror; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Saving Private Ryan (1998); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Silence of the Lambs, The (1991); Genres: Crime, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, War; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batman (1989); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Dances with Wolves (1990); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Western; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Genres: Adventure, Drama, IMAX; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: True Lies (1994); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (a.k.a. ID4) (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Twelve Monkeys (a.k.a. 12 Monkeys) (1995); Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Genres: Action, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Stargate (1994); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Genres: Action, Adventure, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Seven (a.k.a. Se7en) (1995); Genres: Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark) (1981); Genres: Action, Adventure; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Back to the Future (1985); Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Dumb & Dumber (Dumb and Dumber) (1994); Genres: Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Mask, The (1994); Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Matrix, The (1999); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982); Genres: Children, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cliffhanger (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Net, The (1995); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Get Shorty (1995); Genres: Comedy, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Waterworld (1995); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Birdcage, The (1996); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Clueless (1995); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Men in Black (a.k.a. MIB) (1997); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Terminator, The (1984); Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Groundhog Day (1993); Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Natural Born Killers (1994); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Home Alone (1990); Genres: Children, Comedy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Alien (1979); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Genres: Action, Adventure; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (a.k.a. Ghost Busters) (1984); Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Fifth Element, The (1997); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jumanji (1995); Genres: Adventure, Children, Fantasy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary (1998); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Fish Called Wanda, A (1988); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Eraser (1996); Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Total Recall (1990); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Orange, A (1971); Genres: Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Shrek (2001); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.5/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Horny Toad Women's Chaka Skirt; Brand: Horny Toad; Review: I LOVE this skirt. I bought one in the tan/brown and thought it was so great that I bought another one in black. It washes and dries nicely. I am 5'6", 130 pounds, and pretty fit. I typically wear a size 4 in shorts/skirts so sometimes I am a size medium and sometimes a size small depending how the item is made. I bought this skirt in the medium and it is perfect. I can wear it with a tucked in tank or a shirt over the top. It travels well too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tamarac by Slippers International Women's Low Molly Faux Slipper Blitz; Brand: Tamarac by Slippers International; Review: The slipper construction was terrific, but was just too big. I am a size 8.5. The size 8 is too small and the size 9 is too large. I really wish the slipper came in half sizes.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Horny Toad Women's Oolong Sleeveless Dress; Brand: Horny Toad; Review: I am a size 4, 5'6", 130 pounds, reasonably muscular, and this dress fits perfectly. It is casual and comfortable, but can also be dressed up. It washes and dries well. I do not need to iron it. I wish I had several more in other colors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Champion Women's 360 Max Support Sports Bra; Brand: ; Review: I like this sports bra. It fits well. It does not smush me, but does lift, hold, and separate. I'm a 34-C. I can run in this bra without any issues. It also washes/dries well in the machines.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pearl iZUMi Women's All-Road Cycling Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I love these shoes. They fit perfectly. I am a size 8.5 in regular shoes and size 9 in running sneakers. These in size 42 M EU fit great. I have been using them on my spin bike for over one year and they are not showing any signs of wear and tear. The velcro straps are terrific for getting the most comfortable fit regardless of which socks I am wearing (thick or thin, depending on the day). I would purchase these again, that is, if they ever wear out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: North Carolina Atlas & Gazetteer (Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer); Author: Delorme; Review: Very handy to have and keep in the car. Despite the new GPS technology, I still prefer a map that lets you see the lay of the land. Great colors and lines!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sister Parish Design: On Decorating; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Bartlett Crater Page; Review: as I expected some photographs, and there were none. Too many personal stories (for me) and I kept looking for photos.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cross Stitch; Author: Visit Amazon's Diana Gabaldon Page; Review: I loved this book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To Kill a Mockingbird; Author: Visit Amazon's Harper Lee Page; Review: The classic story of a young girl's experience in the South is still accessible and relevant today.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Cain Page; Review: Very helpful for us introverts (who might have felt somewhat lacking) to see that we bring important skills to the table. Like looking at a prism from a different angle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Summer to Remember; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: I love Mary Balogh's plots! She actually has a story to tell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Simply Magic; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: I love Mary Balogh's plots! She actually has a story to tell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Simply Love; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: I love Mary Balogh's plots! She actually has a story to tell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Simply Perfect; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: I love Mary Balogh's plots! She actually has a story to tell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Simply Unforgettable; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: I love Mary Balogh's plots! She actually has a story to tell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Irresistible (Berkley Sensation Historical Romance); Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: Love Balogh books! She has a story to tell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Night for Love (Dell Historical Romance); Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: I love Mary Balogh's plots! She actually has a story to tell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: First Comes Marriage; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: Love Balogh books! She has a story to tell.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking; Author: Susan Cain; Review: Very helpful for us introverts (who might have felt somewhat lacking) to see that we bring important skills to the table. Like looking at a prism from a different angle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 500 Great Dates: Creative, Fun, and Sexy Ways to Spend Time Together; Author: Visit Amazon's Lisa Sussman Page; Review: Was looking for some newer ideas! Don't waste your money here - these ideas are all over the internet.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Tale of Two Cities (Collins Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Dickens Page; Review: Many people know this classic and I still love it! Dickens composed a veritable symphony of notes. In his tale of the French Revolution, he brings together revolution and war, death and love, evil and self-sacrifice, passion and intrigue and the poignant joys and sorrows of life. My mind travels to the musical Les Miserables, where I can hear the rousing music to accompany Dickens's stirring words. Every time I read it I discover something new!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oliver Twist (Penguin Clothbound Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Dickens Page; Review: Many people know this classic and I still love it! Dickens composed a veritable symphony of notes. In his tale of the French Revolution, he brings together revolution and war, death and love, evil and self-sacrifice, passion and intrigue and the poignant joys and sorrows of life. My mind travels to the musical Les Miserables, where I can hear the rousing music to accompany Dickens's stirring words. Every time I read it I discover something new!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Great Expectations By Charles Dickens - The Franklin Library (Hardcover - 1979); Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Dickens Page; Review: Many people know this classic and I still love it! Dickens composed a veritable symphony of notes. In his tale of the French Revolution, he brings together revolution and war, death and love, evil and self-sacrifice, passion and intrigue and the poignant joys and sorrows of life. My mind travels to the musical Les Miserables, where I can hear the rousing music to accompany Dickens's stirring words. Every time I read it I discover something new!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Alchemist; Author: Visit Amazon's Paulo Coelho Page; Review: Wonderful book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blood Type O Food, Beverage and Supplement Lists (Eat Right 4 Your Type); Author: Visit Amazon's Peter J. D'Adamo Page; Review: Excellent!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Daughter of the Land (Library of Indiana Classics); Author: Visit Amazon's Gene Stratton-Porter Page; Review: I read this book because Gene Stratton-Porter was an author that my mother read when she was a teenager. It gave me a glimpse back in time that I wanted. Good writer - well developed characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hero With a Thousand Faces (Paladin Books); Author: Visit Amazon's Joseph Campbell Page; Review: This is a thinking person's book. Written by one of the most brilliant minds of our time, it takes real concentration to keep up with Joseph Campbell. But the rewards!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prepared for a Purpose: The Inspiring True Story of How One Woman Saved an Atlanta School Under Siege; Author: Visit Amazon's Antoinette Tuff Page; Review: Loved this actual story - I do believe she was prepared for this purpose. To be in the place she was on the day she was - was a miracle! And she with God's help, save many many people that day. God Bless her!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present in the Life You Have; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Nepo Page; Review: Very good overall. I found it similar to some other books of the same genre and was a bit disappointed. Wanted more originality. But it is a book to keep and go back to over and over.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heidi; Author: Visit Amazon's Johanna Spyri Page; Review: Love this story! No matter your age, there is wisdom and truth here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Karmic Astrology: Joy and the Part of Fortune [Volume III]; Author: Visit Amazon's Martin Schulman Page; Review: Very helpful to understanding the Part of Fortune.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 101 Life-Altering Things To Do Before You Die: The Ultimate Bucket List (The Wheel of Wisdom) (Volume 28); Author: Visit Amazon's Karma Peters Page; Review: Disappointing!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sight Hound: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Pam Houston Page; Review: It was hard to follow. Separate characters with chapters juggled all over the place. I don't understand why this technique was chosen.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love: A Complete Resource to Help You Heal; Author: Visit Amazon's Lorri A. Greene Page; Review: Very helpful book! I had recently lost my 14 year old corgi and needed something that would help me process this loss. Highly recommend!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Becoming Queen Victoria: The Tragic Death of Princess Charlotte and the Unexpected Rise of Britain's Greatest Monarch; Author: Visit Amazon's Kate Williams Page; Review: Good to read for someone who knew almost nothing about Queen Victoria!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Angel/Lord Carew's Bride: Two Novels in One Volume; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: Dark Angel was an interesting twist on the standard formula! Sweet!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Longing; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Balogh Page; Review: I have read almost all of Balogh's books and loved them! She is a great writer now. But as this is one of her earlier books, this one shows just how far she has come in ascending to the top Five of all Historical Romance writers. Because of too much detail at times, a focus on some gruesome history of Wales, and a slow moving story, I call this one "tedious". Her Slightly series, the Simply series, the Survivors series - all are highly exceptional in their portrayal of Regency England! They move well, have good character development, have fairly unique plots and are just very readable and enjoyable!! My aunt got me started on the Slightly series, which I loved. Then I went on with the others. One thing I especially like about those series is the intermix of characters from one set of stories into the next - that is a beautiful technique that I hope she continues!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir; Author: Visit Amazon's Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew Page; Review: Beautifully written. The early part of the book stimulated many memories for me - I had to get out some paper in order to make notes so I don't forget!! I had previously read "The Sacred Journey" by Fredrick Buechner and felt it was a great follow-up to that exceptional book. Don't know whether Andrew intended it that way, but nevertheless it worked well that way for me. By the way, if you have not read Buechner's book, you should not miss it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bedding The Bachelors Boxed Set; Author: Visit Amazon's Virna DePaul Page; Review: Did not suit my taste. Sex with body piercings sounds awful. Ugh!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The French Mistress: A Novel of the Duchess of Portsmouth and King Charles II; Author: Visit Amazon's Susan Holloway Scott Page; Review: This was good - better than I expected! Ms. Scott must have had access to some historical information, though she should get credit for a good imagination to come up with these scenarios. Makes one wonder if Charles II could really have been as respectful of her as this book portrays? But I am glad that he chose to claim the son from this relationship!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Easy USA Womens Lace Up Canvas Plimsol Sneakers Shoes; Brand: Easy USA; Review: I'm going to "being" these out to match my wedding dress. Looking forward to have them peek out from under my dress!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy USA Womens Lace Up Canvas Plimsol Sneakers Shoes; Brand: Easy USA; Review: I'm going to "being" these out to match my wedding dress. Looking forward to have them peek out from under my dress!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: var aPageStart = (new Date()).getTime(); var ue_t0=ue_t0||+new Date(); window.ue_ihb = (window.ue_ihb || window.ueinit || 0) + 1; if (window.ue_ihb; Brand: Forum Novelties; Review: "Somewhat large" for the size rating is good; gentle loose fitting means it would fit most men, too. Looked great with the green metallic dot bow tie; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CHOOSE YOUR COLOR Sterling Silver Music Note Ring; Brand: ; Review: To show your love of misic; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just My Size Women's 5 Pack Cotton Brief Panty (Assortments May Vary); Brand: ; Review: love these cotton underwear!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just My Size Women's 5 Pack Cotton Brief Panty (Assortments May Vary); Brand: ; Review: love these cotton underwear!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wave Men's Waterproof Water Shoes; Brand: The Wave Water Shoes; Review: Having the zipper allowed easier and quicker on/off. Wash and dry easy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wave Men's Waterproof Water Shoes; Brand: The Wave Water Shoes; Review: Having the zipper allowed easier and quicker on/off. Wash and dry easy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: TeeHee Men's Music Cotton Crew Socks 4-Pack; Brand: ; Review: Good quality; real cute; too small/tight, especially as a men's socks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Uget Women's Music Note Print Chiffon Long Scarf Wrap Shawls; Brand: Uget®; Review: great looking scarves; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forum Novelties German Bavarian Alpine Oktoberfest Hat – One Size; Brand: Forum Novelties; Review: Nicely made. Just a bit small, but wearable. The man who will be wearing it normally wears a large hat.-; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lina & Lily Women's Musical Notes Print Infinity Loop Scarf; Brand: Lina & Lily; Review: Beautiful, looping musical scarf; for myself. Lightweight, for year-round wear; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Riding Wave Mermaid Fantasy Art Nouveau Jewelry Box with Kelp and Sea Creature Display Decoration, 3 Inches; Brand: SUMMIT COLLECTION; Review: Cute, Mermaid small trinket box, made of resin; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fairytale Mermaid Pendant Necklace Jewelry; Brand: cocojewelry; Review: Beautiful Mermaid Necklace, with assorted choice of 'stones' (blue shown). approx. 1.5 inches long, with chain and extension chain; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aniwon Fedora Women Woolen Bowler Hat Wide Brim Floppy Cloche Church Derby Cap; Brand: Aniwon; Review: Beautiful red wool, 4" brim. we bought these (2) when we needed to replace our Chorus' fedora Show fed hats. Although the brims were wider than the rest of the Chorus, the Music Director loved them! And thanks to Amazon Prime I was able to order these in the middle of the night, for a same day delivery! Loved the fit,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Enimay Western Outback Cowboy Cowgirl Hat Men's Women's Style Straw Felt Canvas; Brand: Enimay; Review: As part of our Western Costumes in upcoming performances. Beautiful hats with a strap encircling the hat, with Turquoise and silver jewelry.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Womens Gatsby 1920s Winter Wool Cap Beret Beanie Cloche Bucket Hat A299; Brand: Lawliet; Review: One of my new Winter Wool hats. I love this similar style 1920s 'Gatsby' Style Winter wool hat in Berry.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Epoch Women's Gatsby Linen Cloche Hat With Lace Band and Flower; Brand: Epoch; Review: Orchid Cloche straw felt hat. I have several colors in this style.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: IL Caldo Women's retro winter hat fascinators; Brand: IL Caldo; Review: Another new Fall/Winter Wool hat, in my favorite Colors; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NYFASHION101 Open Knit Brown Braided Trim Vented Cotton Beach Sun Hat; Brand: ; Review: One of my new Summer hats; keeps sun out of my eyes....; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Lodge 2 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Pre-seasoned Pot with Lid for Cooking, Basting, or Baking; Brand: Lodge; Review: I have used lodge cast iron for nearly 50 years. Would have given this 5 stars except for the ridiculous pre-seasoning. Thanks to earlier reviews, I was prepared for the worst. I finally have the bottom clean and most of the sides. Once the pre-seasoning is off, it seasons nicely with regular use. The heavy lid makes an excellent seal.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, BH50010; Brand: Hoover; Review: I got this for daily clean-ups to reduce sneezes from pet-hair allergic spouse. Handles beautifully on tile floors and flat-weave rugs. Amazing what comes up every day. Makes quick work of stairs if locked into upright (storage) position. Would give it 5 stars except for the finicky lithium battery. Some days I get 15-20 minutes of cleaning, other days barely 10. Be sure to let the battery cool all the way down before recharging; charging time from fully dead is highly variable. Disconnecting charger after battery is charged also helps. Be sure to store charged battery by itself, neither in the charger nor in the vacuum.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crane USA Humidifiers - Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, Filter-Free, 1 Gallon, for Home Bedroom Baby Nursery and Office, Green; Brand: Crane USA; Review: I run it nightly in the bedroom: completely eliminated my post-nasal drip from dry air. I empty it every morning, top and bottom, and let it dry out. Carrying the reservoir upside-down eliminates drips to and from the sink. The floor below the unit is the slightest bit damp in the morning but dries out quickly. the green color is hideous but was several dollars cheaper than the other colors. it lights up when running but not so brightly as to interfere with sleep.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Measuring Cups with Large Print Set of 4; Brand: Chef Craft; Review: got these for my 2 year-old granddaughter to keep her out of my stainless steel measuring cups. They are very sturdy and help her learn her numbers. probably good for baking too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blue Donuts Bread Box made of pure Bamboo with stylish Acrylic easy glide cover with handle; Brand: Blue Donuts; Review: It's a bread box. holds bread and keeps it fresh. no mechanical parts to cut or break. the clear lid is a nice touch. you can see what's inside, so no more losing bits and pieces of loaves in the refrigerator. too large for my counter, but very happy on top of an elfa set of sliding baskets.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: SureGuard Mattress Protectors Queen Size - 100% Waterproof, Hypoallergenic - Premium Fitted Cotton Terry Cover - 10 Year Warranty; Brand: SureGuard Mattress Protectors; Review: Have only recently put it on, so cannot rate its durability. All residual odor disappeared after it was washed in cold water and air dried. I put it over a tempur-pedic mattress. Soft, does not crinkle, does not interfere with memory foam. My experience has been that all waterproof mattress covers start to flake off the polyurethane coating after a few years, so might as well get a cheaper cover rather than the expensive name brand.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: EZ-DUZ-IT Deluxe Can Opener with Red Grips; Brand: John J. Steuby Co.; Review: cuts well but leave sharp edge.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crystalware Plastic Sip Stirrers, Cocktail and Coffee Stirrers, 5 Inch 1000/box, Red; Brand: Crystalware; Review: Coffee stirrers. They work; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vornado MVH Whole Room Vortex Heater, Black; Brand: Vornado; Review: excellent for small spaces. have been using it all winter to heat a small bedroom at night. quiet and easily regulated.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Toysmith Kids Garden Gloves, Assorted Colors, Small; Brand: Toysmith; Review: The smallest gloves I could find for my 3 year-old granddaughter. Still too big, but better than mine. Easy to get her fingers in the right places. She loves the color and they seem sturdy enough that she will probably lose them before she outgrows them. If they came extra-extra small, I'd give them 5 stars.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: DMI Folding Bed Board Mattress Support, Double Size, Brown; Brand: MABIS DMI Healthcare; Review: I use it for a sofa-bed. Keeps the springs and bars from poking thru the thin mattress. Folded up, it fits under the cushions and out of the way. Takes a bit of practice to wrestle it into place single-handed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Oval Shaped Twisted Cable Link Anklet In Sterling Silver; Brand: ; Review: gf loves it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Next Level Mens Premium Fitted Short-Sleeve Crew T-Shirt; Brand: Next Level; Review: better then expected, nice and soft. I hope they hold too; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Willis Judd Mens Titanium Magnetic Therapy Bracelet Adjustable For Pain Relief Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel; Brand: Willis Judd; Review: A bit to big. Had to play jeweler and fix myself. Good value and quality.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men's Stainless Steel Railroad Bracelet; Brand: Amazon Collection; Review: Fits great. Beautiful as the picture. Great value and quality; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Willis Judd Mens Titanium Magnetic Therapy Bracelet Black Adjustable For Pain Relief Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel; Brand: Willis Judd; Review: A bit too big. Wish I didn't have to be a jeweler and fix myself. Wish it had size options instead. Good quality and value.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: INBLUE Men's Stainless Steel Stud Earrings CZ Silver Tone Black Red Purple Green Dragon Claw Square; Brand: INBLUE; Review: A bit bulkier than expected but I like; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: COOLSTEELANDBEYOND Magnetic Stainless Steel Mens Gold Black Power Element Bracelet with Magnets and Free Link Removal Kit; Brand: COOLSTEELANDBEYOND; Review: Good quality and value. Fast shipping; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: COOLSTEELANDBEYOND Stainless Steel Mens Jewelry Link Magnetic Bracelet for Man 8.4 Inches Free Link Removal Kit; Brand: COOLSTEELANDBEYOND; Review: Good value and quality. I wish it came smaller and I did not have to be a jeweler.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sirius Jewelry Men's Earrings Rectangle Stainless Steel Huggie Hoop Set, 2pcs; Brand: Sirius Jewelry; Review: Good quality and value; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unisex Men Black Cross Earrings of Stainless Steel, Gothic Biker, 2 Pcs; Brand: COOLSTEELANDBEYOND; Review: As I expected. Pleased; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aroncent Stainless Steel 8 Pairs Mens Small Hoop Huggie Hinged Earrings Set 4mm; Brand: Aroncent; Review: A bit small. Almost pinches my earlobe trying to wear them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: INBLUE Men's Stainless Steel Rubber Bracelet Link Silver Tone Black Greek; Brand: INBLUE; Review: The silver part is a bit dull. Not quit like the pic but ok. Not totally displeased.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mens Huggie Earrings in Stainless Steel Black Hoop Design 10mm (with Branded GiftBox); Brand: Urban Jewelry; Review: As posted in pic but a bit small. Almost pinches my earlobe trying to put in my ears.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: DZT1968® Baby Girl Headband With Peacock Feather Wing Costume Photo Prop Outfit; Brand: DZT1968; Review: Feathers all separated and sections not blending together when you bend the fabric. Not as pictured.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Nannette Baby Girls' Petal Dress; Brand: Nannette; Review: Like pictured; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fly-love 5 Pairs Cute Baby Toddler Stripes Anti Slip Skid Socks No-Show Crew Boat Sock For 6-18 month; Brand: Fly-Love; Review: Too big. Poor elastic. Other wise I would like them better. Good grip and wonderful colors.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kidscool Baby & Little Girls Rabbit Casual Soft Denim Overalls Jeans; Brand: Kidscool; Review: Denim is so soft. It's just like pictured. So beautiful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: var aPageStart = (new Date()).getTime(); var ue_t0=ue_t0||+new Date(); window.ue_ihb = (window.ue_ihb || window.ueinit || 0) + 1; if (window.ue_ihb; Brand: ; Review: I wear a size 11 in all shoes styles and these ones run small. Size 11 did not fit me and they didn't have a larger size so I had to return the shoes; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Orchha Resort; City: Orchha Tikamgarh District Madhya Pradesh; Review: There aren't many places to stay in this great town so you may find yourself at this hotel (especially if you are on a package tour). The place itself is comfortable (soft beds), fairly pretty and has a good pool. But the food is extremely average - while overpriced, the staff tend to be either a) grumpy, b) pretentious and all want tips for pretty well anything and everything (out favorite was being expected to tip for having our hot water fixed). So on the whole it is completely adequate (btw - the breakfast pancakes are nice) but avoid the restaurant and have tip money ready. On the up side the town and fort are worth the trip!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Ranthambhore Bagh; City: Sawai Madhopur Sawai Madhopur District Rajasthan; Review: Our experience (in mid Jan 2008) was a little different to the previous reviewer (that happens). We had a three day package and really can't say enough positive things about The Ranthambhore Bagh. Here a few points for readers to consider: Pros: Every aspect of our package was exceptionally well organized and ran like clock work (and we are fussy!); the tents were very comfortable; the food was great; the night time entertainment enjoyable; the opportunity of meeting Indian tourists was welcomed (we met several wonderful holidaying Indian families); and the staff friendly and attentive. Cons: none really. Our shower had a mind of its own but this was quickly fixed. Oh yes, best to avoid the local bird watching morning trip. Highlight: we saw tigers!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Delhi Bed and Breakfast; City: New Delhi National Capital Territory of Delhi; Review: A quick review to add to the many positive comments that others have already given. My wife and I stayed at the Delhi B and B in Jan 2008 and absolutely loved the place. Wonderful food and extremely hospitable and helpful hosts - this is a great place to stay to experience a more personal touch (big hotels are fine but can be a tad clinical). Be sure to try the Indian breakfast - a treat!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fort House; City: Kochi Cochin Ernakulam District Kerala; Review: While this hotel has some positives we didn't have the best experience - here are a few words to help readers considering a stay at the Fort House (and a warning). Pros: While still being completed, rooms in the new block are quite nice as are those in the old block; the staff are generally friendly; the location is fine; the evening restaurant is on a jetty (great view over looking the water). Cons: While friendly the staff tend to get most things wrong (I hate to say this - but it's true); the towels smell awful as does the bathroom once it has been used (odd given the bathroom was new); we were charged (but ultimately refunded) an extra night; the breakfast is lame; the evening restaurant food is overpriced for what you get. A few more words on this last point - the hotel seems to take great pride in the 'home cooked' food it offers but this seems a little misplaced. The food is priced the same as the local 'up market restaurants' but the food at these restaurants is simply much, much better. Warning: we had the hotel organize an overnight backwaters tour which was a disaster (we checked out of the hotel because of it). The hotel charged us 6000 rps which we learnt was quite pricey compared to local tour operators. When we brought this to the attention of the hotel they assured us that the price would be reflected in the quality of the boat - which we were happy to be the case. However, the boat turned out to be terrible (we called it the Titanic 2) and infested with cockroaches and rats. We were clearly overcharged for a substandard service. On our return we negotiated a reduced price for the boat and checked out of the hotel in disgust (the first time in ten years of extensive travel that my wife and I have done this). If you stay at this hotel (which is completely adequate) I would strongly recommend you don't use their travel service (there are many in town to choose from).; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Palace on the River Rashmi Guest House; City: Varanasi Varanasi District Uttar Pradesh; Review: We'd have to agree with others that this hotel has an excellent location - here are a few other things for readers to consider: Pros: The front of house manager was exceptional and friendly; the hotel is clean and well run; the rooms (at the front) have a fabulous view of the Ganges; and the restaurant is a great place to enjoy a beer and watch the sun go down. Cons: The restaurant food is very average (much better food elsewhere); the staff are a little too eager for tips - for pretty well everything (gets a little tiresome). Overall a good place to stay - don't eat there but enjoy the location.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diggi Palace; City: Jaipur Jaipur District Rajasthan; Review: We stayed here ten years ago as backpackers and enjoyed our return stay in Jan 2008 just as much as our first visit. Here are a few points to help readers considering this hotel: Pros: pleasant grounds for an afternoon beer; helpful and attentive staff; the hotel manager was exceptional; the hotel has grown over the years and offers an excellent range of rooms (our suite was large and comfortable); good location (quieter that centrally located hotels). Cons: the restaurant food is average and the breakfast a little disappointing but completely adequate. Suggestion: If you are in need of a good coffee and carrot cake visit the cafe at the Anokhi clothes store in Jaipur (heavenly food when I needed it most); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1); Author: Jamie McGuire; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Read this book about 5 times now, Still love it, can't wait for Walking Disaster :-); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wethering the Storm (The Storm, #2); Author: Samantha Towle; Genres: romance; Review: 5 STARS!!!! I actually finished Wethering the Storm a few days ago, for some reason I stopped myself posting a review straight after finishing the book. Initially, I think it is because my first reaction was disappointment, and when I feel that after reading a book, particularly by an author I love to pieces (and I have a HUGE soft spot for Sam Towle), I want to get my thoughts and reactions straight in my head first before sharing them with anyone else on the various internet platforms. As such this review is a bit of an essay, but I wanted to get my thoughts out coherently. A little background on me - I have been reading books by indie/self published authors for a long time now, across all genres and formats, to say I have read the good, that bad, and the downright ugly would be an understatement, but if I have the compulsion to write a review (and I don't all the time), I always want to provide constructive criticism rather than just belittle the time and effort that has been put into said work, whether it be good or bad, I understand that what I have read has usually had blood, sweat and tears put into it, and therefore should be afforded respect, no matter how much I like or dislike it. I particularly get a massive buzz, when I read that one of my beloved indie authors has been snapped up by a publishing house. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I was there at the beginning, and I love following the transformation through to fully signed/published author. Seeing this happen for Sam, made me so proud for her and by extension all of her fans and the bloggers that have known for quite some time just how spectacular her writing is. However, I do think that when an indie author gets signed to a traditional publishing house, the expectation and pressure increases in the extreme. Bigger and better things are promised, and lead times for publication are stretched in order to build the anticipation and overall demand for the next book too officially release (particularly when it is part of a series). That being the case with Wethering The Storm, it has been almost 12 months since we first got too read and fall in love with Jake and Tru, and as soon Sam confirmed we were going to get more from them, the excitement and anticipation set in. By the time August 2013 hit, and due to the length of time in-between books, the Facebook and Goodreads teasers & promotional activity etc.....my expectations for WTS were exceptionally and quite frankly unreasonably high. In explanation, I think particularly over the past 12 months I have gradually lost sight of the fact that a lot of the books I have read and loved are from self published authors, and as such they were brilliant in the first place, hence the reason their talent has been recognized and they have been snapped up for their future work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deeper We Fall (Fall and Rise, #1); Author: Chelsea M. Cameron; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I am a big fan of Chelsea M. Cameron, I discovered her awesomeness when I read My Favourite Mistake, it blew me away, not to mention the fact I pulled an all-nighter to finish it.... In Deeper We Fall we get a similar premise wherein the main characters are beginning their journey into adulthood, starting with going away to college. I have to say this book reminded me in parts of the Return to, and Leaving Paradise series by Simone Elkeles, which I absolutely adored. Zan Parker is an honourable and misunderstood guy, and in trying to do what he thought was for the best ended up losing everything he cared about. I kind of want to liken him to a swan, on the surface everything seems cool, calm and unaffected, but under the water the legs are going ten to the dozen. He is literally the antithesis of his brother Zack who in all honesty, I wanted to bitch slap from the moment he walked across my page, but hey every Thor needs his Loki, and Zan and Zack are like that for me. Lottie was such a great character, she told it how it was and didn't take any prisoners. I like a girl who speaks her mind and Lottie certainly wasn't afraid to. Underneath there is a vulnerability that makes you want to give her a big hug, you see this side of her during her interaction with Will and Simon a lot. She feels responsible for the terrible accident that effectively ripped her best friend as she knew her away. Yet she fights to stay in Lexie's life, and tries to be what she needs her to be, even though it breaks her heart every time she see's her. Her continued guild and feelings of responsibility have a huge impact on her feelings for Zan, and the development of their relationship. As the book progresses the interaction between Lottie and Zan had me laughing at times, and crying at points as well, although Lottie wants to hate him, Zan manages to show her that all of her preconceived conceptions of him are totally wrong. I love that it is written from both their points of view, it provides more insight into both their thoughts and feelings for pivotal points. The hand holding whilst they were at the football had me smiling and sniffling in equal measure, Zan was such a gentleman towards Lottie, I just wanted to swoon like Scarlett O'Hara over some of the things he said and did for her. Zan - "if the sky starts to fall, I'll catch it for you, pretty girl." SEE WHAT I MEAN!!!!!! Chelsea has a way of writing her guys, where you just want to wrap them up and keep them in your pocket... I have a habit of trying to write my reviews without spoilers, and this one is no different. I don't want to give anything away. You need to read this book and absorb the wonderfully colourful and descriptive writing style that Chelsea delivers, I even; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers, #1); Author: J. Lynn; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 -"Who's going to take a chance on the Gamble boys." Stars. Entangled - Brazen books prove to me time and time again, with every book & series I read, just how talented their authors are. J.Lynn is no exception, and after reading Tempting the Best Man the Gamble Brothers - Chase, Chandler & Chad, are looking to have some "Mighty Fine" potential! Chase (the Best Man) and Maddie(the Groom's Sister), have been skirting around each other for years, so when you add a hotel room mix-up and a romantic vineyard wedding into the equation, things as you would expect, go from warm to boiling hot the blink of an eye! "You drive me insane, absolutely freaking insane. Do you know that? I bet you do." I loved that Chase had a massive case of "Foot in mouth Syndrome" in this book, and some of the things he came out with had me cringing and giggling in equal parts a lot of the time. I'll be honest when I say the names Chad & Chandler(Bing anyone) make me cringe a tad, but I am still looking forward to reading their books 100%.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno, #1); Author: Sylvain Reynard; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: OK I know I am giving it 4 stars and in a way I cannot understand why, this book is sooooooooooo drawn out that at times I wanted to skip to the end just to see if they ever actually have sex....(Spoiler free, so I'm not telling!!!) But I could not put it down (I was up til 3.30am finishing it). It is very obvious that it is written by a man, as at times it comes over a a little tongue in cheek, emotions aren't developed as much as you get when a woman writes, however it works with this book. I think thats what made it more engrossing, as nothing was dragged out, and chewed over, something happend, they discussed it and moved on. I am struggling to write much positive about it, as I spent most of the book frustrated, and wanting to hit either Gabriel, Julia and at times the pair of them. But there is definately something about it that compelled me to keep reading, I have actually moved straight onto book 2!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walking Disaster (Beautiful, #2); Author: Jamie McGuire; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Having just finished WD. I have been having an internal debate with myself since about 50% through as to wether I was going to write a review. I read alot of books and only review ones that I feel strongly for or have something constructive to say about, and to be honest it's a bit of a struggle this time. I am not about author bashing and this certainly isn't the case this time. But I must say my overall recation to this book is disappointment......To be clear we all know what we are going to get with WD, its a rewrite, but I suppose my expectations were high for it, maybe unreasonably so, due to all the hype and build up that I have been subjected too since it was announced way back when. I remember how emotionally involved I was when I read "Beautiful" the first time, I pulled an all-nighter and was happy too because I couldn't put it down. Not so with "Walking" I happily shut off the light and went too sleep last night at a reasonable time....the urge for "one more chapter" was just not there for me. Main points as to why (again not author bashing, just my opinion)- -I was expecting more guy humour/language and it was all very tame, the only thing that really made me laugh was America's reference as to how close she was to her a**hole. There wasn't really any further developement to Travis, His relationship with Shepley, even the scenes with his father and brothers didn't really offer anything further. There was alot of "sitting around drinking beers" and "watching movies" instead of actual conversation or banter. I have read Male POV's for other books and Ms McGuire could learn alot from Samantha Towle's "The Mighty Storm" Jakes POV chapter at the end of that made me laugh countless times. I also feel E L James POV for Christian at the end of Fifty Freed came across with more strength and character. I felt I learnt more about Jake and Christian in those few short pages than I did about Travis in the whole of "Walking". - I have read in a few other reviews that the most memorable parts of the book are the ones we already knew from "Beautiful", and I have to agree, nothing new seems to be added to these at all. I also am slighlty miffed at how certain parts were completely skipped by with just a few sentences to pass over them. The main ones being - Travis getting Pigeon Tattooed on his wrist, the whole episode of her being attacked while he was fighting and most importantly their marriage. We were promised the whole story from Travis' perspective and huge chunks were not provided. I would have liked to read his POV about getting married, and Abby getting her tattoo, also when Abby was attacked these are both emotional things to happen between a couple and they are effectively just skipped over. - In view of the above the book in parts; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Façade (Games, #2); Author: Nyrae Dawn; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This book is comparable if not better to Charade in certain aspects, and I loved, loved loved Charade. I read Facade like it was on fire, could not put it down. Although, saying that I have never read a bad book by Nyrae Dawn, and this one is no different, and even though I hate to wish my life away, January 2014 cannot come soon enough, I am soo looking forward to reading Maddox's story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wallbanger (Cocktail, #1); Author: Alice Clayton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Brilliant LOL book. Will definately read again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rule (Marked Men, #1); Author: Jay Crownover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Great book, could have done with proof-reading/editing. But I was so grabbed by the story it really didnt bother me. Some of the typeos actually made me chuckle. I wish the tattoo artists in my area were as hot as Rule and his mates.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Claim Me (Stark Trilogy, #2); Author: J. Kenner; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: The highly anticipated follow-up to Rescue Me is here, and boy does it deliver..... The first third of the book is steady giving us a bit of a reminder of things that occurred in Rescue me, while exploring the intense and all-consuming relationship that is developing between Nikki and Damien, it also offers a few hints of things that are too come. As with all the books that have been released in the wake of the FSOG phenomenon there are similarities between this and other books I have read in this category. However, that can be said for books of all genres, and when you read enough of a certain dynamic you are going to spot similarities with more frequency. This is and has never been a problem to me if the writing is good and I am pulled in by the characters and the plot. I like the dynamic between Nikki and Damien as a couple, both are strong in character, but they both have insecurities and are still battling personal demons, some are confirmed in Claim Me, as well as new ones being thrown into the mix. For me the book really kicks off around Chapter 10 a small snippet below to highlight why - The wish is so fervent, in fact, that my imagination conjures the man. His tall form, cutting through the crowd. His mouth is a hard line, his face expressionless, his eyes like a storm at sea. All eyes turn towards him, drawn by the pull of Damien Stark. My hands were sweaty, and my glasses were steamed up after reading that, I mean who doesn't want a guy like that *sigh*....... It is then an all-out smack you round the face thrill ride, twists and turns, shocks, thrills and a few spills, sex, shopping, sex, popcorn and movies, more sex and of course some major revelations...... Not everything but enough to feel that I know more at the end than I did at the start, and although Ms Kenner has left us with as expected a cliff hanger, it is one I can live with. Things have moved on and new question marks float in the ether, of which I hope are all answered in Complete Me. The passage below describes pretty well how I felt at the end of this book - Bound to him. Marked by him. Claimed by him. Damien Stark is a man you won't forget in a rush. Hurry up July 30th all I need now is for him to Complete me ;-) I was supplied with an ARC copy of this novel by Netgalley, and have provided an honest review as a thank you for the privilege.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Complete Me (Stark Trilogy, #3); Author: J. Kenner; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I'm at a bit of a loss with this book. I loved Release and Claim Me, but something fell a bit short this time. Don't get me wrong it is a perfectly good book, with a perfectly good ending but I feel a little short changed, I didn't have any "OMG" or "WTF" moments this time like I did before. One of the main reasons I loved the first two books was because they didn't feel like I was reading something that had already been done and rehashed again, Damien and Nikki's story was developing nicely and there were a lot of aspects to be tied up in book 3. Julie did tie all those things up some of them extremely quickly if I am being completely honest, it was like "huh, is that it". But the continual de-ja vu moments I had while reading eventually couldn't be silenced, the first few times I was like OK, it stands to reason you will have a few similarities, but sadly, they literally continued right the way up to the end, it was also pretty easy to spot the villain (for want of a better word), as soon as they appeared. Let's face it alot of authors have jumped on the FSOG and Crossfire bandwagon, some good some bad, and at no time did I feel that with Release/Claim Me. I can't really say that for Complete Me, it was one after another after another. I don't post spoilers in my reviews, but when you read it you will understand what I mean. Again, I want to clarify that the book is still pretty good, just not up to the high standard that was set with the first two. I also have to say that there was so much sex going on in this book that the storyline completely disappeared at times. It got to the point where again it felt like I had read the same scenes in previous books. Damien's Dom side seems to be a little more prevalent in this book, but, and I honestly never ever thought I would say this the constant boffing, got a bit old as things went on, conversation was pretty minimal in some parts of the book because of it. Author bashing is not my thing, and I respect each and every author/book I have the opportunity to read/review. I still love Damien and Nikki, and I think their relationship as a whole became fully defined in this book, Nikki realised exactly what it was she gave Damien by being with him. As well as the full extent his support, emotional and sexually gave her the confidence to believe in herself and to fight her own demons. Damien - "I'm never letting you go,Nikki," he says, taking my hand and pulling me close. "I'd never forgive you if you did". You'll want to read this book to see how their journey ends, as I said it ends well, but it's more of a sparkler than a roman candle this time. ARC was provided by Netgalley,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crossing the Line (Pushing the Limits, #1.1); Author: Katie McGarry; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Damn, I wish it had been longer... I love a book that has lots of letter's in it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jet (Marked Men, #2); Author: Jay Crownover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Jay Crownover is quite simply a genius, Can't wait for Rome to get his very own book next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: North of Need (Hearts of the Anemoi, #1); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - Snowflake, Snowman & Teddy Stars. Imagine yourself waking up on Christmas morning, you slip downstairs, and find a present under the tree, you have no idea who sent it or where it came from, but when you open it, imagine to your surprise that it is that one thing you have been secretly lusting after, but haven't told anyone that you actually wanted... North of Need is just that, an unexpected and totally remarkable gift. This isn't a review as such, just a few quotes and images to show how much I loved Owen and Megan's Story, and my continued Fan-girling for the awesomeness that is Laura Kaye. Owen - Want me. Need me. Love me. Your love will hold me here, with you. Forever. Owen - See me. Believe in me. Straight onto West of Want!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: West of Want (Hearts of the Anemoi, #2); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Poofing and M & M Stars. No review as such, just a few pics and quotes to highlight some of my favourite parts of the book. Laura Kaye is one of my "go-to" authors, when I am looking for a well written, sexy, entertaining read and she never lets me down. Zeph - "There's just you and me."... "In this moment."... "There's just this lost soul."... "Who wants the most beautiful woman he's ever seen."... Zeph - "You don't understand how much you intrigue me."... "You don't understand how much you attract me. You're in my head. All the time. You make my heart beast faster, my body ache with want." Another winner for me, straight onto South of Surrender.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: South of Surrender (Hearts of the Anemoi, #3); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Dare To Know" Stars. "I'll Take care of you." "I know you will." Chrys wasn't sure he would ever feel truly content without her warmth and courage and strength at his side. There are so many beginnings in this book, I am excited to see where Laura takes us with the rest of this series. It's the first time she's made me cry, and I think this is the dirtiest sex that she has written (imo).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: East of Ecstasy (Hearts of the Anemoi, #4); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "With all the love in my heart, I give you the last of me" Stars... It is with more than a little sadness that I am writing this review, not because I didn't enjoy the book, but wholly because we have reached the end of the Hearts Of The Anemoi series. Over the past couple of weeks since I started this series Laura Kaye has pulled me in, and made me fall in love with Owen, Zeph, Chris and now Devlin..... Rough. Dangerous. Deprived. Devlin was rage. Devlin embraced the hate. Devlin danced in the destruction of chaos. I loved North, West and South equally but with Devlin Eston - God of the Autumn Rain aka Mr Tall, Dark and Bad News, I went to a whole other level. His story sucked me in pulled me apart, and turned me into an emotional wreck. I went through copius amounts of Tissues when reading East of Ecstasy, not just for Devlin, but for the whole group, this book is the culmination of everything that has happened in the previous 3 books, with the Gods finally coming together to try and overthrow Eurus once and for all. Devlin is one of Eurus' sons, and has suffered greatly at his hands over the years, and although on the side of the Gods in the fight against his father, has to go the extra mile to prove that he isn't in fact working for Eurus, to ultimately betray the Anemoi... From his mired skin to his battered psyche, he felt dirty down to his very soul. And oh my, how he has suffered, Laura had me in tears with every thought and revelation from him as the book progressed. After a lifetime of abuse his body was primed to expect more of the same. Anna Fallston has a big effect on Devlin and how he ultimately see's himself, she challenges him, pushes him and stands up to him, in response to his initial disdain and low opinion of her as just a 'Human', she's worthless right?.... Angelic in the purity of her colouring. Devilish in the magnetism of her feminine curves. And fierce, too. But her belief in him, her willingness to fight beside him, and her openess about her feelings for him, give him the strength to control his powers, and the courage to fight for freedom and a life that he can be proud of. Anna needed Devlins strength to hold her weakness, his heat to ease the chill her bones seemed to absorb...His magic and power to help her believe in and come to terms with her own. He was her sole connection to something so magical, so special, and so much bigger than herself. You see Anna, isn't just a mere 'Human', and like Megan, Ella and Laney, she possesses a little something Otherworldly herself. There are so many unexpected twists and turns in East of Ecstasy, Laura manages to keep the reader on their toes throughout the whole book, but I have to say the last 20%, had me; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edge of Disaster (Edge, #1); Author: A.M. Hargrove; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: Started out promising, got steadily worse. I pretty much skim read the second half. Shame.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (The Secret #3); Author: Jessica Sorensen; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - This Ain't No Fairytale Stars. You pretty much know what you are going to get when you read a Jessica Sorensen book, she is the queen of angst, and in any given situation there is always a little more added just to make sure you are approaching overload by the time you have reached the end of the book. As you would expect Lila and Ethan are two extremely emotionally damaged characters, rich girl, poor boy and although you have seen glimpses of Lila and Ethan when reading both of the Ella and Micha books the small parts of their lives you are given in these books, only scratch the surface of how messed up these two people really are. If you are looking for bunnies, rainbows and fairytales, step away now and pick another book, this is not for you. However if you are looking for a book that grabs you and pulls you through the emotional spectrum then this is certainly a title you want to check out. We are dealing with some heavy issues in this book, again this is nothing unusual for Sorensen as she seems to thrive in the darker aspects of the NA genre, addiction, drug-taking, alcohol abuse and sex a lot of it is non-consensual, either due to Lila being underage, or off her nut on drink/drugs are regularly and repeatedly strewn through the pages. Unfortunately, for me the main developments in the story all seem to be in the first 20% and the last 35% of the book. A lot of what happened in the middle section could have possibly been pared down, and shortened to a more acceptable length, considering the book is well over 300 hundred pages long and a lot of it seemed a little 'later, rinse, repeat'. I think it's pretty safe to say that Lila is either going to be someone most people will love or hate. I did struggle with her in the first half of the book, because quite frankly the girl was firmly on 'Self-Destruct' and it didn't look like a lot would move her from that path, even Ethan's constant attempts to literally be her 'crutch' were pretty repetitive after a while. Ethan just like Micha is a guy from the wrong side of town, with issues of self worth (amongst other things) and I found his actions pretty admirable as the book progressed, even though he tries to keep a part of himself back and his emotions in check, his development through the story is heart-breaking in parts . If this was real and I was in his shoes, I don't think I would have stuck around and dealt with as much of Lila's acting out as he did, yes there are reasons for it, but boy I was firmly on my last nerve with her when she finally got herself together. Most of the secondary characters in this book are pretty abhorrent, Lila's family in particular. I would definitely say this is a book that you need to be in the; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: This Man Confessed (This Man, #3); Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I am not going to write a great long essay about this book, not going to tag 100's of pictures to it, and dozens of JPegs, because quite frankly they get on my nerves when I read see them in other reviews so much I skip right by, and to be honest I have better things to do with my life. This book blew me away, there were shocks, thrills and spills galore. I cried, laughed, sighed and shouted in equal measure. I keep my reviews spoiler free and as such will just say, if you enjoyed books 1 & 2 you are going to be on Central Jesse Cloud Nine when you read this, Jodi has done our boy proud(sorry to steal him JEM). I can hands down say this is the best ending to a series of books I have read so far, there wasn't anything else I would have wanted to see, and the epilogue is panty-droppingly awesome!!! I was around at the beginning of the This Man phenomenon, and I am so happy that Jodi Ellen Malpas has secured a publishing deal for this wonderful trilogy of books. I CANNOT wait to hold all three in hard-copy in my hands when they are released next year, and I look forward to seeing where Jodi's authourly talents take us all next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nobody's Angel (Earth Angels, #1); Author: Stacy Gail; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Enjoyable read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blackbird; Author: Nicole Salmond; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF - Second book by Ms Salmond I have given up with, just not for me.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Forever Yours; Author: Nicole Salmond; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: DNF; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Torn (Torn, #1); Author: K.A. Robinson; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This book is extremely similar to, and as frustrating as Thoughtless by S. C. Stephens (due to my extreme disdain for Keira, I haven't managed to talk myself into reading Effortless yet and I adore Kellan). I love a tattooed, pierced rocker and Drake ticks all the boxes. But why is it they end up getting totally pussy whipped by a weak willed, juvenile and totally spineless girl. I hope that the second book doesn't continue in the same vein. As the writing was good, I just think I have read far too many books on a similar path recently.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Charade (Games, #1); Author: Nyrae Dawn; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Nyrae Dawn just goes from strength to strength with her writing, I first discovered her when I read "Measuring Up", which I loved too as the message it conveyed struck a chord with me. I d/l Charade the week it released, and I have kept putting off reading it in favour of other new releases. I am literally slapping myself about the head repeatedly for that now, and will in future drop everything to read Ms. Dawn's new releases immediately!! Charade blew me away, exceeded my expectations, and made me go through quite a few tissues in the process. Its not often books make me cry, this one did, but it is worth it. I don't want to post spoilers or go over the plot, you can read the synopsis for that. Read it, you won't be disappointed. I am now going to d/l everything else Ms Dawn has written, to read while I wait (im)patiently for facade to be released.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hopeless (Hopeless, #1); Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I have Just read Hopeless and Losing Hope consecutively, they are the first books I have had the pleasure to read by Colleen Hoover, and I an happy to admit they exceeded my expectations. In Hopeless you get the full story from Sky's point of view. This is a unique tale and I am really impressed with Colleen's writing style. It is a love story, but it touches on some really dark and unpleasant themes, and I have to say that the way they were dealt with, and the absolutely mesmerising way Colleen has written how everything then unfolds, made the book very hard to put down, in fact I read it in a day. Losing Hope tells the same story from Holders POV, and this is where I have to raise my hat to Colleen Hoover in total respect, for the humble and thoughtful way the book is written. Let me clarify, there have been quite a few books lately where they have either been told in alternating POV's, or an author has released a complete book of the same story told in an alternate POV, and I have to say I have found alot of them to be totally underwhelming, you don't gain anything new from them, and it almost feels like a little bit of a cop out when you are reading passages and passages of prose that is exactly the same as the original book. Not so with Losing Hope, although it follows the same storyline, this is wholly Holders story, it feels like a guys perspective, and I love the way his was given a way to express his emotions and feelings by writing letters. Men as you know don't generally sit around talking about their feelings, so you either get extremely lengthy inner monologues or the book is missing alot of information that you actually wanted to see. Holder is a pretty impressive guy, and you get to see the whole package in Losing Hope. The poor guy is dealing with a much as Sky in a really admirable way, and at no point did it feel like I was reading the same book again. I cannot recommend this series, and Colleen Hoover highly enough, I have already purchased the rest of her books, and cannot wait to immerse myself in another one of her stories very soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Song for Julia (Thompson Sisters, #1); Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I Love, Love, Loved this book, can't wait for book 3. Charles Sheehan-Miles has a great way with words. I also love Crank's birth name, made me chuckle every time it was used. I cannot recommend this or Just remember to Breathe highly enough.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gabriel's Rapture (Gabriel's Inferno, #2); Author: Sylvain Reynard; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This book literally tired me out, and not really in a good way. It was almost like reading Gabriels Inferno in reverse. The constant use of (puns in brackets) really got on my nerves, and Gabriel and Julia at points were so annoying I wanted to bang their heads together. I know Gabriel is a well educated professor, but the language used and how he spoke in GR made me think of him as a man in his 40's or 50's, not mid thirties, it was quite sweet in the first book, but was just too much in this book. I will read book 3, as I want to see where Sylvain takes them, but I am not sure his writing style on the whole is for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bone Deep; Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Another Brilliant book by the hugely talented Bonnie Dee. She's fast becoming a firm favourite of mine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just Remember to Breathe (Thompson Sisters, #3); Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Brilliant book, covers PTSD and TBI in a respectful and informative way, whilst being a gorgeous love story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Down London Road (On Dublin Street, #2); Author: Samantha Young; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I was a little late to the party when it comes to telling everyone when I discovered On Dublin Street (book one in this series). But since that discovery I have devoured everything Samantha Young has offered us that I could lay my hands on. The stories of Braden, Joss, Ellie and Adam, their families and their lives pulled me in, made me laugh, cry, sigh, shout and ultimately fall in love with them. As you can imagine in view of this I am extremely pleased to have been given the opportunity to read and review this book, by being provided with an ARC copy through Netgalley. Down London Road starts with a long slow burn, in parts I almost screamed "GET ON WITH IT" because I kid you not the chemistry between Jo and Cam is HOT!!!!! But I have to say that, I love that we do not get instant gratification (forgive the pun) with Jo's book. If you have read On Dublin Street, you will know a small amount of background about Jo. Samantha was pretty cagey with giving too much away in the writing, and with reading Down London Road I understand why. You get the full story in this book with both barrels and no holds barred, sometimes brutal and in heart-breaking detail. I liked that Samantha gave us this; she has taken the time to give Jo a full back story and hasn't just jumped into the relationship between her and Cam. But hold onto your panties girls because when it comes - He groaned and gently slid his forehead down the side of mine, his nose skimming my cheek, following my jaw, and coming to rest in a nuzzle against my throat. His hot lips touched the skin there. One brush. Two. And then I felt the wet, erotic touch of tongue and I shuddered, falling against him. It is all you want it to be and more. I am by nature a really fast reader, but I made myself take my time with this book, the words used and the emotion expressed were like eating up your favourite dessert, rich, luxurious, decadent and slightly naughty, even when you feel like you are full up, you can't stop eating because it is so good, that's what this book did to me........ Cam - "I'm going to f*** you so hard, sink so deep inside of you, you'll never work me out from under your skin. Never." See what I mean ;-) The second half of the book blasts full steam ahead, and I sat alternately with either my chin on the floor, drool hanging off my chin, severe sweats from lusting after Cam and Braden (yes we get some of the whirlwind McStudliness that is Braden Carmichael in this book too), to all out sobbing into my tissue moments. I loved this book, more than the first in some ways, you can tell Samantha has put her heart and soul into the writing, I felt myself feeling all of the things Jo felt, understanding her; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Light in the Shadows (Find You in the Dark, #2); Author: A. Meredith Walters; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Blown Away!!! Read this series, no lie I have learnt things about myself from reading Maggie & Clay's journey. Beautiful, emotional, at times harsh (but necessarily so), and dealt with in a way that pulls you in and completely absorbs you. I have read alot of books so far this year, and the bulk of them blur together due to the constant unchangeable subject matter, characters and plotlines. This series is different. I still think about Find You In The Dark, and I am sure Light In The Shadows will stay with me for a long time too......; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Resisting Her; Author: Kendall Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I love Kendall Ryan, all of her books are funny,quirky and just a little bit different. Can't wait for her next book in Summer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Four Kisses (Love Nibbles, #3); Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I LOVE Bonnie Dee! Everything of hers I have read has been first class, always a little different & quirky, but also engaging, interesting and a joy to read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inked Ever After (Bowen Boys, #2.5); Author: Elle Aycart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I cannot think of enough superlatives to describe how much I enjoyed this book. I am glad James & Tate got a proper ending. Am looking forward to whatever story Elle decides to give us next in this series...... *Make sure you read the epilogue on her website :-); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Faking It (Losing It, #2); Author: Cora Carmack; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: An enjoyable book, a little heavier on the drama than Faking it was, but I think the progression and developement was excellent. I am looking forward to reading Kelsey's story later on this year.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard, #1); Author: Christina Lauren; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Who cares how it started. Apart from a few names and places, nothing reminded me of the Twilight saga, and there is no comparison to FSOG. Read it as a standalone book and it's pretty good once they start talking to each other ;-); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Promises After Dark (After Dark, #3); Author: Sadie Matthews; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Soooooo disappointed in this book. Nothing really happens, and its all a bit meh, easy ending nothing special. A shame really as book one was excellent, book two started drifting and book three completely lost it. Saying that I would read anything else Sadie releases as she has talent, but she seemed to run out of steam with this series....; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Don't Want to Miss a Thing; Author: Jill Mansell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Great book, made me giggle. Will definately be reading more of Jills books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bullet (Bullet, #1); Author: Jade C. Jamison; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF - At 50% nothing has happened, And I can't be bothered to carry on reading, normally I wouldn't give up this far into a book, but in all honesty I have been skim reading since about 20%. Reasons for giving up - I can't stand Val, she constantly contradicts everything she thinks/says. - Ethan is as boring now as he was at the beginning of the book, his character developement is non-existent. - There are far too many books out at the moment about tortured pussy whipped rockers, and the immature maybe/maybe-not girls they fall for. Unfortunately this isn't one of the good ones.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Bowen Brothers and Valentine's Day (Bowen Boys, #2.3); Author: Elle Aycart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Laugh Out Loud funny :-) great mini read x; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Play with Me (With Me in Seattle, #3); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: My Favourite of the "With Me" books so far, looking forward to Sam and Leo's story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Across The Hall; Author: N.M. Facile; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: DNF; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Proposition (The Plus One Chronicles, #1); Author: Jennifer Lyon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: WOW!!!! I have read alot of serialised books recently, and if I am honest most of them were rubbish. Or in the main, suspiciously like other books I have read. This book is different, the story is fresh and offers lots of titbits of future revelations to come. No similarities to the Fifties, the Crossfires etc, etc.....I LOVED IT! My only complaint is I have to wait until May for Part 2, and September for Part 3!!!!! Not good, but if they are as good as Part One they will soooooo be worth the wait. Well Done Jennifer, you have delivered something original, interesting and a little different from alot of the dross out there at the moment, I am eagerly awaiting the continuation of this story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Protecting What's His (Line of Duty, #1); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Hooray!!! Another series I already love and can sink my teeth fully into without having to wait! Derek - You "Own Me" too..... And who can say no to a bit of Dolly!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Private Practice (Private Pleasures, #1); Author: Samanthe Beck; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "As long as I have two hands and a tongue, we're not going to need Astroglide." Stars. My first book by this author, loved it. The writing, the humor, the characters, story-line and the sexy-times - Sex-hot, no-holds-barred sex. Totally lost myself in this book, which is one of the highest compliments I can pay it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down and Dirty (Dare Me, #2); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Search & Rescue Me Please Shane Stars!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Knight (Unfinished Hero, #1); Author: Kristen Ashley; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Not really sure how to rate this book. I finished it, but I can't say I actually liked or disliked it. The repetition of words such as "honey","sweetheart","pussy" and the constant dropping of the F and C bombs really didn't add anything to the story for me. I suppose Ms Ashley was trying to "keep it real" I have no issue with swearing and graphic sex etc... but at times I didn't actually have a clue as to what was being said due to the overuse of it. I also found the constant use of "Daddy" a bit creepy. Again personal preference I suppose. Also, Anya's casual acceptance of Knight's "business" was a bit hard to swallow (excuse the pun)... I read alot of rave reviews before reading this book, I actually d/l all 3 in the series, but I can say I won't be bothering with Creed and Raid. That-said, I wouldn't rule out reading another book by Ms Ashley, she knows how to pull a story together, just not in a way I can say I really enjoyed on this occasion.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rough Around the Edges (MMA Romance Companion Novels #2); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: I read alot, and usually only rate books for myself for future reference. I don't write alot of reviews, and it takes a pretty special book, and an amazing author for me to consider writing a full review. So here goes, please bear with me, as I said I am definately a reader and not a writer!! Ryan Moore isn't your typical book hero, he isn't overly-confident, cocksure and full of self belief like alot of the guys I have read POV's of recently, and don't get me wrong I love that too, but it's just nice to read about a guy who sometimes isn't as comfortable with himself, and how he imagines he seems to others in a humble and at times in a shy and insecure way. However, in this instance it makes the book all the more special, in that you get to read about a beautiful guy who is just a little bit lonely, filled with alot of self doubt, and has more than a few demons to exorcise before he can move on and enjoy the happiness he deserves. You get to feel that, more than once I wanted to give Ryan a hug to make up for his self doubt, and even though I knew what was going to happen it still had that "just one more chapter" pull that made me stay up way past my bedtime. ;-) Ranae has given a very vivid and real account of a man dealing with the aftermath of a devastating accident whilst serving in the USMC in Afghanistan. Returning with TBI and PTSD, after an honourable discharge Ryan is trying to live his life as normally as he can, meeting Ally pushes him to address some of his demons and realise that he can live again and not just exist from one day to the next - Ryan - "I don't feel that way when I'm with you" Ally - "What - like you're just existing?" Ryan - "Yeah. When you're around, I feel alive. Like I'm living in realtime again instead of watching everything pass by." It was true and it was amazing...... I loved being on the journey that Ryan took, at the beginning - his lack of self worth, and that he deserved to be loved and respected just as he was. To the point when he realized that it was OK to want a future and happiness, and not to define himself by the parts of himself that were different. Another of my favourite passages, also highlights Ryan's growing feelings for Ally, and how they push him to acknowledge he is more than the broken guy he believes himself to be - Nothing else mattered when he was inside her. The intensity of being wrapped in her heat and wetness demanded all his attention, snared his focus - everything else was just a memory. Her body was forgetfulness and bliss without violence - something he hadn't realized was within reach until the first time he'd slid inside her. It was amazing, f***ing amazing....... I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rock with Me (With Me in Seattle, #4); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I love this series KP needs to write faster :-) I was on the fence with books 1 & 2, they are good but 3 grabbed me by the hair and didn't let go. Rock With Me grabbed me by my ears, gave me a big wet kiss and left me begging for more....... You want a hot, sweet, cute, funny book, then step right up, of course it doesn't help that Leo Nash is lickable.....literally ;-); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tied with Me (With Me in Seattle, #6); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Loved it. Can't wait for the next book. Nuff said!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Obsession (The Plus One Chronicles, #3); Author: Jennifer Lyon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I've laughed, I've cried and pretty much felt every emotion in-between reading this series. I love Sloane Michaels, I love Kat Thane, there isn't a character in these 3 books that isn't well written, likeable and totally integral to the story as a whole. Hoping that Jennifer releases all 3 books as one hardcopy at some point as I would definately buy them for keeps. Even though it's not really possible, I think I may have worn out my e-books of this series out, I have re-read them that many times! I am sad to say goodbye to them, but I know I'll be back time and time again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Don't Know Jack (NY Girlfriends, #2); Author: Erin McCarthy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Loved both books of the NY Girlfriends Series. I hope Erin plans to continue it very,very soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Longtime -and at one point illegal- Crush; Author: Janette Rallison; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Great little novella. The title is rubbish and needs changing, it makes the book sound seedy and it really isn't, it's a sweet short story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Knight's Mistress (All Or Nothing, #1); Author: C.C. Gibbs; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I honestly don't know how to put into polite English my thoughts on this book. So I am going to leave it at that.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: My Forever is You Book 1: Reunited; Author: Ashley Blake; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Man Of Few Words; Author: Ursula Whistler; Genres: romance; Review: DNF; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How to Misbehave (Camelot, #1); Author: Ruthie Knox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Reading this book gave me that feeling you get when you discover an author new to yourself, and you just know instinctively that you are just going to love reading everything else they have, and will ever release in the future. Straight onto book 2 for me :-); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Along Came Trouble (Camelot, #2); Author: Ruthie Knox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Another brilliant read. I want my own Caleb, and a Henry, he was just too cute for the pages!!! The Camelot Series is funny, exciting, engrossing and thoroughly unputdownable. I am just miffed I haven't discovered the awesomeness that is Ruthis Knox earlier. Onto Flirting With Disaster for me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Real (Real, #1); Author: Katy Evans; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I went into this book with a little trepidation having read a few differing reviews and knowing a little of the subject matter it covered. I am not afraid to say when I am wrong, and with REAL, I am 100% completely and totally off the mark with this book. It blew me away and landed firmly in my top ten reads of 2013 so far. I Loved Remy, and how he used music to express himself to Brooke, the sexual tension was pulled so taught at points (especially in the first half) I had to go and have a shower to cool myself down. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, Katy Evans is one talented lady, and I am looking forward to reading MINE when it is released in November 2013.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Impact of You; Author: Kendall Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Quite simply put Kendall Ryan is a genius, could not put this book down, Mind you I have the same problem with every book she writes. I highly recommend The Impact of You, it's a great read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping Beauty (Faerie Tale Collection, #2); Author: Jenni James; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: DNF; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rules of Entanglement (Fighting for Love, #2); Author: Gina L. Maxwell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: LOVE THIS SERIES.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: For You; Author: Mimi Strong; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 Stars This is definately a book of two halves for me. The first half was a little choppy and confusing in parts, but I stuck with it as I liked Aubrey, and there is a certain something about Sawyer too that I found cute and vulnerable. The book really comes into its own in the second half, we get more information on Aubrey and Sawyers pasts, and the development of their relationship through the discovery of each others secrets and vulnerabilities. Several of my favourite passages are below, they convey the emotion and raw feelings that are displayed in the book, it was good too see a guy putting his heart on the line for once. This is a story where our heroine has issues and secrets and it was quite a refreshing change - Sawyer - "Say something. You're killing me, as usual. Tell me you hate it, and you don't really want me in your life. Just say it, so I can start getting over you." Sawyer - Aubrey, how can I give myself to you? What do you need so you can know this is real? Sigh..... I have read a few other things by Ms Strong, and I have to say I prefer her writing style when she invests herself in a full book over the novels that are split up into innumerable parts. Everyone seems to be jumping on this band waggon nowadays, and I can see it running out of steam pretty quickly. As a reader it is highly frustrating to read several chapters of a book, and get into the story only to keep having it cut off at a pivotal point. On the strength of reading For You, I fully intend to look at Mimi's other full length novels. In summary it was a light read with a HEA, not too long, ideal if you have an afternoon to kill or are looking for something to chill out with while on your holidays. No cliffhanger ending as well which is a major bonus. I was supplied an ARC copy of this book, and have provided an honest review as a thank you for the privilege.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: No Dress Required (Love Required, #1); Author: Cari Quinn; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Short, but very sweet, would like to read a full length on this couple.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Embattled Road (Lost and Found, #0.5); Author: J.M. Madden; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You've still got your nuts." Stars! I grabbed this novella Free off Amazon, mainly because I have seen various books from this series blowing up my GR feed in a positive way over the last couple of years, and I was intrigued. All I can really say is that for something so short, The Embattled Road certainly packed a punch on all fronts. It made me laugh, shed a tear, and gave a great introduction to the men that will become the backbone of Lost and Found Investigative Services John Palmer, Chad Lowell and Duncan Wilde, have all bought back their own demons from their time in service, as well as a number of irreversible injuries, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series to see how they overcome and integrate back into civilian life, as their friendship develops, especially with the challenges they are going to have to face together and as individuals. John is up first in Embattled Hearts and it is already lined up on my Kindle to start reading!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Embattled Hearts (Lost and Found, #1); Author: J.M. Madden; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - The man was sex on wheels... Literally. Stars. After devouring The Embattled Road, I dove right into Embattled Hearts. This is John Palmer's story, so it was a no-brainer decision to be honest, as I fell for this broken man 100% in the prequel novella. We join the guys from Lost N Found Investigative Services, five years on from their time spent together recovering in hospital at the end of their military careers, and it was great too catch up with those characters as well as be introduced to a whole raft of new ones that have joined the company in those years. "Remind me never to piss you off." I really enjoyed the story between John and Shannon, the first 70% kept me well entertained, this is the first book I have read where one of the main characters if wheel-chair bound, and I think the author handled the complexities of that situation really well, without making them out to be something out of the ordinary. John although now adjusted to life in a chair, is still bitter when it comes to not being able to be the strong protector that he thinks Shannon needs, especially when the suspense aspect of the story ramps up. "I never thought I'd feel this way again." I found his protectiveness sweet and extremely endearing, especially when he struggled to put into words exactly what he was thinking and feeling towards Shannon. They have been circling each other and their attraction for quite some time, and just with them finally admitting their feelings, a dark aspect of Shannon's past comes back into the fore, which essentially pushes them together even more. This is the bit of the book I rolled my eyes at to be honest, and more than once, it is also reason why this dropped from a 4.5-5 star read down to my final rating. The suspense sort of took a step into the ridiculous, for me and went one twist to far. It came out of left field completely though so the element of surprise was there, which I applaud the author for. We are also introduced to Zeke Foster in this one, and I have to admit what we see of him, hit all of my soft spots too, so I will definitely be looking to read the next book in the series Embattled Minds at some point in the future. As I am interested to see what kind of story the author gives him. I grabbed this book and the prequel novella free off amazon, if they are still on offer I would wholeheartedly recommend you grab them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Second Chance Boyfriend (One Week Girlfriend, #2); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. I have literally just spent the last 24 hours reading books 1 & 2 in the Drew and Fable series. I am in the situation where I want to slap myself upside the head for leaving them on my TBR for so long. They weren't the easiest couple of books to read, and the subject matter in parts is pretty grim, but Monica Murphy has managed to write their story in such a way that makes you emotionally connect with Drew and Fable and their struggles, rather than feel uncomfortable or weirded out. Although I am slightly cross-eyed from reading both books in such a short space of time, I can't help myself I am moving right on to my ARC of Three Broken Promises, let's see what Colin and Jen have in store for me! Oh, and if you haven't already read One Week Girlfriend & Second Chance Boyfriend, don't be an idiot like I am and wait, move them to the top of your TBR right now!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Week Girlfriend (Drew + Fable, #1); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Emotional roller-coaster, doesn't even begin to describe One Week Girlfriend. I worked out early on what the *elephant in the room* was, but what I didn't anticipate was how far the author was prepared to take it. Reading it was like watching a disaster movie for the second time, you know what's coming but you just can't seem to stop yourself from carrying on with it. Heart-breaking, enthralling and emotionally draining, I cannot stop myself, I am moving straight onto Second Chance Boyfriend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Prelude (A Musical Interlude, #1); Author: KaSonndra Leigh; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 stars. I really wanted to like this book, I have a soft spot for Russian alpha males, and the premise and location of the actual story get top marks for me too. I love Italy and I love the arts with almost equal passion. I am going to give my points about this book and try to be constructive with them as I think it does have potential, and I would be interested to read the rest of the series to see where it leads. This is a shorter length novel being just over 200 pages, and for me I found the word repetition and use of certain phrases to be a bit much - Hot Spot, Sweet Spot and shoulder hugging are used frequently as well as "sucking teeth" not a phrase or action I can say I am au-fait with. I know Alek is Russian hence the slightly jumbled sentences when he doesn't quite manage to translate them correctly. But sometimes it was just confusing, I had to go back and re-read sentences and at points whole paragraphs to try and decipher what was being said. Also the fact he is a "swinger" (Hate that word with a passion) is thrown in without any explanation, but he gives it up to be with Erin, all a bit sudden, and really if that is the sort of lifestyle you like, would you just decide to give it up for someone you aren't even in a relationship with at that point. Continuity is another issue, I found the story seemed to jump all over the place and at points it got extremely confusing. Before deciding to be with Alek, Erin decides to set him challenges to prove he is worthy. The first (and only) one being they go dancing.......Sorry but I struggle to see how going dancing with a guy would prove he was worthy, she also decides pretty much on the spot, that he is worthy after said excursion and its full steam ahead. At one point he threatened to spank her again.....but there was no previous spanking that I read. Their first full sexual encounter was also very confusing to read in parts, and she was talking about having a multiple orgasm but didn't actually have an orgasm until after saying that (well that's how I understood it). Alek also apparently has 3 hands as at one point he was removing her panties with his hands and pleasuring her at the same time. I have to say I am glad I stuck with it though the last 50 pages are actually really, really good, it finished well. As I said the story shows promise, but it needs a lot of work, the inconsistencies and choppy pace are the main issues for me. I was provided with a copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for honest feedback, I am grateful for the privilege and hope that my review is constructive with the points I have raised.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Stranger (Beautiful Bastard, #2); Author: Christina Lauren; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I've said it once I'll say it again. I don't care that this series is derived from Fanfic. I loved the first book and I loved this one too. The stories and premises don't remind me of anything else I have read and the characters are unique and quirky, plenty of giggles in this book, "three fingers" makes me chuckle every time!!! Here's hoping we get some more from the girls as I enjoy what they have to offer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Player (Beautiful Bastard, #3); Author: Christina Lauren; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: If you liked Bennett and Max, you are going to love Will. Best book of the series so far IMO.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Bombshell (Beautiful Bastard, #2.5); Author: Christina Lauren; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I love the Beautiful Series, I am however starting to feel a little ripped off as the cost of the novels + the novellas is pretty high. Apart from making more money (the novellas cost almost the same in hardcopy as the full books do), I really don't see why the novellas cannot actully be added to the the end of the full length books they fall between.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Beginning (Beautiful Bastard, #3.5); Author: Christina Lauren; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "That man could fuck me back into my twenties." Stars. Bennett Ryan... Still absolutely love him.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Glazed; Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: romance; Review: Brilliant book, Ranae always manages to cram so much into her novellas without them being crowded. Derek and Kelly come across as normal nice people, looking to start and enjoy a relationship. They both have a few issues, and it wouldn't be interesting if there weren't a few spanners thrown in the works along the way. There are parts where I giggled, sniffled and rolled my eyes at my ereader (in a good way). Well worth a couple of hours of your day/evening. Just don't do what I did and d/l it just before bed, I ended up staying up until 3am finishing it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seduction and Snacks (Chocolate Lovers, #1); Author: Tara Sivec; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: OMG......I LOVE THIS BOOK. This has shot straight to my Number 1 of 2013 (so far). I laughed so much that I sounded like Muttley at the end of it. Had to stop numerous times for pee breaks, and tissues to wipe the tears of laughter out of my eyes. If you want a read thats sexy, saucy down to earth and wet your pants funny this is a must. I have ordered hardcopy of this and I was only halfway through at the time, as I know this is a book I will read again and again, also d/l books 2 & 3. I'm giggling now just thinking about it. CANNOT recommend Tara Sivec highly enough, this woman is one to watch in my opinion :-); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Working It (Love by Design, #1); Author: Kendall Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Okay, so I want to firstly say that I love Kendall Ryan's books, every one of her previous titles has been 4 or 5 stars for me. I love the originality of her plots and the uniqueness of her characters. That's why I am sad to be rating Working It with only 3 stars, especially as the lovely lady was kind enough to provide me with an ARC copy for review. Ben and Emmy are from totally different walks of life; Ben has been born and raised pretty much in the public eye, with the experience in life this sort of exposure affords. While Emmy is a country girl, her family still residing in Tennessee, see's things from a more innocent perspective. This premise is what drew me to the book in the first place, hot model and country girl what more could you ask for. So ill start with what I liked - The first 50% or so was pretty solid; we are taken to New York, Paris and Milan. The growing attraction and developing relationship between Emmy and Ben is great. I loved the texts and picture messaging, some of their conversations had me giggling, and Ben has one dirty, delicious mouth and texting fingers on him I can tell ya! Kendall has also set up a Pinterest page so you can visualize the picture messages (hot damn) and the places that Ben and Emmy visit in the book - [url]... Several of Emmy's inner one liners were hilarious (in true Kendall Ryan style) and I will certainly remember them for a while. *More ass than a toilet seat* *Once he was done with me, it would be like a Taylor Swift song - heartbreak city* They really did give you the impression that Emmy was a good country girl at heart. I loved that she saw Ben as more than just a hot model - *I could sense that the real him was just a regular guy, looking for a connection* What could be improved upon - The prologue pretty much sums up the whole book, I could almost work out who, what and where things were going to happen after reading it and it took away all of the surprise of the storyline. Being a spoiler free review it is hard to say a lot about my next issue (however there are plenty of other reviews that do list it if you are interested). It occurs at around 68% through the book, and for me it was completely unnecessary and added absolutely nothing to the storyline. I have never encountered it in previous books by Kendall, and tbh a little warning would have been nice, I am not a prude but it is not something I go out of my way to read. I also found it to be completely out of character for Emmy, so it just didn't sit right in the storyline as a whole for me. The sex was hot and well written, I did find the overuse of "I need to be inside you"; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Country Loving (Talyton St George, #7); Author: Cathy Woodman; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I love Cathy Woodman, her books transport you to a world where life, and it's inhabitants are a little quirky and all have their own particular and wholly unique personalities. In my heart I hope that there is a town somewhere in the UK, which encapsulates Talyton St George, and the pace of life that you can experience there. This is book number 7 in the series, and I have to say it's bought me right back into the fold. I read a lot of fiction from erotica all the way to YA/NA, and I love the diversity that is out there for us book addicts nowadays. That said the likes of Cathy and authors in her genre, hold a special place in my heart. I love settling in and reading about a simpler life, the ups and downs of the characters and their families, and due to the longevity of this series, they are almost an extended part of my family now. This story centres around Stevie, and her return to Talyton, to try and salvage the family farm, estranged from her father for a number of years, Stevie doesn't realise just how bad the situation has gotten, until a long weekend style intervention turns into her upping sticks from her life in London to return to the farm on a permanent basis. We get so see a few of the characters from previous books, Fifi, Guy, Jennie and her family as well as the dark haired, brooding locum vet Leo, yummy to say the least. For me his high point in the story is rescuing a child from a stampeding cow by hitting it over the head with a leg of lamb, I laughed my socks off at that one. Stevie suffers a few setbacks along the way, as you would expect, along with a few surprises, a gormless ex and the usual shenanigans you expect from the residents of Talyton St George, and I really enjoyed every second of it. If you are looking for an easy-going uncomplicated heart-warming read, this is a must. It can be read as a standalone novel or as part of the Talyton St George series. I was supplied with an ARC copy of this novel by Netgalley, and have provided an honest review as a thank you for the privilege.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Futures and Frosting (Chocolate Lovers, #2); Author: Tara Sivec; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. Still hilarious, love this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troubles and Treats (Chocolate Lovers, #3); Author: Tara Sivec; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. Brilliant, brilliant series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Text Me (Text Me, #1); Author: K.J. Reed; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Before Jamaica Lane (On Dublin Street, #3); Author: Samantha Young; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 5 Perfect Stars. I love this book. I love the series it is a part of. I love the characters, and their stories within each book. And finally...... I love the Samantha Young for sharing her amazing talent with us. Hurry up June, I CANNOT wait for Fall From India Place.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nothing But Trouble; Author: Trish Jensen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Trish Jensen, and I can happily say it won't be my last. I was provided with a copy of Nothing but Trouble by Netgalley, and it is my pleasure to provide an honest review in exchange for the privilege. Nothing but Trouble is a modern day fairy tale for us girls, to sit back and enjoy. Brandon Prince tall, dark and handsome, from a well to do family. Laura Tanner feisty, independent and just a little bit innocent when it comes to men. Used to looking after herself and relying on no-one. We are also given a cute quirky Fairy Godmother in Laura's friend Ali, and a Wicked Queen in the form of Brandon's mother. As to be expected its a "tale as old as time"......but Trish manages to inject a new spin on the meaning "someday my Prince will come", in this easy-going, charming read. If you are spending a few hours at the beach, or besides the pool, I can recommend Nothing but Trouble as good company for you. I hope Trish, continues with this series and gives Ali and Hannah their own books too, they both have potential.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breathe with Me (With Me in Seattle, #7); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "M and M against the world." Stars. Probably my least favorite book of the whole With Me in Seattle Series. It felt like a filler to me, too many little things going on and Mark and Meredith's 'second chance love story' felt very 'secondary' to a lot of the recaps that you get from the rest of the gang, as the book progressed. I struggled to warm to Meredith as well if I am honest (another first for this series, as the h are usually as likable as the H normally). "There's no recovering from this." I doubt that too be true, Kristen Proby is one of my 'go-to' authors when I need my romantic pick-me-up, and that's why I love this series. I do hope however that Kristen keeps Forever With Me Dominic and Alecia's story as the final book, and gives everyone the 'happily ever afters' that they all deserve.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Until I Break; Author: M. Leighton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Michelle Leighton has an extraordinary talent, only shared in my opinion with the likes of Kendall Ryan & Bonnie Dee. That talent is that she takes your standard boy/girl, man/woman romance story and adds an unusual twist to it. For me her books are always compelling, addicting and extremely hard to put down. Until I break is a little darker than the previous books of Michelle's that I have read, and it explores the darker side of love and relationships, how far will you go for someone you love, but also what you are prepared to give up as well. Alec Brand - well what can I say.....He is drop dead gorgeous, strong willed, and carries his fair share of demons. He also has a way with words, and like all of Michelle's previous alpha males it inevitably ends up with me having faulty knicker elastic!!! Alec - "All night long, I've watched you." Another step closer. "I've watched the way you walk and move, the way your dress hugs your hips, the way it cups your breasts." Another step closer. "I watched you blush when I touched you. I watched you pretend you weren't thinking about my lips on yours."...... "I'm making introductions," he explains, "because you and my tongue are going to become close friends. Best friends, in fact." *fanning self erratically*......I can tell you there was elastic pinging all over the place after that, in the end I gave up with underwear and just wrapped myself up in a towel!! Samantha - this is a girl I can empathise with, she isn't the uber confident, gung ho, sexually experienced woman that you read about a lot of the time nowadays, and has her own demons to deal with, which in contrast to Alex's, for me makes them two halves of one whole. Writing under a complete pseudonym is one of her ways of keeping her life private and it is also a facade in which she pushes herself to be a confident, strong woman. This book has a long slow build, 'delayed gratification' if you will, we are given the chance to get to know Alec and Samantha better. To explore their hearts and minds, but boy when that gratification comes it is sooooo worth it. I will never look at a balcony in the same light ever again that's for sure. I try to write my review spoiler free, and due to this I can only gush so much about this book as a lot happens, and in trying to discuss it I feel it would give away too much of the plot. If you like Michelle Leighton, I am sure you will love this book, it is different to her previous works (well the ones I have read anyway), but I think she has dealt with the subject of adult love and relationships, no matter what form they may take in an interesting and unique way. I was hooked from the moment Alec Brand walked onto the page.... I hope Michelle has a story to share with; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Undeclared (Woodlands, #1); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down for the Count (Dare Me, #1); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Loved It. Galen *sigh*; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Innocent Ink (Inked in the Steel City, #2); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Innocent Ink is book 2 in the Inked in the Steel City Series. You can definitely read this as a standalone, but I recommend that you read Hot Ink first, mainly because it is as good as Innocent Ink, and it gives you a look at Karen, prior to getting her own book, her friendship with Mina, and how she comes to be part of the Hot Ink family. Ranae Rose has an innate skill at weaving a colourful and complete background as well as in depth, fully developed characters to all of her books. Even with her short stories you always get a beginning, middle and end, nothing feels rushed through and you can visualise everything perfectly. Jed and Karen's story is a heartfelt and emotional one; it's of love and loss, and moving on from the devastation of it. Building a new foundation with someone else and learning to let go of the past, to honour the memory of love and move on to the future. My favourite lines from the book - I know what love is. I know that nobody is promised anything, either. Not even one more day, or one more breath. So I have to tell you now, while I have the chance - I love you. I won't divulge who, what or when they are said as I always like to post spoiler free review, but just know this, that if you have read anything else by Ranae, you will love this book, if you haven't, I urge you to give The Inked in the Steel City series a go. I discovered Ranae through Hot Ink, and have devoured every one of her contemporary romances since. I only wish she wrote faster.....or maybe I should read slower Either way she is one talented lady, and you will not regret spending a few hours relaxing with any of her characters. It was an honour and privilege to be provided with an ARC of this book, and it was a pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thunderstruck; Author: Kendall Grace; Genres: romance; Review: This is a great book, quite short in length so its ideal for an afternoon on the beach, or an evening chilling out with a glass of wine. Jo moves away to the sticks to start her life anew and leave behind the baggage of her old life and the glare of publicity from being married to a man in the public eye. What she doesn't expect is to move next door to a half Native American man, who illicits all sorts of responses from her, feelings she is unused to and that leave her nervous and unsure. The feelings also force her to face up to her emotional baggage from her marriage, and deal with all the insecurities and lack of self confidence it has produced. I enjoyed the story and the development of Jo and Hawk's characters as their relationship grew and became deeper, and the symbolism of the Doe and the Buck according to Native American beliefs was extremely sweet. The secondary characters' in this book are well developed as well, notably Hawk's parents Ray and Raven, and their contributions to the story are funny at times and definitely add to the overall feel of the book. This is the first book I have read by Kendall Grace, and I enjoyed it immensely. I was provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taking Shots (Assassins, #1); Author: Toni Aleo; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - DNF Unfortunately and to my disappointment I am unable to offer a full review for this authors work. I read to 60% of Taking Shots in order to give the writing and storyline a good chance, but it just didn't work for me. I found the general style to be a little rough around the edges, a lot of repetitive use of the same words and phrases. Over description of things that weren't really important and it was awfully jumpy in places. On a positive note the storyline is pretty good and with work could be brilliant, but Elli's insecurities are a little overplayed IMO, and Shea is extremely calm and well behaved for a Sport star in his 20's. I loved Grace and her family though. This series has potential, and Toni does have talent, but the writing style needs a lot of work to pull it into what I would call adult writing. I was provided with a copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Into the Deep (Into the Deep, #1); Author: Samantha Young; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I can officially confirm that a new book boyfriend has been launched into the atmosphere, because when you read Into The Deep, you are going to fall in love with Jake Caplin, hook line & sinker. Oh did I mention Lowe, Beck and Matt cause I pretty much fell in love with them too. Samantha Young has done it again, with every book you read by this excellent author, you are pulled into a family off diverse and colourful characters. Charley and Jake take centre stage in Into The Deep, but the scope for offshoot novels Sam has for the rest of the characters is endless. The story jumps between 2008/09 and 2012/13 and focuses on the intense and all consuming relationship that defined Charley's latter years at school and her first and only love Jacob Caplin. Outside factors build against the young couple, and Charley is ultimately left with her heart broken. Move too 2012 and Charley is in Edinburgh with her best friend Claudia for a year studying abroad, and she bumps into Jake and his current girlfriend at a party. She's shocked, and runs, but ultimately has to face Jake once she realises she cannot avoid him for the whole year. Sparks fly, the flame of their love reignites and they both struggle to deal with the resurgence of their connection. Jake on being around Charley - It was peace. It was war. It was excitement. It was contentment. It was exhileration. It was soothing. It was calm.............It was everything....... Seriously I love this guy. As I said although this book is about Jake and Charley's relationship, the secondary characters offer a whole extra dimension to the story, I loved Claudia and Beck's will they/won't they chemistry, Matt made me laugh out loud more than once with his often blunt and cringeworthy responses, and Lowe...Ooooooh I love a guy with tattoos and a lip ring, being that he along with Beck and Matt are in a band "The Stolen", I think every one of my favourite fantasy male attributes was covered by the guys in this book. I also love that Sam took us a little further in Scotland. Having visited Fort William myself it was easy to visualise the places and people, and Rowena's accent is just perfectly written. Sam Young has already shown us that she is the queen of the series with the massively popular On Dublin Street novels. I am happy that she is offering us more of her incredible imagination, with the Into The Deep series, I am pretty sure it will be as popular, and I cannot wait for book 2 - Out Of The Shadows in 2014. I was lucky to be provided with and ARC from the author, and am happy to provide the above honest review in thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Belong to You (Cole, #1); Author: Vi Keeland; Genres: romance; Review: This is the second time I have reviewed this book. The first time it was a 0 Star DNF, and the review was less than positive. After a conversation with the author it was determined I may not have actually read the fully finished draft that was intended for public review, and Ms Keeland kindly offered me the correct copy. For this I am grateful, and as such offer my honest review as a thank you for the privilege. I will start with the positives as I believe Vi has a talent, it is a little raw right now, but I believe with the right editing etc, she has the potential to go far. I liked Jack Cole, granted he is your typically dominant alpha male we get too see so much of at the moment, but there is a little something about him that keeps you interested through the book, I sense there are a few more things about him that we will find out about in book 2. He has his issues as you would expect, and a slightly darker side we have had glimpses of, but on the whole I found him likeable and funny in parts, and hey who doesn't love someone who protects and treats you like a princess. Sydney was 50/50 for me, I found her to be a little annoying in parts, and her innocence and naivety a little contradictory with some of the things she then says and does as well, the constant use of the word "Tippy toes" really annoyed me (small point I know but it just doesn't fit in a contempory erotic romance book imo). She does however have a 5 Star best friend in Sienna, she was LOL funny and has a lot of potential if Ms Keeland looks to giving her a book of her own. The first 50% of the book was fresh, interesting and I liked the direction it went, I particularly liked the night under the stars, and the way Jack treated Sydney while they were on holiday. Now for the negative, and I want this to be constructive as I feel they are all points that will lessen and improve the longer Ms Keeland writes, and has her work professionally edited. I do stand by my original points with regards to spelling and grammar, however they are a lot less prevalent in the authors copy and didn't distract me nearly as much as originally. I will say that after reading the book in full this time, there are an awful lot of paragraphs where the same word is used continuously which is something that could be looked at, as the English language is so diverse there are plenty of alternatives that can be explored, and sometimes they could have just been left out, if you know where someone's fingers are, you don't need to continually refer to them every sentence thereafter. As I said the first 50% was really good, and this is pretty much as far as I got when I originally read the; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lost Lake; Author: Sarah Addison Allen; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: "You can never change the beginning. But you can always change the end." I have been a fan of Sarah Addison Allen's book's for some time. If you are sad or feeling a little out-of-sorts, pick up one of her books, for you will reading the perfect amount of quirky story, almost believable magic, and colourful escapism to bring you back to happiness. If asked to describe any of her books in one sentence, I would say they are like getting the biggest hug ever, from your most favourite person in the world. Lost Lake is no exception, from the unique surroundings, to the cast of colourful and creative characters. I got lost in their many stories, their hopes and their dreams. Kate and Devin turn to Lost Lake after pulling themselves through the hardest year of their lives. Kate knows she hasn't always been "present" for her daughter over the last year, and wants to put that right. Add Eby, Lisette, Wes and the people that join in the story as it progresses and you have a pretty perfect way to escape for a few hours into a world, where ghosts, alligators and magic heart charms are all part of the norm. There is nothing hum-drum or run of the mill about a Sarah Addison Allen Book, and because of that you are completely immersed into the story. I could smell the hot-dogs on the grill, visualise the musky film of Selma's perfume lingering in the air, and feel the oppressive humidity and heat of the weather in Suley, Georgia as the book progressed. This is probably the only book where I will ever have the opportunity to say that an alligator made me cry, does that surprise me? No, this is after all a book by Sarah Addison Allen, and that in itself means that anything is possible, and everything happens for a reason, just not necessarily for the reason you originally expected it too. ARC provided through Netgalley, and it is my pleasure to offer the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Finding Bliss; Author: Dina Silver; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars I really enjoyed this book it is a candid and thoughful look into the life of a girl on the cusp of adulthood, how she spends her final summer before going to law school and the relationship's she developes over that time and afterwards. Chloe has had an unusual upbringing, with an alcoholic mother. But she has managed to put this behind her and is getting ready to move onto the challenge of becoming a lawyer. She meets Tyler several times whilst at school and babysitting his younger brother and sister, and with him being the school football star she has a crush on him. Its only whilst spending summer looking after his siblings at their families lake house that things develope further. This is one of those books that you can snuggle up, or chill out by the pool with. There are are few twists and turns, but I smiled and had contented sigh to myself at the end. Worth a read if you are looking for something light and entertaining.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping with the Entity (Entity, #1); Author: Cat Devon; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 2.5 Stars. I really, really wanted to like this book, and as such regret that I have to give it such a low rating. The synopsis piqued my interest, and as such I requested a copy of it from Netgalley. As such I am providing an honest constructive review as a thanks for that privilege. The storyline is solid and could have been really good, I don't read a lot of adult paranormal romance, however I liked the look of this so I thought I'd give it a go. Unfortunately, I struggled with several aspects of the writing. Firstly the author needs to decide whether she is writing, YA, adult romance or erotica as to be quite frank it jumped around all of those genre's. At some points is was actually quite childish, Daniella comes across as someone in her teens with her reactions and responses to certain things in the book. Due to this I struggled to like her, as a grown woman would you honestly say that your go to at times of stress was bottled water and skittles, not me in your late twenties its more likely to be wine and chocolate!!! Again it felt to me like straying into a totally different genre. It also made me cringe when I came across phrases like "Oral lovemaking" and "pelvic rim". The story is based about a group of Vampires, and again I cringed a little at the overuse of the word "Vamp", and the cheesy nicknames "Miles the Moustache" being one of them...... I also found the title a tad misleading, you get several non-starters in the sex department, when one minute they are going at it and looking likely to do the deed, and then it all stops, I know this was integral to the story, and as I write spoiler free reviews I will not say why, but if you are looking for a book with lots of vampire loving in it this isn't for you, the book gets to 86% before they go the whole way. As I said I really want to like this book more, but I found it frustrating in parts, I did also chuckle at points too, it's a shame as it could be so much better.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Undertaking Love; Author: Kat French; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: After reading some of the less than positive reviews of this book on Goodreads, I started Undertaking Love with a little trepidation. I must have been reading a different book though as I absolutely loved it. Undertaking love had the perfect mix of old and young, gay and straight, good and evil, drama and laughs. I giggled, cried, shouted and sighed. The secondary characters in this book are a particular win for me, Ivan and Dora were hilarious at points, heartbreaking at others, Dan was the perfect rogue, who turned out to be an absolute darling in the end. Jonny was definitely the funniest "gay in the village" and Melanie and Rupert added just the right amount of badness to the story. Emma and Toms side story worked really well against Marla and Gabriel's and I really didn't want the book to end. I hope Kat French decides to write some more tales about this little Shropshire village and the community that lives there, as I found it absolutely charming, with just the right amount of spice thrown in. I was provided with a copy of this book by Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in thanks for the privilege.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nocturne; Author: Andrea Randall; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 Stars. It has taken me a while to get my thoughts together enough to write my review about Nocturne. Although I haven't so far read anything else by Andrea Randall, I loved Charles Sheehan-Miles' Thompson Sisters books, so giving a low rating for this book is a bit of a surprise for me, as I never dreamt I would be posting a less than stellar review. As such, I kinda hate myself for only giving it 2.5 stars. I do have reasons though, and valid for my personal reading experience. I really enjoy a good teacher/student love story, and over the last year or so, many of them have been released into the market, some good/some not so good. While the writing in Nocturne is excellent, the characters well developed and the story well thought out I had several issues that just really put me off the story as a whole. It started out really well, I enjoyed the verbal sparring between Gregory and Savannah in the classroom and in general, and while they were actually in the student/teacher domain, their relationship development, their change in feelings towards each other and how they dealt with it really grabbed my attention. Gregory - "Nothing about her mouth was wrong. Nothing about the smell of lilies coming from somewhere between her neck and her hair was immoral. Nothing about my desire for her was deviant." Unfortunately this part of the story only accounts for approximately 1/3 of the book and we are then bought forward 5 years. From here on the story gradually lost its appeal to me. I haven't ever had a problem with adultery in a book before, I get that it is generally integral to the story I am reading and therefore just roll with it. I think the reason it really left me cold this time was the whole way it played out and how the involved parties were ultimately portrayed. Gregory showed promise in at the beginning of the book; he reminded me a lot of Gabriel Emerson (Gabriel's Inferno/Gabriel's Rapture) in a lot of ways. Your typically emotionally repressed, passionate to the point of being obsessed with his craft, difficult to get along with male, as well as being perceived as aloof and churlish by those who don't know him. However as the book progressed I actually found myself disliking him more and more. I understand he was in love with Savannah; however I just struggled to come to terms with a lot of his actions and how he used his love to justify his treatment of others because of it. This became a real issue in the latter stages of the book. Savannah was also a really likeable character initially for me, she was strong, confident and not afraid to stand up for herself if she thought she had a point. Her general positivity and her sly digs to Gregory about his stuffiness made me smile several times. This all disappeared in the second part of the book, she seemed to morph into a completely different; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Trash Beautiful (White Trash, #1); Author: Teresa Mummert; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. This story isn't for the faint hearted, if you are looking for a little light romance featuring a well to do middle-class princess, and the superstar jock of the local sports team then keep moving. This book is harsh, gritty, dark and emotional. Cass Daniels hasn't been afforded the luxury of normal parents, a steady upbringing, and a loving boyfriend. Instead she is stuck with a mother who is looking to lose herself and the disappointments of her life in the next prescription, or hit from the local drug dealer. Her boyfriend Jackson, is an addict as well, using her when he feels like it, and abusing her if she doesn't give him what he wants whether it be money for drugs, or her body. When Tucker White rides up on his motorbike and strolls into Cass's diner one day he can see past her attitude and bravado, and knows there is more to her than the "trailer trash" label she has been branded with. Due to Tuck's perseverance, things slowly change between them, as trust is built, secrets are shared, and Cass slowly starts to realise that there is life outside of the trailer park and the diner, and that she is worthy of her happily ever after. It is a harsh life, and Teresa Mummert has relayed Cass's story in brutal clarity, I found myself sitting up until the small hours to finish this book. Sometimes it's worth stepping past the norm to read a love story from a different perspective. I think White Trash Beautiful is a book you'll remember for its darkness. However what will stick in my mind are the chances Cass is given to experience the light. I was provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, for which I am happy to provide the above review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finding Colin Firth; Author: Mia March; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: What a lovely thoughtful tale. This is the first book I have read by Mia March, it won't be the last as I have already bought myself The Meryl Streep Movie Club after enjoying Finding Colin Firth, I am happily looking forward to returning to Boothbay Harbor and reading more about Isabel, June, and Kat's stories. Mia March's writing reminds me an awful lot of Sarah Addison Allen's, they both have a style of writing that draws you in, with its warmth, intimacy and just a touch of magic. Mia has created a town and inhabitants that I would happily up-sticks and move to tomorrow if I could, and you almost feel like you are there with all the characters while you are reading. This is book 2 in the series, so I am a little late to the party, but I don't mind I am just happy to have discovered another imaginative writer. It focuses on Gemma, Bea and Veronica, all of them are dealing with major change to their lives, and it offers you their stories and the subsequent developments in their alternating points of view. Mia has bought them together quite cleverly as the main theme for all three women's emotional state is an interpretation of the same issue. Gemma is trying to come to terms with some major changes in her life, Veronica is looking to step forward from major events from her past, and Bea is looking to make sense of some major revelations of a loved one, from beyond the grave as it where. This book wrapped around me like a warm blanket, the colourful descriptions of the town and its inhabitants, the upheaval of the film crews arrival and its ripple effect. To the sightings of Colin Firth, which made me chuckle as I have a soft spot for him myself. Well worth a read if you are looking for a heartwarming, well written, wish you were there book. I was priviledged to be provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, and for that I am happy to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Million Dirty Secrets (Million Dollar Duet, #1); Author: C.L. Parker; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 stars. I have never been in the situation that I am at this moment after finishing a book, and while trying to formulate a constructive review for it. I am so frustrated and disappointed right now, and it all could have been quite easily avoided. Let me start by saying that A Million Dirty Secrets was well on the way to being a 4 even possibly a 4.5 star rating for me, but it quickly dropped down to 2.5 stars the further I read. In explanation, I think the story and premise are really good, and I like the characters, Noah Crawford is hot, funny, crass, a bit dominating, and knows what he wants. Delaine Talbot is a virgin, inexperienced, dealing with some big issues in her life, and trying to do what she thinks is best. I did find her constant emotional swings and tantrums about her situation a little illogical, seeing as she chose to put herself up for auction, but as I put it down to her inexperience and being generally overwhelmed at the situation she was in. However it would have been fine and wouldn't have affected my 4 star rating one iota, if there had not been anything else that was an issue. But the one thing I couldn't get past and I think the author is actually doing herself a big disservice as well, is the constant and total overuse of teenage slang and cheesy nicknames for everything. I think this may have been used for comedic/humour effect, but in all seriousness it just drove me mad, and fell very flat pretty quickly. I have listed a few examples below, but believe me I could go on. - Porntatsic! - Cooch, coochie, Super cooch, double agent cooch....... - Hooch, hoochie. - Inner whore. - Love nubbin, nub. - Wonder peen. - Ridonkabutt As I said I could go on but I think the above gives a fair indication of what I am talking about. I am a grown woman looking to read some decent romance/erotica, and to be frank, it all got lost with the incessant use of language like the above, it got to the point I felt the author was bordering on downright lazy, I mean the English language is vast and glorious, and you couldn't get through a paragraph without one or more of the above (or a variation of) being thrown in. Hence the reason I am seriously miffed right now, this book has the makings of being a serious contender in the erotica bestseller ranks, but it needs to be reworked, removing the cheesy, childish, lazy language used, and developed into the grown up book I know it could be. I'm hoping this review is seen as constructive, as I seriously want to love this book (and part 2 when its released). I was privileged to be provided with a copy of this book from Netgalley, and have provided the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Your Room Or Mine? (Do Not Disturb #1); Author: Charlotte Phillips; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This is a great book, especially if you have a few hours to spare one evening or are whiling your time away whilst on holiday. Izzy and Oliver were polar opposites at the beginning of the book, meeting quite by chance, and with completely different outlooks on life and relationships in general. I really enjoyed reading the changes between them as they spent more time together, and got to know about each other more. I only wish that their book has a sequel as I would love to see how their relationship continues to develop. This is the first book I have read by Charlotte Phillips, but I will certainly be looking out for future releases, as I like her style of writing. Its fun, familiar and pulls you in easily. I was lucky to be provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, and in thanks i have provided the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Touching Melody (Forever First, #1); Author: RaShelle Workman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: WOW, just WOW. This book grabbed me from the first paragraph of the prologue, and it didn't let me go until the last sentence of the Epilogue. I could write a long and wordy review about how great the story is (and it is),but quite frankly the time you would spend reading it, would be much better spent actually reading Touching Melody. RaShelle Workman knows how to write a story thats for sure. Touching Melody, is original, engaging and thoroughly pulled me in. Not once did I have that moment where I thought "hey this reminds me of such and such, that I read before" and the story between Maddie and Kyle, is unique, it grabbed my heart and kept squeezing right until the end. There are thrills and spills aplenty and several times I had a "whoa, I didn't see that coming" moment. I Loved, Loved, Loved it.... On a side note, this book costs less than the price of a cup of coffee, or a sandwich from the deli. Take my advice and buy the book, because believe me one you start reading, you won't remember you wanted a coffee, or a sandwich anyway, and the enjoyment and satisfaction you get from reading Touching Melody, will last a lot longer too. I was lucky to be provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, and for that I am happy to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eyes Ever to the Sky (The Sky Trilogy #1); Author: Katie French; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: This is one of those books, that I couldn't put down, but I can't exactly pinpoint why, and believe me I have been racking my brains as to how I put it into words for this review. I really am struggling to say why, as if I'm honest the story didn't blow me away, yes its quirky, a little different and quite cute, but it isn't exceptional. There are also parts of it that remind me a little of other books I have read, but I don't know there is just something about the book as a whole that made me keep reading way into the early hours of the morning. The subject matter is a little unusual, and it is the first book I have read with a little Sci-Fi/ mild horror twist through it, so maybe that's why it grabbed me. Hugh and Cece's budding relationship is sweet, and without giving away anything, if I had a guy who could do the things he can, then I would fall for him pretty quickly as well. I think this is one of those books that the majority of people are either going to love or hate. I love it, I just can't put into words why. Katie French has talent that's for sure and I recommend you give it a go, it's not massively long, and it's worth a read, I will be looking out for the next part to see how things progress. The author kindly provided me with a copy of her work through Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breathe Me In (Ross Siblings, #2.6); Author: Cherrie Lynn; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Another brilliant book, I just wish Cherrie could write as fast as I can read :-) CANNOT wait for more from this super talented author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Hero's Pride (Wounded Soldiers #1); Author: April Angel; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Great little novella, I will be keeping an eye out for more from Ms Angel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mine (Real, #2); Author: Katy Evans; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.75 Stars. Sooooooooooo, where to start......I have a problem with this review, I want to give MINE 5 stars, but I can't. It hurts that I can't, I feel guilty that I can't. But I need to be honest (although I will probably nix myself from getting the opportunity to ARC review Remy for doing so). I am going to start with what I loved, what was in essence 5 stars. REMY - I love this guy, the whole flawed, ripped, tanned, tattooed, blue-eyed, dark haired, alpha male, growly lion, licking package. This is the guy who gives up the most important thing in his life to ensure the happiness of the woman he loves, as we all well know at the end of REAL that didn't work out so well for him. At the beginning of MINE there is still residual anger from Brooke's desertion, and the aftermath of that, and while trying to rebuild their relationship the hurt and uncertainty Remy feels is apparent. Remy - ""You,"..........."are going to love me until I die. I'm going to make you love me even if it hurts, and when it hurts, I'm going to make it better, Brooke." "I'm hurting like a motherfu**er and not one piece of me hurts on the outside like it does where you make it hurt." "I want you. I want you to touch me, to put your lips on mine, like before. I want you to love me. Stop fu**ing punishing me, Brooke. I love you." The first 40% and the last 25% of MINE were everything I wanted them to be, the story is sharp, well written, the sex hot, heavy and written as we love in Remy's unique but unforgettable style. The last 25% pulled me back in I could. Not. Put. It. Down. I only post spoiler free reviews, so I won't tell you why, I am pretty sure almost everyone reading MINE will be as sucked in as I was. It's not difficult to determine where the story is going, and for the most part I had absolutely no issue with the direction whatsoever. The secondary characters, Pete, Riley, Mel, Nora and Coach all add to the mix and some of the banter had me giggling to myself. What dropped the rating of MINE for me, and it was a big drop, was the middle of the book, and not-so-much the story, but pretty much all Brooke. I am still struggling as to why this was such an issue. I mean I understand Katy's writing and what she was trying to get across, but in essence Brooke pretty much turned into another character from 40%. This is a woman we have come to love for her strength, tenacity and all out ball-busting attitude. Well reverse that a full 360 degrees, and you have Brooke in the middle part of MINE, to me she became a selfish, snivelling, inconsiderate cow, at one point I stopped thinking of her as Brooke Dumas, and started thinking of her as Brooke Dumb-ass, she was really that; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Remy (Real, #3); Author: Katy Evans; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: So I am writing this review as spoiler free. That is assuming that you have already read REAL so you know what is going on. If you haven't read REAL, stop reading this review and go read it, you are missing out on a treat! As a lot of my Goodreads friends know, I am firmly in the disappointed - underwhelmed camp when it comes to MINE, so I have to say it was with massive trepidation that I opened Remy, this guy is high up there in my BBF list and it wouldn't be my first BBF POV book that has turned out to be a massive let-down. I am happy to say that my faith is restored and all is right in the world again, this book is all I wanted it to be, and little more in parts. I don't think I need to write a particularly long and rambling review about the book, if you love Remy you are going to love his POV. The book covers all of REAL and MINE as well as a little further into the future. I have to say the first 50% was unputdownable, it pulled me right back into all the tension of REAL. Reading it from Remy's POV, and understanding his inner turmoil and fear of possibly losing Brooke when she found out the full truth about him, gave the whole story so much more dimension. Getting into Remy's head during his speedy/black times was equally enlightening but heartbreaking as well, I was sniffling into a tissue on more than occasion. You are given the opportunity to see that he is a deeply emotional man, who struggles to put his feelings into words, as a result of so many years of being made to feel worthless and unlovable. Being encouraged to ignore who he really is, medicated into subservience and being used for what he can offer, rather than being seen for who he really is. Remy - ...I want for once in my life for someone to come to me because they feel I'm worth it... Believe me Remy. Is. Worth. It. It would be a lie to say this book isn't predictable, you know the story, you know what happens, but you get it from Remy's perspective. I loved that we are given a look inside his head during his fights (pretty brutal in parts they are too), and his reasoning of being so protective of Brooke. You do get a lot of Sniff. Lick. Kiss. Repeat... but I have to say I loved it in REAL so I didn't mind it again especially as it is coming from the man himself. The ending was perfect, and to steal a song from the playlist - Everything by Lifehouse sums it all up better than I ever could. I am giving this Remy 5 stars, I loved getting him back for a few more precious hours, and I am looking forward to reading more from Katy Evans in the future. ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley, and I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rogue (Real, #4); Author: Katy Evans; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You're my knight in leather gloves who went rogue." Stars! I think there is always the urge to compare when reading a book by an author who has in the past provided you with one of your hands-down, fall-in-love-with-from-the-first-page book boyfriends. Katy Evans is one of those authors for me, I will never forget or fall out of love with Remington Tate and because of that I initially started Rogue with a little trepidation. I wanted to judge Greyson on his own merits rather than against the merits of a man who is essentially incomparable. "I'm Greyson King and I'm your man." I suppose the first question would then be has Katy managed it? For me that would be a yes, Grey is different, dissimilar and wholly unique. He is dark, dirty, blunt and brutal. He's a ten. I've never, ever been with a ten. And the way that he looks at me... I've seen that look before. The look that Remington Tate gives Brooke. That look. He's giving it to me and I'm dying inside. Can I die from one look? And if one look can kill me, then what would one touch do? Melanie has been on Grey's radar for a while, being a part of the family that controls the Underground and all of the fights and gambling that take place therein, he has seen her on the security footage attending Remy's fights with Brooke. She has his attention for a whole different reason now though, her name is on a list, a list that once completed will offer him answers. In order to get those answers he has to become Zero, the stuff of Melanie's nightmares. She's my mark, but she's marked me. Grey - I'm going to be everything you never wanted." ... "Nothing that you need." ... "I'm not the man of your dreams, Melanie, I'm your worst nightmare." So what happens when a relationship that is built on smoke and mirrors, half-truths and omissions, turns into something more than just sex? When the person keeping the secret and the person that is ultimately the reason for secret come together... This is in essence the basis for Grey and Melanie's story, and the drama that unfolds as people around then realise their connection. He's like every boy I made out with under the bleachers, every boy I've ever wanted who didn't want me, everything that was forbidden to me. She makes me fucking hot. Hard. Possessive. Protective. What the fuck? ... She makes me feel like I'm not a robot, like I'm flesh and blood, a man, not a number, not a job... not a monster, not a bastard, not a zero. The writing, the development and the flow of the storyline are absolutely perfect. As the drama unfolds, the secrets revealed and the emotions build up, you are with Grey and Melanie every step of the way. The dual POV really helps with this, as although the story is wholly theirs as a couple, a lot of it happens to them as individuals,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gabriel's Redemption (Gabriel's Inferno, #3); Author: Sylvain Reynard; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 Deja vu Stars. I know I am in the minority with my low rating on this one, but I honestly felt like I was reading 400 odd pages of the first two books being rehashed again. Add to that, in the first half the author insists on revisiting of a lot of the things that happened in the previous books in flashbacks but through different characters perspectives it was a bit like having a really, really long catch-up. "Not bad for a mouse." The second half then in the main then consisted of more of the same situations, just distributed out in a slightly different pattern to the same characters. As well as the hum-dinger 'shock' plot-twist that you would be blind to not see coming from around chapter five. Gabriel and Julia, although now married still seem to think that they best way to keep their relationship strong is through lack of communication, keeping secrets, lies by omission and then blaming themselves for falling out over it, and having make-up sex(much like in the previous books). I hate the term 'sweetie' sadly it is copiously used as is the (adding of comments in brackets, in an attempt to add some geniality to the story). Both got increasingly annoying as the book progressed. "Your love makes me brave." I like Gabriel and Julia, I just don't believe this book actually added anything to their story as a whole, it was too long, didn't need half of the many POV's that were in it, and could have been finished off much more compactly, but as always this is just my own personal opinion.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dedicated Ink (Inked in the Steel City, #3); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I am not ashamed to admit that I have a huge author crush on Ranae Rose, I have read and enjoyed pretty much all of her m/f erotic fiction. The Inked In The Steel City series has a particularly large place in my heart as reading Hot Ink is how I discovered her awesomeness! Inked In the Steel City Reading Order - *Hot Ink *Innocent Ink *Dedicated Ink The books can all be read as standalone stories, but they aren't long books so it is worth reading them in order if you can. Abby has popped up frequently in the first and second books, and I always found her quite bubbly and quick off the mark. It is good too see her get her own story and learn more about her as a person. She is an artist and not just in tattoo ink, and she suffers the same insecurities and confidence issues as most women, as well as having to deal with the fact she is pregnant from a one night stand with a guy she has had no contact with since. I liked that she didn't immediately understand the depth of feelings that Sam had for her, it made me smile every time she realised he was doing something for her because he cared and not just out of obligation to her and the pregnancy. As luck would have it Sam has been keeping an eye out for Abby, and chooses his moment well to walk back into her life. I liked Sam (I have a thing about guys in uniform, especially if they are willing to put them on in the name of fun!!!), he is a calm sort of character, nothing fazed him in the book, he dealt with the pregnancy and the drama pretty well, initially using actions rather than words to show Abby just how deeply he cared for her, of course muscles and tattoos always helps things along... The story in dedicated ink moves quite quickly, but as always you don't feel like you are missing anything, Ranae always manages to provide you with full characters and a comprehensive plot line without any gaps. My only niggle and it is very small, is that there were alot of references to their initial one night stand, but we never got the full playback of what happened between Sam and Abby on that fateful July night, and I for one would love to read how they met in that bar and what occurred afterwards....... All in all another brilliant read from Ms. Rose, and I can't wait for the next instalment in this extremely addictive series. I was provided with a copy of this book by the author, and it was my pleasure to read it, and provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stardust (Peaches Monroe, #1); Author: Mimi Strong; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I usually enjoy Mimi's work unfortunately not this one, it just didn't grab me at all.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Flirting with Disaster (Camelot, #3); Author: Ruthie Knox; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I have to admit I am a little late to the party when it comes to Ruthie Knox, it would appear she has been writing for a while and boy have I been missing out. Initially I was blown away by the amazing novella "How To Misbehave", I fell in love with Amber and Tony whilst devouring their story like a good bar of chocolate. Then I met Caleb, Ellen and little Henry, and almost pulled an all-nighter reading their wonderfully funny and heartwarming tale in "Along Came Trouble". I didn't think it could get any better, how wrong I was. Sean and Katie's relationship and the demons both of them are trying to rid themselves off kept me up most of the night again. The perpetual "just one more chapter" flitting through my mind every time I went to turn off the reader. I fell in love with Sean almost immediately, once his believed weakness was revealed, I got misty eyed several times reading him fight to keep it hidden and his lack of self confidence because of it. Katie took him at face value and pulled him on his b*llsh*t every time which is what Sean needed. She is the kind of woman I aspire to be, strong (although she lacks faith in herself), selfless and nurturing. She looks to help others, sometimes to the detriment to herself, and she sees the best in everyone and helps them to be better people for it. I loved this book (as I did with the others), and as I have ploughed through the Camelot Series it has become very apparent that Ruthie knows how to build a complete story, the secondary characters are as fully developed as the leads, from Jamie and Carly, to Judah and little Henry. Everyone is visible in your head, they all translate across the page so well, you literally feel like you are there with them. I am going to plagiarise myself here and add my initial comments after reading "How To Misbehave" as it sums up what I want to say about Ruthie - Reading this book gave me that feeling you get when you discover an author new to yourself, and you just know instinctively that you are just going to love reading everything else they have, and will ever release in the future. The above is as true now as it was a couple of days ago when I first started reading the Camelot Series. I was privileged to be provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, and as thanks I have provided the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Making It Last (Camelot, #4); Author: Ruthie Knox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Tony and Amber hold a special place in my heart, you see I discovered the wonderful writing of Ruthie Knox, when I read their beginning in "How To Misbehave" We have seen glimpses of them in "Along Came Trouble" & "Flirting With Disaster", but I am so glad Ruthie went back to them and gave them a 10 years on catch up so to speak. This book had me in tears, reading about the trials and tribulations of a couple, who although they still love each other deeply, have stopped communicating with each other in any meaningful way. It looks into both minds, and beautifully describes how they break down their self erected walls to stand side by side again. It was touching to read what Tony was willing to do for Amber, and the tissues were out in full force reading Amber trying to put into words to tell Tony what she was feeling. The Camelot Series in General is quite lighthearted, whilst dealing with some emotional issues. This book is a little heavier, but nonetheless just as good. Ruthie has explored what happens after the "happily ever after" when it's all nappies and commitments and not having enough time in the day for each other. I have given every book in this Series 5 Stars, and this one rates just as highly if not higher as it delves into a different area of love and romance. Thankfully according to Ruthie's website, this isn't the end of Camelot, and I am so happy to hear that (although waiting til 2015 may be a bit torturous!), I look forward to discovering more of the Mazzara family.............. I was lucky to be provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, and have provided the above honest review in thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dating the Devil; Author: Lia Romeo; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I liked this book, its not too heavy, but light and entertaining. A perfect read, for your summer holiday. With a few giggles and an original spin on the romance genre. Lia has managed to create a likeable heroine in Lucy, and even though the hero is the Devil I though Lewis was great. I would have liked there to have been a little more character development with regards to Lucy's girlfriends in the book, and the sex scenes were a little rushed, but it kept my interest, and I would happily read another Lia Romeo book in the future. It was a privilege to be provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, in thanks I have provided the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fully Engaged; Author: Eve Gaddy; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Callie has been hurt in the past, has had her heart broken more than once. Firstly when Rick broke off their engagement 9 years ago, and now by the death of her fiance Johnny in a forest fire she was fighting with him and their team, the Los Lobos Hotshots. Rick after all this time decides to come looking for her, and after spending 3 years training in California, joins her team and is partnered with Callie. Sparks fly, and Callie struggles to deny that she still has feelings for him. She is also still grieving for Johnny, and has drawn the unwanted attention of an arsonist. I stayed up well into the night reading this book, I liked the characters, their chemistry and the writing style made the book an engrossing and easy read. Eve's writing style reminded me a little of Nora Roberts, which is a treat in itself. This book is a re-release, but I must admit it didn't feel outdated in any way. I will definitely be looking to read more by Eve Gaddy. I was privileged to be provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, and as thanks I have provided the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Waking up in Vegas (Westerwald Trilogy #1); Author: Romy Sommer; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Phoenix Montgomery & Max Waldburg are from opposite ends of the scale when it comes to their backgrounds. Phoenix is a waitress in Las Vegas, and Max is a Vintner.....He is also a Prince from a small European principality, but being the second son, has been allowed to live his own life. As the saying goes - Marry in haste, repent at leisure, pretty much sums up Phoenix's feeling's when she wakes up in an unknown bed, to be told she has married Max after spending 24 hours together in Vegas, unfortunately she cannot remember any of it. The story develops with Max trying to help Phoenix remember why they married and all of the things they have in common, but Phoneix has been let down before and is reluctant to give her heart away to anyone else. I really enjoyed this book, it's your typical modern day Cinderella, with a little bit of magic, and an old fashioned Prince Charming thrown in for good measure. It's not a massively long novel, but it was well written, nothing felt rushed, and the story developed at a steady pace. A good read, worth a few hours of your time, and hey who doesn't love a happily ever after once in a while ;-) I was privileged to be provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley, and as thanks I have provided the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Keeping Her (Losing It, #1.5); Author: Cora Carmack; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I loved Losing It, the beginning of Garrick & Bliss' story. So I was pretty excited when I found out that Cora Carmack was giving us another installment in their journey together and in London no less!! This book is told from Dual POV, which I found really worked for the issues that were being dealt with. I love Garrick so being able to read what is going through his mind enhanced the story 100% for me. Cora has released a few Garrick POV's over the last few months, and I must admit that I love his dry British sense of humor and use of Britishisms! For a short novel, quite a lot happens, but it doesn't feel too rushed and the story flowed really well. I love that Bliss finally found her confidence to stand up for herself and express her opinions. It also gives us a good look at Garrick's life prior to moving to the US, in the form of his family and friends. This for me was the main plus point of the book as you don't get a huge back-story for him in Losing It, mainly because the book is told from Bliss' POV, but also as he was pretty much on his own in the US. I only post spoiler free reviews, so as such I can't really say a lot about the book in itself, as a lot happens in a short amount of time, but I know that anyone who loved Losing it will enjoy this extension (albeit a pretty short one) to Garrick and Bliss' story. Finding It - (book 3 in the series) is due for release mid-October, and I hope that as well as giving us Kelsey's story, we also get further updates on Bliss, Garrick & Cade. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just One Day; Author: Sharla Lovelace; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This was a short easy-going read focusing on 24 hours in a womans life. Brad has just proposed to Andie in front of all their friends, but rather than say yes to him she throws up. Brad gives Andie 24 hours to decide she wants to marry him, and she takes off on a roadtrip, bumping into none other than her first love Jesse. This book was Ok, it didn't blow me away the story showed promise, but being only a novella it lacked a little depth. I wouldn't say it was anything like Sarah Addison Allen's work, but that is just my own opinion. Worth a read if you have a few hours to spare. ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Chimera Vector (The Fifth Column, #1); Author: Nathan M. Farrugia; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book is like a visit to a theme park all on its own. You have a roller-coaster of a plot, a merry-go round of double crossing, there are thrills and spills galore and a cast of characters that keep it rolling along like a boulder in the middle of an avalanche. I really enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone looking for an action-packed, unique read. I particularly like that Nathan has put a strong female lead firmly front and centre in Sophia, Jay and Damien were also strong supporting characters, and Nasira cracked me up a couple of times with her one liners. I would like to see more development for them all in future books. It was easy to visualise the places and people described in TCV, and I felt like I had been on a round the world trip when I finished it, Nathan has definitely got the talent of pulling you right in there where the action is taking place. I can't say I would agree with the assessment that Nathan Farrugia's books are similar to Matthew Reilly's, they have a different style and pace to them for one. I am not scared to say that I personally think Reilly is in a class of his own when it comes to writing action-thrillers, and although I really enjoyed this book it didn't flow as seamlessly as I experience when reading MR. That-said my main issues were when the descriptions got overly techy and scientific, but tbh that didn't detract from the story as a whole. For me, Nathan's writing style is similar to Michael Crichton and James Rollins, which let's face it isn't a bad group to be put in.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Million Guilty Pleasures (Million Dollar Duet, #2); Author: C.L. Parker; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - Could Have Been So Much Better Stars. I stuck with this duo of books as I really enjoyed the premise of the first book "A Million Dirty Secrets. The storyline was a little different, virgin selling herself to the highest bidder in order to try and save her ailing mother. A Millionaire with a bruised heart looking for sex without all of the entanglements for a couple of years, as you would expect feelings come into play and Noah in the end gives up Lainie so that she can be with her mother. We pick up in A Million Guilty Pleasures right where book one left off, and I am not surprised that the main issues I have with it are pretty much the same as the ones I had with book one, I was just hoping that I could get past them enough to enjoy the culmination of Noah and Lainie's story. Sadly no, all the Coohie, Hoochie, Porntastic and Wonderpeen references as well as the plethora of other cheesy euphemisms for all the sexy stuff just left me cold and bored. The sex was still hot, but again ruined by the constant juvenile references. I loved Noah's POV, and the verbal sparring between the two of them was at points brilliant, and the epilogue was pretty good too. It's just disappointing I could get past the tacky and immature language used throughout. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Losing Hope (Hopeless, #2); Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I have Just read Hopeless and Losing Hope consecutively, they are the first books I have had the pleasure to read by Colleen Hoover, and I an happy to admit they exceeded my expectations. In Hopeless you get the full story from Sky's point of view. This is a unique tale and I am really impressed with Colleen's writing style. It is a love story, but it touches on some really dark and unpleasant themes, and I have to say that the way they were dealt with, and the absolutely mesmerising way Colleen has written how everything then unfolds, made the book very hard to put down, in fact I read it in a day. Losing Hope tells the same story from Holders POV, and this is where I have to raise my hat to Colleen Hoover in total respect, for the humble and thoughtful way the book is written. Let me clarify, there have been quite a few books lately where they have either been told in alternating POV's, or an author has released a complete book of the same story told in an alternate POV, and I have to say I have found alot of them to be totally underwhelming, you don't gain anything new from them, and it almost feels like a little bit of a cop out when you are reading passages and passages of prose that is exactly the same as the original book. Not so with Losing Hope, although it follows the same storyline, this is wholly Holders story, it feels like a guys perspective, and I love the way his was given a way to express his emotions and feelings by writing letters. Men as you know don't generally sit around talking about their feelings, so you either get extremely lengthy inner monologues or the book is missing alot of information that you actually wanted to see. Holder is a pretty impressive guy, and you get to see the whole package in Losing Hope. The poor guy is dealing with a much as Sky in a really admirable way, and at no point did it feel like I was reading the same book again. I cannot recommend this series, and Colleen Hoover highly enough, I have already purchased the rest of her books, and cannot wait to immerse myself in another one of her stories very soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Only Exception (Only, #1); Author: Magan Vernon; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Its nice to read a book once in a while where the roles are reversed. You get Monica, a Liberal girl with tattoos and piercings and baggage, living next door to Trey, a straight laced Republican guy with opposing views. The story line is a little different and sometimes a little darker, but it kept me interested throughout, and was dealt with in a thoughtful way. I did find the constant references to their political beliefs a little repetitive, but that is essentially a part of what the book is about and I knew that going in so I am not complaining per-se. All in all I enjoyed this story, it is essentially a love story, but it deals with darker issues and shows that sometimes opposites do attract. I was supplied with a copy of this book through Netgalley, and as thanks am happy to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Officer and the Secret (Semper Fi, #3); Author: Jeanette Murray; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I have read all three books in this series now, and I LOVED them all. Skye and Tim in "The Officer Says I Do". Madison and Jeremy in "The Officer Breaks The Rules". But I have to say I developed a huge soft spot for Dwayne through both books, so I am beyond happy to finally get to read his and Veronica's story. It is sweet, funny, and I loved seeing Veronica overcome her shyness and naivety and go for what she wanted. Dwayne *swoon* the gentle giant and perfect gentleman who has returned from a tour with a few battle-scars on the inside, finds the peace and calming influence to help him deal with his issues in Veronica. It was just perfect, I pulled an almost all-nighter to finish this book because I just couldn't put it down. One of the main things I love about this series is that although each one focuses on a specific couple, everyone else is still kept in the loop, so it really does feel like the whole groups story develops at the same time, I am just crossing everything right now that Jeanette Murray continues with the Semper Fi series, as I don't want to say goodbye to any of them just yet........ ARC provided by Netgalley, and I am happy to provide the above honest review as thanks, this author ROCKS!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Story Guy; Author: Mary Ann Rivers; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: What a great book. Mary Ann Rivers has crafted a short but sweet tale of two people (Carrie & Brian), who are both looking ultimately for the same thing, but the circumstances of life intervene as is often the case. I loved the whole premise of meeting up just for an hour once a week for kissing, it seems to me no-one spends enough time just kissing nowadays, and it made me want to go out and spend an hour kissing someone myself ;-) The build-up of the relationship between Carrie & Brian, and learning of the reasoning behind Brian's reluctance to step any further than that one hour was heartbreaking, and I loved that Carrie "put herself out there" to let Brian know just how much she wanted to be with him, whatever the circumstances. It bought a tear to my eyes reading how he struggled with his responsibilities and the pressures of dealing with them, I wholly enjoyed it, as I said it's a short read, but nothing feels rushed or missed in it's telling. A great first book, I will be looking out for more from Mary Ann Rivers. ARC provided by Netgalley, and I am happy to provide the above honest review as thanks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Night to Forget (Emma's Story, #1); Author: Jessica Wood; Genres: romance; Review: The premise of this book sounded interesting, and I was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, it fell short for me, and I found myself skim reading quite early on. I didn't really connect with Emma, and it felt more like she was a teenager a lot of the time in both her thoughts and vocalisations, than a 22 year old woman. The story has promise and it's original, I just think it needs reworking, spicing up for want of a better description. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review, I'm just sorry I can't be more positive on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Merchant of Venice Beach (Venice Beach Romance, #1); Author: Celia Bonaduce; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF - I got to 20%, absolutely nothing had happened, and I had no idea where it was meant to be going. It's pretty much a non-stop rambling internal dialogue in Suzanna's head, about nothing that particularly connects together. She doesn't like her best friends! She has a crush on a dance instructor who she has just met by him knocking her off her bike, he doesn't apologise and then acts like a total tool towards her. It's a shame as the synopsis sounded good, but it really needs to be pared back and the story established in a more obvious way, I am sure all the anecdotes and stories are meant to be humorous, but it just didn't work for me, if I am 20% into a book it needs to have at least established a plot, direction and a decent outline of the main characters. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review, I am just sorry I couldn't be more positive on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bully (Fall Away, #1); Author: Penelope Douglas; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: A cell phone, a key, a coin, and... I don't... I can't even begin... I am not sure I can... I think Bullying effects us all at some point in our lives, whether in childhood or as an adult, the irrevocable damage it leaves in it's wake is still the same. "You were my tempest, my thunder cloud, my tree in the downpour. I loved all those things, and I loved you. But now? You're a fucking drought. I thought that all assholes drove German cars, but it turns out pricks in Mustangs can still leave scars." When the Bully turns out to be someone you love, can the scars ever really heal... Yesterday lasts forever. Tomorrow comes never. Until you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Untamed; Author: Jane Shoup; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: 2.5 Stars. I was really looking forward to reading this book, I have loved the story of Tarzan since childhood, and the chance of reading a grown up version of it had me in a tizzy. Unfortunately, I cannot say that the book did it's synopsis justice at all. The writing is good, but this is a book more about early 1900 society and its nuances and not really about a man/boy discovered living with apes in the African jungle. To be constructive and explain the above my main issues are listed below - *Ari and Zan actually spend very little time with each other in the book at all, after reading of their first meeting in the African jungle I was expecting so much more from the rest of the book, in truth they are so bogged in-between everything else going on in the book, I'd guestimate that you see about 8-10% of just them. *As mentioned above there are far, far too many secondary characters in this book, all with their own little stories and internal monologues and it became tiring. I was looking to read a book about a great and unusual love story, and instead it turned into chapter after chapter of he said/she said. *There is one sex scene in this book and it was absolutely brilliantly written, so why not more. The author did herself a great disservice by burying Zan, Ari and the reader in all the inconsequential drama of so many extra characters, all I really wanted to read about was Zan and Ari, not the 20 or so other people vying for space on the pages. *The constant switching from one persons POV to anther's gets confusing as well, I had to go back and re-read several passages to work out who we were actually reading. *I think the expedition to Africa was cut far too short, Ari should have either been held captive for longer (allowing for more relationship development), or at least stay in the camp with Zan whilst he began his education, it all ended too abruptly, and then they pretty much have no interaction until around 75%, which was wholly frustrating. This book could have been so much more, but it seemed to me the author got lost in everyone else's stories to actually focus on what the book was meant to actually be about. Jane Shoup can certainly write a vividly detailed story, I just think she needs to concentrate on the pivotal characters and lose all the fluff so to speak.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Shades of Shame (Semper Fi, #.5); Author: Laura Cooper; Genres: romance; Review: I wanted to like this book, but it was a real struggle from start to finish, luckily its a prequel novella so it wasn't overly long. The writing felt almost clinical in parts, emotionless and cold. The characters were all pretty much abhorrent, except for Logan, but I think I felt sorry for him more than anything after the way he was treated. The sexual element reads like a list as if the author is trying to keep you interested, Dom/Sub, Switching, F/F, Vanilla, Anal, BDSM and so on, and you would think with all that variety of erotica, it would keep the reader entertained, but it just seemed like it was being put in to add content some of the time. So for me not one I can really recommend. ARC was supplied via Netgalley for review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Falling for Jillian (Love Under the Big Sky, #3); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I could have lost you before I ever really found you." Stars! I love Kristen Proby, I don't think there has been a book that she has written that I haven't at least fallen a little bit in love with. Even the characters that you don't 100% warm too, still always have a little something about them that you can get onboard with. Falling for Jillian is the third book in the Love Under the Big Sky Series, and once again Ms. Proby has managed to bring together a cast of characters and storylines that you cannot help but feel a part of. "You are never going to forget all of the things I'm going to do to you tonight. Every inch of your amazing little body is going to feel me." Zack King, being Josh's twin brother (Book one, Loving Cara) and Jillian Sullivan being Tyler's sister (Book Two, Seducing Lauren) have both featured pretty heavily in the series so far, there have been glimpses of the chemistry between the two of them in the previous books, so to finally get their story is an absolute treat. The addition of Seth, Zack's son into this story gave it an extra dimension as well as the drama surrounding his errant mother, and although this book doesn't really offer up any surprises in its storyline (particularly the things that occur between Zack and Jill in the second half of the book), I just couldn't put it down. Much like the With Me in Seattle Series it's like catching up with family! That dimple alone is going to be my undoing. Although a great epilogue, I am hoping against hope that there will be at least one more book in this series before the author puts it to bed (although more than one, would be more than acceptable to!) ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seducing Lauren (Love Under the Big Sky, #2); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I hope someday comes sooner rather than later." Stars! The second book in Kristen Proby's Love Under the Big Sky series gives us Tyler Sullivan and Lauren Cunningham's story. Both of them were featured in book one Loving Cara but we are given 'access all areas' into their lives and their budding relationship, in this instalment in the series. I have been a big fan of Kristen's writing for quite a while now, her With Me Series, is one of only a few books that I actually buy in hard-copy to keep on my book shelves at home. After reading Loving Cara, this Series also followed quickly suit, and are an automatic pre-order! Her writing and characters offer you everyday easy-going romance, but what makes them so enjoyable is that they are so well written that the predictability and common-place tropes are just so easy to fully immerse yourself in. I know without a doubt that I want him. I trust him. I need him in my bed. Ty and Lauren have a few secrets that they are hiding from the outside world, while Lauren has been dealing with a less than sane ex-husband and divorce, Ty has kept his distance. Now some time has passed, as far as he is concerned all bets are off, and it is time to let her know how he really feels. "Keep that up Lauren, and I won't be responsible for fucking you right here on the ballroom floor." The feelings are mutual, unfortunately the 'ex' problem isn't as 'in the past' as either of them hoped it was. Ty steps up and offers Lauren the support and trust that she craves from a relationship, having lost her parents, he along with his close-knit circle of friends also offer something else that she has lost, and that is a family. The thought of ever being without him fills me with so much grief it's debilitating. I loved this couple, I loved the continuation of the series as a whole, and the simmering tension between Jill (Ty's sister) and Zack in the background of this story, promises to deliver some interesting results in book three in the Series Falling for Jillian due for release in February 2015. "You inspire me to dream with my eyes wide-open." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. *All quotes have been taken from a review copy, and may be subject to change in the final version of the book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deep Autumn Heat (Star Harbor, #1); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: What a great start to the Star Harbour Series. I love a collection of books that focus on one town, and one family in particular in this series Elizabeth Bennett is giving us the lives and loves of the Grayson Brothers, Theo, Val, Cole & Seb. In Deep Autumn Heat we meet consumate player, and celebrity Chef Sebastian Grayson, who doesn't love a motorbike riding, tall, dark handsome man that can cook!!! Seb meets Lexie Meyers, fiery owner/chef of the local eatery, and the spark they feel is instantaneous. Unfortunately, as if often the case the path of true love never runs smooth, and what with Seb being based in New York and Lexie happy in Star Harbour, as well as the added distractions of a stalker and a nasty ex, it is all mixed up to produce a pretty hot, sometimes funny and utterly charming read. I am moving Straight onto Blaze Of Winter to catch up with Theo now! ARC was supplied by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kojiki (Kojiki, #1); Author: Keith Yatsuhashi; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, young-adult; Review: This isn't a book from a genre that I usually read, but the synopsis intrigued me and in a way reminded me a little of Middle earth. Kojiki, is skillfully woven with lavish descriptions that enable the reader to picture in vivid detail each and every moment as you read. I did worry at the beginning whether this attention to detail would slow the pace of the story down but it didn't, in fact I would say it enhanced it for me. The story focuses on Keiko, who has just lost her father, and as part of his final wishes she travels to Tokyo with her camera and her father's death poem. A blend of myths and folklore are explored and bought to life in the pages of this book, and I found that I did become immersed in the characters, their struggles, battles, friendships and ultimately Keiko's decision as to whether she honor's her fathers final wishes. It did take me a few chapters to get into it, but take my advice and stick with it as it is worth the effort. I would definitely consider a book in this genre again. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Recipe for Disaster; Author: Nina Harrington; Genres: romance; Review: This book is cheesy, cliche, overly anglicised & predictable, but all in a good way. It is chock full of all the good things that you need to make a light, humorous summer read. You have your typical Italian Stallion in Fabio, and your average, slightly inexperienced woman in Alex. Add into the mix a nasty family, the odd villain and a gaggle of friends (from a convent schooled education no less) and you have a pretty good summer read. Firmly entrenched in the chick-lit category and well worth a read. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: This Girl (Slammed, #3); Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, poetry, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blaze of Winter (Star Harbor, #2); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Autumn Heat (Book 1) first if you can. They can definitely be read stand-alone, but as the series is about 4 brothers you can imagine there is a lot of crossover. Theo has returned to Star Harbour to try and kick start himself back into action. A well respected author, who has spent the past few years in San Francisco, he has found himself at a crossroads and struggling to find inspiration for his writing. Staying on his brothers houseboat and having to share a cramped cabin with his older brother Cole isn't helping matters much. So as suggested by his friend Emma, he decides to move into the Inn to give himself some breathing space. There he meets Avery Newbridge (Emma's sister) and their connection is instant. Avery is in Star Harbour herself dealing with a traumatic event from her past, and looking to decide where she wants her future to take her. She doesn't believe that Theo has a place in her life as it is, and is scared that as soon as he gets his inspiration for writing back, he will skip town to head back to the big city, leaving her to put herself back together again. I enjoyed this book as much as DAH, however I will say I didn't connect with Avery as much as I did with Lexxie from DAH. I could see the emotional turmoil Avery was going through, but sometimes I literally wanted to give her a shake and tell her to stop being such a Martyr. Yes she does pull herself together, but as someone who is a social worker, it seemed that she struggled to think rationally about her relationship with Theo, bordering on childish on a couple of occasions. She did eventually "take stock" and realise what an idiot she was being, but at points I found myself rolling my eyes. So Spring is just round the corner, I cannot wait too see what Cole's story has in store for us. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Long Simmering Spring (Star Harbor, #3); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: Holy Hell!!! Cole Grayson had me simmering all the way through this book. I admit I am a sucker for a tortured, tattooed Military man, and he ticked every one of those boxes for me and then some. Julie really worked for me too, and together they were perfect. I have read the previous Star Harbour books and now Long Simmering Spring, book 3 in succession, and I have to say they are all great, but this one was on a whole different level for me, it seemed to have more depth, emotion and story for me. Saying that alot of things that happen in this book have been building from the beginning of book 1 so that may be partly the reason. Books 1 & 2 were 4 stars for me, Cole's story is a firm and strong 5, onto Val now........ I kinda don't want to start it as I have enjoyed my time in Star Harbour and I don't really want to say goodbye...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Slow Summer Burn (Star Harbor #4); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I have pretty much read in succession the four Star Harbour novels, and I have loved them all. I am not going to forget the Grayson brothers in a hurry, and I hope that Elizabeth Barrett finds a way to take us all back for regular visits as the setting, characters and trials and tribulations of this family have had me hooked from the beginning. I loved Seb & Lexie in Deep Autumn Heat (book 1), Theo and Avery in Blaze Of Winter (book 2), I have to say my favourites are Cole and Julie in Long Simmering Spring (book 3), but I think Val and Cam's book Slow Summer Burn, highlights exactly how talented Ms. Barrett is. This book really does burn, the heat between Cam and Seb almost ignites the pages from the get-go, and there was no messing around, they were hot and heavy from pretty much the beginning of the book. Elizabeth Barrett has written some scorching sex scenes through this series, and although you get the full visualisation of what's going on they are written so beautifully, with a fluid and descriptive prose that draws you in, she does not have to resort to the more base descriptive words that are used in a lot of today's fiction, not that that bothers me, but I just find that the lack of its use in these books really did highlight moment, and the authors talented writing skills. This book also delivers the climax to the suspenseful drug running sub-plot that has threaded it's way through all four books, I must say it kept me reading well into the night just to see the villain get their just desserts, and it just pulled everything wonderfully together to produce an exciting, engrossing end to a wonderful series. I cannot recommend this book and the whole Star Harbour series highly enough, I have loved having the opportunity to read and review them all, through ARC's supplied by Netgalley. Although that's not completely true, I bought Long Simmering Spring as it wasn't available as an ARC, and I just couldn't bear to not read the series in the order it was written. I hope these get published in hard copy at some point as I would love to have the Grayson brothers on my bookshelf at home.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Oblivion (The Maddox Brothers, #1); Author: Jamie McGuire; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 1.5/2 "I have a bad case of awkward as fuck." Stars. I really do not know where to start... I am beyond disappointed.... As such my review is going to be short and too the point. For me, there were one too many similarities to Beautiful Disaster, for the key development points to Cami and Trent's relationship, as well as Cami's whole back-story. There was far too much extra drama from secondary characters, the whole Raegan/Kody/Jason Hoopla added absolutely nothing to the story, and just got on my nerves. Also for some reason, (and at this point I am guessing that it is possibly due to it theoretically being the beginning of a new series) Jamie felt the need to give us a full life story of pretty much every secondary character. I didn't as a reader feel the story needed this information and all it did was clog up the flow. Trent and Cami were actually like secondary characters at points. Although I didn't realise it until the very end, I worked out the twist within the first few pages, it was only when the 'BIG' reveal is given that it really clicked. Total 'ick' moment for me, hated it. As I like to keep things spoiler free that's all I am going to say. I haven't read A Beautiful Wedding (feeling like I have dodged a huge bullet about that now too), and as such now knowing Abby's reasoning behind marrying Travis was just another drop of salt into my already festering wound of disappointment. I have no doubt people will read and love this book in their masses, I really wanted to be one of those people. The fact this book has gotten any stars from me at all is all down to a certain Travis Maddox, we get too see a little more of him on his visits to Red, and Cami's conversations with him, while he is negotiating his way through what is essentially Beautiful Disaster, gave us more insight into what he went through, and his interactions with Trent at points too were just enough to keep me reading. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. I hate that I didn't love this book.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Marriage Bargain (Billionaire Games, #1); Author: Sandra Edwards; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: The Marriage Bargain, is what I would term, as a light, easy, stress-free read. Camille is a reporter, who is pushed by her boss into applying for a position seen advertised for a single actress to work in an extended job abroad, in the L.A. papers. She meets your stereotypical tall, dark and handsome, European playboy Julian de Laurent, and is made an offer she wants to refuse. Unfortunately due her initial reaction to refuse and risk losing the biggest tell all scoop on the de Laurent family, she is fired from her job, making her re-evaluate her options. Can she stick to the contract, can they both walk away at the end without having developed any feelings for the other. Well I am sure you can guess the answer, there are a few twists and turns on the plot, but it's not going to blow you away. I would put this story firmly in the Mills & Boonesque category, enjoyable enough but I doubt I'll remember it once I have started reading something else. Oh and the constant use of "Cherie" got really, really annoying. ARC provided by Netgalley for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Maybe Someday (Maybe, #1); Author: Colleen Hoover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: DNF -For now, I got to appx 70%, and I can't bring myself to read anymore. I was hoping that with the unusual and unique twists CoHo adds to her books I would be able to get past the love triangle aspect, but I just at this point dislike Sydney and Ridge so much I don't really care how the book ends. 3 Stars because it is as usual written beautifully, and I loved Warren so would like to see him get his own book at some point. If you love Colleen Hoover, I would still recommend this book 100%, I just didn't get on with the overall storyline this time.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wanted (Most Wanted, #1); Author: J. Kenner; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. I am sure that I am not the only person that wondered if Julie Kenner, could ever top Damian Stark, well I am happy to say that for me she has. Evan Black, is of similar character - Dark, Dominating and all consuming, but also completely different at the same time. He also has a deliciously dirty and descriptive mouth, and I found myself fanning myself several times from the heat!! Evan - "I want to hold you. I want to fall asleep with the taste of you on my lips and the scent of you all around me. And I want you to drift off with nothing in your head but the pleasure I gave you. Do you understand, baby?" Seriously this guy gets his woman, and what she needs 100%. The good thing about that is it gives Angelina the courage to explore a side of herself in the right way, a side she has tried to keep hidden for a long time. I think it is safe to say that we are looking at a dom/sub relationship without me really giving anything away, and I really enjoyed reading Angelina embrace that part of herself. One thing that really stuck with me and in my humble opinion highlights the talent that Julie Kenner's writing displays was how Evan used different derivatives of Angelina's name in certain situations throughout the book. What I mean is she was Angie for general conversation, but as soon as it got sexy, Evan usually switched to Lina, and always used her full name when things became emotional. This is apparent through and it for me highlighted great continuity and character development. This is a guy who cares, and shows it in actions as well as with words - "You can do anything with me"..."Anything. Because I will always be there. I will always catch you when you fall." Along with his partners Cole August and Tyler Sharp, Evan doesn't always operate within the law, and this amongst other things this excitement and unpredictability, is what draws Angelina to him. It also sets us up for what I think is going to be an absolutely stellar series of books, especially when you throw in an ex boyfriend who is also in the FBI, and a family that is based mainly in politics, you have got one hell of a mix. I have to be honest and say that the first 60-70% of this book was a solid 3 Stars for me, I was entertained, but not blown away, I think this is mostly due to the fact that Angelina (mainly) and Evan have quite a bit of history that we need to know about. You are also given glimpses of Tyler and Cole's background as well, and how they became business partners. But then.....BOOM the story takes off like a rocket, a lot of things that you are initially left wondering about are answered and it all comes together like a well oiled machine. I enjoyed the suspense, and how well the book built; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Romance Required (Love Required, #3); Author: Cari Quinn; Genres: graphic, comics, romance, fiction; Review: 4 "Three strikes and I'm in..." Stars! I love this series, each book just keeps getting better and better, and who knew Cory Santangelo was such a dirty, sweet and total softy under that starchy, unrelenting personality. "There was only one Santangelo brother I ever wanted to take my chances with." As with the previous novels there is a lot to laugh about in this book, but the underlying feelings and the back stories of both Cory and Vicky make you want to keep reading, and once again Cari has aced it with the sexy times for these two! "I have priorities. And you with your hand between your legs sounds like an emergency to me." Hot, Hot, Hot!!! Looking forward to the next book in this series Bryan and Jill have been on the sidelines for far too long!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fixed on You (Fixed #1); Author: Laurelin Paige; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. A slightly different twist on the usual rich tortured guy, with your average run of the mill girl type of love story. Hudson and Alayna both have issues, and I enjoyed reading how they dealt with them separately and together. Didn't blow me away, but it shows heaps of promise and I look forward to reading part 2 when it's released.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Unteachable; Author: Leah Raeder; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: DNF; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 2 Busy 4 Love; Author: Lucy Hepburn; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 Stars. 2 Busy 4 Love, is a novel in which anything can and will probably happen, and all in the space of 24 hours! Christy and Will meet under unusual circumstances, which ends up with Will in possession of Christy's iPhone and basically all the relevant information she needs for successfully running her business and day to day life. What follows is literally a comedy of mix-ups errors and down right bad luck. Appointments and people intertwine without realising that they are, but as the story progresses more things become clear and gradually Will and Christy end up face to face again. I liked that both Will and Christy have their own separate stories going on in this book as well as the adventure they take together across New York, only connected by phone. I did guess some of the little twists and turns before they were actually revealed, but for the most part I still enjoyed the story. I found Christy a bit annoying in parts, but nothing that detracted from the overall book. Best part was Toni getting squashed in the Mercedes, laughed my socks off reading that! Its the first book I have read by Lucy Hepburn, and I would be happy to read more from her. ARC supplied by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: After the Kiss (Sex, Love & Stiletto, #1); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. I have to say that I am blown away by the amazing group of talented authors that the Loveswept (Random House) team have got in their stable. From the awesome and brilliant Ruthie Knox, Elizabeth Barrett and Serena Bell, to the stunning writing of Lauren Layne. I have rated every novel I have read 4 or 5 stars from this publisher, and this book is no exception. Loveswept authors provide you with books that are captivating, well thought out, have original and engaging characters and themes. I also love that a lot of them form a series, and I am pleased to say that After the Kiss is book 1 in the Sex, Love & Stiletto Series. We are introduces to Julie in the first book in this series, she's your typical girl about town, likes to date but shies away from getting serious with anyone. When her editor sets her the challenge of taking that step further in order to write an article for the magazine she works for she accepts. Shortly after she meets Mitchell, the anti-guy to what she usually goes for, he likes to read, run, wears a suit, glasses and works in a boring job on wall street, he is also hiding a secret or two of his own with regards to his reasons for looking to date her. Although they are both the total opposite of what they would both consider their "type", the chemistry is explosive and rather than just being in the name of reporting Julie develops feelings for Mitchell, and that's where things become complicated. As is ever, the case the path of true love never runs smooth, and I enjoyed every chapter of Julie and Mitchell's story. You also see glimpses of Julie's friends and colleagues Grace and Riley in this book, and I am pleased to see that the continuation of this series focuses on Grace's story in Love the One You're With, due for release in December 13. I can't wait! ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bookstore; Author: Deborah Meyler; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 Stars. It took me a while to get into this book, it was Ok but it didn't blow me away, there weren't any moments that made it stand out to me. For me it's one of those books you read, generally enjoy, but completely forget as soon as you start reading something else. Ideal if you aren't looking for anything heave or too dramatic. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Everything for Us (The Bad Boys, #3); Author: M. Leighton; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 5 Stars. I don't even know where to start. The emotion that flows through Everything For Us, is so strong I literally feel wrung out and exhausted now it's finished. I am happy too, deliriously so, because for me this book highlights just how freaking talented Michelle Leighton is. My massive author crush for Michelle is in part due to the Bad Boys series, I discovered her through Down To You, I fell in love with the Davenport brothers, and as they say the rest is history. Everything For Us brings the Bad Boys series to its finale (although, part of me hopes that at some point in the future Michelle will return to this wonderful group of characters), and it focuses on Nash Davenport and Marissa Townsend. It takes up right where Up To Me left off, so I highly recommend you read the book before venturing in to EFU. My heart broke so many times for Nash in this book. I post spoiler free reviews so I will not give away any specifics of the story, but I am going to assume if you are reading this you have read the rest of the series, so you know the back story. This is a guy who has been dealt a really shitty hand in life, having had to spend the last 7 years in hiding after witnessing the explosion that ripped his family from him. He has had to live in the shadows, with the dregs of humanity, and because of it believes he has lost the capability to feel anything for anyone. I found myself sniffling into a tissue so many times whilst reading EFU, as the reader is wholly drawn into the constant internal battle Nash wages with himself about pretty much everything, this is a man out of his comfort zone and who is struggling to try and fit back into normal civilisation. His coldness and harsh demeanour, reveal in his thoughts a man that is actually lonely and emotionally vulnerable. Reading his internal monologue as he tries to justify his reactions to situations, whether it be with regards to his connection to Marissa or his relationship with his brother, made me literally want to just give him a hug, and tell him everything would be ok, although he is HOT, my maternal instincts really kicked in at points. Nash - "you should probably stay away from me." Marissa - "I know," Nash - "I'm trouble." Marissa - "I know," Nash - "you'll probably get hurt." Marissa - "I know," Nash - "Then you can't say I didn't warn you." Marissa - "I know." Marissa as you know from the previous books is a spoilt, rich, and to quote Ginger a "bitch-on-two-sticks"! After the events of Up To Me, she is forced to re-evaluate her life, goals, and the person she has turned out to be. This is where the alternate POV really comes into play; as the book progresses you actually see that Nash and Marissa aren't really that different. They have both unfairly judged and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lick (Stage Dive, #1); Author: Kylie Scott; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 -"With great breasts come great responsibility." Stars! I have had a few days to think about my review for Lick, main reason being when I finished it I wasn't 100% sure how I felt about it, yet it kept me reading until the end. I wanted to work out why this book wormed (Book-Worm Ha!) its way into my heart before I put my thoughts down. Evelyn Thomas and David Ferris, meet and marry each other all in the space of a few hours after one wild night in Vegas, of which Evelyn can barely remember. Evelyn is your regular run of the mill 21 year old girl, working part time in a coffee shop, and studying to be an architect. David, 26 is the standard, hugely famous Rock Star, with a few issues; yep it's another one of those types of books. Famous guy meets ordinary girl, true love and lots of obstacles ensue. So why, when everything at first glance seems oh, so cliche, was I like this when reading - And not like this - I am still not 100% sure, but it just clicked for me, whether it was a case of 'right book, right time' I don't know, but although there weren't any real surprises to the story I really, really enjoyed it. "I like you the way you are, blurting out whatever shit crosses your mind. Not trying to play me, or use me. You're just... being with me. I like you." Although this may sound like a put off for some people, I think the style of writing had a lot to do with my enjoyment. It was accomplished, rounded and just the right amount of descriptive, but uniquely so. Odd as it sounds, it was also very mature, and I did at times have to remind myself that this was a 26 year old man and a 21 year old woman. The light in his eyes was like the sun rising. It was powerful and beautiful and perfect. That-said Kylie managed to add a little 20-something humour in at points too! "Fuck-drunk suits you, Evelyn." So too sum up, I'm not really sure why I liked this book so much, but I did, I couldn't put it down and am extremely excited that it is the start of a series. Sometimes there are no specific reasons as to why you like something, you just do. Lick is that type of book for me! ARC provided via Netgalley and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest (if somewhat inconclusive) review!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Feather Light; Author: Lorenz Font; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: So this is my first Lorenz Font novel, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Please be aware that this is a review of an ARC, so the books contents are still subject to change. Parker Davis is blind and as the synopsis explains, he uses his heightened senses, particularly touch to provide the best massage therapy that money can buy. On the outside everyone sees him as happy, in control of his condition and generally well adjusted to the hand life has dealt him. On the inside the picture is quite different, Parker struggles with the loss of his sight and the loss of freedom it has led to. He strives to live up to an ideal and what he imagines are the expectations of those around him. In private Parker is a Dom, and uses the control he exerts in the bedroom as an outlet to alleviate the stress he feels over the loss of control he has over the rest of his life. Kelly Storm is a world famous actress, trying to hide from the public glare the deep desperation and unhappiness that is her life of late. Battling against a heartbreaking loss, and a very public relationship split, she is pushed into a massage with Parker, through her assistant's coercion, under an assumed name. The massage opens something up deep in her, and pushes her to release some of the build up of emotions she has had to keep hidden away for so long. It is also the beginning of their relationship, a relationship that starts with secrets and the avoidance of the truth. The initial build up of their relationship is pretty quick, and although it's not insta-love, they are declaring their feelings for each other pretty quickly, but it felt right to me, and I think it is mainly due to the strong emotional connection between them whilst initially at the massage therapist/client stage, and Lorenz Font's writing of their meeting transfers this connection to the reader beautifully. Because of that I could understand Parker's reaction when Kelly's secrets were revealed, as it also exposed to everyone the inner insecurities he had tried to hard to keep hidden from those around him. I do feel Kelly's whole acceptance of Parker's kinks in the bedroom a little easygoing, but I have to admit (and I am not really sure if the author meant it to come across this way) but I laughed my socks off at a particular "scene" in the last chapter of the book, although it was still quite sexy, it just struck me as wholly laughable at the same time...... I have to say that for me, this is a unique book. It really felt like Lorenz Font, had taken the time to actually understand the complexities of being without sight, the reminders of how many steps to a certain point, directions to 1 o'clock to find a glass of wine, and Parker's inner monologue really bought the point home. Also the actions of those closest to him really came across that; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beneath the Surface (Reluctance, #1); Author: M.A. Stacie; Genres: romance; Review: You know what you are getting with this book, and no mistaking, a dominant alpha male with the some level of emotional detachment, a feisty female who has been unlucky in love, and the inevitable chemistry that sparks up when they meet. Lets face it, the alpha male/feisty female genre is flooded at the moment, and in all honesty there isn't anything new in this book that I haven't read in dozens of others, like alot of literature of this type out there at the moment, it is a bit of a mish-mash of many other books from the genre. My points as follow - *A rich dominating man with emotional issues, who doesn't believe he is capable of love. *He is also a bare knuckle fighter. *Tattooed, but scrubs up well in a suit. *Deep running unresolved family issues. *A wayward brother. *A feisty female who almost falls on her ass, the first time she enters his office. *She's been unlucky in love before. *He is her boss (not literally, but pretty much) *She expresses her feelings, whilst he is more closed off. I could go on, but I don't need to, you can get my drift from the above. That said, I never judge a book by it's similarities to others, rather on how I connect with the characters and how much I enjoy the writing and the story being told. As a result of those factors I am happy to give this book a well deserved 4 Stars. M. A. Stacie has tapped a well trodden path, but she has managed to make Kyran and Dale's story fresh and for me really, really enjoyable. I loved Kyran, he is your typical tall, tattooed, bad boy businessman, but he didn't remind me of any other men I have read from that genre, he had his own personality, strengths and weaknesses. I liked Dale, she again although similar to alot of the females in fiction bouncing around out there at the moment, had her own strengths and weaknesses, I loved that she wasn't afraid to drop the F-Bomb, and if she had something to say she said it, the internal monologue wasn't dragged out because of this and I think the story was the better for it. Their story had its inevitable highs and lows, but I found myself staying up until the wee hours with that "just one more chapter" mantra going through my head, and it was worth it, the story was ended well without any cliffhangers which at the moment is in itself the reason to give an author a star, as so many books are dragged out over numerous installments just to keep you buying. This book is part one in the Reluctance Series, and I hope as such we get too see the developing stories of some of the other characters bought to light in this book, for me in partuicular Kyran's brother Taylor, boy is he one troubled soul, and I kinda hope we get too see in depth the reasons for this in the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: More Than One Night; Author: Marie Tuhart; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 Stars. Easy going, short read, no surprises with the plot or the characters really, but the writing was pretty good, and who doesn't love a HEA. Only thing that bugged me, was the constant use of the word "pussy", there are dozens of other words out there that can be used to describe the female fun palace, would have been good if some of them were utilised, just to mix things up a bit!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beauty Becomes You (Beauty, #4); Author: Skye Warren; Genres: romance; Review: Good ending to a series. Personally, I think it would have flowed better as one complete book. I will keep an eye out for more from Skye Warren, in the future.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Undressed (The Manhattanites, #2); Author: Avery Aster; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Holy Sh!t, brace yourself people, this book takes erotica to a whole new level of lewd, crude and totally over the top, giggle until you wanna pee your pants smut. Avery Aster certainly has imagination and boy is it vivid, and I literally lost count of the amount of WTF moments there are in this story. Lex certainly isn't scared to speak her mind, and I found Massimo's internal dialogue at times LOL funny. I read the better part of this book curled up in my local coffee shop, and I cannot tell you how many funny looks I got sitting there giggling away to myself. This is an enjoyable XXX rated romp through the Italian and American fashion world, where everything is taken too the extreme, thoughts, feelings, orgasms and general sexual acrobatics, I read things in this book I didn't even realise were physically possible!!! one word "balls", you will know what I mean when you read the book ;-) If you are looking for a serious erotica book, this is not for you, but if you have an open mind, are looking for a few shocks, laughs and totally OTT characters then The Manhattanites Series will definitely be right up your street. Although this is mainly m/f erotica, there is a little menage action with some secondary characters. ARC provided by the author for an honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unscrupulous (The Manhattanites, #1); Author: Avery Aster; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Avery Aster has done it again. When I finished reading Undressed, I didn't think I could be more surprised, shocked or completely and utterly hands-down, jaw droppingly blown away at the erotic creativity of this lady, I was wrong. She has an impressive ability of being able to describe people, situations, and general locations in vivid, colourful full HD detail. She also borders on genius with her dirty mind and unique view on erotica writing. I have never come across another author who can pace a novel so fast, but at the same time leaves nothing out, or feeling as if it has been rushed. The exploits of Lex and Massimo in Undressed left me laughing my socks off, and I am not ashamed to admit squirming a little myself in parts, Warner and Taddy go one step further and what a great step it is. The emotion in this book is stronger, it is still full of the sharp conversation, and witty retorts that Avery is soooo good at, but you really feel there is more going on between this couple and I loved it. Both bear the emotional scars of past hurts, but neither are afraid to look at them, and tackle them head on for the chance of a full relationship with each other. Both characters are strong independent people, I liked that a lot as it is quite unusual to see this in today's fiction (particularly erotic). This series is in your face, unapologetically hot, its hard, fast, soft and sweet, and all of degrees in-between. Some may be concerned that such a recipe wouldn't work, but it does and well. Oh and if you're not sure what a Vajazzle is, find out somewhere out of the public eye. Luckily they are pretty normal in the UK; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: If I Stay (If I Stay, #1); Author: Gayle Forman; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I give a lot of books 4 or 5 star reviews, that I do not necessarily the write reviews for. This is not so much because I cannot be bothered, but more that everything I want to say has pretty much been covered in other, well written reviews. I am not one to repeat others, it seems pointless, a waste of mine and your reading time, and if you are anything like me, you won't bother to read it, if it is in the same vein as a review you have already read. If I Stay, will either touch you, or leave you cold, hence the reason I am taking the time to write a review. This isn't a new release, the book has been out in the mass market for a couple of years now, but I picked this book from my TBR shelf on the way to a hot bath and a glass of wine earlier this evening, it is now 3am and I have just put it down. I have arm ache from having to hold the book above my eye level so I could continue reading through my tears. This book dips into love, loss, the afterlife and how it can possibly be dealt with. Having read other reviews I knew that it was possibly going to be an emotional read, but after getting almost 70% through I thought I would be Ok, how wrong I was. I post spoiler free reviews, so I don't want to give away the story, however this book (as previously stated) is not a new release, and there are plenty of reviews that do offer insight into the story, so I do not feel what I am going to say actually gives too much away. Mia is a pretty well-adjusted kinda girl, she is a B grade average student, doesn't hang with the popular crowd, she's known, but also respected and left alone due to here musical talent. She plays the cello extraordinarily well, and through her music, meets and falls in love with Adam, lead singer and guitarist for local band Shooting Star. Although she struggles to understand his interest in her she eventually embraces their relationship for what it is. After a devastating accident that leaves her parents dead, and a question mark hanging over her brother Teddy, we see Mia, for want of a better word reliving her life in spirit form, she is on the outside looking in, seeing the reactions of her family and closest friends to the tragic accident that has taken away her closest family. You see and feel the emotional reactions of her close family and friends to her plight as they visit with her. Giving her advice and trying to pull her through with general chit chat. From telling her it is Ok to let go - Gramps - "It's OK, if you want to go. Everyone wants you to stay. I want you to stay more than I've ever wanted anything in my life."......."But that's what I want and I could see; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Where She Went (If I Stay, #2); Author: Gayle Forman; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: Adam Wilde, just shot into my top ten book boyfriends. I loved this book as much as If I Stay, it was good to read the story from his perspective, and to see how the characters from If I Stay had progressed and developed in the three years. Although I had a few sniffles this time (and not a full blown breakdown, like with If I Stay) they were happy tears. Gayle Forman is a talented lady, wish I had heard about these books sooner.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Afterburn (Jax & Gia, #1); Author: Sylvia Day; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I will probably be lynched for this but I actually preferred Jax and Gia, to Eva and Gideon. I really enjoyed this novella, once again what could essentially be one full book has been split into two parts to enable double bubble profits wise, at least we only have to wait until November for the other half though. UPDATE - Aftershock Horror!! The release date for the second installment has now been pushed from November 2013 to March 2014! I can't say I am surprised, but this constant moving of release dates is rapidly putting me off reading anymore of this authors work, at least until all installments of any particular series have been released.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gone Wild; Author: Ever McCormick; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I really enjoyed this book; it was an interesting twist on the usual romantic suspense that is around at the moment. Almost NA in its writing, it wasn't overly sexual or erotic, but you knew what was going on and where things were being put (if you get my meaning). We veered very close to love triangle territory at around 60% and I was all prepared to start rolling my eyes, but Ina redeemed herself, and Adam was just a total sweetheart. Michael (the ex) came across as a total and utter toad, and I am glad Ina didn't take forever and a day to decide who she wanted to be with, like can happen in a lot of books nowadays. Sweet, not overly long and really enjoyable, I have not reservations of recommending this book, and wouldn't hesitate to read anything else Ever McCormick releases in the future. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In Flight (Up in the Air, #1); Author: R.K. Lilley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Up In The Air Series. This review covers all 3 books in the Up in the Air Series - 1 - Up In The Air 2 - Mile High 3 - Grounded I think my status updates whilst reading the books gives a general impression of my feelings towards this series. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why this series is just so, so for me as it is well written and in the main the story in parts is quite original. Hence my reason for writing one review to cover all 3 books, as I can't actually think of a massive amount to say about each book individually really. What I liked - R. K. Lilley definitely knows how to put a good story together, it is well written and flows well, the characters are well developed and although you don't get the full story straight away, the revelations from their pasts fill in the blanks at appropriate times. Bianca was a really likeable heroine, which is a major plus for me, as there are a lot of female leads in books nowadays that I could happily strangle. Bee was strong, understood her weaknesses and strengths, and didn't just capitulate to James's every whim straight away (although it didn't take her too long in the most part). Stephan, is also a really strong and likeable character, his back-story is strongly intertwined with Bianca's and I liked that he was so protective of her, whilst trying to push her to step out of her comfort zone and accept her feelings for James. The sex was original, well written and pretty hot. First time I have read of it being done on a horse that's for sure!! And I had to go back and read it again just to make sure I'd got all the logistics right (that one is definitely going on my bucket list ;-) However I did find their first time to be pretty brutal considering Bianca's lack of experience. The above point leads me nicely onto.... What I am on the Fence About - James Cavendish - I liked and disliked him in equal parts, and even though a lot of my Goodreads friends gave me some great visual images for him, I still had trouble picturing him in my head. I loved his vulnerable side and the way he went out of his way to look after Bianca. However I found his Dom side pretty cold and brutal (which I suppose is the essence of a Dom), but at points it left me cold reading how he treated Bianca, the on/off switch of his emotions is at times bordering on some sort of split personality disorder IMO. What I Disliked - As with all the books in this genre, particularly ones that have been released in the last couple of years, the similarities in this book to other recent releases are vast. However I have come to accept that it is par for the course now, and as long; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mile High (Up in the Air, #2); Author: R.K. Lilley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Up In The Air Series. This review covers all 3 books in the Up in the Air Series - 1 - Up In The Air 2 - Mile High 3 - Grounded I think my status updates whilst reading the books gives a general impression of my feelings towards this series. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why this series is just so, so for me as it is well written and in the main the story in parts is quite original. Hence my reason for writing one review to cover all 3 books, as I can't actually think of a massive amount to say about each book individually really. What I liked - R. K. Lilley definitely knows how to put a good story together, it is well written and flows well, the characters are well developed and although you don't get the full story straight away, the revelations from their pasts fill in the blanks at appropriate times. Bianca was a really likeable heroine, which is a major plus for me, as there are a lot of female leads in books nowadays that I could happily strangle. Bee was strong, understood her weaknesses and strengths, and didn't just capitulate to James's every whim straight away (although it didn't take her too long in the most part). Stephan, is also a really strong and likeable character, his back-story is strongly intertwined with Bianca's and I liked that he was so protective of her, whilst trying to push her to step out of her comfort zone and accept her feelings for James. The sex was original, well written and pretty hot. First time I have read of it being done on a horse that's for sure!! And I had to go back and read it again just to make sure I'd got all the logistics right (that one is definitely going on my bucket list ;-) However I did find their first time to be pretty brutal considering Bianca's lack of experience. The above point leads me nicely onto.... What I am on the Fence About - James Cavendish - I liked and disliked him in equal parts, and even though a lot of my Goodreads friends gave me some great visual images for him, I still had trouble picturing him in my head. I loved his vulnerable side and the way he went out of his way to look after Bianca. However I found his Dom side pretty cold and brutal (which I suppose is the essence of a Dom), but at points it left me cold reading how he treated Bianca, the on/off switch of his emotions is at times bordering on some sort of split personality disorder IMO. What I Disliked - As with all the books in this genre, particularly ones that have been released in the last couple of years, the similarities in this book to other recent releases are vast. However I have come to accept that it is par for the course now, and as long; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grounded (Up in the Air, #3); Author: R.K. Lilley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Up In The Air Series. This review covers all 3 books in the Up in the Air Series - 1 - Up In The Air 2 - Mile High 3 - Grounded I think my status updates whilst reading the books gives a general impression of my feelings towards this series. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why this series is just so, so for me as it is well written and in the main the story in parts is quite original. Hence my reason for writing one review to cover all 3 books, as I can't actually think of a massive amount to say about each book individually really. What I liked - R. K. Lilley definitely knows how to put a good story together, it is well written and flows well, the characters are well developed and although you don't get the full story straight away, the revelations from their pasts fill in the blanks at appropriate times. Bianca was a really likeable heroine, which is a major plus for me, as there are a lot of female leads in books nowadays that I could happily strangle. Bee was strong, understood her weaknesses and strengths, and didn't just capitulate to James's every whim straight away (although it didn't take her too long in the most part). Stephan, is also a really strong and likeable character, his back-story is strongly intertwined with Bianca's and I liked that he was so protective of her, whilst trying to push her to step out of her comfort zone and accept her feelings for James. The sex was original, well written and pretty hot. First time I have read of it being done on a horse that's for sure!! And I had to go back and read it again just to make sure I'd got all the logistics right (that one is definitely going on my bucket list ;-) However I did find their first time to be pretty brutal considering Bianca's lack of experience. The above point leads me nicely onto.... What I am on the Fence About - James Cavendish - I liked and disliked him in equal parts, and even though a lot of my Goodreads friends gave me some great visual images for him, I still had trouble picturing him in my head. I loved his vulnerable side and the way he went out of his way to look after Bianca. However I found his Dom side pretty cold and brutal (which I suppose is the essence of a Dom), but at points it left me cold reading how he treated Bianca, the on/off switch of his emotions is at times bordering on some sort of split personality disorder IMO. What I Disliked - As with all the books in this genre, particularly ones that have been released in the last couple of years, the similarities in this book to other recent releases are vast. However I have come to accept that it is par for the course now, and; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stay With Me (With Me, #1); Author: Elyssa Patrick; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Wonderful Stars. I just finished this book, and I almost wanted to jump up fist-pump, and wave my arms around in excitement. Stay With Me is the beginning of a series focussing around a group of college students, and I love a good series. If this book is any indication of things to come, I predict major book hangovers in my future while I anxiously wait for each subsequent part to be released. Whilst reading I was reminded of the awesomely talented Samantha Young and Kristen Proby with their Dublin Street and With Me series. Like them, Elyssa Patrick's book is well written, the story down to earth and not over exaggerated, I love the familial feel to it, and WOW can she write a HOT sex scene. We are introduced to Hailey Bloom and Caleb Fox in this book and this is their story, but as with a series a great cast of secondary characters are introduced to us as the story progresses. Daphne Fox (Calebs sister), Nick, Griff and Jamie are featured as well as a few others. Hailey had it all, musical and acting stardom, but fed up of being used for what she is, she gives it up and starts the process of looking to find out who she is. She moves to Vermont to study, and try life as a student. Having been let-down in the past and having a secret that leaves her feeling vulnerable, trust and self-belief are in short supply for Hailey as she struggles just to pull through her college courses. That is until she meets Caleb Fox..... Ahhhh and what a Fox he is. Cool, confident, with a middle name that will make you laugh out loud and boy did I love his dirty mouth. He sees Hailey for who she is and not what has been printed about her, and over time manages to help her deal with her self-doubt and insecurities, by showing that she can trust and rely on him when the outside world threatens to upset her newly found freedom and stability. She is welcomed into his family, and it shows her just how much she has been missing in the past. There are ups and downs, a lot of laughs and some really sweet moments in Stay With me, and I cannot wait to read more of this series and more from Elyssa Patrick in general. Look out for future books - Christmas With Me (Dec 13) for Jamie's story Go With Me (Spring 14) for Nick's story (I cannot wait for this one)! And we get Griff's story in Dream With Me later on in 2014........... ARC Provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to read and provide the above review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Say When (Something More, #1); Author: Tara West; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I received and ARC copy of this book through Netgalley, and as such am wondering if I was provided with the same book as the rest of the review writers for it on Goodreads, because I cannot rate this higher than 1 star. I am not one for author bashing, and if I give a low review I feel it only fair that I provide constructive reasons as to why I am doing it. I will be honest I only got about 30% through this book before I gave up. Don't get me wrong I absolutely believe that there is a really good story fighting to get out, but it needs a lot of work. Firstly, the characters, I didn't empathise or feel any connection to any of them, several (Karri and Jackson) were just totally abhorrent, Christina's mother even more so. Maybe that's the point, but put together it was just too much. Christina, is an abuse survivor, but it's all very choppy and disjointed at the beginning that you are constantly re-reading to see if you missed something to give it more clarification, maybe a prologue giving a better view of her state of mind etc would help clear this up. Andres, this is a guy who could quite easily become a well-loved book boyfriend, and it was good to get his POV. What was not good was that it was all written for want of a better description in the style of a school report - * Andres can't help but feel guilty over taking his uncles offer. * Andres only hopes....... * Andres still doesn't know if he deserves to be rewarded... I was honestly expecting to come across "Andres could do better", I believe if his POV was written in the same style as Christina it would work so much better, it would also help with the flow of the story, as you are alternating between Andres and Christina's POVs throughout. I didn't finish this book, if it does get a much needed re-write I would happily give it another go, but at this time, it's not for me.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Love, Lies, and Deception; Author: L.P. Dover; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Ooooh well I didn't see that coming, what a great book. Lots of twists and turns and really well written, the plot twists leave you anxious to read more. This is a standalone so no cliffie, but I would have like an epilogue to just tidy things up. Not overly long, the story flows well and the characters are well rounded. I did work out what was going on prior to the "Big Reveal" so to speak, but nonetheless I really enjoyed it. I post spoiler free reviews so won't give the story away, but if you have a couple of hours free, this is definitely worth a go. ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hell Without You; Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: The one thing I always know for certain, without a doubt, 100% when I start a book by Ranae Rose, is that I won't be disappointed. Another thing I have also learnt as I have read more of Ranae's work is that she makes sure she has fully researched the subject she is dealing with. Whether it be the intricacies of being a tattoo artist, or the down-right desperation and uncertainty of PTSD. This book is no exception, for all of the above reasons and then some. Hell Without You is a classic tale in the sense that it follows well known and established patterns with regards to a suspenseful romantic storyline. However, Ranae has put her unique spin on it and given us something new and fresh to enjoy. Clementine and Donovan have been in love since they were teenagers. Clementine lives in comfort with her mother, step-father and step-brother, while Donovan lives in a rundown pink trailer with his siblings and drug addicted mother. Despite or maybe in-spite of their differences they form a strong bond as teenagers that develops into love. This love is shattered by one unthinkable event, that leaves Clementine studying at college, alone in a strange city, and Donovan enlisting in the Marines, which ultimately leads him into a tour of Afghanistan. 7 years later and they are both different, yet the same people. A chance meeting and it becomes quickly apparent that the connection they shared although lain dormant, hasn't diminished. Donovan is haunted by his experiences in Afghanistan, and Clementine is still fearful of reprecussions of events from her past. Donovan - "My soul has been trapped outside my body for the past ten years." Clementine - "Really."....."Where is it?" Donovan - "Sitting right across from me."....."Don't pretend you didnt know that." It is difficult to put into words how much I loved Donovan..(tbh pretty much every one of Ranae's lead men are in my top ten BBF's). He doesn't usurp Ryan Moore, but he is a very close second. This is a man who has suffered, at the hands of people who should have been looking out for him. He struggles with anxiety as a result of PTSD, and the vulnerability he displays in the extremes he is prepared to go to to ensure Clementine doesn't leave him again bought tears to my eyes. Donovan - "The only thing I am afraid of is a life without you."........"There's nothing you can say to scare me off. Nothing I wouldn't want, as long as it was with you." Another positive point for Ranae is she writes books about run of the mill men and women, and the challenges they face. By that I do not mean they are boring, but you won't find a billionaire businessman with emotional issues within her pages, her characters have believable issues and relatable conditions that are within the realms of possibility, and because of that it is so much easier to fall in love with them through a level of association. The dips back to their teenage years; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Accidental Cowgirl (Whisper Creek, #1); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Another great read from Loveswept. I must admit, I usually get (and subsequently have come to expect) three things with a Loveswept Romance - 1 - A Great Story. 2 - Brilliant Characters. 3 - Lots of steamy and original sex. This book delivered on 1 and 2 in spades, but fell a little short on 3 for me. The sexual tension between Decker and Kyla simmers almost from the get-go, so I have to admit I was eagerly awaiting some sexy hay-filled stable action, but it sort of ended before it started. Kind of like opening the chocolate bar, but never quite managing to get a bite. I am still more than happy to recommend Accidental Cowgirl though as the rest of the story is well developed, the characters and locations beautifully described, and I have not laughed as much over a horse and saddle in a long time. Looking forward to reading more from Maggie McGiniss, hopefully in the shape of Decker's brother Cole! ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Missing; Author: Noelle Adams; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Lordy Noelle Adams knows how to pack an awful lot of story into such a short book, and it wasn't a bad thing at all, I didn't feel like the story was rushed, the plot and characters progressed nicely without feeling rushed or under-developed. I am starting to love books that contain the POV of both main characters, and Ms Adams does this really well, it was great to get in Nathan's head and see things from his perspective, rather than just being all from Lynn's viewpoint, this was especially pertinent when it came to the part of the storyline involving his missing daughter. The no-strings booty call storyline has become more popular lately, and I have to say that Missing is a good indication, that when well written it is hard to put down. There is the inevitable twist, and although a little predictable, I really enjoyed it. This won't be my last Noelle Adams book that's for sure! ARC provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rivka's War; Author: Marilyn Oser; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: 3 Stars. The synopsis on this book piqued my interest, so I requested a copy through Netgalley. Unfortunately it was a little slow starting for me, it was well written, but took a while to get going. You can tell the author has taken a lot of time researching the subject matter, in particular the role of a group of Russian girls in the Great War, and the example they then set to the male troops who were at the time deserting their posts. In particular a Rivka, as well as being young she is Jewish which adds further complications to her journey across Europe and Asia during a messy war and revolution. It was interesting to read of her plight, and the experiences she went through, although sometimes I felt it was a little too "in depth" however seeing as it is based on true events, I suspect the author was trying to include as much of her research and keep as true to the facts as she could. Overall, it was readable, and I would read other work from this author.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fancy Free (Fancy Free, #1); Author: Shelley Munro; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I really enjoyed this book. As with a lot of Ellora's cave books, it is unique in its themes, with romance and suspense aspects thrown in as well as being pretty funny in parts. Alice inherits a condom factory!!! And there is where the fun begins, she is not what you would call experienced in the bedroom department so feels wholly out of her depth. Unfortunately she can't just sell the company on, without staying at the helm for at least 6 months. Her boyfriend is a self obsessed ass, and is more concerned about how Alice's plight will reflect on him, rather than what it means to her, especially after a particularly difficult childhood. As you would expect, we get our alpha male in the form of James, the current manager, and his unconventional condom testing methods!!! A great, fun, enjoyable and sexy read. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reclaim My Heart; Author: Donna Fasano; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Ahhhh Lucas Silver Hawk, what can I say, tall, dark and Native American. I have a soft spot for all these characteristics in a man. I think it's the myth and legend that surrounds the overall Native American culture, which piques my interest further. Tyne and Lucas's story isn't a happy one, young lovers who make a mistake and are inevitably torn apart by their cultural and familial differences. Racism rears its head in this book, but it is handled well and it is integral to the story. I shed a few tears at points, literally wanting to shout "can you not see what you are doing"..... Lucas isn't aware that he has a son by Tyne, so when she shows up asking for his help with Zach who is now 16, and heading in the wrong direction, you can understand he is shocked, but reacts to the whole revelation better than she expected him to, and steps in as best he can. The spark between Lucas And Tyne reignites, and I enjoyed reading the re-development of their relationship, even though the reactions of other characters were not always on the positive side, it made the story all the more interesting and captivating for it. I have to say I have always loved romances where characters are reunited, and Reclaim My heart is definitely one of the better ones. I think it is mainly attributed to all the other aspects and themes that are included in the overall story. This is one of those books you stay up late into the night reading with the "just one more chapter" mantra going through your head. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Marriage Fix (Billionaire Games #3); Author: Sandra Edwards; Genres: romance; Review: The Marriage Fix is book 3 in the Billionaire Games Series. I have read and enjoyed, previous books in this series, and as before I would term this a light, easy stress free read. Sandra Edwards writing reminds me a little of Nora Roberts, her stories and characters are engaging, and I like that in this series we see the development of the main characters and De Laurent family through each book. Book three focuses on Lecie De Laurent, Andre and Julian's De Laurent's sister. She has just inherited a large portion of her late uncle's estate, and is looking to move out into the world on her own independently of her family. She relocates to California and enjoys her time there, as well as developing a bit of a crush on a certain sexy bartender, much to the disappointment of her father who goes to extremes to bring her back to France!! Nick has been betrayed and let down by the woman he thought was in love with him. Worst of all he is set to lose his restaurant because of it.... What's a guy to do, especially when an attractive wealthy girl enters his life! ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Plus One is a Lucky Number; Author: Teresa F. Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I really enjoyed this book; it reminded me of a Richard Curtis rom-com Movie. Sophie has been unlucky in love, and as such doesn't have a lot of confidence. She tries to blend into life and stay under the radar, going un-noticed and keeping her life drama free. Adam is her polar opposite, he lives life to the full, goes through women like water, and isn't shy to tell you exactly what he wants. After some meddling from mutual friend and colleague James, Sophie and Adam are thrust together, pretending to be a couple at a wedding for a member of her family. However, the line between pretend and real becomes blurred, leaving Sophie hurt and Adam confused. The book is written from both their POV's, so you get too understand what is going through each of their minds as their relationship progresses through all of its ups and downs. I did find Sophie at times to be a little childish; however I attributed that to her general inexperience with men, and it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. Overall the whole story was pretty good, Harper Collins have definitely discovered another great new talent. I think Teresa F. Morgan will soon be joining the best-selling ranks with the rest of our well-loved chick-lit authors. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: This Much is True (Truth in Lies, #1); Author: Katherine Owen; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Tally Landon & Lincoln Presley have a connection, it's not a nice connection but they do. Problem is Tally doesn't remember it, and Linc is too scared to tell her how it came about. This Much Is True is a heavy, heartbreaking, unforgiving, completely brutal, and sometimes uncomfortable to read in places book. It's about coping with loss, dealing with grief, love, peer pressure and the general pitfalls of life in and out of the public eye. I actually read this book a couple of weeks ago, but I wanted to give myself time to digest it fully before writing my review. I won't lie I was a blubbering wreck at points, and from the get-go chapter one grabs you by the throat and it just does not let go. I loved that the book is told from both POV's, I must admit at times I did find Tally to be a total cow, but I suppose when you have gone through the cluster-f**k she has it's inevitable you're going to have a whole ream of issues, especially when those around you are ignoring it as well. So follows the next 3 years, where they literally break each other's hearts time and time again, making decisions that keep them apart, whilst trying to keep everyone else happy. At points I just wanted to scream at Linc to grow a pair, but I think the length of the book exacerbates it somewhat as it is pretty long, and a lot of stuff happens (spoiler free , so I'm not telling). If you want something that's going to pull you in, mix you up, wring you out and then spit you out at the end, then I recommend this book, its definitely not rainbows and fairies that's for sure! ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Unspoken (Woodlands, #2); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. Unspoken is the second book in Jen Frederick's Woodlands series. I have to say that I really enjoyed book 1 - Undeclared, Noah and Grace's story was well written, sweet and extremely hot all at the same time. Jen has done something that a lot of writers struggle to do with a series, and that is to offer a follow-up book that is actually better than the first. This series shows a huge amount of potential, and if the improvement in writing between books continues, I am preparing myself to be blown away in January 2014 when book 3, Unmarked is released. Unspoken focuses on Bo and AM's (this name is the only thing I didn't really like) story. Both of them are struggling to leave their pasts behind, due to malicious rumours, unfair judgements, untrue gossip, and deep rooted long standing family issues. Bo like Noah is an ex-marine who fights in his spare time, whilst studying for his degree. He meets AM in one of their classes and decides he wants her as his lab partner. Things go from there and he realises that there is more to AM's reluctance to spend time with him, and on campus in general than originally meets the eye. Through this book, you get both POV's and it made me laugh more than once reading Bo's internal monologue trying to rationalise his reactions and feelings to AM, and although the sex is pretty hot (Jen has definitely ramped it up again), my favourite part of the book was the Mayonnaise experiment, I was sitting reading in the park, laughing my ass off as all the dog walkers strolled by looking at me like I had lost my marbles. AM is the type of person, that as the book develops you want to laugh, cry and cheer for. The treatment she experiences at the hands of her peers, bought tears to my eyes several times, as being someone who has had to deal with bullies in her own life, I loved reading how she overcame the adversity with the help of her friends and loved ones. The strength she displayed in the face of this treatment was admirable and several times I found myself taking a breath, due to the emotions it bought back to me from my own experiences. This was a really enjoyable read, it covers several heavy topics, but they are covered really well, and I cannot wait for book 3 in January 2014. Jen Frederick is definitely on my list of authors too keep an eye on. ARC provided by the author through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Divergent (Divergent, #1); Author: Veronica Roth; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: There were a few bit's I liked, I will read some more & I will go see the film, but overall -; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Me, Cinderella? (Cinderella, #1); Author: Aubrey Rose; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. Me, Cinderella? is one of my favorite genres of book, in that it is a teacher/student romance, I am not sure why I have such a great big soft spot for this sort of story, but I do and I loved this one. What makes it even better is the fact that although we are talking about two very damaged souls in Eliot and Brynn, the issues they have with themselves and each other are relatable. You won't find any insta-love, boffing from the first meeting or kinkiness within this book (not that I dislike this, but it is nice to have some variation once in a while). What you will find is a beautifully written book; some of the prose is almost poetic in its writing, and Aubrey's descriptive style brings everything to life in vivid detail. From the ice flowing on the river Danube, to the death of a deer by a Hunter's arrow, it was all too easy to see in the mind's eye and made it quite an emotional roller-coaster for me as the reader. The book is set partly in California, but mostly in Hungary, and this was another BIG plus, it makes a change to read a story of this genre based in Europe rather than just the USA. Eliot *sigh*, reminded me a little of a certain Professor Emerson, however where I have in parts found him quite a cold fish, Eliot Herceg is anything but. In fact this is a man who is really in touch with his emotions; he blames himself for the loss of his wife 10 years previous and as such doesn't believe he deserves happiness due to it. Brynn is also grieving; the loss of her mother at an early age, and coming to Hungary for study has opened up all the scars from that loss. As well as dealing with her blossoming emotions towards Eliot. I just found her no-nonsense approach to things a real breath of fresh air, no angst overload in this book *happy dance*! I also think that the development of their relationship over the months they are in Hungary really worked for this couple, the build up and the tension between them until they do finally let their insecurities go was electric, and this book contains one of the most beautifully written sexual encounters I have come across in a long time. I highlighted like crazy in this book as there were so many, paragraphs and sentences that just stuck with me, but I am going to end my review with one paragraph which pretty much summed up these two broken people in the best way. "Evil things happen, and good things happen, and in neither physics nor religion is there an explanation that makes any kind of sense. When the world decides to hurt, there's no way around it, no magical words that will save the day or turn back time and bring the dead to life. There's no such thing as fate, or wickedness, or girls who can be princesses and; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Husband Next Door; Author: Catherine Alliott; Genres: graphic, comics, romance, fiction; Review: My husband Next Door is in the main a fun, quirky read. It reminded me a little of the writing style of Tricia Ashley, however I did find the book to be a little on the long side and slow paced. Ella married young, and to say her husband Sebastian is a tad eccentric is an understatement. He lives in an outbuilding on their property trying to decide if he wants to stay married, while Ella resides in the main house, with their teenage children trotting back and forth between them both. You then add gardener Ludo into the mix, and things all get a bit complicated in an over the top, Jolly Hockey sticks kind of way. Who will she choose, will she have a happily ever after. There are secrets being hidden (but aren't really mentioned until way into the second half of the book). Which is why in part, I feel the book could have possibly done with a little trimming, it just seem to take a while for things to happen, with lots of long overly descriptive paragraphs and drawn out internal monologue. Although I did in general enjoy the book, I think it could have been so much more. ARC supplied by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wishing Thread; Author: Lisa Van Allen; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Ahhhh I love a good yarn (pun intended), and when this book was likened to the writing of one of my favorite authors Sarah Addison Allen on Netgalley, I knew I had to request a copy. The Wishing Thread focuses on the lives of the Van Ripper women who reside in Tarrytown, NY. They are accused of being all sorts of things but mostly Aubrey, Bitty, and Meggie have a skill for knitting bespoke items that include the hopes, dreams and wishes of the people they are being produced for into the threads of the garment. The yarn shop is left to the girls by their aunt Mariah, and it forces all of them to come back together and reassess their relationships with each other and the people around them. The ebb and flow of this story is excellent, the descriptive narrative really leaves you with a full visual of where you are and what you are seeing. I lost myself in this book, its originality and its unusual storyline pulled me in and kept me company for a few hours. I must admit I did have a few "Practical Magic" flashes, but not in a bad way, the familial feel to the writing, makes you feel like you are almost a part of it, I almost started hunting for my old knitting needles! Highly recommended. If you are looking for a light, entertaining unusual book then you can't go wrong with this.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocking Her Curves (Asher and Trixie, #1); Author: Aubrey Rose; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: The start of Trixie & Asher's tale is short, hot and sexy. I look forward to more instalments from this series to see how their story develops.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: His Passion, Her Temptation (Dominating BDSM Billionaires #4); Author: Malia Mallory; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 Stars. Its difficult to rate this book as I was only provided an ARC of the fourth book of the series and not 1-3. The story is ok, but there were parts where not reading the previous books left me wondering what was going on. That-said it was well written and the sex hot. So if the author/publisher wants to provide me with books 1-3, i'll read them as well and write a more comprehensive review of the series, as I actually think I would enjoy it if I could read it in full!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Onyx (Lux, #2); Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Review to come once I have read origin.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Origin (Lux, #4); Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. LOVE Daemon Black!!! Can't wait for book 5 :-D; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Obsidian (Lux, #1); Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Blown away. I will write a review when I finish Origin.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reckless (Renegades, #1); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Skye Jordan, writes hot, original and engrossing sex scenes. This would have been 5 star if the story and Lexi were a little stronger. Loved Jax!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Opposition (Lux, #5); Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5 - "Together..." "Always." Stars! An outstanding end to one of my favourite series. "All we're missing are the zombies." It had everything! What. A. Ride. Daemon Black ~ "People do say I'm special." Not to mention unforgettable. I am sad it's the end, but the author gave this series and it's characters everything they deserved and then some.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Captivated (Adam & Ella #1); Author: Emily Jane Trent; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: DNF - 63% I really wanted to like this book, especially after being provided with and ARC from the author. Unfortunately it fell short for me, on several points. The story premise is good, two people who have a mutual love of surfing, coming together despite the odds, and differences in their upbringings. However at the point of me stopping reading I can't really say that anything of interest had happened, apart from establishing that both Adam and Ella had massive Daddy issues which had coloured their formative years, and ensuring that both of them are suffering from emotional issues in their adult lives because of it. There is also alot of repetition in the book, where it comes to Ella's initial internal dialogue, which is then pretty much repeated when she writes in her diary, and at points you then get the same thing again when she is talking to Adam or Kaiyla. Emily's writing shows potential, as does this series, however at this point for me personally, it is far too drawn out.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Life List; Author: Lori Nelson Spielman; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I really enjoyed The Life List by Lori Spielman. It was captivating, heart-breaking at times and totally engrossing. We see how Brett deals with the death of her mother and the subsequent changes and challenges presented to her in the aftermath of this terrible loss. The conflicting issues that result from her decisions and how they shape her life afterwards. Brett Bohlinger also has a life list (that she wrote when she was 14) of things she wanted to accomplish in her life, which her mother challenges her to complete from beyond the grave, in order to receive her inheritance - 1. Go to Paris 2. Perform live, on a super big stage 3. Have a baby, maybe two 4. Fall in love As you can imagine Brett is extremely hurt by this, and in her grief stricken state, wonders how on earth she will ever manage to complete her mother's (and in part her own) wishes. I loved that you are given a full insight into everything that happens and the courage Brett demonstrated to get where she wanted to be. It was funny at times reading Brett's trials and tribulations, but also have a tissue handy as there are a few sniffly moments interspersed into the story as well. This book is well written, the characters and overall storyline believable and heartwarming. It makes you look at your own life, and realize that taking the safe easy option is not always the right decision to make, and that sometimes taking a risk results in the most amazing result. The book takes a little time to develop, so take my advice and give it a chance, you will soon be struggling to put it down, I know I did! ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forever Innocent (The Forever Series, #1); Author: Deanna Roy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time, and although it ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger I can forgive Deanna Roy for it because, in all honestly I kind of need a break from the exhaustive emotional roller-coaster she put me through in the last 35% of the book. Corabelle and Gavin grew up together, had a baby together, lost their baby together, then fell apart separately. I must admit that when I initially started reading Forever Innocent, my first thoughts were that there is no way all of these things can have happened to a young couple in their early twenties, but as you keep reading you realise that things started between Corabell and Gavin at a very young age, so the passing of time and the events that they have had to deal with make the story even more emotional. This is quite a deep book and it deals with alot of heavy issues, not just the loss of a child, but drug taking, prostitution, underage sex (although this isn't really confirmed, it is the way it seemed to me) and to a degree mental illness to name but a few. Corabelle and Gavin, as a result of the loss of their child are both in very dark places when they run into each other after 4 years apart, and the book being written from both their POV's gives you a painfully honest insight into how each of them are dealing with their lives, emotions and the unresolved issues that they still have between them. Both have secrets, and both are scared to share them for fear of losing the other again. Deanna knows what she is talking about with regards to the loss of a child, and I have nothing but respect for her writing this book. It was only after finishing it that I discovered this, but throughout the book I felt it had been written from experience rather than research, the emotions were so raw, painful and at times had me sobbing into my tissue. I will never look at a butterfly in the same way again that is for sure. It almost feels wrong to say I can't wait for book two Forever Loved, but I really want too see this couple get their HEA, because they really deserve it. I want to thank Deanna Roy and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book, and for that privilege I am pleased to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crossing the Line (Battered Hearts, #3); Author: Kele Moon; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Taking care of you was supposed to be my job." Stars. I loved this book, I fell in Love with Wyatt in Defying the Odds, and was on pins for his book. I want to punch myself in the face for taking to long to get to reading Crossing the Line, but in this case delayed gratification was so worth it! The book starts with a shock, and finishes with a bang. I couldn't put it down, and I fell in love with Kele Moon's writing all over again. "You should lemme go. I ain't so sure I can be the fella you remember. I've been lonely for too long. That can make a man go feral after the first decade." I felt like I was in the cage with Clay reading this book, you take the hits, feel the pain, but you get up and they just keep on coming (all in a very good way). My emotions were running high throughout the story, and the flashbacks to the childhoods of Wyatt, Juliet, Tabitha and Clay were perfectly written, if not hard to read in parts. Kele really does pull you into the story, and you can't help but fall in love with the couple she is writing about. I already loved Clay, Melody, Juliet and Romeo so getting a little more of all of them, as well as Nova and Tino, and their involvement in Tab and Wy's story really made it feel complete. "I'm happier when I'm around you. Haven't you ever looked at someone and just known they were made for you?" Loved it, Love Kele Moon. Note to self ~ Don't wait 9 months too read this author's next book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Slayer (Untamed Hearts, #2); Author: Kele Moon; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I can wait for my love story." Stars! I have taken a few days to think about what I want to say in my review of The Slayer but even now I am still struggling to put into words just how frigging good this book is. I started reading Kele Moon's books a while ago now, and the one thing that stands true with each and every one I pick up, is that somehow it manages to be better than the one before. We have now stepped beyond the realms of just MMA fighters and the women who love them, and into a whole other level and intensity of storytelling. She would rather be in an uncertain life with him, than in a stable one without him. The writing is all encompassing, the characters have been in my life for such a long time now that reading each new book is like going back to visit family, new additions have been added into the group along the way, as if definitely the case with The Slayer but the story lines and the characters and the breadth and depth that Kele takes you into them... as I said I am still struggling to adequately put into my review just how amazing her writing and this book is. Chuito and Alaine basically come from opposite ends of the spectrum in relation to the lives they live and where they originate from. Sharing connecting bedroom walls in the same building are pretty much the only things they initially have in common. Alaine see's the integrity and honor in Chu that he even struggles to see in himself most of the time. Their story which covers the 5 years they spend together in Garnet, told in the current and in flashbacks, and from both POV's covers everything, from their first meeting, to all the intervening years. "I like our prison." Gang-Banger - Ministers daughter; you can guess just how many hurdles this couple have to overcome. This isn't a quick read, and the work that the author has put into this book in making it the best it can be is clearly apparent from the first chapter right until its unforgettable end. The latter part of the book moves Alaine and Chuito to Miami, back on his home turf we see more of the life that he lived and the man he was looking to leave behind upon moving to Garnet. Hard-hitting and extremely emotional, this part of the book is dirty, gritty, harsh and a little shocking, Chu starts to lose the grasp on the control that he has firmly held onto whilst in Garnet, and with his dark past, colliding with the brightness that was his future, he reverts back to the cold, ruthless, closed down guy he was when Alaine first met him. The night hid sins. The morning exposed regret. The story explores the beginnings; it gives you a different look at pivotal parts of other characters stories over the previous five years, through Alaine and Chuito's eyes, that for; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Enforcer (Untamed Hearts, #3); Author: Kele Moon; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 + - "You matter." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US -[url]... Amazon UK -[url]-... I have found that finding the words to adequately write this review really difficult, firstly because the book is so freaking awesome, I don't think there are words to accurately objectify it, and secondly there is so much that goes on in The Enforcer that I don't want to touch on for fear of spoiling other readers enjoyment. Just know, you are in for a hell of a ride, and every step of the journey even the painful ones are so, so worth it. Tino Moretti, and his brothers Romeo and Nova are well known in relation to the Untamed Hearts and the latter stages of the Battered Hearts Series' of books. Quoting the author herself, The Enforcer is very much the beginning of Tino's story, but in telling it you are also given the beginnings of Nova and Romeo's stories as well. Although the opening of the book briefly touches on Brianna's return to Tino's life, and their subsequent rapid departure from Chu and Alaine's wedding in Garnet (the end of The Slayer), the book mainly focusses on him and his brothers teens an early twenties, back when they still lived in Harlem/Brooklyn, and how much of an effect on his and Nova's lives Romeo's incarceration actually had. There is a huge amount going on in this book, none of which I am inclined to delve into too deeply, the joy and heartbreak of reading the story of these three men, their beginnings, and what makes Tino the man we have come to know and love, is one you need to experience yourself, and with all its surprises at your own pace. "Lost Boys gotta fly." Starting in 2002, you are given life through twelve year old Tino's eyes, and how things change for him and his brothers after his mother's death. I think Kele played this story out really well, because through his eyes you also see a large part of what Nova goes through at the same time, and if you have read the previous books you know just how closed-off and complex a character he is, this book gives you a lot of the background as to why that is, but also sheds light on him as he works through the whole situation of becoming an integral cog in a Mafia family over the next six or so years, as well as his involvement in Tino becoming an Enforcer later on. Briana and Carina Moretti are the other main players in this book, Briana comes into Tino's life just when everything is changing, she's the one positive out of everything, their blossoming friendship/relationship, is basically built around everything the Moretti brothers go through, but it really is just a friendship for a lot of the story, the attraction is evidently there, but as you are reading you begin to understand how difficult Tino finds it to separate one part of his life from his time with Brianna, tissues at the ready people. "The best; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Phoenix; Author: Raine Anthony; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Ok this is probably the only time you will ever see me write the following - I WISH THIS STORY HAD ENDED IN A CLIFFHANGER, so there is the opportunity for more books! I loved Phoenix and Eve, and I so want to read more of their story. Raine Anthony has developed in Phoenix Smith a character whose back-story may actually be more interesting than the story that has been told, and that's saying something because I really, really liked the book, but I want MORE. I want to know about Phoenix's life prior to settling in Cornwall, and if you choose to read this book you will understand just how much of a story this guy could possibly have. Yes, it may be dark, disturbing and a little uncomfortable to read, but because I loved Phoenix Smith so much, I want to know everything I can about him. Phoenix - "are you trying to tempt me Eve?" Eve - "No" I whisper throatily "I just want to be friends". Phoenix - "I don't do friends" Eve is a pretty interesting character as well, she has had a pretty horrific start to life and by moving to Cornwall, hopes to leave it all behind and start afresh. She is pretty inexperienced about the world and men as a whole, due to her upbringing, and only having Harriet an older lady as a friend. I liked that she pushed herself to step out of her comfort zone, by taking steps to do things that she normally wouldn't have the courage to do. I loved that Eve used music, namely playing the piano and poetry to express herself, the latter which ultimately leads her to Phoenix, and although it doesn't initially go well, I think being almost the complete opposites is what ultimately makes them such a strong unit together. Phoenix has no fear, Eve constantly battles against being afraid. He isn't scared to stand up for himself and those he believes in, whilst Eve ultimately tries to stay under the radar. Although her confidence grows throughout the book, and I had to laugh a couple of times when she stood up for herself with the neighborhood b!tches!! This is a book that I think most people will either love or hate, for me it is definitely love. I liked the writing style, it is very anglicized (which may not work for others), and being British, I loved that Phoenix used the term "darling" frequently. I would say Raine's writing style is a little like Trisha Ashley in that the story is written around a very British village, with normal occurrences being fetes and Sunday lunches, but it has the added spice of some very well written sex scenes, and a little romantic suspense thrown in for good measure. Phoenix - "I want to, Eve. I want to. Just not....." he pauses and trails off, then finishes, "you're not ready for all of me." I have to say I also liked that they didn't immediately jump in the sack together (although the sexual tension,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heated (Most Wanted, #2); Author: J. Kenner; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Giving in to temptation is one of the few pleasures in life." Stars! Heated is book two in the Most Wanted Series, and in this instalment we are given a look into the mind, body and business of Tyler Sharp. Detective Sloane Watson is in Chicago looking for information on an old friend/informant who has disappeared off the radar, her last known whereabouts Destiny, the club owned by Tyler, Evan and Cole. There are monsters hiding under the most innocent of countenances, and if you don't keep your guard up, they will bite you. And hard. Sloane lives her life by 2 truisms - - Nothing is ever easy as it should be. - No-one is what they seem. With Tyler the boundaries of those two truisms are constantly pushed. Nothing is in black & white in his life, and grey is definitely the shade that most of his dealings err into, and because of this she finds that she is making allowances and twisting the truth to suit, and ultimately enable her to pursue the 'Agreement' they have. God, I was a walking cliche. The strong woman, knocked out at the knees by a smooth man with a hard cock. "You're the prize, Sloane. And I'm in it to win." I have to admit that I found at times the story got a little lost in the constant sex-a-thon that Sloane and Tyler go on. There isn't a room, wall, surface or open space that is off limits with the two of them, and I did find some of it a little 'out of character' for a by-the-rules detective to willingly agree to some of the things Tyler has her taking in part in after the space of a few hours/days. "There is a thrill in being exposed. In being just a little naughty." "Will I find my way back to who I was? ... Do I want to? Julie Kenner, has once again managed to give us a dominant, sexy, dirty man, with his own particular tastes in and out of the bedroom. Tyler likes to 'push the boundaries' and he does it very thoroughly with Sloane. "I've had you," ... "But I haven't yet savoured you." "I don't know where this is going, Sloane, or where it will end. All I know is that you're in my head, you're inside me." On the whole another enjoyable instalment from the Most Wanted series, and another sexy arrogant guy for us girls to fall in love with (it wasn't difficult for this one anyway). Julie has carved out a tried and tested niche for herself, and this book definitely ticks all of the boxes that you would expect from one of her releases. I worked out who the 'baddie' was pretty quickly, but let's face it the suspense part of the book isn't really the main reason you have picked up the book anyway. One niggle, and it actually got really niggly as the book progressed, was the constant and overuse of "yes, god", "yes, god, yes" & "god,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Player (Gamble Brothers, #2); Author: J. Lynn; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Guys like him didn't date girls like her." Stars! Tempting the Player is written in J. Lynn's usual style, an easy going 'comfort' read, with likeable characters, and a simple to follow plot. Chad definitely has a degree in dirty talking, and I liked Bridget's quirkiness, she reminded me of Molly Ringwald at the height of her fame in the 80's. "I want you bad. Right now. Against the wall. On my bed. The floor and maybe in the bathroom later. I have a shower stall and a Jacuzzi we could put to really good use"... "I can't decide if you look better in that dress or with it pooled around your ankles." Another enjoyable addition to the Gamble brother's series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lovers Unmasked (Come Undone, #3.5; McCade Brothers, #1.5; Line of Duty, #1.5); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 Stars. This anthology contains 4 short tales based on or around Halloween. Seducing Mr. Right - Katee Robert This Novella from the Come Undone Series. Wowee this is a hot short story, the tension between Grayson and Danielle sizzles off the page from the get go. I loved that although this is a novella, the build up from them actually meeting to then getting together doesn't feel rushed. Things progress to the point where the flirting and innocent touching are not enough, and they both decide to take things a step further at the company Halloween party. "I won't do anything to you that you don't beg me for first." Danielle is under the impression that Grayson is the mail room guy. How wrong can a girl be! Grayson is worried that Danielle will run a mile when she finds out who he really is, seeing she has major daddy issues, and he actually epitomizes everything she believe she doesn't want in a partner...... and he is pretty spot on with his assessment. However the Phantom of the Opera is an insistent fellow, and what ensues is pretty damn excellent. The quality of Katee Robert's writing in this novella has definitely pushed the Come Undone series to the top of my TBR list. Tempted by His Best Friend - Cari Quinn I love the friends to lovers genre and this book telling Stephanie and Landon's story was no exception, it had some absolutely hilarious laugh out loud moments from the get go - "I want your cock in my mouth." "Wow, really?"Steff looked up to find a grim reaper blocking her path and nearly choked in her haste to mutter an apology. "No, God, no. I'm sorry. I wasn't-- I didn't mean--" The reaper deflated like a pensioner when the Viagra ran out. "Figured. That never happens to me." He shuffled off before she could apologize again. And then there were the totally hot moments - "I don't know all your fantasies yet, but I will. This is one of mine." And Craig (best friend to both of them) is one of the funniest secondary characters I have come across in a while; I kind of hope Cari gives him his own novella at some point. Wicked Games - Samanthe Beck A McCade Brothers novella There is a recurring trend occurring in this series of Novellas (apart from it being Halloween)! and that is the seriously hilarious secondary characters. In Wicked Games we are treated to Ian's partner Trevor and his comical one-liners. Trevor and Ian are police officers who just happen to be dating twin sisters, although Ian split up from Stacy a month ago, and is currently working on getting them back together. Unfortunately Stacy is harbouring insecurities about her past, and is also dealing with a prospective stalker. Ian's protective instincts kick in big time at a Halloween fancy dress-party, where things all come to a head between them and then the stalker turns nasty. I have to admit it did all get a bit predictable from here; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Trick (Perfectly Matched, #1); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. This is Book one on the perfectly Matched Series. I have to say that I don't think I have ever read a bad Entangled: Brazen book. Whether it be a standalone novel or part of a series, they are all well written, feature likeable and more importantly believable characters. The stories grab your attention and keep you reading right up to the end. Oh and did I mention the sex, well that's always hot and plentiful too, so it's a win/win in my opinion! Dirty Trick is no exception, I really liked Grace, and the problems she was having with her own love life while dealing with the day to day rigors of running a dating agency. Not having much luck in the love arena herself, she has spent most of her time lusting after her best friend Trick Matthews, a Hot, sexy SWAT officer. Trick is the opposite of Grace, he has plenty of experience in the bedroom and is not afraid to show his skills, unfortunately he is also madly in love with his best friend (Grace) and so the fun begins! Christine has given us great friends to lovers tale, which I have to say are one of my favorite genres, and a particularly memorable Halloween party to boot. The sex is imaginative and well written and the characters likeable. I wanted them to get their happily ever after, and I have to say I laughed my socks off in places. ARC provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Heat (Feel the Heat #1); Author: Nicola Marsh; Genres: romance; Review: Wicked Heat - Nicola Marsh - 4 Stars. This is the first book in the Feel The heat Series, and the first book I have read by Nicola Marsh, and holy-hotness what a good start. Jett and Allegra literally set my e- reader alight when I read their story, if it had been a paperback it would have come with a "Fire Hazard" warning! Allegra was a well written character, I love reading about a strong woman although she has slightly control freak tendencies, and an understandable vulnerable side, she isn't afraid to say what she thinks, and some of the hilarious situations she got herself into were a riot, all I have to do is think LAX airport and I want to giggle again. Jett *fans self* I have developed a secret obsession with the Australian buffed, tanned alpha male, and Jett ticks all the boxes for me. Although hiding his own vulnerabilities, he excels at the dirty talking. This guy is cocky, confident and made me want to look at getting a job in the advertising world myself! I spent a wonderful afternoon on vacation devouring this book, and cannot recommend it highly enough. It ticked all my required holiday reading boxes and then some. I look forward to more from Nicola Marsh after reading Wicked Heat I am looking forward to more from the Feel The Heat Series. ARC provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reclaiming the Sand (Reclaiming the Sand, #1); Author: A. Meredith Walters; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - We were a perfect messed up pair. Stars. DNF @ appx 50%. I have been tossing up with myself as to whether to carry on or stop reading this books since I hit the 30% mark, I am a big fan of A. Meredith Walters books, so it makes my disappointment even heavier that I just can't bring myself to keep reading this one. I like that her stories look at life from a different angle and bring me in to contact with characters that are unique and interesting because of their issues. I am all for angst and drama, and to be frank I wouldn't expect anything less from this author. But sometimes a bully is just a bully and trash is just trash. So reading a hundred odd pages of one repulsive act, followed by a disgusting reaction, then followed by Ellie bemoaning how hard done by she is, and trying to excuse her and her lowlife friends behaviour just depressed me, even the flashbacks to six years previous were just more of the same and apart from feeling a small amount of sympathy for Flynn, I literally just wanted the rest of them to meet with a nasty and painful end. I have no doubt that some sort of redemption and rediscovery occurs in the second half of the book, but for me, for right now, I am going to step away. I totally think that you have to be in the right frame of mind for this sort of book, and it may just be that I am not at this moment in time. It won't stop me from reading more from this author in the future.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: One to Hold (One to Hold, #1); Author: Tia Louise; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: WOW, is all I can say, if this is Tia Louise's first foray into the erotic/romantic fiction world, I for one can't wait to see what she has in store for us next. This talented lady has packed a whole lotta story into such a short book. But the great thing is, it doesn't feel rushed, the flow of the story and the character/plot development is really impressive. The chemistry between Derek and Melissa is off the charts right from the start of the book, and I have to say the sex scenes *phew fans self*, Blew. Me. Away. They were original, tasteful, yet erotically written, and to be quite frank I am a little jealous of Melissa right now! "My insides bonded to him, melted into him, wrapped around him, holding him to me." I loved the twists to the plot in One to Hold, it is not just a hot romance, Tia has added a little mystery and suspense into the mix, and it kept me guessing until the end. She, tempts and teases you with tidbits of why Melissa and Derek are both at the same Hotel/Spa at the same time as well as the secrets from their pasts as their relationship develops, and at one point my jaw literally hit the floor, after Melissa stumbles over some email evidence, this was the turning point in the book for me I could not after that put it down. What more can I say, this is a short, sexy read. Well worth a few hours of your time, I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this imaginative and diverse author. ARC provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review. I am a lucky, lucky girl!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Castle Hill (On Dublin Street, #3.5); Author: Samantha Young; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Best. Novella. Ever.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Truly (New York, #1); Author: Ruthie Knox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "First the Forking, then the Cleavering. Who will she emasculate next?" Stars. I am a massive fan of Ruthie Knox's books, and because of that I hate that I didn't love Truly as much as the previous books of hers that I have read. Weirdly, my reasons for disliking it aren't massively due to the storyline, characters etc, but the style(s) of writing. It isn't written badly, but the writing style is in parts very different from the style I have grown accustomed to with Ruthie's previous work, it alternated between her light, to-the-point, flirty easygoing language, to something more complexly descriptive and completely different. "I want you," ... "Exactly the way you are. I want you naked and panting and wet underneath me. you understand that? Am I being clear?" To explain, I actually at points felt like I was reading a book written by a completely different author, I was merrily reading away and the book constantly went from Ruthie's normal style, to then morph into the overly descriptive flowery paragraphs about random objects, body-parts and feelings. The lyrical style and descriptiveness reminded me of books that I have read by another author entirely. I kind of wanted it to just stick to one or the other and not keep jumping back and forth. It was too dark for him to see his heart in her eyes. Too loud inside his head for her to hear the fear hammering against her hand. The writing style aside, I did in the main enjoy Ben and May's story. It is what I would class as a 'grown-ups' romance. What I mean by that is you are presented with two relatively normal people, neither of them with any particular underlying problems, or over-loaded with erroneous drama, coming together under unusual circumstances, and getting to know and fall in love with each other. It took the world's worst drunk marriage proposal to clue me in. The first 70% was a 4 Star read for me, but it unfortunately dropped down to 3 Stars in the following 20% when it went from 'grown up' to 'god I wish May would grow up'... The last 10% then went back to being as enjoyable as the first seventy, but I really didn't need, and I personally don't think the story needed the whole 'let's pretend' aspect that was introduced. She'd just been cast out of Eden, and she found herself on a guided tour of life after Paradise. I am hoping the random paragraphs' from Allie's (May's sister) point of view are a pre-cursor too the next book in the series, as if not I don't really feel they added that much too the book either. Ruthie Knox gave me the Camelot Series, which is one of my top ten favourites of all time, and although Truly didn't quite hit the mark with me this time, she is still one of the few authors I have on auto-buy. I am intrigued too see where the next book in the New York series will take us,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hitched (Roman Holiday #2); Author: Ruthie Knox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: So part 2 of Roman Holiday literally picks up where part one left off. I love that Ashley and Roman are pretty much polar opposites, she wears her heart on her sleeve, while Roman hides and pretty much denies that he has any feelings at all. It makes for some great conversations between the two of them. Ashley is so annoying it is actually pretty endearing and cute, and we finally get a little more background in to Romans past, and the reason he is the way he is. I have a feeling that like a good cheesecake, this series is going to get better with each bite-size piece. Off to part 3 for me now. ARC kindly provided by the publisher for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chained (Roman Holiday #1); Author: Ruthie Knox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: A great start to a new serialised novel by Ruthie Knox. I am not a big fan of these serialised type books, but I have adored everything that I have ever read by Ruthie, so I have relaxed my thinking on this occasion. Ashley and Roman are as different as two people can be. The former free-spirited and happy to drift along from one thing to the next. The latter an extremely focused, straight laced, down-the-line type of guy. The only thing that is constant in Ashley's life is her Grandmother and the Miami Holiday Apartments that she owns. Unfortunately, upon hearing of the Grandmothers death, she also learns that the apartments have been sold to Roman, and her Grandmother is no longer around to explain why. So Ashley takes it upon herself to persuade Roman that demolishing them is not in his best interests, and so begins the adventure.... I am looking forward to part 2, and luckily the instalments are being released in weekly intervals so we don't have to wait too long! ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blindsided (Roman Holiday #3); Author: Ruthie Knox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: So in part 3 of Roman Holiday, we have arrived at the Hippy compound where Ashleys friend Mitzi resides. Throw in a drum ceremony, over exuberant sex in the next room and an alligator that "Just wants to dance" and you have a hilarious mix. I am starting to fall in love with Roman, even if he does wear stripy granddad pajamas', and is probably the most anally-retentive character I have ever read about. Although as more of his early life is revealed, we are also getting more of an indication as to why he is the stuffy, emotionally stunted guy he has grown up to be. Ashley is gradually chipping away at his facade, and I am now looking forward to the point where he throws caution to the wind a just goes for it. I love that Ruthie has now added Carmen and Noah into the mix as well, and can't wait for Part 4. ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Do-Ahead Dinners: How to Feed Friends and Family Without the Frenzy; Author: James Ramsden; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Great Book, easy simple to follow, Delicious recipes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love and Lists (Chocoholics, #1); Author: Tara Sivec; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Gavin as a kid was effing hilarious, Gavin as a 20 something just as funny. Tyler is Drew all over again and I LOVE it!! I hope Tara shares more adventures with these characters soon. One thing you can always rely on with these books, is that you will laugh your ass off!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Hit (Hitman, #1); Author: Jessica Clare; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. Last Hit is a really enjoyable book. It is different in the fact that it looks at a relationship between two people that you would never figure to have anything in common. The funny thing is they do, but for completely different reasons. Nick and Daisy are both inexperienced; Nick is a guy who has been bought up in the harshest of environments, with the most terrible types of society and although he is worldly, his is a complete novice when it comes to normal and romantic interactions with the opposite sex. I have to say I found him very endearing, from his stilted conversations, to his inner monologues, and although they are pretty harsh at points, they are also really very sweet. Nick - "if you do not want me to break your wrist with one squeeze of my hand, you will do two things immediately. First, you will remove your hand from my woman's purse. Second, you will remove your hand from this shirt. It is attached to the body that belongs to the owner of the purse." This is a guy who has only ever in the past had to look out for himself, experiencing completely alien feelings for a woman who has absolutely no idea about how harsh the world around her can possibly be. Although Daisy has experienced devastating loss in her past, she has spent the most of her life fully hidden away from the world and its day-to-day pitfalls, because of this she is naive and overly trusting of people. I must admit, I did find a couple of points of the story involving Daisy a little contradictory, to the innocent/naive character that the author was implying she was. However the story and characters are so well written it really wasn't a major issue for me. It is also quite apparent as the story progresses that Daisy is a stronger character that you would initially imagine, she doesn't take any shit from people, and isn't afraid to speak her mind, or go after what she wants, which offered a little justification to her slightly out of character actions. It was also great to read of them both gaining more self-confidence, in themselves and with each other as the story progressed, and I have to admit that the sex is extremely well written, there were several extremely hot under the collar moments, I can tell ya! Jessica Clare is a new author on my radar, but I have read the books from The Woodlands Series by Jen Frederick and loved them; the writing is more adult in Last Hit as is the subject matter. Together these authors have produced a really, different and entertaining read. I recommend it to anyone who likes their romances a little different from the norm or on the slightly darker side. Thanks to Jen Frederick for providing me with an ARC copy of Last Hit; it was my pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unraveled (Woodlands, #3); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - I need a lie-down, a shower, more batteries and some clean panties STARS!!! Ok, so before we get to my review, I firstly want to say this... If Jen Frederick continues writing books the same quality as she has Unraveled, then going forward she needs to put some sort of feminine health warning on them. No lie if you enjoy it as much as I did your emotions will swing from giggling like a schoolgirl...and horny, to crying like a baby...and horny, then clapping like a sea-lion when its feeding time at the pool..and horny. You also risk massive weight loss (Ok so I skipped lunch to carry on reading, but I swear I look like I have lost at least 10lbs), oh and did I mention horny! Now onto the actual review! The main thing you need to know about Grayson Phillips, is that he is at a crossroads in his life, does he re-up or leave the Marines for pastures new. Being pulled in different directions and facing familial pressure to do both, he decides to visit his former colleagues Noah *swoon* and Bo *sigh*. He sees how they are getting on with life outside the Corps, and appreciates that they have found something meaningful in their career paths and the women they have chosen to spend their time with. Gray is wary of commitment, having been hurt in a big way previously; all he thinks he is looking for are safe, no-commitment hook-ups. He considers further education as his friends are doing, but isn't sure as to what he would want to pursue, or whether he can manage life as a student, with people that are so much younger than him. Well there is one course this guy definitely doesn't need to take and that is Dirty Talking 101, he has passed that one with a distinction and full honours. I have not read anything so explicitly delicious and imaginatively written in a while, from closet oral, car sex (a Rover no less) to a row boat... There is no end to this Marine's skills! Samantha is one of those characters that you wish you could meet in real life. She is the sort of person that thinks of others, and puts everyone else's needs before her own, and if losing your childhood sweetheart and husband of several months isn't shitty enough, for the past couple of years has also let familial pressure control how she lives her life, the only difference is the pressure is coming from her deceased husbands family, and their refusal to let their sons memory rest in peace. She has also sworn off ever getting involved with another member of the armed forces, unfortunately one look from Gray Phillips and that little rule flies out of the window. From the get-go their connection is electric, and although wary Sam, realises that she wants' to explore the connection that they share. Sam - "You know you're my adventure." She also recognises something in Gray that he doesn't even realise himself, and that is; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ricochet (Renegades, #3); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I won't promise I'll ever be perfect, but I can promise to keep trying." Stars! You could say that I am 'tight' when it comes to dishing out a 5, with regards to stars on my book ratings. This is not because I am a meanie, but because I read a lot of books. A large number of them of a very high calibre, and as such you will see that I give a lot of 4.5 stars. To hit a 5, an author has to do evoke 3 things from me - 1) Keep my mind on the story and characters (I get distracted very easily) 2) Get my emotions involved (crying like a baby with this one) and 3) Offer me a story, I will remember that I read in 12 months time and who/what it was about (fickle I know, but when you read the volume of books I do, enjoyable doesn't always equate to memorable). Skye Jordan ticked every one of those boxes and then some. I have loved the Renegades Series from its beginnings, but with Ricochet we are given a whole different level of writing, to quote the author - My goal is to write each book better than the last. And boy she sooooo has! There are a lot of books in the romantic fiction genre at the moment, that feature servicemen and active and retired, that are dealing with the traumas of past battle and the absolute horror of conflict. PTSD and injuries (mental and physical) that result from seeing live combat are also heavily featured and for the most part dealt with extremely respectfully. Skye has managed to write the story of a man on the brink, fighting to hold it together, while struggling with guilt, flashbacks and a whole band of Demons in absolute heartbreaking detail. Master Sergeant Nathan Ryker is a man you will fall in love with, fall apart with, and put yourself back together again with as well. Every pain in his body disappeared. Every shadow vanished. She chased all of his demons away, and for a moment, he found relief. I think the reason that this story pulled me in so completely is that it is fresh, the storyline and the characters in the main aren't unusual and the tropes are pretty mainstream, but the writing... Each and every plot point, action, reaction and conversation for me just felt clean, you could almost feel the level of concentration from the author in wanting to make sure that everything is 'just-right'. The sex....OMG it is freaking hot, inventive and I went back and re-read pretty much every scene just to make sure I didn't miss anything out. "I'm offering you exactly what you want. No-strings, no-shame, no-limits, no-complications, wicked-good sex. Complete with an agreed-upon end date, a vow of secrecy and an eight-thousand-mile anti-stalking guarantee when it's over." Rachel has figured in the previous two books in the series (Reckless & Rebel) as she is the glue that holds the Renegade Men together, sassy, full of attitude,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rebel (Renegades, #2); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - I Love This Series Stars! Rebel is a book, that I won't struggle to write a review about. I have literally "highlighted" about 50% of the text, whether it be because it made me laugh, made me sigh, made me a little hot, or just because the writing was so damn good I wanted to look it over again. Wes and Rubi figured quite alot in Reckless, being both Jax and Lexi's closest friends, and because of that I was itching for more of them, and have been waiting avidly for Rebel's release. I want to thank Skye Jordan for generously providing me with an ARC copy, and as thanks I am happy to provide the below review. If you enjoyed Reckless, I have no doubt that you will enjoy Rebel as much if not more. I generally get alot out of a series of books, I love how you become involved with all of the characters whether they be one of the main or secondary people in the story. I start to feel a part of the family, and like all families there are some you like and get along with more than you do others. I have no-one I dislike in the Renegades family right now and that makes the rest of this series(please god we get another instalment early in 2014) a must-read for me. Rubi and Wes are meant for each other, and although not necessarily singing from the same hymn sheet for most of the book, they do eventually realise that together they work. Rubi's reluctance is mainly due to commitment and abandonment issues, and Wes from believing he is meant to be with a different type of woman. Wes wears his heart on his sleeve, and as such isn't afraid to tell Rubi what he is feeling. Rubi, who is still trying to find her heart, tends to try and hide behind her cocky, and ballsy attitude. I loved seeing both of their vulnerable sides, and the book being written in both POV, gave both of their characters more depth because of it. Wes isn't your typical country boy, and I liked the little "kink" Skye added to his character. Rubi could have gotten pretty annoying with all of the emotional shut-downs, but again Skye provides you with such emotional writing, that when you are in Rubi's head you are willing her to push past her fears, and take that step towards what deep-down she knows she really wants. I laughed alot reading this book, whether it be situations - doggie Ice cream comes to mind immediately for that one. Descriptions - "He had great legs - all three of them." And some of the double-meanings that were thrown out were priceless, I will never use or hear the word "rig" and think of it in the same way ever again. I could now go quote crazy, but to finish I want to leave with one of my favourites that got me pretty hot under the collar (warning swear words have been left in); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Baby Bargain (Once a Marine, #1); Author: Jennifer Apodaca; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Even when I'm mad as hell at you, I still want you." Stars. Jennifer Apodaca is an author that I have read and enjoyed before, so it was no surprise that I got pulled in and swept up with Megan and Adam's story. Who doesn't love a well written second-chance love story, especially when a little suspense and a cute toddler are thrown into the mix as well. Adam is your typically tortured hero, but still a true gentleman even though he believes he is incapable of offering a full commitment. Returning home after a few years he is looking to sell up his parent's property and move on with his life. That is until he runs into Meg, the one woman who he ever had any feelings for. Their connection is still strong, and although Meg is reluctant she agrees to a 'friends with benefits' arrangement, for the few weeks that Adam is in town. "Tonight is for you, Megan. I can't give you commitment, I'm not that man." I liked the dynamic in this book, both characters were strong, Megan because she has had to be with the responsibilities she has in her life, and Adam as it is the only way he knows how to be. Their coming together in-spite of the odds and the secrets that they are both keeping, was sweet, a little spicy and extremely enjoyable to read. "You can say no to sex, just let me hold you. Have you all to myself for a little while." This is the first book in the Once A Marine series, Adam is the owner of the Security Agency that offers employment to ex-vets, and the author has really set the scene well for more books in the future. I love a tortured hero, and Jennifer Apodaca has definitely got a wealth of guys working for Adam to choose from in the future. "This is the only place I've ever felt at home."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wild Child (Boys of Bishop, #1); Author: Molly O'Keefe; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Wild Child - 4 Stars. I must admit by the hot cover I thought this would be a fun and sexy read, but its actually a little deeper than that. This book contains characters that have deep and painful pasts, unfulfilled goals, longing to belong and to be able to live life how you choose and not how you are directed, whether it be by circumstance or responsibility. Monica and Jackson are both trying to make the best of their futures while striving to leave the nightmare of their pasts behind. Monica is also dealing with the grief of losing a trusted and loved friend, while Jackson is struggling with the responsibility he feels while being the town mayor as well as trying to raise his sister after the tragic loss of their parents. This is a great book, if you are looking for some laughs, a little sexiness and a whole lot of well written story. Perfect vacation reading, or snuggled up in the warm winter reading the cast and characters are all likeable and the story is well thought out, develops at a great pace and left me wanting to look up more of Molly O'Keefe's books as soon as I had finished it. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swimming Pool Summer; Author: Rebecca Farnworth; Genres: fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Swimming Pool Summer focuses on Frankie, Tor and Leila who are all holidaying on the Greek island of Zakynthos. All have secrets they are hiding and everything is gradually revealed over the course of the book. From the Synopsys - Frankie hasn't had a proper relationship for years. But though she tells everyone this is how she wants it, secretly she's in love with her best friend Patrick. Tor (Victoria) didn't think she could have a baby, but now she is pregnant by her younger lover. Could this mean the end of a romance that has started to mean more to her than she expected? Leila seems to have it all - a happy marriage, a beautiful daughter and a successful career. But Leila is harbouring a secret that could destroy her marriage forever. Good things about this book include the alternating chapters being told by different characters, for me it gave more of an insight into each ones state of mind as different things were revealed. I loved the summaries at the end, giving details of the characters 1, 5 and 10 years on as well. I saved this book for my summer vacation, and I am glad I did it's the perfect curl up by the pool book, in my opinion. ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gabriel's Outlaw: A Loveswept Classic Romance; Author: Sandra Chastain; Genres: romance; Review: 3 Stars. This is the second book of Sandra's I have read this week. Again it is a re-release of a book that was originally out in the 90's. You can tell it is an older title, by some of the language, situations and general descriptions of the characters in the book, but once again for all that I did enjoy the book. It is a classic Mills & Boon type style of writing, nothing too heavy in or out of the bedroom, cute story and characters. I like that older titles are being given a revamp, and having re-releases in eBook format, there are alot of books and authors out there that deserve to be re-discovered in the eBook age, and I definitely think Sandra Chastain is one of them. ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: For Love of Lacey: A Loveswept Classic Romance; Author: Sandra Chastain; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 Stars. I stopped reading this book about 3 chapters in and did a little research. It turns out this is a re-realease of a title that originally hit the market back in the 80's. You can tell this from the writing (hence the reason I stopped, as I haven't heard the phrase "Yuppie" in a long time), it is a little dated, the characters and language used are tvery 80's. It reminded me of a Classic Mills & Boon book, which in the right place and time isn't such a bad thing. I did continue reading and once I got into the groove of it being written over 20 years ago, I did quite enjoy Lacey & Tylers story. This is the sort of book you read, when you are coming down from a massive book hangover, or you aren't sure what to read next, entertaining enough, but more of a filler than a keeper. ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mine to Take (Mine, #1); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Well what can I say, Cynthia Eden sure knows how to pack a whole lotta story in such a small amount of book. I really enjoyed the beginning of Skye and Trace's story, and I am moving straight onto Mine To Keep, to see how it continues. It's no secret that in general, I am not a big fan of the whole novella/serialised book phenomenon that is out there at the moment, but if it's well written and engaging my issues generally dissipate. This book falls into the elusive category of being worth my time, and I don't say that about a lot of books that are this length. Well worth a couple of hours of your time, if you enjoy hot, sexy, romantic suspense stories. ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Winter's Dawn (Age of Alphas, #1); Author: Kele Moon; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Ok so this is my first paranormal read from Kele Moon. I have read and loved the Battered Hearts books, so I thought I would give Winters Dawn a try seeing as it was available on Netgalley. I am not a massive PNR reader, but when I love an author I generally devour everything they write. Case in point with book one in the Age of Alphas Series. This book is slightly different to what I am normally used to with Kele wherein, although sexy, I wouldn't go as far as to say it was out an out erotica book. There is a lot of story going on here, with quite a few characters in the mix, all with their own stories to tell. Being a series I am guessing some stories will develop more as the books progress. I have to admit I was pulled completely into this book, at one point I totally lost track of time and it was nearly 3am, before I put it down and dragged myself off to bed. Looking forward to book 2, hopefully Kele can go writing ninja, and release it sooner rather than later!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inescapable (The Premonition, #1); Author: Amy A. Bartol; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: DNF - Not often I give up, but this book did not grab me at all.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mine to Keep (Mine, #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Sweet Jesus, Cynthia Eden sure knows how to put together a romantic suspense novel. There are so many twists and turns in this book I think I passed myself a couple of times. I only post spoiler free reviews, but so much happens in this book anything I say could possibly be a spoiler, so I am not going to say anything. Just Know this. I loved it, I devoured this book in an afternoon, some of the twists I saw coming, most of them I didn't. Another positive for this book, is the introduction of two more Badasses I wanna know more about Noah and Drake mmm mmm! My only wish, Trace took the time to take his clothes off more....Read the book you'll know what I mean. CANNOT wait for Noah & Claire's story, if it's as good as the previous Mine books I know I am not going to be disappointed. ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mine to Hold (Mine, #3); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: So I stand by all my previous comments about Cynthia Eden, romantic suspense can be a tricky genre to tackle, too much of one can over-shadow the other, and sometimes it all just gets lost. Not this time, and not ever in this series, each book is as strong as its predecessor and just as enthralling. Noah York and Claire Kramer do feature in the previous books, but Mine To Hold is their story, and theirs alone. We found out a little of Claire's past in Mine To Keep, and Noah has been a part of Trace's world for a while so featured in both Mine To Take & Keep. A lot goes on in this book, (as with the previous), the pace is fast and frenzied, and just when you think you have all your ducks in a row, another one turns up and ruins the whole line up again. I was kept guessing right up until the end, and I loved every moment of it. So Noah York is a self made man, much like Trace Weston, he has his own personal demons, and lives by the "One Night Only" rule. He is a tiger in the bedroom, a total gent out of it, and has women falling over themselves for the chance of one night, that is until he meets Claire Kramer...... Noah - "I look at you and my whole body burns. I want you naked. I want you screaming. I want to see pleasure make your eyes flash even brigther" Although polar opposites in some ways Noah and Claire have an awful lot in common. Similar losses, similar pasts and a need to protect those around them. Noah does this by fighting, Claire by running, only she can't seem to run fast enough or hide well enough to evade Noah, and when they unite..... BOOM! "We touch, we kiss, and we ignite." I can't gush enough about this series, I have highlighted so much of the book, I could post quotes for an hour. I want more, I hope Drake gets his own book and happy ending too. ARC supplied by the author through Netgalley, in exchange to the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Terrible Love (A Terrible Love, #1); Author: Marata Eros; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: DNF - Nothing bad about this book it just didn't grab me, and after 25% I am calling it quits, cause if it hasn't got my attention by now it isn't likely to.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Behind the Scandal (Reluctance, #2); Author: M.A. Stacie; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Be happy. Be free" ... "Be with me." Stars! I liked Behind the Scandal, but I didn't love it. It is one of those books you will pick up and enjoy whilst reading, but it doesn't really offer up anything new or different. The storyline is - for want of a better word, predictable. The characters and their issues aren't really unique or unusual, it was all just OK. We met Taylor Reese originally in the first book in the Reluctance series - Beneath the Surface, and to be frank he was an absolute douche-bag, Behind the Scandal pretty much starts up where book one left off, and Taylor has been shipped off to his Uncle Josh's ranch for 6 months to detox and sort himself out. "I don't quite know what disgusts me more, the way I treated my family or the way I treated myself." Libby Karlin along with her son Levi, live on the ranch and work for Taylor's Uncle, in hiding from her past and men in general she is wary of Taylor, add to that he is still acting like a douche due to the Cocaine withdrawal, they don't exactly hit it off. I loved that an incident involving her son Levi is essentially the beginning of why this couple came to their senses; he was a cute and likeable addition to the story. "I didn't come here to find someone... Well, other than myself, I guess." This is an easygoing read, well written but not really offering any surprises. I liked the first book Beneath the Surface more, I think mainly because it was a little different from all the underground fighting novels that were doing the rounds at the time. I preferred Kyran as well, and although Taylor does go a long way to redeeming himself in this book, I still found his childish outbursts and the heap of Daddy-issues he was carrying around just a little OTT. I liked that he worked things out with his brother though. Kyran "I've spent most of my life being your parent. I'm tired, and I'd prefer to be your brother. Your friend." I am not sure if this is the last book in the series, seeing as both brothers have now had their story I would assume so... Unless there is an illegitimate Reese out there somewhere! M. A. Stacie, writes well, her characters are well developed and her plot-lines well thought out. Although not an out and out winner for me this time, I will still be on the lookout for future releases from this author in the future. ARC generously provided by the publisher in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Can't Take the Heat (Working It, #1); Author: Jackie Barbosa; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Whoa who knew how hot Amnesia could be stars. There is a whole lotta story crammed into this novella, I loved that the fireman in this book is actually a woman. Delaney even injured is a take no shit kinda woman, and although things didn't work out with Wes the first time around, she wasn't frightened to take what she wanted from him this time, without compromising herself or her goals. Although Wes may not be a fireman, he is still HOT! This man knows his way around a woman, and isn't afraid to take it how he wants, where he wants, whenever he wants it. I am looking forward to reading more of the Working It Series from Jackie as it is released; Can't Take The Heat is an absolutely stellar starting point. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling Stars (Thompson Sisters, #1.5); Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I have to say I love The Thompson Sisters book series. Charles Sheehan-Miles, really has a talent for pulling you in to the story on an emotional level, and this novella was not different. I have to say straight off the bat, I unashamedly adore Crank, he shot into to my Top Ten book boyfriends in A Song For Julia and has held strong ever since, and even though he acts like a bit of an idiot in this chapter of his and Julia's relationship, in the end I still love him to bits!! His dry humour, the way he deals with people, and in particular Sean, make up for his early actions, and the scene with the spider, well LOL!!! Crank - "We talk. We love each other. We never stop touching each other. We never stop paying attention to each other." Good advice for anyone to follow in my opinion. That-said Falling Starts charts an emotional and heart-wrenching road trip, in which Crank and Julia have just finished Morbid Obesity's summer tour, and along with Sean, pick up Julia's sister Carrie and travel across the U.S to settle her into Columbia, on the way back to Boston. The heart of this story is about jealously and communication in a relationship (or the lack thereof). I only post spoiler-free reviews, and seeing as this is a relatively short novella I can't really tell you more about the story. What I will say, is in the space of approximately the 90 minutes it took me to read it, I laughed, cried and fell in love with Crank, Julia, Sean and Carrie all over again, and I just want more and more of these characters. I really hope that at some point in the future Charles writes Sean his own book, I think he has a story to tell. Alright, alright I know he isn't strictly a Thompson Sister, but he is part of the family IMO and with the skill Mr Sheehan-Miles has in being able to enlighten a reader on medical conditions without it feeling clinical, it is a story I would love to read (even if it is just another novella). You connect emotionally with his characters, not out of pity, but because of their inner strength and courage, like he did with Dylan in Just remember To Breathe, and his issues with PTSD and TBI. I would like to see him do the same with with Sean, how he views the world and the people around him, and how his life is different to ours with Aspergers Syndrome. If I'm honest, I am just plain nosey, and I want to get in Sean's head. I am the Lucky recipient of an ARC copy of this book from the author. In exchange it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Making Faces; Author: Amy Harmon; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Favourite Quote From The Book - "There isn't heartbreak if there hasn't been joy." Sums up the book perfectly for me. The book was a joy to read, but it broke my heart a couple of times along the way. This is a book you don't want to miss.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Popping the Cherry; Author: Aurelia B. Rowl; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: What a pleasant and enjoyable surprise. I have to admit I went into this book with very little in the way of expectations, and I am happy to say how impressed I am by the whole book. Aurelia has given us a well developed, sometimes funny, sometimes a little sad story of a well adjusted teenage girl (Lena), and detailed how she deals with the fact that she is the last person in her circle of friends to lose her virginity, and the adventures she goes on with the aim of losing it. One thing that is a BIG plus for me about this book is it's about a girl in the UK, who is going to college in the UK. It was great to see words like "git, bugger and arse" pop up, the good old Indian Takeaway, parties down the pub and so on. It was a refreshing change to all the US college romances etc that you usually get (and I love them as well, so no hating on me :-) Jake, well he was just hotness on a stick, not a bad boy, no motorbike, or tattoo's (well none are mentioned), just a good old fashioned, well-mannered guy. "Boring" you say...."Hell no!!!" says I, it's a refreshing change to read about a well behaved painter/decorator who acts like a gentleman, and I loved every minute of it. Nathan was a hoot, I wanted to slap Gemma at points, Flick is the sort of friend everyone need to have. Popping the Cherry, is a warm, friendly, easy to read and wholly enjoyable book, I really hope too see more from Aurelia B. Rowl in the future. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crossing the Line; Author: Karla Doyle; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 F@@K ME THAT WAS HOT STARS!!! November 2013 has been a very "out of the box" month for me in that I have visited book genres that you would not normally find on my TBR. Crossing The Line by Karla Doyle is definitely outside of my normal book requirements in that it is a story about menage. I am not a prude on any level, but I have to say this subject matter has never really appealed to me; in all honesty it is not a genre that I would actively look for under normal circumstances. However, I am happy to make an exception, when it comes to an author as talented as Karla is. I have read every book she has released, and she never lets me down. Her plots are well thought out, researched and easy to read. She always offers a hot distinctive male lead (in this case two), and a kick ass heroine. The dialogue is funny, emotional, sometimes brutal, and her writing style grabs you, pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the very end. Derrick and Hanna are your typical well adjusted married couple, they have a healthy sex life, like experimentation and aren't afraid to try anything in (and out of) the bedroom. Jeremy is Derrick's best friend, and things could have been so very different, if it wasn't for the toss of a coin. Karla always writes hot innovative sex, and this book is no different. I have to say I don't really have a frame of reference when it comes to the M/F/M aspects but I found their interactions hot (voyeurism is definitely not a problem for this couple) and Hanna has mad skills with vegetables, and by that I don't mean in the kitchen ;-) I can't say I will go out of my way to now read menage after Crossing The Line, but as always and what made this 5 Stars for me is the fact that Karla gave me a great story, with well established characters, they encountered real problems and dealing with the consequences of their actions, after the weekend the three of them spent together was quite the rollercoaster I can tell you. I loved Derrick and his demons. I have a huge soft spot for men who don't mind getting dirty for a living, have a little ink and that ride a motorbike - "That's what monsters do. We scare Princesses." It didn't hurt that he also struggled with demons from his past, and wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve around Hanna - "I would've died for you, and now you're fucking killing me." Jeremy pushed all the right buttons too....so yeah I wouldn't mind being Hanna!! I really cannot say enough about how highly I rate Karla's work, and if you are like me and not a major menage fan, I would urge you to check out her other books (links below). Either way you won't be disappointed. More Than Words - US - [url]... UK - [url]... Game Plan; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wild Hearts (Justiss Alliance, #0.5); Author: Tina Wainscott; Genres: romance; Review: Hold on to your panties ladies, The Justiss Alliance Series has landed. 5 Ex-SEALS - Risk, Rath, Saxby, Knox, and Julian, all with their own separate pasts, but together they are a team. A team, that has been used as Scapegoats by their superiors, to take the blame for the clusterf**k that was their final mission. Wild Hearts is a short novella, it starts at the mission that changes all their lives and ends with them all in varying stages of agreement that they will join Chase Justiss and his team. What I like is that Tina has devoted several chapters of the book to each guy, you are given a little of their back story, and the reasoning that leads them to the decision to come back together as a team. I can't lie, I am pretty excited about this series, and I cannot wait for book 1 - Wild On You, to be released in early 2014. ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Park Bench Test; Author: Sarah Lefebve; Genres: fiction; Review: Awwww 4 squishy love heart stars... While reading The Park Bench Test, I kept thinking to myself I wish this was a film. It is such an endearing and enjoyable tale. Yes a tad predictable, but I didn't care one jot. I loved the whole "Mr Right" theorising, interviewing all types of people for their opinions on the subject, to see if there was the ultimate formula to. There wasn't one character in the book I disliked Becky, Katie, Fi, Matt, James and Emma (although I got close to wanting to slap her towards the end), as well as all of the diverse and quirky people Becky comes across while writing her article. This is an uplifting, easygoing tale of a young woman deciding not to settle for just OK, and taking the chance that there is an extraordinary out there for her. Sarah Lefebve has a charming and engaging writing style, I found it easy to lose myself in this book, the story pulls you in gives you a hug, and keeps you warm and contented right up until the end. I am looking forward to seeing what else she has in store for us in the future. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One to Keep (One to Hold, #2); Author: Tia Louise; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Peanut & Bubblegum Stars! Patrick Knight is pretty much the total opposite of Derek Alexander, he doesn't do nice (not anymore), he is living for the moment and watch out if you get in his way. One to Keep, pretty much runs concurrently with One to Hold, but this is Patrick and Elaine's story. Firstly I have to say that one thing that was a big plus for me was that we get to see more of Derek and how he dealt with things after Melissa became aware of who he actually was, but this book is still wholly Patrick's side of the story. What I was nervous about, and this is something that I have had a problem with in the past, is that the whole book (apart from the epilogue) is written in Patrick's POV. This is not a bad thing, but I have struggled with this before particularly when it has been written by a member of the opposite sex (no disrespect meant to Ms. Louise). I am happy to say though, that Tia has absolutely nailed it, even to the point it is so well written that I pretty much thought he was a total douche for most of the first 30% of the book. But it works, because it then sets us up nicely for the rest of the book, and the resulting fall out from his earlier actions. You do come to understand the reason he acts/reacts the way he does in the beginning, and I think that is why even though he makes some pretty epically stupid decisions you gradually start to love him, well I did anyway. It was the little things more than anything that gave you glimpses of the good guy he was trying to suppress. Elaine stops all the stupid, and Patrick realises that although he has been hurt in the past, she is a woman he can look to the future with. Patrick - "She curled around, pressing her back against my chest, and my arms went tight around her. After all we'd shared, it felt inevitable to have her this way. Her body drew me in until my heart beat with hers, and my soul felt threaded to her very breath. My lips pressed against her neck, then behind her ear. She was amazing." Needless to say the path of true love doesn't run smoothly for this couple, and although you can predict some of the problems they will face, one or two came right out of left-field. Bee Stings...Needles...Rope Burns... Are the three things Patrick has used since he was a child to compare the level of pain he is feeling too, and when an innocent (I use the word loosely) omission of the truth blows up in Patrick's face resulting in Elaine's departure, the pain he feels is worse than all three put together. He really does go all out after that, to prove to Elaine that he can be the man she needs and deserves. Patrick - "She was my heart and my soul. She; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Full Exposure; Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: Its difficult to write a full review about Full Exposure if I am honest, because it was like reading a book that has been cut up and then been put back together again, not necessarily in the wrong order, but I definitely don't feel we were "Fully Exposed" to what was going on in the authors head as she was writing it. I think it is possibly in need of further editing more than anything, as at points things got very confusing. For example Kevin had Serena tied to the bed, but she had her hands in his hair as he went down on her!! Now there is alot of naked and alot of sex in this book, but it is only at 93% into the story that we are told that Serena has a butterfly tattoo on her hip (unless I missed it being noted previously), but the biggest inconsistency is the name of the guy who is stalking her. I am not classing this as a spoiler as I am not giving anything away, but towards the end of the book, his name changes to someone completely different. The sex is well written, non-repetitive and well thought out. I must admit that I did find it a bit grating that Serena screams at almost anything Kevin does to her, and again this is a little contradictory, as near the beginning of the book, Kevin said he liked her voice, and she got all funny with him as apparently she had damaged it from screaming constantly during another bad episode in her life. Also, I have never known a woman to cry so much during sex, mind you I have to say Kevin is apparently a machine in this department, I mean we are talking about constant no-stop tri-multiple orgasms here, and hard-ons that seem too never abate! Anyone with a normal Vajayjay may be in need of a Wheelchair and a rubber ring after a session with this guy, I kid you not. Serena and Kevin themselves need further work, the Cajun endearments from Kevin got completely out of control and all the "Mon Dieu's", "Bebe" & "Cher's" were just annoying after a while. Serena was OK through most of the book, I understood most of the things she did were due to the issues she had, but in the last 10% I could have cheerfully smacked her about the head, for her actions. I appreciate the opportunity to read any book, ARC or otherwise, but sometimes I really wonder what writers/publishers think they are going to gain by putting a product into the market, that is so clearly not nearly ready for an audience. This book had sooooo much potential, but that potential got lost in silly errors, too much sex (CANNOT believe I actually wrote that), and lack of development in the story where it was needed. That-said I will read more from Ms Wolff, as there is definite potential there, and I hope it is given the chance to flourish in future work.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tie Me Down; Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3 Sexy Stars. This is my second book by Tracy Wolff this week, Full Exposure, left me a little disappointed, and Tie Me Down has left me a little frustrated. As with my review of Full Exposure, the issues I have with this book are similar. The sex is extremely well written, imaginative and off the charts hot. But it is basically all the story consists of. Genevieve and Cole literally burn up the sheets (and pretty much every other surface they land on), but I wanted more depth to the plot and the development of the overall story. Tie Me Down as far as I can make out if meant to be a Romantic Suspense, but we are looking at about 90% Romance (sex, sex, sex) and 10% suspense. I am still interested to read more of Tracy Wolff's work though, because hot damn! she has got mad skills when it comes to writing an off the charts, melt your panties sex scene. ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Warmth in Ice (Find You in the Dark, #2.5); Author: A. Meredith Walters; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I cried for about 75% of this book, but it was worth it to spend some time with Maggie & Clay. Clay is, and will allways be one of my top ten book boyfriends.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jacked Up (Bowen Boys, #4); Author: Elle Aycart; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I hope you know what you're doing." Stars! I am a huge fan of Elle Aycart's Bowen Brothers Series, each book while hard to put down has also been completely different from its predecessor. The series has progressed in general as each brother has found and fell in love with his woman, but each Bowen has been deliciously different with their own personality traits, quirks and occasional piercings! "I'm in charge here. And I'm never proper." Elle is related to the Bowen's by marriage, Jack by friendship. Both have featured in the previous books quite a bit, but Jack has been elusive in his appearances, while Elle has done her level best to rile him up. So basically the two most polar opposite personalities that you could ever expect to meet. Introvert to the extrovert, one a people-pleaser the other a please them-selfer. "I prefer my women silent." I think one thing that you can determine straight off the bat with these two is that it is not going to be an easy ride. Both are difficult yet likeable characters, and being completely opposite from each other on pretty much everything really does bring about a nice amount of friction to the slow burn of attraction that builds between them. "I like my women tied up. Ball-gagged. Blindfolded. Plug in their asses. Pussy spread open for me to fuck it however I want. If I take the gag off, it's to fuck their mouths." One thing I loved (and I wasn't sure I would) is that they didn't jump into bed with each other immediately. It wouldn't have worked in conjunction with the storyline and extreme circumstances that the author has playing out around them, and considering they have been circling each other for quite a while now, it was great reading how Elle, gradually broke down a lot of Jack's walls during the time they were together. With her around, everything was a mess - which he hated - but without her nothing felt right. We delve into the realms of romantic suspense with Jacked Up, and the author really stepped up to the plate with this change in story direction from the previous books, it wasn't all about Jack and Elle, and there is a huge amount playing out around the building of their connection to each other. "Walking away from each other is probably the smartest thing to do. But I don't want to." The hunter/protector eventually becomes the hunted. Elle gave me all that I wanted with this book, a lot of which I didn't even know I needed, this couple, and the series as a whole are still absolutely stellar. Prepare yourself for a few surprises as you get to know Jack and Elle on a deeper level, appearances are certainly deceiving when it comes to this couple. You get the usual banter between the guys with James, Cole and Max playing their own parts in the story as the book progesses. I laughed, cried a couple of times and as usual got a little; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To the Max (Bowen Boys, #3); Author: Elle Aycart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I expected good. I got... fabulous." Stars! Where do I start, I have so many things I want to say about this book, the series, and Elle Aycart. I love them all, I want more, I hate waiting, but equally I don't mind, because the wait produces books like this, a book that I couldn't put down, characters (and pets)I fell in love with, again and again and again. A town I want to move to, its residents I want to be neighbors with, and an author I will never, ever not want to read a book by (I knew that already, but I thought it prudent to just add it in, if anyone was in any doubt!) and sex, holy shit the sex, sex I went back and re-read several times over just to make sure I didn't miss any of it. Perfection. Pure. Reading. Perfection! To the Max literally offers you a bit of everything, it is like a well stocked buffet of tropes, nothing is left unexplored, everything that is added has a reason and the romance, suspense, character development, sexual tension, sex (I may have already mentioned that) and general ebb and flow of the story just pulls you in, I couldn't stop reading Annie and Max's story extends the series as it goes, the Bowen family and friends all featured heavily in their storyline, it is just a book you wholly absorb yourself into. Max Bowen - "Just for the record... I would never be a stunt dick. I would be the main dick." I loved this pairing; Annie is a straight laced, by-the-book, follow-the-rules lady. There is definitely more to this woman than initially meets the eye, and she is a woman, 35 and proud, living independently. Max being eight years her junior made for some great conversations between the two of them, Boob Enahncer and Pregnant Lady also delivered some off the charts chemistry. Being the resident bachelor of Aldean, no one expected the 'no-strings king', to fall hard for someone with such opposing qualities to his usual hook-ups. "I've never had someone I couldn't live without. Now I do. I'm having trouble adjusting." But that's the point they were just hook-ups. What occurs between Annie and Max is more, their story builds for the first 50% of the book, this is the building of a relationship, there is no instant gratification, and I think that is one of the main reasons I was hooked, Elle builds this story and the relationship between the two of them with such skill, you fall in love with them as a pair as they fall in love with each other as a couple. As all Bowen men before him, Max is a skilled, imaginative, and dirty, blunt, dominant man in the bedroom, Annie initially a little prim and proper, but as they grow as a couple, and Annie loses her inhibitions it is literally full steam ahead. Elle manages to bring originality to her sex, she is for me the most imaginative, graphic and visual writer; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deep Down (The OGs, #1); Author: Elle Aycart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Dirty-Talking, Pierced, Alpha Male Stars... Mike Haddican has been in love with Kyra Brims for what feels like forever, she came to Aldean as a 9 year old foster child, and it was love at first sight. He waited until she was 16 to start dating her, and they moved in together when she turned 18. Mike was happy with his life in Aldean, he had his job, his family and his friends. But Kyra wanted more, as a professional dancer, the opportunities in Aldean were few, and her future was elsewhere... 7 years later and Kyla has returned a broke, and broken, divorced single mother - with a falling down house and her daughter Sam being the only things to her name. What follows is the rebuilding of a shattered relationship, broken trust and fractured hearts. Kyra and Mike are both different people 7 years on and sometimes it is hard to let past hurts go. As they begin to reconnect, not everything about what happened before is as they originally thought. Mis-understandings, missed meetings and external interference played a BIG part in their pasts playing out as they did, and in opening up to each other and sharing their secrets (as well as having some of the dirtiest, well written and beautifully explicit sex), they gradually work towards building something stronger and more stable together. "You're holding me too close." "I don't think so. I'm holding you just right." Elle Aycart writes some of the best alpha males I have ever had the fortune to come across (and whilst fantasizing about!). I love the Bowen brothers (and they pop up in Deep Down frequently), but Mike has to be her most demanding and dominant guy to date. He doesn't ask he tells, and if he wants something, he takes it, no questions asked. You do not mess with what is his, and you certainly don't touch his women... either of them. "A man takes care of his woman and his children, always. Provides for them. Goes to jail to protect them if need be." You also have interspersed in this book the O.G's or Original Grandmas as they are also known. Greta, Wilma and Rebecca are the funniest old timers I have ever had the pleasure of reading about, what with their antics with a Tazer, and not to forget their S.T.D...also known as Senior. Texting. Disorder!! The laughs are plentiful and just add something special to the story. I am hoping Rachel gets her story next, and crossing my fingers that she gets the guy I want to see more of from the band Amantis! ARC generously provided by Elle Acart, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 'Tis the Season to Kiss Santa; Author: Kate Hardy; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 Snowy Christmassy Stars! He had a mouth that promised sin and made her libido sit up and start begging...... As I am sure you can guess this isn't Santa that we are talking about here! Ellie Brown has left the UK, to Philly to help her elderly Godmother whilst she recovers from a hip operation. She is drafted in as Santa's Elf at the local Children's Hospice in lieu of her Godmother, whilst she is out of action. Mitch Carter doesn't celebrate Christmas, after a traumatic childhood, he sees it as a time to catch up on work and generally spend time on his own. Being roped into playing Santa to a bunch of children with ailing siblings was never part of his plan.... Throw in lots of snow, a sprinkling of Christmas magic and some HOT sexual chemistry, and you have a quick, but very enjoyable Christmas novella. If you are snuggling up with a glass of wine, in front of a roaring fire in your favorite PJ's, this book is a must for you. ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crash into You (Pushing the Limits, #3); Author: Katie McGarry; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 Stars. It is a struggle to actually put together a review for Crash Into You, as I am at a loss with my feelings about it. Isiah after Noah has held a big place in my heart since Pushing The Limits, so I was looking forward to reading his story and hearing more from him "Up, Close & Personal" so to speak. Sadly, the Isiah from Books 1 & 2, seems to have left town and turned into a completely different person now he has got his own book. The story shows alot of promise, but the problem is it only really moves on in the first and last 10% of the book. The remaining 80% is basically a merry-go-round of car drama, Rachel drama, and Rachel and her family drama, it really got repetitive. This review is written with a heavy hand, as Pushing The Limits was in my Top Ten of 2013. On the plus side, we get a little more Noah, *Sigh* I still love that guy to bits. His banter (although limited) with Isiah reminded me of the halcyon days of Pushing The Limits. I also really liked Logan (who we first met in Dare You To), there may be a story there in the future. I appreciate Katy has put alot of work and effort into this series, and I know I am in the minority for not loving this book. It isn't a bad book, it just didn't work for me. ARC provided through Netgalley.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wild on You (Justiss Alliance, #1); Author: Tina Wainscott; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - Zucchini and Booby Squeezing Stars! Wild On You is book one in The Justiss Alliance Series, although I recommend that you read the prequel novella Wild Hearts, just so you get all of the guys back-stories and the reasons they are where they are, before you dip into the full novels. Rick "Risk" Yarbrough has just recently been discharged from the SEALs, though not by choice and even so, hasn't lost his sense of adventure. Joining Chase Justiss's team seems like the perfect set-up for him, only protecting a "Lesbian. Vegetarian. Animal Activist" is not necessarily what he had in mind for his first assignment. Addie Wunder, is the said "Lesbian. Vegetarian. Animal Activist" he has been assigned to protect, and after pushing her luck one too many times with the wrong kinds of people in the pursuance of animal rights, she has landed herself with a few choice enemies, one of which has his sights set on shutting her and her operation down completely. I really enjoyed this book in the main, and apart from the novella, this is my first foray into the writing of Tina Wainscott. The story and characters are well thought out, and the writing easy to absorb yourself in. I will be honest and say my initial thoughts on Addie and her gung-ho, "I am going to do whatever I want and screw the consequences" attitude weren't that great; but she grew on me as the book progressed, and she realized that her actions were having repercussive effects on those that she cared about. You also find out pretty quickly that she is neither lesbian nor a devout vegetarian, and animal rights are pretty much the only thing she really has in her life at the moment. Risk although a total hottie, and extremely imaginative in the sexy-times department came across as a little sugary sweet for me. I mean this is an ex-SEAL, I was expecting him to have a dirty mouth and a bit more attitude. I loved that we get a bit more interaction with the rest his old SEAL team (Saxby, Julian, Knox & Rath) at points in the book as well, but again the conversation was a tad PG-13 in my opinion. That-said I still enjoyed Wild On You, and I am definitely looking forward to each and every one of The Justiss Alliance (including Chase hopefully) getting their own stories in the future. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Ways (Justiss Alliance, #2); Author: Tina Wainscott; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: Wild Ways is the second full book in the Justice Alliance series, and in which we are given sexy ex-SEAL and Harley riding Latino, Julian Cuevas' story. Julian hasn't actually joined the Alliance yet, but can't resist the lure of a damsel in some pretty serious 'distress'. Mollie, in her search for her missing sister has become embroiled with a Motorcycle Gang, and although she's a pretty 'tough cookie' even she isn't prepared for the danger that she is in while trying to find out the truth about her sisters whereabouts. Julian with his no man (or woman), left behind mantra, steps in to offer assistance, and its thrills, spills, gunfights and general mayhem and sexiness until the end of the book. I am really enjoying this series, Tina has managed to put quite a serious storyline together, but inject a little humour into things along the way. I love the interaction with the guys, and their banter. There are also a few tears along the way, but if you don't experience the whole range of emotions when you are reading a romantic suspense novel, then you definitely aren't reading the right ones. I can't wait for the rest of the guys to get their books, but I think Rath is going to be the guy that worms his way in and eventually breaks my heart. ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wanderlust; Author: Kitty French; Genres: romance; Review: Awwww I just Love Kitty French, this short, sweet but pretty hot seasonal novella hits all the right spots. Ruby and Ford spent their time together at University strictly in the friend-zone, well except for the night before he left to go travelling. One soul-searching kiss, changed their dynamic, but bound by responsibility Ruby stayed behind, while Ford left to explore the world. Now several years later he is back, for a friend's wedding, will they go back to being friends or are all bets off. I want a Ford to turn up on my doorstep for Christmas, this story gave me the warm fuzzies, and I loved the postcards and the whole New Years wedding theme. All in all a quick sparkly, magical read! ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Yours to Keep; Author: Serena Bell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: So Serena Bell, what can I say about her. Well she writes a bloody good book thats for sure. I loved Ethan and Ana's story. It is unique to me in that it deals with the issue of a long term illegal immigrants and the harsh realities of their everyday lives in America. You are pretty much invisible (and want to stay that way). No ID, Bank Account, Drivers License, Credit Cards....I could go on, but summing it up, it makes life incredibly complicated. Ana and her family have become adept at being invisible, flying under the radar, working jobs where no-one asks questions and surviving as best they can. That is until Ana gets in a situation that requires Ethan's intervention. The sparks fly from then on in. This story develops gradually, as does the relationship between Ethan and Ana, you are given a glimpse of Ana's family life and the vast contrast between that and how Ethan and his son Theo live. I loved Theo, he added a whole separate dimension to the story, a teenager dealing with the loss of his mother, the emotional shutdown of his father, and the prospect of a whole new chapter with Ana in his and his fathers lives. Ethan, mmmmm......Hot Doctor, need I say more and hell yeah does he have a good bedside manner!!! Such an enjoyable read from the get-go. I would call this a grown up romance. The writing is mature, well paced and the bedroom scenes are Spicy. The book is written from both Ethan and Ana's POV which works really well, and one of my favourite phrases of all time is in the book "testicular fortitude" having balls by any other name!! Classic. Great Plot, Great Characters, Great Read. ARC provided by Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Abiding Ink (Inked in the Steel City, #4); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: There are only a handful of authors that I will literally drop everything for, to read their latest release. Ranae Rose is one of those authors, mainly because I know whether it be a full length book or a short and sweet novella, I will not be disappointed. Abiding Ink has upheld my absolute faith in Ranae in spades, the only downside is that now I have finished it, I have to pick up everything I dropped and carry on with what I was doing before! Another thing that makes me love Abiding Ink is it is written around Christmas and New Year, so it is absolutely perfect reading for this time of year. Tyler DeHaven, is tattooed, ripped and definitely not the normal type you see pushing a food trolley round whilst volunteering at his local hospital, literally almost knocks Nurse Mallory Stephens off her feet... Over the course of a few days they manage to bump into each other a bit more, and gradually get to know each other better. What was originally planned as a date to deter another admirer, develops into so much more for both of them. Our Mr DeHaven has a bit of a cheeky side which I really enjoyed, and I found myself giggling like an infatuated teenager several times during this sexy novella. Tyler - ....."As long as you keep that bulky coat on and don't sweet talk me out of my shirt like last time." Sigh, seriously I could eat this guy on a cracker. The fact he was willing to be open and honest about his feelings to Mallory added massive BBF points as well. I love a guy who isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve..... Tyler - ....."I'm not afraid of falling, though. You can go ahead and give me a shove if you want." Mallory has alot of responsibility in her life, what with her job and caring for her mother. I liked seeing her going after something for herself, and making sure that she 100% got it! This isn't a massively long book, I kind of wished it was a bit longer, Ranae writes hot and imaginative sex, so I would have liked a bit more of that as well, but all in all I think Abiding Ink is and excellent addition to the Inked In The Steel City Series. ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ruined (Ethan Frost, #1); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - 'I Can't Believe She Did That' Stars!! I have read quite a few of Tracy Wolff's books over the last couple of months, and while having the potential to be absolutely brilliant, they have all for some reason or another just fallen short of the mark. I am glad that I have stuck with her though as with Ruined she absolutely restored my faith in her exceptional talent for telling a story. I have no issues this time, the writing, the characters, and the overall story grabbed me from the get-go and pretty much kept hold of me right the way through. Ethan Frost, is perfectly epitomises the rich, hot, eligible bachelor that I and many others love to read about. He has a sweet side, definitely likes to dominate in most things, but knows when to back down. He is also a little messed up, and has more than a few secrets, he doesn't really want to share. Chloe is your usual inexperienced, hurt in the past and treated badly by her family, struggling for her Independence twenty-something....But I didn't mind, it worked, the story worked and although all of the above have been written a million times over, some good, most bad. Ruined, for me is definitely one of the good ones. I loved Blender-gate, and the little inconsequential gifts they gave each other. The story in itself is a little different, and I have said this before, but I am happy to repeat it again Ms. Wolff is one of the best sex scene writers I have come across in a while. My Kindle sizzled, and I think the way they were written were doubly good in view of the past issues that Chloe is battling. The Prize for "Best First Chapter" also goes to Tracy, as I absolutely loved it, and although I figured out what was going on, the verbal sparring and the way the scene was set, just made it absolute perfection. What stopped this being a 5 star read for me....The last 10% of the book, in particular the Epilogue. I still can't make my mind up as to whether it is a supreme act of genius, or just seriously f**ked up. Kudos to the author though as I am dying to read book two, to see which path Ethan and Chloe's story will take!! This is to date without doubt the best book I have ever read by Tracy Wolff, I am so glad I stuck with her, and I am on pins waiting for whatever she releases next. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Epilogue Inked Ever After (Bowen Boys, #2.6); Author: Elle Aycart; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: Brilliant, But then Elle Aycart always is. Take heed and read this wonderful series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heating Up the Holidays 3-Story Bundle; Author: Lisa Renee Jones; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. Heating up the Holidays, is the best kind of Christmas selection box in my opinion, naughty, decadent and 100% fat free! I enjoyed play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones, Kali and Damion's story had a little intrigue and suspense, and their sexy times were pretty hot. We are then given a real treat with Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers, where you are given Jenny and Evans story, and if you only read one book from this selection then make it Snowfall. I have to say I was blown away by Mary Ann's writing when I read her first release The Story Guy earlier on this year, and Snowfall was just as good, she has a unique writing style, and always give an unusual twist to a beautiful love story, the below is taken from Snowfall, and it's poignancy in the context of Jenny's story bought a tear to my eye. When do we ever get what we want? Maybe we do if we are willing to lose everything........... Reading After Midnight by Serena Bell reminded me just how much I loved her previous book Yours to Keep, again we get a hot short read focusing on Miles and Nora. Both have been hurt and are fighting their way back to happiness on New Year's Eve... All in all this is a great selection of seasonal stories, well worth a read over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, new year Holidays. ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hold on Tight (Returning Home, #1); Author: Serena Bell; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I've had sex that isn't as good as staring at you." Stars! I absolutely fell in love with Serena Bell's writing after reading Yours To Keep. She is an author that manages to take a love story and add a little something different to it, just to keep the interest piqued. Hold on Tight, is just as beautifully written, and again offers you a sexy-hot love story based around two average, but also extraordinary people, there is also the bonus of a child in the mix, which I always think adds an extra dimension to any story. It wasn't like he was just some guy. He was that guy. The guy whose mouth she absolutely 100 percent shouldn't't stick her tongue into. Mira and Jake have history, a lot of it, most of which derives from one night of almost sex, and is all wrapped up in a package called Sam. Mira has spent the last 8 years caring for her son on her own, and has just moved across country to start afresh with him. Jake an Army Ranger, who is now back stateside himself after 8 years fighting, is facing a whole heap of challenges of his own, and now has to add a son he never knew anything about into the mix. He was her Jake, a man she'd been intimate with, and he'd lost part of the body, shed worshipped. There is something about a man that is battling his own personal demons whilst trying to be the best he can be for those around him that gets me every time, and Jake epitomises everything I love about that type of guy. He was all ex. There was nothing left to him now, no present, no future. You can guess how this story is going to go, but I didn't care, I loved the challenges that Mira and Jake faced, I loved his emails to Mira at the beginning and their texts gave me all sorts of unnecessary girly giggles. Don't be fooled though, this is a grown-up romance, it's not overloaded with unnecessary angst or drama, and what there is adds to the story and doesn't bog it down. "It was hard. It was so, so hard. I missed you." Another stunning book, by a hugely talented author, and I cannot wait to see what Serena has in store for us next! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Vampire's Christmas Carol; Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I only recently discovered Cynthia Eden's writing, and I cannot deny she is fast becoming one of my favorites'. Her stories are well written and unusual. Her characters are unique and engaging. And because of those skills you are left with a riveting and thoroughly enjoyable read! We all know the story of A Christmas Carol, it is one of Charles Dickens most well known and loved tales. There have been many variations upon this theme over the years (my favorite being The Muppets interpretation, don't judge it's a classic). Cynthia has taken this story and put her own inimitable twist on it... - "A demon, a shifter, and an angel walk into a bar..." I have to say that line made me chuckle. Poor old Ben has been existing as a Vampire for 10 years now, he was turned Christmas Eve, just before what would have been one of the most important and happy times of his life. He is a dark and troubled soul, having lost everything and the one person most dear to him on the process...Simone. As with the usual way of A Christmas Carol, Ben after almost making a monumental mistake in judgment, is visited by 3 separate beings (revisit the little quote above), and given a glimpse of what things have past, are currently happening and what his future may look like. I don't read many PNR books, but with Cynthia Eden's name on the cover I was happy to give it a go, and I would happily recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, steamy, seasonal read. ARC kindly provided by the author via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just One Night (Sex, Love & Stiletto, #3); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Bruce Dinkle & Samuel Condon Stars! The Sex, Love and Stiletto Series books are definitely some of my all-time favourites, I just hope against hope that Lauren will give us one more book, to finish it all off... Riley McKenna stormed through Julie and Grace's books like the proverbial bulldozer, as Stiletto magazines resident sexpert, she has never been short of the odd nugget of advice for her friends when their relationships were floundering, or just all out extreme measures. As a savvy street-smart woman about town Riley has spent years cultivating her reputation as a sex kitten extraordinaire, while leaving men queuing for the chance of a night with her and the opportunity to experience her wide and varied skills in the bedroom. Only one problem with that, it's actually all a total and utter sham, see there is only one man for Riley....Sam Compton, and sadly no-one has ever measured up to his benchmark. She was a woman completely crazy about a guy. It was time to get her happy ending. It was time to get her man. I have to say I did find the premise for Riley's story erring a little on the "you have got to be kidding me" side, but while Lauren may have taken her inexperience to the extreme I love the characters in these books so much I didn't really care. After all they are work of fiction, so why worry about it if you are ultimately enjoying the ride. Sam is a little different from the previous men involved in this series; he isn't a high flying suit, with the corner office and oodles of cash. He gave all that up, and suffers from serious self-confidence and self-worth issues. Mainly due to having a shitty upbringing and being overly judgemental with himself about a couple of mistakes he made in his past. It doesn't help that he has the Harridan from Hell as his mother, whose sole purpose in life seems to be to make him feel like crap! I loved the build-up between these two, you can actually feel a decade's worth of sexual tension simmering between them as the book progresses. Riley really grabbed me by the throat as well, there were a few lip-wobble moments when she put herself out there only to have her heart well and truly stamped on by Sam and his preference for running, rather than dealing with his problems. Riley - No matter how hard you tried, no matter how many things you did right, sometimes the fairy-tale ending just wasn't in the cards. Lauren has bought together a great and varied cast in this series, I think the camaraderie and friendship that flows through each book, just added to the enjoyment for me. Not to mention the hot guys, girls you want to be friends with and the ever present and unforgettable Camille, Stiletto's own Matriarch, and Queen of the one-liners! I have adored every book in this series, and I am hoping against hope that this isn't the last one, Emma; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love the One You're With (Sex, Love & Stiletto, #2); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. Love The One You're With is the second book in the Sex, Love & Stilettos Series. Lauren Layne is another one of my 2013 discoveries, and is definitely on my auto-read list. Book 2 focuses on Grace, we do get an insight into her life in After The Kiss (book one) and a little indication as to how things are going in the relationship department for her, however things have changed drastically when we join her in Love The One Your With. Grace is trying to deal with the ultimate betrayal, and after taking a month off work to lick her wounds, is looking to get back in the saddle and start living again, minus any male interference for at least 6 months. Her first assignment upon returning to Stiletto, pretty much blows that plan out of the water, and we have the pleasure of meeting Jake Malone. Jake is sex-on-a-stick, a confirmed bachelor, who believes he can read a woman like a book, and says so frequently in his article's for men's magazine Oxford. As such he and Grace are put together in a fight to the death (okay I am being a little over-dramatic there) to see who is the most perceptive when it comes to understand and anticipating the needs the opposite sex. Men or women. What ensues is often hilarious, sometimes touching and at points down right HOT. The chemistry between the two of them scorches the page, and I found myself wishing from the get-go that they would get their HEA. Jake is certainly smooth, I definitely wouldn't mind a few "pretend" dates with him that's for sure. Jake - "This wasn't like other first dates" he said, breaking the silence.....his eyes dropped to her mouth. "It was a hell of a lot better"... I am a big fan of the series genre, I like that you get involved with all of the characters, and everyone else's story develops at the same time. Julie and Mitchell pop up in this book (After The Kiss) from time to time, and I had forgotten how funny Mitchell was, but he has some absolute stand-out one liners in this book (near the end). I am all geared up for Riley's book in 2014, and I cannot wait to read it, but now we have the addition of Emma to the group, I am hoping she will get her story too. I could go on about how great Lauren Layne is, I have read/reviewed each book she has so far released and loved every one of them. ARC provided by Netgalley, and it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review as thanks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Only with You (The Best Mistake, #1); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "I'm not really the type to pay for sexual, um... attention." Stars. I can honestly say, I never thought I would be writing a less than stellar review for a book by Lauren Layne. Everything I have read by this author in the past has been an absolute blast; unfortunately I personally felt that Only with You didn't meet my expectations on this occasion. The bones of the story are there, and there are some really enjoyable moments in the book between Sophie and Gray, but I personally felt that the first 80% of the story was pretty much a merry-go-round of the same will they, won't they scenario happening again and again. Add to it that it felt like there was a cast of dozens wandering through the book as well, and the whole Gray & Sophie getting together sort of got lost in it all. I understand that this book is the beginning of the series, and as such it is going to be 'busy' setting up future books, but the whole Will and Brynn situation could have been left for the prologue of their own book (next in the series). I don't think the random chapters that were interspersed in Only with You, really added to the book in the sense it was supposed to be about Gray and Sophie. It wasn't all bad; I liked the dynamic between the pair of them, particularly when they were alone together. The man made her uncomfortable. And angry. And, most annoying of all, he made her feel a little... tingly. Gray borders on being a caveman, in having virtually no people skills and no interest in improving them. Sophie's bubbly effervescent character is the perfect buffer for this and I liked that no matter how ornery he was being she still stayed 'chipper' when around him. A gorgeous shithead in a beautiful suit. Although this book didn't meet my personal expectations, I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it, it is entertaining and the quantity of characters we are introduced to in this book offers the potential for a lot more stories from this series in the future. I still eagerly await the next book in this series Made for You due October 2014, Will & Brynn together promise to be explosive! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Forever with Me (With Me in Seattle, #8); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "My family is the best part of my life." Stars. Pretty stellar end to one of my all-time favourite series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crash into Me (Shaken Dirty, #1); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. I have read a few books by Tracy Wolff in the past couple of months, and all of them have the potential to be brilliant. Crash into Me is the same. I liked it and there were parts of it I loved, but it still didn't blow me away. On the plus side, my ratings for each book that I have read by this author have consistently gone up with each book! We are all familiar with the rock group series format. There are dozens of books and series out there in this genre. I love the theme and I'm happy to read books along these lines. It stands to reason that you are going to encounter similarities due to the subject matter being written about and again I have no issue with that if the plot is well developed, I engage with the characters and it generally grabs my interest. Crash into Me has potential in all areas and I am looking forward to seeing where Ms Wolff takes us with this series. Shaken Dirty are - Ryder Jared Wyatt Quinn Micah This book focuses on Ryder, and Jamison (who happens to be Jared's sister). They have known each other since they were children, Jamison has loved him for as long as she can remember, and after some not so innocent flirting they agree to a "casual, no strings" relationship whilst she travels on tour with them.....as you can work out this is not an original formula, and the first 60% of the book attests to that, and it rubs shoulders with a lot of other books out there on the familiarity stakes. That-said Tracy Wolff is exceptionally talented in the sex department, in that she writes some of the most original and hot scenes that I have ever read, and the last 40% of the book went off with a bang due to further developments with the rest of the band, and the gradual change in the relationship between "commitment shy" Ryder, and "hiding her true feelings" Jamison. I loved Wyatt, he stood out in this book for me, and I cannot wait to read his story. Jared also has massive potential. The epilogue was a bit weird as it gives you the names of all the women that the Shaken Dirty members are currently involved with, and seeing as it is book one in the series and we haven't actually been introduced to the rest of the characters or their future women, you have basically been given a heads up as to who ends up with who in the rest of the series. So to sum up, I liked this book, it was easy to read and the characters were engaging. I am looking forward to the next book (fingers crossed its Wyatt's story). Tracy Wolff's writing is continuing to impress me, and go from strength to strength. A great start to what promises to be a good series. ARC provided by Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Isn't She Lovely (Redemption, #0.5); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. What a great story. This book is so much more than its synopsis. Yes we all know the story of Pygmalion and the many deviations there have been on film and in books over the years. Lauren Layne has given us a funny, emotional, heart-warming and heart-breaking read. Ethan and Stephanie are complete polar opposites; they are both dealing with past hurts, neither one of them really addressing their issues, but for some reason the urge to talk with the other about their issues is strong. They both struggle to understand their feelings for each other as they develop, and try to fight them, because let's face it a blacked out Goth and a preppy rich boy shouldn't be attracted to each other really......or should they, even if it is just meant to be pretend? The dual POV in this book makes it laugh out loud hilarious in parts, and I don't recommend you try and read it secretly while you pretend to work. I had to hide several snort/laughs from my boss with an impromptu coughing fit, especially in the first half of the book. Ethan's internal monologue and his verbal sparring with Stephanie is some of the funniest writing I have read for a while. Lauren Layne is firmly on my "Author To Watch" radar after reading Isn't She Lovely, although it isn't the first book I have read and loved by this exceptionally talented author , I know it definitely won't be the last. ARC provided by Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Escape Diaries (Life and Love on the Lam, #1); Author: Juliet Rosetti; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. What a great start to a series. The Escape Diaries is a little different from the norm, in that the main character Mazie Maguire starts out the book in prison for murdering her husband, but after a freak tornado, she manages to escape by means of an errant roof! What follows are a few hilarious encounters, and a load of witty observations about how life has changed on the outside since her incarceration, while Mazie tries to prove her innocence. Sort of like the Female version of Harrison Ford's The Fugitive (which is referenced in the book a few times). Throw in a mad mother-in-law and a U.S Marshall (see I told you, it's the female Fugitive) and you have a great story, that's easy to read, with lots of likeable and funny characters. For a first book Juliet Rosetti, displays an awful lot of talent. Looking forward to book 2 - Crazy For You. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crazy for You (Life and Love on the Lam, #2); Author: Juliet Rosetti; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Funny and Easygoing Stars. Crazy For You is the enjoyable follow-up to The Escape Diaries. One thing I like about this series is that it is a little different to your normal romantic fiction. The situations and characters are just a little bit too the extreme, sort of a National Lampoon of Romance is you know what I mean. So we join Mazie post split up from Ben, struggling to pay her bills, and working a job that's not on the up and up to say the least. The humor, situations (more murder) and characters are just as extreme as they were in The Escape Diaries, with plenty of laughs and witty observations that have become synonymous with the Mazie that we have grown to love. Crazy For You is another enjoyable, and easy to read installment in the Life and Love on the Lam Series. I am looking forward to reading more from the imagination of Juliet Rosetti in the future. ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just One Year (Just One Day, #2); Author: Gayle Forman; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 Stars. This review covers both Just One Day and Just One year. As I read them in succession, and my thoughts are pretty uniform for both books. Just One Day follows Allyson Healey, her meeting with Willem De Ruiter and the subsequent consequences of the time they spend together in Paris. The whole book is written from Allyson's POV, and for the most part I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing a pretty well adjusted teenage girl, albeit more of a follower than a leader, make the conscious effort to step out of her comfort zone, and stand up for herself. To go ahead and make the life choices and decisions for herself rather than to keep others happy, and as the book progresses you get a more thorough understanding as to how much of a big deal that is. Allyson as an only child has the whole of her parents (in particular her mother's) expectations thrust upon her, and as she begins to examine her feelings and responses to the time she spent with Willem, the more she realizes that these expectations may not necessarily be her own. I loved Dee, and his participation in what was essentially her emancipation from their expectations, and from all of the things that were holding her back from discovering the real person she actually was. .....It was just one day and it's been just one year. But maybe one day is enough. Maybe one hour is enough. Maybe time has nothing at all to do with it...... (Taken from Just One Year) Just One Year, is Willem's POV for the same timeframe, and boy does he get around. We are taken to India, Mexico, and Amsterdam to name but a few destinations, and again you are privy to the realization that life is not just going to be the same after the time he spent with Allyson. You are also given the reasons as to why they were separated rather than continuing their adventure on together. Willem for me was a more complicated and multi faceted character, compared to Allyson and what essentially boils down to her push for parental freedom. Reading his story you are given an insight into a deeply troubled man, who in essence is running from the grief, memories and responsibilities that are waiting for him back home. He uses women as band-aids and travelling as his painkiller. It was frustrating to read just how close they both came to being together again as Just One Year progressed, and I must admit the anticipation to see how things would work out when they finally cross paths again was what kept me reading past my bedtime...... This is where I have to say my star rating dropped from 5 down to 3.5 because you literally get nothing. At the end of Just One Day you are given a glimpse as to what happened, so I was expecting more information and a little more story of them together at the end of Just One Year, and I think there was so; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: More (The MORE Trilogy, #1); Author: T.M. Franklin; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. What a great start to a new paranormal series. There is a lot of mystery and suspensfullness going on in this book, and I love that all isn't revealed in one go. Ava is your average student, except for the fact she keeps having horrific nightmares about a man with different colour eyes. I liked that Ava isn't your usual simpering, indecisive female that has become a little generic in books of late, she has a mind and isn't afraid to ask questions. Another refreshing change is we don't have insta-love going on in this book. With Caleb, it begins as friendship and the development of feelings as the story progresses. Looking forward to part 2 - The Guardians. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Guardians (The MORE Trilogy, #2); Author: T.M. Franklin; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. So this is part 2 of the More Series. The guardians picks up where more left off. Ava now knows that she is a little different from those around her, but that there is an awful lot going around her that she didn't realize. The Race's Ruling Council have plans for her, however everything then changes with false accusations, and a race to prove her innocence. On setting out to clear her name, Ava's enemies become friends, and nightmares become real. I liked that we learn more about Tiernan in this book, and how he stepped up so to speak. Caleb's douchey actions and disappearance are not explained until much later in the book, which I equally loved and hated. As it meant there was not enough interaction between him and Ava, I hope we get a lot more development in book 3 that's for sure! What I really like is that although there are quite a few secondary characters in this series, they all feel fully fleshed out, and integral to the tale. No one is superfluous and I feel we are given enough information about them all to know why they are in the story. It is great too see the story building up as well, there is a little bit of everything going on which as a whole makes the book hard to put down, as you are literally desperate to know "what happens next"! Another great installment, looking forward to book 3, and the conclusion of this really enjoyable series! ARC provided by Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Santa Wore Leathers (Wild Heat, #0.5); Author: Vonnie Davis; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. This novella is another prime example of the absolutely excellent Seasonal stories that are out for 2013 for eager readers to devour. Santa Wore Leathers is a short, sweet, hilariously funny read focused on Reporter/blogger Becca Sinclair and Fireman/Marine Rescuer Dan "Wolf" Wolford. Becca is all about avoiding the season and Dan goes as far over the top as he can to celebrate it. This is a story about family, friends and coming together at Christmas. Dan is the kind of guy I would love to find in my Christmas stocking that's for sure, and I liked that Becca was no push over, even though she has been hurt in the past. I have to say that the first 60% of the book was wonderful, I loved Einstein and his thong addiction, and Mrs. Minelli's one liners were hilariously unforgettable. What knocked this down half a star for me was the overuse of drama; it felt like a few things had been put in just "for the hell of it". Unless of course this book is the beginning of a series, than I can totally see why..... Overall I really enjoyed this book, and would happily read another book by Vonnie Davis in the future. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas in Tahoe (West Coast Holiday, #1); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. A total Christmas Cracker! Elisabeth Barrett is another of my 2013 discoveries. I have been blown away by every book that I have read, and her Star Harbor Series holds a special place in my heart. Every one of her books for me, encompass the essence of an exceptionally talented writer. They are well written, always offer something different from the last one, and provide you with colorful and interesting characters. The vibrancy of her descriptions whether it be person or place, make everything so easy to visualize, I literally lose myself in her stories. Christmas in Tahoe is no different, although a little shorter and more a novella than full book, it is a beautifully descriptive and heart-warming tale of love lost, and love found. Ann and Chase come together quite by chance, and what is supposed to be a weekend away with friends to try and get back into the Seasonal spirit turns into one hot and sexy encounter after another. Ann describes Chase as a "mountain man", with dark hair eyes and a beard from that point on I had Henry Cavill in my head and it was all systems go for me. This is one sexy book, but I expected it to be, Elisabeth writes good sex, but the Christmas vibe is strong and runs through the story beautifully. I loved Roxy the dog, the one or two shots of humour in the story were hilarious (the spa incident especially). It is written dual POV as well which really works as you are given the reasons why both Ann and Chase are in Tahoe, and what they are both trying to avoid on an emotional level by being there. I have no hesitation in recommending any of Elisabeth's books, but if you are looking for something seasonal, this is a must-read in my opinion. ARC provided by the author through Netgalley, and it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review as thanks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just One Day (Just One Day, #1); Author: Gayle Forman; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 Stars. This review covers both Just One Day and Just One year. As I read them in succession, and my thoughts are pretty uniform for both books. Just One Day follows Allyson Healey, her meeting with Willem De Ruiter and the subsequent consequences of the time they spend together in Paris. The whole book is written from Allyson's POV, and for the most part I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing a pretty well adjusted teenage girl, albeit more of a follower than a leader, make the conscious effort to step out of her comfort zone, and stand up for herself. To go ahead and make the life choices and decisions for herself rather than to keep others happy, and as the book progresses you get a more thorough understanding as to how much of a big deal that is. Allyson as an only child has the whole of her parents (in particular her mother's) expectations thrust upon her, and as she begins to examine her feelings and responses to the time she spent with Willem, the more she realizes that these expectations may not necessarily be her own. I loved Dee, and his participation in what was essentially her emancipation from their expectations, and from all of the things that were holding her back from discovering the real person she actually was. .....It was just one day and it's been just one year. But maybe one day is enough. Maybe one hour is enough. Maybe time has nothing at all to do with it...... (Taken from Just One Year) Just One Year, is Willem's POV for the same timeframe, and boy does he get around. We are taken to India, Mexico, and Amsterdam to name but a few destinations, and again you are privy to the realization that life is not just going to be the same after the time he spent with Allyson. You are also given the reasons as to why they were separated rather than continuing their adventure on together. Willem for me was a more complicated and multi faceted character, compared to Allyson and what essentially boils down to her push for parental freedom. Reading his story you are given an insight into a deeply troubled man, who in essence is running from the grief, memories and responsibilities that are waiting for him back home. He uses women as band-aids and travelling as his painkiller. It was frustrating to read just how close they both came to being together again as Just One Year progressed, and I must admit the anticipation to see how things would work out when they finally cross paths again was what kept me reading past my bedtime...... This is where I have to say my star rating dropped from 5 down to 3.5 because you literally get nothing. At the end of Just One Day you are given a glimpse as to what happened, so I was expecting more information and a little more story of them together at the end of Just One Year, and I think there was so; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Was Here; Author: Gayle Forman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 2 - "If that's what happens to normal, what hope is there for the rest of us?" Stars. I think I should firstly say that I am a huge fan of Gayle Forman's books. She somehow manages to take a bunch of fairly unremarkable, usual characters and give them what starts out as an ordinary story, but with one unique twist, turns them into extraordinary books. I am guaranteed to need tissues and want a hug after finishing a book by her, but I always feel I am a better person for having read the story she has given me. You get all of the above with I Was Here with the exception of needing tissues and wanting a hug. This book left me cold; I know that is a pretty blunt summation, but that's how I felt. I am not sure what went wrong but for me there was no emotion from me or the characters, I felt no empathy or sympathy for what any of them were experiencing, and I could find no real solid reasoning for half of the things Cody did, thought or said. I would go as far as to say disliked her, her mother, their attitudes and just them in general intensely. Ben didn't evoke much from me either, in fact no one in the book did really, apart from Meg's little brother Scottie. Meg's suicide and the reasoning behind it, her family's behavior in the aftermath, and the actions Cody took to try and get to the bottom of the mystery... nothing. I felt absolutely nothing, I kept reading as I was sure that at some point something would happen to give me that lump in my throat, bring on that lip wobble or just a slight tear to the eye. I have absolutely no doubt that I am probably in the minority with my feelings about this book, Gayle is, and will always be an author I am happy to read a book by. I guess that sometimes, some subjects and the story and characters an author chooses to build around them just don't work for even their ardent fans. That is definitely the camp I am in on this occasion. "I have time." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Midwinter Magic; Author: Erica Ridley; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3 Stars. This is my second seasonal offering from Erica Ridley, Let It Snow being the first, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Midwinter magic is completely different in that it is fully based in present day, and there are no frozen cursed castles or Princesses in it! I have to say I am a sucker for angels, in whatever shape or form, good bad, fallen or guardian, I generally enjoy anything I read that has one (or more) in it. This book is certainly a box ticker in that it contains all of the necessary ingredients required to pull together and enjoyable romance story with a seasonal twist. Jack and Sarah are likeable characters with admirable qualities, and their verbal sparring was quite funny in places. I would have liked the story to have been in their voice more than the author's narrative, just so more of their thoughts and verbalizations were provided, I think it would have also provided more depth of character to them both as well. All in all a really cheeky, cute enjoyable seasonal read, with a few deeper messages running through it. Worth a look if you have an evening free. ARC provided through Netgalley, and I am happy to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Clipped Wings (Clipped Wings, #1); Author: Helena Hunting; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - All For Hayden Stars. Clipped Wings is one of those books that you are glad you have read, but leaves you with an unsatisfied feeling at the end. A bit like eating 1 square of your favourite chocolate bar but not being allowed to then eat the rest of it. I had high expectations for Hayden and Tenley's story, after devouring Cupcakes & Ink, the prequel novella too Clipped Wings, and in part my expectations were fulfilled, but in others they weren't. The first 40% of this book drags on interminably; it's literally lather, rinse, repeat the whole time. Hayden will do something nice or make a little gesture; Tenley will egg him on and then avoid him, or just plain avoid him. This got a whole lot of boring after a while and I wondered if the excitement and high hopes I had for this book were misplaced. Things do then start moving from the 40% mark, but it is now a different cycle, they have unbelievably well written hot sex, Tenley omits the truth about something or continues to keep her secrets, which makes Hayden feel like shit, and Hayden does everything he can to make her feel good about herself again. Don't get me wrong once the story started moving I was onboard and all-over it. Hayden and Tenley are both seriously damaged individuals, both have pretty dark pasts and pretty messed up ways of dealing with them. The ghosts haunting these two people are into double figures, and it is hard to imagine so much shit happening to two people in such a short space of time. Tenley - He was fearless, unchained and unfettered by the confines of what society deemed acceptable. Hayden - "Everyone has scars, Tenley. If we're lucky, they're only on the outside." Hayden, completely won me over in Clipped Wings, for me his was the story I wanted to know more about. Although the book is told from both POV, it leans more towards the reasons Tenley is where she is, and Hayden's part in that. It was heartbreaking to see the vulnerability he displayed and the many, many times he held his heart out to Tenley, only to then be judged, pushed away or told half-truths. Hayden - "I want you, only you, all of you, for as long as I can have you." The let-down in this book for me was Tenley, I hate what happened to her, cannot even imagine the devastation she experienced. But I just got to the point pretty quickly where her erratic behaviour just got on my nerves. She took judgemental to a whole new level, every time something from Hayden's past comes to light that she didn't like she shut him out, but then in the next breath she was lying to him about her own past and issues. However, I can say without a doubt I will be diving into the next book in this series - Inked Armour (released May 13th) like a starving woman just so I can get more; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Torn from You (Tear Asunder, #1); Author: Nashoda Rose; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.75 This Wore Me Out Stars. Torn From You is the first book I have read from this sort of genre of books, and although I can't honestly say it is a theme that I would readily go back to, this book definitely has it's merits. The writing and the story line for me were original (that-said I have nothing to compare them too), the characters were well rounded, and the actual story offered plenty of drama, twists and turns. I knew it was going to be dark, so I was prepared for it, I just didn't realise I would have so many strong feelings about the actual subject matter contained. For me this is definitely the type of book I need to be in a certain frame of mind for, hence the reason it has taken me several weeks to read it, as I have had to stop a couple of times to gather myself together before going back to it. This is in no way a black mark against Nash's writing or the story itself, but more to do with me being more of an emotional softy that I realised. Would I recommend it, 100% yes, but if you haven't read a book that delves quite so thoroughly into the kidnapping genre in all of its forms, then make sure you are prepared for it's darkness, I am 37 years old and consider myself quite worldly, but it still shocked me at times. I love reading, some books affect me more than others, and Torn From You really pulled me in, at points I almost felt like I was feeling the pain Emily was experiencing. The touching moments when they come, left such a lump in my throat it was like I was trying to swallow a bowling ball. I also recommend reading the novella Without You, which gives you a deeper insight into Sculpt and Emily prior to her kidnapping, it gave me a deeper understanding of the relationship between the two of them throughout Torn From You. ARC Kindly provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: With You (Tear Asunder, #0.5); Author: Nashoda Rose; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Wow, what a sexy, sensual, suspenseful start. This novella doesn't disappoint in setting the scene, for the beginning of the Tear Asunder Series. I am moving straight onto Torn From You too see where Emily and Sculpt's story goes..... ARC Kindly provided by the author in companion to Torn From You.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Did Someone Order Room Service? (Do Not Disturb, #2); Author: Charlotte Phillips; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. I have to say that the "Do Not Disturb" series by Charlotte Phillips is definitely one of my favorite discoveries of 2013. I loved book one (Your Room or Mine), and was lucky enough to be provided with books 2 and 3 by the publisher. Did Someone Order Room Service is Layla and Matt's story. Polar opposites in pretty much everything Matt being a hot-shot, playboy, high profile tennis player, while Layla is struggling in every aspect of her life as well as having to deal with an errant mother looking to re-discover her youth. Opposites attract, and boy is the attraction hot, and what starts out as a one off, swiftly develops into a two-off, then a three-off, and so on. Charlotte certainly knows how to get your knickers smoldering with her sexy writing and the chemistry between Matt and Layla jumped off the page from the start. This book grabbed me from the beginning, and a bit like Layla's mobile phone it hit me on the head and wouldn't let me go until I finished it. It has the essence of a good Richard Curtis Rom-com, and is set in and around London, which is a big plus for me. I also loved the use of English terms like shag, taking the piss and arse, it is great to read a book once in a while that hasn't been totally Americanized. Straight onto book 3 for me!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kiss Me On This Cold December Night (Do Not Disturb #3); Author: Charlotte Phillips; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Sexy Christmassy Stars. This novella ticks all the boxes for me, for this time of the year. A well written seasonal tale, with likeable characters, in a story that is full of Christmas magic and cheer, throw in a side order of scorch the page off sexyness, and I am one happy, happy girl. It is no secret that I am a BIG fan of Charlotte Phillips "Do Not Disturb" series and the fact that she has added to it with a Christmas novella made me do several happy dances when I found it on Netgalley. I loved the first 2 books (Your Room Or Mine & Did Someone Order Room Service), but I have to say that Kiss Me On This Cold December Night is my favorite. There is something about a love-story set on or around Christmas that gets me every time, and the Serendipity around Ella and Tom's meetings just added to this warm and lovely read. After initially spending one night together at Christmas 5 years ago, they bump into each other quite by accident whilst in London. Tom is in town due to bad weather delaying his flight to Barbados, and Ella is on a supposed shopping weekend with a friend, who is unfortunately stuck on a train somewhere. Well things do not go according to plan and they end up spending their time with each other instead and revisiting their chemistry for each other as well (my particular favorite being whilst in the hotel spa). I loved how the word "Fate" was used in this story, and how Tom and Ella's belief of the meaning of that one little word were so vastly different. Again it was great that the story was set in and around London, with a side order of Cornwall thrown in, it makes a book that much more special when you can visualize the places being described. I would happily recommend this book to even the most vehement Scrooge, to bring a little Christmas Cheer into your library, it was an absolute treat.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Parisian Christmas Bake Off; Author: Jenny Oliver; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. This book made me hungry.... It was a feast for my eyes and imagination, in its descriptions of all the food and the locations, and characters therein. So what have we got, well if you add a dash of The Great British Bake Off (but in Paris), a drizzle of cantankerous chef (picture Gordon Ramsay with a French accent), a sprinkling of characters (all with their own unique personalities), a pinch of mischief, and mix it all up with Christmas and Twinkly lights. Then bake on a low temperature for a couple of hours and you have in essence The Parisian Christmas Bake Off. Jenny Oliver's debut novel is a total triumph in my opinion. It's a light-hearted romp through the trials and tribulations of a baking competition, the prize being an apprenticeship to work with the world renowned chef (and tyrant) Henri Salernes. There are plenty of giggles in this book, but there is also a message which I found fitted really well with the Christmas theme. Courage...... This isn't a long book, and really worth a couple of hours of your time. I really liked Rachel; she was just an average, normal, down-to-earth girl, dealing with the loss of her mother, and all loss of the things that they used to share with each other. Seeing her confidence return, and her beginning to accept and deal with her grief, as well as the other contestants dastardly deeds during the competition was really enjoyable. I loved the mystery around Philippe, and Marcel's diversionary tactics, cycling in the snow, and the light's on the trees. It was just a perfect Christmas read. ARC provided by Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Let it Snow; Author: Erica Ridley; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Cursed Ice castle - Check Beautiful Princess - Check Christmas on repeat - Check Prince Charming - Erm..... This is my first Erica Ridley book; and I must admit I wasn't 100% sure whether I would like it when I initially read the synopsis, but it was such an unusual and charming read, it was impossible not to like it. I love a book that is well written and offers the reader a chance to escape from their everyday life, and Let it Snow did that for me. I was pulled in and positively submerged in this great fairytale for adults, being that it was permanently Christmas was an added bonus! Lance starts out as a bit of a Cad, and on learning he has currently got a bounty on his head, decides to go off and retrieve the riches that he believes are inside the Castle Cavanaugh, rumor has it that those who enter the Castle are never seen or heard of again, and once inside can never leave..... Princess Marigold has been trapped inside the castle, permanently decorated for Christmas for over half a century, mainly on her own because of a curse, which strikes anyone who enters if they are still inside at Midnight. Marigold makes Lance want to be a better person, and although she knows that their time together is limited due to the curse, cannot help the feelings that she has for him developing. This was a really unusual and enjoyable read. Not too long, but well written. I loved the cross-over between past and present, and seeing that it isn't too long (I read it in an evening) well worth a couple of hours of your time. ARC provided through Netgalley, and I am pleased to provide the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas at Thornton Hall; Author: Lynn Marie Hulsman; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 Stars. A good solid debut novel from Lynn Marie Hulsman. I love a good Christmas book, and although I enjoyed Christmas at Thornton Hall, it didn't blow me away. That-said,the story is full and well developed, and the characters in the main likeable and easy to get along with. I did find some parts unnecessarily descriptive, but then others not informative enough. Juliet, was easy to like, but I did find the writing style of talking to the reader a little distracting at times. Edward being and ex-soldier and chef really ticked all my boxes and his little double entendres and saucy innuendo with Juliet kept the smile firmly on my face. The extended cast were completely endearing, I particularly liked Rose. All-in-all a pretty good seasonal read. With a few tweaks it could become a great read. I am looking forward to seeing what Lynn Marie Hulsman has for us next, she definitely has a lot of potential. ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Starry Night; Author: Debbie Macomber; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. I am ashamed to say that this is the first Debbie Macomber book that I have read, and now I have finished it I could happily slap myself for missing out for so long, it definitely won't be my last. Starry Night is your perfect mix of humor, romance and storyline. It kept me hooked from the beginning, and I have to admit I stayed up past my bedtime to finish it. If you are looking for an edge of your seat, thrill a minute type of story then this is definitely not for you. However, if you want a great story, likeable characters, and a happily ever after, with the added incentive of lots of Alaskan snow, and Christmastime thrown in, then this book is definitely for you. I found Debbie's writing similar to that of Nora Roberts (although not as spicy if you know what I mean), the story wraps you up in its embrace, and you really feel emotionally invested in the characters and their outcome. Carrie is the type of girl you would want to be friends with if you met her, a family orientated girl, looking to challenge herself in her job, but not willing to negotiate on her principles in order to get ahead. I would describe Finn as a "Mountain Man", a bit surly, not looking to be sociable, but also 100% gentleman. I LOVED HIM!!! I would happily be stranded in Alaska with him for a few days; I loved his dog Hennessey as well. Another first for me in this book was the inclusion of the word Oosik...."what is an Oosik" I hear you ask. Well let me put your out of your quandary; it's a Walrus Penis Bone. Now it's not every day you read about those in a book is it! Read. This. Book. It will leave you with a smile on your face. ARC provided by Netgalley, and I am happy to provide the above honest review as thanks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Heart Christmas (I Heart, #6); Author: Lindsey Kelk; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. is is the first of the Lindsey Kelk, I Heart.... books that I have actually read (there are 5 previous all of which are on my TBR), but as soon as I saw Christmas in the title I knew I wanted to read it. So I requested a copy of the ARC from Netgalley, and happily Harper Collins approved it. Angela's planning her very own fairytale of New York... * Enormous Christmas tree * Eggnog * Eccentric British traditions * Gorgeous man This book is classic chick lit, with lots of fun and laughs thrown in while Angela tries to navigate her way through Christmas, and various dramas and disasters that occur along the way. Some of the dialogue and situations actually had me laughing out loud, and I really enjoyed the secondary characters in the book. Special mention would go to James and Angela's Mum, whose fascination with James Bond is bordering on stalkerish. I must admit I feel I have missed out on a great series after reading this the 6th installment, before reading 1-5 of the I Heart Series, however I didn't feel at any point in the story that I should have read the previous books due to missing out on the story, this book is fine to be read as a stand-alone. Another great Christmas read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Melting Ms Frost; Author: Kat Black; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 Stars. I am 50/50 with this book, there were parts I liked and parts I didn't. What I liked - Aidan, as a character was pretty easy to get along with. He is tall, dark and Irish, all attributes I can get on board with. Another HUGE plus for him is he definitely has superhero type dirty talking skills, they were pretty impressive almost from the get-go. Aidan "Ms. Frost, is that a blush I see staining those cheeks?"..... "Lovely, I bet you blush when you come too, - Bet that pure white skin flushes rosy all the way down to your chest. Am I right?".... "I'm going to find out Annabel"........"Soon".... The story is pretty original, and the situations, locations and character back-stories not glaringly run of the mill. There were a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming immediately which kept me on my toes. I loved Aidan's use of "a mhuirnin" as a term of endearment. It was nice to read of the female lead being the one in the position of power, and not the man. That made a refreshing change from the norm. What I didn't like - Annabel (Ms. Frost), I did try, but I found her to be a bit of a bully and pretty hard to find likeable, and not to sound preachy, but taking your personal problems and insecurities out on your staff, because you are the manager and you can, doesn't offer anything redeeming to me. Yes I understand that a lot of her behaviour is a defence mechanism due to previous heartache, and lack of self confidence out of the restaurant environment, but I still in the main just found her to be a bully. All of the verbal fight that she put up with Aidan, seemed really contrived as when put on the spot, she was a quivering mess within minutes, and yes, I have previously stated he has the gift of the gab and a seriously dirty mouth, but it just seemed a bit at odds with her internal thoughts. Which brings me to one of the main things, I found both of their internal monologues at times to be overly long, and not really worth their length, a couple of times I read a paragraph and thought that it could have been summed up just as well in a sentence or two. I also really didn't like Annabel's mother, she was for me the only really cliche part of the story. To sum up - I did like the book, but it didn't blow me away. I would read more work from Kat Black, I enjoyed the writing style, at points it was humorous, lyrical, vibrantly descriptive and easy to immerse yourself in. I think because of the issues I had with Ms. Frost, and struggling to find anything I liked or related to/with about her character, I couldn't fully enjoy the book. I'd still recommend it, for the quality of the writing alone, and let's face it this is only my opinion, and I; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Claus: Legend of the Fat Man (Claus, #1); Author: Tony Bertauski; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, poetry, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Wow what a change from the usual Father Christmas stories that we all know and love. I have to admit what interested me about this book was the synopsis and how it was totally different from the usual and legendary stories that we all know and love. Nick and his family are left to die in the North Pole, however their story does not end there, and we are taken on the adventure, and believe me it is definitely an adventure you will want to go on. The reader is given a completely different take on the whole Santa Claus Story, and be prepared to leave everything you thought you knew at chapter 1. This really is a must read for anyone looking for something seasonal, but completely different. I truly believe that this is a book that pretty much anybody with an active imagination will enjoy, the writing style flows really well, the descriptions and narrative are just beautiful and really give the mind's eye something to work with, I found myself stopping on occasion so I could just really get the scene together in my head, I love it when a book offers such vibrant descriptions its almost Walt Disney Fantasia-esque. ARC provided through Netgalley, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Christmas to Remember (Lucky Harbor, #8.5; Chaos, #2.5; Last Chance, #6.5; Everson, Texas, #0.5; Tallgrass, #1.5); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance; Review: 4 Stars. A Christmas To Remember is an absolutely stellar selection of seasonal tales provided by some of the most popular authors that are around right now. Some spicy, some sweet, this book is like a selection box of written treats, with something to suit all. All of the stories are quite short in length, so they are great for a little light relief when you have a spare hour (or are waiting for public transport, like me), and what they all have in common is that they are extremely well written. My particular favorites were Dream A Little Dream by Jill Shalvis, because I love a hot Fireman and Ian is certainly that, and Have Yourself A Messy Little Christmas by Molly Cannon, the verbal sparring between Dinah and Lincoln was pretty funny in parts. But saying that I really enjoyed the rest of the stories in this book, there weren't any "duds" if you know what I mean, it's just the aforementioned are the two that stuck with me the most. Definitely worth a read, if you want something seasonal and not too long, this is a book for you, you can read one this year and save the others for years to come! ARC provided through Netgalley, I am pleased to provide the above honest review as thanks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vendetta; Author: Autumn Karr; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 Stars. I have deliberated for days on what to say about Vendetta, I have written and re-written this review so many times now, and if I am being completely honest, I am still a little stuck. When I read the synopsis and saw the cover I was immediately smitten, pulled in hook, line and sinker. I mean who wouldn't be interested after reading this - I am not a good man. I have lied and cheated and stolen. I've decided between life or death, like it was my due. None of it matters, not anymore. These are not my sins. I see her raise her hands, the dark metal she's clutching reflecting the moonlight. Her finger trembles as she cocks the gun pointed at me. Her eyes are cold, determined, but I know. I know her. My name is Devon Andre and I confess my sin. I am not a good man because this is the woman I love. She pulls the trigger. Autumn and Sierra certainly have the knack of grabbing your attention. But for me that was possibly the high point. Vendetta isn't a good book, but it isn't a bad book either. The issue I have is that the good was lost in the bad, and that is why it is a struggle to put anything majorly constructive together, because as soon as I put something positive down, I think of double the amount of negatives that overshadow it. If you read most of the other 2 and 3 Star reviews on Goodreads for this book, they all pretty much reflect my thoughts, so I am going to just lay out what I liked, rather than repeat everything that's already been said, on the negative side. The book was a solid 2 stars pretty much all the way through, but the last 15% pulled it up to a 2.5 for me. If the previous 85% had been written as clearly and concisely it would have been 4 or 5 stars without a doubt, I couldn't actually put it down towards the end, and I really wish the rest of the book had been that way. I liked the Romeo & Juliet vibe that ran through the story as well, young lovers, forbidden to be together, enemies if you will, families at odds, secrets & lies. It added to the intrigue and the depth to the relationship between them. To finish, I really want to thank Autumn and Sierra for giving me the opportunity to ARC this book. It makes me sad that I cannot give it 4 or 5 stars. I do think this book has so much more potential than it displays in its current form. Maybe writing the story so the past and their present run alongside each other, rather than dropping in whopping big surprises at certain points would help, it would have certainly reduced my confusion, it think it would have also offered the authors a wider scope to give the characters (particularly Devon & Leighton) and their back-story more depth and development.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: From Scotland With Love; Author: Katie Fforde; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 Stars. From Scotland With Love evokes everything that is important to me about Christmas. It isn't the expensive presents, posh food, and over the top decorations. It's about appreciation, for what you have, what you can give, and for where you are. I may have been born, raised and live in England, but Scotland has my soul, I have visited many times over the last few years, and I fall in love with it a little more every time. Katie has described exquisitely exactly how beautiful and wild it actually is, and I fell in love with this charming little tale pretty much from the first page. If you put Scotland, Snow and Loch in a synopsis to me, I am there hook, line and sinker. Add to that a well appointed cabin, lots of home cooking, a grouchy Scotsman, and a happy-go-lucky, slightly ditzy girl, and you have the perfect recipe for success. Rory definitely had my sporran swinging and my bagpipes standing to attention ;-) I love a man who isn't afraid to show love for his animals and you get that in spades reading about Griselda his pregnant dog. You also come to understand why he is a little prickly around the opposite sex, which for me made him all the more endearing. Daisy is great in that she proves to Rory that you should never judge a book by its cover, she may come across as a disaster when it comes to PR, but she makes up for it with other skills, and anyone who can knock up a crumble and custard in the kitchen has my vote. All-in-all this short (I wish it was longer), incredibly sweet, heart-warming novel summed up Christmas for me. LOVED IT! ARC provided through Netgalley, it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange for the privilege.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rumba (Say it With Sequins #1); Author: Georgia Hill; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 Stars. I really enjoyed Say it With Sequins, as the first part in a series, it shows great potential, the writing style is engaging, and the characters easy to like. Harri and Julia - he is a children's TV presenter and she is an actress, are both contenders on Who Dares Dances, where celebrities and professional dancers perform together on a weekly basis for charity. Their chemistry is instant, even if their dancing skills are polar-opposites, and even though they share some great moments together, Julia senses that Harri is holding back. Both have been assigned a pretty nasty and overly aggressive professional dancer as their partners, as well as competing against a group of Actors, Sportsmen, has-beens and wannabes looking to win with their own respective professional partners. There is skullduggery afoot, and a few funny situations abound. This is a quick easy-going read; Harri with his Welsh endearments was an absolute treat, he was also nimble on his feet as well as between the sheets. Julia has had a few knocks to her confidence, and seeing her blossom as the competition progressed was great. I am looking forward to the next Say It With Sqeuins installment - The Waltz, hopefully due in early 2014. ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hot Zone (The Hotshots, #2); Author: Anne Marsh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Whoa, if you are looking for a lot of story thrown into a small, but beautifully put together book, then The Hotshots series is for you. I thought book one Reburn was pretty good, but Hot Zone, just took it up a notch in my opinion. I love hot ripped alpha male, and Dade certainly ticks all those boxes. This series of books also contains a bit of suspense as well which makes you want to keep reading right until the end. Did she or didn't she.....well you'll just have to read the book to find out! Can't wait for book 3, Here's hoping Anne releases it early 2014!! ARC provided through Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Revenge (Sin Brothers, #2); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 Stars. Rebecca Zanetti is an author I have heard of, but The Sins Brothers Series are the first of her books I have read. Impressed is an understatement, that's for sure. I love a series, but a series about a family of over-protective, dominant, kick-ass, slightly different (genetically modified) brothers, well I am all over that!! I loved book one Forgotten Sins, which gave us Shane's story, and it was fast paced, full of twists and turns, and lot's of sexy alpha male, protecting his woman. In Sweet Revenge we are given Matt's story, he is all of the above, as well as having some seriously hot conversational skills.... Laney - "Who are you?" She whispered.... Matt - "The guy who is going to have to screaming his name within the next hour." Sweet Revenge starts off a little more of a slow burn, mostly because you are reading of the development of a new relationship, and not of an already established one as in Forgotten Sins. Matt and Laney go really well together, and one of the big plus points for the books for me so far, is the fact that Rebecca gives us a kick-ass, not afraid to throw a punch, or knee you in the nuts heroine. I love this, its great to read, instead of your usual simpering indecisive female that we seem to be getting alot of lately, Laney and Josie (Forgotten Sins) are both women who aren't afraid to stick up for themselves and those that they love. The other plus is the continuation and development of the Dean/Gray brothers story. We also get to see a little more of Nate in this book, and I cannot wait to read his story. You are given an indication in Sweet Revenge as to where it will take us, and I am extremely intrigued to see if this will be a 3 or 4 book series. If you have read the first two books like me, I am sure you will be rooting for four books *everything crossed right now for that*. I went back over the parts of the book I highlighted, and I noticed a trend pretty quickly, as I previously mentioned Matt has got the kind of mouth I love, in that with just words he can turn you into a gibbering lusty wreck in just one sentence, Yummy!! Like his brothers he is over-protective and dominant, when it comes to Laney, but I liked that he gave her the space to fight her own battles when it was safe too. Matt "I think you're a woman who needs to be taken... and hard." All I can really say in sum up, is hurry up May 6th, I cannot wait for Blind Faith, and the continuation of this highly-addictive series of books. If you want a fast-paced, high impact, totally engrossing read, then look no further, I would however recommend that you read book 1 firstly, and they are definitely not stand-alone stories. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Year: A New Life Story (New Life, #2); Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: I loved Jason in New Life, and I loved him just as much in New Year! I love Bonnie Dee's writing. Messing up the name Woody with Woolly....PRICELESS, I am still laughing now. Total reading fulfillment :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Kiss Before Christmas; Author: Sophie Pembroke; Genres: romance; Review: The Kiss Before Christmas is another brilliant example of some of the really enjoyable seasonal reads that have been released in the last few weeks (and believe me I have read a few). Sophie Pembroke has managed to cram a whole load of story into this novella, and I hope that she re-visits the characters again at some point. I loved Dory, being a Brit myself; it was great envisioning the reactions to her Liverpudlian accent amongst the hoi polloi of New York Society. Tyler and Lucas Alexander are brothers; Tyler is a douche, but also Dory's boss and he has put her in a pretty difficult position, over the Christmas period in exchange he will grant her the perfect New Year. Whereas Lucas is an absolute doll, the opposite of Tyler in every way, apart from their taste in women, past and present. He is also the black-sheep of the family and see's that all is not quite right with Dory, well I don't mind admitting, I love me some lamb :) Loved the use of the term cake-blocking as well, I had a good old giggle, at the re-interpretation of c**k-blocking, that we all know and love! This is a well crafted, quick enjoyable Christmas read. Well worth a few hours, of your time. I will be keeping my eye out for more from this talented author in 2014. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Virgin: Revenge (Revenge #1); Author: J. Dallas; Genres: graphic, comics, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Shannon and Drake have a past. it's not pretty, and Shannon is looking to avenge the past. There is only one thing in the way.....She wants Drake, she always has, and revenge is difficult to exact when you have feelings for the recipient. The start to this series shows promise, a few small editing issues need to be cleaned up. But I am intrigued to see where J. Dallas takes this story, and Drake is definitely worth getting to know a bit better that's for sure! ARC provided by the author via Netgalley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The First Christmas Without You; Author: Michelle Betham; Genres: romance; Review: 4 Heartwarming Chirstmassy Stars! Jase Collins. My husband. Now and forever. Always. After reading those words, The First Christmas Without You was pretty much a sob-fest for me. In a good way though because it bought home, how Christmas isn't always a happy time for everyone, but for Jessie Collins there is hope, that Christmas will be again, what it once was for her. Full of hope, happiness, magic and sparkle. This is a quick read, and some might say that the emotional developments between Jessie and Zac are unrealistic, but I didn't care. This is a book for Christmas, telling a story about two broken hearts coming together and healing each other. I loved that it was told from both their POV, it gave more depth to both their characters, their shared grief and feeling of guilt for daring to look to the future. Mikku - I sort of had an idea about his role, but again I didn't care, still cried at the big reveal. Michelle Betham is a new author on my radar, and is definitely going on my "one to watch" list, as I enjoyed this story immensely. ARC offered through Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Where You'll Find Me; Author: Erin Fletcher; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 4.5 Stars. I am absolutely blown away by this book. What I thought would be a light, easy YA read was anything but. Erin Fletcher's writing about several difficult, and sometimes uncomfortable subjects is absolutely stunning, heartfelt and had me in tears several times. Where You'll Find Me is a book that I have struggled too put down, my housework and laundry is still waiting for me too start it, and I am pretty sure it will be a takeaway or tin of soup for me tonight for dinner as the grocery shopping has also been thrown by the wayside so I could finish Nate and Hanley's story. Grief is the main theme here, and how we all deal with it in our own individual way. Hanley acts out, misbehaves and generally does the opposite of everything her parents expect. Nate appears in her garage one night with secrets of his own, but one thing is certain, he see's Hanley for who she is, and understands what she is hiding from. This story isn't what I was expecting, and it was so much bigger than it's synopsis. I am absolutely stunned that this is Erin's first book, if this is the quality she delivers on her debut, I will be first in the queue to see what she releases next.I only hope that we go back to Visit Nate and Hanley again, even if it is just as secondary characters as I believe there are alot more stories to be told in particular Rosalinda and Misty. ARC provided through Netgalley, and I am absolutely delighted to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Falling for Her Soldier (Perfect Kisses, #3); Author: Ophelia London; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Elvis & Buble Stars! I have read all of the books in the Perfect Kisses Series in the past couple of weeks, and the one lasting feeling that all of them have left with me is happiness. Falling For Her Soldier is book three, Playing at Love and Speaking of Love being the first and second books. Being a big fan of the Series genre, this book and it's predecessors did not disappoint. I loved that we got too see more of Jack, Tess, Mac and Rick as well as getting Charlie and Ellie's story in this book. And what a great story it is. Ophelia London has a really refreshing light-hearted way of telling a story and it's nice to take a break from all the overly sexual and angsty reads that are out there right now (don't get me wrong, I love this type of read, but once in a while I just want to sit back and be entertained). I have to say I found this the funniest book in the series,I think the main reason for this is because of the fact that Ellie doesn't initially know that Hunter/Charlie are the same person. But one of the funniest moments was when Ellie asks him about his dance experience and he totally misunderstand and thinks she means something else - Ellie - "I guess I need to know your previous experiences"... Charlie - "E-experiences"... E- "Do you want to show me?"... C - "You...want me to..." E - "Or you can just tell me about it. I need to know."... C - "Well, Uh, okay."..."My first time was when I was fifteen, she was seventeen, it was after a football game in the_" E - "Your experience with dancing."... I am laughing just from reading the above again. As I said this book and the previous books in the series aren't filled with graphically described sex scenes, but that really didn't bother me, the stories are still sexy in their own ways. For Falling For Her Soldier it was definitely the dancing lessons, Wowza I will never listen to It's Now or Never again by Elvis without thinking about the dance they performed to it. I loved that Michael Buble was more of a romance deterrent as well, made me chuckle every time Charlie asked Ellie to put it on Buble to get "little Charlie" to behave! Although most of this books develops over the space of about a week, the relationship doesn't feel rushed the emails that Charlie and Ellie shared whilst he was still on deployment are interspersed with the present day story so you are given the building blocks of their relationship development that way. And I loved the ending, it reminded me of the scene in An Officer & A Gentleman, where Richard Gere, sweeps Debra Winger off her feet at the factory. This series, the way it's written, and the characters and how their stories are told remind me of the halcyon days when Friends was at it's peak. You waited patiently every; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blind Faith (Sin Brothers, #3); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "How far would you go for family? For love?" Stars. If like me, you swooned over Shane in Forgotten Sins, fell in love with Mattie and his dirty, dirty mouth in Sweet Revenge, you will have been impatiently waiting for Nate Dean to step out of the sidelines and give us his story. Well you are in for without a shadow of a doubt an absolute treat. He'd loved Audrey Madison from the first second she'd flashed those innocent baby blues at him, and wasn't a guy who loved twice. The Sin Brothers Series holds a very big place in my heart. Firstly because Forgotten Sins was the first book that I read by Rebecca Zanetti, and Secondly because you cannot help but fall in love with these boys, and their longing for a normal life, based on family, love and togetherness. Something that those in the world around them take for granted. Audrey Madison has not played a huge part in the previous two books, going into Blind Faith you know that Nate and her have history, and that it didn't end well. What you don't know are the reasons surrounding it and the subsequent fall-out after it ended. Dr. Madison being Audrey's mother has had a huge impact on her life and although she still hopes that there is a shred of maternal feeling buried deep inside her mother for her, as the book progresses Audrey begins to understand just how warped her mother really is. The real Nate Dean, the kind, gentle, man deep down... She saw him, the sexy soldier and hard-bodied charmer had intrigued her right from the start, but the man inside had stolen her soul. Nate and Audrey have history, having initially met and got together whilst the Grey/Dean brothers were still working under the Commander. Their relationship much like everything else started out as an experiment, but developed into something real. Even after having his heart broken by Audrey, Nate still see's their time together as one of the high points of his life. Fear had no place between them, and yet it nearly choked him. She was the one person he'd truly been himself with, and she had to keep a thought of him alive. He had to matter to somebody. Slipping out of bed, he secured his gun to go check on the threat. He, turned to go back to study the only woman he'd ever loved, the one he'd have to let go in order to save his brothers. For the first time in five years, he wondered if he could do it. The kill-chips are still very much at the forefront of this story, and the race to get the codes to de-activate them, as well as trying to discover the truth about Jory. As you would expect the action comes thick and fast as the book develops, and no other author manages to drag you into the foray quite as well as Rebecca Zanetti does. Re-enter Shane and Mattie and its full shooting and explosions ahead! It; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Broken Promises (One Week Girlfriend, #3); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Now I Have A Book Hangover Stars!! I have to say I am a little in awe of Monica Murphy right now. I have literally read the first 3 books in the Drew & Fable Series in the last 48 hours, and I can hands down say each book has been better than it's predecessor. Three Broken Promises, is Colin and Jen's story. You are given a glimpse of both of them in Second Chance Boyfriend, as Colin becomes Fable's boss and Jen her best friend. Straight away it was great too see Drew and Fable in this book, only as secondary characters this time, but I liked that we get too see how they are faring together through Colin and Jen's, emotional and often tumultuous journey together. All of Monica's books carry a message in my opinion, and Three Broken Promises is the same, the main message being, to live for the future and not dwell in the past. Both Colin and Jen are struggling with grief, both for the same person but in totally different ways. Jen tries to run from it initially, while Colin uses is it as a way to avoid commitment and a relationship with the one person he wants to be with the most. Danny, Jen's brother although dead actually plays quite a big part in this book, especially from Colin's perspective, and in adding this Monica really highlighted what a talented author she is. Having read three of her books consecutively, and loving the fact that she writes from all POV's you really do feel the different characteristics of each person, they all feel different, with individual personalities and traits. Both have secrets, and in true Monica Murphy style, not everything is revealed straight away, always keeping you guessing, and although you have an idea of what has happened, there is always a little something that Monica throws in there, just to throw you completely off course. I cannot recommend this series highly enough, all three books have challenged me with their story-lines, endeared me to their characters, and made me want more of the highly addictive writing offered by the author. ARC provided via Netgalley, for which I am happy to offer the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Some Like It Sinful (A Perfect Recipe, #2); Author: Robbie Terman; Genres: romance; Review: 4 I'm Loving This Series Stars. Some Like It Sinful is book 2 in the A Perfect Recipe Series. I really liked the first book Some Like It Spicy, but Robbie Terman has taken it to the next level with book 2. Chloe Nelson has realised her lifelong dream and has just opened the Happy Ending Bakery, unfortunately a national bakery chain Goody Luv, is planning to open up a new shop opposite her own, which could essentially bankrupt her before she even gets the chance to fully open her doors. In steps Griffin Lange, local celebrity and Captain of the Chicago Brawlers Hockey team. He has been a little naughty and stepped outside of the law. To avoid court and possibly jail time he agrees to complete 300 hours community service in Chloe's shop. This is where the book takes off, because the verbal sparring between these two is priceless, Chloe believes that Griffin is everything that she abhors in a guy, a player, untrustworthy and more interested in his team than his family. Griffin is trying to the hold onto the respect of his much younger team-mates as well as try to keep up with them on a social level initially, but after spending time in Chloe's company he realises that there may be more to life after all, and what begins as a well planned PR exercise, turns into something else. There were so many funny conversations and one liners between the two of them that I highlighted in the early stages of the book, but the below still stands out to me, because it was just so funny. Chloe is a little slow to understand how superstitious sports-men are, so Griffin is trying to enlighten her - Chloe - "You really are superstitious." Griffin - "A little. I'm not as bad as some of the guys. Nils refuses to wear deodorant to away games. And last time we were in the playoffs, Mazer refused to take a dump in round two because in round one he'd been constipated and we'd swept the series. He ended up crapping his pants on Sportscenter." Chloe - "I so didn't need that information." I kid you not there, are dozens of instances like this, and they all made me laugh my socks off! Chloe is looking for her fairytale ending with Prince Charming, and doesn't believe that Griffin can be that guy. Struggling with self-image issues, she believes that a man who looks and lives like Griffin does, would never be interested in her for the long term. Griffin *curls finger in a come hither motion* really goes above and beyond, to prove to Chloe that he is exactly the kind of Prince Charming that she needs. I have to say that the ending in this book is absolutely adorable, with one of the best proposals I have ever read (little spoilery I know, but it's obvious that a HEA is on the cards). Some of the pet-names they use with each other sarcastically were an absolute hoot too...Schmoopie!!! Bahahaha :) This; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Four Years Later (One Week Girlfriend, #4); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - I am Emotionally Worn Out Stars. I have had a HUGE soft spot for Owen Maguire, since we were first introduced to him as a young teen in One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend. This is a boy who has been bought up in the worst of circumstances, and despite it all shines like the star that he is, I loved his quick wit, and his brotherly over-protectiveness for Fable throughout all of their troubles. We are now at a point in the Drew & Fable saga where Owen is old enough to get his own book, although sadly it is the end of the One Week Girlfriend Quartet as well. Chelsea Simmons is your classic nerd, highly intelligent, a little nervous in social situations, extremely inexperienced and 100% naive. Bought up in a home where her dad cheats, and her mother accepts it, to say that she has a low opinion of the opposite sex would be an understatement, top that with a mother who swears men are not worth the hassle, but then does the opposite every time with her waste of space father sweet-talks her around means she is not looking too be anyone's doormat. Owen is struggling what with playing ball, partying and working long hours at The District, his school work is suffering, and he is on the cusp of being thrown off the team. Add to the mix the return of his mother and he is an emotional wreck as well. After an intervention of sorts by Drew, Fable, his coach and his councilor he is assigned Chelsea as his tutor, in the hope he can pull his grades back up, and prevent losing the one thing he loves - Football. Their first meeting doesn't go well; they both wrongly assume things about the other...However the one thing that is clear, they are attracted to each other. Chelsea - You're not a bad seed. You're just a flower waiting to bloom. Chelsea is not Owen's normal type, in fact she is the antithesis of what he is normally looking for in a potential partner, which is no-strings all the way. "I want her but I don't. I'm attracted to her though I shouldn't be. I'm high and it's not just from the weed. I'm also high on Chelsea." I have to admit at points Chelsea really got on my nerves, but rather than being a bad thing, it just highlighted how much skill Monica Murphy has, in the development and authenticity of her characters. The annoyance mainly stemmed from how naive and immature her thoughts came across. Monica totally nailed it; you really do feel that this is a girl, on the cusp of womanhood, but not quite sure of herself on any level, but especially around the opposite sex. I don't matter. I'm not important. I'm just Owens friend. This is a beautifully written finale to the series. I am sad to say goodbye to each and every one of the characters. Monica has managed to tie up things perfectly, for each; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Live (Burnside, #1); Author: Mary Ann Rivers; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Mary-Ann Rivers is definitely one of my ones to watch for 2014. I read and loved The Story Guy, as well as Snowfall (which is in the Heating up the Holidays collection). Live is her first foray into the full length book universe. One of the things that I loved about both of the aforementioned novellas was the highly detailed and visually descriptive writing, and although that is the same style used in Live, it at points went a little bit too far and I found myself losing the drift of the story because of the description of something or someone mid paragraph. That-said the story is a little different from the norm and still extremely enjoyable. I loved that Des isn't your usual, skinny, blond or brunette nymph, with perfectly proportioned body parts as so many of our book heroines are these days...She has ginger hair, freckles and knobbly knees and it's a refreshing change to be able to visualize someone a little bit different. Hefin - Des was a woman, that's all. Smart and sweet, grey-eyed and skinny, prone to tears and questions. Hefin is from Wales, 100% hands down love him, a man from my neck of the woods (Wales is part of the U.K, so I'm taking him), dark, brooding and not afraid to approach a woman in distress, not so-much an alpha male and more of a "I'll let you lead the way" type of guy. I have to say that I pictured Richard Burton in my head from the way Mary-Ann described him, and that is an image I am definitely not going to complain about any time soon! Hefin - He was a Welshman. Land of the Dragons and Rugby. There attraction is mutual, but for one problem Hefin is returning to Wales when his commission (he is a woodcarver) at the library (this is where they met) finishes, so he is reluctant to make a commitment to Des. They then have 8 weeks with each other. Hefin understands what it is like to give up your life and aspirations for another, and although he wants Des to journey back to Wales with him, is nervous of how her feelings towards him might change if it isn't as she imagined. Hefin - "I'm ready, you see. To go back"..."I can't stay for someone, not again. I can't live for someone else again. I can't ask"... Des has issues with her family, and although they are no longer the perfect unit, she is not sure that she can uproot herself to follow Hefin, and leave her siblings behind. This is quite a deep book, I think the emotion and heavy descriptiveness of the writing makes it so. That's not a bad thing, but it is definitely the type of book you need to be in the right frame of mind for. I look forward to seeing what Mary-Ann surprises us with next. ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sound Bites; Author: Rachel K. Burke; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.75 Stars. I have to be honest and say that Sound Bites is probably the first HarperImpulse title I haven't totally enjoyed. Don't get me wrong, it is OK and if you have a few hours to fill you could do alot worse. But I feel that the story has so much potential that is still screaming for release. I have to say that it does contain the best "break the ice" line I have ever read, in the fact that it is also the worst "break the ice" line I have ever read as well.... "Nice child-molester van you got there".......LOL The above had me laughing for a good couple of minutes, basically because it is so un-pc, blunt and wholly inappropriate that I absolutely loved it. There is alot of dialogue in the book that is pretty blunt (not so un-pc) and it is refreshingly funny in parts because of it, but on the whole the book just didn't gel together well for me. Sound Bites is set around Renee and Dylan, the first 40% of the book was quite enjoyable, I liked their quirky similarities with music and Renee's determination to get Dylan's talent out in the mainstream also the fact that they both had feelings for each other but didn't realise it, made it cute and enjoyable. But then for some reason as soon as they actually "got together" they reverted from a couple of mid-twenty somethings back to teenagers. This transformation was pretty conclusive as well, dialogue, actions, reactions and their general behaviour towards each other just struck me as pretty juvenile, which is a shame as I was really enjoying the book up to that point. In summary, I would definitely read another book by Rachel K. Burke, as I think she has extreme potential. Sound Bites was enjoyable, I just feel that the second half of the book was a little rushed and could have done with a little further editing/re-writes to keep up with the quality of the first half. ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Permanent Lines (Permanent Lines, #1); Author: Ashley Wilcox; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 Stars. Permanent Lines for me is, definitely a book of two halves. I really struggled with the first 45% or so of the book. Don't get me wrong it isn't badly written, but it is written from Merrick's point of view, and quite a few times I actually forgot that it was a guys voice and POV, as it all felt very effeminate even with the f-bomb thrown in regularly. Although you do get a disclaimer at the beginning sort of warning you of it, so I was kind of prepared! Merrick - "I'm just going to put it out there...I'm sorry I'm a f*cking pussy at the beginning of this book. It isn't any secret, Amelia burned me bad--like motherf*cking, stab me in the heart, leave me lying there by myself bad, but dammit, I wouldn't change anything if I was ever given the chance. You'll see that Amelia is damn near perfect and worth every second of misery she put me through. If you find yourself saying, "Jesus Christ, this guy needs to grow a set!" I don't blame you, but just keep reading. I redeem myself pretty damn well, if I do say so myself, but beware, because holy $hit do things get intense! Enjoy reading, my friends--my life is a whole clusterf*ck of crazy, but somehow it all comes full circle by the end." It was also difficult to believe that a guy who has never had a relationship before, then thinks he has fallen in love with a woman that he has spent less than 48 hours with.Then end up pining for her for two months, although that doesn't stop him nearly taking another woman to bed, and then dating another after that! Merrick - "She was an accident I couldn't look away from." I honestly think the first half of the story would have benefited from Amelia's POV, I think it could have added to the intrigue, and maybe balance out and give the reader some more insight into the "connection" that Merrick kept going on about. The second half more than made up for the first though, it was pretty full throttle from then on, what with Amelia's reason for leaving, and the fall-out from her return to Merrick, I was pulled right in and ended up staying up past my bedtime just to finish it. This is an entertaining, solid read. I wasn't blown away, but the originality of the story and likeability of the characters kept me interested enough to finish it. I would happily read another book by Ashley Wilcox and would like to thank her for providing me with a copy of Permanent Lines for review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In Bed with Mr. Wrong (Out of Uniform, #1); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: My first book from Katee Robert and definitely not my last. In Bed With Mr. Wrong was soooo close to being 5 Stars, but Bri took just a tad too long getting her head out of her ass for my liking. Absolutely adored Ryan, the poor guy was left with his nuts swinging in the breeze on more than one occasion, and managed to come back fighting each and every time... Definitely an author who I will happily one-click in the future without too much thought.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down the Aisle (Dare Me, #2.5); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. Probably one of the best Series Novellas I have ever read. And more Galen *sigh* :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ignited (Most Wanted, #3); Author: J. Kenner; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Whatever you want, however you want it." Stars. I am going to be honest and say I think Julie Kenner has run out of steam with this one. Ignited was like a 'greatest hits' of tropes that have been used (sometimes more than once) in this series and the Stark books previously. "You're a hard limit for me, blondie. And that's just the way it is." Don't get me wrong the writing is still excellent, the sex still original, unusual and extremely sensual. But the rest of the story... I think it is the weakest I have ever encountered by this author. I hit 80% and apart from a little 'drama' with Kats father, I honestly can't really tell you of anything else interesting happening... Well apart from copious amounts of sex and past revelations from Cole and Kat. "The hard and the wild burns through you, so intense you never want to let it go. But these soft moments... they're what give you the fuel to burn in the first place." The first two books in the Most Wanted series offered a modicum of suspense, and that added to the stories as a whole, the suspense was added in part to Ignited but it wasn't really developed, each plot point that was added was quickly resolved and the potential for development was never really explored. This wasn't a crush. This was a need. This was a hunger. I am never not going to want to read a book by this author, you know exactly what you are going to get with one of her releases, this is and would never be an issue for me, with the extremely high quality of her writing. What let Ignited down massively in my opinion, was being the last book in this series (well I assume it is) I was expecting a 'full-throttle' finale, and it felt very much like 'Driving Miss Daisy' to me. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Broken Prince (Cinderella, #2); Author: Aubrey Rose; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - I Was Expecting So Much More Stars. "Once broken, can two shattered lives ever be made whole again?" Broken Prince is one of those books where you are glad for the continuation of the story from characters that you have enjoyed in the past, but you feel that the author may have been struggling for ideas for a full book, so in essence has tried to throw the kitchen sink at it just to flesh it out. The one thing that I find a little disappointing is the fact that the ideal part of the story that could have offered more depth and definitely should have been fleshed out more was Brynn's mother's murder, and the information she then discovered in Broken Prince about it. One minute there was the promise of all-sorts different scenarios, and directions that this could have gone, but in the next couple of chapters it was cleanly resolved without much explanation or further development. This can also be said for Eliot's brother and his wife's potential political problems, one minute there are riots and upheaval, and the next it all sort of fizzled out. I also found that Brynn, who I really liked in Me, Cinderella, at points, became pretty unlikeable in this book. She seemed to lack the warmth and empathy that I liked about her in the first book, and came across as sneaky and quite calculating with regards to her need for money. Eliot seemed to have more conversations with Brynn in his head, than he actually did with Brynn herself, and for about 70% of the book, they seemed content to pretend with each other that everything is "fine". I cannot lie; I had high expectations for Broken Prince, especially after enjoying Me, Cinderella? so much, and sadly it all fell a little short. Aubrey Rose has an extraordinary skill in how she delivers prose, and although this is still present at points, in Broken Prince, I didn't get pulled in like I did before. I liked the end, even after all the grief and loss that came before it, I just wanted the happily ever after to come a little sooner, the sex (because it was written so beautifully in the first book) to be more plentiful, and the characters to spend more time conversing with each other. ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deeper (Caroline & West, #1); Author: Robin York; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - I Cannot Wait Until July For The Next Book Stars! Deeper is the debut novel by Robin York (more on that later). This is one of those books where the cover and synopsis don't actually do it justice. I will admit neither really grabbed my attention, but the fact it was by Robin York (again more on that later), I took the gamble and requested a copy through Netgalley. Caroline has been betrayed in the most despicable way possible, I'll be honest I knew about the growing trend in Revenge Porn and the lack of legal comeback against the perpetrator in relation to it, but Deeper goes right to the heart of this issue and gives you an up-close and personal account of someone who is actually living with the after effects of having explicit pictures of herself plastered over the internet, by someone who claims to have cared for her and that was in a position of trust. This book is not pretty in parts, and the disgusting treatment Caroline suffers at the hands of many nameless faceless, cowardly bullies as well as her peer's over the publication of the pictures is at points hard on the reader (well it was for me). The thoughts and feelings she has for herself afterwards are pretty heartbreaking, reading of her gradual regaining of her self-esteem and confidence made this a book that I will remember for a long time to come (good job too really, seeing as part 2 isn't due out until July 14!) West, is a drug dealer, a brawler and the kind of guy you wouldn't really want to bring home to meet your father, especially if he is a judge, as it is in Caroline's case. But when you look past all those things, and as the book develops, you see the reasons for the things he has to do, you realize he is a good-guy with the best of intentions who has been stuck with a shitty set of circumstances. Responsibilities that no guy his age should have to shoulder as well as a mind-set that means he doesn't believe he is entitled to the kind of life that a person of his age should have. Caroline changes all that, pretty dramatically... West - I've been in the dark. I've been solitary, single-minded in the pursuit of a life that felt like it might be enough - until she walked into it and it wasn't. This isn't a book about insta-love; it is about the development of a relationship under extraordinary circumstances. It takes place over months, and West for the most part tries to keep it in the friend-zone. I was rooting for them from the start, and what made me even more emotionally invested in them both as characters is that the book gives you both of their points of view. This shows just how deeply the both of them are damaged, and the horrendous reasons why, it also shows just how good they are together and what one gives to the other in; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Virgin: Redemption (The Virgin, #2); Author: J. Dallas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. The Virgin: Redemption begins two months after Shannon left Drake at the end of the first book The Virgin: Revenge. Although alot was explained as book one developed, we saw more of what had occurred from Shannon's perspective and not much from Drake's. Book two gives us the rest of their stories, and after meeting up with Drake again in pretty unusual setting, they begin to tell each other about their lives after they parted 10 years previously. Shannon is quick to discover that all of her preconceptions about Drake, and the reasons she believed he left her, for are all completely wrong. And Drake discovers that some of the darkest parts of Shannon's life occurred, and are still affecting her deeply, after he bought her parents hotel and left her. I am not usually a big fan of the serialised novella genre, but for some reason this series by J. Dallas has thoroughly grabbed me. Although the way this book finishes leads me to think it is possibly the end of Shannon and Drakes story, I really hope not. I would love to read more of their story as a couple and see how they develop together now that they both have a more clearer understanding of the other and their personal demons. If you have a few hours to spare, I cannot recommend this series highly enough. ARC provided through Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shadow Protocol; Author: Andy McDermott; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. I am a great fan of Andy McDermott, and have to say that the Wilde/Chase series of books would definitely figure on the list of books I would want to take with me if I was stranded on a desert island. That-said the last couple of books in the series left me feeling that a little something was lacking, they were still great reads, but just weren't as thrilling as their predecessors. The Shadow Protocol/Persona Project (depending on what country you are reading it in) is a step away from the Wilde/Chase series and has bought Andy's high octane, edge of your seat, thrill a minute writing back to its peak. I couldn't put this book down, and it kept me up well past my bedtime because I was dying to know what was coming next. Adam Gray is the ultimate spy, and being able to transform himself into anyone through their personality and memories aids him in his mission to prevent a terrorist plot that could if realized kill millions. So the adventure begins and it is one that you won't want to miss. This book is written a little differently to the Chase/Wilde series and although it did get a little overly "techy" in parts, I on the whole really enjoyed it. I hope that this will be a continuing series, as I am interested to see where Andy will take Adam Gray next. ARC provided through Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cupcakes and Ink (Clipped Wings, #0.5); Author: Helena Hunting; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - It's Only Just Begun Stars. Cupcakes and Ink is the starter, to Clipped Wings Main Course. You are given a little taste of what is to come from Hayden and Tenley, and as a teaser I have to say it is pretty good, it has definitely left me craving more that's for sure. Tenley has moved to Chicago for a fresh start, trying to keep to herself and stay under the radar, that is until she notices the dark haired, tatted and pierced guy who works in Inked Armour across from her building. Hayden has secrets of his own, living by the motto "get her off, get in, get myself off, and get out" where women are concerned. That is until the day he spots Tenley working in his aunts shop Serendipity one day. This is just the beginning, and I am looking forward to getting to know these characters more in Clipped Wings. ARC provided through Netgalley, it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mine to Crave (Mine, #4); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Drake, Trace & Noah Stars! I won't lie; I have been waiting patiently for Drake to get his own book since we were first introduced to him in the Mine To Keep, I loved Noah and Trace as well, but there is something about his dark and elusive character that drew me to him, and has held me in its grip from the get-go. So here we are! Drake has gotten his book, and I have to say Cynthia Eden did not let me down, Mine to Crave, just like all of its predecessors grabbed me from the start and kept me entertained right up until it's end. You will know if you have read the previous books that to say Drake has a complicated past would be an understatement. Cheating with one of his best friend's girls, and then subsequently killing her and losing his friend has left the man with scars, deep running and longstanding scars that have in effect shut him down on an emotional level. He doesn't get involved, he takes what he wants, and moves on to the next willing woman without a backwards glance. Well that is until Jasmine Bennett grabs his attention, and he starts to see and feel things differently. He looked at her, and he ached. He touched her, and he craved." I have to say that in bearing in mind the above I did find the insta-connection he had with Jasmine was a little against character, but the story does also progress at breakneck speed, so it was in-keeping with it in that, and Drake has proved in the past that over protective and possessive are things that are just another part of his deliciously dark and dirty self. Drake - "When we have sex, that's for us. You and me, and no one else. Not ever." I really liked Jasmine as well, feisty, ready for a fight and not afraid to stand up for herself or protect those that she cared for, she stood up to Drake, and pushed back when she didn't agree with his methods. I loved that in challenging him; he became even more possessive of her and determined to not let her out of his sight. Although the constant running and trying to escape could have gotten old really quickly, I liked that every time she did, and Drake caught up with her again, another piece of the puzzle then slotted together and their connection seemed to get deeper for it. I wish we had gotten too read more of Drakes "punishments" for the lies though! Drake - "I know when you lie but the problem is... I don't seem to care." Cynthia Eden proves to me time and time again, with every book of hers that I read that she is an author that is not going to let me down. I love that you are never quite sure the direction that the story will take, and although I found this instalment a little more predictable than its predecessors I still really enjoyed it,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fix You; Author: Carrie Elks; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Because it's only ever been you." Stars. Pre Order Links for Tommorow!! Amazon UK - [url]... Amazon US - [url]-... Fix You charts to course of Richard Larsen and Hanna Vincent's lives, over the passing of 12 years (New Years Eve 1999 to New Years Eve 2012). This is a story that will grab hold of your heart and not let you go until the end of what I have to say is probably the most comprehensive, well written Epilogue I have ever read. A lot happens in those 12 years, both to Richard and Hannah, but also to the world as a whole, Births, Deaths and Marriages, as well as more well known things such as the Big Brother phenomenon, the explosion of the mobile phone and the massive advances in technology that followed, to the heartbreak and incomprehensible horror of 9/11. Richard and Hanna in a way (some small and some large) bring meaning to them all. This isn't your standard love story, in that it's not just a boy meets girl, blah-de-blah. This is about how "Prep boy" and "Goth girl" meet each other on the cusp of adulthood and the responsibility that comes with it, and what starts out as friendship develops over the years. There are obstacles (boy are there), and the HEA is elusive in that it never seems to really be on the cards. But that's what makes Fix You even harder to put down, there are so many occasions when you sigh and think "finally" but it is then snatched away from you (as well as Richard and Hanna)again. Told from both Richard and Hanna's points of view, the story develops gradually, both together, separately and via letter and email. The cast of secondary characters blend in seamlessly, all of them in their own small parts adding to the richness and beautiful flow to the story. I loved Tom, Ruby, Richards Parent's, and Hanna's mother. They all added to the tapestry of the tale positively, just like all of the flotsam and jetsam that inevitably flows through 12 years of anyone's life. I would call this a grown-ups romance, in that it doesn't contain an overload of angst. There is plenty of drama, but it is real and lends itself to the actual story, rather than being thrown in for good measure. Let's face it most relationships build and develop over years, insta-love is a very rare phenomenon, and the highs and lows of their relationship over time puts the reader through a ringer of emotions. Carrie Elks has done what a lot of authors struggle to do in that she has put a simple story down on paper, but made it unusual in the fact that it is engrossing, emotive, easy to relate too (even though my life is and has never been remotely like the characters), it's a total win for me on every level. As a Brit, being set mainly in the UK and the US adds to the appeal, there isn't anything in Fix You that I didn't; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shredded (Extreme Risk, #1); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. I absolutely adored Shredded, Tracy Wolff has put together a really enjoyable and slightly different read. I have to admit that I don't really have any prior knowledge when it comes to snowboarding, and although I got a little lost on some of the terminology used with regards to it, I was enjoying Z (not sure whether we are pronouncing it Zed or Zee) and Ophelia's story, so it didn't really bother me. I have to admit, after reading the synopsis I was expecting a tale full of angst and self-denial. And what I got was a well crafted piece of romantic fiction about two people in their early twenties trying to deal with the shitty hand of cards that life has so-far dealt them. Ophelia - "It's a long story" Z - "Seems like we have a lot of those between us, don't we?" Z Michaels (still don't know whether he is a Zed or a Zee) has suffered the most unimaginable losses in his life and at a very young age, and has found the best way to cope with that and the subsequent abandonment of his father is too snowboard, drink, get high and have sex. Born and raised in Park City, Utah, he is something of a local celebrity on the snowboarding scene, along with his friends Luc, Cam and Ash. Ophelia Richardson has moved from New Orleans to the resort owned by her Aunt and Uncle in Park City. After suffering her own devastating loss, she is looking to keep her head down, get on with her job and try and heal from her injuries, both mental and physical. Z is everything she wants to avoid, but also exactly what she is drawn to... This is Z Michaels - The fastest zipper in the West. There are some really great moments between these two in this book, I loved that they both saw what the other needed, and tried to support them in the best way. Ophelia - "Why don't you just let it go?" Z - "Because I never let anything go.". As I have come to expect with a Tracy Wolff novel the sex is hot, original and expertly written. The story grabbed me, I liked the characters, and I eagerly await the next book in the series - Shattered, this will be Ash's story, and I think it is going to be a heartbreaker! The only niggles, (and they are very minor). There-is-a-lot-of-writing-like-this. And there was also a Lot. Of. Sentences. Written. Like. This. Too! ARC provided via Netgalley, and it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One to Protect (One to Hold, #3); Author: Tia Louise; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Derek Alexander Stars! ITS LIVE! One To Keep is a book I have been waiting for, for quite some time. Tia Louise is an author that surprises me in a pleasant way with each book that she releases in this highly enjoyable, and completely addictive series. You are never quite sure what to expect with regards to the direction that one of her storylines is going to take and this book is no exception. Derek and Melissa are settling into life as a couple with a baby on the way however the cloud on the horizon is that Sloan is still a free man, and is still a legitimate threat to Melissa in Derek's eyes, and as such he will stop at nothing to remove that threat. Being with her is enough. She is home and comfort and warmth and all the good things I thought I'd never have again. She's my future and my desire and my love. Told from both Derek and Melissa's perspective, I absolutely loved getting in both of their heads at such a pivotal time in their relationship. Derek is and I am pretty sure will always be one of my top ten alpha males, and it was an absolute treat too see all aspects of his personality as the book progressed, soft, hard, emotional, emotionless, this is a man on a mission and he is relentless until the threat has been dealt with. There are also some hugely funny moments between him and Patrick as well, and meeting Patrick sporting a baseball bat in the dead of night is one of the funniest paragraphs I have read in a while. Derek "The beast is unleashed." What I love (and have loved since the beginning of this series) about Melissa, is that she is a strong woman, no unnecessary angst or drama, she is a woman who has been hurt, but has walked away a stronger person because of it. She is a fighter, and is not afraid to stand up for her man, her family and the freedom to live her life, without fear. She fights throughout this book, and you feel the strengthening of her bond with Derek as things progress. "Don't let him win"..."If he took you away from me, I'd have lost something I can't live without." If you haven't read this series, I cannot recommend it highly enough, Tia Louise gives great story, and characters, and in general a great escape if you are a reader looking for some quality romantic fiction with a few hours to spare. Patrick and Elaine, figure heavily (and quite funnily) in this book as well, so it is just a great all-round continuation of the series. I hope we get more from all parties involved (especially Derek!) very soon. ARC generously provided, by the awesome and extremely talented Tia Louise, and I am absolutely delighted to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Blue Amaryllis; Author: Sonia De Leon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 Stars. Somewhere in South America, deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, are isolated tribes... There is a road in the hearts of all of us, hidden and seldom traveled, which leads to an unknown secret place. ~ Ote Kte. The Blue Amaryllis is not like any book you have probably read previously, and it is unlikely that you will ever read a book the will emulate it in the future. It is a one of a kind story, that takes the reader out of the twenty-first century, and drops them smack-bang in the middle of a world, where life, love and survival are all that is important. Your imagination will take a journey, and you will get lost in the colour and vivacity of the Amazon rain forest. You will read things in this book, that you are never likely to read of again, and you will learn about things that you probably never knew existed, especially in the technology-rich world that we live in today. It was as if she had actually travelled in time, stepped back into an existence that she had not known was possible, and in doing the impossible, she had found and extraordinary love. It is hard to put The Blue Amaryllis into a specific genre, although it does say on the cover it is a 'Love Story', which is true, I also feel that it is much more than that, its a journey, a discovery, a revelation and a chance to learn about love in a completely different medium. There is an innocence to the love that grows between Leia and Tanun, but it feels right, I wanted them to take their time, I didn't want them jumping straight to sex, it wouldn't have been the right way to go for either the story or their characters. It builds, and grows along with the books progression, and is all the more beautiful for it. She loved looking at him. It created an ache in her heart. The physical response she felt was something she had never experienced before. The strength of their bond is built on the experiences they have together, basic actions and the simplest of gestures are magnified due to the extreme circumstances Leia finds herself in, and for me Tanun with his open heart, and lack of fear for his expression of feelings, was the perfect balance for Leia, who has travelled to the Amazon with a heavy heart, and more questions about herself than answers. Looking at her made him want so much. He didn't know what it meant. He wanted to be near her., he wanted to look at her, he wanted to be a better hunter, he wanted to make her smile and laugh. There is alot of action and adventure through the story as well, things happen in this book that I never imagined possible, it is refreshing, there is so much going on around and running through Leia's journey that it is impossible to get bored. Sonia De Leon has managed to weave together a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harder (Caroline & West, #2); Author: Robin York; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 -I have never stopped being hers. Not for a second. Stars! Harder was one of my most anticipated reads of 2014 so far, having read Deeper and fallen in love with Caroline and West, I was eager to see where the author would take this couples story, especially after the epic cliffhanger at the end of the first book. There's nothing I wouldn't do for West Leavitt. I almost DNF'd this book @ 23%...West makes an absolutely appalling choice of venues to eat out at whilst in Silt, and I was not sure I could get past this. However after a few conversations with some of my GR friends I decided to persevere and see if West could worm his way back into my heart. I got it wrong. I got everything wrong, and yet I think nothing I've done is as wrong as whatever is wrong with him. Deeper was a 5 star read for me, the uniqueness of the story, and the strength of both Caroline and West against some pretty strong adversity, pulled me in, grabbed at my heart and kept me emotionally invested right up until the end. Gratitude. Satisfaction. Contentment. Although I liked Harder, and I enjoyed the chance to spend more time with this couple I struggled a little. Yes, although I carried on reading West's actions in the early part of this book pissed me off, and weren't easily forgotten. I also at points got bored with the interminably long inner monologues. I would safely estimate that well over 50% of this book is taken up with both Caroline and West's internal musings, some of it was extremely important, but a lot of it became a little repetitive. I got to a point where I wanted them to be talking to each other more about their thoughts and feelings, and not just mulling them over themselves. I loved her. Every day, every hour, every single fucking awful minute. I loved her. The addition of Frankie into a more central role in this book did add an extra dimension, but the rest of the characters from Deeper barely figured in most of this book, and I did miss the interaction. Caroline and her father have a pretty close relationship by the end of Deeper, and it didn't really carry through into Harder. He was my North star once. I still really enjoyed the book, and the characters. Things have moved on and the drama in Harder is more focussed on West whereas Deeper veered over to Caroline more. I am happy how it ended, and I hope it is left as it is now.... Although I am never adverse to a little 5 years later novella, and I know this author has a particularly good talent in putting some awesome novellas out! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ablaze (Fireside, #1); Author: Morgan Black; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Ablaze by Morgan Black is a quick, hot read. Being part one in a continuing series it sets the scene and the characters more than giving you a massive amount of story. Cheyenne is expected to marry Collin, they have grown up together and are friends. The expectation of marriage is through their parent's antiquated beliefs, more than her own and Collin's. In an effort to get to know each other better, they arrange an illicit weekend away together in her family cabin. Unfortunately inclement weather leaves Cheyenne stranded on her own, and Collin still at home. In steps Luke, stable hand at her farm, and what looked like initially being a weekend spent alone, turns into a whole different prospect with someone she has secretly had a crush on for a while. This was a really quick installment (less than 30 minutes to read), but I would like to read more and see where Cheyenne and Luke's story takes them. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Made in Nashville; Author: Mandy Baggot; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 Still Slightly Miffed Stars. I have stepped away from this book, and taken a few days to calm myself down before writing the review for it, because if I am honest what started out as a potential 4 - 4.5 stars read, degenerated into the perfect way to ruin a book in the last 20%. I want to be clear that this review is only my opinion, and while I have absolutely no issues with the writing etc, I just really didn't like how the author chose to wind up the book. Honor Blackwood was a rising star on the country music scene, but after a horrific attack at the age of 18 left her scarred and emotionally battered, she retreated from the limelight. Now ten years later, she is happy to work part time in her friend Mia's music store, and shop for unusual ornaments in her local Target. Still writing songs, she keeps them to herself, stored in a drawer at home away from prying eyes. Jared 'Jed' Marshall is country music's rising star. A bit of a rebel, with a penchant for baseball caps over Stetsons, a surefire hit with the ladies, and the man of Honor's dreams. He is a perfect gentleman, and absolutely certain of one thing, he wants to make music with Honor, and include her in his next tour. Honor isn't sure that she wants to return to the public eye, what with her record label selling her out for her ex-boyfriend and her manager stabbing her in the back, but Jed makes it all seem insignificant, he encourages her, protects her, and treats her like she is the most precious thing in his life. I loved that this wasn't a case of insta-love, the relationship developed steadily, they didn't jump into bed straight away, but boy when it all came together Johnny Cash could be heard singing from his country cloud in the sky. Jed - "I've not had..." He paused "someone like you in my life before."..."I just... want to get things right. Do things right." This is where things got a little disappointing for me, after professing their love for each other, Jed tells Honor a little about a pretty big secret from his past. Honor doesn't care, she doesn't want to know the full story, she loves him and nothing he can say will change that......then BOOM, what feels like 2 pages later, she is approached by a reporter (because yes they always tell the truth) asking her for her thoughts on said "big secret", and that's it she's off, no chance for Jed to explain, she refuses to see or speak to him. She also then if this wasn't enough to make me dislike her, turns into an absolute cow. It's all me, me, me and I almost DNF'd this book @ 92% As I said this is just my opinion, and I am wholly sure that there will be legions of people out there that will love this book, but I just found Honor's complete turnaround and personality; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Southbound Surrender (South Boys, #1); Author: Raen Smith; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3 Easy Reading Stars. Southbound Surrender is a really funny and completely unique story. This is the first book by Raen Smith that I have had the pleasure of reading, but I am pretty sure it won't be the last. Told completely from Cash Rolwand's point of view, it begins in summer 2008 when he is 17 and charts the course of his life from then on (although it does jump 5 years straight to summer 2013) I really liked Cash, he has been bought up by his father after losing his mother early on in life, Big Dave is pretty easy going and lets Cash grow and nurture in his own way, without too much pressure to conform to any expected norm. Whether it be the lack of expectation to go to college, or the acceptance that he ends up driving a rig aptly that he names "Cash Money". The book is quite observational as well, so although told from Cash's POV, there are a lot of points where he is talking to the reader and not his fellow characters, in the main I enjoyed this, because he is a pretty funny guy - * Cash - You know what they say about wishes. You can wish in one hand, shit in the other, and see which one gets filled first. Piper Sullivan catches Cash ogling her through a hole in her back yard fence one afternoon, and it is instant attraction for Cash. Unfortunately they are caught in a compromising position on the first day of school and both suspended, they do not see each other again for 5 years (hence the jump in the tale). What ensues is a road trip across the US to Florida, and a hilarious and sometimes touching set of adventures along the way, including - * Line dancing, * Rescuing damsels in distress from gun toting cowboys, * Jumping off cliffs * Hi-jacking amongst other things. I loved the secondary characters in this story, Big Dave, Viv and Hudson all added their own personal charm to the story as a whole. Piper Sullivan likes pink, has a penchant for $200 cigars and a passion for telling lies. And she is what dropped this story from a 4 star to a 3 star read for me. I just didn't connect with her at all, I found her to be a tad selfish and as the story develops the depth of the dishonesty just made her even more unlikeable to me. I understand that the lies were the reason for a lot of the story and there were moments that I almost forgot my dislike of her - Piper "Cash" she whispers "I don't want to know what it feels like to miss you anymore." That-said, I still enjoyed the story, it's a little different from what I normally read, and although there is drama, it's not overly full of angst, there are plenty of giggles, and it's generally well written. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grace Felt the Heat; Author: Kimberly Lang; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 Easy Reading Stars. Grace Felt The Heat is the first book in the When Honey Got Married Series. Welcome to the Moreau-Delacroix Wedding! Grace Henson has been called in last minute to take over Wedding Planner duties after the original planner runs off with someone else's groom! Two days before the wedding and Grace has to hit the ground running. What few people know is that she has spent the last 6 years running away from Belle Fleur, Louisiana, only to be right back where she started. However, this time with a new name, good hair-cut and fashionable clothes. Hoping that no-one will recognise her is unrealistic, but hoping she can get in, get the job done and get out again without looking back seems do-able. That is until Beau Vaughn enters the picture Executive Chef/Owner of the Belle Fleur Plantation where Honey's wedding is being held. How do you deal with the man who broke your heart as a boy.... A great start to this series of novellas, a little over an hour of reading time, so perfect to fit in when you have a few moments to yourself. Looking forward to Book Two in the series - Eve Met Her Match, due out on 02/14. ARC supplied via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eve Met Her Match; Author: Anna Cleary; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Enjoyable Stars. Eve Met Her Match is the second book in the "When Honey Got Married" novella series... In this book we are welcomed to the rehearsal dinner being held at the Bellefleur Country Club. Eve used to work for Brent Delacroix (the groom), but after one business trip too many as his assistant, decides to leave town and re-start her life in the Big Apple. She has returned for the wedding, still in love with the groom, and determined to tell him so. Rainer Delacroix (Brent's cousin) doesn't sing to any ones hymn sheet but his own, see's something in Eve, and offers to help her get some alone-time with Brent in exchange for one thing....A kiss. The connection is electric, the chemistry immediate and boy can Rainer give good dessert ;) "Is there something you want Eve?" "I want to say yes, and I want to say no. I want to say stop and I want to say go. I want to say...Fuck me...Fuck you, Rainer." I am really enjoying this series, we are also getting to know Honey and her story mroe in each book as well. Looking forward to book 3 Nina Tempted The Lord in late February. ARC provided through Netgalley, In exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nina Tempted the Lord; Author: Kelly Hunter; Genres: romance; Review: 4 Lordly Stars. Nina Tempted The Lord, is book 3 in the When Honey Got Married series of Novellas, and I have to say that it is my favourite so far. In this instalment we have quirky Nina Moreau, Honey's sister and Maid of Honor, she hasn't been back to Bellefleur in 7 years, choosing to spend her time instead with the Night Circus as an aerial silk artist, something that hasn't gone down to well with the majority of her family. Alex Carradice has been the FD of the Night Circus for the past 2 years, a well spoken Englishman (probably the main reason its my favourite) with more than a few secrets, and feelings for Nina that go past friendship. Familial obligations have now given him a deadline to tell Nina exactly how he feels. "Try me" After offering to be Nina's plus one at the wedding, they take to the open road to get back to Louisiana. Alex whispers the above two words whilst they are out to dinner, and friendship turns into something so much more... The bride is in her gown, and the groom is waiting at the altar.... I can't wait to see how this series closes with the final novella Pippa Bared All. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pippa Bared All; Author: Ally Blake; Genres: romance; Review: 4 What A Fabulous Finish To A Series Stars. Pippa Bared All is the final installment in the When Honey Got married novella series. I have to say that I enjoyed each and every book in this series, and although each book is about a different couple, you do get to know Honey and her groom Brent as the novella's progress. Pippa Monthgomery left Bellefleur 10 years ago on the night of her graduation, after turning down a marriage proposal from her boyfriend at the time Brent Delacroix (the groom) and hasn't set foot in town since. She was also given a leaving present in the way of a scorching hot kiss from Brent's elder brother Griffin as she walked out the door. Griffin Delacroix hasn't followed his families traditions or lived up to their expectations for a while, choosing to move to Boston and start his own business, rather than step into the ready-made role set out for him in the family business. One thing spurred him on and gave him the courage to turn his back on familial obligations, and that was the night he watched Pippa "Pip Squeak" walk out the door to chase her dreams. This story is hot, Griff and Pippa aren't afraid to get down and dirty with each other, whether it be in a rose garden or a car, this story is told during Honey and Brent's wedding and following reception. The added plus to Pippa Bared All, is you are given a perfect ending to the series in the added novella of Honey Lived Happily Ever After, where Honey gets her own say, and some seriously sexy times with her new husband Brent. I cannot recommend this series highly enough, each book is roughly an hour or so in length, so perfect for your lunch break or whilst you are travelling, or like me curled up on your sofa while the wind and rain rages outside your window. ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Transcendence; Author: Shay Savage; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: ITS LIVE....IF YOU BUY ONE BOOK THIS YEAR IT NEEDS TO BE THIS ONE!. I want to give this book more than 5 stars, it's just that good. I will provide for her. I will protect her. I will give her anything she wants. Transcendence is quite simply perfection, and right now, I want to rewind my life back to when I began reading it, when my expectations were at a manageable level, and my interest was mainly piqued because of an unusual synopsis, with it being very different to the books I have generally read of late. Now that I have finished it, I can without a doubt say it has ruined me. I know it is unlikely that I will have to opportunity to read something as well crafted, beautifully executed and un-put-down-able for a long time to come. I am 100% in love with this book. Every. Thing. About. It. I think the genius behind Shay's writing, and my total awe for her stems from the fact that the book is told completely from Ehd's point of view. As you would expect from a caveman there is virtually no vocalization or conversation between him and Elizabeth (Beh) and although I would love to tell you the words that they do use to communicate with each other I am not going too, because they would give far too much away, but just thinking about it makes me smile! She is enough to warm me - inside and out. There are so many parts of this book that I want to comment on, but seeing as I am someone who only offers spoiler-free reviews it is difficult to put anything down, without giving too much away. I do have a list of things that stand out as hands down, some of my favourites though - * Bath-times * Hair-brushing & detangling * P.M.T * Nose Nuzzling * Hand Holding * Shaving * Pillows * Pottery All quite inane things but put together in Transcendence, just out and out awesome! She is everything to me, and I have to be a good mate to her. Who knew how easy it would be too fall in love with a caveman... well I have wholeheartedly and irrevocably. My only disappointment is that I cannot comprehensively write a review that does the book the true justice it deserves, or emphasizes just how stunningly beautiful, and wholly unforgettable that it is. I will never, ever hurt my Beh. ARC provided by the author, and I cannot express my gratitude for the opportunity to read and review what will now be without doubt one of my all-time favourite books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Interview with a Master (Interview with a Master, #1); Author: Jason Luke; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars. "The Jonah Noble Big Book Of Rules" certainly contains quite a few pearls of wisdom, they are all enlightening in their own way, and extremely well thought out. BDSM is about two people, trying to discover what makes them happy in life - what gives them a sense of belonging and completion. Interview with a Master is a work of fiction based a little on fact, that features BDSM. I wouldn't say it is a book about BDSM in the traditional sense. You will understand what I mean when you read it. I will say that in reading the book and being able to appreciate it fully you will firstly need to forget everything you have ever read before about the subject (I did anyway), and go into it with an open mind. Jonah - "BDSM isn't the solution to every relationship in trouble, it's not the answer for every lonely girl looking for love, and it's not about charming doms and beautiful breathless subs." You will not find massive long paragraphs of inner monologue, or lots of swinging from one emotional minefield to the next, there are no inner goddesses or red rooms of pain. This is a book about a man, written by a man, and the language and writing style highlight these things beautifully. It is a pretty frank, and at points quite blunt and very on point monologue, but that is what makes it so special. Flowery language and overly descriptive text would not have worked for this book, Jonah Noble is a pretty eloquent and candid, get to the point kind of guy, and Jason Luke has used language that portrays him perfectly that way. What makes it even more appealing though are the moments of sheer comedy that he has managed to thread into the story... Jonah - "The BDSM lifestyle is like...seafood,"..."And seafood comes in a hundred different forms". I never thought I would see BDSM and seafood used in the same sentence together! But for all of the straightforwardness of the writing Jason Luke has also managed to add a lot of beautifully put together paragraphs, the language used is vital and offers total clarity as to what Jonah is trying to impart to Leticia for the writing of her article. Leticia - "Define Sexy." Jonah - "I don't have a definition, not do I have specific parameters. It is not any one thing about a woman that makes her sexy in my eyes; it's a collection of things - an intoxicating fusion of the obvious and the subtle that merge together." What begins as a series of interviews between an intern looking to become a fully fledged reporter and a known Master, develops as the time they spend together increases, and I found myself holding my breath at points waiting to see what would happen next or where Jason would take the story. I narrowed my eyes and came up out of the chair with slow menace. I prowled across the room, drawing out the silence, moving in the dull gloom; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Full Measures (Flight & Glory, #1); Author: Rebecca Yarros; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Spectacular Debut Stars! I am learning pretty quickly that when it comes to Entangled book, I am never going to be disappointed. Full Measures is no exception, I was expecting a pretty emotional read about a young woman coming to terms with the loss of her father, and what I got was a well written, funny, sad, sexy and fully engrossing story. December (Ember) is a really likeable character; she has been left in a difficult situation and ends up being the anchor for the rest of her family while they come to terms with their loss. I loved Gus her younger brother, although April her teenage sister was an absolute nightmare (as younger sisters often are)! Josh Walker is known for two things - his reputation with the ladies and the fact that his is a stellar Ice Hockey player. He is also the guy that Ember has had a secret crush on for most of her life, he wants to be her "whatever" as she works her way through her grief, and the loss of several other aspects of her life, as well as the monumental struggles with her family. *Swoon* tattooed, ripped, a little bit mysterious and with a few secrets of his own, Josh has all the attributes that make the perfect Book Boyfriend. Let's not forget the guy also has a talent with his mouth *fans-self furiously* and the words that come out of it, and isn't afraid to use both to get what he wants - "We're taking it slow until you say so, because I can't bear to hear a 'no' from you. But here's your only warning: I'm going to chase the fuck out of you." Full Measures, is a book that made me laugh and cry in equal measure, sometimes it is a little predictable, others I felt like I had been blindsided. But put it all together and you have an absolutely stunning, wholly absorbing story. It was so much more than I was expecting, Rebecca Yarros has a massive talent if this debut is anything to go by, and I cannot wait to see what she offers us next. ARC provided through Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stolen Breaths (Stolen Breaths #1); Author: Pamela Sparkman; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Charming, Happily Ever After Stars. There is one thing I need to firstly say about Stolen Breaths and that is pay particular attention to the synopsis. I didn't and at 40% in got the shock of my life. I am not giving Stolen Breaths 3 stars because I didn't enjoy it, on the contrary it was a wonderful refreshing change to read a book that focused on the nurturing and development of a relationship between two young people that are both grieving, but who are also irrevocably connected by their pasts. They don't immediately jump into bed with each other, but instead choose to deal with their issues together before taking that final step towards complete intimacy. "I want our first kiss to be perfect. I need it to be perfect. For you. You deserve a perfect kiss." Lily Grayson returns home after the tragic loss of her father in a car crash, whilst on the plane she meets the wonderful Miss Sophie, who takes her under her wing and insists on giving her a list home, and supporting her through the funeral and arrangements for it. Miss Sophie's grandson Cooper is the driver of the proffered lift, and this is where their story begins....or so I thought. He breathed life into my spirit and it awakened me down deep. There are many positives to list for Pamela Sparkman's debut novel. The development of the story, the characters and the culmination of everything are really well executed, as well including some well thought out and totally unexpected plot twists. I loved Cooper, Lily and their circle of friends. Maggie, Joe and Hayden in particular. The corny jokes from Joe, the straight talking from Maggie, and the general protectiveness of them all for this couple. There is a lot of angst, and an awful lot of crying in the book, but I suppose that is in some part to be expected when you take into account the subject matter therein. The playlist for this book is also exemplary, with the likes of - * Ed Sheeran - Lego House * Eminem & Rihanna - Love The Way You Lie * Adele - Make You Feel My Love * Alison Krauss - When You Say Nothing At All * Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss being included in its pages, the poetry that runs through the book is also beautiful, poignant and very well written. I really liked Cooper, he isn't afraid to show his feelings for Lily, and is prepared to go to great lengths to ensure her future happiness. "I would rather walk through Hell with you every day, than spend one day in Heaven without you." The writing itself shows on the whole a what massive talent Pamela Sparkman has, and I think with a little expert direction/editing, her future books will undoubtedly be 5 stars for sure. My one peeve, the overuse of "My Daddy", this never changed throughout the book, Daddy, him or he would have been fine, and would have alleviated the repetition a little. I; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tycoon Reunion; Author: Candace Havens; Genres: romance; Review: 3 Fun & Flirty Stars. A Date by Mistake Novella Payback is hell Jake Michaels. And you're about to get yours. Annabelle Darlington was dumped by Jake on the night of their High School graduation. Although deeply in love, he left for pastures new and opportunities aplenty. Now he has returned and Annabelle has a few scores to settle. Unfortunately bumping into him whilst on a date with "Darrell McFondler" and requiring his assistance to get rid of said McFondler does not get the ball rolling in the direction she wants! Jake - "Are you one of those women who has a homing device for assholes?" Annabelle - "Obviously, I dated you." This is a short, quick enjoyable read, with plenty of banter and a little sexy-time thrown in. I will be looking for more books in this series, as this is a great introduction to some likeable and well rounded characters. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trying Too Hard...; Author: Molly Ann Wishlade; Genres: romance; Review: Trying Too Hard is a quick, sometimes funny and sexy read. Catrin Owens is having a steamy dalliance with one of her agencies most popular clients, the sexy French rugby star Henri Chevallier. The rules are clear, and what they are doing is definitely outside of those rules, but Catrin can't seem to stop herself from resisting Henri's charms varied and effective charms I enjoyed this book, it's a perfect filler for an evening or when you have a couple of hours available to lose yourself in a light, entertaining story. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Otherwise Alone (Evan Arden, #1); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Mr. Arden.... It was a pleasure to meet you. I think we are going to get along just peachy ;); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drive Me Crazy (Shaken Dirty, #2); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Spicy Goldfish Cracker & Belieber Stars. Tracy Wolff writes good sex, I have read pretty much everything that she has released in the past 12 months and although sometimes the story can be a little sketchy, the sex is always HOT. The good thing about Drive Me Crazy is not only is the sex hot, but the story is an absolute treasure as well! Elise McKinney and Quinn Bradford have known each other since they were seven. Both classical piano prodigies, they spent a lot of time together on the competition circuit competing against each other, not just with music, but also practical jokes. Both have less than stellar upbringings and both try to protect the other from the darkness that invades their lives. At the age of 17 Elise gives Quinn her heart and her virginity, and he promptly ups and leaves the morning after, not to be heard of again. That is until the day Elise finds herself in hospital after a horrific car crash that takes everything she holds dear to her. Numb, broken and alone she tries to isolate herself from the pain of her loss and the resurfacing feelings that Quinn's unexpected arrival bring back to her. Quinn had once been everything--the only thing--that mattered to her. Quinn Bradford - "a walking example of wicked, wild sexpersonified? At seventeen, he'd been hot. At twenty-seven, he was blistering." The tattooed and pierced keyboard player for Shaken Dirty, has more than a few of his own demons. Not least leaving Elise after the night she gave him her heart. He left her once; he won't do it again, even if it means kidnapping her, when she leaves the hospital. This was such an enjoyable read, I loved the relationship dynamic between Quinn and Lissy, and the roundabout of practical jokes they played on each other pretty much from the beginning, made me giggle more than once, they were so original and well thought out that I couldn't stop reading, excited to see what each would do to the other next. The Twinkies and the Belieber incidents were hi-lar-ious! We are also pulled more into the whole Shaken Dirty story as a whole, Wyatt is still someone whose story I am desperate to read (fingers crossed Ms Wolff, has him firmly in her sights now). But also seeing the strengthening of the whole Shaken Dirty Family with Jared, Ryder & Jamison rolling through this book really did make me eager for the next book in this series. The scene with the piano will be etched in my mind for quite a while I think. ARC kindly provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Down on Her Knees (Dare Me, #3); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: romance; Review: 4 Toy Boat & "Gil the Erection Deflector Stars". Down On Her Knees is book 3 in the Dare Me Series, and although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend that you read the previous books and novella from this series as each one is better or just as good as its predecessor. It also brings you into the group of people that the books are written about. We are given a glimpse of the chemistry between Rafe Davenport and Courney Delollis in Down The Aisle, after a throwaway revelation from Cat, makes Courtney look at Rafe in a whole new light. Although initially shocked, it isn't long before her curiosity is piqued, and Rafe can sense the potential submissive in her. A Contract. Four Scenes. Sex Only Rafe; rock hard & silky-soft at the same time, he doesn't do feelings or commitment anymore. But the things he does offer are exactly what Courtney thinks she shouldn't want or need, dominance and giving up control, are both things that have burned her in the past, and she is not looking to be the woman she associates with those things anymore. However, what Rafe also offers Courtney is the opportunity to explore her sexuality in a way she never dreamed, and become the confident woman again that she once was... their chemistry sizzles and right from the moment he places a Garter on her leg at Galen and Lacey's wedding and I was drawn wholly into their story. In his police blues, he was pure fantasy. In his tux, he gave James Bond a run for his money. What more can I say, Christine Bell has inspired me to use my first image in a review, but the sexyness above is exactly how I pictured Rafe from her first description of him, this book was like my very own dream come true. Add into the mix more of Galen *sigh* and the rest of the gang, it is another perfect installment in the Dare Me Series. I hope this isn't the end, I hope we get more, as although everyone is pretty much paired off now, I will miss their being part of their lives, the verbal sparring, and general group antics. ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unravel Me; Author: Tori St. Claire; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - Just Missed The Mark Stars. Unravel Me is a book that shows massive potential, I did enjoy it up to a point, but there were several things that let it down for me. Cassie Blaire is an independent self-sufficient lawyer. Widowed two years ago, her marriage was perfect on the outside but just a shell in reality. Married to a man who did what he thought she wanted, rather than actually listening to her and understanding what it was she actually needed. Brad Steele arrives in Vail, Colorado for business, but after a misunderstanding over a credit card, a few drinks, as well as a lot of flirting he ends up in Cassie's bed. Their connection is instant, even though they do not know each other's names and true reasons for being in the bar, they agree their meeting will be completely "Unmasked" Brad shows his true side, and Cassie accepts it willingly. Although the progression of the story was a bit predictable I was quite enjoying it, what I really struggled with was the insta-BDSM aspect of it. Being this is an Entangled book we are not talking about heavy BDSM more of the basics so to speak. However, up to about 70% in they had only actually spent about 3 days together, and this is where my issues started to mount up. * Cassie is an intelligent woman for one, and she instantly submits to a man she doesn't know from Adam, without any questions or discussion about it, trusting him to the point of actually taking him back to her house on the first night. * Brad does not act as an experienced Dom or to be frank a half-decent man would, after one particular scene (68% in) his actions after the fact are that of a total coward, and overall pretty abhorrent, especially considering Cassie's inexperience. He does redeem himself, but it just took away all of my previous enjoyment. * It was a little difficult to connect with the characters, and I think for me this was mainly due to their supposed characters being at complete odds with their actions throughout the whole book. That said, I would still happily read another book by Tori, there is definite potential for brilliance in future writing, and I look forward to seeing it realized. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wanton Heat (Feel the Heat #2); Author: Nicola Marsh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 Stars. Wanton Heat by Nicola Marsh is the second book in the Feel The Heat series. While I enjoyed it I can't say I was blown away by it. If I am honest I found Zoe to be pretty annoying in the first book Wicked Heat, and seeing as this book is her story, it was always going to be a little hit and miss for me. That said I did like her take no bullshit attitude, and her feisty take charge approach in the bedroom. Unfortunately, she is also carrying around a bucket-load of Mommy and Daddy issues which has clouded her judgment with me in the past, when it comes to men. Realizing that she is starting to want more than just meaningless sex, and one-night hook-ups, she takes a vow to step away from this side of her life. In walks Prince Dominic Ricci, an Italian Prince of the never heard of islands of Ancora and Osturo, and potential client of A.W Advertising, if Zoe can convince him to listen to her plans for the Kaluna resort that is based on Ancora. A virtual recluse, and distrustful of women, Dom doesn't make things easy for her. However after being stuck together in a cottage whilst a freak storm rages outside, they do manage to find some common ground in the bedroom, and Zoe's no-sex plans fly out of the window. I liked the story and the premise, although all the while reading it, I felt like I had been transported back to my Mills & Boon reading days. Not a bad thing, but not really what I was looking for in this book. When imaginary Islands and Principalities are bandied about that is always the direction my mind is going to take. The sex was hot and well written and the argument they have towards the end of the book is absolutely on the button. With the pair of them flinging accusations and insults at each other the way people in love do when they are hurt. The one main thing that annoyed me, the constant "BFF" and "Zo-Zo's", drove me nuts in Wicked Heat, did the same in Wanton Heat, do grown women really talk like that? I am going to go out on a limb and assume that Molly will be the next girl to get her guy in this series. I will read her book, in the hope that Ms Marsh has taken out the bad and given us more of the good. ARC provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tempted by the Soldier (Falling for You, #2); Author: Nicolette Day; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Soldier Boy & Princess Stars! You are given a little tease in the Novella - 'No Strings Attached', that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the relationship between Lilly and Nate, and boy are we given an access all areas view of it in Tempted by the Soldier. I am head-over-heels in love with the Falling For You Series so far, and Nicolette Day is definitely one of my auto-buy authors after reading this installment. Lilly and Nate have history; it was hot, brief and unforgettable. But after leaving her money on the dresser and going A.W.O.L the morning after, things have been a little frosty between them over the past year, to say the least. After her flight is cancelled due to an incoming tropical storm, Lilly reluctantly agrees to a road trip with Nate, travelling to Hayden and Jace's wedding. 15 hours stuck together in his truck is definitely something neither of them wants, but Lilly is Hayden's best friend and the wedding photographer and being Jace's brother, Nate hasn't really got any excuse to get out of it either. From the get-go the verbal sparring is absolutely priceless. I can honestly say there are so many laugh out loud conversations between these two as their journey progresses that I was spoilt for choice as to what to use in this review, but I have gone with my absolute favorite - Nate - "Could you get your feet off the dash?"... "I just waxed it" Lilly - "What a coincidence,"..."I just waxed too." LOL! Nate knows he screwed up badly with Lilly, when he walked out and left her that morning, and is harboring some serious feelings of guilt about it. Unfortunately, that is overshadowed by the terrible remorse and PTSD he is struggling with after returning from his last mission. He wants Lilli, but doesn't believe he deserves her, and fears he will do what he does best if he risks a relationship with her. Lily didn't deserve to be another casualty in his life. She deserved more. I cried a lot for Nate as the book progressed, it was heartbreaking reading of his struggles with his inner demons, and feelings of remorse and inadequacy. The guilt and the ghost's he carries with him, for leaving his brother at a pivotal time in their lives, as well as for the loss of his team on his last mission is all encompassing for him, and because of it he believes he doesn't deserve or is entitled to feel happiness in his own life. Lilly is exactly what he needs, and he is absolutely what she wants, as their trip progresses she sees a side of him that is so much more than the cocky, arrogant ass she has had him labeled as, and because of that her feelings for him develop. But she won't run after him, she spent her childhood watching her mother waste her life running after, and waiting around for the wrong guy, and she refuses to do the same. Nate; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Strings Attached (Falling for You, #1); Author: Nicolette Day; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: HOT.... Not a fan of cupboards, but I would be happy to be locked in one with Jace for a couple of hours!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Guestbook; Author: Holly Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 I have stayed up well past my bedtime & I have a tummy ache from laughing stars! The Guestbook, if written exactly as that...a guestbook, and I have not laughed and cried so much at a book for a while. I literally had a tummy ache when I had finished it. I was a bit unsure as to how I would like the writing, bearing in mind it is made up of entries from people staying in Willow Cottage, but it is a work of absolute genius featuring a cast of thousands (o.k. a slight exaggeration there)! There are a few notable characters that will stick in the memory for a while, Annie Butterworth (the owner) and Ollie Black (brother-in-law & hot-shot author) as well as Sophia the cleaner for a start, but also Jake and Rosie Hamilton and the villainous Jessica Axe. The weird and wonderful array of people staying in the cottage, a lot of whom are repeat visitors give you updates on their lives as well as their time on holiday, and I have to say I found it an utterly charming and enjoyable read. From hash cakes to strong cider, 3 legged goats and Hen Parties to naturists, it all happens in Willow Cottage, and it was great being along for the ride. I loved Holly Martin's writing, and will definitely be looking out for more from her in the future; this book is an absolute cheer-you-up treasure. ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: His Risk to Take (Line of Duty, #2); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "You're going to regret that." Stars. A whole lotta story packed into this sexy, thriller of a novella. Tessa Bailey never disappoints, and Troy and Ruby's story is no exception! This is definitely a series I am happy to add to my 'Shit-Hot' shelves!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flames (Fireside, #2); Author: Morgan Black; Genres: romance; Review: It is hard to write a full length review for Flames, as like its predecessor Ablaze it is really short. The story progresses and Cheyenne and Luke are picked up from the cabin by Collin amongst other people. Cheyenne agrees to Luke's request that they do things his way with regards to telling people about their relationship... Cheyenne - Collin was just an image of the past and Luke was imprinted on my future. Throw in some hot barn sex, and this was another enjoyable, though short installment. I am looking forward to seeing how Cheyenne and Luke's story continues in Simmer. ARC provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shadowboxer (Tapped Out, #1); Author: Cari Quinn; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I have to be honest and say that this is the first Cari Quinn book I have read and not absolutely loved. Granted this book is darker and grittier than the previous books that I have read, which for me wasn't the issue. My whole problem is with the fact that I pretty much disliked every one of the main characters. It is understandable that Mia would have a few emotional issues, and struggle on the social skills front after what she suffered when she was in her early teens, and I did for that reason feel sorry for her. But the constant repeat cycle with Tray of "no we can't" and then just going ahead doing it, then treating him like shit afterwards really started getting old at about 50%. Tray ticks all the boxes with regards to being a character I would normally fall a little in love with, but again I just found the constant internal monologue about how he felt slighted by his rich daddy (even though he was provided with, and used an allowance, an apartment, and was offered finance to pay for his education, by said Daddy) again just got on my nerves... There writing in parts is absolutely beautiful, and although this book wasn't 100% for me, highlights why I love this authors writing - She was bruised in too many places. Her body was a tapestry of fading wounds and scars, yet she also had patches of smooth, unblemished skin without a freckle to mar the perfection. The premise was excellent, and the sex as per all of Cari's previous books is hot and extremely well written. I just couldn't get past my total dislike for the main components of the book. I want to thank Cari for providing me with an ARC for this book, in exchange for the above honest review. I am just sorry I couldn't be more positive on this occasion.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shattered (Extreme Risk, #2); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - Life isn't always easy. It isn't always fair. But it is an adventure. Stars. I recommend that if you can, read Shredded (Book 1 in this series) before you start Shattered. It isn't imperative, but you will get an insight into Ash, and just how much the devastating loss of his parents changes him from the ultra organised, down-to-earth planner of the group, to the closed in, emotionally locked down man that you see in Shattered. Nothing is okay. Nothing is ever going to be okay. That's not how my world works. Ash has pretty much lost everything of the life he knew, struggling with the responsibility of being big brother and guardian to his younger brother Logan. Who is himself also trying to come to terms with the massive changes to his life from the injuries he sustained in the car crash that took his parents. Both are very much 'living one day at a time', and both are struggling with feelings of guilt for things that have come to pass, but essentially were out of their control. Ash - I feel so guilty, and I love him so much. Ash - "I love you and have never, for one second, wanted you to be anything but what you are." At the opposite end of the scale, Tansy has spent almost her entire life fighting to live, now in remission from cancer, it's finally all about living and trying to find out who she is, she's not 'cancer girl' anymore, and she doesn't want to be defined by who she was, she just isn't 100% sure who she wants to be yet. I never let myself dream about anything. It was too painful to think about a future I'd never get the chance to live. Who is this girl? She's like a chameleon, changing colour and camouflage every time I see her. From floral sundresses to bitch boots to hipster tees. Which one is the real Tansy? And why do I care so fucking much. While Tansy sees herself at the beginning of something good, Ash believes he lost what was good in his life with the death of his parents, and his subsequent retirement from Snowboarding. She's now whole, while he's broken, she wears her heart on her sleeve, his is hidden behind a wall of ice, she is light, while all he feels is the dark, yet together they blend and become something else, something that works for all of their facets, and makes them whole. Enter Timmy, a boy on a mission to enjoy his life to the fullest, for however long (or short) that may be. Add in a trip to the Chilean Andes and a whole lot of new beginnings and 'firsts', and this may be Tracy's best book to date. I thought this would be a hard story to read, and don't get me wrong it gets quite heavy and emotional in parts, but at the end I had a smile on my face. This is a book about moving out from under; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Me Since You; Author: Laura Wiess; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 2.5 Stars. Me Since You reminds me of a very long Winter, or a cloudy day, You wait and wait for the sun to shine through, and the Spring to rear it's head, but ultimately it stays cloudy, and hey it's January so suck it up Winter is going to be around for a long while yet. Well written, developed story. Can't say I was that enamoured with Rowan, she seemed to take everything so personally, or somehow twist it up so much she managed to make it her fault. If you are looking for some out and out angst, this is the one for you. But it left me a little cold in parts. Readable, but I can say for sure it won't be one I will pick up again in a hurry. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Last Breath (Hitman, #2); Author: Jessica Clare; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Sugar Tits" & "Big Johnson" Stars! Daniel Hays For months I've swum in a pool of blood and death and ugly deeds and to hold onto my sanity and maybe my soul, I've told myself that saving these doves balances the scale. For every life I take, if I save one then it's all a wash in the end... I am old school when it comes to writing my reviews, as such I am also not a highlighter, which means all my notes are handwritten, and let me tell you that I have hand ache from the amount of notes I took while reading Last Breath, in a good way though as there were so many great points in the book it was hard to stop myself! Being an avid Jen Frederick fan, I am always happy to read and review her latest releases, but I am relatively new to the darker side of the romance genre (kidnapping, forced slavery etc), so I did go into the book with a little trepidation. I need not have worried because Last Breath is so well put together (please forgive me Jen and Jessica for my doubts) you do literally lose yourself in the action and the story that is being told. Although at points the graphic detail and brutal down-to-earth way the book is written made me stop and pause, it didn't leave me feeling like anything had just been added for extra shock or drama value, this is how it is, and that is how it has been written. Regan Porter and Daniel Hays don't meet under usual circumstances, he buys her for the night for the use of her body as a ruse to get her away from the brothel she is imprisoned in, if you have read Last Hit you will know the circumstances that surround the reason Regan is in the situation she is in, and why she is currently chained to a wall, wearing a grubby star spangled banner bikini, in a brothel in the slums of Rio. I don't think you actually need to read Last Hit to enjoy Last Breath as everything is explained, but you do get some of Regan and Daniel's back-stories in Last Hit. Last Breath is literally a rollercoaster ride of a story, from the moment Daniel and Regan leave the brothel it is pedal-to-the-metal, non-stop entertainment. From their hilarious snarky conversations and inner monologues - I duck and cringe against Daniel, my fingers going to his waistband for comfort... "Little more to the left sweetheart. Though I have to say your timing is terrible when it comes to foreplay." Oh come on. Like I'd blow him in a gunfight..."My timing's the only thing that's saving you from getting a fist in the dick right now." To the emotional, and sometimes uncomfortable but sensitive writing of how they both dealt with the aftermath of what had happened to her during her months in captivity. Regan struggles to break from the mentality that everything results in the requirement of sex, and although; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Against the Wall (Maverick Montana, #1); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 Fabulous Stars! Loved this book, the story, the characters, everything about it. Cowboy Brothers....Do I need to say more. Straight onto Under The Covers for me! I am not ashamed to say I have a HUGE author crush on Rebecca Zanetti right now!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Under the Covers (Maverick Montana, #2); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Loved Quinn, as much as I loved Jake. Native American cowboy brothers rock my boat, and all the others that are in my pond... I am now waiting somewhat patiently for Rising Assets, Colton's book -; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rising Assets (Maverick Montana, #3); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Hot Cowboy Stars! It's Live and only 99p for a limited time!!! The Lodge/Freeze brothers and the whole Maverick Montana series as a whole are definitely up there in my top 5 Series. Reasons as to why - * Smooth talking, dirty action, hard working Cowboys with hearts of gold. * Sassy, independent, easy to like Heroines, that aren't afraid to stick up for themselves and those that they care about. * Enjoyable and easy to read stories, with a large extended cast of characters. * Books that you know you are going to go back and read again, and again. I am a huge fan of Rebecca Zanetti, (you only have to look at my other reviews to see this), and with Rising Assets she has again given me everything that I have come to expect from one of her books. Friends-to-lovers has to be one of my all-time favourites genres, you have had glimpses of the relationship between Colt and Melanie since the beginning of the Maverick Montana series. Friends from an early age along with Hawk, as a trio they have spent their formative years, getting into trouble, covering each other's backs, looking out for the other, but recently what with Hawk being away on deployment more than being in Montana, things have been a little off between Colt and Melanie. Mel has been struggling a lot since the death of her grandfather, one thing has piled on-top of the other and she is at a point in her life where some tough decisions need to be made. Add to the fact that her health in certain areas isn't a tip-top as she would like it too be the pressure is really on. Colt has always been a constant in Mel's life, friend, protector and confidante. But, this time she is determined to do things on her own, until Colt finds out that it, then the choice is taken out of her hands. Colt knows how to take charge (in every way); he makes plans, sticks to them and sees them through to fruition. And although Mel's circumstances are somewhat out of the realm of his planning capabilities he comes to realise pretty quickly that he doesn't care, and he wants in no matter how unpredictable the outcome may be. The woman mattered and he'd take care of her. I must admit that as this series progresses, I am starting to wish the books were longer, although it doesn't help that once I pick the book up I can't seem to put it down! I enjoyed this book as much as both of its predecessors, I just felt like I finished it really quickly, and I would have enjoyed more time with the rest of the Lodge/Freeze family as a whole. I am now going to spend however long waiting (im)patiently for Hawk and Dawn to get their book! ARC provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Temporarily Yours (Shillings Agency, #1); Author: Diane Alberts; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You can use me in any way you desire." ... "Any way. Anywhere. Anytime." Stars! Temporarily Yours is the first book in the Shillings Agency series, and what an absolute cracker it is too. I absolutely loved both Kayla and Cooper, and their story was one that kept me totally immersed until the very end of the book. "Are you trying to get me drunk so you can kiss me again?" "Perhaps" ... "Though, a more accurate description of what I'm trying to accomplish would be to get you drunk enough to forget about the flight, but not so drunk that I'm stuck cleaning vomit off my shoes. It's a thin line I'm walking here." The banter, and the sexy-times between this couple are absolutely top-notch, I found myself giggling on more than one occasion, and I loved that both of them were not afraid to speak their minds or ask for what they wanted in and out of the bedroom. "I'm not coming in your mouth, damn it, when I come, I'll be buried so deep in your pussy that you'll forget what it feels like to not have me inside of you." Jen McLaughlin writes the kind of books that I want to read, Temporarily Yours is a prime example of her skills in putting together and delivering a book that offers you the whole spectrum of emotions, with characters that you fall in love with, and storylines that you want more of. I am looking forward to seeing where she takes us with Stealing His Heart, due for release August 2014.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marine for Hire (Front and Center, #1); Author: Tawna Fenske; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "He look's like the sort of guy who'd be very attentive to your orgasm." Stars! Marine for Hire is one of those books that you pick up and don't put down again until you have finished it. There isn't a thing about this book that I didn't like; Sam and Sheri were both likeable, strong characters with well developed, but not overly dramatic backgrounds. The secondary characters Mac (Sheri's brother and Sam's friend), and Kelli (Sheri's best friend) also figured quite a bit in the story and really added value to it as well. "It's Sam actually, but we can go with Mr. Beefcake is that's more comfortable." I loved the addition of the twins Jeffrey and Jackson into the mix, let's face it babies always will add the 'Ahh' factor. The writing style was light, engaging and entertainingly blunt. Tawna Fenske has encapsulated perfectly what I would term as 'normal conversation' I could hear the characters talking, the quips and one-liners had me laughing pretty much from the beginning, and because of this it made what could have been a bland and average sort of story, shine like a bright, new penny. "I have more brothers than pubic hairs." Interspersed with the humour though are a couple who are strongly attracted to each other, Sheri has been hurt by a cheating ex-spouse 'Lieutentant Limpdick', and Sam has been tasked by her brother Mac, too make sure that he doesn't attempt to wangle his way back into her life again, now that she is moving on. Sheri has sworn off men in general and military men in particular. So when Mac asks Sam to keep his true identity and motivations for being her live-in Manny a secret, as you can imagine things run less than smoothly. Think Mrs. Doubtfire but with a hot guy not dressed as a woman! "It was a bit of a shock expecting Mary Poppins and seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger." You know that this couple together are going to be hot, the pages literally pulse with the sexual tension between them, and I loved that Sheri was the one to take the lead and initiate things when she wanted Sam. "So." ... "Are you trying to drive me insane, or do you genuinelt want me to throw you across this table and fuck you 'til neither of us can stand." This book was a total win; I had a blast reading it, and cannot wait to jump straight into Fiancee for Hire next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Game for Tonight (Game for It, #3); Author: Karen Erickson; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - All this faking was fun until someone got hurt. Stars. The Game for It series has been a mixed bag for me. We started with the good, in book one with Game for Marriage, the bad with book two Game for Trouble, thankfully book three Game for Tonight is definitely not ugly. Karen bought this series back with a really great finale. Both Flynn and Aubrey have featured in the previous two books, Flynn being the golden boy of the San Jose Hawks, and Aubrey one of its publicists. The two have always felt something for each other but with the No fraternization policy, they have never acted on it. When she got near Flynn, she simply... felt. Everything. If you read and loved the first book in this series, you are likely to love Flynn and Aub's story as well, it follows very similar themes. I loved that Nick, Willow, Jared and Sheridan featured in Game for Tonight as well, and the Willow we see in this story is a vast improvement on the Willow of book 2. "It was real for me, too. Every bit of it." This is a really great ending to what has in the most part been a really enjoyable series. I have admired Karen Erickson's writing for a while now and I am willing to admit that after disliking the second book so much I was nervous to start this one, but she has completely restored my admiration in her, with this enjoyable and easy to read conclusion to the Game for It series. ARC generously provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Bodyguard (Gamble Brothers, #3); Author: J. Lynn; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 "She's more evil than f**king Medusa on her period." Stars. Tempting the Bodyguard is the third book in J. Lynn's Gamble Brothers Series. Chase and Chad have met and fell in love with their matches and now it is time for Chandler. From the offset you know what you are going to get from a book by Jennifer, she does have a pretty formulaic way of writing, and although there is nothing wrong with that at all, I have read all three books over the past couple of weeks, and having done that it seems to highlight the similarities between each story. The dominant alpha male, the will they won't they sexy times and the independent strong heroine. All good traits to have in a book, but I would like to see Jennifer step out of this premise and offer us something different. I have really enjoyed getting to know each of the Gamble brothers and Chandler was no exception, tall, dark and handsome, and owner of CCG Security, which is what, leads Alana Gore to him. She's being threatened, and after moving across country to start a new position, the threat seems to have followed her, in steps Chandler and his unique form of 'close' protection. Not an ounce of emotion. Something about him, the intensity that bled into the air around him, told her that this man would be a violent storm if he ever lost control. As you would expect the banter and general interaction between Chandler and Alana, as well as the secondary characters in the book is hugely entertaining, the sexy times when we finally get to them are hot and extremely well written and something I would like to have seen more of earlier in the book. One great twist that I really liked was that Alana was the one with commitment issues in Tempting the Bodyguard, it was good to see Jennifer 'buck' the trend of having the guy be the one who is shy of commitment. Chandler - "I won't chase a ghost." I will be honest and say that even with all of her issues I struggled to like Alana, we initially met her in Tempting the Player and I think again because I really disliked her in that, and I remember the book due to having read it so recently, it was difficult to feel any sympathy for her in Tempting the Bodyguard. There were points though that you see past the cold, emotionless person that she portrays, and I think Chandler's dominance and presence of person was a perfect contrast to her. She wanted a tomorrow and a weekend. She wanted a next week and a next month. She wanted a future, and she had never wanted that before. Another enjoyable read from the Brazen catalogue, and I hope look forward to seeing what J. Lynn has to offer us next in this genre. ARC provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Place to Call Home; Author: Carole Matthews; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Heart Breaking & Heart Warming Stars. A Place Called Home is the first book I have read by Carole Matthews. What an absolute pleasure and joy every page was. I devoured the book over a weekend, and experienced pretty much every emotion available while reading it. This is a house of broken hearts. This is a book quite simply that highlights all that is good and all that is bad in the world today. I was in equal parts charmed and horrified as the story progresses. The story begins with Ayesha Rasheed felling her marital home in Milton Keynes with her daughter in the dead of night. Coming to the UK some 10 years previous from Sri-Lanka, she had high expectations for her arranged marriage and the opportunities and experiences it would afford her. Unfortunately, as the years have passed and the opportunities have dwindled, her husband has become more bitter and violent towards her, fearful for her daughter Sabina who has stopped speaking, she decides enough is enough and leaves. Ending up in London, Ayesha finds herself taking up residence in one of the spare rooms in a former music stars house on the edges of Hampstead Heath, slightly farfetched, but I was enjoying the book so much I didn't care. The wealth of diverse and likeable characters in this book were an absolute treat for the imagination. I loved curmudgeonly Joy, with her gardening obsession, and hidden heart of gold. Crystal is the kind of woman we all need one of in our lives as a friend, she has her heart firmly fixed on her sleeve, and her bubbly effervescence, fizzed through the pages. Hayden is the sort of tortured soul that any sane minded woman would fall deeply in love with. This is a man that opens his house to those struggling, but expects nothing but friendship in return. Grieving the loss of the love of his life, this rag-tag group of women manages to gradually pull him back into the land of the living, one special moment at a time. I think I have run out of words to say how much I enjoyed this book. Although it deals with serious and dark issues, I found it highly entertaining, and totally enjoyable. It's good to see that once in a while nice guys don't always finish last! ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to read this book and provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rock It (Rule Breakers #1); Author: Jennifer Chance; Genres: romance; Review: Sadly, I have to say that this book just wasn't for me. I tried to get into it, but there were just too many things I disliked as the book progressed... I got to 60% before admitting defeat, and as such I will only post my reasons as to why - * I really got the fact that Lacey was working with her teen idol, but after the first 100 or so fan-girling internal monologues about it, it got a bit repetitive. * The constant, "we shouldn't" but hell I'm going to anyways with Lacey, all got a bit monotonous as well. * Up-to 57% the sexy times amounted to hand-jobs and giving oral, being that this man is apparently a "Rock God" that has women hanging off him wherever he goes, and under the stage sex parties mid-concert, I found it a little hard to believe that he would then revert back to teenage fumbling for so long... * The full use of Dante Falcone, also became very repetitive (69 times according to my Kindle). * I also felt absolutely no connection to either of the characters, and in the main the writing and dialogues to me seemed a little dated (I had Rock of Ages in my head the whole time), I felt like I had warped back to my Sweet Dreams and Sweet Valley High reading days. There were things I liked, the "Spiked" champagne incident bought a few chuckles, and at the beginning I could empathise with Lacey, as let's face it who hasn't dreamed of meeting and spending time with their idol. Also, getting one over on her boss Brenda "The Barracuda" Harris, by being the person Dante wanted to work with made me smile too. I do think this series has potential, but the dialogue and sex(ual chemisty) between the H/h needs to be spiced up a-lot, and made to feel more current/up-to-date. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Black Ice; Author: Becca Fitzpatrick; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Be safe. Mountains are dangerous at this time of year." Stars. I think the first thing too say about Black Ice, is that if you are expecting characters similar to Patch and Nora (Hush, Hush series), then you are probably going to be disappointed. I and a huge fan of Patch Cipriano, and I loved Nora Grey, so it was with a little trepidation that I started Black Ice. Bearing in mind this is not a PNR novel, and is more of a YA romantic suspense, it was easy to not draw comparisons. I also think most readers are probably going to either love or hate this book. I myself really disliked Britt and Korbie for the first 20% of the book, and several times I questioned what was Becca thinking bringing such an abhorrent pair to the page. I had never considered myself brave. I was the spoiled daddy's girl. The story does get going a bit more after that, but I was left with the lingering thought that, although on the surface these two are supposed to be best friends, the internal monologue you get from Britt makes them sound more like enemies, that are friends trying to one-up each other, and prove who is the 'bestest' over the years... One of them even has a list of who beats the other on looks, manicures, etc... I never felt like I was reading YA with Becca's other books, this one felt it though. That said, it is a well written story, I loved Mason/Ace, as the story progresses it is evident that a lot more is going on with this group of people, than you initially expect. There is one pivotal piece of evidence that is produced very early on in the story, that pretty much gave me the clue as to where it would eventually go, and I wasn't wrong. I'd grown up more in the past few days than I had in four years of high school. Britt tells you this story, I wonder if Becca intentionally characterized her the way she did in the early stages of the book, as a way to highlight at the end of it just how much the whole adventure did change her. As the transformation from spoiled brat, to young capable woman is pretty remarkable. I won't say I liked her at the end of the story, but she gained a little respect from me, she 'grew a pair' when it mattered and I think that was the point. "I can't let go of you," ... "and I don't want you to let go of me." Becca Fitzpatrick is still one of my top authors for YA/NA books, Black Ice is different from what you will have read from her before, give it a chance. The story is there, as you would expect it is well written, the character development is sound and it will keep you entertained for a few hours. I look forward too seeing what adventure she take us all on next! ARC generously provided via; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Match; Author: Katie Fforde; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Time Warp Stars (Warning Slight Spoilers Ahead). It pains me to write a less than stellar review for The Perfect Match, but although I loved 50% of the storyline, the other 50% for me was a little disappointing. This is only my opinion, and as such would not stop me from recommending the book to other people, just this time it wasn't wholly my cup of tea! For me, the secondary characters and their storylines were absolutely adorable, they were the enjoyable part of The Perfect Match, and are exactly what I would expect from a Katie Fforde book. I loved Alice and Michael's love story, cake-baking Jane Langley, Mr & Mrs Agnew and the many and varied clients that Bella deals with in her line of work as an estate agent. What I really didn't like, and it really does pain me to say this, was Bella. In the world we live in today, I as a 30 something woman don't really ever want to read of a female character meekly accepting it when a man insinuates that she is fat and intimates she is stupid and to be indulged, what is even worse is the man in question is her boyfriend/fiance Nevil. Yes Bella does eventually come to her senses, but really this is meant to be an intelligent, modern woman....not-so-much in my opinion. I also found several aspects of the story a tad sketchy, firstly as a supposedly intelligent, modern woman, would you really up sticks, leave your job and relocate to another area, just because the man you have a crush on at the office announces his wife is pregnant. Yes there was a one-off under the mistletoe kiss but other than that nothing happened between them. Now I have had plenty of office crushes, and yes a lot of them are married, but I have never felt the urge to up and move away just because it turns out that, yes as a married couple they are having sex and having children together. This would have been ok as the story goes, but not when it turns out that after you have relocated due to your "broken heart" you then up and get into a rebound relationship with your new boss Nevil, who is an absolute tool to put it mildly, comes across as all a bit contradictory for me!! Unfortunately it doesn't stop there, the guy you originally up and move your whole life to get away from due to your "crush", then turns up unexpectedly. Now divorced from said wife (no longer pregnant, the child is 2 years old) and after initially being angry at you (no real explanation as to why he is at the time) you share a couple of passionate kisses. Again, as an intelligent, modern woman (I know I am harping on with this phrasing) would you then think it is acceptable behaviour to approach the ex-wife of your "crush "(a woman you don't really even know) and extol to her the virtues of her ex-husband in an effort; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Recipe for Attraction (Madewood Brothers, #2); Author: Gina Gordon; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You're everything I never thought I could have." Stars. Recipe for Attraction is book two in the Madewood Brothers Series. Neil Harrison is the eldest boy that Vivian Madewood fostered, and as you read his story you begin to realise that although on the outside he appears to be the cool, calm collected matriarch of the Madewood Catering Empire, underneath his is struggling to overcome his grief at the loss of maybe the most important person in his life. Carson Kelly is also struggling to establish herself and to move on from the mistakes of her past, mistakes that her emotionally stunted father doesn't seem capable of letting her forget about. Neil and Carson rub each other up the wrong way continually, but the chemistry is there, and after bumping into each other at the 'wrong place and wrong time' Neil is no longer afraid to push Carson's buttons to get what he wants from her. Stupid, infuriating man. Stubborn, obnoxious... hot-bodied and sexy. I liked Neil; he has a dirty, dirty mouth and a self-destruct streak a mile wide, I wanted to give him a hug, and then shag him senseless. Although we get more family drama with Carson, it wasn't nearly as annoying as Sterling's (Book 1) and her drama wasn't the main focus of the story between her and Neil. "You're everything I never thought I could have." She filled a part of him he thought long gone. Sexy, enjoyable and easy to read, Recipe for Attraction is a great addition to the Madewood Brothers series. Looking forward to seeing what Finn has in store for us in Recipe for Seduction on 26th May 2014.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Recipe for Satisfaction (Madewood Brothers, #1); Author: Gina Gordon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Take your pleasure." Stars. Recipe for Satisfaction is a great introduction to the Madewood brothers - Jack, Neil, Finn & Cole, all chefs, with varying degrees of ink and piercings! The chemistry between Sterling and Jack is like a smoking wok right from the start, I liked that both of these characters were not afraid to take what they wanted from each other sexually at any given time. "There's plenty of time for me to give you pleasure. But first, take it for yourself. Fall over that edge. Let me watch you. Let me hear you scream." Sterling has been dared by her best friend Penn, to 'live a little' and step out of her comfort zone. Not wanting to be considered boring anymore she agrees and bumps into Jack, while suffering from a nasty bout of seasickness. "There's no way you could be boring, Sterling" ... "Boring girls don't come in public" There were a couple of things that let this book down a little for me. Firstly, Jack has a pierced tongue, and after their first initial encounter it isn't mentioned again, I was expecting lots of pierced sexyness and it turned out to be a one hit wonder. I also got a tad bored with all of Sterling's family drama; for the most part it didn't really seem necessary to the story, but as always this is just my opinion. With a simple look he had managed to get her to open up, let go, and push through every barrier she'd ever erected to protect herself. That said, overall it was another enjoyable Brazen read, a start to a series that has huge potential, and I am looking forward to seeing where Gina Gordon takes us with Neil, Finn & Cole as it progresses.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Can't Shake You (River Bend, #1); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Shaken and Stirred Stars! If "Can't Shake You" is truly Molly McLain's first book then all I can say is - This book was a joy to read from start to finish, I honestly have not written one negative thing in my notes. Josh was swoonworthy, tattooed and a soon-to-be ex-marine. Carissa is smart, sassy and not afraid to go after what she wanted, their friends and family likeable and easy to read. No major angst or off-the-charts sob stories. Just a group of people going about their lives in River Bend, and dealing with the problems that are thrown their way, I loved that they had a little history between them and we got too see glimpses of it as the story unfolds, there is also a little suspense thrown in just for good measure. This is the type of book, that when I have finished reading it, leaves me fluttery tingles in the bottom of my tummy. The flutters are for the excitement that I may have just discovered my next drop-everything-for-to-read-series, and the tingles are for that feeling you get when you know you have discovered an author that has the potential to blow you away with each and every book they release. What I loved about Can't Shake You most is it's the foundation stone in what I believe could be absolute series-gold, we are introduced to enough secondary characters in the book that there is potential for quite a few more to follow on. I love that Tony is getting his story next, and I CANNOT wait until June to read Can't get Enough. ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Waltz (Say It With Sequins, #2); Author: Georgia Hill; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Definitely Not a Disaaaaster Darling Stars! I have to say Georgia Hill has really hit the nail on the head with the Say It With Sequins Series so far. It allows me to enjoy my not so secret addiction to Strictly Come Dancing, in the months that it isn't actually on our television screens. So we are back to the Who Dares Dances studio, for a new season of the hit television show. And in this series we are introduced to Max Perry (Gold Medal winning Olympic Swimmer) and Lucy Everett (quirky and socially awkward children's author), and the trials and tribulations of two extremely shy people, and their increasing attraction to each other as they progress through the competition. My Max Perry - I liked that this novella focussed more on just Max and Lucy, and their budding relationship, without pulling in lots of other characters that were appearing on the show. Of course the lovely Daniel "Matchmaker" Cunningham, Lucy's pro-partner does figure in the story a bit, but in the main we are immersed in just the two of them, and due to a dash of misunderstanding and a sprinkling of misinformation how they make completely the wrong assumptions about each other which results in them keeping their feelings for the each other to themselves. It was great to get a teeny glimpse of Julia and Harri, and my only gripe, and it is a tiny one, is that the story is set around Christmas, and I would have much preferred to have read it around that time as well. I know December is a way away, but I think this probably would pique people's interest more if it was released to correlate with its somewhat seasonal theme! Can't wait for book 3 - The Charleston!! ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Take Mum Out; Author: Fiona Gibson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Fuzzy Felt & Arse-Busting Stars!!! I really don't know where to begin in my gushing about how good this book is. Fiona Gibson for me is the absolute Queen of writing down-to-earth, witty and just plain enjoyable books; I refuse to pigeon-hole her in the "Chick-Lit" category, as her books are so much more than that. The humour is such that although it is a little naughty at times, Take Mum Out as well as her other titles are books that I would have no reservations in recommending to my Mum, Gran, the woman in the hairdressers or a random person on a bus. I have to warn you now though be prepared for ALOT of odd looks from the general public if you take the risk of reading this while you are say, waiting for your train home. I made that mistake and in an effort to cover up my laughter ended up snorting, coughing and then almost choking myself to death in-front of a platform full of commuters! Add that to the fact I then had to stop several times at home to go to the loo, as I was laughing so hard in parts I had pretty much lost control of my bladder as well as several other important faculties, you will hopefully understand just how funny this author's writing is. Alice Sweet has been single for approaching 6 years, and although she is happy with her life and her two sons Logan and Fergus, her friends Viv, Kirsty and Ingrid encourage her to think about getting into the dating scene again. In fact they are so encouraging they even offer to set her up with friends that they think she will hit it off with. What ensues can only be described as non-stop mayhem and madness in the most charming and enjoyable of ways. We are in turn introduced to Giles (10 years younger, with a penchant for the older lady), Charlie (a bit of a drinker, who hasn't yet reached the maturity level that belies his age) and Stephen (a dentist...) and a series of "dates" with each of them, as well as a diverse and varied cast of characters as the story progresses. I don't want to give too much more of the story away as the joy I had in reading of Alice's escapades with these men, her friend's and pretty much everyone else in the book are something that I urge you to discover and enjoy for yourself, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, Fiona Gibson is a genius when it comes to written comedy, and let's face it who doesn't enjoy a bloody good laugh once in a while. ARC provided through Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blind Wolf: The Complete 4-Book Boxed Set; Author: Aubrey Rose; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - Howlingly Enjoyable Stars! Blind Wolf is another great read by Aubrey Rose. It has taken me a while to finish it, and that is not because I didn't enjoy it, but more that it is the type of book you can put down and go back to and remember exactly where you are and what's going on. I am not a huge PNR reader, not because I don't enjoy it, but I just sometimes find it all a bit too overly technical in its explanations as to who can do what and why/how they do it. None of that with Blind Wolf, you knew what they were and what they could do, but it got straight to the point without being overly descriptive. Oddly I also have a soft spot for Blind guys in my romance novels and Damien had just the right mix of wolfy dominance and alpha tendencies, while being all aquiver for Julia. Well worth a read if you like a bit of howling with your sexy times! ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wilde Nights in Paradise (Wilde Security, #1); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Trust me, I've done this before." Stars Another series, that I have fallen wholeheartedly in love with, and with 5, YES 5!!! brothers to sink my teeth into, I couldn't be happier. Jude Wilde a.k.a "Sugar Cheeks"- "You said one night, not one time. I plan to make the most of it." "We're Marines. Personal feelings don't factor into missions." Except when you are Sam the cat!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wilde for Her (Wilde Security, #2); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - Poe the Parrot & Pink Unicorn Stars! Ooooh the Wilde brothers certainly know how to show a girl a good time. Cam doesn't quite topple Jude from the pedestal that I have placed him on, but he is a very close second. "Tell me to stop." "Don't you dare." "I've always wanted more, and I never told you. I want you, Eva. I've always wanted you, but I'm done being patient. I'm not your partner, I'm not your fuck buddy. I'm not even your friend. "I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you" I soooo wish I coulda been in that hospital room when the colouring pens were busted out, and leg-cast grafitti went down! Oh and Seth....You and I have a date real soon...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Seduction Vow; Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - Short, Sweet and Fun, Start To A Series Stars. The Seduction Vow, is the first book in The Promise Series. Being a HUGE fan of Bonnie Dee's, I jumped right into it without any worries that I wouldn't enjoy it. If you are an avid reader of Ms. Dee's books like myself, you may find this series a little different from her usual writings, in the fact it is very middle of the road, straight contemporary romance. You won't find anyone with a full-bodied tattoo in this book, a T.B.I or hearing impairment but that doesn't mean it isn't a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you are looking for something short, entertaining, sexy and easy to read, then The Seduction Vow would be the perfect candidate, in my opinion. 25 year old Graci Ramirez has just been spectacularly dumped by her fiance, together for three years; Graci has been saving herself for her wedding night, only to find out that douche-bag Joey hasn't and he is moving in with his current bit-on-the-side. Desperate to change her Virgin status, and trade in the V-Card before her friend Bree's wedding she ends up going to a bar by herself, hits it off with a guy, but loses her nerve as things start to progress. Luckily, her Knight in shining armour is waiting in the wings, looks out for her whilst she loses all of her "Dutch Courage" in the ladies toilet, and makes sure she gets in a cab to go home. Good thing she never has too see him again after that embarrassment right! Neal Murray - tattooed, keyboard playing, music teacher for at risk children, is said Knight in shining armour, and as fate intervenes, their one meeting turns into more...dinner, dates, flash mobs and Karaoke to name but a few. But Graci is wary of the feelings she has for Neal after such a recent break-up... "His Attraction was a long, cool drink she sorely needed after the desert of rejection." I can't really say anymore without giving the story away, but I really enjoyed this first instalment from Bonnie's new series. One thing you can always guarantee with one of her books is that it will be wholly different from the last, and that is just the case here. The scene has been set, and "The Minority Trio" - Graci, Tara and Corinne are all set to get their stories. I am looking forward to reading Tara's story next in The Temporary Promise and future books in this series as they release. My thanks to Bonnie Dee for generously providing me with a Copy of The Seduction Vow in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Temporary Promise (Promise Series, #2); Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: romance; Review: 3.75 - I Wish It Was Longer Stars. The Temporary Promise is the second novella in The Promise Series, and in this instalment we are given Tara and Luis's story. You get a little look at their interaction with each other in The Seduction Vow (book one) as Luis is Graci's brother, and as such has been a part of Tara's life for quite some time; Luis has always kept Tara in the "little sister" zone apart from one misguided make-out session with her on his 18th Birthday. Tara doesn't however see Luis as an older brother; her crush on him has been kept well hidden, but nevertheless has been there for a very long time... After returning from Afghanistan with more than a few ghosts and a lack of direction in life he turns to Tara for support, also at a crossroads herself, they offer each other the necessary courage to look to their futures and what they ultimately want from their lives. I loved the interaction with these two, their verbal sparring at times hilarious, as is to be expected with a Bonnie Dee book, you almost feel a bit of a voyeur when reading the sex it is that well described, and I felt as the book progressed that I was being pulled more firmly into the group and wanting to know more about them all as a whole. As you would expect with a bunch of girlfriends, Graci and Corinne make appearances and give their opinions along the way, as well as Bree. But what I am most intrigued about is the appearance of the elusive Adya. We do not know much about this lady as yet, and I am interested to see where Bonnie takes her story. Corinne's up next in The Matchmaking Pact, and I am looking forward to it immensely! Ebook generously provided by Bonnie Dee, it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matchmaking Pact (Promise Series #3); Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - Manly Man & Womanly Woman Stars. The Matchmaking Pact is book three in Bonnie Dee's Promise Series, and I have to say this is the one I have been a bit wary of. Reasons why, this is Corinne's story, and I will be honest and say I found her to be a little overbearing in the first two book's and totally over-opinionated as well. But I can admit when I am wrong, and although she is still those things in The Matchmaking Pact, you also get to see that she is also a fiercely loyal, kind hearted, independent woman. Dr. Seth Rothstein, is her neighbour, best-guy friend and is also as unlucky in love as she is, a bit nerdy, loves a good sweater vest and has a few self esteem issues. Both pining after people who are ultimately not as perfect as they hoped they would be, they dare themselves to sort the others love life out with a series of dates. As with the previous two books in this series I really enjoyed the continuation of the groups story as a whole, Corinne ventures to LA for her job, so we get a deeper look at Bree and her fiance. We also are given a little more information on Adya, when she manages to persuade her to come back to Cincinnati with her...(I have to say this is the book I am hanging out for). I have always loved a good friends to lovers story, and this one is no exception, Bonnie does and always manages to make you feel like you are part of the story and this book is no exception. Corinne - Seeing him was like coming home to her own apartment, comfy and relaxing. Only two books left in the series now, and I am eager to see how both of them turn out. Here's hoping that Bonnie has the typing skills of Super(wo)man, and releases them sooner rather than later! ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The New Leaf Pledge (Promise Series #4); Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - Penny & Carvey the Dog Stars. The New Leaf Pledge is book four in the Promises series. I have been holding my breath for this book since I started reading the series. For here we are presented with Adya's story. Bought back to Cincinnati by Corinne (The Matchmaking Pact) and looking to make a fresh start Adya is looking to re-discover herself before she lets anyone else become part of her life again. Unfortunately, Penny Bridger has other plans for her and along with the family dog Carvey tries her darndest to bring Adya and her father Luke together at every opportunity available. Add into the fact that fate seems to want them to be together as well and Adya has a few decisions to make with regards to her choice to be alone, especially when Luke opens up her heart in a way that she thought she would never be capable of feeling again. She's done far more than shake hands with men and felt a lot less. The New Leaf Pledge is another funny and sweet addition to this series, I loved Penny - the innocence and honesty of childhood always adds another dimension to a book I find, and Carvey the dog was a character that bought a smile to my face. Another thing I almost jumped off the sofa and started clapping about is the fact that Bonnie has finally managed to give eye-f**cking a voice, and she did it so well! If only...I wish...It could have been so...I'm sorry... I do however have a couple of small niggles this time, when Adya's past catches up with her, I have to admit I was expecting a little more drama (or a little expansion on the drama that was included). I also felt that Luke and Adya deserved more time and development in the bedroom, we only get too see them together once and I was left wanting more than I was given, which is something I never thought I would want to say for a Bonnie Dee book as she has one of the most diverse imaginations when it comes to writing sex that I have come across. The above points are small ones, I still enjoyed the book, and I CANNOT wait for Bree's book and the final book in this thoroughly enjoyable series The Wedding Affirmation, hopefully coming to us soon! My thanks to Bonnie Dee for generously providing me with a copy of The New Leaf Pledge in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Affirmation (Promise Series, #5); Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "You are the sunshine of my life." Stars! The Wedding Affirmation brings us to the end of the Promise Series Novellas. I recommend that you read them in order as the story as a whole develops as each of the girls get's their happily ever after. "Fate said 'it's time' and touched each of us." Graci & Neal - Tara & Luis - Corinne & Seth - Adya, Luke & Penny - And finally, the Wedding of Bree & Tony. Bree has been having a few doubts as her wedding day approaches, and the arrival of her best-friends, in addition to a few freaky occurrences has her questioning whether now is the right time for such a big step. She loves Tony with all her heart, but marriage... Tony - "I don't think you ever need to worry about being overshadowed, Sunny. You're a blazing light no one could possibly look away from." Things don't get off to a good start on her Bachelorette week, and after spending time in the Emergency Room, as well as being interviewed by a couple of store detectives whilst on an innocent shopping trip, Bree begins to wonder if they are all signs trying to tell her something. Add into that mix two sets of parents that are on opposite ends of the opinions scale, an odd assortment of middle-aged male strippers and a whole lot of pre-wedding nerves (or are they)... The Wedding Affirmation is a charming ending to what was a really enjoyable series. Bonnie has a great way of pulling you into the story, and with every-one of these books I really felt like 'one of the girls'. This romance series, is definitely more 'middle-of-the-road' to her usual writing, and a pretty good place to branch out into this genre from. I don't think the reader will be very surprised by the tropes used to round off the series, but what Bonnie does do really well is wrap everything up in general, as well as the couples's individually, in one really delightful little package. ARC generously supplied by Bonnie, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Can't Get Enough (River Bend, #2); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Caution - May induce quivering naughty bits and the sudden saturation of one's panties. Stars! I have been waiting for what feels like forever for Tony Dunn to have his story told. The first book in the River Bend series Can't Shake You gave us some golden snippets of a happy-go-lucky guy, with a huge dose of charm topped off in a tall, dark and handsome package. Ex-Marine and baby daddy too boot, this is a guy that should have every girl swooning all over her eReader, not to mention damp in other areas. "If we do this, we do this. No wishy-washy shit tomorrow." And for the most part he did, the Tony we get in Can't Get Enough is a slightly more serious version I remember though, which is hardly surprising considering the massive changes that his life has undertaken over the previous months, with the discovery of a daughter he never knew he had, and full custody of her that he never planned upon. There were glimmers of that guy though when exchanging banter with the guys, and I liked that the reader got to see the light along with the darker facets of his character. "You let me fuck you, but you won't talk to me." Nicole upon returning to town to sort out her grandmother's estate discovers two things, her car is dead, and she is in serious need to cash. Tony and his short term requirement for a babysitter for his daughter, Brianna is the perfect option. The chemistry sizzling between them adds a complication neither of them thinks they need, but ultimately can't deny. "You came into my life for a reason, just like I came into yours. Whether you're here for seven more hours or seven more weeks doesn't matter, because this thing between us? It's special." For the most part I really enjoyed this book. I found Nicole's reasons behind being reluctant to commit or allow Tony to help her out in any way to be a little weak. More from lack of development from the author of her past issues than anything. I also thought that the resolution of the reasoning behind the mindset she had, to be too cut and dried after the amount of use as an excuse it warranted for her behavior throughout the first 75% of the book. Your ex-husband of 6 years basically stalks you on the phone and via voicemail to the point you are ignoring his dozens of texts and missed calls on a daily basis, and then when he confronts you calls you a 'Fat whore' I kind of expected move than the 'I've moved on' speech to then get rid of him. "I might just be good for you, too." That said, I did have really high expectations for this book, and Molly McLain for the most part fulfilled them, I just expected a little more to be honest. I understand that there is potentially more from this couple to come. I really hope so, and I hope they get the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Halfway Hidden; Author: Carrie Elks; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Pleasantly Surprised Stars. Halfway Hidden is a short, dark and gritty tale. It completely surprised me actually, and highlighted to me just how talented Carrie Elks is. Having read "Fix You", I had high hopes for this novella, and it didn't disappoint, but what surprised me mostly was the difference in writing style and the general feel of what I was reading. Rachel has been on the run from her husband for just over a year, settling in Nowheresville - Virginia, she works in a bar, and lives in the apartment above. Being a mining town, the prospect of out-of-towners is almost zero and she likes that. Until one evening Murphy walks in and everything changes - His voice was like honey on a hot day. The elusive Murphy is everything Rachel's head knows she needs to avoid, however the promise of human contact, something she has not had in over a year is something her body craves... Everything about this guy was screaming single, a dark, interested stranger with secrets he didn't want to share. This novella shows great promise for the beginning of what could be an explosive series, and although there isn't a huge amount of development in some areas. Murphy's reasons for being where he is, and Rachel's past being the main ones, nonetheless it flows nicely and has potential, with a lot of suspense and some kinky-ish sexy-times thrown in. I have no doubt that Carrie will provide more development in their pasts as the series progresses, and I look forward to reading in which direction she decides to take their story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hard to Come By (Hard Ink, #3); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5- "It's the easiest thing I've ever done." Stars! Hard to Come By literally picks up from where Hard to Hold on To left off, you 100% need to read this series in order, too much has happened on the previous books, which amazingly only actually cover 10 days in the life of The Hard Ink Special Forces Team! "We're just some guys who are trying to do the right thing." Derek DiMarzio has figured quite heavily in the previous books in this series, being the tech guy of the team it has been his brains and gadgets that have kept eyes and ears on the ground where there would under normal circumstances be none. Like all of the other guys his outward persona, does not necessarily give the full story as to what is going on inwardly. Learning to live with his prosthesis after the ambush the team went through in Afghanistan has had massive changes on his life, and also on his friendships, as well as how the guys view and treat him. "I just don't want you to think I can't protect you." Emilie Garza, like all of the other women who have come to know the Hard Ink guys in this series, isn't a woman who is afraid to stand up for herself. Marz is initially bought into contact with her in relation to the team's interest in her brother, but it becomes apparent from their first meeting that there is more than a little chemistry between the two of them. "Next time, you'll come on my tongue." This series just goes from strength to strength; Laura has managed to weave another love story into the developing story as a whole, Marz being the 'happy-go-lucky' member of the team, has a lot of depth to him, but then this book is as exceptionally well written as has every other guys whose story she has told before him. You want a whole lot of kick-ass with your romance, then this is definitely a series you need to check out. "Resistance is futile." ARC generously provided by the publisher, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hard to Hold on To (Hard Ink, #2.5); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I got you then. I have you now." Stars. Laura Kaye has left me in a bit of a state to be honest. I knew that this series was going to explore some darker elements of the human psyche after finishing book two. It stands too reason that when a group of ex-servicemen are reunited after a 12 month hiatus, which was bought about by the total annihilation of everything they believed and trusted in, as well as losing 50% of their team in an ambush that should never have happened, PTSD and the lasting physical and mental scars of the whole clusterfuck are going to run deep. Easy's story and Laura's writing of it takes the Hard Ink series to a whole other level. They always say it's the quiet ones, and holy shit... She nailed it, in a respectful, emotional and have the tissues handy way. "You need something and I have it to give, I will every damn time. You hear me?" I struggled with Jenna in Hard as You Can, as Sara's younger sister she wasn't immediately a major part of the story, towards the end of the book she had more of a role, and I found her to be a little immature and selfish. She turns it around in this book, and her acceptance of Easy, and what he is going through, makes a massive and positive difference to his state of mind. But what absolutely broke me was his time with Shane. Laura's breaking down and rebuilding of The Hard Ink Special Forces Team one man at a time, is an emotional rollercoaster this reader is enjoying immensely, albeit with regular crying jags included! "So glad it was you." Laura Kaye is an author, who I can honestly say I haven't read a bad book by. I am glad I saved this series, reading the first 4 books in succession has been an absolute joy so far, I am off to start Hard to Come By now, and am crossing everything that I don't have too wait too long for the rest of the guys to get their books thereafter. Sometimes you gotta let someone else help you be strong before you can stand on your own.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hard to Be Good (Hard Ink, #3.5); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're always good company, to me." Stars! Hard to Be Good is the fifth book/novella in Laura Kaye's Hard Ink Series, this is more of an interlude than anything, and doesn't offer a huge amount of development on the bigger issues that Nick Rixey and the rest of his remaining team are trying to investigate and solve in relation to their discharge from the Army. This novella focuses on Jeremy (Nick's brother) and Charlie Merritt, the guy that basically started the ball rolling in book one, Hard as It Gets, by being the victim of a kidnapping. I will admit that I am not a huge M/M reader, it is not a genre I would actively seek out under normal circumstances, but Laura has interspersed the story and relationship development between Charlie and Jer, throughout the previous books in the series, and having followed their journey through all the thrills and spills in the previous installments, I was just as excited to read of them finally getting their happily ever after, just as much as everyone else in the crew. Jer is quite an outgoing and vivacious character, being inked and pierced he is pretty much the opposite to shy and introverted Charlie, but their bond was built whilst Charlie was recovering from his ordeal, and their emotional connection strengthened by the time they have spent together in close quarters living and working above the Hard Ink Studio, not forgetting the attraction that has grown and been simmering between them as they spend more and more time together. "I'm real... This - what's happening between us - is real." I found this quite an emotional read, Jer has so much more to him than the ink and metal that is immediately visible, his sensitivity to the suffering of those around him and the loss of team members that he perceives to be his fault is something he tries to hide from the others, but Charlie sees past the jovial facade and jokey t-shirts to the hurt and guilt ridden guy inside. On the other side, Jer offers Charlie the things that he struggles with in the form of acceptance of who he is and how he wants to live. As I said you don't need to read this novella to keep up with the Hard Ink series as a whole, but Laura has given Jeremy and Charlie such a sweet, sexy (a ten on the hotness scale for me) and emotional coming together, that I would recommend you give it a try. "Now that I've seen you cock, I'm not going to be able to live without feeling it in my throat." The humor is still there as well, and the interaction with the rest of the team as well as the inclusion of a one eyed cat, breaks it all up nicely with a few well placed giggles. Beckett Murda and Kat Rixey are up next in the final (sad face) book in the Hard Ink series, Hard to Let Go is due in June, and the title says; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Out of Control (Babysitting a Billionaire, #2); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Angel & Spike Stars. Out of Control is book 2 in the Babysitting The Billionaire Series by the wonderful Nina Croft. I love that this series if written by a British author, and all of the Britishisms that we are given as a result of it. Although in the main Out of Control is set in Spain, we do get to venture back to the UK for Jake and Kim's wedding amongst other things. We were introduced to Dani Sinclair, in Losing Control (book 1), being one of Kim and Jess's friends and work colleagues. Out of Control gives us her story, as well as introducing us to the delicious Zach Hunter, author and all-round hottie, with one of my all time favourite things......A hairy chest (not Gorilla, but just enough that you want to rub yourself up against him like a pussy-cat!) All she knew of love was pain and loss. What I liked about this story the most is we are given two strong personalities, and although Dani is battling a few personal demons and Zach is a commitment-phobe, with a penchant for the ladies their narrative didn't get bogged down with unnecessary angst or drama. Dani, has a pre-conceived image of what she believes Zach is, but it soon becomes obvious to her that he is not just the "playboy asshole" she initially judged him as. Their dissimilarities are what actually make them a great couple; I loved the jokes about her size, the likening to Tinkerbell, the dogs. She awoke protective instincts he would have sworn didn't exist. Their chemistry is explosive, and as I have come to expect as a now fully fledged Brazen-Addict (sorry for stealing your name Lisa Jayne xx), you are given a hugely entertaining, sometimes funny, poignant, thrill-ride of a story. Zach - "Christ, I need to kiss you. And more." The secondary characters in this series are also all really well developed, which I am hoping will give scope for lots more books in this series in the future, although I have everything crossed that Jess will be the next one Nina offers up a story for. Another brilliant addition to the Brazen catalogue. ARC generously supplied by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Husband's Regret (Unwanted, #2); Author: Natasha Anders; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Nebo & Wees Stars. I am not ashamed to admit that I hadn't heard of Natasha Anders or her books until recently. But after seeing the amount of my Goodreads friends that read, reviewed and raved about The Unwanted Wife (book 1 in this series) I was intrigued. To say I was pleasantly surprised is a HUGE understatement, and for me, this author has perfected the art of writing about a man we all love to hate, but also hate that we love him too! She did not know this bruised, bitter and embittered man as the Bryce she had adored and married... He reminded her of a badly wounded lion, confused and exhausted but unable to stop fighting. The perfect Asshole - ornery, blunt, cold and uncaring. However, as the book progresses the reasons as to why, and the revelation of the character hidden behind the facade are revealed. Reading an Asshole trying to redeem himself is always something I enjoy immensely and Natasha Anders writes the redemption part of the story just as comprehensively as the revenge portion. "You're too good for my money, for my apologies, and for my love, aren't you?" I don't think it is imperative to read The Unwanted Wife, to enjoy A Husbands Regret, because the characters are only mentioned in passing and not really involved in Bronwyn and Bryce's story. That-said it is a beautifully written book so I would encourage you to read it for that reason alone. There were so many things I enjoyed about A Husbands Regret, Natasha added a toddler into the mix for this story and I think that Kayla's innocence, the voice she was given and her role in the story were a perfect addition. Whenever I see Finding Nemo now, I am always going to be calling him Nebo in my head!! Massive Marvin bought on a few giggles as well. "We were good together once." "For a brief time, so long ago that it seems like a dream now." But for me it was just the story as a whole, it is complex without being confusing, the characters are so well developed that I actually started getting emotional for them both at times. You see the story from both sides of the fence, and as each new revelation is added, the side you were initially on changes again and again and again. "I can't remember my life before you,"... "I can't remember me without you. I never want to let you go." ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wanting (Wanting, #1); Author: Piper Vaughn; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: My second foray into the M/M genre was infinitely more enjoyable than the first. Well worth a read if you are new to M/M, I will read more after enjoying Wanting.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Broken (Redemption, #1); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - I have a serious lady boner for the guy I'm supposed to work for. Stars! I was a little nervous when I started Broken, Olivia featured somewhat as the enemy in the first book in this series Isn't She Lovely and I was interested to see what sort of story Lauren would give her. We were pathetic privileged monsters, and I, for one, am determined to change, even if his isn't. Olivia in the first few pages of the book is someone I really though I wasn't going to like, but as the story progresses, I fell more and more in love with her. Paul really does treat her pretty abhorrently at points, but rather than give up, pack up and go running back to her wealthy parents and hassle free lifestyle. She stands up and fights for herself, and for Paul. She makes me long for normal. She has to go. I loved Paul too, he was an absolute shit in the beginning of their story, but as Olivia kept bouncing back from his attempts to get rid of her, he gradually opened up more, and you got too see the real guy beneath, and not just the miserable anti-social invalid, he wanted people to believe he was. There has to be a human being left under the cold savage. I just don't know how to reach him... yet. There are a lot of moments in this where I had to stop and take a breath and wipe away a tear, don't for one second think that this book is light and fluffy because it is being released under the Flirt logo. Both Olivia and Paul have issues and secrets they are keeping from each other that they work through as the book progresses, and I struggled to put this book down. She's gorgeous and dazzling. I'm disfigured at best, monstrous at worst. I adored the first book in the Redemption series, and I loved this one too, the ending just made me want to hug the random person sitting next to me on the bus. I hope we don't have to wait too long for Michael to get his book, I am keen to see where Lauren takes us next. "I'd go anywhere for you." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and I was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster (Monster, #1); Author: Francette Phal; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 Stars. Monster is one of those books that you read, and what starts out as a potential 4 or maybe even 5 star read, gradually drops down the ratings as it progresses. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad book, in fact it's far from a bad book, but there were issues that I had with it, that as the story progressed added up to stars being removed. What I liked - I love a book about an asshole, trying to make good on his past, and repair all of the damage his previous actions have caused, and Dominic Armstrong is the epitome of every asshole you have ever read about before. Cold, cruel, brutal and emotionally closed off, mostly due to the Monsters from his past. In the beginning he essentially treats Eden like a whore, but after 4 years of humiliation and often degradation at his hands, she decides enough is enough and blows-town (there are other reasons for this, but spoiler free, so I'm not telling!). It makes a change to read of a woman fighting for something better and not putting up with her lot in life, just because your man is rich, buys you whatever you want, and parades you around like the next-best-thing doesn't necessarily mean that he is worth staying with. Eden stood up for herself in spades, particularly when Dom pulls her back to him after a year away from him, and I commend Francette Phal for giving us a heroine with some balls. Their story as it progresses is pretty emotional too read. Dominic gradually realises that everything he perceived to be true about Eden is pretty much the opposite. They both concede that the other may have been wrong in their initial judgements. I loved watching Dominic put himself out there to Eden in the hope that he could repair some of the damage he had caused, and although his upbringing does not excuse his behaviour, the flashbacks that Ms. Phal provided as the book progressed were pretty heartbreaking. The gradual thawing of Dominic's heart towards Eden, and his realisation that he isn't quite as emotionally stunted as he thought was, is a long, slow enticing burn throughout the book, the sex hot, and their connection undeniably electric. What I wasn't so fond of - There is a lot of drama in this book from secondary characters that I feel completely detracted from the story. I don't feel it actually added to Dominic and Eden's narrative as a whole, and it kind of pulled you away from the point of the book. The breaks from one POV to another as a little sporadic, and at points I had to go back and work out where it had jumped from one person to the next. Some of the language and descriptions were a bit overly wordy and flowery for a book of this type, and what made it stand out even more was that it was sort of sporadically added through the story, I felt like I was jumping from Historical; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: His to Possess; Author: Opal Carew; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Only For The First 4 Parts Stars! I am going to break down my review for His To Possess into its respective parts, mainly because I really liked a lot of it, and then the author took me somewhere I wasn't prepared for, and if I am honest I would never have requested the book if I knew it was in the story. The Seduction - The first part of this pulled me in thoroughly, the mistaken meeting in the coffee shop between Jessica and Dane while she is in Philly at a job fair, and what followed after left me intrigued and looking forward to book 2. The Morning After - As you would expect this follows straight on from the first part and my interest is building nicely. Jessica has managed to get herself a job as a PA with Guess Who!! I liked that there was lots more imaginative, kinky sex and the story develops at a good "keep you interested" pace too, especially as a ghost from Jessica's past has the potential to reappear in her life. A Perfect Storm - Lots more "non-committal" sex here, there and in the office, between Jessica and Dane, although and the story and character development keeps flowing nicely. We also have another twist in the tale in the form of Jessica's past, right at the end that kept me reading straight onto the next part. True Lies - Still enjoying it, the too-ing and fro-ing from Jessica between Dane and Storm is starting to get a little annoying, as is the bed-hopping (this is a bit of a turn off for me), but I was willing to keep with the story, and see where it went and ultimately who she chooses, the guy from her past, or the guy in her present. Entangled & Forever - Oh Hell No. I am not a prude, very far from it, but this is where I stopped. There are plenty of reviews offering the reason I didn't go any further, and I will leave it to you to decide if you want to go and find out why I stopped reading at this point. As such I am basing my 3 star rating on the first 4 parts of the book, those I read and was enjoying, I would happily read more from this author, I would have just liked a little warning as to where this story was going... ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: If Only (If Only..., #1); Author: A.J. Pine; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 1 - Only because you were set in Aberdeen Star. E. M. Forster - It is not possible to love and to part. You will wish that it was. You can transmute love, ignore it, muddle it, but you can never pull it out of you. I know by experience that the poets are right: Love is eternal. I would be lying if I said I enjoyed If Only, the book for the most part was a struggle to get through, there were a couple of times when I heaved a sigh and thought "finally we are getting somewhere", but no unfortunately the Drama just kept piling up. There were things about the book that I did like though, Elaina (Jordan's room-mate) was an absolute riot, and deserved her own book, I felt sorry for Griffin and Noah. Duncan was likeable as well, and the whole Scottish location and Britishisms of the book like Salt & Vinegar Crisps and Snakebites in the Blue Lantern bar, bought back memories of my own days as a student. Noah - There's alot of power in being straightforward." My main issue was that I really didn't like Jordan, and bearing in mind this book is entirely from her POV, I knew I wasn't onto a winner from about 25% in, add to it that there is a slight "Love-Triangle" vibe running throughout the book too, and it was an effort to keep going. I also had to remind myself that Jordan was a university student nearing her 20's and not nearer the age 10, because her actions/reactions most of the time involved her throwing her toys out of the pram and/or storming off in a huff. I got to the point where I actually just wanted both Noah and Griffin to tell her to "stroll on" as her constant strops and over-reaction to things edged over the line into annoying territory more times than I care to mention. That said, I do believe that at the heart of If Only there is a great story dying to be told, a few of the lines contained therein made me sigh - "Ever since the train it's been you," he says. "I'm sorry it took me so long to say it. Just tell me I'm not too late. Tell me I didn't blow it." I managed to get to 72% before I said enough was enough, and I skipped to the end to see who she ended up with. I will leave you to decide whether you want to read the book to find out yourself who it is she may or may not end up with! ARC provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Third Degree; Author: Julie Cross; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Superman & Trizzy Lenkins Stars! I have to admit when I picked up Third Degree, I was expecting a sexy read set around a geeky girl and one of the guys she meets whilst at college, kind of run-of-the-mill, but enjoyable nonetheless when its written well. How wrong I was, this book is so much more than that, and an absolute must read for pretty much everyone who is looking for a funny, touching and uniquely different story of a girl and a guy both trying to come to terms with who they are and how they choose to live the rest of their lives. Izzy and Marshall are both characters that I fell in love with, Izzy seems to have born without a brain to mouth filter (sort of a cross between Doogie Howser M.D and Rainman), and in the early stages of the book, quite literally had me in fits of giggles with some of her antics. I mean it's not every day that you read of a character swabbing intimate parts for S.T.D's on her room-mates overnight guests while they are asleep, or pointing out that someone has facial Herpes when you are first introduced to them is it! Marsh *sigh* what can I say about this absolute dream-boat of a guy, I must admit that although he was hot, as the book progressed I felt more maternal towards him than anything, and it didn't make any difference to my enjoyment of the story. He takes it upon himself to try and help integrate Izzy into college life and painlessly as possible for all involved, as well as put out as many of the verbal fires she creates on her way round campus, being her RA he is meant to be off limits on a romantic level, but the camaraderie, understanding and unfaltering support he gives her does quickly turn into more, which I LOVED. Marshall - "I need you to say it"..."say that you want more than this. With me." Throw in Boot Camp training, road trips to Nashville, bowling and an unusual take on learning Human Anatomy and I was hooked! Izzy's gradual understanding of herself and how the results of her words/actions could be perceived, as well as her growing relationship with Marshall and the issues in his life, made this book memorable for all the right reasons. Izzy - "You are a very brave soul Marshall Collins. I can throw you in front of any challenge and you're ready." Marshall - "Only for you."..."For you, I'm ready." I would really like more from this couple, or maybe some of the secondary characters, Kelsey (Izzy's room-mate) and Jamie (Marshall's brother) are the first ones to spring to mind, because they both had personalities and for me it felt like they had their own stories to tell. Fingers Crossed (pun intended) that Julie has some more inspiration in the future where this wonderful cast and their stories are concerned. ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Still Life with Strings; Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars. Healing a broken body is easier than healing a broken heart... Still Life With Strings isn't your typical boy-meets-girl and they fall in love kind of story. I think I would struggle to accurately put together a fully coherent review, outlining just how enjoyable this book is, without leaving massive spoilers, but I am going to try. Picture Fantasia for adults if you will (and check out my updates while reading for more pictorial interpretations of what I was seeing whilst reading). Jade Lennon and Shane Arthur are from completely different backgrounds, their upbringings and current day-to-day lives couldn't be more different. Somehow these differences are what make them fit together, Shane has lead a sheltered and somewhat closeted life, while Jade has pretty much been balls-to-the-wall from her early teens. Shane wants Jade to teach him how to live, and Jade just wants to avoid her reality as much as she possibly can. Both are tortured souls, but don't be mistaken in thinking this is your usual angst-fest that seems to be the norm in books lately. What follows, and their story is wholly different from anything I have read previously in this type of genre, is simply intoxicating! Two people looking to live their lives as best they can, and deal with the cards that they have been dealt, whilst once in a while looking to remove themselves from familial pressures, expectations and obligations, and the echoes from their pasts that don't seem to want to go away. "What is perfect anyway?" "Whatever you want it to be. Think of it more as a feeling. I think perfect is just feeling content with your lot." The coincidences that tie Jade and Shane together are inspired and unexpected; I did not see any of them until right up to the point of actually reading. Jade uses her mind and imagination as a form of escapism and you are at points in the story taken away by the lyrical, descriptive and totally engrossing writing of L. H. Cosway's imagination - My head wanders as I become enraptured by the music. I hardly see or hear any of the other musicians, my attention solely on this intriguing man. Musical notes float out of his strings in a cacophony of colours and textures. They fly up into the air. A treble clef drifts to me, catching onto the edge of my shirt. I pick it up and smooth it beneath my fingers, fold it in half, and stick it in my pocket for safekeeping. I literally got lost in this book; it is so full of colour, and sound and imagery that it really does take you away to the places and people contained in its pages. If you are looking for a book that offers escapism, while being tied up in a pretty spectacular storyline, then Still Life In Strings is definitely one you need to read. My thanks go to L. H. Cosway, for generously providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seducing Mr. Right (Come Undone, #3.5); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This Novella from the Come Undone Series. Wowee this is a hot short story, the tension between Grayson and Danielle sizzles off the page from the get go. I loved that although this is a novella, the build up from them actually meeting to then getting together doesn't feel rushed. Things progress to the point where the flirting and innocent touching are not enough, and they both decide to take things a step further at the company Halloween party. "I won't do anything to you that you don't beg me for first." Danielle is under the impression that Grayson is the mail room guy. How wrong can a girl be! Grayson is worried that Danielle will run a mile when she finds out who he really is, seeing she has major daddy issues, and he actually epitomizes everything she believe she doesn't want in a partner...... and he is pretty spot on with his assessment. However the Phantom of the Opera is an insistent fellow, and what ensues is pretty damn excellent. The quality of Katee Robert's writing in this novella has definitely pushed the Come Undone series to the top of my TBR list. ARC provided by Entangled: Brazen, for which I am happy to provide the above honest review *originally reviewed for the Halloween Anthology - Lovers Unmasked September 2013).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Games (McCade Brothers, #1.5); Author: Samanthe Beck; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Another great Entangled Novella In Wicked Games we are treated to Ian's partner Trevor and his comical one-liners. Trevor and Ian are police officers who just happen to be dating twin sisters, although Ian split up from Stacy a month ago, and is currently working on getting them back together. Unfortunately Stacy is harbouring insecurities about her past, and is also dealing with a prospective stalker. Ian's protective instincts kick in big time at a Halloween fancy dress-party, where things all come to a head between them and then the stalker turns nasty. I have to admit it did all get a bit predictable from here on in, but the story was well written, what with the baddie turning up and who it was etc, but I enjoyed the characters and who doesn't want their own "Halloween Hero" like Stacy get's in Ian. Great epilogue as well! ARC provided by Entangled: Brazen, for which I am happy to provide the above honest review (originally reviewed for the Halloween Anthology - Lovers Unmasked September 2013).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Relentless (The Marsh Brothers, #1); Author: Anna Wells; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 Stars. Relentless is a book with potential, but unfortunately I didn't feel that it was realised on this occasion. I love the friends to lovers theme, and although Jordan and Michaela were likeable enough I found their conversations and sexy-times a bit cold and stilted, and the storyline didn't really offer anything new, from books that I have already read from this genre either. Even Jordan's "Secret" that he withheld from Michaela throughout the whole of their friendship wasn't much of a "Secret" to me as a reader, and again was just a tad cliche and un-original. Sadly, one of my big peeves was in this book as well and that is the overuse of the H/h names, once a conversation has started between the two of them I didn't really see the need to then constantly use "Jordan said" or "Michaela said" (anal I know, but my Kindle informs me that their names are used 683 and 656 times respectively which in a book of this length is HUGE). All little things I know but when added together, took away my enjoyment from the book. I don't mind reading a book with a similar storyline to ones I have read previously as long as it is well written and I am able to engage and connect with the characters. Sadly Relentless didn't have that pull for me, that-said I believe with a few good Beta-readers and a kick-ass editor Anna could move on from average and into enjoyable on her future books. I would read another book by this author as I would like to see if the feedback that is being given is being put to good use. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Time of Our Lives; Author: Jane Costello; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Son of a Belgian Bun" & "Thunderclap" Stars. Take three very different women, send them on holiday to a luxury hotel in Barcelona, add in a pregnancy, a sexy Journalist, a P.R nightmare, and a plethora of mix-ups, unfortunate incidents and comedic anecdotes and you have basically got The Time of our Lives. Jane Costello has written a book of the type I adore, where you can't help but laugh, whether you are on the bus, at the station or sitting in a coffee shop minding your own business. I felt strangely proud that my obvious amusement bought a smile to the faces of several of the patrons in the coffee shop I was sitting in as there is nothing better than making someone else smile in my opinion. Imogen, Meredith and Nicola have been friends forever and have always managed to squeeze in the odd girls-only holiday over the years. Although they have usually been of the budget Marbella or camping type in the past. Meredith is 7 Months pregnant and has won a holiday to the exclusive B Hotel in Barcelona and as her swansong before motherhood she takes her two best-friends along with her to enjoy a relaxing, 5 Star Luxury break. I really don't know where to start when it comes to all of the things I loved about this book. Told from Imogen's POV there is a deeper and more serious story being told as the book progresses, and although I did cry my eyes out when it is fully revealed, I still felt like I was reading a book that contained laughter and fun on every page. Add in Harry the dashing and elusive Journalist, a boss with a death wish, black eyes, broken arms, a naked one-legged geography teacher, pigeon poo mugging techniques and attempting to bribe a night-club bouncer with prescription for Thrush cream and you can see why I was inappropriately laughing from the minute I started reading (and believe me this is just a very small percentage of what Imogen and her pals get up to). There are verbal gems contained in literally every paragraph, but for me Meredith stole the show on more than one occasion - Meredith on Imogen getting it on with Harry - "I bet he's a Billionaire playboy like Christian Grey. He'd be perfect for you!" "Because he's like Christian Grey? I haven't had sex in five years, Meredith. I think a butt plug on my first go might be a little ambitious." Meredith on being in labour - Concierge - "Is there anything at all we can get you?" "Ooh, Champagne would be nice." They say laughter is the best medicine, and reading The Time of Our Lives is like getting a concentrated shot, straight to all the places that you need it. ARC provided via Netgalley and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Run To You; Author: Rachel Gibson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 2.5 - Beau Junger Stars. Run To You was what I would term as an ok read, it didn't blow me away but I didn't hate it either, the cover is totally misleading seeing as Beau is blond haired, grey eyed and ripped, and Stella is a olive skinned Latina, but hey ho I can live with that. I had a few laughs with the Queens at the bar where Stella Initially worked, I mean who doesn't want to have a friend called Anna Conda, and watch acts with names like Lady Gay Gay, Him Kardashian and Devine Boxx... Things went a bit south when it comes to light that Stella is a 28 year old virgin . But I decided to carry on as; in the main I was still enjoying it, especially as I love a book with a "Road Trip" theme. Sadly as the book progressed, my annoyance with Stella increased, and it was actually pretty obvious that there is a ten year age gap between the two of them by her behaviour and reaction to things... Rather than swear Stellla says - Holy frijole guacamole... A LOT, which again got really annoying as the story progressed, especially when it was used in the bedroom. Beau, well he is a different story altogether, and is what kept me reading too the end. I absolutely loved him, a blunt, straight-to-the-point, sexy ex-Marine. I love a guy who although is ornery and difficult to get along with, has a soft and squishy centre and that is Beau to a Tee! Oh and he has a twin *swoon*. The language used at times really didn't seem fitting for the character we are led to think of Beau as, and if I am honest I can't really see any guy using the words "Muffin" or "Hot Pocket" in any context, let alone sexually. This is the fourth book in the Lovett, Texas Series, and my first Rachel Gibson book, would I read another book from this author...Yes, but I don't think it would jump to the top of my TBR on its release day, more of a filler when I am undecided as to what I want to read next. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fated (Dark Protectors, #1); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "You picked the wrong girl to dominate, Dracula." Stars! I can understand why this series has met with mixed reviews. But I suppose we all take from the same book vastly different things. For me this book and this series is exactly what I am looking to read right now. From page one Talen, Cara and Janie grabbed my attention, and held me captive right through to the end of the book. Add to the fact I have finally found what I consider a 'grown-up' series about Sanguisuga, Shape-Shifters & Witches that include (but are not limited to) a family of 5 Big, Burly, Uber Dominant brothers and I am in heaven. Just a few of my favourite lines from the book to sum up - His smile was pure sin in a face carved by gods. Good god she'd kissed him like the truth to the universe existed in his tonsils. "Our mates are human. And Cara" - his voice dropped to a rumble -"you're mine." This is classic Rebecca Zanetti, if you love her Sin Brothers series, and are looking for some cocky, confident, over-the-top Alpha males, then look no further and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Claimed (Dark Protectors, #2); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "I'm with the man, not the king. The king can kiss my ass." Stars! The King and his 'mate' are given their story. I liked Dage in Fated; the guy is dealing with a lot of responsibility, but still manages to keep his sense of humor. Emma is Cara's sister, who we get to know a little about in book 1 as well. You also get more of an insight into their past with their parents in Claimed, but from Emma's point of view this time. Main point for me that I loved, was the verbal sparring between the two of them, Rebecca Zanetti got this aspect of their relationship spot on. "You're hurt you need to feed." "Feed? You watch too much television, love." "You don't drink blood?" "Sure, during extreme situations" ... "But for dinner I prefer a nice steak with a vintage Cabernet." Emma - "I promise I won't point a gun at you unless I intend to shoot." Emma and Dage have history, only it's not in the normal way that a couple does. I found this aspect and the building of their relationship around it a really nice touch; it gave them a depth so that you didn't feel like you were reading an 'insta-love' type scenario. "I've waited centuries for your touch Emma" ... "This isn't how I pictured it" ... "Now step out of the way, love." "You're wearing my colours, love." ... "Soon you'll be wearing me." The chemistry between these two is fiery, because Emma is no push-over and is used to being answerable to no-one, her clashes with Dage in and out of the bedroom are many and varied. "I won't take orders from you." "Oh love, you misunderstand. It wasn't the king demanding your obedience" ... "it was the man." "There's a difference?" "Absolutely. The king has rules" ... "The man doesn't." Her concern warmed him throughout, from his toes to his ears - and he'd had no idea he'd been cold. The little scientist cared about him, the man not the leader. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to see the man... he'd found his mate. The development of this series as the books progress is really well handled, there are a lot of characters in each book and you are gradually introduced to them more fully as things progress. The sexual tension that has been simmering between Jordan & Katie since the beginning is starting to sizzle, and I cannot wait to get to their book too see how it actually plays out between them. However, the relationship that I expect is going to be the one that will make this series is Janie and Zane, bearing in mind Janie is 5 in this book we have a little time to travel and a whole lot of story to get through before we get to them, but the little bits and pieces Rebecca is incorporating into the books as we go are giving me butterflies, which is always a good sign to me as I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tempted (Dark Protectors, #2.5); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Sorry, vamp. Not going to happen." Stars! Rebecca Zanetti, managed to pack an awful lot of story into this novella. I wish it had been longer and that is the only reason I dropped it down a star. I think Max and Sarah had enough going for them to get a full length book. We have seen glimpses of Max throughout the previous books as he is Janie's main guard. I have had a soft spot for him since the beginning; I mean who wouldn't go all squishy for a guy who is happy to let a little girl paint his nails! "You don't seem like a snuggler." "Ah sweetheart. I've been known to snuggle, cuddle, wipe away crocodile tears and buy Band-Aids decorated with ponies. I'm harmless." He also has specific tastes when it comes to women - "I like large women... Females who can take it all night and are happily unable to walk the next morning." Which leads me onto his deliciously dirty mouth - "Sarah" ... "I'm going to roll you over, and you're going to sleep." "Why?" "Because the other option is in two seconds, you're going to be flat on your back, getting fucked within an inch of your life. You're not ready for that." I am hoping we get to see more of Max & Sarah in the remaining books in the series, as I loved them both.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hunted (Dark Protectors, #3); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - A Vampire & A Witch Face Off In A Bar! Stars. I have to be honest and say I got so absorbed in this book that I didn't actually write many notes to put together a review with. That is a good thing as far as I am concerned though, as it indicates just how bloody absorbing each book is. I can't say this is my favourite so far. I didn't connect with Moira as much as I did with Cara, Emma & Sarah, but the whole story progression and the development of the characters is still so beautifully constructed that you can't help but enjoy what you are reading. Let's face it sexy dominant Vampires are pretty much a win-win with me and the Kayrs brothers tick the boxes with aplomb! I loved the banter between Conn & Moira, and that some of the book was set in Ireland. Conn's pet name for Moira 'Dailtin' is very apt and I think this is one of the main reasons I didn't connect with her as much as I would have liked to. After spending a century apart as you would imagine the sex is hot and ferocious, and sometimes messy, which is as you would expect when a powerful Witch and Vampire come together. "You're it for me Moira. I'm keeping you." Jordan and Katie are up next, and bearing in mind the sexual tension has been bubbling away between them since book one. I am expecting another outstanding read from the imagination of Rebecca Zanetti.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Provoked (Dark Protectors, #5); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - His hold was unbreakable, his face unreadable, and his heart untouchable. Stars. Kane Kayrs has been mysterious in the fact that Rebecca Zanetti, has not really given us much of an insight into him in the previous Dark Protectors books. The highly intelligent scientist is a bit of a loner, with a penchant for ordered Zen living conditions, who likes to hunt Werewolves in his spare time, other than that nada! Hold on to your knicker elastic ladies, our elusive scientist is a hottie with an extremely capable 'test-tube' that he knows exactly how to use, for maximum satisfaction! Amber is a free-spirited, clean living vegan... Basically Kane's opposite in almost every way, and you know what they say about opposites! Finally, he found home. "Amber, I like you. Against all rational thought, I like the way you think, the way you move, even the way you feel everything too strongly. And I want to have one night with you - not to relieve some stress, although it would - not to cement your help, although it might - and not to further any of my rather pressing goals. I just want to get inside you and drive you crazy until you scream my name." I love this series, I love this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Consumed (Dark Protectors, #4); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "You survive the moon tonight, and I'll blow you every chance I get." Stars! 10 years have passed, since the beginning of the Dark Protectors series and Jordan and Katie finally get their book. I have been reading this series avidly over the past couple of weeks, and the simmering sexual tension between these two throughout each book is finally getting the chance to develop into a full blown relationship. "I'm strong, Jordan. You made sure of it." Something about her wildness just plain and simple turned him on. Rebecca Zanetti delivered yet again, this is a book that has had anticipation building for it, threaded through pretty much all of the previous books in the series, but the passing of time and the development of the two characters because of it made their finally coming together all the more explosive and poignant, both POV's show just how deeply and completely these two people feel for each other, and no matter how much Jordan fights against it, deep down he knows that Katie is his irrevocably and for always. "Jordan. Kiss me back. Just one more time." The development of other characters in this book also promises lots more thrills and spills, Terrent and Maggie have definitely got a few things to 'hash' out, and not that Janie has almost grown up I am looking forward to seeing how her destiny plays out in the latter stages of this series. Katie - "You're better than any dream I have ever had." Jordan - "You are every dream I've ever had." Another 5 Star read from Ms. Zanetti, I am a little sad that I am getting nearer to being caught up with this series, as I almost feel like I am part of the family now! "I want you. Even if this is our only chance... our only time... I never want to look back and wish."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twisted (Dark Protectors, #5.5); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I'm a big ole slut who f**ked wolf-boy senseless ten years ago." Stars! The one issue I have with the novellas that are part of the Dark Protectors series is that I think the characters (although secondary to the Kayrs family in the books) have enough going for them that they could be afforded a full length book. Maggie and Terrent are no exception, especially as the novella develops and you realise that things between them aren't as cut and dried as you thought. "I think I remember loving you, Terrent Vilks." Home lived in his scent, in the feel of his arms around her. "Then I found you, and I wasn't lonely any longer."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadowed (Dark Protectors, #6); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Kermit the Kurjan." Stars! Although this book focuses on the budding relationship between Brenna and Jase, the hands-down, standout character for me is Garrett Kayrs, teenage son of Talyn and Cara. After being abducted and held by the Kurgans, his one-liners and witty comebacks when conversing with their leader Kalin were absolutely hilarious. I do hope that Rebecca gives him his own book at some point, as I have loved his progression from child to boy to man, as much as I have enjoyed witnessing Janie grow up through everybody else's stories. Rebecca has kept her relevant throughout the series, which you would expect seeing as everything that has come to pass is because of a prophecy announcing that she will change the world.... Enough of that for now, Janie and her story are due in December 2014, and I cannot wait! Jase has survived 5 years imprisonment and torture from the Demons, now free physically, he is still mentally broken, struggling with anger and rage, and fed up of being treated like he has 'breasts' by his brothers. Brenna is sick, poisoned many years ago, her body is finally succumbing.... the only hope of a cure, to mate with a Vampire. "I'm not leaving you to fight alone" ... "You've done enough of that. We're in this together." She ran her hand along the side of his face, her heart breaking when he turned into her palm. As if a gentle touch was too much for him to resist. Tears pricked the back of her eyes. "I won't hurt you," she whispered from somewhere deeper than the moment.... "Don't let me hurt you." The gentle plea matched his devastated tone. This book, is sexy, hot, funny and heartbreaking. I loved Jase, I knew his book would be the one to make me cry, and it did, but I also laughed a lot as well. The Kayrs brothers look after their own, even if it means beating the crap out of each other, until you are so battered, broken and bloody that you can't fight no more! Hot male. Chilled tiles. Throbbing cock. Brenna - "There is something I'd like to try" ... Jase - "What's that?" Brenna - "I've wondered, how much of you I can take in my mouth." ... Forever had teeth, and when it was right, it sank in. And the above pretty much sums up this series for me!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tamed (Dark Protectors, #6.5); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "So. Rumor has it you want to get laid." Stars. Having just finished Tamed, after pretty much reading the entire dark protectors series in the last month I can unequivocally say that this is my number one favourite Series of all time. 2014 has been the year of Rebecca Zanetti for me having discovered her writing, and now I am at that unenviable point where I am waiting for her future releases, as I have literally devoured everything she has ever written in the last couple of months. My only gripe with Tamed and it is the same gripe I have had with all 3 of the Dark Protectors novellas is that there is enough going on with the story, and characters as a whole that Caleb and Lily could have had a full length book. That said, I loved what I was given and will be waiting impatiently for Marked to be released in December. Caleb and Lily have been circling around each other pretty much since the beginning of this series. Lily chose duty over love over three centuries ago, and left Caleb to marry a man of her father's choosing. However in that time, she has been widowed, subsequently become a prophet and been infected by the Kurjan Virus, which has caused her to lose her husband's marking. As such, she is free, single and ever-so-ready -to-mingle. The untouchable just became touchable. Caleb has wanted Lily from the beginning, but has kept his distance...off fighting the war and now trying to come to terms with his new role of Prophet for the Realm, there hasn't been a lot of time for romance. But now with the three prophets coming together to oversee the peace talks, the time for avoidance is over. "When you're in a room, you're all I see." The climax of this series is approaching fast, and a lot goes on in Tamed, with the Kayrs family trying to protect, what the Demons and the Kurjans are desperately trying to get hold of. The one thing that binds them all together, and gives them a purpose... Janie Kayrs. "This year is the year it all happens. Whatever it is, I've always known the prophecy come true while I'm twenty-five, which I am right now." It was good to see Caleb and Lily get their story; Rebecca as always gives the reader a sexy, sensual and engrossing story, I have fallen a little in love with each and every couple in this series and these two are no exception. Things never are as cut and dried as they seem in a Rebecca Zanetti book, and once again she took Lily and turned her from sweet, demure and peace-loving prophet into a kick-ass, take no prisoners woman. "You've underestimated me, bitch." I loved seeing old-fashioned, demure 'Prophet Lil' shake off her skirts and morph into the woman she has always secretly aspired to be. Standing up to Caleb, demanding that he treats her as an equal and not a breakable piece of china in all aspects of; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Again (You Again, #1); Author: Ashlee Mallory; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars if this is book is the beginning of a series, 3 Stars if it isn't... You Again is a review that I struggle to write, not because I have nothing to say, but because what I have to say and my opinions of the book are vastly different for the above factors. If this book is not the beginning of a series (and I have looked for information on GR, and the authors website to see if it is) and is just a standalone novel then for me it fell in the average pile, I love a good romantic suspense novel and You Again fell a little short on that front for me. I have put my reasoning for this below - * There are so many characters floating through this book, that by the end of it I didn't really feel I really knew any of them, including Sam and Allie any better than I did at the beginning. Mr Williams (the dead body mentioned in the synopsis, is the only one who I felt had actually had any character development as the story progressed). * There isn't a huge amount of romance to be had either if I am honest. * The whole Meredith situation was all a bit "you-what-now!" as well for me... It also required further development, or Allie and Sam to actually confront her about her past actions. * The story has all-sorts of drama added into it as it progresses and it's mainly from the secondary characters, Claire and the elusive Rick (no explanation as to why he is that way, just intimated that he is a little shifty and possessive). Allie's Family and their religious preferences (again, I personally do not feel this added anything to the story). Laney and the drama with her husband (also wasn't really resolved by the end of the book, and didn't really offer anything to the actual point of the story). * The big one for me was Sam's mother, because although her involvement in the story was pivotal, the medical condition she was given was not. And what really disappoints me is that as a reader you are not given any indication or closure on it either way, rather than just being left hanging at the end of the book, I really wanted to know how everything turned out; if this is a standalone an epilogue would have helped. The mystery aspect of the story was quite well done, I had my suspicions as to who it was pretty much from the discovery of the body, but if the story is good that never usually bothers me. I think the reason it was a bit of an issue this time is because of the factors listed above, and the fact that the body of the story got lost in all of the extra drama that the author was adding to try and justify all of the other characters presence in the book... That said, if this is the start of a series then a lot of; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Searching for Perfect (Searching For, #2); Author: Jennifer Probst; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Definitely Better Than The First Book Stars. The thing that is really hard, and really amazing is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. I will be honest and say I wasn't blown away by book one in this series. I found Searching for Someday, to be at best average. As such I started Searching for Perfect with a little trepidation. Luckily, Kennedy and Nathaniel's book grabbed me from the beginning and we all got on like the proverbial 'House on Fire'! As mentioned this is the second book in the Searching For Series, and you will go through the whole spectrum of emotions whilst reading it. Think of My Fair Lady, but for a Nerdy Rocket Scientist, with a unibrow, no brain to mouth filter and a highly honed skill of managing to spill food on himself even when he isn't eating! Kennedy Ashe is the self confessed make-over specialist of Kinnections, she meets Ned after he spectacularly crashes and burns at one of their speed-dating evenings, decides to take him on as a special case, her initial impressions are not great! Big bulky glasses, shaggy dog hair, Walmart clothes. And orange skin from a botched self-tanner There are a huge amount of laughs in this book, some of my favourite parts included Ming and her "Brush of doom" and Benny the Hairdresser. The "Fuck You" fight towards the end had me in stitches too. I am glad that Kennedy changed his name to Nate as well because after his make-over he definitely didn't strike me as a Ned anymore! But at the heart of this story, behind the funny situations and pithy one-liners are two people both struggling with some pretty big issues. Kennedy has tried to keep emotional entanglements at a minimum in the past because of her lack of body confidence, and Nate struggles to get emotionally involved with anyone who does not fit into the parameters he has set for himself as 'acceptable'. "Ken?" "Huh?" "I want to kiss you." "Don't think that's a good idea." "Agreed"... "Don't care." I have to say I hated Nate's brother Connor at the beginning of the book, but he redeemed himself beautifully towards the end. There are also a few side stories developing as this series progresses as well, which I am looking forward to seeing more of in the next book(s). ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Three of Us (Talyton St George, #7.5); Author: Cathy Woodman; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Crabstick & Sprogget Stars. I love Cathy Woodman's writing, and am proud to say that I have read and adored every one of the Talyton St. George books. The Three of Us is a novella which introduces us to the Village Midwife Zara, through her dealings with a now pregnant Tessa and her husband Jack, who we first got to know in The Village Vet. This novella made me ugly cry, which was not what I expected to be honest, Cathy's previous book's whilst always full of emotion, usually err on the warm and fuzzy side of the scale. As such it came as a bit of a shock reading, Tessa and Jacks heartbreak and anguish and their subsequent relationship difficulties, while attempting to deal with the possibility that their baby may not be born 100% healthy. Tessa - "Everyone talks about me as the mum-to-be but I've been a mother since I did that pregnancy test and I've been protecting and fighting for the life inside me ever since." This novella is another stellar addition to the Talyton St. George Series, and I cannot wait for the release of Follow Me Home in April where we get to read Zara's story. ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night After Night (Seductive Nights, #1); Author: Lauren Blakely; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.75 - Can't Wait Til May Stars! She ripped open the foil, and the sound made his eyes snap open. "You came prepared" he said. "I prepare for coming" she replied. You know whats in store when you read conversations like that. And Clay and Julia get the award for being the best Dirty Talking, Dominating couple I have read for a while, both of them like to be in charge, yet they both also know when to let the other lead the way. She was a tall drink of a woman and her red hair was blowing in the late afternoon breeze. Clay isn't afraid to say what is on his mind, he is also comfortable with the fact that he likes a little kink in (and out) of the bedroom - "I like what I like and I like it all with you" He's the sexiest, dirtiest, smartest, and kindest man I have ever met. So what started as one night and turned into overnight and a day, has now progressed into a long weekend. Unfortunately Julia has secrets, and fear of reprisals from those secrets mean she is unable to be fully honest with Clay about a few aspects of her life. Clay, having been burnt in the past by dishonesty isn't sure whether he can live with Julia's secrets... This is a series, and as such this novella ends on a cliffhanger. I as a rule steer clear of series and cliffhangers in general, as I just get annoyed at having to wait for the next book. But the final part in Clay and Julia's story is released mid May (but not the series), so I was happy to give Night After Night a go, as I won't have to re-read everything when the After This Night is released. I am glad I did, a wholly enjoyable read from Lauren Blakely, she has gotten the perfect balance between hot and dirty sex, and an absorbing storyline in my opinion. ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unfixable; Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.75 - "Drive it like you stole it" Stars. I forgot what it meant to be comfortably broken. I thought I was Unfixable before. Now I'm plane-crash wreckage The Willa Peet we get to know in Unfixable is not the Willa Peet, you meet in His To Protect. Two years have passed and like all teenagers Willa has grown up in that time, the stability she has found in the family unit Derek and Ginger have created has helped ease the snark and sarcasm (although it is still there, and ready to be fired with both barrels when required). Unfixable is Willa's journey to get back to herself, after spending two years trying to be someone else for the sake of a relationship. Ugliness never entirely goes away...My ugliness is particularly stubborn. I really enjoyed Unfixable, The only real issue I have with it is the pacing of the story, seeing as Shane is an F1 driver I will use this analogy to put across what I mean - The first 70% was like doing a Grand Prix behind the "Safety Car", then the last 30% felt like "Qualifying" and it was pedal to the metal all the way! Willa is in Dublin for a month after winning a photography competition. After a sticky start at the airport Willa and Shane Claymore then spend the next 70% of the book circling each other like boxers sizing up their opposition. There are a lot of brooding looks across Claymores Bar, Shane has a penchant for following Willa up to her room, and all they seem to want to initially do is wind each other up! Willa "Relax, Frosty. I told you I wasn't here to make friends and I meant it." I loved that as the book progresses we get to see Ireland through Willa's eyes. I found myself Googleing all of the places mentioned so I could visualise her travels as I read. From the Liffey River to St. Stephens Green(above). Dalkey Castle to Killiney Hill (below), it was like being on my own sightseeing tour of Dublin at the same time. Oh and did I mention that a certain sexy Irishman has a dirty mouth! "I'm going to use my mouth on you, Willa. Would you like that?" "What about you?" "This is for me." I like that we get too see grown up Willa, and how she develops into her own woman as her month spent in Dublin progresses. Shane and his own family have drama that they are also trying to deal with, and weirdly I felt proud of Willa when, rather than take the easy path and look the other way as she initially want to, she steps up and helps the family out as best she can, her moments with Kitty were particularly poignant. Shane "How do you manage to see the best in everyone, Willa, but only the worst in yourself?" As I said the last 30% of this book made it all worth while, the verbal sparring and predatory circling ends and its full steam; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Plain Jayne (Friends First, #1); Author: Laura Drewry; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - I Loved All The 80's references, But I Would Have Liked a Story As Well Stars... Plain Jayne had the potential to be a 5 star book, unfortunately it fell quite short of the mark and the stars dropped down as the book progressed. Don't get me wrong, the book is beautifully written, and I absolutely adored all of the 80's flashbacks with the music, and the film quotes at the beginning of each chapter, Bad Medicine bought back memories of playing my Air Guitar in my bedroom, with Jon Bon Jovi staring down at me from the posters on my wall. Film quotes from classics such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Some Kind of Wonderful, had me reaching for the DVD box-set.... What left me a little unsatisfied was the fact that almost 80% of the book follows the exact same cycle - * Nick and Jayne are friends. * Nick and Jayne both want to be more than friends, but continue deny their feelings. * Nick drops everything to help out Jayne, and completely forgets about his girlfriend Lisa/Linda depending on who you are talking to (her actual name is Lisa, but both Jayne and Nick seem to have a terrible time remembering this). * Everyone else in the book points out that Nick and Jayne love each other. * Nick feels guilty and spends a little time with Lisa/Linda * Nick and Jayne are friends...... And so it begins again!!! The first 50% of the book showed great potential and I was really enjoying it, add in a gay-blind date, Carter the goofy cousin, and some really funny dialogue and there was potential for this to be a great friends-to-lovers romance but the book just took too long to get past the above cycle. I would definitely read more from Laura Drewry in the future, but I would like her to use fibre-optic story speed on her future works, rather than dial-up! ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hard Time; Author: Cara McKenna; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "Here I Come" Stars. Hard Time is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Cara McKenna, to say I went straight to Amazon and 1-Clicked everything else she has ever written once I had finished it would be totally true... It is one of those books that you read and ask yourself why you have never read a book by the author before. Although there are a couple of warnings I would give you before you start it yourself, so you don't make the same mistakes I did. 1 - Do NOT start this book at 11pm on a Sunday night if you have to get up for work Monday morning. 2 - Do NOT take your Kindle to bed with you On said Sunday night with the mantra "just one more chapter" running through your head... Ignore the above at your peril, because I was up until gone 3am reading, and looked like Zombie shite for the whole of Monday!! That-said I didn't really care as I LOVED this book hard, and I couldn't wait to get home to finish it. The first 50% of this book just kept me on the edge of my seat, biting my lip, praying that the author would give Annie and Eric a break, the letters *sigh*, their date-nights *fluttery tummy*, and their finally coming together *holy shit I need a shower*. His gaze...it stuck to me. Clung to me like the heat left by a lovers palm. I felt him step through the door, a heatwave and a cold front all wrapped inside one man. This book is unusual, unique and not your normal boy-meets-girl type of romance, and I suppose that is why I loved it so much, I didn't at any point think Hard Time reminded me of anything else I have ever read. Reading of a man who is so hard on the outside, but is willing to sit back and let a woman take charge is a refreshing change as well. The letter writing, put you in Eric's head perfectly, and gave you his POV without actually putting you in his head. "You're the first good thing I've felt in so long. The only colourful thing in this shitty grey world I've come back to. The spring seems a long ways off. Maybe seeing you will get me through the winter. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, for me to rate a book 5 stars nowadays is becoming quite infrequent, but to have the urge to immediately read it again straight after I have finished it. I can hand on heart say that Hard Time is only the second book I have felt that way about this year. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dazed (Connections, #2.5); Author: Kim Karr; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - Feeling a bit mis-lead stars. I firstly want to be honest and say that apart from reading appx 16% of Connected I don't have a huge frame of reference for this author or series. Whether that is a bad or good thing I will leave you too decide, I will admit I was happily looking to spend my weekend reading through the books in order, but I couldn't get on with the writing in book one, so I jumped straight to Dazed, as it has been advertised as ok to read stand-alone. That-said I started it with an open mind, but several issues immediately jumped out. Firstly I would point out the synopsis - Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He needs to make a change, and the last thing he's looking for is love... Aerie Daniels is a woman in control ... until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her stunned, and it's unlike anything she's ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about him that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces. To keep from losing the one woman he can't bear to be without, Jagger is willing to give up anything--including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie's shattered trust... So from reading that I was expecting a book from Jagger's POV, or Dual POV at least, it is actually told solely from Aerie's POV. I have to say I didn't really like Aerie, again we have a character who has had the world handed to her on a plate, rich, living well but has suffered a couple of losses in her life. She had her heart broken as a teenager and has managed to let it infest her life to such a proportion that it now rules over her and all of the relationships that she has had since... I feel this book would have benefited from Dual POV, for the fact that it would have given more insight into how Jagger managed to anticipate all of Aerie's OCD tendencies from the off, as well as help her move past them so easily. I would have also liked to see what was going on in his head in the times they were apart as well as how he dealt with his past coming back into his life. I have to admit that I found the authors decision to have him smelling of Lavender a little unusual, not a smell I would ever really associate with a man, and the repetition of the Orange Shoelaces and Blue Quilted Vest combo didn't really scream Model/Actor to me, more lumberjack! All in all not a winner for me, the story held potential and I did enjoy it, but it didn't blow me away.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crazy Little Thing (Bell Harbor, #1); Author: Tracy Brogan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - 'Orgasmaphobia' & 'Rumpled Foreskin' Stars! Crazy Little Thing is the first book I have read by Tracy Brogan, but it definitely won't be my last. If an author/book makes me laugh I am generally a happy reader. And Crazy Little Thing delivered in spades on the humour front. The laughs started from the get-go with Aunt Dody confusing a Macchiato coffee with the actor Ralph Macchio and went from there. Why not 5 stars then I hear you say, well for me Sadie was a little over the top when it came to jumping to the wrong conclusion, tarring-everyone-with-the-same-brush-as-her-ex-husband and in general being a total Drama Llama, and after the first couple of times is just got a bit predictable, in fact the only times I wasn't laughing uncontrollably or smiling were when Sadie was having one of her melt-downs! The way this book is written also displays a massive talent in my opinion, Tracy had a descriptive style that I haven't experienced before and it was refreshing. Richard and I signed on the dotted line and our marriage dissolved, like margarita salt on the tongue, leaving behind the bitter aftertaste of something that had started out sweet and ended sour. My updates pretty much sum up how funny this book was, basically throw in 2 young children, a 'Gay as a spring day' cousin named Fontaine and a few inappropriate oldies and the laughs flowed freely. "The doctor says I need more fibre. Three bowls of bran cereal this week and I still can't poop for shit." As you can see the humour is top notch, I really want to give Crazy Little Thing 5 stars, Des was absolutely yummy as well, but - Straight onto book 2 in this series, The Best Medicine here's hoping I can give it a 5!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Best Medicine (Bell Harbor, #2); Author: Tracy Brogan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Penis Colada & Strawberry Dickery." Stars! I really do have to commend Tracy Brogan on putting a good story together. The Best Medicine is the second book in the Bell Harbour Series, and in the main I enjoyed this book as much as I did book 1 - Crazy Little Thing. As with any series set in a town it is always enjoyable to see the return of characters from the previous books. I loved Dody and Fontaine from Crazy Little Thing so it was great to catch up with them as well as Des, Sadie & Jasper. It's funny actually as for all the things I liked about The Best Medicine, I have the same small problem with it as I did with Crazy Little Thing, and that is I wasn't overly fond of our heroine Dr. Evelyn Rhoades. I was suffering from a severe case of vaginal cobwebs. It must be like an old, abandoned subway tunnel down there. Now don't get me wrong there were a lot of giggles in this book (not as many as Crazy Little Thing), and some of the dating situations Evie gets herself into after she signs up for bellharborssingles.com are really funny, but for a supposedly intelligent, well educated woman, I just found her and her equally intelligent and educated friends Gabby and Hilary so judgemental about everyone and everything it was actually a bit of a turn off, it all got a bit 'Mean Girls' at points. Evie is 35, and OMG call the Police!! She's still single. After learning that her parents who have been divorced for 23 years and hate each other's guts are remarrying..... Each other, she decides it's time to take drastic action, and find herself a Husband - Bell Harbor Singles - Whether you're looking for just a little fun in the afternoon sun, or stroll down the aisle, your ideal match is waiting for you. Log on now. Your happily-ever-after is just one click away. It was like reading the who's who of 'how not to date' and I loved that wherever Evie went on her dating disasters Tyler managed to pop up and rescue her. Tyler is only 27 and doesn't fit into the pre-prepared list Evie has put together in her search for a husband, but even though she is determined to stay away from him, he manages to wear her resistance down (lucky, lucky lady). "I like the way you keep telling me I'm not for you. Every time you say that it just makes me want to prove to you that I am." I loved Panzer the dog - My issues with Evie and her friends didn't massively detract from my enjoyment of The Best Medicine. The setting, the people and the easy to engage with storyline make it one of those reads you pick up on a whim and ask yourself at the end why you waited so long to read it. I certainly have a little soft spot for Tyler and Evie, and I have to say it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Irresistible Ink (Inked in the Steel City, #6); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - I Am Glad It's Not The End Stars. I have to be honest and say that I started reading Irrisistible Ink with a feeling of melancholy, reason being that there was a chance it was the last book in this wonderful series. I discovered and fell in love with Ranae Rose's writing when I stumbled across Hot Ink (book one) whilst randomly browsing Amazon one day, and I don't really want to say goodbye to the wonderful characters that she has bought into my life through this series just yet. So, being the nosey madam that I am, I went straight to the source and asked outright if this was the end. Ranae Rose - "I'm planning to write an extra 7th book. I don't want to let the series go yet." So onto James and Arianna... Relationships could be scarred, just like people. This is the first book in the series that actually gives us flashbacks of the characters younger lives, for me this was a pivotal part in the story, especially in James's case as it gives the reader more insight into Jed, when he is with Alice and how he coped with her death. , and the early days of Hot Ink. We are also given the treat of being a part of his wedding in this book as James is Jed's Best Man. Although included in the previous books in the series James has been the quiet one, and I am so pleased that we finally get his story. Both James and Arianna have moved on from difficult childhoods and have made something from their lives, James as Hot Ink's resident piercer and tattooist, Arianna as a freelance graphic designer. Arianna has spent alot of time in James' chair having ink applied, and he finally bolsters up the courage to ask her out, after her latest addition. Unfortunately the long awaited date doesn't end as planned, and he is literally left "holding the baby". The addition of a baby to the story gives the author scope to explore the dynamics of a blossoming relationship and how that changes when an infant if thrown into the mix. Dating is hard enough when it is just the two of you trying to get to know each other, trying to squeeze that around the wants and needs of a new-born, makes that even harder. I think Ranae handled the story beautifully, and I loved the fleeting moments of sexiness, and the build up to the moment when James actually has the opportunity to take his time with Arianna. Of course, the burdens of both their pasts get in the way at points, but I loved that they both had the strength to see past that, and fight for what they wanted...Each other. She sensed his intent just like she sensed heat, his scent. Another excellent addition to the Inked in the Steel City Series, my thanks to Ranae Rose for generously providing me with a copy of Irresistible Ink, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taming His Tutor; Author: Natalie Anderson; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "Sometimes you can hit a home run without touching first base." Stars. Taming his Tutor is the first book I have read by Natalie Anderson, it was fun, flirty, and sexy, with easy to like characters and a well developed storyline. "We're both adults. No age of consent issues now." The school jock and the school nerd are reunited after ten years... To say that things have changed somewhat for both of them would be an understatement, although they are both still battling past insecurities one has become successful in the IT field, while the other has hit the highs of sports stardom, and after a horrific injury is becoming a successful businessman in his own right. Abbi Hayes is a bit of a geek, after struggling for years with self-confidence issues and shyness, she is gradually pulling herself out of her shell, with the aid of her over-confident friend and a banging new made-to-measure wardrobe. Bumping into her old school crush, after he saves her from becoming road-kill doesn't do a lot of help her insecurities, especially as the reason for her distraction while crossing the road is a Self Help audio-book... The 'Vixen' is irresistible to men, full of allure, culture, mystery, she's utterly magnetic. With some practise you can be -" After inadvertently overhearing what Abbi is listening too, Joe Fuller is determined to help her achieve her goals, he always did have a little crush on her, and in exchange for the 6 maths lessons she gave him while in school, he offers her 6 lessons in the art of attracting and keeping men interested, simple right! Abigail Hayes had thrown him a ball. And Joe Fuller always had liked a game of one-on-one. Stealing his Heart is one of those books you pick up, read through and put down feeling thoroughly satisfied. It follows the easy-going romance recipe to a letter, and offers up an indulgent and tasty little morsel for the discerning reader to devour. "Just let it go. Indulge. Enjoy. You're safe with me." ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Kiss (Hitman, #3); Author: Jessica Clare; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "All will happen as it should." Stars! Last Kiss follows in the tradition of its predecessors in the Hitman series, in that it is an absolutely stellar read. I love the way that that Jen and Jessica have managed to take characters that let's face it, under normal circumstances you would run a mile from and make them likeable, on some levels relatable and completely fall in love with them. I am fascinated by this man. I felt the same for Vasily, on the surface a hardened, brash, cold emotionless killer, but pair him with a woman who although completely different struggles in the same ways he does, with self expression, feeling emotions and sharing her feelings and you have a perfect match. Naomi due to her Aspergers and Vasily due to his upbringing and the life he generally leads have more than a few things in common, some funny... some sad, and I found myself laughing as much as sympathizing with both of them as the book progressed. "You don't get to finger me again." This isn't your hearts and flowers romance, but the authors have still given you a story with all the emotion and expectations you would expect in the building of a relationship, it is just in really extreme circumstances. The story begins in Brazil pretty much where Last breath left off. "I will not hurt you so long as you do as I ask. Be loyal and you will live. Cross me and you too, will have a hole between your eyes." In their search for a priceless Carvaggio painting that was formerly in the possession of Vasily's Bratva Family, their journey takes in the sights and some of less salubrious destinations of Italy (although some of the things that Vasily and Naomi saw in Venice, I am glad I missed on my own trip there!) and then back to Russia for the climax of the tale. Parts of this book are ruthless and remorseless, this couple together are also blunt, harsh and pretty unforgiving, but that works for them, and it is expressed so well that you feel nothing but happiness that two souls who wholly expect to spend their lives alone, being judged and vilified for who they are and how they act, come together as one perfect whole. Another brilliant addition to this series, I cannot wait to see what the authors have in store for us next, with Last Hope is due for release in September 2015. "I like your germs." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Box; Author: Cassia Leo; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Fate can save you and it can kill you. Stars! I won't lie and tell you that Black Box is a fairytale, there are no rainbows, elves or mythical creatures. This is the type of book that you start and after a few pages think you are on the direct line to 'Bummed-Outsville', but you (and I for that matter) would be wrong. Yes this is a book that deals with pretty heavy subject matter, and there are points where you think my god could this get any worse, however it is all dealt with in a very respectful way, and the issues contained aren't glamorised, but in the same extent nothing is underplayed either. "I don't want you to get your hopes up. I'm still me and my life is still my life. And it still sucks and everything still sucks. Just because you're beautiful and you're here when I need you doesn't change anything. I'm still me!" But the main thing I pulled from the story is hope, and that no matter how irretrievably damaged we believe we are, or how near the end we believe we may be, there is always something or someone out there who can empathise and maybe even ease the pain a little. Crush and Mikki's meeting in an airport and subsequent adventures together are interspersed with flashbacks of their pasts, pasts that are interconnected, without either of them initially realising it. Both of them are nursing some pretty serious demons, and both of them are trying to find a way to move on... Moving on for one of them is the end, while for the other is looking for a new beginning... Three fateful encounters.... Two heart-breaking tragedies.... One last chance to get it right. A consequence of losing someone close to you is that you lose a piece of yourself. And you never really know when it's safe to give away another piece. Black Box is an emotional book, just when you think that the Winter of the story has passed and Summer is on the horizon Cassia Leo, hits you right in the emotional nut-sack again. I spent the last 20% of the book trying to hold myself together long enough to finish it. It was worth the tears, and it was worth the slightly uncomfortable feeling I got at points whilst reading, because at the end I really did feel like I had taken the journey with Mikki and Crush, and that I, and them had come out of it at the end all the better for it! ARC generously supplied via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fix You: Bash and Olivia - Book Two (The McDaniels Brothers, #2); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - He was the master of my torture and my ecstasy. Stars! Part Two of the Fix You series, pretty much picks up where part one left off, Bash is in all-sorts of trouble, and getting out of it unscathed and without a criminal record is looking highly unlikely. Add to that the fact that he hasn't seen or heard from Olivia since his arrest, and he is not in the best place. I couldn't seem to remember a time when she didn't have me, it was like my cells were filled with her, and the harder I tried to purge her from my life, the more I craved her. There is always a risk that a middle book in a series is going to feel like a filler, the beginning always sets the scene, and the end is usually where everything is rounded out and wrapped up. So the middle can at times just be a coaster book, that doesn't really add much in the way of storyline. There isn't a major amount of progression in Bash and Olivia's story in part 2, but pretty much the whole novella is just about the two of them together. I liked that though, as there was opportunity for the exploration and further development of their relationship on an emotional and physical level. "Forget about what you think everyone else needs, and take what you need for once, Bash." Matty (Bash's older brother) ends up going to extreme measures in his attempts to raise the cash to help Bash with his legal situation. The deal turns sour, which prompts a late night visit to the brothers gym whilst Olivia is there on her own, by a couple of the local Crime-Lords thugs, and a few less than idle threats being made, while a baseball bat is being swung around. The novella ends with Bash, on the cusp of making another decision that will possibly crush fragile foundations of the relationship that he and Olivia have started to build together, as well as possibly putting him even further away from the escape from his current life that he craves. The McDaniels boys might not be good for much, but we were good at a few thing. Fucking. Fighting and fronting. You need to read book 1, to understand what is happening in this instalment of Bash & Olivia's story. I will certainly be looking too read the conclusion as soon as I possibly can. I love Christine Bell's writing, but I still don't know if I will ever grow to love the 'serialised novella' trend that is around at the moment. I am an impatient bunny, and waiting patiently is never something I do well! Luckily I have part 3 already on the Kindle. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fix You: Bash and Olivia - Book One (The McDaniels Brothers, #1); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - I Need Part 2 Like Yesterday Stars!! Olivia and Bash, don't meet under the best circumstances. After punching her boyfriend Adams lights out in a restroom for physically threatening her, things get off too a shaky start.... Olivia and her family are in the process of losing everything, and Bash and his family don't really have much to loose, but for some reason despite the mountain of differences between them, they are drawn to each other. What follows in this instalment of Fix You, I suppose sets the scene for the future instalments, I am on the fence about my feelings towards Olivia for now (I think that will be resolved by her actions in part 2), but as I expected Christine Bell has given me another sexy, rough on the outside, soft as silk on the inside guy to fall head-over-bookboyfriend-heels in lust with, in Bash McDaniels. When I saw her up close for the first time. I'd wanted to tuck her into my chest and hold her tight. To tell her that everything was going to be all right. To touch her skin because it looked so goddamned soft and sweet. I felt the same this time. Self defence training has never been so sexy, and if there is a sign up sheet for some one-on-one sessions, put me at the top! I am just glad we only have to wait until 30/04 for the next part because I am hanging right now! ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fix You: Bash and Olivia - Book Three (The McDaniels Brothers, #3); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "You got balls, doll." Stars! Decent end to the series, bearing in mind I read the first two installments well over a year ago, it wasn't difficult to pick up where the last novella left off. "Thank you for caring enough to come. Thank you for realizing you couldn't stop me. Thank you for being you." A predictable end to Bash and Olivia's coming together, but the author also offers the connecting information up to take you straight into Matty and Kayla's story. Its good to see the author has now released all three sets of serialized novellas for the McDaniels Brothers as individual books, for me that is a plus, as I am still not a huge fan of the trend of splitting books up. Christine Bell is one of those authors that never disappoints, I just wish I thought to seek out and pick up her books more often.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Winning Love (Love to the Extreme, #3); Author: Abby Niles; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "We sure as hell aint in Kansas anymore." Stars. Winning Love by Abby Niles is the third book in the Love in the Extreme series. It follows the same easy-going romance themes as it predecessors, so if you are looking for a dark, dirty, gritty MMA fighter romance, I would probably say this isn't the book you are looking for. "I'm not going to ask" ... "If or when you want to talk about it is up to you, but I'm a good listener, Mac... if you ever need an ear." Although Mac 'The Snake' Hannon, is a MMA fighter this book doesn't really offer the reader much in the way of cage-fighting. He has travelled back to Kansas, to train his old friend Lance for his upcoming fights, his plan is to get-in, get the job done and get-out again, revisiting the past is not something he is looking to do, unfortunately it hits him head on in the form of Gayle Matthews. "You haven't experienced the full Gayle yet. I'm all kinds of trouble." This story is less about fighting and more about Mac dealing with his past, and trying to move on with a woman who in essence represents the thing that took everything good from his life 4 years previously. Gayle also has secrets, secrets that help Mac to try and understand why she does what she does, but it is a battle for him to see past the loss and pain he has already experienced, especially when he has to watch Gayle face that danger willingly on a regular basis. I liked this book, I didn't love it... there is a lot of what I call action - reaction - response, going on in it, Mac is very much a 'react and respond' to Gayle's actions, and Gayle is usually the one 'acting and the responding' to Mac's reactions... "For a man who can be so predictable, you keep surprising me." I liked that this is a couple that are both in their thirties, they have life experience and the drama for the most part wasn't overplayed. I found warming to Gayle a little bit of a struggle; she is zesty, spunky and full of life, all good things but I also found her at times to be a little too pushy and aggressive as well. This did work with regards to her interactions with Mac though, I think he needed someone to push his buttons and pull him out of the rut that he had sunk into over the past four years. "Even crazy Gayle knows when to back off." If you liked the first two books in the Love in the Extreme series, I have no doubt you will enjoy this installment too. Looking forward to seeing where Abby takes this series next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Promised (One Night, #1); Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "You seem like a sweet girl who should get more from a man than the best fuck of your life." Stars. I think it is safe to say that Ms. Malpas has stepped out from under the 'One Hit Wonder umbrella with Promised. But she is edging towards the 'Same Trope, Different Day' brolly instead, nonetheless, it was well written and I liked it. "I concur." M and Livy are wholly different characters from her previous endeavor, not better but different. "Give me my thing." The tropes have been twisted somewhat, but do ring a few bells. I am not judging negatively for this, my star rating highlights that. There are a lot of authors out there that adhere to the 'if it aint broke' ethos, and as long as I enjoy the writing, characters and the story line, then long may it continue. I pretty much worked out where it was going to go right from the Prologue, and as to be expected the cliffy we are left at is quite a shocker...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Go With Me (With Me, #2); Author: Elyssa Patrick; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Keep calm and kiss on." Stars! I could... if I was brave enough... love him. I could open my heart and fall in love with him. In some ways, it would be so easy to let him capture me. Go With Me, is an enjoyable, immersive and easy to read romance. I loved Daphne, in Stay With Me (book one in this series), she was snarky, sassy and swore like a sailor, and although she is still for the most part all those things in Go With Me, I feel we lost her essence a little bit at times, due to some overly long and rambling inner-monologues, and the excess of drama between her and Nick itself. "I Keep expecting to lose the ones I love the most." Daphne is carrying around some serious scars, some are visible to the naked eye and some are buried deep within her. The only survivor of a horrific car crash, she hides her true self and the struggles that she is having behind an overconfident and brash exterior. I say I can't remember. I've lied. I haven't forgotten. I remember everything. I wish I didn't. Nick 'Fucking' Brady see's past all of Daphne's bluster and bravado, to the damaged and insecure woman that is lurking beneath. Daphne doesn't like the feelings of vulnerability this exposure causes, or the extreme emotions that Nick brings out in her, so she tries to hide in the only way she knows how to - behind sarcasm and arguments. The secretive nature of their relationship didn't really work for me, especially as at the end there was only really one person who didn't actually know. I understand why Daphne felt she needed to keep things to herself, but with all the other issues this couple were battling, it was extra drama that I kinda felt their story didn't need. I still enjoyed it, I am still dying to read the rest of this series, Elyssa pulls you into her stories, makes you feel a part of the story, and I like that in a book. Jamie is up next, I have to say I have a little soft spot for the Joker in the Pack, I have a feeling there is more to him than meets the eye! Try With Me - Due for release later in 2014. ARC generously supplied by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Connected (Connections, #1); Author: Kim Karr; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF for now. I got to 16% and add the Malibu Barbie and Ken references to the Pile of Bodies that are already littered through the pages I know this is not something I am in the right frame of mind to read right now. Never say never, I may revisit it someday.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Carry You; Author: Beth Thomas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 Stars. I can't say I was blown away by Carry You. This is a book, about Daisy, her thoughts, feelings, internal musings, internal monologues, actions, reactions and all the nuances in-between. Everything you are given comes via Daisy. It didn't help that I didn't really like her. That probably makes me sound a little callous considering she is still grieving the loss of her mother to Breast Cancer, and then her step-father ups and dies from Emphysema a couple of months after. There is a message in this book, about living and making every day count, but for me it did get a little lost, in the general Daisy-Overload that is contained therein. You get a virtual run through of every Hugh Grant and Colin Firth film and TV series as the book progresses as well, which got a little boring. I liked the concept of Daisy doing the Moonwalk through London, and the training that took place was quite comical in parts. The Facebook updates were quite funny at times too. But I also found them a little contradictory. If you are submerged in such a well of grief (as we are lead to believe she is), would you seriously be posting on Facebook at every available opportunity... The second half was a little better, but all in all I felt it was all a bit overly long and repetitive. I did shed a few tears as the back story develops, and would have liked a more comprehensive epilogue just to tie everything up. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Transfer (Divergent, #0.1); Author: Veronica Roth; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I may have a Teeny-tiny soft spot for Tobias ;); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: First Night (Seductive Nights, #0.5); Author: Lauren Blakely; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Purple Snow Globe Stars! Julia Bell meets a lot of men in her work as a bartender, unfortunately very few of them meet her requirements when it comes to what she wants outside of the bar, and in her bed... Eight inches and a brain! For starters, and if she's making you a cocktail, keep on walking buster! She liked her men to be men. No manscapes need apply. Clay Nichols likes his women feisty, flirty and full of confidence, sadly he hasn't met any like that for quite some time. At a lose end after finishing up some business in San Francisco, decides to look up the bar of a friends sister. So after a few beers and a lot of innuendo - One night turns into overnight and a day, and Clay isn't scared of telling Julia exactly what he wants. "Shower. You. Against the wall." A brilliant start to the Seductive Nights series. I cannot wait to see how things work out for these two dominant characters and the secrets they are trying to keep hidden! ARC kindly supplied by Lauren Blakely, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His to Keep (Out of Uniform, #1.5); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Claire-Bear & Old Spice Stars. His to Keep, epitomises everything that I want to find in a Brazen Novel, hot-sex, a great storyline and likeable characters. Katee Robert has gone one step further and managed to put it in a Novella, and wowza what a novella it is. Marcy and Aaron have known each other since their teens, but as his little sisters best friend she was off-limits. A stint in the services then took him away, but ten years later, he is back, Marcy is no longer off-limits, and it is full Steam ahead. Marcy is determined to pull herself out of the routine that she has been caught in since having her daughter Claire 3 years ago, raising her as a single mother, life has gotten a bit dull. Tired of her stick-in-the-mud ways, she agrees to a night out in celebration of her next door neighbour Bri's engagement to Ryan Flannery (Book 1 - In Bed With Mr. Wrong) at the local bar, determined to find herself a little entertainment of the male persuasion for the evening. Aaron is totally on-board with this idea, as long as he is the one providing the entertainment. "The only mistake you made was thinking I'd let you walk out of here with another man." Tall, dark and handsome, Aaron has been the subject of Marcy's secret fantasies for longer than she cares to admit, when those fantasies have the chance to become reality, Marcy has to decide whether to embrace her new "grab life (or Aaron), with both hands" attitude, or to revert back to being a stick-in-the-mud. Aaron - "If anyone is going to take you off the shelf it's going to be me. No one else." I could gush about this novella for ages, it was that good it didn't even feel like a novella, Marcy and Aaron literally burn up the chapters, and the chemistry between the two of them is beyond hot, from their first time, right up to the end of the book. "Aaron?" "Yeah?" "Do you feel how much I want you?" "Yeah." "Then don't stop." Marcy's daughter Claire added that extra element of childish innocence, to this story, and I loved seeing Bri and Ryan, as well as being given a little teaser of things to come with Drew and Avery (sooner rather than later I hope!)... ARC provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: SEAL of Honor (HORNET, #1); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Walk on the wild side with me." Stars! Once in a while a book comes along, and after reading a chapter or two you know you are going to devour everything that the author has and will release in the future. Tonya Burrows is definitely in that category for me. After about 10 pages of SEAL of Honor, I knew that I had found my next 'go-to' series. No surprise really seeing as I love the Wilde brothers, I am however in the unenviable position where I will be in a constant state of anticipation waiting for each and every one of these men to now get their books. First up - Lieutenant Commander Gabriel Bristow, former commanding officer of the American Navy, SEAL Team Ten. And his team - Travis Quinn Jesse Warwick Marcus Deangelo Jean-Luc Cavalier Ian Reinhardt Eric 'Harvard' Physick and Seth Harlan. I fell a little in love with every one of these guys in this book, and I cannot wait for each and every one of them to get their own story. Audrey Van Amee, is in Colombia looking for her brother Bryson, who has been kidnapped by a group of paramilitary rebels. Gabe and the rest of HumInt, Inc.'s Hostage Rescue & Negotiation Team are also in town for the same purpose. After a rather unconventional introduction the chemistry between Audrey & Gabe is undeniable, even though the circumstances are less than ideal. You feel it too, don't you? From that first moment there's been something between us. Chemistry." Well fuck it. He'd planned for Audrey to see him naked sooner or later after this mess was over, when involvement with her wouldn't be considered unprofessional. Might as well be sooner, though this wasn't exactly how he'd imagined it going down. There was supposed to be kissing involved. Some licking. And groping. Lots of groping on both their parts. A massive plus in this book for me is Audrey, I love a woman who has confidence in herself and has a kick-ass attitude to match. "Could you shoot a firearm and no hit me if the situation came down to that?" "I was born and raised in the South, honey, but I'm no Southern belle. I shoot what I aim at."... "But it's still up in the air whether I'll aim at you or not." Against the odds and in the face of adversity are always two great tropes for a romance to blossom in my opinion. I loved the way this couple gelled, Audrey balanced Gabe perfectly, with her bohemian artiness against his structured rigidity. Gabe made such a striking picture standing there in the dying sunlight, dressed in a tux with his bowtie undone around his neck and a fatigued expression of pure concentration on his face, that she wished for her paints. This felt good. This felt right. He could learn to love this. It does and I agree, looking forward to more books in this series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Honor Reclaimed (HORNET, #2); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Here lies Seth. Survived the war only to be sexed to death. Stars! The only thing that remains of the man that Seth Harlan was prior to his capture is his beating heart. Tortured beyond what any normal person could imagine, the man that was rescued and returned to the US, is broken, scarred, traumatised and living in a constant state of paranoia. Suffering from PTSD in the extreme, flash-backs and black-outs Seth is as scarred on the inside as is visible on the outside. The only survivor from his team after a mission gone wrong, Seth's story was firmly in the public eye on his return. Seth Harlan, the Hero Sniper. The only POW ever rescued from Afghanistan. Pictures could make people change their minds. Make them laugh. Cry. And yes even care when they normally wouldn't. Phoebe Leighton is a vibrant, opinionated, confidant Photojournalist, active in women's rights; she travels the globe highlighting issues for women in the hope that she can make their world a better place. Seth has been burned by the press in the past though, and his initial instinct is distrust Phoebe, but her persistence and lack of judgement makes it difficult for him to stay aloof. "I'm being an asshole again, aren't I?"... "I'm sorry you make me... feel things I haven't felt in a long time. That scares the fuck outta me and I've had enough shrinks to know I have a tendency to lash out at things that scare me. So, uh... yeah, it was unnecessary. I don't want to hurt you... I like you." The developing relationship between Seth and Phoebe in Honor Reclaimed got me all kinds of emotional. Tonya really doesn't hold back when it comes to the extent of the damage internally and externally that we discover about Seth as the story progresses. "You're very paranoid." "Paranoia keeps you alive." "And alone." "I'm good with alone." "You shouldn't be." Have no doubt, this is a sexy read, but this story is so much more than just two people 'getting it on'. Seth doesn't believe he has any worth, he is fighting to stay in HORNET, the team have little trust in his abilities or his capacity to react in stressful situations. The mission to rescue a captured US Soldier has pulled him back into his worst nightmare, Afghanistan and coupled with the stress and the triggers the country and the situation causes his already fragile mental state, he is struggling to keep himself in the present. Phoebe doesn't treat him like the others; she makes him feel... something he hasn't done for a while. She didn't handle him like he'd break. She acknowledged his issues and let him deal, but she treated him like... like a human being. It was such a refreshing change from everyone else in his life these past two years, he could kiss her for it. "I don't care that you have scars. I don't care what was done to you in the past or what you had to do to survive. It; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Her Desert Treasure; Author: Larie Brannick; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Sex in a Stetson" Stars! Megan has returned to Big Rock, Colorado after spending 5 years in San Diego. Having lost her last living relative her Grandfather, she has come home, in the hope that she can start a new life for herself and realise the dreams they shared of opening a "living classroom" on the land. Jake is the local vet, who also has an interest in the land that Meg has inherited, being friendly with her grandfather in the last years of his life, they shared a mutual passion for the wild mustangs that roamed the canyon, and were looking to set up a horse refuge for the animals to be able to live undisturbed and in peace. Unfortunately, the past has a way of getting in the way of best laid plans, and Jake and Megan both have to deal with a little unexpected interference as their story progresses. Her Desert Treasure is a really enjoyable debut novel from Larie Brannick, it was a great mix of romance, a little suspense, and two people trying to move on with their lives. The story was a little predictable, but well written and I enjoyed getting "out in the desert" for a few hours. I will certainly be looking for more books by this author in the future. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reasonable Doubt: Volume 1 (Reasonable Doubt, #1); Author: Whitney G.; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Not sure what it is about a man in a suit, with a dirty mouth, but it does it for me every time... "Don't chew...I want to see how capable you are of swallowing." Until next time Andrew x; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reasonable Doubt: Volume 2 (Reasonable Doubt, #2); Author: Whitney G.; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I called you because my dick is hard and I want to make you cum over the phone." Stars. So after a prolonged wait and lots of online ho-ha we finally get our 'Hands On' part two of the highly anticipated Reasonable Doubt series. I can't say it grabbed me as much as part one did, but I still loved Andrew with his blunt responses and his deliciously dirty mouth. "Contrary to your unfounded and silly assumptions, I do not have a panty fetish and I do not sleep with them over my face at night. I do, however, have a new fetish for your pussy, and if you're interested in letting me sleep with that over my face at night, feel free to let me know." But he is also more premenstrual than Aubrey throughout most of the book hot/cold doesn't even cover his epic mood swings and changes of mind. The sex is still hot, but the plot development basically happens in the first and the last 2 paragraphs, the rest of it is pretty much sex and arguments, I did like the emails/texts though (why do we as readers always find texting and emails in books so enjoyable?). I am looking forward to seeing how Whitney plans to wrap up this series after what was revealed at the end of this book. I have heard rumblings it is not due for release until October 2014 which would be a BIG disappointment. "Falsus in unum, falsus in omnibus"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Into the Fire (Hot Nights, #1); Author: Amanda Usen; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Pick your position, sweetheart. Ladies choice" Stars. I really enjoyed this one Jack and Lila, were both likeable and easy to get along with. A love story with lots of food in it is always going to ring my bell, and this was a great, entertaining sexy read, not too long, it hits all the right spots and leaves the tastebuds tingling! Looking forward to Jenna's story in Seducing the Playboy, out on 26 May 2014.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Break Up (Cape Hope, #1); Author: Elyssa Patrick; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Great beginning to a Series Stars. Four Weddings & A Break-up is what I would class as a foundation book. Although the story being told is wholly Ginny and Wes's, the introduction of characters from around Cape Hope as the book progresses is many and varied. I did at times find the book a little 'busy', but on the whole this is an enjoyable, and easy to get lost-in read. Ginny, is trying to move on from a massively traumatic event from her past, unfortunately living in a small community who believe her to be a 'Hero' it is difficult to leave the past behind, when you are constantly being reminded of it. I liked Ginny's determination to move on from the shooting and overcome what happened, as well as try to embrace a 'fake' relationship with Wes. "I'm like Dominoes. If you don't get it in thirty minutes or less, the next one is free." Mr. Dangerous, Wes Dalton never expected to see Ginny again after their unexpected 24 minutes of passion whilst she is out of town on a cousin's Hen-Weekend. Returning to Cape Hope after a long absence to help his step-brothers deal with his father's deteriorating health. Wes is the kind of character that you just want to walk up to and give a hug, on the outside he is a successful businessman, who answers to no-one and knows exactly what he wants, but the vulnerability that the reader gets too see is extremely endearing, trying to do right, but only ever being judged for the past. The fake dates and the mayhem that ensues as the book progresses is very entertaining to read, and although it's pretty easy to work out how things are going to turn out between them, it was an enjoyable ride to be on. As I said you can tell this book is written as a beginning of a series, the main as well as the secondary character development is strong, and the side-stories that could be developed for more books in the future are plentiful. I look forward to seeing where Elyssa decides to take us on our journey around Cape Hope in the books that follow. ARC kindly provided by the Author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Icing on the Cake (Close to Home, #2); Author: Karla Doyle; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "You're annoyingness is starting to outweigh your hotness." Stars! It's LIVE - US - [url]... UK -[url]... We are first introduced to Sara Robinson in Cup of Sugar (book 1 of the Close to Home Series) as Nia's sister you are given a little insight into who she is and what she is like, but no real depth to her full character, in-fact she's pretty abhorrent on first introductions! I loved Nia and Conn in book 1, their romance although sweet and a little cute, was sexy hot and full of fun. Icing on the Cake, is Sara and Curtis's story and is basically the total opposite, it's a little dark and bold, and the romance and sexy-times are dirty and hard. If women had balls, Sara's would be so fucking big, she'd be walking bow legged. Sara's life has not been what you would call conventional, having lost both her parents at a young age to a horrific house fire; she is taken in by her best friend Nia's parents and bought up as their own. Years later the horror and the sense of loss still remains, and although Sara keeps her vulnerabilities to herself, by causing trouble, and leaving a trail of destruction and mayhem behind her, Curtis see's though her prickly, brash overly confident exterior to the real woman underneath. "Go. Find someone else to use the rope on. I'm not interested in being tied down. By you or anybody. Curtis Lawler doesn't do commitment... After being asked by his brother Conn to make sure Sara stays on the straight and narrow during his wedding weekend, he makes sure that he is everywhere that she is, and that her mischief making is kept to a minimum. Let them think the worst. They were going to anyway. The verbal sparring between these two is priceless; Karla Doyle has such a way with terminology and phrasing between a man and a woman that you find yourself laughing along at some points and cringing at the bluntness in others. Both Curtis and Sara are not afraid to call a spade a spade, and I found their snarky sarcasm towards each other an absolute hoot. Curtis - "Jealous that she beat you to walk down the aisle?" Sara - "Hell no. I'd rather do the walk of shame." Curtis - "Sounds like the better walk to me. Maybe you want to take one tomorrow?" Curtis Lawler is tattooed, toned and a little bit kinky. A cop, with a heart of gold, carrying a pretty sizeable weapon, which he definitely knows how to use! "Babe, if and when I put the cuffs on you, you can count on my behavior being very, very bad. The push and pull between this couple rolls throughout the book, just as Curtis thinks he is getting Sara to open up a little to him, she shuts him down. When a situation gets too uncomfortable or emotional investment threatens Sara's first reaction is to back-off and turn tail, sex and fun is fine, relationships and commitment HELL; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Officer Next Door (Lock and Key, #1); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "You're in cucumber country before you know it." Stars! Alicia Dalton has moved from Washington to Riley County for a fresh start, including new job and new home. Moving into a secluded cottage, her only neighbour is sexy Riley County Prison Officer Liam Alexander. The attraction is mutual, but what neither of them initially realise, is that they both have intimate knowledge of the other due to the lack of sufficient window dressings in their respective homes! You get the feeling pretty early on that this book is definitely the start of a series, not a bad thing as long as the main characters still get their story told. Ranae is extremely accomplished when it comes to putting together and then delivering a series where each book offers us a different characters story. Officer Next Door is no exception, however a step away from what I am used to from Ranae in the fact that Alicia & Liam get a little ghostly help from time to time as their story progresses, and the escaped convict's drama unfolds Liam is a little shy initially, but Wowza the man soon comes out of his shell once he realises their attraction is mutual. A little dominant, a lot sweet and not afraid to use the tools he has at his disposal to spice things up a little in the bedroom! "I'll make a deal with you... stay with me again tonight and I'll let you try on my cuffs." Feeling her tremble against him, hearing her breathe his name - was like living every fantasy he'd entertained and then some. I am never disappointed with the sexy-times in a Ranae Rose book; she always manages to keep the interactions between her couples fresh, imaginative and extremely hot. Liam and Alicia definitely push each other's buttons in that department and it was great reading of their experimentation together and how it strengthened their connection. He held her like he'd never let go, and kissed her like he'd been waiting for this moment for an eternity. A great start to a series, looking forward to see how the rest of the officers stories come together, hopefully Ranae won't keep us waiting too long for Sasha and Henry's book. ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pieces of Broken Time; Author: Lorenz Font; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I want to be perfect for you." Stars. Pieces of Broken Time, is one of those books that has all of the components in it that would usually make it a hands-down winning read for me, it unfortunately fell a little short of the mark this time. A strong, quietly confident woman, and man who is broken, a bit of an asshole and is battling a boat load of personal demons, bought on by survivors guilt and PTSD, as well as the loss of one of his closest friends tick all my boxes. Add to that a slightly unusual twist to the normal romance, and I am in the main a happy reader. Take care of our girl The story rolls along quite nicely once Blake is back on US soil, and the progression for both Blake and Jennifer with regards to dealing with the loss of Trent, their grief and the development of their feelings towards each other flows pretty well. However I found the details a little sketchy with regards to the amount of time they spent with each other prior to the events of December 12th 2001, and Blake and Jennifer's thoughts and feelings towards each other up to that point, bearing in mind she is engaged to Trent and he is his best friend. "It sounds like the making of a tragic love story." I have read an awful lot of books recently that include an (ex) serviceman, who has suffered in the theatre of war, whether it be mentally, physically or a combination of the both, and although a lot of the guys I have read about are absolute assholes at points I have still deep down had a little soft spot for them... I really struggled with Blake, I understood that he was dealing with some pretty major issues, as well as struggling to get on with normal everyday life, while trying to uphold a promise to his friend and keep his personal feelings for Jenny in check, but at times he just came across as a rude, unlikeable ass. "I'd never allow myself to love you." I think my dislike was compounded a little by Jenny, she did at points when dealing with Blake and his mood-swings sound like she was scolding a naughty child, or dealing with a stroppy teenager, and it made it difficult for me to find any credible emotional connection with them as adults attracted to each other. As I said the story is sound, the thing that first attracted me too Lorenz's writing is that she always makes her characters just a little different from the norm, and that is the case still with Pieces of Broken Time.... I think I would have liked more development with Blake's reasoning behind his behaviour, and more conversation between the two of them, rather than the constant tantrum, reaction, strop, scold throughout the book. That-said, there were points where I absolutely just wanted to give him a big hug - "I don't know how to act around people anymore. I feel; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: All Fired Up (DreamMakers, #1); Author: Vivian Arend; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF @ 35%. I am not a fan of books where the synopsis offers one thing, but the actual book offers something else. So my review is a little ranty, as I feel a little mislead right now. As a reader I want to be given the choice as to whether I want to read certain things, and at no point in the synopsis was it even intimated that this book contains Threesome(s) a disclosure would have been nice, as I would have 100% not requested this book to review as an ARC. I hate DNF'ing a book, and I dislike even more doing it because I was not given the forewarning as to the books contents. I am not talking about giving the whole story away, and yes I know we are all more liberated in what we read nowadays, but there are certain tropes, that I choose to avoid, not because I am a prude, but because I have tried reading them before and they just leave me cold. As such, after reading the synopsis. I was expecting an easy-going romantic series focused on 3 ex-Rangers, Parker Wilson, Dean Colter and Jack Hunter. I was looking froward to reading each of their stories and experiencing snarky banter, funny situations and hot one-on-one sexy times. Initially that's what I got, but as the story started to develop, the feeling of disappointment grew, until I finally stopped reading. I am not disrespecting the authors, the writing style was superb, the Hot Yoga class had me giggling, the banter between the guys, and Lynn and her friend Suz were spot on. I would absolutely read another book by either author, and if this type of story is of interest to you then I would recommend All Fired Up, I just don't want to read about Threesome(s) especially as I think the story as far as I had read was strong enough without that as an addition. My 3 star rating is based on the above paragraph, and the portion of the book I read. ARC provided by Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beg (Songs of Submission, #1); Author: C.D. Reiss; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1.5 "I prefer celibacy to bullshit" Stars. I think it is a case of it's not you it's me. But I honestly don't understand what the fuss is all about with this one. Granted it was only 50 odd pages long, but the story-line didn't really offer me any sort of incentive to want to carry on, and the characters didn't really give me anything personality wise to make me want to see where the rest of the novellas take them. Can't win em all!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Reasonable Doubt: Volume 3 (Reasonable Doubt, #3); Author: Whitney G.; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Lie about one thing, lie about it all." Good ending, it turns out this series and the story as a whole isn't just about a guy who likes dipping his wick, whenever and wherever he feels like, and has the emotional maturity of a horny teenager. I will definitely look to read more from this author, after enjoying Andrew and Aubrey's extremely well written, sometimes surprising and uniquely laid-out story. Gone too soon, But never forgotten.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Addicted (Ethan Frost, #2); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I'm sorry. I didn't think." Stars. I have to say that I had high expectations for Addicted, after reading and really enjoying Ruined. Ethan Frost is my kinda guy, and I loved him hard at the end of Ruined. That is why it's difficult for me to write a less than stellar review for this book. It is also hard for me too put down in detail the reasons as to why, because my review would then just be one big massive spoiler. Ethan Frost is my addiction. He's the itch just below my skin. The fire that skates along my every nerve ending. He's the craving I just can't shake. Addicted picks up literally where Ruined left off, and if you haven't read Ruined I urge you too, because you will struggle to understand alot of what happens in this book if you haven't. Chloe Girard in the main was the reason this book didn't 100% work for me, and it pretty much boils down to the fact that she spends the bulk of the book listening to everyone but Ethan, reacting and then regretting it. The main flow of most of the book goes like this - "Are you sure?" "Are you okay?" "I'm sorry." ... "I love you." ... All interspersed by lengthy inner monologues and followed by copious amounts of make-up sex. "I know you still love me. I can see it in your face. I can hear it in the way your breathing stutters when I touch you." Granted it is well written and imaginative sex, but still the whole crux of the story namely the connections between Ethan and Chloe's families, seemed to get lost. There are a lot of revelations in this book, and most of the issues from Chloe's past seem to in one way or another all end up on Ethan's shoulders, and what was a strong confident, cheeky alpha male, in Ruined, gradually turns into a gibbering emasculated wreck in Addicted. I struggled to understand how he inadvertently ended up getting blamed for everything; bearing in mind he didn't know Chloe prior to her internship at Frost Industries. "I would do anything for you Chloe, even sit in a room with you all day and pretend I'm not dying to touch you." I still enjoyed the book, and if you asked me how I wanted it to end I couldn't really give you a straight answer. I just think the cliffy at the end of Ruined, wasn't really explored to its fullest potential in Addicted. I loved the epilogue, but I find that I still have questions that I would like answered, mainly about both Ethan and Chloe's families and the abhorrent act that bound them all together. "It hurt's way more to be without you that it does to be with you." ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare, #0.5); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Sunshine" & "Monsoon" Stars! Laura Kaye is in my top 5 'go-to' authors when it comes to reaching for a book that I know I will enjoy. I discovered her awesomeness though a novella, and Dare to Resist is another superb indication to just how much story this author can pack into such a small amount of words! Not to mention it is the prequel novella to the new Wedding Dare series releasing through Entangled Brazen in June, featuring some pretty exceptional authors, and what I am 100% sure will be absolutely brilliant books! Kady Dresco and Colton Brooks have got history between them. Being her older brother Tyler's best-friend, Kady is pretty sure that Colton has only ever seen her as someone to look out for and keep out of mischief, pretty much like her brother has done over the years. The snark and sarcasm between them in the beginning is pretty funny, and you know you are in for a good read, when you are smiling to yourself at their conversations. Kady - He was beyond gorgeous when he wasn't talking. Apart from one night 3 years ago, when things took a step over to the non-friend zone, Colton has kept her firmly at arm's length, but not necessarily for the same reasons Kady is imagining! She couldn't actually think of a time when Colton Brooks hadn't owned a little piece of her heart. After travelling to nowhersville, and bidding against each other for a lucrative military contract Kady and Colton end up stranded in a rundown Motel for the night due to a terrific storm causing all flights out of the area to be cancelled. After discovering her room has literally got a 'waterfall' leaking through the roof, and catching Colton's colleague in a compromising position with his lap-top, some hand lotion and tissues, they decide they will have to share his room for one night. "If you crack a joke right now I swear I will knee you in the junk." It's not difficult to imagine what happens thereafter what with all the pent-up sexual tension between them, and Colton's discovery that Kady isn't quite as innocent as she seems... What did surprise me is Laura's writing, Colton has a deliciously dirty mouth, and isn't afraid to follow through with the action to back up his words... Laura Kaye got all dirty on me and I LOVED IT The introduction that Laura has given us to this couple and for the forthcoming series is first-rate. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the books now have in store for us. ARC provided by Entangled, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Losing Control (Kerr Chronicles, #1); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - I'll never be done with you and your solid gold pussy." Stars! Ian -"I'm going to tell you a little bedtime story, Bunny. Once upon a time I was in Japan and I discovered this plastics company. I knew after the first tour of the company that I had to have it... I begged, cajoled, and finally bought my way in. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made and one that I arrived at in a day." Jen Frederick always manages to take your standard boy/girl romance and give it a fresh new twist. I love that although her characters have problems, you don't drown under an overload of angst and over-the-top drama. Losing Control is definitely another winner in my opinion, you have likeable characters in Victoria and Ian, and you have the drama from their pasts, as well as the challenges that they are both currently dealing with in their lives. Victoria - You can only deal with one days worth of shit at a time. Otherwise you're paralyzed by the fear of tomorrow. I think one of the reasons this book grabbed me so hard is I could understand a little of Victoria's struggles, by no means all of them, but the most important one. That is the feeling of helplessness when it comes to being unable to do the best that you can for a loved one, when in the end the decision is out of your hands, fate and destiny are ultimately in control and no matter how hard you fight, what you do, and however low you are prepared to go, the decision is still made without your input. Outward appearances would have you believe that Ian Kerr is in control, and for the most part he is, except when it comes to Victoria 'Tiny' Corielli. "I can see my future in your eyes, Tiny." After a chance meeting with her in through her shifty brother Malcolm, things don't go exactly to plan. Tiny needs money and lots of it, Ian has a job that could help with that problem, but until they meet she isn't sure as to what it entails... "You're the package today, sweetheart and you have delivered yourself right to my door." What really made this book for me, and what I liked the most was the conversations between Ian and Victoria, you do get a generous amount of internal monologue, but the main developments in their relationship evolve around their chatter and not what they're thinking. Ian has a dirty, dirty mouth, which is always a plus for me, and Jen's writing as usual, at points had me squeezing my thighs together to alleviate my own 'discomfort'... "Let me be perfectly frank with you, Victoria. There are lots of things that I'd like you to do for me. some of them involve you on your knees. Others require you bent over a table. All of them require me to be between your legs." "Who say's we'll be sleeping? I anticipate a lot of rigorous activity followed by; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Trusting an Angel; Author: Missy Jane; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 3.5 - I'm Happy This is The Start Of A Series Stars. When I originally finished Trusting An Angel there wasn't a huge amount of detail as to whether the book was a standalone or the beginning of a series. Luckily Missy Jane confirmed that this is in fact the start of a series - Archangels, and there will be more books in the future. This makes me very happy, reason being, I have a HUGE lady-boner when it comes to men with wings. Too such an extent that undergarments need to be frequently changed when I am reading a book that contains all the muscled, feathery goodness that my dirty imagination can get hold of. Missy Jane delivered in spades for me, and I am wriggling in my chair excitedly waiting for the next book already! So without further ado let me introduce you to - Zerachiel (Zerach) and his brothers (who I hope wholeheartedly all get their own books as the series progresses), Selaphiel, Uriel, Raphael, Michael, Camael and Gabriel. Each one plays a part (some bigger than others) in this first book, but it is Zerach and Isadora's story as a whole. Zerach - "I truly believe the best things in life are worth waiting for. I can wait as long as you need." Dora and Zerach have worked together for a while, and although Zerach has feelings for Dora he has kept his distance as he is unsure as to whether Dora feels the same, although he can sense her attraction and arousal when he is near, he is aware that Dora believes his reputation as a womaniser to be true, and she is not the type of girl that is looking for 'just one night'. Dora however is not as innocent as Zerach believes! If he knew even half of what went on in her head when he dictated memos he would probably fire her on the spot...or take her on his desk. This is definitely what I would call a base book, in that it gives you Zerach and Dora's story, but also starts building storylines for some of the other characters to get their books as the series progresses. I found in parts this story to offer a little old-fashioned charm, with a generous amount of modern day hotness thrown in for good measure! Dora, although innocent is a strong personality, and I liked that when it came to Zerach she overcame her fear and body confidence issues to let him into her heart. "Isadora, I'm not what I seem to be. I'm much more. Once I reveal all to you I need you to remember nothing has changed between us. I'm still the man you know." Zerach = Angel with a hot body and a heart of gold, need I say more! Missy Jane has put a really enjoyable story together, I loved that each of the Angel's is working on earth in a 'human' capacity that helps others in some way. We have a little mystery thrown in with Gabriel, and a building; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sealed with a Kiss; Author: Rachael Lucas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Flora & Reggie Stars. I really enjoyed Sealed With a Kiss, it is what I would call a 'Blanket' book in that it wraps itself around you and makes you feel all warm and snugly. Scotland is a place I love, so the opportunity to absorb myself in a lightly romantic, easygoing read based on a remote Scottish Island ticks all my boxes. I wasn't sure that the book would be for me when in the opening paragraphs, one of the first sentences to leave Kate's mouth is "I can't be on my own.", as to be honest I abhor a woman who can't live without having a man in her life. But she redeemed herself very quickly, and grabbed the 'Bull by the horns' to settle into life on the Auchenmor Estate. The cast of characters is vast and varied, from Finn the Bag-pipe playing ladies man; to the pre-requisite add into the mix bitches Fiona and Sandra. Susan, Tom and their children as well as Jean, Morag and Bruno the Coffee Shop owner add humour and friendship into the mix, and then you have the sexy and mysterious Laird of Duntarvie, Roderick. All in all a really enjoyable read from Author Author, I will certainly be on the lookout for more titles from her in the future! ARC provided via Netgalley in Exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping with the Boss (Anderson Brothers, #1); Author: Marissa Clarke; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - Welcome back to New York City, brother. Have we got a case for you - a case of blue balls. Stars! I loved Sleeping with the Boss, it was fun, flirty, a little bit suspenseful and a whole lot of sexy. It is the first book I have read by Marissa Clarke and I cannot wait to read more from her. "In all my years of covering people's asses, yours is by far the best I've ever covered. And I want to take the both of you out for lunch." The standard of the banter between Claire and Will, as well as Will and his brothers - Michael and Chance, is absolutely superb. This is a book that you pick up and lose track of the time while you are reading. I loved Claire (how could I not!) and having had a rough time of it recently, she is ready to pack up, move on and find a better life for herself. The Claire-isms were great, and I liked that although she developed strong feelings for Will, she still stood up for herself when she felt wronged, she didn't back down and she made him work for it, not afraid to take the lead in the bedroom, and loyal to her friends to a fault, she is the kind of character that deserves her happily ever after. "There is something between us, and you feel it. I want more so do you." What can I say about William Anderson, middle Anderson brother, ex-marine and security expert for the Anderson business empire? He is funny, cute, caring, knows his way around the female body, and isn't afraid to take risks with his heart. Which I loved, because this is a guy that has been massively hurt in the past, dumped in a very public and hurtful fashion, he didn't let it get in the way of him and his pursuit of Claire. Will has definitely got the 'woo' down, that's for sure! "I'm alone" ... "So am I" ... "We both are." I don't have a bad thing to say about this book, if you are looking for something to get lost in, with a few giggles, some shit-hot sexy times, a low angst factor, this book is for you. The suspense mixed things up a bit, and the fact that you know this is going to develop into an absolutely stellar series, makes Marissa Clarke one too keep on your radar. The writing, development and the general plot were perfectly executed, and I want Michael and Chase's books like yesterday! "Never have I wanted anyone like I want you. Never." ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Total Surrender (Sin Brothers #4); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "Thank you for being my brothers." Stars! Rebecca Zanetti, is one of the few authors that I have on my Drop Everything & Read list. Reason being, and the reason I have read every book that she has published to date: She. Never. Disappoints. Not once, I cannot think of a book by this author that I have finished and not loved, the only disappointment I ever feel is in the fact that I have inevitably then have to wait for her next release. "Even the smallest lion can have a big roar." Jory Dean at the beginning of the Sin Brothers Series was dead, his brothers Shane, Mattie and Nate were forging on with their lives and trying to keep out of the Commander and Dr. Madison's crosshairs, whilst trying to resolve the issue of what was essentially the fact that their bodies had been turned into ticking time bombs. Matt was fierce. Nate was constant. Shane was pissed. As the books progress and his brothers meet their women along the way, it becomes apparent that what was initially thought of as a recording of him being shot and killed may not be the full story... "I'm not going to heaven, but maybe I could have a taste before I go." Total Surrender has been a book a long time in the making for most readers of this series, as soon as I knew there was potential for Jory being alive I wanted his story. This book is also the climax of the series as a whole, his brothers although settled in one sense with their hearts and their women, are still seeking the closure for their years of abuse and mistreatment at the hands of the Commander and Dr. Madison as well as looking for a way to remove issue of the microchips that are counting down the hours until their demise. Jory is still in captivity at the beginning of the book, and comes into contact with Piper Oliver due to her mad-skillz on the computer hacker; she's been recruited and is being used for those skills, as well as the start of this book offering a slow burn to the chemistry that gradually builds between them, especially while Jory is still being held captive. Piper has been fed one story by the Commander, while Jory attempts to convince her of the truth and what follows is more twists and turns that you could draw a cohesive map for. "Bad guys shouldn't look like you." I loved it, as a reader you go through one hell of a lot of emotions with this one. If you have followed this series from the beginning like I have the Dean Brothers have almost become part of the family. I laughed, and ohmygod did I cry, the emotions that have built up for these guys through the reading of the last three books really did come to the fore in Total Surrender and at points I actually had to put my Kindle down so I could have a little bit; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just A Kiss (It's In His Kiss, #0.5); Author: Ally Broadfield; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Not Your Average Historical Fiction Stars! I am not a huge reader of historical fiction, I pretty much left the genre behind when I graduated from the Mills & Boon training school of Romance... I do however like a good story, so never say never! That is why you find me in the polite society of 1811, enjoying Charlotte Lightwood's Debutante Season with her. What struck me the most about this book is that although it is 100% Historical fiction, there are a few modern twists thrown in that make it refreshing and easy to immerse yourself in. I mean how many 'bodice-rippers' have you read where the Heroine gets mauled by a lascivious lout, and makes hardly a protest...Not in Just a Kiss, Charlotte, punches 'Handy Horace' straight in the kisser when he tries to trip the light fantastic across her bum-cheeks... Sebastian Wilkinson, Earl of Marley, and his gran the Lady Marley, were also wholly Historical with a little modern thrown in for good measure, with their closeness and camaraderie. A great little novella to start what I expect to be a really enjoyable series! ARC generously provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marked (Dark Protectors, #7); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: ; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Me Without You; Author: Kelly Rimmer; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "It's the thrill of the ride, even when you're holding on for grim death." Stars! I am not going to write a massive long review for Me Without You (well actually I probably will!), the synopsis sums it up beautifully. If you have read Me Before You etc, as a reader you will know exactly what you are getting yourself into. I can't afford to take the beauty of life for granted, because I'm living mine on borrowed time. Once in a while I have the compulsion to read a book, it's a special type of book, one that I know will rip me apart, and leave me a broken, gibbering incoherent mess. This is that type of book. Callum is a workaholic with no life outside of that bubble, Lilah is a workaholic, who lives her life outside of that bubble to the full. An innocent meeting on a ferry home, brings these two people together in the most remarkable of ways. Lilah Pushes, Callum pulls. Lilah gets worked up, Callum chills out. Lilah makes a mess, Callum tidies up. Essentially they are pretty much the Ying to the others Yang. Callum on Lilah It's the thrill of the ride, even when you know you're holding on for grim death. It works, and things are progressing well, except for that one thing Lilah has been keeping hidden like a huge skeleton in the back of her closet. I've moved from a technicolour world into a black-and-white one, and while I never thought to question black-and-white before, I realise now what I am missing. Once the cat is out of the bag things progress quickly, brace yourself you are going to need tissues. "If you have ten good minutes left, I need to have them." "I want a part of every breath she has until the end, whatever that looks like. This book does exactly what it says on the tin, if you are looking to read about living life to the full, leaving that life on your own terms, and how the people around you deal with it, then this is the book for you. It is beautifully written, the characters unique, likeable and well developed. There are a few giggles along the way, but this is not one for reading on the bus! "I want to pretend this is the middle of our life together. I want to pretend we've had decades and we have decades left. I want to pretend that we know everything about each other but we haven't run out of things to talk about, because we just like to hear each other speak. "I love you. And I'll always love you forever, whether you're sick or well, or here or... not. Gone with the sunrise. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Cowboy (Paint River Ranch, #1); Author: Elizabeth Otto; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: HOT COWBOY ALERT! Tempting The Cowboy is the first book in the Paint River Ranch series, and my first book by Elizabeth Otto. There wasn't a thing I didn't like about this book. What with 3 cowboy brothers, Cole, Tucker and Levi (in the Marines right now), A cute 4 year old called Birdie, and a kick-ass heroine called Rylan, it was the perfect 'curl up and read until the end' book for my bank holiday weekend. "So you ride?" ... "Western saddle, I hope?" "Yeah, but truthfully, I prefer bareback." He was gorgeous. It hurt the deepest pit of her stomach, made her chest hurt and her centre ache, all with one glance. This promises to be another great series from the Entangled 'stable' I definitely wasn't suffering from saddle-sore at the end that's for sure! I am looking forward to seeing Tucker get his story next in One Night With The Cowboy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Night with a Cowboy (Paint River Ranch, #2); Author: Elizabeth Otto; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Fifi" & "Farm Boy" Stars. I am not ashamed to admit that I had extremely high expectations for Elizabeth Otto's writing when I started reading One Night With A Cowboy. Having literally just finished Tempting The Cowboy, (book one in this series) and falling in love with Cole, Birdie, Rylan and Paint River Ranch in general. Being lucky enough to jump right into Tucker's story was a temptation, I could not resist. Elizabeth certainly knows how to put a well rounded, emotionally developed character together. Both Sophie and Tucker are looking for something more from their lives, but neither of them realise what it is they are actually looking for. For Tucker his life so far has revolved around three things - Watching. Protecting. Supporting. His family and Paint River ranch are the priority, and the women who keep him company know to only ever expect one night of no-strings fun with him. This routine has served Tucker well for the last 2 years no emotional entanglements or messy break-ups to deal with, but the need for change has slowly crept up on him. She'd been fire and silk and comfort and passion in his arms, and for the first time he could recall, Tucker didn't want it to end. Sophie is just trying to keep her head above water. What with the loss of her job, and the crippling debt that is building up in respect of her ailing mothers care and a less than supportive sister, one night of no-strings sex with Mr. Sex in Jeans, is a chance for a much needed escape for a few hours, from her life, and it's an offer she can't refuse. Tucker was a hot-cowboy cocktail and she wanted a narrow straw so she could enjoy him, and the buzz, as long as possible. So this all sounds fairly run-of-the-mill on the surface, and I snuggled down on my sofa expecting to be highly entertained for a few hours with a hot cowboy. How. Wrong. I. Was. "I've learned to live with not fair, Sophie. But I've also learned that you can't take what's not there. Are you saying there's nothing inside you for me?" ... Love ran deep, even if it meant an imperfect ending. Elizabeth Otto broke my heart last night. I wasn't prepared for the story I was given, it was so much more, and bearing in mind I had high expectations in the first place I really have nowhere to go from here. I am not one for overly-angsty books, in fact it gets on my nerves after a while, but what hit home so closely for me was the realness of the situation that Tucker & Sophie found themselves in. I can relate to feeling that you have 'no other option' and also being 'unworthy or not good enough' and that made it an even more emotional ride for me because of it. That-said although the themes of this story at times err on the side of serious, I cannot commend Elizabeth highly enough for the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Girl Called Malice (Facing the Music, #2); Author: Aurelia B. Rowl; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - For one night only, could the real Alice Taylor please step forward. Stars. It has taken me a while to read this book, and that is not due to it being poorly written, far from it. I have struggled with the storyline itself. Having read and loved Popping the Cherry I was interested to see how Aurelia would tell Alice's story, and it is a much darker and emotive tale. In PtC, she was the character you hated, the bully, the belittler, the ring-leader, I didn't have much sympathy for her when she got her comeuppance, and seeing behind the mask of a bully, usually turns out to be enlightening. Putting other people down gave me a back-handed boost. This is one of those books you need to persevere with, Alice for the first 40-50% seems to bumble from one car crash too the next. The glimmers of the person she could be only really shine through when she is spending time with a little boy called Charlie (can't say too much as it would be a bit spoilery), the rest of the time she is still pretty abhorrent, there is an underlying reason for it though, and it becomes more and more apparent as the book progresses. From the person she portrays to her peers, to the person she actually is and wants to be, there are glaring differences, and I loved Zac, he definitely bought out the best in Alice, and even when she was at her worst her tried to do right by her. This isn't an easy book to read some of the time, Alice's current and early life isn't a pretty one, but Aurelia has written the story so well, that you get involved, even when you hate something she does, you can see her twisted reasoning behind it. She is a product of her upbringing in a way, and although certainly abhorrent in a lot of her actions, she is also an underdog, and we all like to root for one of those now don't we. Stick with this one, you will find it is worth it in the end. ARC generously provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taking Control (Kerr Chronicles, #2); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - You're like a good whiskey, bunny. Each minute that ticks by makes you taste better." Stars. Taking Control, pretty much takes up where Losing Control left off. This book is mostly from Ian's POV, but you get a little bit of Tiny thrown in here and there. Although I really enjoyed the continuation of this story, this book almost split into two halves for me, the first half seemed to be all about the sex and Ian trying to ensure that Tiny knew how much he loved her and valued their relationship. I'm not sure how many walls I've managed to tear down, how far inside the citadel of her heart I stand. The second half then delves back into the whole Richard Howe storyline, which started off in the first book and is a huge part of what initially brings Victoria and Ian together. Tiny's step-dad makes an appearance, as well as her step-brother Malcolm, but their involvement almost seemed secondary in this book, whereas Malcolm was very much in the forefront of Losing Control. I've bought my way into her heart and life. I'll lie, steal and cheat to stay there because nothing is worth more than her. There is a little intrigue and subterfuge running through this installment on the Kerr Chronicles and I liked the suspenseful aspect that Jen bought in. As their relationship progresses, there are also hints of potential future stories that could be told for the secondary characters involved. I am itching to see if the whole Kaga, Jake and Sabrina teasers that Jen added will morph into a book at some point in the future as well as the indication that there is relationship potential between Steve and Lauren. I hunger for something different now, more physical, more personal. If you loved Ian Kerr in the first book you will love him and his POV even more in this book, I enjoyed the writing immensely, Jen has given Ian a really witty and acerbic voice/sense of humour, but he is also a guy firmly in touch with his emotions and is not afraid to talk about and express them. I'm fucking terrified I'll lose her and then I'll be empty again. It's no secret I have a huge author-crush on Jen Frederick as well as her books. I loved Losing Control and Taking Control really offers the perfect closure on Tiny and Ian's story. I have everything crossed that the aforementioned secondary characters in this series, actually get their own stories told. Sadly, I am now back in the position where I am stuck waiting impatiently for her next release! She makes my world turn. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Recipe for Seduction (Madewood Brothers, #3); Author: Gina Gordon; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - She was a model student. Minimum hesitation. Maximum obedience. Stars! Book three of the Madewood Brothers series, brings us Finn O'Reilly's tale. Finn throughout the first two books has been mediator and peacekeeper, and in Recipe for Seduction, we are given the back-story as to why he is constantly trying to keep everyone else happy, and not make waves. "Being with me is the one place you don't have to worry about anyone elses feelings. I give you complete control. In my bed. You can take what you want. You can do what you want, whenever you want." Veronica has been in love with Finn for years. Her brother Mark's best friend (who incidentally I think is prime for his own book/novella), he has been with her through all the good and the bad, the from being in foster care as a child, to helping her now deal with her errant teenage brother Cal. Thinking she is finally going to get her life back after spending the last 8 years raising her younger siblings, V is looking to have some fun, live outside of the box she has been stuck in, and expand her Wedding-Planning business. After being caught in a sexy, but compromising position by Finn, Veronica decides it's time to take the bull-by-the-horns, or in this case the chef-by-his-spatula and seduce Finn, not knowing that his sexual tastes run over to the kinkier side of play, she is definitely up for a little experimentation, even if it does mean she has to do a little persuading initially. "You think I'm a straight laced dweeb who doesn't know a penis from a finger." "You're beautiful everyday, V, half naked or not. You're always the most beautiful woman in the room." Veronica was an easy character to like, a woman approaching her thirties with goals and determination. Not afraid to push her boundaries in all areas, and happy to go along for the ride in others. Finn is looking for definition in his life, after spending so many years smoothing over everyone elses troubles and making sure that everyone else is happy, he is finally taking something for himself... Veronica, and although it starts out as a no-strings exploration of self discovery for one, and the living out of years of fantasies for another, it soon develops into so much more. Finn. Her friend. Her lover. Her disaster waiting to happen. "Make love to me. As if it's the last time." ... "Because it is." Gina Gordon has again managed in Recipe for Seduction, to intersperse family drama, with an easy going storyline, around a cute and sexy couple extremely well. I can honestly say that book three is hands-down my favourite of the series so far. I loved Cal, he definitely added 'value' to the story. I liked that the book also offers further development in the stories of other characters from the previous books as well. Lets face it the best-friends brother trope is one that most of us know and love. It is a tried and tested; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Recipe for Temptation (Madewood Brothers, #4); Author: Gina Gordon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "That jackhammer is hard to ignore." Stars! Being the fourth and final book in the Madewood Brothers series, I have to admit I had high hopes for Recipe for Temptation, I did enjoy it, but I wouldn't say my expectations were really met, if I am being honest. Penn and Cole have pretty much been circling around each other for all of the previous three books in the series, and I was really hoping for the story between them to be just that, between them. The inclusion of Penn's pretty abhorrent family, and the storyline taking in their 'Funcation' in Hawaii kind of detracted from the focus of this story, this couple finally getting together. His past wasn't his future. Cole has always been the more elusive, self-contained of the brothers and the author did a really good job of giving him a back-story that offered valid reasoning's for it. I liked that Penn was pretty much the opposite of him, being the dirty-talker of the two the reverse to the normal dynamic was a refreshing change. I just really didn't need the rest of the Foster clan, and all the erroneous drama that came with them. I think this couple together had enough to work through without that addition. "Watching you squirm for an entire week is going to be entertaining." I liked that this book took us away to Hawaii, but would have liked a little more time spent back with the rest of the Madewood family, being the end of the series I would have also liked a longer epilogue. All in all, an easy-going, but easily forgettable read. ARC generously provided via Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Under the Hood: An Under the Hood Novella (Under the Hood, #1); Author: Sally Clements; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Who could resist a hero in distress." Stars. Under the Hood is a really enjoyable novella that introduces us to mechanic Alice Starr and the all female garage that she is trying to get up and running with her friends, aptly named Under The Hood! "Not all men are lying, cheating bastards." Alice has been hurt in the past and has a big thing for honesty in all of her relationships, so when she helps her sexy neighbour Mark Jameson out when he appears to be having car trouble, little does she know that he is being less than honest with her when it comes to his own skills 'Under the Hood' This is a beautifully written, entertaining novella that introduces us to the girls of Under the Hood Garage. Sally's writing style and the likability of the characters draw you in and keeps you reading until the end. There aren't any real surprises in this book plot-wise, but I liked the uniqueness of the 'all-female garage' concept, and I hope that everyone gets their story as the series progresses. Being with someone new was like swimming. It started with dipping toes into the pool, flirting as attraction grew. Swimming in the shallows was refreshing, but held no danger. With one kiss, they'd advanced into water so deep she was in danger of drowning... in deep water, you could dive. Immerse totally in sensation, and luxuriate in the sensation of being one with the elements. Looking forward to more from this series and this author! ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Between the Cracks (Clipped Wings, #1.5); Author: Helena Hunting; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Oh God." ... "You can just call him Dick." Stars. Great little addition to the series, not overly angsty.... I quite like Sarah and Chris. This may even inspire me to brave Book 2!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Can't Resist a Cowboy (Paint River Ranch, #3); Author: Elizabeth Otto; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "We have unfinished business." Stars! Being the third book in the Paint River Ranch series I had no doubt that I would enjoy Can't Resist a Cowboy. Elizabeth Otto has put together a cast of likeable and relatable characters and given them stories that play out in some really beautifully described settings. Levi Haywood has been away from Greenbrook, Montana serving his country, after being honorably discharged due to an almost debilitating injury he has returned home, to his family and Paint River Ranch to start the next chapter in his life. "This place this beautiful land... it has a way of taking you in when you're broken and putting you back together." He never expected Carrie Lynn Waite, the girl he left behind 6 years ago, to be part of that chapter, or to offer him the opportunity of a future he never thought he would be capable of having. Elizabeth Otto has the ability as a writer to bring you as the reader into the story she is telling, you become emotionally invested in the characters, their choices and decisions, hopes and fears and the path they take their lives on. This book is no exception, and Levi and Carrie's chance at rekindling their love for each other kept me happily entertained for the couple of hours I was reading. "If the time comes to find a way through the darkness, we will." I cannot recommend this series highly enough, if you are looking for laughter, tears, great writing, lots of sexy-times, delicious cowboys and a family you wish you could become a part of, then look no further! No woman in her right mind could resist a cowboy! I hope this isn't the end of this series, it still has a lot of life and stories left to tell in it, and I hope the publisher and the author are able to make that happen. ARC generously provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love for Beginners (Under the Hood, #2); Author: Sally Clements; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - Just Missed The Mark Stars. Love for Beginners is the second novella in the under The Hood Series. Although I enjoyed this one, I have to admit it took me a while to warm up to Melody Swan, mainly because her nervousness around men just seemed a little too exaggerated. But then you don't get the nickname 'Ice Queen' for jumping in their laps as an introduction now do you! "My mom fell in love with a man who couldn't commit, who didn't want to stay around and be a part of a family. She chose him with her heart, not her head, and lived to regret it. That won't happen to me." So essentially Mel is looking for a life-companion, a man to share her life with, minus the sex and emotional entanglements that usually come with it.... Heath Starr aka 'Ladyslayer', can you guess.... Yes he has a reputation with the ladies that precedes his arrival in town to help out his sister Alice (book one, Under The Hood), at the garage that Mel co-owns with her. I really liked Heath, the man has been hurt by a situation that wasn't really of his own making and is looking to move on and make a massive change in his life all at the same time. In strolls Mel with her 'sex & touching men' leaves me cold statement, and he feels the need to help her out of her predicament by offering to be her practice Guinea Pig, on a No Commitments basis.. I am glad I stuck with Love For beginners; and I did warm up to Mel marginally as the story progressed. I have to admit I found all of the drama with her mother and her "men are dangerous" mantra, additions that I felt the story could have done without. Heath literally needs a saint-hood for managing to keep his hands to himself at points, especially when Mel turns into a brat about things on more than one occasion, but I also found it endearing that he did. "I just want to know"--she trailed a finger over his lips--"if what I felt before was a onetime thing. I want to find out if things really have changed for me. If the ice really is in the process of melting." Sally Clements really does have a special skill when it comes to the way she adds description to her stories, I found it just as enchanting in Under The Hood, and she did it again in Love for Beginners! If life were a painting, this would be its ultimate masterpiece, the blending of color too magnificent, too unreal to be believed in an artist's imagining. In a perfect world, a world inaccessible and unachievable, he'd live out here, feast his eyes and his soul with the beauty of this vista every night. Instead, he was just a traveller passing through. Capturing the memory would be a pale shade of perfection. A light, quick and easy read, I hope we get Betty's story at some point in; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Healing Her Heart (Stanton Family, #3); Author: Audra North; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "He'd left her limp and sore but ready for more." Stars! I really enjoyed Healing her Heart, it is my first read from Audra North, but I will definitely be looking her up again, when I am in the mood for something quick, sexy and a little different. The beauty of life was in its complexity, and death and desire were both a part of it. It is not often that you read a love story that is in the main conducted in an Assisted Living Facility and I liked this little twist in the story, it gives you the added bonus of senior characters that are just that characters! Greg Stanton being an ER doctor on the verge of burning out, and Carrie Jankowski as the manager of New Beginnings Assisted Living Facility tend to only run into each other at the gravest of times. Greg for the most part is the Doctor with the responsibility of telling Carrie that another senior in her care has passed on. Their attraction for each other is strong, but the circumstances in which they generally meet up aren't really conducive to taking things to the next level. The woman he met far too frequently in the worst possible circumstances. Greg and Carrie are both strong independent characters and I liked that, both are battling a few demons, but not in an overly angsty way. Carrie helping Greg at his lowest point is what prompts him to seek her out and take the next step, after deciding to take some time away from the hospital he makes her the offer of a week of no-strings casual fun, that they both think they been looking for... Sex. Lust. Desire. No strings attached. If you are stuck for what to read next, and are looking for an enjoyable filler while you make up your mind then Healing her Heart is a perfect novella to do that. I was pleased to see that Audra has written 2 other novellas in this series as well, which I will definitely add to the e-reader for just such an occasion. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hometown Love: A Bliss Bundle; Author: Rachel Harris; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: Three tales by three exceptional authors at an amazingly low price. The Hometown Love box set is a wonderful example of the breadth and depth of talented authors that Entangled are currently offering us. If you are looking for some really enjoyable, sweet, funny and easy to read tales of love and relationships then look no further. Taste The Heat by Rachel Harris. I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy the 'falling for my brother's best friend' trope, if it's well written you know you are onto a winner and Rachel Harris has delivered this perfectly in my opinion. Colby Robicheaux left town 8 years ago after discovering a devastating family secret and has since, trained and become a respected Chef in her own right. Returning from Las Vegas to help out in the Family restaurant after her father's death is only ever mean t to be a temporary arrangement. Unfortunately fate has other ideas, and here we get to meet (and a certain reader developed a bit of a crush too) town Fire Chief, Gym owner and all round good-guy, Jason Landry. He is also Colby's brother's best friend, widowed with a cute 12 year old daughter that he takes full time care of. The attraction is mutual, the obstacles many. They agree to a summer fling, no-strings and no feelings to be involved. Unfortunately Colby has always loved Jason, and Jason works out pretty quickly that he has fallen in love with Colby. Playing at Love by Ophelia London. I loved this story (and the series this book is the beginning of). Jack and Tess are both feisty characters not afraid to fight for what they want but also to fight for what their students need. Jack has moved back to town after a long absence and is looking to spend more time with his daughter and establish himself as the local schools new Football Coach. Tess never left town, and is very much a part of the community as is the school choir and the school's music Programme that she runs. Neither of them expect to be on opposite sides of the classroom, but when school funding is cut it is every man, woman and student for themselves. Another easy to engage in, and character rich story, and I can also recommend the follow-up books in this series as well Speaking of Love and Falling for Her Soldier. Lucky Break by Kelley Vitollo. Kelley Vitollo is an author that I also know by another name, and as such I knew Lucky break would be another hugely enjoyable story. Writing as Nyrae Dawn, there isn't a book I haven't loved by this author. This writing in this book as with all of the Bliss stories focuses on the emotions and the relationships between the characters and not necessarily in depth descriptions of their sexy-times. I am ok with that as long as the story is sound, and once again we have a treat. Friends to lovers is another trope that when written well is always easy to immerse yourself in,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Try With Me (With Me, #3); Author: Elyssa Patrick; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4.5 - "You're one of us." Stars! Elyssa Patrick has built the With Me series from enjoyable, to unputdownable with the addition of Jamie and Zeldas book. I knew Try With Me was going to be a book that pulled on the heart-strings, with the inclusion of Breast-Cancer it hits particularly close to home for this reader (as it will for many, many others). I think it is important to say that Elyssa handles that part of the story with such feeling, emotion and respect that it makes the rest of the book even more outstanding because of it. Zelda is a young woman, an extremely strong and resilient young woman, she is approaching the end of a journey with her mother, the one person up to this point who has been the constant in her life. I am lucky, my one constant survived, and lived and is still fighting to this day. My only hope that if or when the time comes I can be half as strong and selfless as this fictional character. Be happy. Be scared. Be brave. On the flip side of the heart break, is the heart meltingly beautiful and sexy-hot story of re-connection, between two people who after a 4 year separation, realize that they both felt the same way back in school. Happy-go-lucky Jamie McAllister, it turns out has a hell of a lot more going on under that easy-going exterior that you are led to believe in the first two books in the With Me series, yes there were a few conversations to give the reader a hint that this is a guy who when he falls, falls hard and irrevocably, but you get too read it in this book. Elyssa did him justice, every dirty-talking, vulnerable looking, quick quipping part of him. Did. Not. Disappoint. "I'm not the type of guy who walks away from a girl he likes-well not anymore anyway." I think it is safe to say that a lot of guys in a new relationship would turn tail and run like hell when faced with the full no-holds barred breakdown of Zeldas' life. Not Jamie, he rallies the troops and it was good too see Caleb & Hailey as well as Daphne & Nick, & the elusive Griff and his brother take prominent roles in the story as it progressed. "You're not alone, not ever. Believe in that. Trust in that." This book isn't one I will forget in a hurry, not for bad reasons, it made me thankful that for the now, happy for the then, and ever hopeful for the future. ARC generously provided by the author, it was as always my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seducing the Playboy (Hot Nights, #2); Author: Amanda Usen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Short-term only. No strings sex. Quick and dirty. Stars. Jenna Cooper has had a crush on her brother's best friend Roman Gallagher for six years, ever since an ill timed sledging spill caused an 'almost-kiss' moment. Seducing the Playboy is a modern day tale of courtship; the first 50% of the book mainly consists of kissing, handholding and a lot of heavy petting, which is quite an unusual scenario in a Brazen book. She was the type that needed romance and flowers. He was more the one-night stand, forget to call type. Roman believes that Jenna is attracted to the man she thinks he is, and not the man he actually is, and in an effort to stick to his hard and fast rule Don't sleep where you eat, after she approaches him looking for help with her families restaurant, he agrees to a temporary, but mutually beneficial bedroom arrangement with her as long as it is on his terms. As such he tries to delay their inevitable coming together, in the hope that she will change her mind. "To little girls like you, I am the Big Bad Wolf," ... "Tempt me, and I'll eat you." Jenna however has other ideas, after 6 years of waiting she is finally going after what she wants and that is the full Roman Gallagher, playboy-of-the-West-Coast experience. if that means dressing sexily, rubbing against him suggestively and offering up innuendo like it's on the menu, then so be it! "That's not a shirt. It's a walking invitation to steal second base." "I'm having a hard time holding onto my good-girl image of you when you keep showing up in hot lingerie." The development of Roman and Jenna's relationship was more of a slow roast shoulder of pork, than a flash-fried steak for me. I found their interactions at times cute, funny and easy to immerse myself in. The storyline isn't unusual, and isn't going to offer up any surprises, but the brothers best friend trope is a theme that I have always found great enjoyment in, and when well written (like Seducing the Playboy definitely is) it's the perfect way to while away an evening. I liked Roman, he isn't afraid to wear his heart on his chef-jacket sleeve and tell Jenna how he feels... "I want you. Everything about you makes me crazy, your curls, your curves, your delicious desserts, even your inability to take no for an answer works for me on every level. You are impossible to resist, and I'm not going to pretend like I want to anymore." Another great series to add to your TBR, I have to say the Into the Fire (book one) just edges ahead of Seducing the Playboy for me, but I would happily read either of them again. The biggest plus point for me, sexy-hot chefs! I could read about a guy that can cook as well as he 'eat's out' all day every day! ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Surviving Raine (Surviving Raine, #1); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Thanks for ... um ... stitching up my head and shit" Stars! Paradise Lost When the waves are round me breaking As I pace the deck alone, And my eye in vain is seeking Some green leaf to rest upon; What would not I give to wander Where my old companions dwell? Absence makes the heart grow fonder, Isle of beauty, fare thee well. Shay Savage for me is probably the best female author out there right now, that can give us a story from a solely man's perspective, that actually sounds like a man. There are other female authors that do this well, but Shay is in a whole league on her own. How the fuck was I going to survive with this annoying, smoking hot bitch that I simultaneously wanted to fuck and kill? This is essentially a book about a broken man, putting himself back together, due to the extreme circumstances he finds himself in and the woman he is with. I loved the snark, sarcasm and just the general building of the relationship between Raine and Bastian. "Thanks for ... um ... stitching up my head and shit." Raine doesn't put up with Bastian's shit, and I loved the fireworks that fizzed and sparked between them. Even with the extreme situation they find themselves in Bastian's absolute devotion to Raine is unyielding, whatever the circumstances and the challenges they face, he never wavers, even though he believes himself unworthy and not deserving of her. "Don't" ... "Don't what, Bastian?" "Don't listen to me." "Don't cry, Raine. Not for me." I loved this book, I loved the writing, the unusual setting, and the characters themselves, total WIN! "I'd die without you, Bastian. Even if I lived, I'd die inside; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bastian's Storm (Surviving Raine, #2); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I'm ferfectly pine." Stars! I dived into Bastian's Storm straight after I finished devouring Surviving Raine. And after getting over my initial feelings on the cover choice - I loved every second of it. It was great to read the whole story of this couple, from the development of their initial relationship on the life raft, and the extreme circumstances which in the end strengthened their bond whilst on the Island in the first book. To then seeing how they both work together as a couple back in the civilised world. Raine. My lifeline. The sails of my ship. The only calm for my storm. My only reason to exist in this fucked up world. I have to say my first thoughts at the start of Bastian's Storm, were of how such a strong, insular, overprotective man was going to stay on the straight and narrow, back in the real world, where temptation is easily and readily available. It is no real surprise that he associates his time on the island with Raine as something to cherish, it is where he broke out of the destructive cycle his life was in, and gradually realised that as a man he is not just the sum total of his past actions. He is more, he can feel love and emotions, protect and be worthy of experiencing the joy of being loved and wanted in return. She made me a person who could be loved and forgiven. She made me the kind of man I might have been if I hadn't been so fucked up early on in life. She took me for who I was - flaws and all - and made me better with nothing more than her acceptance of me. She was life. I loved that Raine 'got' Bastian, for all of his faults and moods, from being super over-protective about her, to his ornery nature around her friends, and just being a general grump with everyone else. As the story progresses and Landon Stark's re-emergence into Bastian's life brings about some huge changes and challenges. Raine still fights for him, with him and against those that threaten Bastian and their life together. I think her belief in Bastian and the love that they shared made the second half of the book even more enjoyable as it wasn't about if their relationship could survive, and more about whether Bastian would survive. I don't want to say too much about the 'Contest', as it would offer up major spoilers, and I think this is a story best enjoyed first hand, by the reader and not through a reviewer's thoughts or impressions of it. You have 6 contestants - Sebastian Stark Hunter Erik Dytalov Reaper Tyrone Chimes And a certain Lt. Evan Arden... Shay wrapped this part of the book, and the end of Bastian and Raine's story as a whole really well, loose ends were tied off, nothing was missed and I liked that those who were deserving of it found the peace to live their lives without fear or the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Worth the Fall (The McKinney Brothers, #1); Author: Claudia Connor; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Do you feel wucky?" Stars! I absolutely adored this book; I will be honest and say that I didn't have massively high expectations from it at the start, and I couldn't have been more wrong. Worth The Fall pulled me in from its first chapter and I fell in love with the characters, and their lives in general. Adding children to a story can on occasion be a bit hit and miss, as their involvement can sometimes take it over, and seeing as there are 4 in this case (with another one on the way) it was a definite possibility. But it didn't and they didn't. I loved Annie, Jack, Gracie and Charlie, they all had their own little personalities and quirks. They all added something to Matt and Abby's story individually and as a collective. "I have three days left and I want to spend them with you." Meeting while on holiday and living hours apart from each other, you would think this is a relationship that is doomed from the beginning, but it covers a great deal of time (the course of a pregnancy you might say!) and although there is a certain amount of insta-love going on I didn't find myself rolling my eyes at it as I would normally do. "Everything about you interests me." There is a great feeling of family running through this story, Matt is used to the notion of family what it adds to his life and the enrichment and support that he gets from having them in it. Abby's story is completely the opposite, having experienced nothing but abandonment and loss in her life; she keeps her expectations for herself and her children very much on the low-down, and is always waiting for the time that she will be left to fend for herself again. Matt puts up an admirable fight to prove to her that he isn't like that and is in for the long haul, and I loved the gradual building of their relationship, the development of trust and the letting go of the past. "No one could help but love you." As you would expect the path of true love never runs smooth, and Matt's sense of responsibility to his SEAL team mates puts Abby's love and trust for him on the line, almost damaging their relationship irrevocably. I cried at points in this book, for both of them, and for the children, but it was worth the sniffly nose and puffy eyes to see this couple overcome the obstacles that are thrown at them, and of their own making. Claudia Connor is a new author to me, and if book one in the McKinney Brothers series is anything to go by she is likely to become a firm favourite in the future. Can't wait for Worth the Risk due in January 2015! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Burn for Me (Fighting Fire, #1); Author: Lauren Blakely; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - He had seven days to woo her. Stars! Jamie Lansing is a certain type of woman - She was organised, a planner, devoted to her to-do list... She was a woman who didn't swear... She wanted someone serious, someone studious, someone she could see having a future with... Her best friend Smith Grayson is one of Hidden Oaks hottest Volunteer Fire-fighters, but also has a reputation for being a bit of a ladies' man... He was fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants. A fireman with a Sailor mouth... He might not be relationship material, but he sure was good-in-the-sack material. The attraction is mutual; Jamie's reasons for not giving into it are many. But she agrees to a 1 week, no-strings, friends-with benefits arrangement. Smith sees this as his opportunity to show Jamie that he can be the man that she needs him to be. This is where things went a little off course for me, because I absolutely adored Smith, the guy put himself and his feelings out on the line for Jamie time and time again, and all she seemed to do was look down on him with distrust and suspicion. I was glad when Smith finally stood up for himself. "You liked fucking me because I'm not proper; I'm not a poet; I'm not the romantic, sensitive, perfect guy. You like the wildside. But I'm never gonna be the kind of guy you want to take home to your parents." As you would expect Jamie does eventually pull her head out of her ass, and realises just how stupid she has been, but will Smith take another risk on having his heart stomped all over again... So although this novella wasn't a total winner for me, I liked the introduction of the town and its people. The potential Lauren Blakely has to turn future books into absolute winners is huge. I just want to fall in love with the heroine as much as I do the hero, which sadly was not the case on this occasion. ARC provided by Entangled in Exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bring on the Heat (The Boys of Summer, #1); Author: Katie Rose; Genres: romance; Review: 1 - Disappointed. Star. I was really happy to be approved for an ARC of Bring on the Heat, the premise was a little different, and the characters sounded like they would be entertaining, and lets face it who doesn't love a whole slew of ball-players to drool over. Sadly, it all fell flat for me, very flat... I can't put my finger on any main reason, it was well written, but I just didn't like or feel anything for any of the characters, or feel any connection between them in any real sense. Chase was a bit of a douche and the whole Lydia/Darcy thing just went a little to far for me. I did read to the end, to see if things improved, but on this occasion this book was just not for me. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Taming the Country Star (Hometown Heroes, #1); Author: Margo Bond Collins; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - Call me tomorrow Stars. Taming The Country Star is the first Novella in the Hometown Heroes Series. It is also the first book I have read by Margo Bond Collins, and I really enjoyed it. I really liked Cole and Kylie, and how although this is a novella, they still had a past. After being jilted at the altar Kylie takes off on her honeymoon to Cozumel alone. There she meets Cole, who she doesn't initially realise it a famous Country singing sensation. Unfortunately, she finds out after a paparazzo prints pictures of them together on the beach and she leaves, anticipating not ever seeing him again... that is until he turns up in her hometown for a couple of concerts. They end up meeting again and Cole is determined to make a better go of things now he has a second chance. "I'm not asking for forever Kylie. Just dinner." Despite her initial reservations with regards to being in the public eye Kylie agrees to 'start over' with Cole. I loved the silly disguises and how much effort Cole put into trying to put Kylie at ease about it. "You're not the first woman to run when the tabloids showed up."... "You're the first one I've ever come back after though." Being that this is a Red-Hot Bliss title, I feel I need to say that this book does contain sex, so if you like your romance more 'behind closed doors' then this may not be a title for you. For me it's not a problem and I enjoyed their interactions. So this is what love feels like. Being with Cole felt right. It was perfect. She could lose herself with him. Or find herself. A great start to a series, I look forward to reading more of the Hometown heroes books as they are released. ARC provided by Entangled via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Making Waves (Perfect Kisses, #3.5); Author: Ophelia London; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 - "I was a bigger douchebag than Justin Beaver." Stars! Ophelia London has given us a really enjoyable little addition to the Perfect Kisses Series. He was pretty sure sex on the beach - the action, not the cocktail - was a big no-no. It was great to catch up with Ellie & Charlie (Falling For Her Soldier, Book 3), and I really liked Chase/Will and Justine. Both were characters with a few insecurities and secrets, and I liked that the time they spent together was used to try and work through those issues and move forward... She was a fighter...The strongest woman he knew. Although there is a little drama, I love that Ophelia's Perfect Kisses series concentrates more on the couple and their story, rather than dragging out the lows, she really enhances the highs of the story. This is a quick, cute, sweet read, and I hope it isn't the end of the series. ARC supplied via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Night with a Quarterback (Santa Fe Bobcats, #1); Author: Jeanette Murray; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Come over to the nerd side. We have Pi. Stars! One Night With A Quarteback is book one in Jeanette Murray's new series 'The Santa Fe Bobcats'. I have been a fan of Jeanette's books since I stumbled across her 'Sempre Fi' series last year and feel in love with it, so the prospect of a new series based around American Footballers makes me a happy girl. He had his secrets. She had hers. I really liked parts of this book; Trey and Cassie when they were together were great, and the whole not 100% sure who the other really was theme. I loved the locker room banter between him and his team-mates, as well as Cassie and her best friend Anya. The sexy times were hot and well written, and the development of their relationship as a whole was sweet, and well timed. He had to be in construction, or landscaping, or some mode of physical work that explained that amazing body. That was no desk-sitting body. "You order a pizza?" ... "I didn't, but you look good enough to eat. I'll take one of you instead." What got a little grating and for me felt a little over the top was the whole family drama Cassie was dealing with at the same time. I disliked her father, step-mother and step-sisters intensely, especially towards the end when she literally just gets dumped on by the lot of them in an attempt for them all to cover their own backs for their failings as a family. It all got a bit much, and add to that the situation with her mother, as well as Trey and his team-mates, at points the story felt a little 'overloaded'. Saying that, I still enjoyed it, we have been given insight into a few of the other players on the team as well, so the development potential is huge for this series. Killian is next up in Loving Him Off the Field, due out in October, and I am looking forward to seeing where Jeanette takes us. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Can't Hold Back (River Bend, #1.5); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Sometimes a girl just needed her hair pulled and her ass spanked." Stars! Can't Hold Back is a quick and sexy novella, giving us the lowdown on Dan and Maddie's 6 day Honeymoon in Cabo. Being away from the sometimes insular town of River Bend, where everybody knows everybody's business, Maddie decides to take things into her own hands and explore the sexual side of their relationship, by seeing if she can pull a more dirty dominant Dan out in the bedroom! She trusted him more than anyone. Loved him more than she thought possible. And craved him in a way she'd never any man before. Can't hold back is the perfect mix of story and sexiness for a novella of this length. I found myself chuckling at points, especially at a certain OTT surfing instructor. Although, it is safe to say some of Maddie's plans work better than others, I loved this couple in Can't Shake You, and it was great to spend a little more time with them. And Dan, well we get too see a side to him, that literally has your panties voluntarily dropping round your ankles, without any help from your hands! "Fingers. Clit. Pussy. Now." Although your fingers may be inclined to do a little work of their own once Dan has finished talking! "Ah, that's it baby. Do you have any idea how good that feels? Your tight pussy gripping my dick like that? It's made for me, Maddie. My cock. My come. Don't you ever forget that." Molly has written an enjoyable and decadently sexy addition to the River Bend Series. I cannot wait to read more from her. Luckily, Can't Get Enough is due out in a few short weeks so not too long to wait! ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Against the Cage (Worth the Fight, #1); Author: Sidney Halston; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - I tried, but gave up @ 40% Star. Against The Cage started out as a really promising read. I mean anyone would think they were onto a winner, when in the first few pages, our heroine gets pulled over and promptly punches the officer in the nuts by accident! "Please tell me I didn't just hit you in the..." "In the balls? Yes, lady, you punched me right in the balls." Sadly, the story got a little overwhelmed as it progressed, with so many random things added into it I got confused at points as to what was actually going on and who was speaking... I decided to 'Time Out' when I was shouting as loudly as Jack "Who is Veronica" ... It also became harder as the book moved on, to believe that I was reading about adults and not teenagers. Chrissy, who is apparently a Doctor acts like a teenage girl with an over-abundance of hormones and opinions, and I really struggled to believe that anyone (well an adult anyway) would hold a grudge for 10+ years, or judge someone so harshly after approximately 24 hours in their company, after that length of time away from them... You're a violent cage fighter who sleeps with women and never calls them again. I can't get involved with you and I'm certainly not sleeping with you." This author has potential, the story had potential, and if all the excess baggage was removed or even added into the mix in a less befuddled way it would probably be something I would happily try reading again. But when the Pet Chihuahua is your favourite character you know it's just not working for you. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Love Potions (Warlocks MacGregor, #1); Author: Michelle M. Pillow; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "I'm going to woo ya, lass." Over the top Scottish Stars! Too say that I was surprised by Love Potions would be an understatement. By that I mean just how much I enjoyed it. I know I am pretty much ensured a good read when I pick up an Entangled book, but Love Potions went over and above my expectations. Her eyes raked over him. The crewneck black cotton shirt he wore moulded to his flesh, leaving no mystery as to the fine shape of his body. The long sleeve bulged at the shoulders; leading to a thick, muscled chest... he was by no means slender, for his stomach was nothing but a continuation of solid muscle. His heather gray, flat-front pants hugged to his perfect waist. The material draped quite erotically over his thighs and calves as a breeze stirred against them. The pants draped something else as well - the giant bulge nestled between his legs. I absolutely adored this book, being a Brit, I did read it with a certain amount of tongue in cheek, as the whole Scottish element of the book is vastly overplayed, but for me it just enhanced the book. I loved Erik MacGregor and his family, a Clan of Warlocks that essentially spend their days playing magick tricks on each other, and getting into mischief. It doesn't hurt that he isn't scared of rocking up in a Kilt on occasion! Any woman would have to be dead not to be attracted to the walking mass of sexy that was Erik MacGregor. Lydia Barratt was easy to like as well, initially you think that she is going to be the usual simpering damsel in distress and, once again my expectations were wrong. She was feisty, fought back and didn't allow Erik's magick to sway her when it came to his seduction of her, and her methods of keeping him at bay were absolutely hilarious at points too. "I already know how good I am in bed. You'd be lucky indeed to get me between your sheets." I hope that this series runs for a while, with 4 more brothers, a sister and cousins a-plenty; there is scope for a few more Sexy-Scottish adventures to be taken. taim i ngra leat ARC generously provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1); Author: Diane Alberts; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Dr. McAss & Patient McClumsy Stars! Falling for the Groomsman could not be a more perfect start to the Wedding Dare series (not forgetting Dare to Resist obviously). Jen McLaughlin (Diane Alberts)has put together a hilariously funny, but also sweetly poignant story to ease the reader in, like hot chocolate off a spoon. "Hey, Red." "It's Christine." "Not to me."... "To me, you'll always be Red." Christine Forsythe and Tyler Dresco have history, not great history but the memories of their one and only time together on a holiday to Mexico 8 years ago are still strong for them both. Bearing in mind Tyler ran like Usain Bolt out of the starting gate after the taking her virginity, Christine is wary of having anything to do with him whilst spending the week at Beaver Creek Resort for her best friend Kady's (his little sister) wedding. Sweaty palms. Racing hearts, and forgotten dreams. Christine has spent the last 8 years comparing every man to Tyler, and no-one has quite measured up, with that in mind she has come to the wedding with a specific set of goals, none of which include Tyler. Christine's Sex To-dos - Kiss a stranger. - Have sex outside - Make out in an elevator. Being back in her company made him feel as if he'd never stopped thinking about her. Never stopped wanting her." Several massive plus points for this book, that made this couple work so well together for me, were firstly their interactions; their verbal sparring was conducted with such ease and flow that I really felt the history between them. As the book develops you begin to understand that both of them have spent the last 8 years carrying around completely the wrong end of the stick as to what happened that night in Mexico between them. "I had sex with you because I wanted to. Because you made me feel good. Not because I was drunk and out of my head." "When we get too close... Sparks fly. Inevitably, you end up pressed against a wall with me in between your legs. Mexico. Last night. Tonight..." I also loved that the whole little sisters best-friend aspect wasn't overplayed in the story, admittedly it is one of my favourite tropes, but sometimes you just want to get down to the nitty-gritty, and hells-yeah we do in Falling for the Groomsman. Tyler - "You want me to kiss you. Touch you. Fuck you. Admit it." Christine - "You talk to your patients that way Dr. Dresco?" Christine was an absolute gem of a character as well, I loved that she gave Tyler a dose of his own medicine, by turning him down and doing a Houdini on him every chance she got! "I'm refusing your refusal of my refusal." But boy can Tyler turn the heat up...AND FAST! "This time? I'm not fucking stopping. And no running away" "No running away." ... "I won't stop you this time. I'm yours Tyler." "Damn right you are." The dual POV really works in this book, you; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Baiting the Maid of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Reed doesn't do the woo." Stars! If at all possible, book two in the Wedding Dare series is even hotter than book one. Baiting the Maid of Honor worked for me on every level, with a rich storyline, well developed characters and the flawless progression of the series as a whole. Tessa Bailey really does excel when it comes to the guys she gives us to drool over in her books. I love me some dominant alpha male and SWAT Officer Reed Lawson is all that and a bag of crackers, wrapped up in a dirty-talking, take-no-shit, inked and scarred package. "You've had me hard for days, baby. I want to fuck you more than I want to breathe." "Are you always this inappropriate?" ... "Even when a lady has shown exactly zero interest?" ... "Baby , if that was zero. I can't wait to see what ten looks like." Southern Belle Julie Piper spends her life making others happy, some might say at the detriment to her own happiness. There is be a reason for that, but it isn't one that she will willingly discuss. That is until Reed see's past the facade to the woman she really is, it's this fact as well as all of their other differences that make it easier for her to embrace the woman she really wants to be... "Would you like me take off my pants now so you can really be impressed?" What I really liked about this book, is the contrast it offered to book one Falling For the Groomsman, where Christine and Tyler's story was absorbing due to its fun, light-heartedness. Tessa has spun that on its head in Baiting the Maid of Honor. Both Reed and Julie are battling with the assumption that they are 'not good enough' and in private are in a pretty dark place but for totally different reasons. Reed gives Julie something she didn't even realise she needed, while she in turn makes him want things he never thought he could have, this is what ultimately makes their connection so strong. All he wanted was to crush her to him. Absorb her scent. Her light. Never let her go. The push and pull between these two, and the dual POV again work perfectly, as with book one, you are pulled fully into the drama of Julie and Reed as a couple, and the Wedding preparations and the rest of the characters as the week progresses for all of them at Beaver Creek Resort as a whole. ARC generously provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seducing the Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I used to be a boob man, but I think you've ruined me." Stars! Seducing the Bridesmaid is the third instalment in the Wedding Dare series. Regan has probably been the most prominent secondary character in the previous books, so it was good to finally get to her story. As a head-hunter in New York, Regan's life revolves around plans, she has set goals in life and is extremely focussed on what she believes is the right path for her to take. The man was temptation personified. It just wasn't fair. So when a sexy and at first glance extremely laid-back and easy-going Southern gentleman steps into the path of her well thought out plans, Regan is left floundering on a raft of feelings and emotions that she doesn't usually experience, Brock isn't appropriate to those plans, and she shouldn't want him, as he doesn't fit into the mould she has built for her life, o.k. for a bit of fun maybe... but not long-term. Regan -"I always have a plan. You weren't part of any plan." Brock - "Plans change. That's life." Regan - "Not my plans. Not until you."... He made her forget herself, forget what was important. Regan likes to be in charge, something Brock struggles with when it comes to the bedroom, although I liked the fact that he was happy to lie back and let her lead the way initially, I did find it a little icky that as soon as she got out of bed, she was looking for her next opportunity to get closer to another guy in the wedding party, as he was more in-line with the "type" of guy she thought she should be with. I wanted Brock to do more about this situation earlier on in the book than he did. "Remember - you touch me, this ends." Because she'd forget all reason and lose herself completely. This was the type of man who expected that kind of response from his partners, and got it through sheer force of personality. Don't get me wrong I still really enjoyed the story; I just found the whole 'sleeping with one guy, while trying to pull another' a little overplayed. Brock is used to living up to the expectations that the people around him have, or should I say lack of, which I suppose you could attribute to his externally laid-back attitude to Regan's actions. But I liked it when he gave Regan attitude back and would loved to have seen more of this side of him. "Woman you're as mean as a copperhead. Come here let's find out if you're as cold-blooded." As you would expect from a Katee Robert book the sexy times do not disappoint. She isn't shy about making the woman the dominant force in the bedroom, but Brock was no slouch either! "Well darlin', I fuck who I want to. And right now that's you." Another enjoyable addition to the Wedding Dare series. You again are given the progression of the couple throughout their week at Beaver Creek; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Man with Benefits (Wedding Dare, #4, McCade Brothers, #3); Author: Samanthe Beck; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "We just kept massaging the deal until everyone felt good about it." Stars! Best Man With Benefits brings us to the end of what has been an absolutely spectacular series. I have enjoyed each and every book for different reasons, and I know without doubt I will revisit the characters and their stories again and again in the future. Logan 'Pantyripper' McCade and Sophie Brooks, have been a part of the previous 3 books, but not to any massive extent, and you know what they always say about the quiet ones.... "Why are you punishing me?" "For making me want you." "If it's any consolation, I want, you too." Another thing I have liked about the books in this series is that each and every character has been different; they have all had their own unique qualities, back-story and issues. Some have been a little deeper than others, but all have been well developed and easy to empathise with. "Different doesn't always mean incompatible." I felt a massive connection to Sophie; this is a woman who likes to blend into the background, stay out of the limelight and is happier in her own company, rather than that of her peers. She has made a few changes in her life recently, and as a part of that is making more of an effort to come out of her shell and 'get involved' more. Logan as the Best Man is her Brothers best friend and as such has seen Sophie develop from the goofy little-sister into the woman she now is. As such, although he has been tasked in ensuring that she attends and enjoys the planned events for the wedding, Logan has very much put a Sophie-is-off-limits rule in place after discovering she isn't quite the cute, shy girl he remembered. "The only chest you're going to be pressed up against is mine." "You can, you know." "Can what?" "Hold on to me." I loved the first few chapters of this book, the amount of imaginary fucking and eye fucking that goes on between this couple is drool worthy, and when they do finally get down to it you are not left disappointed. "It's like someone kicked my ass and left me for dead." "Come on, Soph. I dare you." For me, there is nothing more of a turn on in a book boyfriend as one who knows exactly what his woman needs, and gives it too her. Logan does this in spades, and pretty creatively at points, his recognition and acceptance of her lack in confidence, I think is one of the main reasons she then manages to take the big step of actually putting herself 'out-there' emotionally after spending so long avoiding any entanglements whatsoever. Sophie struggles massively with body-confidence and due to past hurts struggles with self-esteem as well, Logan uses actions as well as words (filthy-dirty ones at times) to prove to Sophie that he doesn't see her as anything less than the beautiful, intelligent, worthy woman she is. "You make me stand up and take notice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ready to Wed; Author: Cindi Madsen; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Can you believe I'm getting married today?" Stars! Ready to Wed is my first book from Cindi Madsen, and if you are looking for something hugely entertaining, easy going and filled with a wealth of likeable and relatable characters, then this is the book for you. It was like sitting down to read one of your favourite rom-com movies, you know the type I am talking about, it's all good clean fun, the drama isn't too heavy, and you have the good, that bad and the ugly in terms of the cast. Men are like puppies... you will get attached, bring them home, and they will shit all over everything you love. ~ Anonymous [image error] When you work as a professional wedding planner to Las Vegas's elite as well as write your own newspaper column Get Ready to Wed in the towns newspaper, the last thing you want to experience on your own wedding day is being stood up at the altar, or on the beach in Dakota's case. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens for Dakota Halifax, add to the fact your fiance has been less than honest with you about a few things, and your long lost (and now extremely hot) best-guy-friend has returned to town and you have a whole lot of problems, instead of your happily ever after! He smelled like sunshine and dude, with a side of take-me-now. I absolutely adored Brendan, and even though he stood her up at the altar, I didn't really mind Grant either. Don't worry if you are thinking love-triangle as it really isn't written that way. This is a book low on angst and high on life. Dakota does have a few upsets, but everything is dealt with in a pretty upbeat way, from Anger Management classes, brides-to-be with Hair-don'ts, interfering almost mother-in-laws and bitchy gossip columnists with grudges, she manages to negotiate them in her sometimes clumsy but usually pretty cheery way. The only question - who will she choose... "I've loved you one way or another since the first day we met, Dakota Jane Halifax, and I'll keep doing it, no matter what happens." If you are looking for feel-good, laugh out loud, entertaining story, Ready to Wed is definitely a book you are going to enjoy. It kept me entertained, it made me smile and it had that all important 'ahh' factor. A definite winner from Cindi Madsen in my opinion! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: (Once) Again (Again, #2); Author: Theresa Paolo; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3 Stars. After DNF'ing the first book in Teresa Paolo's Again series I must admit I went into this one with more than a little trepidation. Did I finish this one...Yes! Did I like it more than the first one... Yes! Josh and Kat were for the most part likeable characters, and the development between them, the story and their characters in general was a vast improvement from book 1. There seems to be more depth and less superficiality to Ms. Paolo's writing in this book, and the story was all the better for it. I am a sucker for a second-chance romance, and this one was really well thought out, from the unusual situation that necessitates Kat to come back into Josh's life after 2 years to assist with his rehabilitation, and although there is drama, it isn't OTT or unnecessary. It also worked really well being written from Josh's POV, I found him pretty funny and self-depreciating, and his relentless pursuit of Kat was absolutely adorable, especially with everything that he was suffering from. It was nice to read of a heroine who didn't just fall down and fall in love in the first couple of chapters, Kat has a whole set of her own problems that she is dealing with, aside from the re-emergence of the guy who broke her heart back into her life. After book one, I wasn't sure whether I would want to read another book again by this Author, I am not ashamed to say when I am wrong and after reading (Once) Again, I would happily pick up another book by Teresa Paolo. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: (Never) Again (Again, #1); Author: Theresa Paolo; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: DNF - For now. Really not liking the Heroine, and not feeling any connection or interest with the rest of the characters or the storyline either. I may return at some point.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Temptation in Shadows; Author: Gena Showalter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "You know those women who don't like to swallow a man? I'm not one of them." Stars! Having read some of Gena's Lords of the Underworld books, I knew that I was likely to be given a sexy alpha male, and a kick-ass heroine when I picked up Temptation in the Shadows, and she didn't let me down. Gabrielle Huit & Sean Walker, both have a little something special going on compared to normal humans, and as such are both extremely desirable commodities in certain circles. He was hot, callused... a temptation she couldn't afford. She was a job, not a possible date. Gabby is a waitress & Sean a bouncer at Eye Candy Nightclub. The attraction is mutual, but the reasons to ignore it many. What Gabby doesn't know is that Sean and her boss Rowan Patrick are also agents for the Rose Briar Agency, and they have been looking for her... There were secrets in his eyes... a darkness that should have frightened her. I really enjoyed this novella, it offers a great little story, a shot of hot sexiness and a group of characters that definitely have potential for development. I hope that the Rose Briar Agency and it's not-quite-100%-human-agents get a series at some point in the future. He wanted to take the darkness of her past and give her light for the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Risking it All (Crossing the Line, #1); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "You Catholic girls and your filthy minds." Stars! Tessa Bailey has a formula and it works. You cannot dispute that, and I wouldn't want to. Her heroes are strong, alpha, dirty talking guys, who happily back up their words with knee trembling results. "We both know it's only a matter of time before I'm pounding the purity right out of you." Her heroines are on-the-surface confident, spunky and take-no-shit from the men pursuing them. The storyline may change, but the people involved generally have the basic characteristics every-time. I think this is in part (along with her frigging awesome writing skills) the reason her books work, you know what you are getting, and you get given it good and hard, sometimes fast but always fully satisfied at the end. "Fighting was in his blood. He did it often and he did it well. Bowen Driscol is not an unknown name to Bailey aficionados, the guy appears heavily in His Risk to Take and Riskier Business as someone who is extremely important to Ruby Elliott. But this is Bowen's book, you get Bowen's story in all its dirty talking, hard fighting, and unashamedly sexy Technicolor glory! His Bible had been a notebook filled with debts. Sera Newsom is out for revenge, because of that emotions have somewhat clouded her judgment, when it comes to investigating the man who potentially had a hand in killing her brother. She is undercover, and finds herself in a position that ultimately puts her life on the line, if her real identity is discovered. Bowen adds to the danger, but in a completely different, and totally unexplored way for Sera. The romance and suspense flow along at a really steady clip in Risking in All. Sera and Bowen's coming together, the building of the relationship between them, and the breaking down of the barriers they both have around their hearts and emotions offers the reader an exciting and really emotive read. Bowen is a complex character, and Tessa went a step further with this book in relation to the Alpha-Male she delivered up for the reader's enjoyment. I think Risking it All is possibly one of Tessa's finest books to date. But to be fair all of her books are seriously good so it would be difficult to pick an out an out favorite if put on the spot. You won't regret reading this one, you will fall in love with Bowen and you will love the direction in which the series is being taken! "I'm fucked for life over you." ARC generously provided by Entangled, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wolf Within (Purgatory, #1); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 Stars. Cynthia Eden books always leave me saying "why didn't I read this sooner". No exception with The Wolf Within, you have a sexy guy, a kick-ass girl and a well thought out, predictably unpredictable romantic suspense novel. With the added bonus of a few paranormal beings thrown in for good measure. Great start to a series, straight onto book two for me!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marked by the Vampire (Purgatory, #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "Thought you'd be older." ... "Hoped you'd be uglier." Stars! Marked by the Vampire is book two in Cynthia Eden's Purgatory Series. I could gush for several paragraphs about this author's awesomeness, but I don't want to bore you. "Better be careful," ... "You don't know what waits in the darkness." I am not a huge PNR reader (although I seem to be ploughing through them lately), but when I see a Cynthia Eden book on Netgalley now, I don't even read the synopsis before hitting the 'request' button. I don't need to know what the book is about to know that I will enjoy it; she is just that type of writer for me. I have a few others that I class as 'no-brainers' but if you asked me who my go-to author for romantic suspense is, Cynthia Eden is most likely to be the first name I would throw at you. "Why do people think," ... "That vampires are cold?"... "Because the movies say we're dead. The dead are cold. The dead don't have hearts that beat" ... "They say we have no passion."... "But our hearts beat. We breathe. We live. We need." Firstly, I would recommend that you read book one in the Purgatory series, The Wolf Within as although each of the books features around a different couple, there is an underlying story running through. Think of the F.B.I for paranormal disturbances if you will Shane is a Vampire who works with Eric Pate, in containing and removing threat to human life from Vampires, Werewolves and other non-human forms. If taken alive they are then sent to Purgatory Prison. There are some serious issues with the running of Purgatory, what with the inmates killing each other, and management seemingly encouraging it, as well as a potential uprising and possible escape attempt. Shane is sent in undercover to try and find out what and who is the mastermind behind the unrest. "You're dead" ... "Undead is the correct term, jackass. Get it right." Unfortunately, Shane didn't figure the inclusion of Dr. Olivia Maddox on the staff roster for the prison, and she brings out all sorts of over-protective feelings in him, feelings he hasn't felt in decades... "I won't let anyone hurt you. Any who comes after you - human, vamp, werewolf - they'll have to go through me first." Olivia is keeping a few secrets of her own, and once again Cynthia gives us another likeable and kick-ass heroine. I loved the verbal sparring between the two of them, as well as the scorching hot sexy-times. I want to keep her with me forever. I just found her. I'm not prepared to let her go. I need to make her love me. "Love, I like the way you taste." Once again, and as I have come to expect, the story doesn't quite go the way you expect, Cynthia is a master when it comes to throwing the plot completely off course, but in the right direction at the same time. And I love that I; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Melt for Him (Fighting Fire, #2); Author: Lauren Blakely; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Let me undress you. Let me spread you out on my bed. Let me taste you." Stars. Book 2, in Lauren Blakely's Fighting Fire series literally starts with a bang, and the smoldering and fizzing between Becker and Megan doesn't really stop right up until the end. I don't want to talk about me. What I want is to see all of you." Becker and Megan, aren't entirely honest with each other at their first meeting, and although both are happy to dive into bed together for a bit of non-committed, between-the-sheets action, what was supposed to be a one night stand, quickly turns into a bit of a one night revelation for them both when they next meet up. Being owner of the Panting Dog, as well as Hidden Oaks, Fire Captain, Becker has moved into town for a quieter pace of life, struggling with survivor's guilt from his last post, he is a man battling a few demons and with very low expectations of himself. Megan has her own demons that she is dealing with, after moving on from a bad relationship foremost, and due to the loss of someone she loves to the Fire Department in the past. She has sworn off involvement with firemen because of it. So when she meets up with Becker again in conjunction with her photographing the Hidden Oaks Fire Department Charity Calendar, she is reluctant to take things any further with the guy who not only fights fire, but as it turns out is also one of her brother Travis' best friends. The more she liked him, the more likely she'd be hurt. A man like that, driven by danger, could ruin a woman's heart. Melt for Him, is an easygoing, sexy read. There aren't any huge surprises in the storyline, but it is well written, the characters are engaging and the drama isn't too heavy or repetitive. This couple sizzles between the sheets, and are pretty combustible everywhere else too! It also offers further development to the series pretty well as a whole, and I look forward to seeing where in Hidden Oaks, Lauren takes us next. "Let's keep falling together." ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Breakaway Hearts (Kelly Brothers, #2); Author: Crista McHugh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Sometimes life was about second chances. Stars. Book Two in the Kelly Brothers series is definitely as enjoyable as book one. I love a second chance romance, and although Ben and Hailey have the odds stacked against them their romance and the rebuilding of their relationship was enjoyable to read. Was there enough between them to turn this into forever? There is a big secret in this story, and the reader and everyone in the book but Ben and his family know about it. I wanted him to find out sooner if I am honest, and I think he got a pretty raw deal when it was revealed. But on the whole it didn't detract from what was another really likeable and sexy Kelly brother getting his HEA. This was a book, and is a series that I am enjoying immensely, the interaction with the rest of the Kelly brothers and the promise of what we can expect in future books keeps the reader intrigued, and I am expecting more of the same from Crista in the remaining brothers books.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sweetest Seduction (Kelly Brothers, #1); Author: Crista McHugh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Go and catch a falling star" ... Stars! Its not secret that I am a huge sucker for a series, especially if it's based around a family, and each sibling gets their own book whilst story for the whole family develops concurrently. Crista McHugh is my new Author-crush for this week, having just read The Sweetest Seduction, I am in all sorts of happy raptures. Seven Brothers.... YES 7!!!! Adam, Ben, Caleb, Dan, Ethan, Frank & Gideon, I am going to be all over you guys like a cheap suit! Adam and Lia get their story in book one. I loved it, the easy writing, the likeable characters and the lack of excessive drama make this a book you can immerse yourself in and enjoy. The story isn't a new one, but I didn't care, it grabbed me and kept me reading until the end. I love that we have the addition of an ornery Match-making Mother, and a 'mad as a box of frogs' dog, it rounds out the family and gives us recurring characters that will add fun and laughter to the books as the series progresses! Straight onto book 2!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Heart's Game (Kelly Brothers, #4); Author: Crista McHugh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "It seems we have an alien life form on board." Stars! The Hearts Game is book four in the Kelly Brothers series, and Crista McHugh has confirmed 100% to me with this book, (which to be quite honest I knew after I finished reading the previous three) that she is an author whose books I will go back to and read again and again. I have read all 4 books, and fallen in love with this series over the last couple of days, the storylines are well thought out, and develop at a pace that the reader can follow along and get absorbed in. The characters are likeable, relatable and it's easy to empathise with their trials and tribulations, and the best part for me is this series focuses around a family, so as the books develop so does the Kelly Family's story as a whole. I loved that we get a few updates about Adam and Lia, Ben and Hailey, and Caleb and Alex through this book as well as the main focus being on Dan and Jenny's story. What happens at Comic-Con, stays at Comic-Con... Well that is what Dan Kelly and Jenny Nguyen initially hoped, and after one hot sexy night together they go their separate ways not expecting to ever see each other again. Unfortunately fate has other plans, both avid gamers they end up pitted against each other in a long drawn out game of Dungeons & Dragons being run by one of their mutual friends. After getting reacquainted with each other whilst incorporating a life-size replica of the Game of Thrones, Throne. Dan finds out Jenny is pregnant, and although initially shocked warms to the idea and is keen to pursue their relationship in spite of the fact. Jenny is less than forthcoming with the reasons for her pregnancy and Dan as you would expect, gets completely the wrong end of the stick. This is the first book in the series to make me cry (book 2, came very close though), but it was still worth the painful lump in my throat to read to the end to see if this quirky, geeky couple got their HEA. What with Jenny's OTT mother and overly traditional Vietnamese Aunt, the Kelly family unit and the progression of the pregnancy, this book plucked at my heartstrings, like a well trained harpist. I cannot wait for the next book in this series; Ethan's story - A Seductive Melody is due in September 2014, I am on pins to get my hands on this Kelly brother's book, I mean who doesn't love a tortured musician. Crista McHugh has got a fan for life in me for the Kelly Brothers; I am crossing everything that they may consider adopting me into the clan, even if it is just as jaspers dog-walker! ARC generously supplied by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Real Thing; Author: Cassie Mae; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Only bookworms understand the kind of power stories can have on a person." Stars. I didn't really love, and I didn't really hate The Real Thing. It was enjoyable, but there were a lot of things about it that I felt needed more depth and expansion, I felt at times like the author had added a fact but forgot that we as the reader didn't know the basis for it being there. It starts with Mia's college roommate Eve's situation with her boyfriend Paul, which although is not uncommon in this day and age, is still not something that responsible people actively plan to do at their age, and with their circumstances. I also felt the Eric and his issues needed more explanation, yes we were given a few reasons with regards to his ex-girlfriends treatment of him, but it just didn't feel like enough to me, I also failed to understand why his brother suffered from the self same thing. "I thought I was broken before, but now I feel shattered." The other main issue I had was the fact that for about 75% of the book I really disliked Mia, I know this story is meant to show that some people get wrapped up in Social Media and the internet in general, to the detriment to their normal everyday lives, and that was very apparent with Mia, but I actually found her actions, for the most part rude and selfish. Eric put up with it far longer than I would expect any normally reasonable guy to, and even when he made the point of saying he was getting fed up with it, Mia just carried on doing it. Her blase attitude about his issues and lack of experience in the beginning got on my nerves as well. "I just want to be more important to you than that." [image error] I really wanted to love this book, as it is really does highlight how badly the over reliance and use of technology can affect our lives nowadays. I suppose in that context it is a really good book... I just wish I could have had the necessary development in some of the plot points to help me understand more some of the parts of the story and the characters, and their actions / reactions more. I would still read more from this author; unfortunately this book didn't quite hit the mark for me on this occasion. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go. ~ Dr. Seuss ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Two Week Seduction (Secret Desires, #3); Author: Kathy Lyons; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 -"Do military men do it with their boots on?" Stars! Two Week Seduction; certainly seduced me and it definitely didn't take two weeks to do it! I cannot recommend this book highly enough; it had the right amounts of dirty, sexy and romance in it, and kept me entertained right up to its adorable ending. I love the brothers best friend trope, and I think this is probably one of the best books I have read in a while that covers this theme. Alea comes from a wealthy background; John's background is the total opposite. This is something which he has frequently been reminded of when spending time with Alea's brother Sam and her family. It doesn't help that he also has a serious lack of belief in his own self worth, so he thinks Alea can do much better for herself, than end up with a guy like him. She was the one thing he could never have. Alea has waited 10 years for her chance with John, and after her first attempt to seduce him ended up with a slap on the bum and her brother taking her home as a teenager, she is determined not to fail this time, even if they do only have two weeks together. "Intentions don't matter. Actions do." I love John O'Donnell, he is downright dirty, his words (and actions) left me hot under the collar on more than one occasion whilst reading this book. "I'm going to be quiet now. But you feel free to scream anything you want." Sorry did I mention he is a dirty, dirty boy!! "I'm going to lay you on my hand as I finger you. Then spread your legs and bury myself so deep you'll taste me as we come." What made the book even more entertaining for me though was the fact that Alea was just as dirty as John was. Forget the prim, proper little rich girl, John thinks she is. Alea has kept her true self hidden from John and everyone else, so when he gets a taste of the real Alea, he finds it increasingly difficult to keep his distance. "When we get to my apartment, I'm going to tie you up and beat the shit out of you." This is my first book from this author, it won't be my last. Kathy Lyons certainly knows how to put filthy and dirty together in to one smoking, hot, leave you panting for more package. I cannot wait to see what she delivers up for us next. His breath was hot against her ear and her whole backside felt like it was going up in flames. He was so big, and she just went liquid. ARC provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Curse of the Phoenix Bundle; Author: Rachel Firasek; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - Perfect Summer Reading Stars. I really enjoyed reading this set of Novellas, each one follows onto the next and offers up the story of a different Phoenix. I liked the father/son dynamic between Turner and Brody in the The last Rising, it added that extra dimension to the story,but it did take me a while too warm up to Ice. Greyson and Arabella and their 'against the odds love in The Last Awakening, was really enjoyable to read too, especially as I have a massive soft spot for traumatised ex-soldiers, especially when they are trying to adjust to living life again, I really liked Ari and the sacrifices she was prepared to make. Osiris and Sadie's book The Last Beginning was my absolute favourite tough, their search for the Book of the Dead, and the places they visit whilst dealing with their feelings for one another, with the threat of possibly being permanently parted made it a novella I couldn't put down until I knew its outcome. A goddess never lowered for a mere mortal. This box-set offers up the reader a selection of interconnected light paranormal romances, they are easy to dip in and out of, but the characters are likeable enough that you want to keep reading, and the stories are developed enough that they don't feel rushed or like they are missing development in essential areas. It is a book I would happily take away with me on holiday and chill out by the pool with. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Last of the Red-Hot Cowboys (Hell's Outlaws, #1); Author: Tina Leonard; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - O.K, but not blown away... Stars. Trace Carter, Saint Markham & Declan O'Rourke, returned to Hell, Texas looking for the quiet life, after spending years in the same platoon fighting in Iraq & Afghanistan. Together they set up the Hells Outlaw's Training Center. They'd built this from nothing, bred horses and trained riders, all in the relative calm of Hell. This was where they found peace and quiet, and maybe, at times, redemption. The Hell Belles - Ava Buchanan, Harper Castleberry & Cameron Dix are looking for help in training for their Rodeo / Bull-fighting act and choose the Hells Outlaw boys for the job. Hell, Texas is very much a man's town the women are expected to be women, and as such putting together a Rodeo act is not something that goes down too well with a few people, Trace included. But how can he refuse when the chemistry between him and Ava is immediate, and better to train her and her girls, than risk their safety elsewhere. I wasn't blown away by this book, it was a struggle at points to work out what was going on, as the writing does jump around a little bit and there are an awful lot of secondary characters getting far too much page time. I didn't really feel much of a connection between Trace and Ava either, and at points Trace's back and forth with regards to his feelings for Ava got a bit draining. An enjoyable, but not un-put-downable read. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finger Bang; Author: Jade C. Jamison; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF @ 44%. I am not going to trash the book, I am just going to say that, I can see the merit in the storyline and the characters, unfortunately there is just something that doesn't work for me personally when it comes to the writing style... There are some great one-liners - God his finger had turned her into a fucking animal.... "It was like I was at an orgy but no one gave me enough liquor to relax" I certainly wouldn't discourage anyone who is looking for a light, fun, read from picking up this book, it just didn't work for me. ARC generously provided by the author.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Seven Day Fiancé (Love and Games, #2); Author: Rachel Harris; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "You can proposition me anytime, angel." Stars! The synopsis for Seven Day Fiance ticks all of my 'Wanna-Read' boxes; unfortunately the reading didn't quite match my expectations. I am kind of surprised actually as I really enjoyed book one in the Love & Games Series - Taste the Heat. Rachel Harris has really got skill in providing an enjoyable love story, without the steam and sex that you get in some of the other Entangled Categories. Lack of sexytimes aside (as I know to expect this with a Bliss title), I really struggled to find any connection between Angie and Cane. I don't know maybe it's just me, but when you are told that a guy ' doesn't do relationships and he doesn't fall in love you expect a little more resistance to some of the things Cane ended up doing without a whimper of complaint. Cane was a duality of light and dark, tough and sweet, bad boy and protector. The massive amount of aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents, siblings and other people in the story got a little confusing at times too and everything just seemed to be sugar-coated and overdosed in sweetness, at points I had concerns I would go into a diabetic coma from it. The storyline and the characters are sound, but I personally just found it all a little too busy, and over-the-top nice, even for a Bliss title.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Accidentally Married on Purpose (Love and Games, #3); Author: Rachel Harris; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Always the fling, never the forever. Stars! Accidentally Married on Purpose is hands-down my absolute favourite of the Love & Games series. Sherry Robicheaux has been a favourite of mine throughout the previous two books and it was great to finally get into the head of this sassy, quirky likable girl. She'd always been the type of girl who jumped in feet first and fell in love at first sight. Tyler Blue isn't looking for a relationship or commitments, but pressure from his record label Belle Meade, to live the lifestyle his songs of love and romance promote is heavy, as is speculation in the press about his private life. Tyler just wants to make music, everyone else see's it differently. He was an instant gratification kind of guy. When he saw a woman who interested him he went for it. Although the wedding happened within the first few pages of the book, I loved the building of the actual relationship between Tyler and Sherry as the book progresses, the 'rules' they set themselves, and lack of sex for the month they are together really gave Rachel Harris a chance to explore both of them as people, as well as the opportunity to build their friendship and the emotional connection between the two of them. "Our relationship isn't conventional, and it sure as hell didn't start off like most. But we both know what we want and aren't afraid to go for it." There are so many things I liked about this book, from the Post-it notes to the banter between the two of them. This is a low drama kind of story, something that a reader can pick up and know that at the end they are going to have a lovely case of the 'warm-fuzzies'. Rachel also managed to bring the previous couples into the story as well which was great as it gave the series as a whole a excellent continuity. I loved the epilogue; it was the perfect ending for me. ARC Generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taste the Heat (Love and Games, #1); Author: Rachel Harris; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy the 'falling for my brother's best friend' trope, if it's well written you know you are onto a winner and Rachel Harris has delivered this perfectly in my opinion. Colby Robicheaux left town 8 years ago after discovering a devastating family secret and has since, trained and become a respected Chef in her own right. Returning from Las Vegas to help out in the Family restaurant after her father's death is only ever mean t to be a temporary arrangement. Unfortunately fate has other ideas, and here we get to meet (and a certain reader developed a bit of a crush too) town Fire Chief, Gym owner and all round good-guy, Jason Landry. He is also Colby's brother's best friend, widowed with a cute 12 year old daughter that he takes full time care of. The attraction is mutual, the obstacles many. They agree to a summer fling, no-strings and no feelings to be involved. Unfortunately Colby has always loved Jason, and Jason works out pretty quickly that he has fallen in love with Colby. Originally reviewed in the Hometown Love Boxset - [url]...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My First, My Last; Author: Lacey Silks; Genres: romance; Review: "You've always had good instincts. Listen to them." DNF @ 30% I am using a quote from the book, to sum up my reasons for not finishing it. I stuck with it as I hoped the confusion I felt at the beginning of the book would gradually be explained as the story developed. The story starts with Mia and Adrian literally in a booth in a bar... After a 20 year separation, it just seemed too random of a way to start a book. Yes you are given an explanation as to how and why he is there over the next couple of chapters, but I just struggled to feel that this couple who hadn't seen each other for 20 years, could just roll back to being in-love, ready-to-drop-everything for each other, with hardly any meaningful conversation. Adrian always made me feel comfortable in an uncomfortable way. This is where my second problem arises, the conversation between everyone is so very stilted, and wooden that I was worrying I would end up with splinters in my fingertips... Mia is a mass of contradictions, one minute she's determined to make a go of things with Adrian but not too rush into anything, in the next she's debating a quickie with her ex husband, who is still very apparent in her home and her life, over and above what I would ever expect a woman to allow a cheating ex to be, even with children involved. Add to that the fact I kept having to reread things as I was confused as hell I decided better to listen to my good instincts and call it a day. ARC provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: One Hundred Proposals (100 Proposals #1); Author: Holly Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - One hundred days. One hundred ways. Stars! I could list a hundred different reasons why I loved this book, actually probably more. I started One Hundred Proposals yesterday afternoon, and couldn't put it down. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love my bed and sleeping in it, so me getting up an hour early this morning to finish the book before the boring work week began, gives you a clue as to just how much I enjoyed it. Is there really such a thing as a perfect proposal? Well this is the crux of the book, Suzie McKenzie and Harry Forbes set up the.perfectproposal.com in an effort to help those struggling to make their perfect memory when it comes to proposing to the one they love. There are so many good things going for this story, it is the perfect balance of happy to sad. The characters are likeable and easy to get absorbed in (even the villains). The story although all about love is unique on it's take, and vibrant in its delivery. Grab happiness while you have the chance... I loved Suzie, your typical down to earth girl, who has been in love with her best friend forever. Harry has stuck by her and helped her through the best and worst moments of her life. One problem she loves him, but he is a bit of a revolving door when it comes to women. I'd been in love with Harry for two long, painful years and we were further away today from getting together than we had been when we first met. Harry in an attempt to boost business and increase visibility starts a blog about the perfect proposal to Suzie, to run alongside their business, and what starts out as a few followers' turns into millions after a clip of one of his more memorable proposals is posted on You Tube. I love seeing Suzy smile it's one of my all-time favourite things in the world. What began as a business venture, soon escalates and Harry and Suzuie find themselves jetting off around the world, so Harry can offer her 100 different proposals, some are big, some are small, some wacky, some romantic... All of them confuse the definitions of their relationship. He just didn't see me that way, never had, never would. As a reader you know where the story will go and how they will end up. But the journey you take to get there is just a glorious technicolour adventure around the globe. You are my best friend and I have never regretted a single moment in your company, when you've shouted at me, laughed with me, slept with me, or kissed me. being with you has given me the best moments in my life. I love Holly Martin's writing, her first Carina book - The Guestbook is firmly in my 'Faves of 2014' list, and it has now been joined by One Hundred Proposals. I am eagerly awaiting her next release! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forever Christmas; Author: Robert Tate Miller; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Along came a snowstorm... and a Christmas that changed everything. Stars. What a heartwarming, heart breaking, and heart rebuilding book. Forever Christmas isn't a new story, but it is the kind of story I want to be reading around this time of the year. Robert and Beth Farmers marriage is going through a little bit of a rough patch, Beth is your typical hometown girl, family and togetherness is what is important to her. Robert used to have the same wants and beliefs, but since their move to the bright lights of New York from River Falls, what was important has taken a backseat to his aspirations of being bigger and better in his work, the square footage of his home, and the balance of his bank account. One night, one mistake, one reckless act and everything in Robert's life changes, this story is about the three days he is given back to make things right, and ensure the Beth gets the perfect gift, the perfect Christmas, the perfect goodbye. "The angels are waiting for you..." Well written, beautifully developed, and definitely worth a few hours of your time of this Christmas period. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Miracle: A Christmas Novel; Author: Debbie Macomber; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Bring on the holiday cheer, this Scrooge has had a change of heart," Stars. Christmas and Debbie Macomber, pretty much fit together like and hand and in a glove... perfectly in other words! Newbie Angel-on-Earth-in-training Harry Mills, has arrived in the US, with the belief that his first mission is a bit of a doozy, getting two people together at Christmas? No problem. Harry it is safe to say is a little on the overconfident side, and neglects to take into account that humans have feelings and emotions, and when it comes to the opposite sex, they aren't always on the positive side. Unfortunately his first mission starts to go a little awry, when Addie Folsom and Erich Simmons aren't initially as amenable at his subtle attempts to get them together as he was hoping. It's difficult to fall head over heels in love with your older brother's best friend, when as a child he did nothing but tease and torment you. But things are a little different now, Addie's has returned home after many years away, her father has passed and her mother is up and going on a cruise with her friend (Erich's mother)for Christmas. Erich however and in a shocking twist of fate, has a freak accident right before they are set to up Anchor, and is in need of almost constant care, so rather than let her mother miss out on her 'once in a lifetime' cruise, Addie steps up and offers to care for 'less-than-impressed' Erich. "The only person I ever really want to see is you." Addie gradually manages to pull Erich out of his anti-Christmas doldrums, and the diversity of the secondary characters gives the book a little more depth. Not my favorite Christmas book by this author, but still very much worth a read. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Homecoming (The Billionaire Brothers #1-3); Author: Lily Everett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Everyone deserves a second chance, now and then." Stars! The Homecoming is my first book by Lily Everett, and I loved reading each of the novellas contained within. Each novella focuses on one of the Harrington brothers, and their reasons for visiting Sanctuary Island - The Firefly Cafe Dylan Harrington - Bad Boy Billionaire is looking to escape from the public eye, to take stock of his life and make some decisions. Dylan was tired of the life he'd chosen, the reputation he'd deliberately cultivated. What he doesn't expect is too meet and be utterly captivated by the caretaker of his grandparent's holiday home. Penny Little and her son Matthew judge him for who he is and not what he can do for them, not knowing who he really is helps with that of course... Will Penny take a chance on love when she finds out the truth? The Summer Cottage Logan Harrington - Brooding Billionaire Genius arrives on Sanctuary Island, exhausted and on the verge of collapse due to overwork. Having been forced to take a break by his mysterious Personal Assistant Jessica 'Tink Bell, he is less than a willing patient, and makes her a deal in exchange for staying on the island to recuperate. "Every day I waste on this island, you answer one personal question." Will the workaholic and the woman who has had her fingers burned by interoffice romance in the past take a chance on each other? Island Road Miles Harrington - Mr. Billionaire CEO has spent his life trying to keep his family together since the loss of their parents, albeit in a cold and somewhat distanced way. Miles has arrived in Sanctuary too try and work out what has happened to his brothers, both of whom have never shown any interest in love or settling down in the past. Greta Hackley has spent her entire life stuck on Sanctuary, and Miles offers her the chance to experience carefree fun and adventure, albeit initially with ulterior motives. She made everything feel new again. Will Mr. Cold and Calculating follow his heart? Three Brothers, Three Women, Three Superb Novellas. I loved that we also get a little epilogue for all three couple with the addition of One Year Later at the end of the book. What are you waiting for go grab it! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Have Mercy; Author: Shelley Ann Clark; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I'm always kneeling at your feet," ..."Even when I'm standing." Stars. Nothing gives me more of a buzz than reading a book by a debut author, and knowing that at some point in the future they are going to release something so good that it is going to blow my mind. Although Have Mercy didn't 100% work for me, there is potential oozing from each and every one of its pages, and I am excited to see where this author's imagination will take me as a reader in the future. There aren't many people who haven't now read a book that is about a Dom/Sub relationship, what is different about this one is that the woman takes the dominant role. Tom - "Don't be polite" ... "Don't be nice. I don't want polite or nice" ... "I want you how you are." I liked Tom and Emmy together, this is the part of the story I wanted more of, the development of their relationship into one where she takes the lead and he follows. This dynamic being turned on its head from what has become the norm intrigued me, and I wanted to read more of the how they built trust between each other and how that development in turn allowed them to explore their sexual desires more. Emme was a living flame in his arms, onstage and here in his arms, and he wanted her to consume him, burn him up, leave him nothing but ashes and then scatter them to the wind. Unfortunately, I pretty much disliked every other character and their involvement in the book, I found all of the drama that was added because of them somewhat detracted from the part of the story that I wanted to read. I understand the need for secondary characters but their involvement in Have Mercy somewhat overshadowed what I wanted this book to focus on. That being, the couple and their blossoming relationship, and not all of the drama that their friends, families and co-workers drag them into. The melody wound round the instrumentation like smoke rising from a cigarette, just as seductive and addictive. Although enjoyable, for me Have Mercy lost focus on what was important and lacked the development in those areas because of it. I really think Shelley Ann Clark has huge potential, the ebb and flow of the writing is superb and the descriptions easy to visualise, I just wanted more of Tom and Emmy together! "Love - real love, the kind that heals instead of hurts - doesn't feel heavy. It makes you feel lighter. Instead of pulling you down, it lifts you up. It lets you be who you really are." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fiancee for Hire (Front and Center, #2); Author: Tawna Fenske; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Absence makes the crotch grow fonder." Stars! I absolutely loved Marine for Hire, the first book in Tawna Fenske's Front and Centre series, and Fiancee for Hire lives up to the high standard of its predecessor. "Here we go, big guy. We'll get that pork sword back in place in no time." Although still full of humour and likeable characters, Fiancee for Hire also offer us a little more drama and slightly darker pasts for Mac Patton and Kelli Landers. Both figured heavily in the Marine for Hire, so it was great to get their story. Kelli has lusted after Mac for years, being her best friends elder brother, he hasn't really taken notice of her before now. Both fearful of commitment, but where Mac is stiff, formal and completely by-the-book, Kelli is a free spirited, happy go lucky, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kinda girl. "I'm here to teach you that you don't always need to be in control, Mac." But their relationship for all of their differences works, and their chemistry together really jumps off the Kindle, and sizzles your fingertips. The push and pull for dominance and the verbal sparring between them because of it, much like the first book had me giggling hard and frequently. "I may look like a Cabbage Patch doll, but you should know I have a pump-action shotgun, a black belt in Karate, and a vibrator that doubles as a jackhammer." I pretty much read Fiancee for Hire in one sitting, just like its predecessor it is a book that you will pick up and be so immersed in that you will have finished it when you put it down again. Tawna really does have a writing style that fully engages the reader. For want of a better description it is 'down-to-earth' and unpretentious. The perfect beach, bed, bath or lazy Sunday read. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Lesson in Temptation (Stanton Family, #4); Author: Audra North; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "So should I call you Professor Hotness now?" Stars! Adam Harkness and Julie Stanton have history together, after being the TA in one of Julie's finance classes in college and almost kissing her, Adam never expected to see her again. Life for Adam is one long round of work, work, work, and as such when gifted a package of dance lessons from a couple of concerned friends in the hope he will get out and live a little, he is less than thrilled to be giving up his time for what he considers is a total waste of his time. That is until he walks in and see's Julie, all grown up and now not off-limits... She's a distraction. Not to mention vibrant, and beautiful, and fun. Everything he wasn't. I loved Julie, she was a fighter and even though had suffered a few knockbacks in her past she wasn't afraid to put herself out there for Adam, even if it meant getting hurt. She'd though about him for years. Wanted him for years. Sexy Professor Harkness was an absolute treat too, nifty with his feet on the floor, dirty with his everything between the sheets and sweetly vulnerable the rest of the time. "How do you make me forget about all the things hanging over my head?" Audra North's Stanton Family Novella Series, is fast becoming one of my favorites, although short the stories are well developed and easy to lose yourself in for an hour or two. I would love to see a full length romance novel from this author at some point in the future; I love her writing and would like to spend more than a couple of hours enjoying the pleasure of reading her words. ARC supplied via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meeting His Match (Match Me, #1); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - She was a complication he didn't need. Stars! I really enjoyed reading Meeting His Match; if this is the quality of writing we can expect from the new Lovestruck line from Entangled, then I will be front and centre for each new release going forward. Addison and Caine were both likeable and easy to get along with, and the story was one of romance, seduction and happily ever after, with a few laughs thrown in along the way. Katee Robert really knows how to give the reader exactly what they want when it comes to romance. Both of the lead characters were strong, well rounded and knew what they wanted, and although Addison had a few wobbles along the way, I like that most of the drama of their developing relationship came from outside factors rather than from the couple themselves. He looked at her like she was virgin territory that he was about to conquer and claim for his own. I really liked Caine McNeill (Brock from the Wedding Dare Series older brother), and by saying I liked him I mean I really, really liked him. Nothing gives me the quivers more than a man full of charm and who uses the term darlin' in a way that makes you feel he is verbally pulling your panties down. Caine does that, and with oodles of charm to spare. "Tonight is about you darlin'. Whatever you need, I've got it covered." Addison has heartbreak and loss in her past, she believes strongly in soul-mates, and that we all only get one true love. She thrives on giving others their 'Happily Ever Afters' and has made it her business with the success of Connected at the Lips, lately though the sparkle seems to have become a little tarnished and the satisfaction she once felt seems to be missing. Taking on the job of matching the CEO of McNeil Enterprises with his perfect match, seems like a great idea to get her out of the rut she finds herself in, she just never imagined that she would be the one who fits with Caine perfectly. "I'll make you a deal" ... "I won't kiss you again" ... "But next time you kiss me, all bets are off." The build up between these two simmers and sizzles, I loved that they didn't immediately jump into bed together, and that everything developed between them at a steady pace as the book progressed. "You don't have to do it alone" ... "You could do it with me." A perfect start to the Match Me series, I loved the epilogue, and I am looking forward to seeing where Katee Robert takes us and who with, in the next book. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her Temporary Hero (Once a Marine, #2); Author: Jennifer Apodaca; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "No one's ever loved me enough to stay." Stars! The Once A Marine series is definitely improving with each book, I really enjoyed Adam and Meg's book (The Baby Bargain), but Logan and Becky's story was even better. Jennifer Apodaca, has once again combined just the right amount of romance, drama and suspense into the book to keep you reading until the end. "Most people who see combat come home with scars. Everyone deals with it differently." Logan Knight is struggling to deal with the scars that he has returned with, plagued with nightmares and struggling with P.T.S.D, all he wants to do is set up his ranch as a safe place for other veterans to spend time at, and to be able to convalesce and receive the best help and support they can for their issues. Two things are standing in his way - his father and his lack of a wife. Becky Holmes is in trouble, caring for a young baby is struggle enough, but she's recently lost her mother to cancer, and her ex has just been released from prison. His time spent behind bars because she called the cops on him, and refused to take the blame for the hit and run accident he drove away from whilst she was in the car. Logan and his family name offer her the protection and the stability she needs in order to fight a custody battle for her daughter. The daughter her ex never wanted, but is now using as his way to punish her for sending him to jail. A deal is struck, a contract is signed, and they agree to a mutually beneficial marriage, Logan gets his ranch, and Becky keeps custody of baby Sophie as well as having the powerful Knight Family as her allies. I loved the sentiment between Logan and Becky in this book, they are emotionally scarred from things that have happened in their past, they are wary of each other initially and the emotions they are feeling, even though the chemistry is there, neither wants to rush headlong into something that they don't quite understand themselves. Becky - "When you touch me, I feel safe, sexy and whole." Logan - "When I touch you, it all gets easier. Kissing you today was like that blanket - warm, soft and giving me a little protection." The bravery displayed by both of them in different ways, to push past their long held and deeply-rooted fears, so they are able to embrace something new together, in spite of the odds, interfering families and demented exes makes for a really enjoyable and heart-warming story. She had the power to shove back the ugliness inside of him, the memories and the failures that shadowed his soul. Although there isn't really anything new offered up in the way of storyline, this second book in the Once A Marine Series, offers us another extremely hot leading man, a likeable, strong and sassy heroine, mix that with a little bit of suspense, a whole lot of sexyness and you; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enemies on Tap (Sweet Salvation Brewery, #1); Author: Avery Flynn; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "He's a Martin. You're a Sweet. This is Salvation." Stars! Enemies on Tap, is my first experience of Avery Flynn's writing, and I really enjoyed it, a little romantic suspense, and sexy couple and a whole plethora of quirky townspeople make for an interesting beginning to the Sweet Salvation Brewery Series. Miranda Sweet has avoided Salvation like the plague ever since upping and moving to the city for College. The Sweet family has a less than stellar reputation in town and as such are looked down upon by almost every one of its residents. Being one of triplets, she along her sisters Natalie and Olivia are bequeathed ownership of the Sweet Brewery by their deceased Uncle, which necessitates her return, in order to turn around the Brewery's fortunes so it can be sold on to her employers, guaranteeing her that corner office she has always wanted. West Virginia had the Hadfields and the McCoys. Shakespeare had the Capulets and the Montagues. Salvation had the Martins and the Sweets. Logan Martin and Miranda have history, history that involves the loss of virginity, and the loss of a reputation after the town finds out. Being the Manager of the only Bank in town, as well as "Salvations version of Prince Charming", the town on the whole are extremely interested in how he lives his life, and who he is involved with, and as such a repeat performance with Miranda is not really something he should be considering. Added to that, they now also have the Sweet Brewery in common, but not for the same reasons, and once again they find themselves on opposite sides of the fence, and on the tips of everyone's tongues, with the most of the town firmly in Logan's corner. I loved the little battles between Miranda and Logan, and the banter between the two of them at times was absolutely hilarious, even though they both want each other they still try and deny themselves, and even when they give in they still pretend they don't want each other. It was funny, refreshing and just a little bit different. "I don't want you, and this doesn't change anything." ... "I still hate your guts." "liar" A really enjoyable start to a series, I am looking forward to seeing what direction Avery takes Natalie and Olivia Sweets stories and getting to know the people from the town of Salvation a little more in the process. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Truth or Dare (Dare to Love, #1); Author: Mira Lyn Kelly; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Apartment Three, whatever you're offering. I'm interested." Truth or Dare is the first book I have read by Mira Lyn Kelly, it won't be my last. I really enjoyed her fresh, fast paced writing. The banter between the characters and the one liners was some of the best I have read for a while. Tyler Wells gave good date. What begins as a series of one off dates for Maggie and her friend Ava turns into something so much more when the new guy upstairs turns out to be more than just an annoying albeit hot new neighbor. It turns out Tyler has more going on in his life than just moving cities for work, and as his relationship with Maggie develops beyond the friends-with-benefits they initially agreed upon you begin to see a guy stuck between trying to do the right thing, and what is right for him. One kiss would never be enough. The man had skills. I liked this book, the first 60% kept me fully invested in the story. It did fizzle a little in the second half, I struggled to completely believe the whole Gina situation, and Maggie's somewhat easy acceptance of it. Tyler inevitably does the right thing, which I liked, and the epilogue rounded things off nicely for them. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series Touch & Go, this is Ava's story (Maggie's best friend) and I love nothing more than a friends to lovers story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alex (Cold Fury Hockey, #1); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 "Apparently I have a bit of an attitude problem." Stars! Alex is the second book I have read by Sawyer Bennet, and one thing that is becoming glaringly obvious with each book I read by this author, is that she really knows how to put a bloody good story together. "I'm looking at the game a bit differently." Sutton and Alex, both come from similar backgrounds, but whereas Sutton has taken her experiences from her early life and made herself a better person in-spite of them, Alex has used them too build a barrier around himself and his emotions. I hate this shit... the adulation, the limelight... all of it. Tolerated at best and openly disliked by a lot of his team-mates in the Cold Fury Team, he is rude, unresponsive, and totally disinterested in the public's perception of him, unfortunately the Teams management see things differently, and he is given an ultimatum, one that brings him into contact with Sutton, and her polar-opposite personality! Alex - I can't fuck the enemy. Sutton - I'm a commitment, love and roses type of person. I loved these two together, I loved the story, the emotional development from Alex as well as the fact he treated Sutton differently, almost reverently. He may have started out a bit of an asshole (which I love as well), but he morphed into something a whole lot hotter... "I think you might deserve to be spoiled, too." A dirty talking, dirty boy in the bedroom (and wherever the urge took him really), but an absolute sweetheart the rest of the time, although he is the typical overprotective alpha male, the flashes of vulnerability you see from Alex as their relationship develops just made me love him more. "Thank you... for taking the time to try to get to know me. And I think maybe for getting me when I'm not sure I even get myself." The first book in Sawyer Bennett's Cold Fury Hockey Series is an absolute winner. I adored it; the epilogue was hands down, one of the best I have read in a long time. I cannot wait to see where Ms. Bennett takes us in book two with the super charming Garrett getting his story next, due in February 2015. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heart of Stone (Gargoyles, #1); Author: Christine Warren; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Little Human." Stars. So it turns out I am a bit of a freaky perv, who knew that Gargoyles could be so damn sexy! I want me a Guardian, and if Kees Livingston is anything to go buy, I CANNOT wait too meet his brothers! You say gargoyle, I used to immediately think - After reading Heart of Stone, I now think - I. AM. SOLD This book has everything, a hot sexy guy/gargoyle. A sassy, sharp and witty heroine. Action adventure, escapism and enjoyment. "I am a Guardian. I was created centuries ago to protect humanity from the threat of darkness." Good versus evil. Dark versus light. With a few laughs and a little sexy time thrown in for good measure. Was part of Kees's Guardian magic the ability to wring blood from a stone? Or, in this case orgasms from an exhausted pussy? Hell yeah! If there is a sign-up sheet, I am all over it! She loved her Guardian no matter what he looked like, horns and all.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stone Cold Lover (Gargoyles, #2); Author: Christine Warren; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "You are mine, Felicity." ... "My human, my woman." Stars. Stone Cold Lover is the second book in Christine Warrens Gargoyles Series. I loved book one, and although this one was really enjoyable too, it didn't 100% hit the mark with me this time. I loved Spar Mr. Tall, Gray, and Invincible, like his brother Kees (Book 1, Heart of Stone) although forged from stone he had a heart of gold. He wasn't afraid to fight for Fil, and he definitely wasn't afraid to show his feelings for her. "If you give yourself to me, I will not be able to let you go." Ella from book one was a very independent and spunky kind of girl, and I really liked that about her, she was prepared to fight for and alongside Kees, but she also wasn't afraid to show her feelings for him. This is where Felicity 'Fil' Shaltis, fell a little short for me in this book. Her constant, 'I want him, I don't want him, I do want him but I don't want him to know I want him' really started to get on my nerves as the book progressed, the poor gargoyle didn't really know whether he was coming or going a lot of the time. "I will not leave it alone. You behave irrationally. Last night you lay in my arms and held me close to you as you slept, but now you act as if I have committed some great evil against you. If I have done something that upsets you, I deserve the chance to make it right. Since I can think of nothing of the sort, I require you to explain it to me so that I can apologize for my actions." Sigh... I love this guy/gargoyle, and the way he spoke so properly, it was like Mr. Darcy, but with horns and a tail! This book continues on from where Heart of Stone left off, the Guardians are still trying to ascertain as to whether the Nocturnis have managed to unleash one of the seven demons of the Dark. Now that two Guardians have been awakened, it seems likely that evil lurks and is waiting for its moment to strike. There are lots of thrills and spills in this book, and it kept the pace and overall development throughout nicely. One by one, women of power appeared, and one by one each Guardian found his destined mate. The addition of Wynn the Witch really added to this story, and I am pleased too see that she will get her own book (as well as her Guardian) in the next release in this series Hard as a Rock I cannot wait for its release March 2015. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hard as a Rock (Gargoyles Series); Author: Christine Warren; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "You have a surprisingly logical mind, for a human. And a female. And a witch." Stars! I have a huge soft spot for Christine Warren's Gargoyle's series. I love a good PNR romance, and with the slightly old fashioned men, the sassy females, and plenty of adventure each book in the series has been a really fast paced and entertaining read. "What can I say? You have bewitched me." Ella and Fil in the previous two books have found, fallen in love with and become Wardens to their Guardians; Kees and Spar. After the epic battle at the end of Stone Cold Lover they have taken a step back to regroup and give Fil a chance to recover from her injuries. Wynn Powe was also introduced in the last book, the witch and her powers helped greatly, but what becomes apparent as Hard as a RockM progresses is that her involvement runs a lot deeper than you are initially expecting. We also move from Vancouver to Chicago in this installment of the series. The Order of Eternal Darkness are still at large, and although weakened by the battle in the last book, they still pose a very real and immediate threat in their aim to release the powers of darkness back onto earth. With the Guild of Wardens still scattered, and in hiding, Wynn is tasked to visit an old mansion on the outskirts of town where a possible Gargoyle statue may be in the hope of waking him up, on arrival finds she is too late and the statue has been literally blown to smithereens, but as is to be expected in the realms of magic and myth, all is not as it initially seems, and where one is lost another is sent to take his place. I really liked Wynn, although independent and sassy, she wasn't stupidly so, she knew her limits and stepped back and allowed Knox to take the lead where his skills were more matched to the situation they were in. there are a few gut wrenching moments in this one as well, so have your tissues at the ready, Knox's love and protectiveness for his 'little witch' really tugs at the heart strings, especially when she's in emotional and physical pain herself. This is certainly a book in a series, and as such I really would recommend you read the previous books before you pick this one up. You could figure out what is going on but every book is extremely enjoyable so why struggle when you don't need to! The story ends with things still very much up in the air, not a cliffy as such, but you know there is definitely more, much more to come. I hope we don't have to wait too long, I am already craving my next gargoyle fix! "The wars not over, but this battle is. It's time to pick up the pieces and move forward." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rough and Tumble (Rough and Tumble, #1); Author: Crystal Green; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - Cheap talk and loose women are permitted in this establishment. Stars. It always saddens me to write a review for a book that I had high expectations for. The synopsys for Rough and Tumble offers the reader a down and dirty saloon where all sorts of lethally charming--and genuinely dangerous--men carouse to seduce the women who happen to venture inside on their way to and from Sin City. Unfortunately, I found it more Days of our Lives than Sons of Anarchy, the over the top girly chat, the underwhelming characters (didn't really like any of them), and the general mish-mash of the writing, cheesy one-liners and POV's just didn't work for me I am afraid. I actually quite liked Molly at the beginning of the book, but as it progressed I just wanted to give her a shake, tell her to grow up, and strap on a pair. From the handsy boss, to her leach of a sister, and then forgiving her friend for losing her in a bet with a man in a back room poker game without so much as a whimper, it just made me think - Door Mat. "She finally let her hair down." I am always going to struggle to enjoy a book when I am not enamoured with the H/h and Cash just didn't do it for me either, he didn't really come over as 'tough as nails' and I didn't really feel any connection between him and Molly. The building of their relationship needed to be the main focus of the book for me, and not the drama with her friends and everyone else, it detracted the focus from their story. The story did pick up a bit around the 35% mark, and the end was pretty good, but by then it was more a case of 'too little, too late'. ARC provided via Netgalley in Exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pieces of Olivia (Charleston Haven, #1); Author: Melissa West; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I never met a crease that time couldn't iron out." Stars. Pieces of Olivia, is one of those books that I didn't love, but I didn't hate it either. The story had great potential, but it didn't quite hit the mark with regards to me giving it a higher star rating. Olivia has moved to the College of Charleston, to make a fresh start and too try and leave the ghosts of her past behind. Scarred physically and mentally, she struggles daily to try and live a normal life and not allow her grief consume her, with the help of her counsellor Rose, and her friends Kara and Preston. "We all have reasons for why we do things, even if those reasons seem crazy too others." Preston Riggs doesn't do commitment, but he does like doing women, being the bestie of her room-mate Kara, Olivia spends quite a bit of time with him. Although their attraction is mutual, both are carrying secrets from their pasts that neither is very willing to share. Olivia is also nervous of Preston's commitment issues, but gradually over time opens up to him about her past, and her feelings for him. "I can't promise anything. I have nothing in me to promise, but that doesn't mean I won't try." I liked Olivia, I liked Preston and I liked Kara, I also liked the storyline, but I didn't love it or really feel any connection between any of them. Once Preston started to reveal snippets of his past, and his reasoning behind his commitment issues, I put the who/how and why together pretty quickly. There is huge potential in this story, and there were gems of brilliance at points, just not enough development in the important areas to make it really sparkle. "I am anything but typical." ... "And I am willing to show you just how untypical I am if you'd like a test drive." I found a lot of the dialogue and the progression of the relationship a little stilted, Preston and Olivia needed more development, in particular the points of the story when their emotions were in play, the sex, the talking and the plot reveals all felt incomplete. Kind of like an unmade bed, if the sheets, pillows and comforter had been added the story would have been a total winner for me. I would certainly read more work by Melissa West, I am not sure that I would continue with this particular series though. Book 2 - Miles from Kara, is due out December 2014. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Viper (Untamed Hearts, #1); Author: Kele Moon; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I think she's a ten." Stars! Kele Moon is and most likely will always be, one of my most favourite authors. Every book I have read by her offers the reader a fairytale romance, but in a down-to-earth, dark, gritty and somewhat realistic way. Let's face it we all want our romantic heroes to be tough, strong and absolute masters in the bedroom, and every one of Kele's fellas' fits those requirements To. A. Tee! He'd stolen things she truly valued. Her heart. Her dignity. Her sanity. If you have read any of Kele's previous books (and I cannot recommend them highly enough), you will know that the connection that you make with the characters, and the emotional pull you feel for them as their stories progress is strong. I think a lot of this is because they are relatable to the reader in some way or another. For me it is because they are such regular types of people, that if I came into contact with on a daily basis I know I would want to be in their circle. I don't profess to be acquaintances with MMA cage-fighters, Mobsters, gang members etc... But for all that they still feel reachable, relatable and lifelike. Marcos Rivera was burned in her brain - a tanned angel with strange light eyes and dangerous tattoos. It is hard not to fall in love with a couple that against all the odds, and in the face of much adversity, basically say a big Fuck You! carry on seeing each other, ignore the peer pressure, and explore their connection. This is the case for Katie and Marcos, being from totally different walks of life and each living at different ends of the spectrum, one callous act brings them together and irrevocably changes them both while they are apart. And although Marcos initially walks away, Katie's' pull and unique way of getting in contact with him, makes it impossible for him to resist returning to Garnet. "I am the last guy you should want to be on a date with." Although The Viper, is the first book in Kele's brand new Untamed Hearts Series, and as such can be read on its own, I would still recommend that you read the Battered Hearts Series beforehand if you can, a lot of characters from those books feature in this book, and going forward the series, bearing in mind that it is based in the same town (Garnet) and locations. Like all the other books I have read by Kele, you don't just get boy-meets-girl and they fall in love and live HEA. There is a slow burn, and things build gradually, the relationship, the characters and the plot move along at a rapid clip, but it is not rushed, it is well developed and perfectly paced. I honestly cannot find one thing negative thing to say about The Viper. I was once again taken away and absorbed into a story that I loved from start to finish. "Now is always a good place to start on; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Resisting the Musician (Head Over Heels, #1); Author: Ally Blake; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - His smile started in his eyes and ended in her toes. Stars. Resisting the Musician has all the components included in its pages that on most occasions would have me swooning readily and reading with gusto. Sadly, although the basis of this story is sound, I struggled with the characters and the general chemistry between them on the whole. Lori Hanover is a strong, confident, independent woman, not afraid to stand up for herself and those she cares about - which ticks all my boxes in the 'things that I like' category. But the things I didn't like about her list is just a long - heartless, judgemental, calculating and selfish all sprang to mind whilst reading, and even though there were occasional moments when you saw her vulnerability, and some explanations for her previous behaviour as the book progresses, it was too little and too forgettable for me to change my mind about her, come the end of the book. Dash Mills again is someone who I would normally fall in love with - a sexy, reclusive, ex-rocker, described as Thor's brother. And I did like him, but he ended up being a bit of a doormat to Lori's whims and demands... "You are trouble, Lorelei. End-of-the-world-as-I-know-it type trouble. Heaven help me." Knowing this book is the beginning of a series, featuring some of my favourite authors writing the future books is, if I am being totally honest probably the only reason I actually made it to the end. Ally Blake definitely knows how to put a story together, and the tropes used, are on the whole going to have people one-clicking in their masses, I just think the personalities of the characters involved could have done with their plus points being expanded on earlier in the book, rather than in the last 20%. Would I read another book by this author... That-said I am still looking forward to future books in the Head over Heels series. ARC generously supplied via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Forbidden Kiss; Author: Shannon Leigh; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: 4.5 - I'll stay with thee, Juliet. Never leaving you again, guarding you against the dark. Stars! Forbidden Kiss is one of those books that you start, and after a few pages think you have selected yourself a right stinker, but then as the book progresses, you fall more and more in love with the story, my initial advice would be to stick with it, if you are struggling through the first 20% carry on, everything does become clear as the book progresses, and it gets soooooooo good. It is also a book where you can't really delve too deeply into it for your review as pretty much everything could possibly be construed as a spoiler. Jule and Rom, are both characters I fell in love with, and their love story is not your standard 'man meets woman' saga, yet in a way it is also a story that has been told time and time again. This is a love story hundreds of years in the making, and it is told pretty spectacularly and uniquely in my opinion. "Do not deny to him that you love me." Shannon Leigh is an author new to me, after reading Forbidden Kiss, she will be an author I watch out for in the future. I would love to see this turned into a series, and to see what unique twists she could put on other great love stories that we have all come to know and love throughout the ages... ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Burn For Me (Phoenix Fire, #1); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "I'm the monster in the dark. The big, fucking bad wolf. I've seen hell, and I've bought hell to earth." Stars. Cynthia Eden, has once again not let me down. Whether it is a romantic suspense, paranormal or a mixture of the both, she always offers up likeable characters, unusual storylines and panty-melting sexy-times. Another BIG plus for me is that a lot of her books run in series, and I am an absolute glutton when it comes to my series'. "You want me..." "But you also want to get as far away from me as you can." Burn for Me, is book one in the Phoenix Fire series, it genre is paranormal through and through, but the romantic suspense is fully front and center as well. I have never been a huge reader of this genre in the past, but due to the likes of Cynthia Eden and a couple of other notable authors, I have been dipping my toe more regularly in this pond, and I can safely say I have a permanently soggy foot now! This book/series features all of your usual shifters, vampires etc, but more unique and unusual beings as well as lots of twists and turns, explosions, fights, thrills and spills. Why does everything with the paranormals always have to be about blood? I loved this book, Eve as a reporter and her endless quest for the truth was a little annoying at points. But Cain... be still my hammering heart, dominant, alpha and controlling, but in totally deliciously, dirty and sexy ways! "You smell like fucking candy." I plan on spending my weekend devouring more books in this series, Ryder and Trace have stories to be told, and I can't wait to read them! "No matter how strong... everyone has a weakness."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once Bitten, Twice Burned (Phoenix Fire, #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I want you to see what I am." ... And to stay with me anyway. Stars. Another solid gold winner from the imagination from Ms. Eden. "You taste like everything I had while I walked the earth as a man, everything I wanted, and I fucking crave you." This series just gets better and better. I recommend that you read book one before you read Once Bitten, Twice Burned as part of this book actually runs concurrently with Burn for Me. Ryder and Sabine are another strong couple, hot (literally) sexy, and not afraid to beat the crap out of anyone that gets in their way. "I look at you and I see the one person that I want most in this world." Once again the secondary characters really bring this book to life, Dante, Rhett and Cassie in particular. Knowing that the next book Playing With Fire is Dante's story, makes my girly parts clench! I am kind of running out of good things too say about Cynthia Eden, now. Every book I have read by this author is superb, and this one is no exception. "For a vampire, you aren't so bad."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Playing With Fire (Phoenix Fire, #3); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Learn all my secrets." ... "I offer them to you." Stars. I am sad that we have reached the end of the Phoenix Fire Series. I have loved reading each and every one of these books, and Cynthia Eden is one of my absolute favorite authors, for books in this genre. I don't think it is actually possible for her to write a bad book, no matter the subject. "Maybe there are some things you'd rather not remember. There are sure things I'd prefer to forget." Dante and Cassie first popped up in the second book in the series, and we were given a little taste of the fact that they had history, and not all of it was good. Although reluctantly for Cassie, they were on opposite sides of the battle lines initially, Scientist - Subject, but allegiances have now changed. Unfortunately, it is sometimes a little difficult trying to make a guy who potentially loses his memory every time he is reborn to remember that fact! "I don't know if I should help you or kill you." You really need to read the first two books in this series to really get the full benefit of this book; a lot has happened throughout the previous books and this really is the climax of the story as a whole, everything is tied up really well, all the questions are answered, and the epilogue is adorable, I would however have liked a little more on Ryder & Sabine in Playing with Fire. I loved Dante, as much as I love Cain and Ryder (books 1 & 2), he is another uber alpha, not afraid to speak his mind, kill his enemies and protect his woman. He is also pretty hot (no pun intended) between the sheets too, which always makes for a stellar read! "When I breathe in your scent, I ache." "When I kissed you, your taste had me maddened." "I look at you, and I think... mine." I can't recommend this series or its author highly enough, you are always given the a full HD reading experience when you pick up a Cynthia Eden book, and as always this one is no exception. Remember me." "I already do. I always will." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Rules (Omega Group, #1); Author: Starr Ambrose; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "A man like me has no business loving a woman like you." Stars. No Rules is the first book I have read by Starr Ambrose, and I really enjoyed it. It is also the first book in the Omega Group Series and I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the team get their stories. This book focuses on Tyler Donovan and Jess Maulier, and it was an absolute rip-roaring adventure for the pair of them right from the opening pages. You are given the background of the rest of the Omega team as well as its founding in this book, which sets up future books for other team members nicely. "Danger can be exciting. Maybe what you need is a little danger in your life, Jess." Tyler Donovan ticked all my boxes, in that he was sexy, protective and steely on the outside, but inside there was something a whole lot softer and sweeter. Jess and her OTT, judgements of her father, him and the rest of the Omega team as well as the wealth of problems she was carrying around due to the influence of mentally unstable mother, could have become annoying if I am honest. But she was balanced out nicely by Tyler's blunt, to-the-point honesty. I loved that he called her out on her irrational fears and made her rethink the wrong impressions she had held for her father for years, by showing her even after his death the honourable man that he was. Everything that marked him as different from men she usually dated seemed to be a major turn-on. This book was reminded me of an Indiana Jones film, lots of action, with a little bit of romance thrown in, and some double crossing and subterfuge just to keep you guessing until the end. It was easy uncomplicated reading, well written, paced and with great plot and character development. I am looking forward to seeing where Starr is going to take the rest of the Omega team and what further adventures they are going have along the way. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Permanent Ink (Something to Celebrate, #2); Author: Laura Simcox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I'm in a Tattoed Kind of Mood" Stars. Permanent Ink is one of those books that I liked and disliked in equal parts. Book two in the Something to Celebrate series. This book concrentrates on town newbies Blair Whitaker and Ben Lambert, Blair moving in with her Grandma Lola due to losing her big city job. Ben has been in town for a while, but being a small town being its only tattooist isn't proving as profitable as he hoped it would be. Doesn't help that a large portion of the residents are Senior Citizens! He was slow and steady going, and she was full tilt, list in hand - like a sexy redheaded warrior. I really liked Ben, he was what I would call 'a nice guy', pretty quiet and unassuming, all he really wanted was to bring a little custom to his business Skinnovations so he could live quietly and comfortably in Celebration, Ink Fest was supposed to do that for him, unfortunately it turns out to be far more trouble than the increase in profits is possibly worth. He isn't an uber alpha male, not a big dirty-talker, but someone you would be happy to take home with you to meet your family (well I would, tattos an all!)... This is also one of the reasons I kind of disliked the book as well, because Blair basically dropped into his life (from a parade float)like a tornado, and from the beginning is sketchy with the truth, vague with her intentions and generally holds back from him. Each and every time this happens, he ends up doing something nice for her, and pretty much lets her get away with her actions... Towards the end he turned from a quiet and unassuming guy to a door-mat a little bit. "Firefly. I'll agree to almost anything where you're concerned." Blair is pretty much the other reason I didn't 100% love the book, she has a plan when she returns to Celebration, and from the beginning it isn't to stick around. She then pretty much treats the town like poop, Ben included to achieve her goals... Even when she tried to do the right thing towards the end of the book, it was in the worst possible way. Add too that, the constant justification to herself that what she was doing was ok, I just struggled to warm to her. The town of Celebration itself is filled with colourful and entertaining characters, and that is something I always enjoy about series that are focussed around a town and its people, sometimes the secondary characters can make up for the shortfalls of the main ones. I loved the love triangle between Lily, Ben and Colleen bearing in mind they are all senior citizens, their antics had me in stitches. The Batchelor for a day auction was also pretty funny, as well as the various parades and celebrations that Blair organises as the book progresses. "When I'm with you nothing else seems to matter, firefly." Although not a winner for me this time,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Her Special Forces; Author: Sophia Roslyn; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 2 - "You can't save me, no one can"... Stars. Sadly I wasn't blown away by her Special Forces. It had all the attributes that I am looking for in a Romantic Suspense novel, but I found the plot to be over filled with excess and unnecessary plot-points and a huge array of characters. Add to that, the writing is a little mish-mashed between up-to-date and outdated, and it didn't quite pass muster. His roused cock, ships mast tall and anchor hard. At points, I almost felt like I was reading a book that had been written 20 years ago, but has then been revamped for present day. The sex for the most part is dirty-hot, but when the Nate started using terms such as dear heart and pretty lady with regards to Kacey, I felt like we had regressed back to the days of Gone With the Wind and John Wayne, Westerns! Nathan, take me away from the bad things. Deliver me from the dead. Deliver me from evil, amen. Slightly dated writing, and over-full plot aside, the basis of this story is sound and the tropes used proven winners. The characters were likeable, and although some of the antics went a little beyond the realms of believability - 11 year old Gemma immediately springs to mind for that one! I liked the flashbacks to when Kacey was still in the Marines and Nate still a SEAL, it gave their relationship an added depth, especially when Kacey struggled to deal with her issues. It was good too see the PTSD aspect from a female point of view as well. All in all, it was readable... I am not sure I would class it as memorable though. Each to their own, and if you are looking for a sexy, fast-paced, romantic suspense novel, then you may want to give Her Special Forces a try. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tell Me Something Good (One-on-One, #1); Author: Jamie Wesley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Sports and relationships, what do they have in common?" Stars... Noelle Butler and Tate Grayson, have one thing in common, they work for the same radio station, everything else they pretty much disagree on, but in particular love and relationships. Noelle's 3 C'c for a healthy relationship - Cool, Commitment & Communication. Tate's 3 C's for a healthy (non)relationship - Chill, Cling-off, Change. After spending the past few months goading each other in staff meetings and such, things eventually take a step too far, and they end up calling each other's shows to vocalise their disagreements on air. Unfortunately, for them the station executives think that their verbal sparring is radio gold, and they are given a regular spot for the next two-weeks to continue their debates, about relationships and sport and how the two correlate. "Casual doesn't mean no fun. And I want to make a lot of ... fun with you, Doc." This was an enjoyable and easy-going read, Tate is definitely reminiscent of the boy in the playground that pulls your pigtails, because he fancies you and wants to get your attention. Noelle, had the sexy-librarian persona down to a tee as well. Do opposites attract, and can they both make the other see that there is more to life than the defined rules and beliefs that the other lives by... "I thought You were a breast man." ... "I'm an everything man. Everything about your body fascinates me. Everything." This is the first book I have read by Jamie Wesley, I look forward to reading more from her in the future. "It's been fun. It's been frustrating. It's been real." ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tempting Her Best Friend (What Happens in Vegas, #1); Author: Gina L. Maxwell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - So, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, a bride, and a gay guy walk into the Vegas airport... Stars! Tempting her Best Friend, was a really enjoyable, sexy read. There were a few giggles thrown in for good measure and as usual Gina Maxwell's sassy writing style pulls the reader into the adventure. Dillon and Alyssa have been best friends forever, living next door too each other and pretty much sharing every aspect of their lives. Well, that is every aspect except in the bedroom, Aly takes the plunge to try and remedy this as she has secretly been in love with Dillon for longer than she cares to admit and tries to attempt seduction, but things don't go to plan, so decides to head to Vegas for a weekend of no-strings sexy fun at the 18th Annual Romance Lovers Convention. Dillon is not impressed with her idea of sexy-times with random strangers so promptly jumps on a plane to offer her a better solution. After rescuing her from the arms of a dashing pirate, things get interesting pretty fast. "Give me the weekend to show you how easy this can be between us. To convince you to come to me when you need this instead of going to someone who doesn't even care about you." This was a quick, easy, read. I liked Dillon and Alyssa, the drama wasn't too heavy, and it is the perfect novella for the beginning of a series, and let's face it if Gina Maxwell has written it you know you are in for a treat. "As long as you're in my arms. I'll always be okay." ARC generously supplied by Entangled, for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Risky Business (Bomb Squad, #1); Author: Melissa Cutler; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Screw wine. This situation is code level: Vodka." Stars! Risky business was definitely a book of two halves for me, while there were things I really liked about it, there were also things that I really struggled to get onboard with. Melissa Cutler is an author new to me, and I was interested to see what this book would offer up. The synopsis is intriguing, and I wanted to see what twist she could put on the wounded warrior aspect that has become popular as a trope at the moment. Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of the Bomb Squad--an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. In that respect I was happy, Theo as well as his fellow Bomb Squad veterans Will, Liam, Brandon and the aging Duke were 100% the kind of guys a reader is going to fall head over heels in love with. Ranging from ornery and blunt, to smooth and charming they are all battling their own demons, whilst trying in the most part to maintain a facade of being happy with their lot in life. The camaraderie and their team dynamic were perfect. Theo falls into the ornery category, and boy does he do it well. "Have you ever seen a hungry bear? Because they don't throw tantrums. They devour." The story is a little different as well, what with Ice Hockey and Canal Boats in a small town setting, being the main aspects of the connection between Theo and Allison, and I liked the originality of it. The sexy times were great, and the generally building of the secondary characters in connection with the development of the series as a whole was spot on. What essentially lost this book stars was Allison Whitely, and her abhorrent leech of a sister Chelsea. "I was looking for a man to finance my dream of being a stay-at-home mom and he was looking for a wife to run his house, raise his kids, and make him look good. I thought it was the perfect setup." Err no, infact HELL NO this belief and Allison's acceptance of marriage to a man she essentially saw as a cash-cow (no love required), really did put me off her completely. I don't condone cheating, lying etc, but when you know a man has essentially married you as window dressing for his political aspirations, you also must realise that he is going to be looking for his jollies elsewhere, which is exactly what he ends up doing, amongst other things, and she is literally left holding the baby without a pot to piss in. My intense dislike for Allison and her old-fashioned beliefs aside, the relationship between her and Theo really worked, I loved that she stood up to him, pushed his buttons and wouldn't take his shit. Their chemistry was a slow, seductive burn as the book progressed, and when it did eventually ignite... Hot sexy-times ensued. "I'd love to know if there's any skills behind the promises that body makes." Although book one of the Bomb Squad; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Exchange of Fire (SBG, #1); Author: P.A. DePaul; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3 - It's got potential Stars. Exchange of Fire is very much what I would call a series opener book. It highlights definite potential in forthcoming books, and shows that P.A. DePaul, knows how to put together a well crafted and fully fleshed out story. I liked Sandra and Grady together; the verbal sparring as well as the physical sparring was great. This was very much action in the foreground, romance in the background for most of the book, but it worked for me. Sandra's circumstances and the situation she and Grady were in, was very much a fight for survival, and not a lets boff like bunnies and have a few fist-fights along the way. There is a lot going on in this book with a whole slew of characters rolling though the pages, at points I did have to go back to re-read a few paragraphs just so I could get straight who was who, and who had actually said what. Going forward as more books are added I think this could become a pretty stellar series. I am all for a good action, romantic suspense novel, and the first book in the SBG series tick's the boxes really well in that aspect. A great start, I look forward too seeing where the next book takes us. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hold Me Down Hard (Breaking the Rules, #1); Author: Cathryn Fox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - So risky. So outrageous. So downright naughty. Stars! Hold Me Down Hard, is a book that falls into my 'Lunchtime Special' category, it is a quick, sexy read, and I ploughed through it whilst on my lunch-break at work... Be warned it is sexy-hot, and you may find you need to turn up the air-con to cool yourself down! Eden was pure temptation. And a man could only resist temptation for so long. Jay and Eden have been neighbours for a few years and while both are attracted to each other, they have held back due to concerns over their sexual compatibility. All he wanted to do was give her a nice long spanking, then fuck her hard. This isn't an epic love story, what it is, is two people who are attracted to each other finally taking the steps to get down and dirty together. Enjoyable whilst you are reading it, and a little cheesy in parts. Definitely a good lunchtime treat though! ARC generously provided by Entangled, for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Devil's Bargain; Author: Christine Warren; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Add a sprinkle of brimstone and bake at three-fifty until golden brown." Stars! I read a lot of novella's and Devils Bargain by Christine Warren pretty much epitomises what I expect to find in one that is written too an extremely high standard. Being my first book by this author, as always I started out with no expectations, and from the first page onwards my metaphorical smile got bigger and bigger. "Labels aren't really my thing." This book was a winner, with likeable and easy to get along with characters, a good plot, perfectly paced with some sexy-times thrown in. Although PNR, it isn't bogged down with loads of lengthy explanations as to who can do what and why, which gets another massive thumbs up from me! This novella is basically set around the book of the Valterum's Praedicti Arcanum or the Arcan Prophecies to most of us, and how Lili and Aaron after initially being on opposite sides of the fence, then come together to prevent it falling into the wrong hands, those hands being Samael - Prince of Hell, Lord of Deception, and Master of Depravity. I really enjoyed it Devils Bargain; this definitely won't be the last book I read by this hugely talented author. "Just call me Charlton Heston with a death wish." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: If You Love Me (The Ashford Legacy, #3); Author: Cassi Carver; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - Curse of the Novella Stars. If You Love Me was a quick easy read, nothing really different or exceptional from the many books containing the same tropes that I have previously read. In all honestly, I think any author is going to struggle to fit in enough development and depth for characters like Carolyn and Carter, and the issues they are both struggling with in a book this short. The writing is good, the characters likeable and their dialogue easy to immerse yourself in. I would have liked, and I think the book would have benefitted greatly if it had been fleshed out more, it had a lot more potential in that regards. If you are looking for a couple of hours of escapism, and are interested to see how a New York heiress copes with an ornery ex-Marine on a Texas Ranch, have at it! ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Living in Shadow (Living In..., #1); Author: Jackie Ashenden; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Forbidden sex is the best kind of sex there is." Stars! Living in Shadow is the first book I have read by Jackie Ashenden, I am a big fan of the student/teacher romance trope, so to read a version that is not only superbly written, but also a little bit different from other books in this genre was an absolute treat. I loved that we get an older woman / younger guy mix in this one, Eleanor May has very singular tastes when it comes to sex, and having been burnt in the past by those she should have been able to trust, she has chosen to stay well away from men, and relationships. "Does your age bother you?" "No." "Good. Because it doesn't bother me either." Lucien North is front and centre in her class every week, and being an older student finds his professor a little more interesting for more than just her lectures. His doesn't see his 25 to her 38 years as much of a problem, the chemistry is there, and what initially started out as innocent flirtation blossoms into more. "I'm not going to tell you I'm attracted to you, Professor, no. What I'd like to do is take you home and fuck you senseless." I liked that both Lucien and Eleanor as the story develops reveal the issues from their past, and as you get to know them both separately and together you realise that what they both want is essentially the same thing. Eleanor gives Lucien the Control he craves, while Lucien takes charge in the way Elenaor needs. It is a little cut and dried with regards to the resolution of certain issues in the book, but to be honest I was enjoying the story so much anyway I didn't really mind that, the uniqueness of Luc's past and the fact that I was reading about an older woman for once still kept it refreshing and interesting. Warm. Fuck, she was so warm. Vital. A shaft of dazzling sunlight in a dark, dark cave. The feel of her seeped through his palm and moved up his arm. And knew if he kept hold of her, it would move further still, going deeper inside him, lighting him up. Shining into the dark, cold heart of him. This is an absolutely stellar start to the Living In Series, I can't wait to read more from this author. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Over the Line (Alpha Ops, #2); Author: Emmy Curtis; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "I love the smell of gunpowder at lunchtime." Stars. Over the Line is the first full length book of the Alpha ops series. I absolutely loved the prequel novella Dangerous Territory and I was interested to see where Emmy Curtis would take the series. One hell of a soldier. One hell of a woman. Beth Garcia and James Walker featured in Dangerous Territory but more as secondary characters, and after being injured while on that operation, Beth is back stateside, awaiting re-up orders after being declared 'Medically Fit' again for active service, 9 months later. This book is wholly theirs, and it is at this point where she bumps into James again, and agrees to a weekend climbing date with him. Things don't quite go to plan, and a weekend climbing in the Appalachians, actually turns into a weekend with James' family for his older sister's wedding. All she needed in life was work, getting deployed, and landing her dream job in the CIA. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. It turns out that James comes from an extremely wealthy and highly politically orientated family, with the Walker roots firmly established in Washington, this book and the storyline is mainly focused in that area, and not in the theatre of war, which is where my expectations were based after reading the novella, and that being the main thing Beth and James have in common. I found all the political intrigue, the side-plots and James' totally abhorrent family a little too much at points, and it wasn't too hard to work out who the 'Villains' of the piece were, as the story developed. "What happens in D.C. stays in D.C." The main thing that stands out for me with this book is that Emmy Curtis is an extremely skilled writer. Even though the storyline wasn't quite what I was expecting, and the time-frame (3 days) that the main bulk of the action takes place a little speedy, I found the writing and the story development easy to get absorbed in, as well as James and Beth themselves really likeable characters. The absolutely stellar epilogue gets a star all on its own. Harry and Matt are up next in the Alpha Ops series, inPushing the Limit which is due early November 14. I am looking forward to getting down and dirty with them in a hostile environment, and seeing what sort of adventure that Emmy has written for them! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Territory (Alpha Ops, #1); Author: Emmy Curtis; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "You might not have a dick, but you have balls." Stars! Dangerous Territory is the beginning of the Alpha Ops series, and to say I was pleasantly surprised by the extremely high quality of Emmy Curtis' writing would be an understatement. This novella grabbed me by the eye-balls and did not let them go until its very end. I think one of the main things that denotes when the novella you are reading is of a high standard, is that it doesn't actually feel like you have read a novella. Dangerous Territory fits into that description fully, it felt like a full length book, the development of Grace and Josh's relationship and the flow of the plot were absolutely perfect. I loved the action-adventure aspect of the story too, it was refreshing, and although a book of pure fiction, it felt well researched. Don't get attached. Don't get involved. These people are a job. Don't form relationships. This novella spans 3 years, and after one unforgettable night together, Emmy and Josh run into each other again under the most unexpected circumstances, both live their lives without looking for commitment, but both of them can't deny that there is something different about the feelings the other evokes in them. "My name is T. S., and I will be your rescuer today." The chemistry between this pair is sexy-hot, and it carries through the novella from the very start. I loved that they both had misconceptions about each other initially, but as their story progressed, they gradually worked out how wrong their initial assumptions about the other were. "Do you hate me? For what I am, or who I am?" "You're reporting this war for what? For fun? To be famous? ... Are you one of those reporters? What am I asking? You're all like that." I couldn't put this book down, I loved every damn second of it, it left me desperate for more of the characters involved and the writers talent for telling their stories. I cannot wait for Garcia and Walker to get their own book - Over the Line, due out in October 2014, I need me some more of Emmy Curtis' sexy soldiers. "Well soldier, is that a night-vision scope in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me?" ARC generously provided via Netgalley , in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pushing the Limit (Alpha Ops, #3); Author: Emmy Curtis; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I will keep you safe. Depend on it." Stars. Pushing the Limit is the third installment in Emmy Curtis' Alpha Ops series. Each book is very much it's own story, but the characters have been pulled through. We were given a very brief introduction to Matt and Henrietta (Harry) in book 2 Over the Line, but this story although in essence begins whilst that book takes place, it is still wholly Matt and Harry's. "My friends call me Harry." ... "What can I can you?" ... "Henrietta." This couple literally hit the ground running in this story, and the sexy/dirty short length of time they both spent together at a mutual friends wedding seems to be something neither can forget, but has little or no chance of ever happening again. That is unless you happen to be working at a site-survey in Iraq, that turns up a small piece of metal, that may-or-may-not have belonged to a missing USAF plane. Turns out it is a small world after all! "You are a sight for sore eyes, darlin', and I mean that literally." If you have read previous books in this series you will know that Emmy manages to pack a fair amount of punch into her stories. Yes they are sexy-hot, but you are also given a little intrigue, some action, and most importantly characters that you want to read about. "Do you want to... come up and see my apple?" I loved Matt, buy I do love my guys that are battling a few demons. Harry was likeable in her ballsy, take-no-shit way as well, but there were a couple of points when I wanted to slap her and say step back woman he is trying to keep you safe. For all that though, if she had done that the story probably would have ended a lot sooner! She was electricity to him. Powerful and necessary and dangerous. I liked the twist in this one too, I didn't see it coming and that in itself earns the author a huge round of applause from me. As does the fact that she took a totally inhospitable environment and turned it into an arena for adventure, romance and intrigue to run riot. If they did have a tomorrow, he was going to get her, and keep her, come hell or high water. I have really enjoyed this series, and I hope this book isn't the last installment, Emmy Curtis has a real talent, and her imagination as well as the quality of her writing is absolutely something I want too see more of. ARC provided via Netgalley, after questioning the validity of declining me, due to the fact I may/or may not be a pirate, bearing in mind that I have read and reviewed the previous two books in the series. It was still my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shattered (Stolen Breaths, #2); Author: Pamela Sparkman; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Knock, knock," ... "Who's there?" Stars! Sometimes you will sit down, pick up a book, and start reading with the expectation of being entertained, and maybe given the opportunity to step out of your normal day-to-day life, by taking a little bit of time to immerse yourself in the words and imagery provided by the author. The funny thing about life... sometimes it has other plans for us. Sometimes the author goes one step further and puts such an emotive and immersive piece together that you get completely sucked in to the story, its characters and the time spent reading feels like it has passed within the blink of an eye. "I feel like I am dreaming with my eyes open when I look at you." Pam Sparkman has that ability, her books although at first glance seem pretty run-of-the-mill, boy meets girl, with some romance and a little drama thrown in. She always has a few little twists and turns that you don't expect or see coming. This is the second book of hers that I have read, and been metaphorically knocked on my ass by! Joe and Maggie feature in the first book in this series Stolen Breaths although they are very much secondary characters to Cooper and Lily's story. This is their story and it focuses mainly on them and their families. Lily, Cooper, Ms. Sophie, Hayden and Beth are also running (figuratively) pretty much through Shattered as well though, and you can feel the depth and involvement of them all in each other's lives through this book, and how close knit they all are. This type of series really works for me as a reader, each book is solely for one particular pair, but previous and future characters are very much involved in their story development as well. "You're kinda, sorta, basically, pretty much always on my mind." ... "You're kinda, sorta, basically, pretty much always on my mind too." This is a charming, thoughtful, well paced, love story. Joe and Maggie are a relatable, down to earth couple, and the events and situations that they find themselves in are believable. There is a very strong familial feel to this book and the series, for each of them as people, and through the group as a whole. Acceptance and forgiveness also play a part in their story, as well as belief, in themselves and in that we all have someone out there who is looking out for us. "Everything will be as it should." I don't think this is a book you can be disappointed in reading, it isn't a balls-to-the-wall, overly sexual read, but it is a beautiful story, about two people coming together and becoming all that the other needs; there is very much a beginning, a middle and an ending, nothing and no one are left hanging, and Joe and Maggie are given the perfect HEA. "You are my reason to smile," ... "Just you." I can't wait to see where Pam takes us next with Beth & Haydn's story, and I would; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Desired (True Alpha, #1); Author: Alisa Woods; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 2.5 Stars. It's no secret I am not a huge fan of the serialized novella genre, but on occasion I am prepared to make an exception. If the synopsis piques my interest and the subsequent novellas are relatively close in release date, as was with Desired and is with the True Alpha series. Whether a book be 40 pages or 400 pages long, I do still have a couple of requirements, and the main one being a storyline, if you are releasing something in a serialized version, you need to be offering something in each installment to encourage the reader to want to return and find out more. And this is why I am giving Desired, my 'average' rating, apart from the beginning and the last sentence of this novella, absolutely nothing happened, there wasn't really any character development, I found the whole 'I need to protect her, but I don't know why' coupled with the insta-lust, really odd seeing as the chemistry between Lucas and Mia almost non-existent, and dare I say it but there was a certain aroma of FSOG doggie-style floating around at points... I didn't hate Desired, but I didn't get anything out of it, and I didn't finish it desperate to know what happens in the next part, and for me that is an integral thing if you are going to offer up your stories in this format. ARC generously provided by the author, I am sorry that I cannot be more positive on this occasion.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Necessary Force (K-9 Rescue, #0.5); Author: D.D. Ayres; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - Man and dog. A powerful combination. Stars. Necessary Force is the introductory novella in the K-9 Rescue series, for the most part pretty enjoyable, with a strong independent heroine in Photographer - Georgie Flynn, and a sexy-hot alpha FBI agent in Brad Lawson, with his dog Zander, he is pretty irresistible! After meeting originally on a photo shoot, and ending up in bed together, Georgie never expected to run into Brad again, especially after he told her his name was Philip Dexter and that he was a Fireman. After being exposed to a possible stalker as well as being suspected of possibly being involved in terrorist activity Georgie comes face-to-face with Brad (Philip) again in his actual line of work as a K-9 Service Dog Handler, needless to say she doesn't take that fact he omitted the truth from her too well. "Take your doubtful integrity and go be loyal and brave somewhere else." As I said this is a quick novella and where some parts felt overly and unnecessarily expanded, others that felt important didn't seem too offer enough. Nevertheless, I spent an enjoyable hour with this couple, although it wasn't too difficult to work out who the stalker/terrorist was, and I have to say their motives and subsequent total lack of a real explanation are what lost this book a star for me... I am looking forward to the next book in theK-9 Rescue series - Irresistible Force, which is due for release 26th August 2014. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Irresistible Force (K-9 Rescue #1); Author: D.D. Ayres; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 2.5 - "In one short day I've gone from nut to slut." Stars. Irresistible Force is the first full novel in the K-9 Rescue series. I really enjoyed its predecessor Necessary Force, even though a novella, it was well written with likeable characters and the well developed plot. Unfortunately, I wasn't quite as enamoured with this book. The storyline was one I have read many times in its various forms, just with the addition of a dog in the mix. It was pretty easy to work out that not one but two separate entities were threatening Shay, and the plot felt a little rushed in parts. I found James to be a really weak character, and heartless bitch I may well be, seeing as Shay is supposed to be the victim in all this, but she actually reminded me of a hybrid Jennifer Jason Leigh in Single White Female and Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction for a lot of the story. She did nothing halfway. Angry, hurt, scared, all her emotions were expressed straight up in your face. What really ruined this book for me, over and above the fact I found Shay a little Looney Toons - The woman has just a month previously split up for a guy who apparently raped her, and he is now stalking and threatening her. She then willingly goes back to work for the company she was temping at when she met him at his request, and then also willingly allows him to take her to an empty office and lock the door... Sorry, but no just no. This story had potential, I love all the tropes that were used under normal circumstances, and Shay did make amends about most things as the story wrapped up... But I can't really class it as a winner when Bogart the dog was my favorite character in the book! So far, so-so. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Personal Assistance; Author: Louise Rose-Innes; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "It's what I do." Stars. Personal Assistance is the first book I have read by Louis-Rose Innes, and for the most part it was pretty enjoyable. The first BIG plus for me was that Hannah and Tom were British, and Tom is in the SAS! It was nice to get a British serviceman in the flood of SEALs that we usually get(SEALs are still hot too though!). This book also in a way offers a fictional interlude that very much highlights some of the major issues that are going on in the world today as well. Not too heavily and this is a work of pure fiction, but I felt the undertones in the political unrest in Syman, and the civil war Hannah and Tom find themselves unwittingly pulled into. This book I would class more action/adventure with a little romance thrown in, rather than out-and-out romance. It does happen here and there but it isn't a main part of the story until the last paragraph really. "Would you rather I lie to you and told you it was all going to be fine?" The only problem I really had with this book was Hannah, naive and innocent come close, but do not really convey her actions/reactions accurately. It is safe to assume that somewhere along the way she has either walked head-first into the dumb-ass tree, or been hit repeatedly with a stupid stick. It did get a little frustrating at times reading her continual denial of Tom's assessments of the seriousness of the situation, couple that with the fact she pretty much went against every request he made of her when it came to staying safe, I really struggled to warm to her. I would still read another book by this author though, my dislike for the heroine aside, I really liked the fast paced writing style, the originality of the story and the sexy times (when they appeared) were well written. I loved Tom's diversionary use for kissing as well. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Deal (Perfectly Matched, #2); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I am more of a show-er than a tell-er." Stars! Dirty Deal, just like every other book I have read by Christine Bell is absolutely cracking. Bryan and Serena are people that the reader will easily fall in love with, although they both have a few commitment issues, their story is an easy-going, funny, sexy and enjoyable read. "No matter where I go, the crazy bus follows me." Serena Elliott ends up buying Bryan Metcalfe in a Bachelor Auction, partially to save him from an overly eager ex, and also because her business partner Grace wants to use him as their cover-boy in relation to marketing Love Will Find A Way matchmaking services! Bryan is grateful for the save and after a little persuasion from Serena, and an agreement to be his Plus One, without strings for the few weeks he is in town, a mutually beneficial deal is struck. As you would suspect, with the passing of time the strings from Bryan and Serena's lives start to appear and begin to get entangled. "Why buy the cow when you can have the steak for free." I enjoyed this book so much that I pretty much forgot that I was supposed to be reading it for review, as such the usual note taking and highlighting went by the wayside as I got lost in what I was reading. She went from wet and ready to soaked and ready to scream in thirty seconds flat. Luckily, most readers don't need me to go on and on about how good this book is, it is written by Christine Bell so we all know that is a given. If you liked Book One - Dirty Trick in the Perfectly Matched series, you are without a doubt going to enjoy Dirty Deal, as well! ARC generously provided by Entangled, for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lone Wolfe Protector (Wolfe Creek, #1); Author: Kaylie Newell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - Under the spell of Wolfe Creek's ardent moon... Stars! Lone Wolfe Protector is one of those rare books that comes along and completely takes you by surprise. I have to admit after reading the synopsis I wasn't 100% certain as to what to expect from this story. What I got was eerie, creepy, sexy and surprising. The town of Wolfe Creek itself is like a cross between Sleepy Hollow and Forks, Washington and the people living there are just as unusual. "Come out, come out, wherever you are." Maggie Sullivan has returned to Wolfe Creek looking for answers, one year after the disappearance of her best friend Aimee Styles, whilst they were on road-trip together. Her reception in town is at best frosty, and at worst openly hostile, apart from the local ex-stripper-come-waitress Candi, and Deputy Koda Wolfe, her presence isn't welcomed or wanted. "I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll... I think the most gripping aspect of this book is that the whodunit and the why, are pretty much left unexplained until the very last page. The story, the location and the overall development leave massive potential for future books as well (fingers crossed from me for that). Although Maggie and Koda's journey is fully told (but also leaves scope for future expansion), there are a lot of characters in this book, who still have stories that could be told. Candi and Zane (Koda's brother) spring to mind initially for certain. "I can't seem to look at anyone without being suspicious, and you can't look at certain people and be suspicious." This is my first book by Kaylie Newell, I am hoping my second will be a continuation of the Wolfe Creek series! "Things happen in life. You can choose to be beaten by them, or you can choose to see the beauty and peace that's almost always there if you look hard enough." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Betting on Julia (Melville Sisters, #2); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Is that a wand in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?" Stars! If you enjoyed Operation Saving Daniel, book one in the Melville Sisters series, you are going to love Betting on Julia, this book had a bit of everything in it to suit all tastes. Nina Croft has certainly got mad-skills when it comes to giving the reader and enjoyable romance in the PNR genre, and for me what made it so easy to immerse myself in was the fact it is set in the UK, the language used is clearly from a British born writer, and it wasn't overly explanative when it came to the who/how and why with regards to the werewolves, warlocks and demons. There was nothing like turning into a hairy monster once a month to knock your confidence. The story pretty much carries on a couple of months after where book one finished and Julia is still struggling to come to terms with the fact that she is now a werewolf, especially as she is a vegetarian, and keeps waking up with the remains of furry animals in her midst. Sebastian comes along at a point in her life where she isn't looking for any emotional entanglements or attachments, and pretty much blows all of her rules for herself out of the water. "Normal is good. I like normal." Bastian Crane, is a good guy (although he doesn't believe that himself) stuck in bad circumstances, forced to live his life by the will of another, he is tired of the existence he finds himself living in. The chance of escape is offered, and a deal is struck, but can he follow though and find himself love with a good woman. I loved his interactions with Dante, shifty little devil that he is, and at points you almost forget what he is because of it, their sniping with each other had me chuckling on several occasions. Bastian also has another skill that is sure to make even the most hardened lady fall for his charms, boy can he turn on the dirty when required! "Julia, stop thinking. I need to get in that house and get inside you and if I don't do the first I might do the second anyway. Right on your doorstep." I loved this couple together, both of them are keeping massive secrets from each other, and even though neither really has a clue fully as to why, the intertwining of their lives without them actually knowing it right up until the point of revelation was skilfully weaved by the author. This series is rapidly working its way into my heart. The Melville family are easy to fall in love with, but are going to be hard to forget. I hope that Nina sees fit to give us another instalment in the near future. "Honey, you couldn't be bad if you tried." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Operation Saving Daniel (Melville Sisters, #1); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Come on Danny. For one night, pretend I'm your princess." Stars. I really enjoyed Operation: Saving Daniel already being a fan of Nina's contemporary romances, I am happy to say her PNR writing style is just as enjoyable. I loved the characters, their development, the pace and the fact that their story initially began a decade ago. This is a pretty quick read, but the story didn't feel rushed. Daniel Melville *Swoons can put his paws on me anytime! "Were you always this beautiful? How did I ever walk away?" This is one of those stories that you start looking for a few hours of escapism, and finish knowing it will be a book you are most likely to read again and again. "I wanted you to know... I love you. I always loved you." Straight onto book 2 of the Melville Sisters series for me!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Uncivilized (Uncivilized, #1); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I'm going to make you a slave to my cock." Stars! The Synposys for Uncivilized does a stellar job of summing up exactly what you can exptect from its pages - Putting a woman on her knees before me is what really makes my cock hard. I fuck with dominant force and absolute control. I demand complete surrender from my conquests. I am wild, free and raw, and the only thing I want from the beautiful Moira Reed is to fuck her into submission. And that is pretty much what the book is about, don't take my 3 star rating as dislike as I did really enjoy Uncivilized. It is more to do with the quantity of sex versus the rest of the story. Because quite frankly, it had a lot of scope, and it got lost due to the fact that Zach (after discovering the wonders of Google and the internet) turns into Tarzan the Porn Star. Go Moira for keeping up with him though, I think I would have needed a vagina transplant after the first 50%. I wanted more of the - Sad little boy. Savage man from the jungle. Loner, warrior... dangerous at his core. Curious man who doesn't belong here or there,. The sex is extremely well written, imaginative and varied, Zach has a penchant for eating out before and after leaving his own deliveries, and I really liked the raw, unrestrained, baseness of their escapades. But I liked the flashbacks to his time in the jungle as well, and would have liked more insight into the 18 years he spent with the Caraican Indian Tribe. My heart and soul were back in the rainforest. If you are looking for a book that offers sex (lots), romance (in its own blunt way) and not a lot of drama to tax the brain, then this one is for you. This is the sort of book I wanna be reading when I am chilling on vacation, or looking for something a LOT spicy to warm me up on a cold winters evening. I'm finding I like my new vocabulary. Cock, pussy and fuck. My three new favorite English words. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Love Me to Death (Underveil, #1); Author: Marissa Clarke; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "The knowledge is mine. The discovery is yours." Stars! Love Me to Death is the second book I have read by Marissa Clarke in recent months and after being massively impressed with her first contemporary romance offering, I had high expectations for the first book in the Underveil series. She didn't let me down, if you are looking for a Kick-ass high energy, lotsa-sexy PNR read, then this is a book you want to add to your TBR. "Kiss your regular life good-bye, princess." Elena and Nik were an absolute joy to read, snarky and sexy together, their banter had me giggling at points. He may initially want to kill her, but she certainly doesn't just sit back and let him take control. "Is chauvinism 101 a required course for all slayers, or is it reserved for royalty?" Oh but I loved Nikolai, dirty mouth, dirty boy, a fighter, all hard and sexy on the outside, but soft and oh so sweet and vulnerable on the inside. Wanting her was in complete opposition to his nature and purpose. There is a lot of story being told in this book and as the chapters pass your are introduced to an absolute wealth of characters, some of them are more involved than others at this time, but as the base point for the beginning of a series, Marissa has set the premise and the initial character development up with the potential for a massive amount of scope for future books. "I'll show you good," ... "I'll show you great," ... "In fact, I'll show you the stars." The Underveil is definitely somewhere I want to revisit again really soon. There is a certain Big Bad Vlad that I want to know more about! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Killer Queen (Painted Faces, #2); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "If I was into girls, I'd do you." Stars! There is one thing you can pretty much be sure of with a book by L. H. Cosway, and that is that it will never turn out how you are expecting it too, and that she never lets you down when it comes to being 100% original with her storylines. You need to read Painted Faces if you haven't already as it just highlights just how freaking amazing she is. "Why are the beautiful ones always so troubled." I always get a little nervous with books that are released giving the alternate POV on a story that I have already read, sometimes they just read like the exact same book, but with the names changed round, and nothing extra is really gained from reading them. I think what makes this book stand out so much as the absolute antithesis of the aforementioned description, is that it could be read as a stand-alone (I wouldn't recommend it as you would be missing out on a seriously good book, in Painted Faces), but this feels like a whole new story, Nicholas's story. Nicholas and Fred rooted themselves into my heart when I read their story in Painted faces and now Nicholas is pretty much tattooed across my heart after reading Killer Queen. "I like to think of myself as a wonderful and unique snowflake." I love nothing more than a troubled man, and L. H. Cosway has taken us through some of the pivotal moments in his life with this book, it starts before his arrival in Dublin, covers that part of his life and his time with Fred, but you also get the after, so where Painted Faces finished, this story carries on a little further, think of the best epilogue you can wish for, and that is what we are given. "You're a beautiful man. I hope you find happiness one day soon." 5 Stars isn't really enough for this book, in all honesty it isn't really enough for any of the books I have read by this author. ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stealing His Heart (Shillings Agency, #2); Author: Diane Alberts; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3 - "Keep your chakra off my shit." Stars. Stealing his Heart is book 2 in the Shillings Agency series, and whereas Kayla and Cooper from book one were quite an easygoing pair, with a few commitment issues, Jake and Tara are pretty much the opposite. Both have pretty dark and interconnected pasts, but through life circumstances, and lifestyle choices have not really had a lot to do with each other over the last few years. One and ex-serviceman operates very much inside the lines of the law, while the other very much operates outside of it; unfortunately a client of the Shillings Agency has been the subject of Tara's own style of vigilante justice, and Jake is given the job of discovering her secrets, and rectifying the problem before the Police are involved. "I have no intention of taking advantage of you... in that way. I'm only interested in your brain, and how you can help me get my job done." Of course this isn't totally true, and Tara eventually pushes Jake's buttons enough that he is stepping over the lines he has set himself, and well outside of his comfort-zone when it comes his self-control. This side of Jake is not something Tara has really experienced before, and Jake tries to keep himself in check believing she deserves better. He didn't lose control, and he didn't act without thinking. Ever. As previously mentioned, this book felt a little darker and heavier than Temporarily Yours, whereas the first book was based around a couple who didn't previously know each other, being thrown together in unusual and often funny circumstances with lots and lots of swoon worthy sexy-times thrown in. Jake and Tara have a past, and issues with each other that they try to work through. I didn't really feel that Jake being a Dom really added any value to the story. And to be completely honest he didn't really read as a Dom either, he gave up control quite easily to Tara, and I found him more of a man who likes to dominate in the bedroom to a man looking for a Sub to his Dom. "You seem to be forgetting that I've been in your arms already. You didn't scare me then, and you don't scare me now." I liked this addition to the Shillings Agency series; Jen is an author whose writing style I have come to enjoy immensely. This book didn't have the WOW that I have come to associate with her couples normally, but it was still a really enjoyable read. The main thing that stood out for me was a certain guy also employed by Cooper Shillings, and he goes by the name of Gordon... Tell me more Ms. McLaughlin! ARC generously provided by Entangled for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Until You (Fall Away, #1.5); Author: Penelope Douglas; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Why do we do it?"... I never had an answer that satisfied me, let alone worth repeating. Stars. I suppose my first question to myself after finishing Until You is does this book offer up enough of an explanation and credible justification as to Jared's treatment of Tate in Bully. For me that is a no, I still think what happened to him was abhorrent, but I don't for one minute think that justifies his douchebag words and actions... She knew my game. She matched me, and she was going to be a joy to take down. There was no limit to how high I could fly from feeding off her. I didn't dislike the book (hence the 4 stars), I think this is possibly one of the best male POV's I have read actually, and although I found the real lack of justification for his actions weak, I liked Jared. He is essentially a lost little boy, hurting the ones he loves the most to try and take away the pain of things he can't or won't talk about. If you judge the book on that basis it is a worthwhile read, it didn't feel like a Bully rewrite which is also a big plus, and the year when Tate is away in France reveals an awful lot of information that isn't even hinted at in Bully. I wanted her to hurt, I didn't want her to hurt. I hated her. I loved her. I wanted to violate her body in a hundred different ways. I wanted to keep her safe. The other positives for Until You are that the book goes past the end of Bully to give more depth to thier story as a whole, and we get alot more of Madoc, considering his book is up next, I liked getting to know the guy a little more. And Jax, this guy has a little place in my heart already so I am glad, we will get his story early 2015. It was about me and never her. Never a truer word was written, doesn't justify the behaviour, but it highlights the screwed up actions of a guy struggling to deal, and acting out in the worst way possible. "Every minute of my future belong to you."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rival (Fall Away, #2); Author: Penelope Douglas; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Nothing that happens on the surface of the sea can alter the calm of its depths. Stars. I really loved Bully and enjoyed Until You so it's regrettable for me to not be able to give Rival the same high ratings that they were given. I really hated turning corners. I hated closed doors. I hated not seeing the path ahead. I think the main issue I have with this book is the fact that were a reading about two 18 year old people, who basically go at it like porn-stars for most of the book, there is virtually no parental involvement in this story, and when there is, they have absolutely no issue with the fact that their children are pretty much doing each other in every available public recreation area, and on/over every available home surface. Now this really wouldn't have been a problem for me, if it had actually added to the story, but the reasons I loved the first two books were that although sex was included it wasn't the mainstay of either story, the characters and their issues, and their actions in resolving their differences were. Most of the time Madoc and Fallon's behavior felt more like a couple in their twenties. What then made it even more eye-roll worthy is that around 75% in there is a conversation where the lack of experience sexually is bought up... Seriously, the previous 3/4 of the book really doesn't give the reader that impression. Madoc and Fallon themselves were a difficult couple to like, which bearing in mind their story is coming off the back of Jared and Tate's both of whom I found a lot more amenable, it was also a bit of a shock. Madoc featured quite heavily in Until You, and everything I thought I knew about him from that book was pretty much wrong. You are lead to think in the first part of this book that he is one thing, when it then turns out he is another. I liked the way the author managed to put this twist in, but for me there was just far too much going on. Fallon hasn't figured at all in the previous two books, but I just found her to be a little too Lather, Rinse, Repeat for most of the book. Madoc was designer. I was Target. He was Godiva. I was Snickers. For all of the above, though it wasn't actually a massive issue for me as I was still enjoying the story, it was good to see Jared & Tate and how their relationship had developed. A lot of things that weren't really answered in the first two books are cleverly interwoven into this story as well, and up to about 85% I was pretty impressed with the author's skill with tying things up and together. Unfortunately, the story then goes not one, but two steps too far for me, and the phrase Kitchen Sink was firmly in the back of my mind. I will be honest and say that if the; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Cowboy's Christmas Promise (Whisper Creek, #2); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Come back for Christmas... Come back." Stars! Maggie McGinnis gave me the perfect book to end 2014 with. A Cowboy's Christmas Promise is an absolutely adorable story, that spans months and shows real depth and development with its characters and story. "I'm just here for a cowboy fling." Hayley has returned to Carefree, Montana for her best friend Kyla's wedding (Book one, Accidental Cowgirl), staying at Whisper Creek Ranch again, it doesn't take her long to shake off the hustle and bustle of Boston and settle back into ranch life, although she doesn't figure hot local Veterinarian, Daniel into the mix, but hey a little holiday fun can't hurt can it... "I'm not a long-term bet. I'm short, not-so-sweet, and outta here before you say good morning." I loved Hayley, a total commitment-phobe to her own eyes, but her words and actions as the story progresses show the reader that although she believes she is one thing, she could definitely step into another role without too much trouble. Daniel, was hot, sweet and a cowboy... Add into that a single father with two absolutely adorable twins and I fell for this book rope, saddle and spurs! "Embrace whatever happens and ride the wave." If you haven't read a book by this author before I cannot recommend her work highly enough, Maggie McGinnis offers a refreshing and engaging writing style. You feel involved in the story, and you can help but fall in love with the characters you are reading about. I just hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book in this series, although if I am honest, I would happily read whatever Ms. McGinnis releases next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Broken Honor (HORNET, #3); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "He's the kind of guy I want." Stars! Book three of Tonya Burrows' hugely popular HORNET Series, gives us the continuation of the teams story as a whole, and a more personal insight into a certain Travis Quinn. A guy I have been itching to learn more about as the previous two books progressed. This is a man with a sketchy past, a whole Legion of personal demons and mental health issues partially bought on by a TBI, sustained in the car accident that gave Gabe Bristow the need for a walking cane. I loved Travis before I read Broken Honor I absolutely adore him now I have finished it. This isn't an easy book to read in parts, as the series has developed I have become more emotionally invested in its characters, so when they are suffering or hurt, it tugs on those heart strings like a mother-f**ker, and as you would expect, Travis's tale isn't pretty for the most part. Whoever did this would pay. No, fuck that. Whoever did this would die. Tonya, gives a voice to her men that is equal parts on the outside a strong, dominant, over-protective alpha warrior, but behind the scenes when the shields are down, they are broken in spirit (and often mind), emotionally scarred, yet still fiercely loyal and honorable to the death, no matter who they are defending. "You are not alone anymore, Travis." Mara being Jesse Warrick's cousin, has had dealings with the team in the past, her association with Travis initially comes through that. But what was only meant to be one night, turns into more, but rather than deal with the emotions he is feeling Travis runs, only problem being he can't really escape the woman who has captured his mind, body and soul, especially if that woman has then been captured and taken hostage, by the enemy. She was like his own personal drug, he'd been jonesing for more of her... And now that he'd had her again, he didn't know if he'd ever be able to quit her. This isn't your run of the mill hearts and flowers romance, the subjects tackled are tricky, uncomfortable, and unfortunately an actual fact of life. Tonya has dealt with these issues sensitively, the action wholeheartedly, and the writing brings to the fore that love for your team, and the people who form the family of your choosing is just as strong and relevant as the family that you are related to by blood. Old enemies arise, new enemies are introduced, death, double-crossing and dirty hot sex are all added into the mix. "Don't look now your backbone is showing." I got too spend an evening with the guys of HORNET, some old friends, the others acquaintances I am eager to make closer connections with. There was nothing bad about that situation I can tell you! Tissues are required, but you will not regret a moment of the ride. "You gave me a reason to live." ARC generously provided by Entangled, it was my pleasure to provide the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Draw Me In; Author: Regina Cole; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "You're tougher than you think." Stars. A book with some romance and a little drama, mainly set in and around a tattoo parlour, is pretty much my idea of reading heaven, so when I saw Draw Me In pop up on Netgalley, I had no hesitation in requesting it. "You've had some heavy shit go down before. That can be hard, but you've got two choices - lay dead in the past, or run toward your life." The premise, and the characters all showed promise in the beginning, but as the book developed everything of importance just felt like it was being skimmed over, there was never really any deeper development into alot of what I would class as major things, like Hailey's parents separation, the struggle she would have without their financial support to name a couple... there are more but it would mean giving off spoilers and I am not going to do that on this occasion. The total un-believability of the whole situation she was in was difficult to get past as well because her thoughts, actions and general personality do not make you think this is a girl who would just slip into working in a Tattoo Parlour, with ease and confidence, hell I don't even think she is the sort of girl who would even think to look for work in a Tattoo Parlour at all. Neill was more pre-menstrual than Hailey was for most of the book, the whole 'I am your boss we should not do this' scenario played out more times than I felt was needed, added to all his hang-ups about his ex, it all got a bit repetitive and dragged out. Unfortunately, his whole inner monologue a lot of the time was more horny-confused-teen, than his supposed 24 years. The whole Sinful Skin Tattoos scenario, and the rest of the staff were all a little too clean-cut and cheerful as well, even with their ink and piercings. As I said there is potential here, the in-depth look at tattooing as a whole is well researched and really informative, I liked the parts where Neill was teaching Hailey the mastery of it all. Sadly, as a whole the story just didn't quite come together for me. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Delta: Retribution (Delta, #1); Author: Cristin Harber; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 "If anyone could make me want to be normal, it'd be you." Stars. Delta: Retribution is the first work of Cristin Harber's that I have read, and as novellas go it is pretty good. Lots of action, sexy-times and likeable characters. Trace and Marlena were both characters with their own personal demons, but for all that really likeable. After a chance meeting, and subsequent one night stand in Germany, neither of them expects to bump into the other again, No full names, no contact details, and hot-tailing it out of the room when the other is in the shower seem to make this agreement a certainty... Fate has other ideas and throws this couple back together in the most extreme of circumstances. "My name is Trace. I'm taking you home. Trust me, listen to me, and we both live. Got it?" As usual, my main complaint (and it is a good complaint), is that I wanted more, and thank all that is sparkly and fluffy, this is the beginning of a new series. I went a bit mad after finishing this and one-clicked the whole Titan series.... A person doesn't need food to live right! "Takes a tougher motherfucker that that to kill me, Cinderella." ARC generously supplied via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Seductive Melody (Kelly Brothers, #5); Author: Crista McHugh; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - Just take it one day at a time. Stars. The Kelly Brothers series continues with A Seductive Melody, I enjoyed Ethan and Becca's story, but I will be honest and say that I was expecting more, from this one. Ethan has been elusive in his presence in the previous books, and I was looking forward to getting to grips with him, his story and his interactions with his family. "Hi I'm Ethan, and I'm not a hugger." In the previous 4 books everyone in the Kelly Family is very much involved, and I liked that it gave continuity to the series as a whole, you were kept in touch with the previous couples that had already had their books and it kept everything flowing. The only way to find peace was to give in to his muse. Ethan finds himself in New York, after losing his best friend and band mate Tyler to a heroin overdose; he realizes he needs to make a few changes in his life. So after rehab he craves the anonymity of a new town, and NA group, and no contacts from his previous life. You do get a few conversations with his mother and Adam, but that's pretty much it for the Kelly family involvement. This struck me as inconsistent with the previous books and the impression of familial closeness you are given of the Kelly's as a whole, especially at such a difficult time in Ethan's life. I wanted his brothers to show up, give him their support, but it is a very insular read, pretty much revolving around Ethan and his blossoming relationship with Rebecca Shore. Other factors/people do come into play as the book progresses, but no one of note, or to be honest that I liked. "She steadies me. She inspires me. She keeps me going when I feel like I can't." The time line is the other problem I had with A Seductive Melody as the bulk of the story takes place in the first three months after Ethan comes out of rehab, meeting Becca at his first NA group meeting, things quickly progress from there. I don't profess to be knowledgeable on the area of addiction but I found it all a little too much too quickly on the back of someone getting to grips with leaving an addiction behind. It was almost as if heroin was swapped out for Rebecca. I did still enjoy the book, and although it does deal with a lot heavier issues than its predecessors the writing, development and sexy-times were of Crista's normal high standard. My big disappointment - WHERE WAS THE EPILOGUE, the family come together for Christmas at the end of this book, I had my happy face on expecting a kick-ass epilogue, giving the me an update on how Adam and Lia, Ben and Hailey, Caleb and Alex and Dan and Jenny are all getting on but nothing! I can only hope that it is because either Frank or Gideon is due to get their book next and it starts; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Trouble (Chasing Love, #1); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Colt McCade likes permed poodles" Stars! I fell in love with Chasing Trouble, within the first few chapters. Joya Ryan's writing style, the storyline, characters and the voices she gives them were perfect for me. Although there is a little drama in the book, it wasn't overly angsty and I just fell in love with J.J and Colt, as well as the rest of their friends and family. He was her knight in a shiny pickup. Colt McCade is a professional bull rider, having left Diamond, Kansas for the bright lights and financial gains of the National Rodeo circuit, he reluctantly returns once in a while to catch up with his sister Lily, nephew Alex and his friends Ryder Diamond, Huck Galvin and Sebastian Strafford. Jenna 'J.J' Justice is a Diamond girl, but she never left. She is also well known, but due to her errant mother's escapades rather than her superlative teaching skills. Being Colt's sister's best friend she has always been off-limits, but the attraction between them is strong. So when the opportunity of a night of a no-strings-no-one-can-find-out-fun-between-the-sheets arises, neither of them has the strength to say no. "I want you. Tonight. No strings. No tomorrows. Just one night, no holding back." Fate, a wily bull, and doctor's orders have other ideas, and Colt ends up stuck in Diamond for the summer recuperating from a riding injury, and with nothing better to do than tempt J.J. things get hot and sexy, very quickly. Although Jenna initially has reservations it doesn't take long for Colt to negotiate his way into her affections and her panties! But worry about town perception makes J.J. reluctant to go public about her relationship with the Rodeo Romeo. "When I'm near you -inside you- I feel more at home than I ever have in my life." Nothing makes me happier than a series, what makes me ecstatic about Chasing Trouble is, it's the beginning of a series and I have already fallen in love with it. No warming up or pre-heating required with this one, and I cannot wait for the rest of the books, the glimpses of the rest of the guys and girls that you are given throughout this book show the promise of even more enjoyment to come. "That was a wild ride Miss Justice." ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Night of Scandal (After Hours, #2); Author: Elle Kennedy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Once wasn't going to be enough. Stars. Book 2 in the After Hours series is as hot and sexy as its predecessor. Reed, along with Gage and A.J are certainly a trio of guys that most girls are going to enjoy reading about, being ex-fighters and running their own nightclub they are all a little dark, mysterious and dangerous, to the casual observer. So it's a great balance that the women they are falling for offer them the opportunity to step into the light, with their happy-go-lucky personalities, inner confidence and general take 'no crap' attitudes. "I think I need to piss you off more often." Reed is one of my favourite types of alpha males, in that he can talk the 'dirty' talk and back it up with some extremely sexy-dirty walking! The verbal sparring between him and Darcy was evident in One Night of Sin and we are given the reasons as to why in One Night of Scandal... think of the grown up version of boys pulling girls pigtails to get their attention! "I came here to have fun! There's zero chance of that happening when you're around." Add to that the other delicious ways he has of getting Darcy's attention, and you are on-board for a sexy, easy to read ride. The drama side of the book isn't too heavy or overly angsty, and it doesn't drag it down. I liked that the commitment issues were on Darcy's side rather than Reed's, it is nice to have this changed up a bit from the norm, where the guy is usually the one doing the running. "When a woman tells me I'm getting her hot, it just makes me want to prove how much hotter I can get her." We are lead to believe in this book that A.J. may be a bit of a cold fish in the bedroom department. Seeing that his book is up next, and that it's been written by Elle Kennedy, I am pretty sure those assumptions are going to be swiftly blown out of the water! And I for one am looking forward seeing who it is that he connects' with and how well those misconceptions get 'blown' away! ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Night Garden; Author: Lisa Van Allen; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - SIT A WHILE AND REMEMBER WHATS FORGOT. Stars. Think of your favourite fairy-tale characters, smoosh them all together and add all the colours of the rainbow, as well as all the others you know of, and quite a few you haven't heard of yet, and write it for grown-ups. That pretty much sums up the Technicolor ride you go on with this book, sprinkle in a little bit of magic, a little bit of mystery, and a whole lot of weird and wonderful and you will happily find yourself ensconced in Green Valley. To visit Pennywort farm was too be reminded of everything in the world that wag beautiful, and bountiful, and luxurious, and endlessly good. It is hard to give you too much information about The Night Garden without giving things away, and I don't want to do that, this is a book you should start blind (not literally obviously) and let the writing and the characters draw you into its pages as it goes. On the surface everything seems pretty normal at the farm, yes you could call its inhabitants a little quirky or eccentric, but essentially they are good, hard-working people. The story builds gradually, this book is definitely not a sprint to its finish, things assemble as the plot develops, there isn't a huge turning point, but lots of little ones, that all culminate into bringing everything together, like a well thumbed recipe or your favourite cocktail, you know it's right, by the feeling it gives you and not necessarily by the approval you receive from cooking or mixing it. "I'm not going to give up, Ollie." Sam and Olivia are special, their love-story starts when he was 8 and she 6, the things that separate them initially, become the things that eventually bring them back together. This isn't like any other love story you are likely to read, and because of that I cannot recommend it highly enough. It isn't often that you pick up a book that is so wholly unique that you cannot liken it to any other story. The Night Garden is definitely a book I would put in that genre. There was magic in the maze, people said. Magic that gave inner clarity, that stripped away all pretensions that a person fabricated around himself. Lisa van Allen is an author whose work I have read and enjoyed before, and I will certainly be seeking more from her again in the future. It's not where you're born that defines you; it's where you're reborn. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure in providing the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mine to Have (Mine, #5); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "My balls are blue, so I'm not in the mood for your shit right now." Stars! Another stellar installment in the Mine series, I have to admit that I was a little nervous about Cynthia's continuation of this series, after the original boys had all gotten their books (and their women!). "I've been undercover for so long, I'm not even sure I can remember who the hell I really am." Saxon Black has been working undercover for the FBI (as well as independently) for longer than he cares to remember. He has seen, carried out and watched numerous acts of violence as well as murder, and been involved with the lowest of the low for so long that he isn't 100% sure that he isn't just as bad as the people he hunts. Elizabeth Ward is supposed to be his last job; a favour for his brother Victor and the FBI. He is getting out, getting away from the death and violence, and starting afresh. New man. New name. New career. New life. "Fucking missed you..." ... "Missed... fucking... you..." Elizabeth and Saxon together are hot, the adventure and suspense as you would expect with a Cynthia Eden book is fast paced, and well thought out. And although this is the first book in the series where I actually worked out what was going on and who was the Villain(s) prior to it actually being revealed, I still really enjoyed it. "With me, I promise you'll always be safe." The last 30% of the book gives the indication that Victor is likely to get a book of his own, and I am glad, I hope he gets his HEA as has his brother and sister before him. But if I am being honest, I think that is probably where I would like to see the Mine series come to a close. "I'm a bleeder." I love Cynthia's writing (if you don't believe me feel free to check out all of my other reviews of her books), but sometimes you just know when something is dangerously close to moving from enjoyable and into the average. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Charming the Beast (Purgatory, #3); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "People are never who we actually think they are." Stars! I think Cynthia Eden, is one of the most imaginative PNR authors that I have ever read. I honestly cannot think of a book, or series by this author in this genre that I haven't been completely cock-a-hoop for. Charming the Beast as well as the previous books in the Purgatory series is just another example of the extremely well thought out and completely engaging story-telling spell that this author manages to cast over her readers with every one of her fantastic stories. One thing you can always expect with a book by Cynthia is that it is never going to turn out the way you expect it too! And once again she managed to completely surprise me with the direction this installment in the series took, and with the revelations it contained. "I would have thought that dying once would have been enough for you." A creature forged from blood and death, and science. Once again we are given a totally hot, sexy and dominating hero in Connor Marrock, this guy has history, then a bit more history, and then some more history that even he doesn't know about. Originally an inmate of Purgatory Paranormals Prison, circumstances have changed for him somewhat of late, and now instead of trying to Kill Eric Pate and his team, he is now one of them (albeit reluctantly). His job was to make sure Chloe Quick stayed alive. Although there is a little more to Chloe than meets the eye as well, and even though he tries his best to keep her out of the firing line, in favour of keeping her in his bed, their relationship is not built on the trust that either of them want. "Maybe," ... "When you trust me enough to tell me about your past, then I'll tell you mine." Chloe hasn't had the best life, what with a father who pretty much used her for his own experimentation as well as then offering her up as a potential mate for the Alpha in a local Wolf-pack he is trying to keep close ties with; she has basically exchanged one form of prison for another, trusting is hard, caring is even harder, especially as she is now being held by Eric Pate, someone who has always been classed as the enemy in the past. "I wasn't ever meant to have one of those happily-ever-after lives. For me, those dreams ended a long time ago." This couple together, as you would expect were sexy, but a little vulnerable, sometimes sweet and oh, so hot! Connor has always been a bit of an ass in the previous books, but you get to see the other side of him in Charming the Beast a fighter, a protector, a man discovering emotions he never knew he could feel, and a damn hot lover! He was a beast. She made him a man. Loved this book. Love this series. Adore this author. Eric 'the asshole' Pate is up next, I am dying; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Devil in Denim (New York Saints, #1); Author: Melanie Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "You can't please everybody." Stars. It always saddens me when I read a book that starts out as potentially a 5 star read, and then gradually dies a slow death because of a trope/character that has every last drop wrung from it, to an extent that it detracts from the story. "It takes more than a little tequila and a Neanderthal to make me feel under the weather." I was really enjoying The Devil in Denim, great start, excellent chemistry, and a good spin on a sports romance. I could understand why Maggie would feel aggrieved at having her dream job ripped out of her hands due to her father selling the team, and I really liked the verbal and sexy sparring that the sale bought about with her and Alex Winters, one third of the new owners of the New York Saints Baseball Team. "Even saints can be pushed too far." Unfortunately, what started as enjoyable and understandable, turned into annoying and dislikeable as it was constantly replayed as the book progressed. The storyline isn't massively technical you know what is going to happen, and can guess how it's going to end. I didn't mind that, but what killed my enjoyment completely were the spoiled, selfish, immature and repetitive actions of Maggie Jameson. The whole 'Inner Psychologist' thing got really annoying too, as well as her constant acting out to provoke a reaction, then getting pissed when it wasn't the response she was looking for. So to sum up, I am going to quote the hero of the piece, who quite frankly deserved a medal for putting up with the heroine the author unfortunately paired him with, because I would have kicked her to the kerb at about 70%! "Stop acting like a spoiled rich girl who has always gotten what she wants and stop and think about what's best for them. Try some loyalty to your team." This is my first book by Melanie Scott, and I did like the writing style and the storyline. The rest of the characters were pretty easy to get along with as well. I just think I had a personality clash with Maggie. It hasn't deterred me from reading the next book in the series Angel in Armani. When you have three guys lustily summed up as - "McBoss, McDoc, and McMystery." You know there is potential for a great read still to come. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Burning Desire (Dark Kings, #3); Author: Donna Grant; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 Stars. Read in 4 separately released instalments. Reviews for each part can be found on the below links - Part 1 - [url]... Part 2 - [url]... Part 3 - [url]... Part 4 - [url]... All provided via Netgalley, for review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hook Up (Game On, #1); Author: Kristen Callihan; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "We could have been so good." ... "So fucking good." Stars! If like me you spend a lot of time on Goodreads you will most likely have seen your feed get blown up over the last two weeks with fellow readers going a little bit batty about this book (well they have been on my feed anyway!) I, like pretty much all the other women, men, aliens etc that have read this book and have functioning sexy-parts, fell hook, line and sinker for Drew Baylor. I'm infected with want of Baylor. I have read a lot of college romances over the past couple of years, and let's face it they can be done really, really well, or be total and epic failures. "Your voice isn't a noise. It's a song I want to hear over and over." The Hook Up with all its sexy, snarky and sensual conversation and absolutely stellar plot, characters and writing in general is definitely in the 'A with a Distinction' grade for me. I gave this book 5 stars, and being a somewhat picky bitch when it comes to the books I read and the ratings I give out, this highlights just how highly I rate this book and Kristin Callihan's writing on the whole. "Just be with me and I'll know. Just be with me." Drew and Anna together, Drew and Anna apart, there wasn't a thing about this story I didn't like, you are given the perfect amount of drama, sexy-times and development between the main and secondary characters, nothing felt over done or under explained, and the flip in the dynamic between them as the story progresses made this book one that I didn't want to put down. I have pages of notes and quotes from this book. I could add reams of gifs and images about Drew and Anna's story, but I am going to close my review with a quote from the book, that sums up how I feel about this author now, and why I will be impatiently waiting for Gray 'glamour' Grayson and his book The Friend Zone to be released in the Spring... "Because sometimes you just know." ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Burning Desire: Part 1; Author: Donna Grant; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - He was all male - hard, vigorous and intense. Stars! In the first part of Donna Grant's New novella in theDark Kings series we are introduced to Dark King Kiril and Dark Fae Shara, both have something to prove, one to their family one and other too themselves. He would give himself up to the dark before he allowed anything to happen to his brothers. "Family, Shara. It's all you have." This is my first book by Donna, the start to the story is easy to immerse yourself in, the characters likeable, and the sexy times imaginative and overall it is extremely well written. Kiril was dangerous - dangerous to her body and her mind. Although now knowing that Burning Desire is actually the third book in the Dark Kings series, I wish I had read the others beforehand, as you do get the feel that a lot of the story has already been told in the previous books. Something I will be remedying in the near future! I am looking forward to continuing the story in part 2! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Burning Desire: Part 2; Author: Donna Grant; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "I'm a Dragon King. I've been alive since the dawn of time. We're the biggest badasses around." Stars! Part 2, of Burning Desire literally picks up from where part one finished (bearing in mind this is the full version of the book, just cut into 4 parts, hardly surprising!) Kiril is joined by one of his dragon brothers Phelan, in the search for kidnapped Light Fae Rhi. Still wholly entranced by Shara, Kiril is less than impressed when he thinks that she has turned her favors towards fellow 'Dark' Balladyn, who is believed to be the aforementioned kidnapper. His red eyes blazed with a craving a blind woman could see. I am still enjoying this story, but I will say that as the story develops and with the addition of further characters it is becoming more and more apparent, that the reader would benefit greatly from having read the previous books in the Dark Kings series. My appreciation for the whole PNR genre has increased quite a lot over the last couple of months, and it is also apparent that Donna Grant is an author whose work I am going to enjoy, and even more-so when I actually start reading her books in series order! ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Burning Desire: Part 3; Author: Donna Grant; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - Please doona let me be wrong about her. Stars. The third installment of the full book, continues where part 2 finished. Kiril and Shara have underestimated just how dark and depraved Balladyn is, as well as discovering too late, that he is more 'in the know' about their plans to release Rhi than they realise... Until it is too late. "Stay safe. No matter what." You get more involvement from the other dragon kings in this part too, with Con, Phelan and Rhys arriving in Cork as well as Queen of the Light Fae. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Burning Desire: Part 4; Author: Donna Grant; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "In the end, we only regret the chances we don't take." Stars. As you would expect, the fourth and final installment of the full novel of Burning Desire is full of action and excitement. "Enjoy your reign, Dark, because it willna last forever." Bearing in mind I haven't read the previous 3 books and 3 novellas in the Dark Kings series, I have to be honest and say that I as well as the questions that this book raised, there are an awful lot of questions that I have, that would probably be answered had I read the previous books first. That said, one thing has come from me reading this book/series. I know unequivocally that Donna Grant is an author I want to read more from. Just on the strength of the writing and the breadth and depth not only of the storyline and the characters in this installment. And even though I was confused at points, I would happily recommend this book (read in order, with the rest of the series) without any reservations. I am going to rectify this for myself as soon as I possibly can by going back and starting this series from the beginning! "Fear has a hold of me. Fear to dare to dream of something I don't deserve." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beloved Healer; Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - Healing Stars. I am a huge fan of Bonnie Dee, I can't think of a book of hers that I have read in the past and not loved. Her characters and plotlines are always pretty unique, and the stories generally pull you into them on an emotional and visual level, Beloved Healer had all of Bonnie's usual skill and distinction in its writing, but something just didn't quite click this time for me. I liked Mason and Ava, and I even felt for the situations they both found themselves in, but I didn't really get emotionally involved in their story, and their connection for most of the story, to me, was tenuous at best. I loved Ava's brother Bryan; he added a little light to the story even with the issues he was dealing with. But that was pretty much it; everyone else was pretty unlikeable or uninteresting or had the feel of being 'window dressing'. Normally you are left wondering where the story will go with Bonnie's books, but there weren't really any surprises in this for me, you knew where it was going and what was going to happen. This book was an easy-going read, and if you are looking for a story that isn't going to tax you too much, but is well written and easy to get absorbed in, then I would happily recommend it. However, when you have read as many of Bonnie books as I have, you may be left with slightly unfulfilled expectations this time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: All Bets Are On; Author: Cynthia Cooke; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3 - "You're not my type." Stars. Derek Wescott, Prince of Hell, has been signed up to a dating website by his Minions in the hope that getting him laid will loosen him up, and make him a more fun-guy to be around. His mother wants grand-babies to carry on the Wescott line, and his sister wants to take his job, so he is feeling the pressure somewhat! Much to his surprise, the woman that they manage to set him up with is neither interested in him, his charms or in the opportunity of getting laid! He didn't like homely, needy girls. He liked them busty, blonde, and superficial. Jaclyn Reynolds agrees to a blind date after being pressured by her best friend to get out and have a little fun, as well as trying to score a date for an upcoming charity ball where she can raise some much needed funds for the Safe Haven Shelter that she oversees. Unfortunately Derek is everything she dislikes in a guy, and rather than falling for his charms, she is falling over herself to get away from him. She didn't need a man in her life to keep her happy. She didn't need conversation, didn't miss having to ask permission for what she wanted to do, to buy, and she certainly didn't need the stress of trying to make another person happy. All bets are On was an easygoing, not too heavy on the PNR kind of read. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. It's a laid back story, in the strongest terms, the drama is more comical than serious, and I found Jaclyn's constant tooing and froing with regards to how she felt about Derek a little overplayed as the story progressed. "I need time alone to sort it all out. To think." Was usually followed by them having sex and shortly after her promptly telling him - "You're not my type." I did like the little twist that the author put with regards to the premise of a Prince of Hell on earth and how his work was actually for the good of mankind, rather than bad, and Rufus the dog was also a cute addition to their story. "You are an angel doing heaven's dirty work." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Crystal Slipper; Author: Selena Fulton; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - Break the spell... Stars! I really enjoyed The Crystal Slipper think a 'grown-up' version of all your favourite fairy tales thrown together, and you kind of have an idea of what it is about. Preston Chandler is on the hunt. Looking for an elusive Crystal Slipper that he hopes will break the spell cast over his younger sister Ana, by his spurned ex, who also happens to be a witch. Raven in her quest for her revenge against Preston spurning her advances, leads him all over the place with her hints and riddles, until he eventually ends up in the US. Find the shoes or you'll find out. She could stay asleep, she could wake up. Only time will tell. Celinda Branham, Librarian and ugly duckling (well she thinks so anyway) is stuck in a rut. Shy, introverted and nervous around men, she finds herself generally uncomfortable in most social situations. After some persuasion by her best friend Tamelea, she makes the effort to go to her friends Christmas party, and ends up leaving with the most exquisite, if not completely useless Christmas gift! I really enjoyed this book, it is a very PG-13, somewhat tongue in cheek look at the well known fairy tales that we all know and love, but Selena Fulton has put a unique and colorful twist on them and bought them all together in a really easy to read way. "Start looking at life with the glass half full, not half empty." This is my fist book by this author, and I don't think it will be my last. There is scope for another book along The Crystal Slipper's theme, especially as I think that there are unanswered questions with regards to Raven, Celinda's step-brother, Tamelea and Ana amongst others. I would like to see where the author could go with them if given the opportunity. Words had the power to transport the reader to magical worlds. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her Best Shot (Hot & Nerdy, #1); Author: Shannyn Schroeder; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Maths Geeks Know All the Angles. Stars. Her Best Shot was a quick, low drama easy to read novella, and first in Shannyn Shroeder's Hot & Nerdy series. Layla breaks down on her way to Texas for spring break with her friends, and ends up stuck in Atlanta, waiting for her car to be repaired. Phin, who she bumps into in a bar, and who then turns out to be working at the garage her car is being fixed at, offers her his sofa for a few nights, after her purse is stolen, she accepts and things move on from there at a pretty quick pace. "I've never kissed a guy with hair longer than mine." What then follows is a few days of playing pool, sex and mulling over their respective futures. I thought this novella was ok... it didn't blow me away but it was perfect for a couple of hours of escapism. I think there were too many little things added to this couples story that then made everything together feel a little under developed, and if some of the extra stuff had been pared down, it would have allowed a little more space for expansion to them as a couple and for more depth too them as individuals... The award for best first Blow Job, goes to this book though, probably the most original newbie excuse I have ever heard! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Her Perfect Game (Hot & Nerdy, #2); Author: Shannyn Schroeder; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - Hackfest Stars. Her Perfect Game is novella 2, in Shannyn Shroeder's Hot & Nerdy series. I enjoyed this installment of the series a little more than book one; the second chance love aspect and the fact that Charlie is unaware of who Jonah actually is in the cyber world in which she inhabits gave them both as well as the story a little more depth. There snarky and sarcastic conversations were quite entertaining at points too, and I felt that this was a couple who carried some history between them as the story progressed. I don't think this series is really going to blow anyone's socks off, but it is definitely worth a look if you are wanting a quick, enjoyable and sexy read to while away an hour or so of your time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Control (Shamed, #1); Author: Laura Marie Altom; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: DNF - I tried I really did. I am not going to write a massive essay about all the things I disliked about this book. I read to 50% in the hope it would get better and that I would find some connection with the couple themselves on top of the fact that they read more like squabbling siblings more than potential lovers. My first issue is the time frame this book covers, and the speed in which things happen to with Liam and Ella. Bearing in mind Ella is essentially on the run from a mentally and physically abusive husband, you would expect that she would be unsure, untrusting and generally wary of all people, men in particular. So when she starts thinking things like the below within the first 48 hours of meeting Liam, all sorts of alarm bells started ringing. * The best thing about Liam was that he was just like me. Down on his luck and real. * He didn't lie and he didn't play games. Of course this turns out to be a total pile of poo, as Liam, although he has been staying in the towns 'cheap as chips' motel and buying his hotdogs from Ella's concession in the local Wal-Mart is in actual fact a bona-fide billionaire! In three days Ella had turned my life around. It turns out his personal jet was being repaired, and he decided to hole up in 'nowheresville' for a break. He then has too leave after his 72 hour sojourn into 'lifestyles of the poor and downtrodden' and Ella gets the offer of a financially lucrative 'contract' to go with him and the expected will-she, or won't-she... I never understand why when a female character agrees this sort of 'arrangement', for example be a guys beck and 'call' girl, that she then acts like a pre-menstrual bitch to him about it... "I'm paying you a lot of money to at least be nice to me, Ella. Do you think you could meet me halfway?" I liked Liam in the beginning, he seemed to be aware of the fact that Ella had a few massive issues going on in her life, with men and intimacy in general, and tried to be understanding of it (all in the space of 3 days!) but once the big reveal about who he actually is comes across, he morphs into a spoilt, bratty douche... It then got to the point where I stopped reading. After taking Ella to his place of work, Liam then proceeds to leave her with his Personal Assistant, and his less than friendly lawyer to sign the aforementioned 'contract'. It then comes to light that Ella is in actual fact girl number 7 to sign up to the 'Liam Stone 30-Day Programme' in the last 12 months and his PA is also an Alumni too. I tried I really did, but no, just no. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Worth the Risk (The McKinney Brothers, #2); Author: Claudia Connor; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Are you always this nervous or is it just me?" Stars! Claudia Connor has without doubt become one of my auto-buy authors, after finishing book two in The McKinney Brothers series. I really thought she would struggle to top Worth the Fall (book one), but she topped and surpassed it with Worth the Risk. "I'll help you... if you let me." Stephen and Hannah's story is just as engrossing and emotional as Matt and Abby's was, but in a wholly different and unexpected way. The McKinney family vibe is still running strong though the story as whole, but this installment was a little darker than its predecessor, not in a bad way. But it added another dimension to the characters and the series development as a whole for me. Hannah and Stephen are both complex personalities, and the layers that are gradually peeled back on each of them as the book progresses give you as the reader an emotional journey to go on with both of them. What I loved about both Stephen and Hannah was the strength to both of their characters that you see in them, but they only see in themselves as they take steps towards their own healing and recoveries from the things that have haunted them. This was a thought-provoking read on some levels, but not in a bad way, it highlights that strength can be seen in so many different ways, and not all of them where you would expect to find them. Compassion and empathy, patience and belief, have the strength to heal, give courage, and rebuild lost confidence. I loved it; I didn't want it to end. "I'm alive again because of you." On a lighter note, we are also introduced to Hannah's, sexy, single and totally over-protective brothers - FBI, Special Forces, Firefighter, Cop. I hope against hope Ms. Connor has something lined up for these boys, after she has finished with the McKinney Brothers, because quite frankly I think the Walker Brothers have the potential to be just as tempting to the literary taste-buds as their predecessors! Lots of firsts. And onlys. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review. LOVE. THIS. AUTHOR!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall (Dark Seductions, #1); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "What once was broken must be mended." Stars. Entangled Publishing seems to have hit a rich and diverse seam of talent lately with regards to their current PNR releases. The last couple of months have been a veritable buffet of tempting treats for the discerning reader! The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall is no exception, and what makes it even more appealing to me is that it is the start of a new series (Dark Seductions) as well. Lauren Smith is a new author to me, but after finishing this book I would happily pick up anything else she has written without any worry about its contents or the quality contained therein. "Any woman who dares to love a man of Carlisle blood has met a bloody end." I loved this story, in the modern day you have Bastian Carlisle, current Earl of Weymouth, and Jane Seyton, the American Graduate Student who is trying to access his private family archive in order to finish off her dissertation. Bastian is disinclined to allow Jane the access she requires and even more reluctant to let her spend time at Stormclyffe Hall, in view of the rumors circulating about everything that may or may not have gone on there in the past and currently. It becomes clear very quickly that the Hall itself and the spirits and secrets contained in its walls and grounds have very different ideas for Bastian and Jane. "I've lived my life on bad ideas, and it hasn't failed me yet." There is a concurrent running love story and familial mystery running through Bastian and Jane's tale, and we are transported back to the early eighteen hundreds regularly, to follow the coming together and falling in love of the previous Earl; Richard Carlisle and his Isabelle, their story is one of death, witch-craft and tragedy, and it had this reader sniffling into a tissue a couple of times as well. I loved how the past and the present comingled to produce this unique and absorbing book. I haven't read anything quite like it before. "Surrender to me, love. Ease this ache of mine, my broken heart." If you are looking for a love story, with a little intrigue, a lot of emotion, and you aren't afraid of the dark, things that go bump in the night and some general hocus pocus. Then I urge you to give The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall a try. "Brave little bookworm." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the CEO (Sleeping with the Enemy, #1); Author: Angela Claire; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 2 - "A whiff of you-know-what." Stars. Tempting the CEO is the first work I have read by Angela Claire, it is a quick read that unfortunately left me frustrated, and totally unsatisfied at its end. "Don't expect acrobatics in bed," ... "I'm a strictly meat-and-potatoes guy." I am usually a massive fan of the Brazen Novella, but the elements that make me normally love them just weren't in this one. * The sex lacked build-up, depth and description. * Angie and the 1st person, in her perspective felt stilted and a little juvenile at points. * I liked Jed, but I felt zero connection between them at any point in the book. * Having both of their mothers in the story seemed to take up pages that could have been better used giving them better sex and chemistry together. This is a book that has the potential to be really good, hence my frustration at its end, if it was reworked and the 1st person taken out completely I think it has the 'meat-and-potatoes' in its foundation, to give it the emotional depth and development for both the H/h that it is lacking right now. ARC generously provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Making over the Billionaire (Italian Connection, #1); Author: Joan Kilby; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Stick with me. We'll lose control together." Stars. Making over the Billionaire is a sexy fashionista style romp around Italy, and its high-end, designer elite. Rome and the delights of Naples figure quite a lot in the sexy journey that Layla Langham and Giorgio Borhlenghi take together. "We don't outsource to foreigners." Layla being an American has pretty much used her last Dollar to travel to Italy to try and persuade the owners of the House of Borhlenghi to take a chance on her and the swimwear and Lingerie designs she produces. When she is promptly told by Giorgio, that being of non Italian descent prevents them from even entertaining the idea of offering her a position, her dreams of a life and career with one of Italy's premier fashion houses are dashed. If there was one thing she hated it was controlling men. Luckily for Layla, Giorgio's three sisters - Tina, Angela and Francesca have other ideas. Firstly about the company's inflexible stance on non-Italian suppliers and about Giorgio's whole management ethos in general and in an attempt to try and encourage him to make a few changes, promptly persuade her to help them with their plan of getting him to relax a bit more, and in more ways than just at work! Giorgio, not being as green as they think he is quickly cottons on and promptly turns the tables on Layla. He guessed she was going to ambush him and countered with a hijacking." This was an enjoyable read; I can't really say I was blown away by the storyline or the general themes running through it. The tropes are tried and tested, rich man - poor woman, highly strung - likes some fun, and how when those dynamics come together there are inevitably fireworks. "You make me lose control and act against my better judgment." But it was well written, the characters for the most part were enjoyable, it wasn't overly dramatic, and the drama that did unfold in Making over the Billionaire wasn't excessive, or unnecessarily dragged out. This is the sort of book I look too read when I want to chill out and lose myself for a few hours. "Say to hell with work for a few hours," ... "Say yes to temptation." I liked the whole fashion and design aspect of the story too, and am looking forward to seeing where Joan takes this with the future books in the series. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Composing Love; Author: Audra North; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - Technically excellent, but lacking in artistry. Stars. I am a huge fan of Audra North, having read quite a few of her Stanton Family series novellas, I was looking forward to reading the first book in her new Mathematicians and Musicians series. This is a book that I would say as a reader you need to stick with, and to be honest I was ready to DNF it at around the 50% mark, but a fellow reviewer of whose opinion I respect urged me to stick with it so it did. I am glad I finished Minh and Chris' story, but I can't say I was blown away by it. I think the main issue I have is the fact that it to 50% + of the book before their story really got going. He wasn't trying to be an asshole. I just seemed to happen around Minh." You can feel that this is very much the beginning of a series with the introduction of a whole plethora of characters, I like that in a way, but again I think this did in part add to the initial drag for the beginning of the book. He makes you want to break all the rules. My other issue is that I didn't really feel much of a connection between Minh and Chris, and for most of the book I didn't really find much to like about Minh either. I think Audra was trying to portray a woman who is very much straight-laced, and by the book, but unfortunately I found that a lot of the time she just came across as uptight, judgmental and snobbish. "Why would you think that I want to fuck an arts and crafts project." I found Chris' acquiescence to changing himself to 'fit in' with Minh's interpretations as to what is 'right and proper', pretty much every time she had a dig at him a little too 'laid-back' and I wanted him to give her as good as he was getting a lot more than he actually did. I also think this would have helped with their chemistry earlier on as well, if there was a little more back and forth between the two of them. That said, I did like the unique set up of the film studio and the varied and many secondary characters, of which I am sure some of them will become main characters in their own books as the series progresses. Although I was not blown away this time, I am in no way deterred from reading more books by Audra, I hope that now the scene has been set, the series will build and develop from this book. Let's face it in life as in books, you can't like everyone can you! ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Hoax (The Hoax Series, #1); Author: Heather Thurmeier; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - The Bachelor takes a Bride! Stars. The Wedding Hoax is the first book I have read by Heather Thurmeier, it was an enjoyable if somewhat merry-go-round of a story at second chance love. I liked the Wedding Magazine and Wedding Dress designer aspect of the story, and the predicaments that our H/h found themselves in, with regards to the whole 'Fake' aspect of their engagement and subsequent nuptials. "The playboy might have put a ring on my finger, but he'll never stop playing the game." Keep your head in the game and your heart out of the boardroom. But, it was a real struggle after a while to feel anything other than frustration for Daisy and Cole. Both of them blew hot and cold with each other continually and too such to such an extent that I was concerned I may catch the flu! The constant, 'I want you', 'I don't do commitment', 'I don't want you', 'we can't do that again', got a repetitive as the book went on. She'd wanted forever. He'd wanted right now. This book skips over months as well, which too be honest with you I would have liked a little more development on especially towards the end, as one minute they are ignoring each other and the next they are walking up the aisle, and it had a bit of a 'rushed' feel because of it. "Bite you lip like that again and I'll bite it for you." If I take out the things that I didn't like from The Wedding Hoax the basis of the story is very good. The writing and overall development (apart from skipping months) for the characters and storyline is also pretty good, the sexy times (when they actually get off the ground) are hot and steamy. I just wanted a little more 'action' and a lot less denial with this one. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: No More Mr. Nice Guy (Naughty or Nice, #1); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I feel like I have been hit by a Mack truck." Stars! No More Mr. Nice Guy is the first book I have read by Amy Andrews, and I know after finishing it in one sitting, that it will 100% not be my last. Josie Butler, having just come out of a 'beige' relationship, with a 'beige' guy, is looking to shake up her life in general and her sex life in particular. Things take an unexpected turn for the better whilst she is staying with her best friend Sal, and Sal's brother Mack, until she catches her flight to the UK to start a new chapter of her life. One drunken girly night, one errant sex 'to-do' list, and some crazy-hot mutual chemistry and ladies we are off! Screaming orgasms should be every woman's right. Three of my favorite things appear in this book - * A Sexy Australian * Who is also a Veterinarian * And is extremely proficient when it comes to sexy-sex and dirty talking! "Hold onto my shoulders." "Wh-what?" ... "Why?" "Because I'm about to number ten you, and at some stage, you will lose the ability to hold yourself upright." "God" ... "I'd forgotten how good number ten could be." And what then unfolds is a writing master class of how to deliver up a book that will grab the reader and keep them entertained for however long it takes too finish reading. Mack Kennedy - Swoon, pant, swoon some more, then jump on a plane to Australia to find a guy of your own just like him. Tiger in the bedroom (and the occasional alleyway), absolute sweetheart with his patients and a totally lovable all-round good guy, worked for me I have nothing negative to say about him. He stood up, put out, said what needed to be said and backed it all up with his actions. "First Kisses shouldn't be like that." "What should they be like?" "Soft" ... "and sweet, okay? They should be... slow. They should... build. They should be exquisite and full of ache and want and... anticipation." Another winner from the Entangled Brazen stable, and I hope we don't have to wait too long for Sal to get her book, the little snippets you are given into her background in this book, make me think it will be another out-and-out winner! ARC generously supplied by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Up in Smoke (Crossing the Line, #2); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Proceed with caution." Stars I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, and before writing my review I have made myself step back and take a little time to think about what I want to say. Firstly I want to reiterate that normally I am a huge fan of Tessa's books, no one quite matches her when it comes to strong, dominant, dirty-talking, alpha males... But in a way that is also the main problem that I had with Up in Smoke, because although Connor is all those things, there isn't really anything that made him stand out from any of Tessa's other strong, dominant, dirty-talking, alpha males. The issues that Erin is dealing with are what should have given the book it's originality, and at the beginning of the her and Connor's story, I had high hopes of Tessa offering up an extremely emotive and thought provoking, but still sexy read, especially as this trope essentially took away one of the main strengths her male characters have in their efforts to 'woo' the women they are after. Erin suffers from Haphephobia, which is essentially the fear of touching or of being touched. And in that vein it started well, but unfortunately it all fell to the wayside pretty quickly as soon as insta-everything took over and Erin decided she was horny... "I'll make you beg for my goddamn hands on you..." "You're welcome to try." I know this is a work of fiction, and I am not expecting everything to be medically or mentally correct, but I feel that glossing over a pretty serious condition rather than exploring it didn't do the book on the whole any favors, I was looking forward to it being a deeper and more emotional story for this couple, and in the beginning it was, but it was quickly lost in amongst Connor's almost unreasonable over-protectiveness, and Erin's quick recovery around him, after struggling for years previously. This isn't a bad book, and it isn't a bad story, the writing is of Tessa's usual high quality, and I know I will be in the minority with my feelings about Up in Smoke, and I am alright with that, I have high expectations of this author, and rightly so, she is one of my 'go-to' authors when I am looking for a fictional guy to get my knicker elastic in a twist. For me this book is a bit of a wasted opportunity in the fact it could have been so much more, and stood out on its own if the usual route to sexual fulfillment had not been so swiftly taken on this occasion. They'd come a long way in such a short space of time. Disguised in Danger is the next book due in January 2016, and I look forward to seeing where Tessa takes Austin and Polly and this series in general next. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crushed (Redemption, #2); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - I've got nothin'. Stars! Crushed is the third book in Lauren Layne's, Redemption series. I have enjoyed all the books in the series so far, and this one was no exception. It is however more of what I would call a slow burner than a flash fire, everything builds and develops at a sedate and steady pace, initially I wasn't sure that I was going to like Chloe Bellamy, but as her and Michael's story progressed I realized it was more to do with the fact that she reminded me a little of myself in some ways, and her 'joke first, to cover the hurt and insecurity' attitude hit a little close to home on more than one occasion, I have no doubt it will be the same for a lot of other readers as well, as let's face it self confidence, especially body-confidence in women is a massive issue nowadays. I have a huge soft spot for Michael St. Claire, he has pretty much lost everything, and if you have read the previous books you will remember just how spectacularly his whole world imploded in Broken. He has moved on, well sort of... to Cedar Grove, Texas. Looking for answers, and trying to find something of himself again, he spends his days tending to the whims of the ladies of a certain age at the local country club, and slinging drinks at night in a local bar, quite the change in direction for what was one of Manhattans finest twenty something bachelors. Told from both POV's you really do get a feel for just how vulnerable both of these people are. One uses anger and surliness as his shield, the other a smile and a joke, and this is why they worked together their balance was perfect, and their connection built as the directions of their lives and the paths they chose changed and morphed, they both did as well to a certain extent and the fact that this story takes place over a summer and not just a couple of weeks gave the relationship time and depth to grow from one thing to something completely different. I don't know what the hell we're doing here, but I don't want to be anywhere else. Lauren Layne's writing style is one that pulls you in as a reader, her characters are personable, easy to empathise and get along with (for the most part anyway) and her stories offer up situations or feelings that you on occasion can associate with having maybe been in a similar position or place emotionally yourself. Another winner! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Whatever Life Throws at You; Author: Julie Cross; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - I don't know when this happened... I know for sure... I've developed a big fat crush on Jason Brody. Stars. Julie Cross is the queen of NA in my opinion. Her stories are full of life, love and laughter and although not full of overly descriptive sexy times, her books still offer the reader buckets of sexual tension and sweet romance. I loved Annie and Jason, polar opposites to some extent, but at heart pretty they are similar in their goals for life, both from broken homes, both overachievers at a young age, and both are struggling to make a life for themselves in the new and not always friendly environments that they are living in. The gradual development of their relationship (and this is something Ms. Cross, does extremely well, if you love this title check out Third Degree) as well as their story as a whole gives you a huge amount if insight into Annie and Jason together, as well as Annie's general day-to-day life struggles. I loved Jason, a guy with a bit of a past, trying to make good on the opportunities he has been given, trying to live the 'persona' of an up and coming sports star in the public eye, as well as be a perfect gentleman in private. There were parts of this book where I had more than a few sniffles I can tell you. I loved the texting between him and Annie, and their running together. This is a guy that makes the effort to be there for her when it really matters. "This is much better in real life," ... "so much better than the fantasy." Julie Cross is a firm favorite with me, and Whatever Life Throws at You is certainly another 'Home Run' in my opinion. I cannot wait to see what this extremely talented author has in store for her readers next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Officer out of Uniform (Lock and Key, #2); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Your safety is my first priority, not my dick." Stars! Officer out of Uniform is the second book in Ranae Rose's Lock and Key series. I don't think it is any secret how much I love this authors work, I pretty much gush over every book that Ranae releases. Fan-girling aside, I do have legitimate reasons for it, her books always offer down-to-earth, well written, developed and likeable characters. "I've never been one for bullshit. I'd sooner hear what you really think than a lie." Her stories don't take in the world, and feature a cast of characters that no one can relate too, don't get me wrong I like that type of book too. But I love that Ranae gives me characters that are human, have strengths and weaknesses, they aren't perfect or over-the-top in anyway, but they are real, relatable and I want to spend my time getting to know them by reading the stories that she gives them. Ranae also is also very skilled in writing her men in a way that tugs at my emotions and heart strings. Whether they be emotionally or physically scarred, or just your 'Average Joe' going about their everyday business (although to be honest, their is still nothing 'Average' about any of them really!), there is just a little something about them that makes me fall in love, every time. Henry Dryden is no exception, I loved how dirty he was(another given with an RR book), but the vulnerable and slightly old-fashioned guy you get too see as the book progresses is what totally clinched it for me. "I want to be around you whenever I can. Doesn't matter what we're doing. You don't have to take your clothes off to get my attention. All you have to do is look my way. Exist." Sasha is your typical 'balls-to-the-wall' type of girl, I loved that her vibrancy and confidence pulled Henry out of his shell, bit by bit, and how that together they seemed to bring out the best of each other as well. Being Head Chef at the Wisteria Plantation House Restaurant - Harvest @ Wisteria, you get to see more of the goings on in and around the house, as well as the elusive 'lady in white'. And although Liam and Alicia from the first book are a part of this story, I liked that it didn't detract too much from the developing relationship between Henry and Sasha. "I want to spend the next hour inside you, and the whole night beside you." The prisoner escape from Riley County Prison is very much a part of this book, as it was with Officer Next Door, and because of that I would recommend that you read this series in order, although you are given plenty of back story, and flashbacks in this instalment, I think the development of the series as a whole works better if you read book one first. Another winner, another BBF to add to the ever growing list! I can't wait too see where Ranae takes; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thin Love (Thin Love, #1); Author: Eden Butler; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - Toxic to my heart... Stars. For those of you that thought Travis and Abby's relationship was toxic in Beautiful Disaster I urge you to give Thin Love a go, because it reminded me an awful lot of their book, but also because Kona and Keira's relationship, makes BD and what happens in it, look like an episode of The Care Bears, in comparison. I am really late to the party with reading this one, and I am also in the minority on my lower rating for it. But it wasn't all bad there were parts of the book I enjoyed, the first 50% or so was a relatively easy read, and I ploughed through it in one sitting but things got a bit messy from there on out, and it has literally taken me a week to drag myself a couple of chapters at a time through the rest of the consecutive car crashes that are Keira and Kona's story. "Thin love ain't love at all." Both of them suffer from extreme anger management issues, and once sex is added to their relationship, both of them turn into pretty unreasonable idiots. Add in two manipulative, abhorrent mothers, and this is a book that I would normally be DNFing. Every available obstacle and pit fall that could be dumped on them was, and we are looking at high drama from pretty much the off. "If we do this, right now, there will be no turning back. If you let me have you, that's it for me. That's it for you." I stuck with it though as I really wanted to see how they had got to where they were, and what the intervening sixteen years apart had done to them both as people once the college years were over, but boy did it take a while to get there. "I thought it was love. I thought I'd die from how much I loved you." And I kind of liked how things progressed when they reconnected, but they still for the most part acted like immature idiots, winding each other up, acting out, and saying things to provoke a reaction and then forgiving with very few words, very repetitive and just like they had in the college years. And then we have the way it is written - He doesn't like her anger; she can tell. Those massive hands are at his side, clenching into fists. "I didn't think anything beyond you being wrapped around me, but why does this feel like you're running out like I'm some fucking douche-bag you slept with when you were drunk?" Keira won't listen to this. He is being irrational, stubborn. She tries leaving, moving around him to reach the door, but he is faster, wider and blocks her path easily. It was like having someone else reading you the story whilst you were reading it, and it dipped back into second person POV at points as well, so was literally all over the place. The last 30% though was pretty much all in this style,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Longest Night; Author: Kara Braden; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I don't want normal. I want you." Stars. The Longest Night is the first book I have read by Kara Braden, it was an enjoyable read, set in an unusual location, with a refreshing twist on characters trying to recover from P.T.S.D and overcome addiction. "You're not going to hurt me, and I'm not going to hurt you." Cecily and Ian were both a bit starchy to begin with, and I liked the way that being together in close quarters loosened them up. Ian was extremely perceptive to Cecily's issues and how he could help her with them, which I found quite adorable. But the lack of any real mention or inclusion of Ian's recovery from addiction after the first chapter or two was what I felt let the story down a little. Seeing as the book initially is based around his brother sending him into the Canadian wilderness as a way to keep him away from the prescription drugs that he finds so readily and easily available in his hometown of Manhattan. This aspect of the story fizzled out almost immediately, apart from the inclusion of a couple of sentences when he takes Ibuprofen. "I will never be bored of you. A nice romantic, but not overly dramatic read for this time of year as it begins in October and finishes New Years Eve. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Charleston (Say it With Sequins #3); Author: Georgia Hill; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'll be buggered if I let them beat me." Stars! The Charleston is the third and final novella in the Say it With Sequins series. I loved the first two books, and would recommend that you read them beforehand if you haven't already done so, as characters from the previous novellas do feature in Merry and Daniel's story. Book one: The Rumba - [url]... Book two: The Waltz [url]... "Behind all the sequins, the slap they insist upon, what passes for glamour," ... "lies blisters, the hard work and ambition." If you are a fan of Strictly Come Dancing (UK) and Dancing with the Stars (US) this series will be right up your street. Each novella concentrates on a new couple and dance, over several seasons of the Celebrity dance show Who Dares Dances I loved the previous couples, but I have to say Merry and Daniel just edged it for me. I think it is because we see quite a bit of Daniel in the first book The Rumba, and it was great to see him finally get his HEA. "I'm just built to be curvy." If you are looking for a fun, humorous, easy to read series of books, that go in front of and behind the scenes of a major reality television show, and give you the dirt, drama, laughter and tears of its cast then this series is certainly something that you are going to wholly enjoy reading, Georgia Hill has captured the essence of this type of reality show, in a fictional setting perfectly. "Ready Merry? Ready to dance for your life? ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Listen to Me (Fusion, #1); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Been there, regretted that." Stars! Review to follow.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Designs (The League of Rogues, #1); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Lucky for you, I seem to have developed a taste for rogues." Stars! Lauren Smith in the space of two books has gone from an unknown, to an unforgettable author to me. "Give me time and you'll never want to leave." It is hard to fully put into words my reasoning for this, but on occasion a reader will connect with a writer, whether it be due to the subject matter they cover, the style of their writing, the characteristics of the individuals they bring to life, or just their vivid imaginations and the stories that they give you, but it all just clicks into place, and you know that you will forever now be desperately waiting for them to finish writing their next book so that you can eagerly devour it. "Care for a noonday tumble?" If there was ever a genre of romantic writing that I would laugh at you and say 'not likely' too, it would be Historical. I as I am sure a lot of my fellow readers read a fair few under the covers with a torch in my teens, and believe me the Mills & Boon/Harlequin type fiction I read in those times, formed the base of my voracious appetite for books now. But its notsomuch a genre I would want to willingly go back to now. That is until I started the first book in Lauren's League of Rogues series, Wicked Designs is quite simply an absolute masterpiece of storytelling. I got lost in this book, I didn't care that I had been transported back to the Summer of 1820. All I cared about was the Characters (of which there are many and they are varied), the thrilling and fully engrossing story line, and the fact that I had been proved totally and utterly wrong with my assumptions. "It wouldn't be so horrible to be the lover of a Duke." Emily and Godric together were great, Godric and the rest of the League together were fantastic, the League in general, be still my fluttering heart . I cannot wait for more of the lives and loves of each of the rogues to be developed and expanded upon as further books are released in the future. I never thought I would ever be giving a book of this genre 5 stars, in truth I would give it 6 if I could. I LOVED it that much. ARC provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Say It with Sequins The Complete Series (Say It With Sequins, #1-3); Author: Georgia Hill; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'll be buggered if I let them beat me." Stars! The Charleston is the third and final novella in the Say it With Sequins series. I loved the first two books, and would recommend that you read them beforehand if you haven't already done so, as characters from the previous novellas do feature in Merry and Daniel's story. Book one: The Rumba - [url]... Book two: The Waltz [url]... "Behind all the sequins, the slap they insist upon, what passes for glamour," ... "lies blisters, the hard work and ambition." If you are a fan of Strictly Come Dancing (UK) and Dancing with the Stars (US) this series will be right up your street. Each novella concentrates on a new couple and dance, over several seasons of the Celebrity dance show Who Dares Dances I loved the previous couples, but I have to say Merry and Daniel just edged it for me. I think it is because we see quite a bit of Daniel in the first book The Rumba, and it was great to see him finally get his HEA. "I'm just built to be curvy." If you are looking for a fun, humorous, easy to read series of books, that go in front of and behind the scenes of a major reality television show, and give you the dirt, drama, laughter and tears of its cast then this series is certainly something that you are going to wholly enjoy reading, Georgia Hill has captured the essence of this type of reality show, in a fictional setting perfectly. "Ready Merry? Ready to dance for your life? ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gift Wrapped; Author: Karla Doyle; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "Watching you beat your meat is really hot." Stars! Once again Karla Doyle doesn't disappoint, this time with a sexy tale that whets the reader's appetite for the forthcoming season, as well as leaving a damp patch elsewhere! Just sayin' It is no secret that I am a massive fan of this authors work, so having her release something of a Christmassy nature makes me happy as it means I can go back and read it year after year. Brinn and Davis are the kind of characters that you can't help but like - down to earth, pretty regular, and within the realms of believability. This isn't a book full of angst and over the top drama, it is a well thought out, brilliantly verbal, emotional and perfectly written romance story for someone looking to add a little Christmas magic and sparkle to their regular reading list. "I'm not free," ... "But I accept manual, oral and penetrative forms of payment." The story starts at Christmas and ends at Christmas (2 different ones) but a whole lot happens in-between. I think this is where Karla's skill really shines, as nothing feels rushed, the characters and the plot are fully developed and the secondary characters are relevant and well integrated into the storyline as a whole. [image error] "I guess I didn't need to worry about your reloading time after all." Gift Wrapped is a really enjoyable easy going read, if you are looking for a little something to get you in the Christmas spirit and have a few giggles at, with plenty of hot and dirty sexy-times, and a cute couple, you really need look no further. Next Christmas maybe she'd have a Santa to call her own. For good. It's Live - US - [url]... UK - [url]-... ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reforming the Rock Star (Head Over Heels, #2); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Hey Laz, Thanks for the hot beef injection. Yours, Syd. Stars! Christine Bell is one of those authors whose books that when you pick up too read, you know you aren't going to be disappointed. "Tonight I'm going to be wild. Because that's how you make me feel." She always to manages to give you characters, that no matter how dark and damaged, or just plain middle of the road they are, you fall in love with them, you want to know more about them, and you want them to get the happily ever afters that they deserve. I think it is mainly because from whatever walk of life they come from, she makes them approachable, she get's you get into their heads, gives you the story that they deserve, and brings a whole lot of feelings and emotions to each and every one of their journeys. I liked Laz's vulnerability, even though he was world famous, and known to everyone, he still just wanted to be liked/loved for the man he was and not the persona he portrayed. Syd was the perfect woman for the man behind Rockstar. "I like you, Syd. And I'm a little like a teenage boy right now because all I keep thinking is that I hope you like me, too." Reforming the Rockstar ticks all of the boxes and then some for this reader. I can't recommend it highly enough. I hope the next book in the Head Over Heels series is of the same standard. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, In exchange for the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Exposed by Fate (Serve, #2); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "We'll ditch the uniform and keep the handcuffs." Stars! We were initially introduced to Oliver Preston and Eliza Ballas in the first book in the Serve series Owned by Fate Oliver being Caroline's happy-go-lucky, commitment-phobe brother and Eliza as her best friend. He was friends with everyone and committed to no one. The best friend's brother love angle is always a trope that I massively enjoy, and the chemistry between Oliver and Eliza, makes their story a pretty sexy hot read. Tessa always manages to give her readers a charming but dirty mouthed guy that you can't help but fall in love with, and a kick-ass heroine that you can't help but like. Something existed inside her, curiosity that needed to be explored. After bumping into each other at Serve, Oliver isn't particularly impressed to learn that Eliza is planning on sampling some of the alternative delights offered on the upper floors with another man, especially as her naivety in the area of BDSM and Dom/Sub relationships is likely to put her into situations that he doesn't think she is quite ready for. THREE LESSONS Oliver's hope that three nights with Eliza will give him the opportunity to get his longtime crush out of his system, and Eliza's plan to enjoy the 'thrill-ride' that is Oliver Preston, doesn't quite go according to plan, when long their held feelings and emotions come into play. "Isn't that where all this leads?... Someone else?" "Yes" ... "It has to." I liked this addition to the Serve series, you get to see a little more of Jonah and Caroline, as well as the other side of Oliver, he isn't just the 'one girl, one night' guy you initially think he is, and as his relationship and feelings for Eliza develop, the dominant side of him you initially see seems to relax somewhat as he figures out who he is and more importantly what he really wants from his life. "Remember this. Remember how it feels" You can't go wrong with a Tessa Bailey book, and this one is no exception. Great couple, enjoyable story, a few laughs, a little emotion, and a swoon worthy ending, what more could you want. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Temptation (Chasing Love, #2); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You're trying to sign up for something you can't handle." Stars! Joya Ryan is jumping up my favourites list with the Chasing Love series and in just two books has made a firm fan for life in this reader. Whereas book one, Chasing Trouble for the most part was quite a light, funny and easy-going read, Chasing Temptation gives us a more darker, but nonetheless just as entertaining couple. "That mouth of yours is going to be a problem." Sebastian Strafford, had me at Darlin' most men, be it fictional or real life can bring me too my knees with just that word. He certainly worked his charm on Penny Diamond too full effect as well in this story, and I loved the fact that although both of them were pretty different in their wants, and overall outlooks on life, that together they gelled perfectly. "Don't challenge me. I always get what I want." But challenge she does, and the repercussions are nothing short of hot, steamy and deliciously sexy. Joya, has certainly got a wealth of imagination when it comes to writing some seriously steamy scenes! "What if I never say no." Book two, in this series doesn't disappoint, and I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for Ryder and Huck, both have been front and centre as secondary characters in the previous books, but we haven't learned a huge amount about these two men as yet, and I for one and extremely intrigued! ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Her Forbidden Risk; Author: Tori St. Claire; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - Judged. Stars. Emily and Mitch's story is one most of us know and love, as her older brother's best friend Mitch has been off-limits, in all the fun ways, he has however always been there for her in all the important ways. She's trouble. Always has been. She'll never settle down. However after years away from home, and returning under duress Emily decides to push some of Mitch's buttons and see where it leads, she's not staying in town for long, so what harm can come from a little fun between the sheets with her long-term crush, before she waves adios again! "I've wanted to do this for so long," ... "So goddamn long." As you would expect, things don't quite go as Emily was initially hoped, and rather than breeze in and out as quickly as she possibly can, she finds herself drawn more and more back into the town and the people, people that she feels unjustly judged her in the past. Take the risk. She'll be good for you. I liked this book, it was well written, and the storyline flowed extremely well, but on the flip-side I found most of the characters to be excessively judgmental, and overly dramatic, for a lot of it. For most of the story either Mitch, Emily or the both of them were in the middle of a melt-down about something or another. I also struggled to understand the depth of the effect of Emily's daddy issues somewhat, and it seemed a little overplayed for the most part. Andre was the only calming influence throughout the whole thing. This is my first book by this author, it may not have 100% worked for me this time, but I would happily pick up another title by Tori St. Claire. I hope that this book will be expanded upon, and turned into a series. There are secondary characters that have stories to be told, and I hope in particular Emily's best friend Andre, and her brother take centre stage at some point. "I'm not afraid of wanting you, Emily." ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tempting Her Fake Fiancé (Gone Hollywood, #1); Author: Julie Particka; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You are the single best complication I've ever had." Stars! Tempting her Fake Fiance is the first book I have read by Julie Particka, and is the beginning of the Gone Hollywood series. It was an enjoyable, easy-going read, with likeable characters and an entertaining plot. Stasia Grant is visiting Las Vegas to interview world famous film star Evan K. Stone about his upcoming movie The Game Maker he has a reputation as a ladies man, and she is known for her very public break up with her ex-husband, an ex who is also in Vegas with his new wife for the very same reason she is. After an impromptu melt-down with said movie star, Stasia is made an offer she can't refuse! Fake engagement. Real flirting. One week, living as a fake couple, spent in the public eye. Evan can shed his lothario reputation and Stasia can give her ex the verbal kick in the nuts she never had the opportunity to when he dumped her for a supposedly better model. "Careful of I might end up falling for you for real." The thing that really struck me about this book was how well Evan helped push Stasia past her body confidence and self esteem issues, having spent years being belittled and put down by her ex, she feels more comfortable in sweats than a skin tight dress, but he pushed past this with her and helped her get her confidence back. She wasn't a fucking caterpillar anymore. She was a butterfly. No more cocoons. This is a sexy story, plenty of well written and extremely imaginative sex for a girl to get her imagination into, add to it a few laughs a little drama and you have a really great read! "A little more confidence and you'll hit the sweet spot every time." I am looking forward to seeing where Julie takes us with this series in the future. ARC generously provided by Entangled, for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Light Her Fire (Private Pleasures, #2); Author: Samanthe Beck; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Titwank" & "A-play" Stars! After reading the first book in the Private Pleasures series and really enjoying it, I settled in with Light Her Fire expecting much of the same. Samanthe Beck has a really great voice when it comes to the male POV, and the humor and lightheartedness of the situations that her characters find themselves in make for a really enjoyable read. "You ready to make your move Chief, or are you just going to stare all night?" And that was pretty much it; this book pulled me in hook, line, and sinker. I loved the whole thing, but I think what makes it such an epically great read is the high caliber of the writing that Sam has put into the characters and the storyline in this book. "I'm off shift in five minutes. unlock your front door, take off your clothes and pick a surface." The tropes used aren't particularly new or unusual, but you just fall in love with the town of Bluelick, Kentucky and its inhabitants as a whole. Josh and Melody featured as a short, sharp and surprising burst in book one, Private Practice and the first part of Light Her Fire actually runs along side by side with its predecessor, this book kept me up well past my bedtime, and put me through a whole wealth of emotions as I read it. I pulled quote upon quote from this book as I read it. Josh has to be up there with the most imaginative and explicit dirty talkers I have come across recently, and not only does he talk a good game, but hell yeah! He backs it up with some pretty hot action as well. This sexy as hell Fire Chief had this reader quivering like a leaf for almost the whole book. "I'm not some polite country boy. If you put me in your mouth, I'm going to fuck your mouth. We clear on that?" Melody is the kind of character that you just can't help but want to be friends with, she was down-to-earth, likeable and took the drama from her life and made herself a better person for it. Although a 'small-town' girl through and through, she isn't shy to stand up for what she believes in and go after what she wants. "I think I just had an out-of-body experience." ... "That's funny 'cause I just had an in-your-body experience." I cannot recommend Light Her Fire highly enough, Samanthe Beck has shot right up the ratings for me with this one, and I hope we don't have to wait too long for Ginny and a certain elusive, Wolverine to get their story. ARC generously provided by Entangled, for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Apartment (The Apartment Novels, #1); Author: Amanda Black; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You came back." Stars! I started The Apartment not really knowing what to expect, as with all new authors I think there is always potential for it to go either way. So I started reading with absolutely no expectations and to say I was impressed would be a bit of an understatement. "Thank you for trusting me." Amanda Black can certainly put a story together, people meeting anonymously somewhere for sex isn't a new concept, but Amanda has managed to interweave the lives of Ethan & Lily together, as well as through their individual stories in such a way that you spend a large part of the second half of the book holding your breath in anticipation of the moment when it will all blow up in their faces. I was hooked from about the 20% mark. "The only time people are truly honest with themselves is when it's anonymous." The sexy-times are well written and imaginative, and the characters likeable. I was initially worried that I wouldn't like Lily as she comes over as a bit of a 'dogs-body' in the first part of the book, but things soon change once she gains confidence in herself and from her time spent with Ethan. She's a fuck. An amazing delicious fuck... but just sex all the same. The dual POV really works in this book, I think the story wouldn't have had as much impact if we didn't get to see inside Ethan's head as well, I found him to be the more emotional character out of the pair, and I fell in love with him as the book progressed. This series and Amanda Black as an author in general, has me a little excited. Although The Apartment ends on a cliffy, I am pleased to see that its sequel The Blank Canvas is due in November 14, so I don't have to wait too long to see which direction Ethan and Lily's story takes. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Break Out (Blood Hunter, #1); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "There's always a choice." Stars. Space is definitely the 'final frontier' for me when it comes to reading a romance novel. I can honestly say it isn't an area that I would normally look for my romance 'jollies', and in truth it probably isn't a genre that I will be rushing out to buy more of in future. But Break Out is written by Nina Croft, so that changes things a tad for me. I love her writing and haven't read a bad book by her in the past, so I pulled out my Lightsabre, fired up my Lego Millenium Falcon and strapped myself in to venture into the unknown, and I am happy that I did. Nina, as usual didn't let me down. He wanted her to know who he was. What he was. Sexy Vampire Rico, and the elusive intriguing Sklyar, as well as the rest of the crew of the El Cazador pulled me in, kept me interested, and left me looking for more at the end. Thankfully, book 2 Deadly Pursuit is due out at the end of October, so I don't have to wait too long too, continue boldly going where I haven't been before! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deadly Pursuit (Dark Desires #2); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Who let the fucking dog onboard." Stars! I am absolutely freaking loving this series. If at the beginning of book one you told me I would really enjoy a Space/PNR/Romance series, I probably would have laughed in your face and said Hell NO. Turns out this is the one time in my life I have ever been wrong! We met Al originally, in Break Outbook one of the Blood Hunterhe was the unassuming crew member that everyone, knew virtually nothing about. Turns out Al, is actually Alexia, High Priestess of the Church of Everlasting Life, and she is hiding from her responsibilities for a while. Jon was rescued as part of the mission Skylar was on in the first book, so he is the newbie on the crew so to speak, and what a yummy addition he turns out to be. "Doesn't it bother you that I'm a werewolf?" ... "No, I always wanted a pet dog." The banter between Rico, Jon, Tannis and Skylar through this book is priceless, I was giggling and guffawing for quite a few sections, and it really did make this story an absolute treat too read. Nina Croft has such a great voice for the humor in her books, and I love the Britishness of it. "First dogs. Now cats. Bloody ships turning into a zoo." Another absolutely (inter)stellar book from Nina, I can't wait to start Death Defying ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Death Defying (Dark Desires #3); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "I just want you to know-whatever happens-this was worth every moment." Stars! I love this series; I have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. Nina Croft has in essence taken everything I loved about the Star Wars, Star Trek and X-Men film franchises, added some brilliant twists and unforgettable characters, and delivered up a space saga that is literally firing on all cylinders. Captain Tannis has been a full fixture in the previous books in this series and I have been itching to get to know more about her. This book is hers and her story is quite a triumph of good over adversity. Nina's back-story gave Tannis a little more depth than Rico and Alex's stories had previously, and I loved that we were given the full no holds barred narrative of her and Rico's initial meeting. "I hope you're not the type to hold a grudge." Callum Meridian, is the leader of the known Universe, but he is keeping a few secrets himself, joining the crew of the El Cazador not only gives him a chance to spend some time away from his duties as leader of the Collective, but it also offers the perfect opportunity to explore the chemistry that seems to fizzle between him and Tannis whenever they are in the same room together. "You might not be willing to accept me in your bed, just yet... But while you're working for me, you don't sleep with anyone else either." This is a story that is part of a series that has become very close to my heart over the last few months. I haven't read a bad book by Nina Croft and Death Defying is no exception. Don't let the space aspect put you off, it is the last place I expect to be getting my romantic kicks, but it works, it is vibrant, the characters varied and colourful, and the storylines are imaginative, unique and well thought out, and well worth a few hours of your time. "When this is over, you, me, and that harness are going to get together." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Painted Faces (Painted Faces, #1); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "We all paint on a face to show the world." Stars! It's no secret I am a big fan of this author. Another superbly written, uniquely (un)usual story. Down-to-earth, but not. Happy, but a bit Sad. High, with a little Low. "You can call me whatever you like, Frederick." Once again, I was taken by complete surprise by level of feelings and emotions that L. H. Cosway managed to pull from me when I read this book. At points I was a wreck, I had butterflies in my tummy all the way through, (good and bad ones!) and I pretty much read Painted Faces in one sitting. I fell in love with Fred, Nicolas and their story totally and irrevocably. "This feels right," ... "So perfectly right."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once Perfect (Shattered Past, #1); Author: Cecy Robson; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "I'm good with my hands." Stars. Once Perfect is the type of book that due to its subject matter/storyline, as a reader I feel a little guilty for not really liking it. This may just be me not gelling with the author's writing style, as it wasn't all bad, and I will try to pinpoint my reasons for why it didn't really work for me. It started out pretty good, I liked Evie initially and Mateo was pretty swoonworthy with his protectiveness of her, but as the book progressed the chemistry I think I was meant to be feeling between them just didn't really materialize. I found their conversations and a lot of their interaction at points bordering on what felt like a parent (Evie) talking down to a teenager (Mateo). "Sweetie, leave her alone. He's being nice to her." The whole use of the word 'Sweetie' got a little cringe-worthy at times too, bearing in mind we are talking about a 23 year old guy and a 21 year old girl, this isn't a word I would equate to being used in this age group so much, and the whole writing style for me felt like and older person writing how they thought twenty-somethings would interact, and the language just didn't feel loose enough. I think there is a fine line when you are holding a reader in suspense with regards to major plot developments, but we were well into the second half of the book before anything of interest really happened. Yes there are a few hints and flashbacks here and there as to what happened in Evie's past, as well as Mateo's familial issues and I kind of worked out where it was going to go before it was officially confirmed, but for me it just took too long to really get started. "You callin' me a distraction." The second thing that really bugged me about Once Perfect was the whole cliche rich girl, down on her luck - poor Latino boy from the wrong side of the tracks vibe. This trope usually works for me but what with the fact Evie came over pretty condescending towards Mateo (and his family) a lot of the time, and Mateo's stereotypical dead-beat, down on their luck family, I just found it all really cheesy. And I am sorry, but I just can't get onboard with any guy from whatever walk of life saying that "It's not something we do" when asked why he hasn't gone to the police or the authorities in an attempt to stop his druggie douche-bag father from beating seven kinds of shit out of his sisters, mother and himself on a regular basis. I know this is fiction but this sort of behavior and acceptance about something that is wholly unacceptable just makes me angry. I think this book shows promise, but coupled with the above points and possibly the most clinical and unsexy blow/hand-job I have ever read, it all just fell extremely flat for me. ARC provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Flirting With The Competition; Author: Kerri Carpenter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I don't think enemies are supposed to kiss each other like this." Stars. It's not my first time round the block when it comes to getting my jollies on with a lil' elevator loving. Flirting with the Competition is however the first book I have read by Kerri Carpenter. This is wholly a novella in every sense of the word. The story, the build up, and the finish happened quickly, but enjoyably. Jordan and Whitney were cute together; plenty of sarcasm and snarky conversations keep the dialogue flowing along while they are trapped inside the lift, as well as a little emotion thrown in here and there for good measure, as well as the dilemma of them both being late for the interview of a lifetime... for which only one of them will succeed. Guys like Jordan were a dime a dozen, and she's experienced enough of them. So if you put a whole lot of assumptions, a little bit of being liberal with the truth, and oodles of sexual tension, you pretty much know what to expect with this novella. Whatever he was, for her, in this moment he felt like home. Oddly I had Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock running through my head whilst reading this one, it's the sort of book you can see transferring to the big screen as an easy-going romantic comedy. ARC generously provided via Entangled for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Love Thy Neighbor; Author: Sophie Wintner; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Nikki Norris, what have you done to me?" Stars. Nikki Norris has had some pretty shit luck of late, what with having her business partner up and disappear with the cash from their interior design customers, leaving her bankrupt. As well as her ex, having happily sucked all the life, confidence and colour out of her in the past five years, deciding he is bored and dumps her just months before their wedding. Almost penniless and now homeless, she has no choice but to make a fresh new start. Time to pull her life back together. Troy Dallas, apparently from Manchester, England (being from the U.K this name, and the aforementioned location soooo Do Not gel, especially if you take into account his has a brother called, Cliff. Still it did give me a massive giggle so thumbs up too the author for that!)is your usual commitment-phobe type of chap, it turns out he has some pretty serious mommy issues, that prevent him from ever really getting serious about a girl. Tired of his hum-drum existence of photographing vapid models and clothing for fashion magazines he yearns to make more of am impact with his camera. Then he meets his new neighbor, and he begins to see the world around him a little differently, the more time he and Nikki spend together. She was in trouble. Love thy Neighbor was an easy to read, sexy, warm romance. There is a thin line sometimes when a trope is being used, that it is pulled through the story for too long and overkill can happen, and it is very apparent that the low body confidence trope is the mainstay for the beginning of Nikki and Dallas's story. I think Sophie pretty much nailed it with the amount of relevance it had with regards to the impact it had on the relationship between them, but for me it went on a little too long in relation to Nikki's interactions with her ex. That-said for the most part as a woman who struggles with her own body confidence issues, I got where Nikki was coming from, and I appreciated her internal thoughts and self-discovery as the story progressed more because of it. A really great addition to the Lovestruck range. I really liked Nikki's Best friend Jenna as well, So I hope at some point the author will look to give her a story of her own as well. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bewitching the Enemy (Vieux Carré Witch Sister, #1); Author: Dawn Chartier; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - "I wanted you then, now and later." Stars. Bewitching the Enemy is the first book I have read by Dawn Chartier, but seeing as it is also the first book of the Vieux Carre Witch Sisters series, this time focusing on Storm Morgeaux and Dr. Nathan Davis. I am pretty sure it won't be my last. Initially bought together in a work capacity, Nate senses there is something a little off about his contractor Storm, especially after shaking hands with her, he gets the shock of his life and a branding on his palm that wasn't there before. A hurricane had begun to brew, and her name was Storm Morgeaux. Storm has a lot going on in her life at the moment, what with her mom's sudden non-responsiveness after a family get-together, the potential collapse of the family business she is responsible for. As well as feeling responsible for 3 sisters who aren't in the know about the financial crisis the business is in. As such, the last thing she needs is a pushy, sexy, Doctor/Client marking her palm, and then accusing her of being capable of things she had only ever previously believed happened in fiction. "First Witches now Warlocks. Whats next, Unicorns?" This is an entertaining, well-plotted, funny and sometimes sexy read. The characters and their development offer plenty of scope for the future books, and bearing in mind you have sisters Brye, Rose and Dusti Morgeaux who have also just discovered their witchy powers and origins, the directions their stories could go a numerous, especially if you take into account you also have Warlocks, Shifters and Paladins added into the mix at this stage as well. The only slight niggles I have, are firstly the fact that everything important pretty much happens over the space of several days, and personally I felt it would have worked better with a longer time-frame. Secondly, I also felt the sisters reaction to the discovery of their new-found powers and their families past a little lacking in reaction. I still really enjoyed it though, I was just looking for a little more emotion and less acceptance. "All great things are worth waiting for." I can't wait too see which sister is up next (although part of me is hoping for Brye), I am looking forward to seeing where Dawn takes the Morgeaux Sisters stories next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Protecting His Witch (Keepers of the Veil, #1); Author: Zoe Forward; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "I'm not like Wolverine, but I can heal fast." Stars. Matt Ryan and Kat Ramsey have history, 10 years of it in fact, it is just of the unconventional kind. Although neither of them is really aware of exactly how deep and how far that history actually goes at the beginning of the book, it is a roller-coaster ride of discovery, the further into the story you get. The past, the present and the future all depend on them getting together at the right time, and resolving their differences before the wrong people get involved. With the sexual tension and the chemistry between these too pretty much oozing from my Kindle. I will most certainly be looking too read more books by Zoe Forward. Luckily this is the beginning of a new series from this author and I am looking forward too seeing where the rest of the Keepers of the Veil books take us. His was the gaze of a high-end predator, throwing it's prey a seductive look, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Another great part of this book is the banter between Matt and Kat, it is funny and snarky, and Matt has got a deliciously dirty mouth when the mood takes him. But you also get the addition of some great interaction with secondary characters as well, Matt's brother Eli and a witch called Serenity, deserve notable mention as their comments had me giggling several times as the book progressed. Protecting his Witch was just a really easy to read, enjoyable book. "That's the Wildcat I remember." Can't wait for more! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Year's in Napa (West Coast Holiday, #2); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - It was a new year. I was a new life. Stars. I love Elizabeth Barrett's writing, with the level of description she gives, you can't help but feel like you are actually in the story with the characters, seeing and experiencing the things they are, and with the depth of emotion you definitely experience her characters ups and downs with them as well. "Your're starved for excitement, for life. Why don't you let yourself be free?" New Year's in Napa follows on from Christmas in Tahoe it was good to see Annie and Chase again, but this story is about Liam Flynn and Amanda Aligheri, who met, albeit briefly two years ago when she visited Liam at his home in Tahoe. Their chemistry was undeniable, but Liam was looking for longevity and commitment, and Mandy wasn't, her commitments were elsewhere, brought about by feelings of guilt and responsibility. "Did you like the ride, Amanda?" I liked the dynamic between these two it is usually the guy who is against commitment and the dominating character in the story, but Mandy took both those titles for this one. Don't get me wrong, Liam did eventually go for what he wanted both from her, and from his life in general, but for the most part Mandy was the driving force in the reigniting of their relationship fires. "I don't want to spend the rest of my life wondering what if? I want to spend it wondering what next." Another enjoyable novella from the imagination of Ms. Barrett, I just wish it didn't take a year between each one! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hooker and the Hermit (Rugby, #1); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I prefer a woman who swallows, but spitting doesn't bother me much." Stars! It is difficult to adequately put into words just how much I loved The Hooker and the Hermit. L. H. Cosway has been an author that I massively crush over for a while now, but I find myself needing to add Penny Reid to that well thumbed, slightly dog eared, but nonetheless cherished list as well after this book. This story snuck up on me if I am honest, and it wasn't until around the 25% mark that it actually grabbed me by the ears and thoroughly shook me up. Annie and Ronan are very different personalities on the outside, and I liked that contradiction between them, it made for some extremely funny conversations, but I think the main thing that really stands out is that once again L.H (and Penny) have managed to take someone that you would pass in the street or sit next to on the bus, and forget about after your next breath, and turn them as well as their underwhelmingness (is that even a word?) into someone you can't help but love. Ronan was a heart on sleeve, balls-to-the-wall, say it as he saw it guy, Annie was heart in a box, locked in a safe, buried in a concrete bunker then guarded by a Nuclear warhead, say it on the internet, behind a Firewall, under an assumed name girl. But it worked; the extremes of their personalities are what pulled you in as a reader, the obstacles Annie overcame, and the lengths Ronan went to, made their journey one, that you won't easily forget reading. "There are some things, some people worth fighting for. You would be worth fighting for; you would, if you wanted me like I wanted you." From the blog posts, to the tweets, the cards and the emails as well as the story told from both Annie and Ronan's POV's, nothing is left unaccounted for, the development of the characters, their backgrounds as well as the secondary characters all builds and grows as the book progresses, there are no ends left untied, nothing left loose or unfinished. "I feel like I could lose myself and find myself in you." It is quite possible that I have said in every review I have ever written for one of L. H. Cosway's books that this one is my favorite, I am at the point now, where I don't want to offend any of them, and they are all my favorites. I am now in the enviable position, that I have also discovered a new author, Penny Reid: you and I have some serious catching up to do! ARC generously provided by L. H. Cosway, it was, as it always is my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unethical (Drexler University, #1); Author: Jennifer Blackwood; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 2.5 -Shows Promise Stars. Unethical is the first work I have read by this author, and while the storyline showed a lot of potential it didn't quite hit the mark for me for several reasons. I am a big fan of the second-chance trope, and I also love a dual POV as it gives you a chance to get into the heads of the main characters and get the developing story from several perspectives. But unfortunately I found the POV a little overly done at points, and a lot of their inner monologue seemed pointless as on many, many occasions both Payton and Blake then went off and did the opposite of what they were thinking. I also had to keep reminding myself that these two were in their early twenties and not mid-teens a few times, as their behavior, actions and reactions bordered on juvenile. I think the second-chance aspect of the story suffered a little due to a lot of erroneous side-plotting, but the story line with Payton's father, I felt didn't have enough time spent on it. In the main I think things that needed further development seemed to be overlooked, but then things that didn't seem particularly important were totally overdone. Jennifer Blackwood definitely shows a lot of promise with this book, although it didn't work 100% for me this time, I would certainly look too read her future work, the writing is sound, and I think there is an awful lot of potential just waiting to be tapped into. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Garrett (Cold Fury Hockey, #2); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I'm not going anywhere." Stars! We return to the lives and loves of the Cold Fury Hockey boys. I have no shame in saying that I fell in love with this series from the first chapter of book one Alex and I am even more besotted and in love with it after finishing the last chapter of Garrett. Sawyer Bennett takes the bad boy turns good trope and firmly twists it on its head with this book. Garrett Samuelson operates his love life on a bit of a revolving door rotation, he leaves his women happy, but the understanding is there that it is one night only, and definitely no strings attached. Olivia Case has a lot going on in her life right now, so meeting Garrett at a team party and knowing of his reputation, offers the temptation of a night of no-strings fun, a perfect diversion to take her mind off of the desperately sad situation she now faces in her future. "I don't want you to regret it if we fuck tonight... "And I don't want to regret not fucking tonight." This is quite an emotional book, and it touches on a sensitive subject cancer that most people will have had some sort of exposure to in their own, or the lives of their loved ones. Because of that it certainly tugs on the heart strings and it bought on quite a few tears as Garrett and Olivia explored their fledgling feelings towards each other and their budding relationship, in light of the circumstances. "I'll give you whatever you want, Olivia. All you have to do is ask." Sawyer Bennett has 100% hit the back of the net with the puck again with this one. Garrett is funny, cheeky, damn sexy and an absolute sweetheart. Olivia had a bit of a wobble towards the end of the book, but for the most part I could see where she was coming from, I liked her free spirited nature, and she also has the best, bestie a person could ever want in Stevie, some of his actions and words in this story had me alternately laughing and crying in equal measure. I cannot wait for the next Cold Fury Hockey player Zack to get his book, it is possible that Sawyer, may bring on even more tears with his story! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review as thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Play Me Wild (Play Me, #1); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Come into my office." Stars. Sebastian Crane has returned to Las Vegas after a ten year hiatus. His father is sick, and the family Casino/Hotel Atlantis needs stable management at the helm. Aria Winston, cocktail waitress, fiercely independent, works the high rollers lounge in the Atlantis, well that is until a handsy patron goes one step too far. Picking up her final check the following day doesn't go quite according to plan and beings her to the office of Sebastian Crane. You aren't given much to go on in the first installment of the Play Me series, but one thing is apparent and that is that Sebastian and Aria are going to burn up the sheets when they do light the match that is their attraction, and their tastes in that area may reflect the others more than they realize. Looking forward to seeing where Tracy takes me in the next installment. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Play Me Hot (Play Me, #2); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I want to give her the world. Not make her afraid of it." Stars. The heat notches up a tad in the second installment of Tracy Wolff's Play Me series. Sebastian and Aria, are definitely not just nurturing a boss/employee relationship anymore, and I think it is fair to say that a Dom/sub relationship is likely to be explored more as the novellas progress. I am really enjoying this series so far, although to be fair it is only the second novella of five. Tracy has offered up some inventive sexy-times, and a guy that has a talented tongue in more ways than one! "I want my name on your lips. Almost as much as I want your taste on mine." Onto part 3, let's see where Ms. Wolff takes Sebastian and Aria as well as this reader next! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Play Me Hard (Play Me, #3); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I think I know you better than I did three days ago." Stars. Novella three picks up literally where two left off. Sebastian and Aria are starting to understand more about each other, their pasts, and what makes the other tick. Not a huge amount of development in the storyline until right towards the end of this installment. A certain Ethan Frost makes an appearance as well, being a long time friend of Sebastian's, they have a few things to discuss, and it was nice to see a little of him, while waiting for book three in his own series to be released. Control is a funny thing. The tighter you hold onto it, the less you actually have. As I said the main developments seem to happen later on in this novella, but I am hopping straight onto book four, to see where Tracy takes Sebastian and Aria, after the 'BIG' revelation at the end of this one. "You always have a choice with me, Aria." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Play Me Real (Play Me, #4); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Control the need. Control the burn. Stars. Things are starting to heat up in the world that Sebastian and Aria are creating for themselves as a couple. As you would expect, revelations are coming thick and fast now, and the sexy-times are steaming up the pages as this series of novellas progresses. This isn't Tracy's best book, but I am certainly enjoying the ride and it certainly keeps you guessing with the addition of being split up into 5 parts, I get the feeling that the major twists are due to be revealed in the final installment, which I will be dipping into very shortly. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Play Me Right (Play Me, #5); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - She matters. Stars. Novella 5 starts 3 days after the events that closed out Novella 4. Sebastian is feeling the after effects of Aria's departure, and is wondering just how long he can wait before he goes looking for her. Unanswered texts, calls and Arai calling in sick at work have pushed the guy to almost the limit of his self-control. She's the security I've been searching for. Whereas novella 4 was pretty much the revelation of Sebastian's past and the skeletons rattling around his closet. This final installment concentrates solely on Aria's. One thing that is extremely evident is that this conclusion is a 'Happy For Now' and not a Happily Ever After. We can look forward to appearances from the both of them in Ethan Frost's next novel (Explosed due February 2015), but with the way this series as a whole ended, I am expecting this couple to get another book of their own at some point. Looking forward to seeing if/when Ms. Wolff gives Sebastian and Aria their full Happily Ever After, I am guessing there will be more than a couple of bumps in the road along the way! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Exposed (Ethan Frost, #3); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 2.5 - "I can't let go." Stars. It turns out it is possible to rewrite the same things again and again over almost 3 books with just enough differences and a few twists in the plot-line so that it keeps things fluid. I won't argue that sometimes that can be a good thing, but I find myself looking at the review I wrote for Addicted, the second book in the Ethan Frost series, and I am struggling to find much more to say that is any different to what I already have. This series started out with one of the best opening chapters I have read in a long while, it was that good I still remember it, but since then it seem's to have drifted off into average, which is a shame, as I have become a big fan of this authors writing recently. The main problem I have is that Chloe is still on the same assume, overreact, melt-down and apologize cycle she has pretty much been on since the middle of book one, and Ethan hasn't really learnt that much from his past mistakes in relation to full disclosure with her, and is still for the most part doing what he thinks is right, and not telling her about it half of the time. The first half of the book is pretty much sex, 'I love you' followed by more sex with the inclusion of getting married, in Vegas, then there are a few more 'I love yous' followed by them having more sex, and the inevitable row. I have come to have high expectations from Tracy Wolff, but sometimes a story needs more than just well written sex to carry the bulk of it. The situation with Ethan's brother was well executed, and I loved that Chloe's BFF Tori had more page time, there is a story to be told at some point with her, I am betting. I had put this couple to bed at the end of book two, their inclusion in the interim in the Play Me novella series was a great little catch-up, but in all honestly the first half of this book could have been easily cut down into a couple of chapters, I think it would have helped the flow of the rest of the book, if it hadn't taken so long to get going. Not sure in all honesty, whether I will be looking to read the next installment, but never say never! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: His Wicked Seduction (The League of Rogues, #2); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I always knew she'd be the death of me." Stars! Lauren Smith did it again, book one took me places I have never really wanted to go before, its follow-up took me back and I just, don't want to leave. I am still absolutely stunned by how much I have fallen head over heels with The League of Rogues I want more, I want it now, and if I thought it would work, I would hold my breath until Lauren gave into my whims! "Sleep, my dear, and dream of the stars." His Wicked Seduction takes up where Wicked Designs left off, and although this book is mainly about the blossoming romance between Horatia Sheridan and Lucien, Marquess of Rochester, the series as a whole also develops at a very fast clip. We are approaching Christmas 1820, and the threat from Hugo Waverly against the League and their families has grown exponentially. "The one woman he could never possess was the first woman he'd ever felt uninhibited with. Lucien and Horatia's story is very different to that of Godric's and Emily's (Wicked Designs) both have been in love with the other longer than they care to admit. Although this is something Lucien, for the most part has tried to deny, and has spent the intervening years honing his rather 'particular' talents in the bedroom with other less respectable ladies. Lucien loved women, but he didn't fall in love with them. Horatia also as the sister of Cedric is off limits due to the Leagues rules about it's members getting involved with other members sisters. The undeniable attraction between the two leads to some absolutely hilarious shenanigans as well as some rather beautifully written, and pretty emotional moments as well. I think that is why I love this series so much, Lauren has injected each book with such vivid descriptions, situations and conversations, you as the reader just do not have time to get distracted by the outside world. "Heaven looks quite lovely from this angle." I think my review for book one fully outlines just how much I love this series. Lauren Smith has given me another book in a genre that I never thought or anticipated I would enjoy so much. I wouldn't say I am now a Historical Romance convert, but if Lauren has written it, I am going to be front and center every time, because I know without a shadow of a doubt I am going to devour each and every page. "You play with fire, darling, and I don't wish to burn you." "I want to share my life, my name and my soul with you." I want to give this book as I did book one, 6 stars. It is just that good. I love the Rogues, and I cannot wait for more of them, hopefully I won't have too long to wait. ARC kindly supplied by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure in providing the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Riding Steele: Kidnapped (Riding Steele, #1); Author: Opal Carew; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Sweetheart, I'm never too tired to fuck." Stars. So the story of Steele and Laurie begins, as you would expect you can't really get a full feeling of a story in just 30 odd pages and there are certain to be a few more major developments as the novellas progress. "I think the lady would like you to leave her alone." What you do garner straight away though is that Opal Carew can write a story that pulls the reader right into it. This is a book of firsts for me, my first by this author and my first in the MC genre. "You slept in my bed last night, me naked, and I didn't touch you. Why do you think I would now?" I am looking forward to continuing the journey. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Riding Steele: Untamed (Riding Steele, #2); Author: Opal Carew; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "I'm not most people." Stars. So novella two literally continues where novella 1 left off. Steele and Laurie are still trying to suss each other out, the motives for her being at the cabin, and Steele's reasoning behind it are still causing more than a few disagreements, as well as more than one escape attempt. "You're treating me like a child." "Maybe I should spank your bottom." The reader is also introduced to more of the Biker Gang, that Steele leads. Note too self - Before requesting future books/novellas on Netgalley, check out the authors previous work. This novella contains a M/F/M to M/M/F/M scene (and after I belatedly checked out the books more thoroughly on Goodreads, it seems to be the norm for this series). I won't lie the multiple partners trope isn't one that I am a massive fan of, and if I had known it was a part of this series I wouldn't have requested it. My rating hasn't been influenced by this, as it is my fault entirely for not checking beforehand. On to part 3 (with trepidation!) ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Riding Steele: Wanted (Riding Steele, #4); Author: Opal Carew; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "I'm really not comfortable with this." Stars. I am still trying to be objective about this book with my reviews, in view of the fact that I requested it, and it is my own stupid fault for not checking out the authors other books beforehand, even though it is rapidly turning into a HELL NO kind of read for me, I will make an effort to post my thoughts. The Multiple partners aspect of this isn't really the main issue I actually have at this point, and seeing as this is fiction I know anything is possible, and artistic license etc.. but I am struggling to get my head around everything that has happened in the space of 3 or 4 days. Our h has been rescued/kidnapped from and abusive relationship, and taken in by a biker gang. She has then proceeded to try and escape said nasty biker gang several times as she feels threatened and unsafe. Although she wasn't shy about watching all 6 other members have M/F/M, M/M/F/M and god knows how many other derivatives of sexy-times prior to her final break out attempt. Sadly she then ends up back in the hands of the bikers, decides all previous reasoning aside she now wants to sleep with their leader. After one night together she is then pretty easily persuaded to join in with a group 'gang-bang' with the rest of the gang all jumping on-board in some way at some point, in public whilst they are on the run from her ex and the police. As I said fiction, I know, but the time frame versus the rapid turnaround is somewhat of a struggle for this reader. "You're my woman." Really... After letting her do all that Steele then goes all alpha, punches one of the gang and rides off... Sorry not really convinced on the whole 'I share you because I care' bullpoopie. On the plus, you do get more information about Steele prior to becoming the Gang leader, his demons and what motivates him as well as a little back-story as to how the members all came together and got their names, Wild Card, Rip, Dom, Shock, Magic & Raven. I'll stick with it, as apart from all the M/M/F/M/F/M/M/M/F/M/F/F/M/F/M/Fing going on, the story is quite good. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. 22 March 2015: Updated Review I stand by the review I wrote, unfortunately the image I used in relation to it has been deemed a Violation of Goodreads Terms of Service, round of applause to the sad sack that flagged me!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Riding Steele: Collide (Riding Steele, #3); Author: Opal Carew; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "All you had to do was say no." Stars. Following on from novella 2, Laurie has managed to finally succeed with her plans for escape. But does getting in a Police car guarantee her safety, from her ex Donovan or from Steele and his biker gang. "Since you've already tried and convicted me in your mind, maybe I should just commit the crime." Opal Carew can definitely write sexy, and this installment is steamy in a way I enjoy. The re-emergence of the slightly unhinged ex is upping the suspense level a bit more too. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Riding Steele: Crossroads (Riding Steele, #5); Author: Opal Carew; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Have you missed me?" Stars. Hands down, this is probably going to be my favourite installment if this series, much more focus on story and less on how many men one woman can take on sitting/standing/laying/bending-over... you get my point! Laurie has finally got the chance to clear her name, and move on with her life. Sadly all does not go to plan, and she literally finds herself caged, and not in a good way. Luckily Steele has gotten over his earlier tantrum, and after a couple of calls realises she has been taken by Donovan. Along with the rest of the gang he manages to get her to safety before the situation gets completely out of hand. "Are you alright baby?" "Now that you're here." Onto the final installment. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Riding Steele: Aftershock (Riding Steele, #6); Author: Opal Carew; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "I'm sorry I got you into this mess." Stars. I think it is safe to say that the multiple partner trope is definitely not one I am ever going to find that enjoyable, but putting that 'situation' aside, I am going to base my thoughts on the rest of the book in my summing up. "I'd do anything to protect you. Anything.." I liked Steel and Laurie's story, but I didn't love it, the breaks in the book for every step in the series were very well chosen as they all leave the reader wondering what will happen next. Unfortunately, for each and every break in the story, the next part doesn't really give you any excitement and everything is all a little 'cut & dried' for me, my expectations were definitely left floundering somewhat. "It's not you." ... "I just have to... get past this." I am also still very firmly riding with my 'training wheels' on when it comes to the whole M.C. storyline, and although this is probably not the best book for me to have started off with, I think it is a genre I wouldn't mind putting my leathers on again for (minus the multiple partner aspect). Not sure whether this author is one I would read again, but that is more to do with the subject matter not being something I enjoy, rather than her writing. It was an experience, and like all things in life, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mine to Take (Nine Circles, #1); Author: Jackie Ashenden; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "I've decided on vengeance." Stars. For the most part I usually really enjoy Jackie Ashenden's books, and although I didn't really dislike Mine to Take what let it down for me, and the reason for my low rating is the fact that it was such a long book with large amounts of time where nothing of any consequence really happens. The action and revelations when they come are really good, but everything else for me needed to be cut back. The neverending I want you/I don't want you/I'm not the man for you/I don't care I want you anyway got annoying towards the end of the book, and I found this constant merry-go-round between Gabriel and Honor to be overly played out. "I don't play games, Mr. Woolf. I do business." This really isn't a bad book, Jackie has a certain way of portraying her guys that you can't help but fall a little in love with them Gabriel was no exception, I quite liked Honor as well she was strong and happy to speak her mind, but her constant denial of her Step-fathers wrongdoing in the face of hard evidence was also a little overdone for me. "The first orgasm I ever had that wasn't from my vibrator had to come from you." I have no doubt I will feel the same way about Alex and Zac if I read their books. But my enjoyment was diluted by the fact that the book just dragged on too long and for a few plot twists that really seemed to be too long coming in the overall scheme of things. "You're not the only one with power, Gabriel Woolf. And you're not the only one who knows how to exploit a weakness." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beautiful Secret (Beautiful Bastard, #4); Author: Christina Lauren; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "There's a lot of mileage between getting somewhere and enjoying the journey." Stars. Mmmm, I'm kind of bummed about this one. I expected great things from Beautiful Secret and it just didn't deliver the way all the previous books in the series did. I think the authors very much have had a definite recipe for the series so far, and to say they changed the ingredients up with Niall and Ruby's book would be probably the best analogy I can come up with. "I'm not very good with... women." My main niggles were the fact that it was all about the fore/finger and mouth play up until around the 75% mark, and although I could see the point, it also isn't what my expectations are when it comes to the characters in these books, sex, snark, sass and more sex are. The authors kept up with the usual banter and such especially while Niall and Ruby were in New York, but it lost a lot of its sparkle when they returned back to London. "Come to me... when you're ready." My other peeve, is the somewhat sketchy Anglicization of certain thoughts and verbalization from Niall, initially it wasn't a huge issue, but when you are bored (and I was for a lot of the second half) things like using nutters instead of nuts, and the phrase "That was some bloody good fucking," which felt more like a base translation of Chinese into English, it just stuck out all the more. My last gripe. Ruby. Who came across as one of the most desperate women I have had the pleasure of reading for a while, and rather than feel that she was trying to work things through with Niall at his own pace, it just read like she was conceding every point to him, just to make sure he stayed happy and they could carry on with their growing (for the most part non) relationship. All of the previous women in this series have been strong of character, known their own minds and have definitely not been shy to call their guys out when they are being tools. Niall is completely different from Bennett, Max and Will, personality wise so yes I expected some differences in the communications and behavior of this couple, but none of it really gelled for me. Entertaining enough, but it missed the mark if you take into account the arcs of the previous books in the series. Particularly on story line and character development, on this occasion I'm afraid Beautiful Secret just didn't match up to its predecessors.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Too Hot to Handle (The Boys of Summer, #2); Author: Katie Rose; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Nothing and everything." Stars! I would be the first to admit that I wasn't that impressed with the first book in Katie Rose's The Boys of Summer Series, but although the story between Chase and Darcy didn't really work for me, there was no question as to the quality of the writing. So to say it was with trepidation that I started Too Hot to Handle would be a massive understatement! Katie got it right this time, and I really enjoyed reading Nikki and Jake's story. I won't lie and say it was anything out of the ordinary in relation to the tropes used, but the characters were easy to like, the camaraderie among the team was apparent, and the chemistry between the two of them unmistakable. This is the sort of read you pick up, and finish with a smile on your face. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the Boys of Summer series; the New Jersey Sonics are definitely growing on me! "Consider yourself warned." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tempted by His Best Friend; Author: Cari Quinn; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Originally reviewed as part of the Lovers Unmasked Anthology. I love the friends to lovers genre and this book telling Stephanie and Landon's story is no exception, it had some absolutely hilarious laugh out loud moments from the get go, beginning at the Halloween party they are both at in disguise - "I want your cock in my mouth." "Wow, really?"Steff looked up to find a grim reaper blocking her path and nearly choked in her haste to mutter an apology. "No, God, no. I'm sorry. I wasn't-- I didn't mean--" The reaper deflated like a pensioner when the Viagra ran out. "Figured. That never happens to me." He shuffled off before she could apologize again. And then there were the totally hot moments - "I don't know all your fantasies yet, but I will. This is one of mine." And Craig (best friend to both of them) is one of the funniest secondary characters I have come across in a while; I kind of hope Cari gives him his own novella at some point.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Amazing Things About You; Author: Jill Mansell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Don't be sad that it's over, be glad that it happened. Stars! Jill Mansell always manages to turn what you expect to initially be a heart breaking tragedy, into a story that as it develops offers hope, humor and new beginnings. Three Amazing Things About You certainly fulfills those parameters, and then some. Three women; Tasha, Hallie and Flo, living three completely different lives, in three separate parts of the UK, their lives gradually entwine as the book progresses, sometimes in small undetected ways, sometimes a little more obviously. You can't help but come to care for them, their friends and families. And although you know it is coming, and as the synopsis says - Hallie goes on a journey. She's about to get new lungs. But whose lungs will they be? you cannot help but become emotionally involved. But from loss, comes life and new beginnings, friends and families. I shed a few tears, had a few laughs and generally felt involved in every aspect of this book, and the challenges, situations and dilemmas the three women faced. This is a story that will make you think, reassess and ultimately realize that life is for living! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Billionaire's Club: New York Boxed Set (The 100 Shades Hotter Edition); Author: Jackie Ashenden; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - There was only him. Only and ever him. Stars! Three brothers - Jax, Donovan and Sean. The Morrow family... Rough and ready, half done. A work in progress, yet full of potential. And the women that bring them to their knees. Pandora Garret, Victoria de Winter and Abby Prescott. If you put Billionaire in the title of a book nowadays the reader is going to have a pretty good idea what sort of story they are getting themselves into. This reader of late has been a little wary to read this trope; mainly due to the fact the market has been flooded with a mass of distinctly 'average' offerings. But, it still holds a massive place in my heart when done well, and I am happy to spend my time reading it, when it is. "You don't look like Prince charming to me," ... "I'm not Prince Charming baby. I'm the Huntsman." I really enjoyed this series of novellas; I knew what to expect having enjoyed books by the author previously. At the end, l walked away from the experience happy and with my thirst for some well sexy, well moneyed, well endowed and well dirty men, well and truly slaked! "Be very careful," ... "Be very, very careful about playing this game with me." I really enjoy Jackie Ashenden's writing style, it's almost 'no-frills' at points, but it works for me, the stories in this book are well written the characters are likeable, and they offered me a few hours of escapism, so a total win in my opinion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Hit: Reloaded (Hitman, #2.5); Author: Jessica Clare; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - The small details are often the most important. Stars! Last Hit: Reloaded takes us back to Daisy and Nick, and gives us a continuation of their story (you definitely need to read Last Hit, to appreciate this novella fully). Trying to live a normal everyday life doesn't come without its struggles for both of them, Daisy having lead and isolated existence, and Nick having lived an insular solitary life prior, both of them struggle to integrate comfortably into college life, and the normal routines of day-to-day living in general. People who are afraid have fearful things at home. It was really enjoyable to catch up with them both, and although this is a novella Jen and Jessica have managed to pack a generous amount of storyline into it. As you would expect the life they are trying to live together is a massive adjustment for them both, and I found it both heart-breaking and heart-warming at times. Reading of the lengths Nick is prepared to go to, to make Daisy happy as well as keep her safe without stifling her, and equally the measures Daisy was prepared to take to keep Nick from going back to his old ways in order to protect her the way he is naturally inclined to do. The sexy times are hot, the suspense interesting and route the story takes is not as you initially expect. The door is definitely left open for this couple, as well as the secondary characters, and I really hope that we have an opportunity to see more of them all in future books. Last Kiss is due in May, Vasily and Naomi's story is one I have been waiting impatiently for since Last Breath. I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED! My thanks as always to the marvelous Jen Frederick for providing me with an ARC; it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scarred Hearts; Author: Bonnie Dee; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You can come talk with me anytime, Shadow Robeson." Stars. Scarred Hearts is Bonnie Dee writing in her inimitable style, and at her absolute best. There is nothing unusual about the setting, well if you were around the Kentucky area in 1919 I suppose you may disagree, but I wasn't so I am happy with the vision Bonnie gave me. The love story that develops from the down-trodden and down-hearted pairing in this book grabs you by the emotional short and curly's and doesn't let you go. "You aint no shadow to your brothers in my eyes." I loved the relationship between Shadow and Lettie, both of them in their own ways, social outcasts. Lettie through her mothers past, and her own indiscretions, and Shadow due to the fact he has returned from war a changed man, outside and in. The little things they both do for the other, brings a slow burn to the whole story, and the climax, although you can see it coming from pretty much the beginning of the book has you nervously reading on in the hope that it won't turn out the way you are thinking it will. There was sadness in her eyes, as if she hid bruises underneath her tough skin. I don't think it is a secret that I am a massive fan of this authors work. Even an average book by Bonnie Dee beats most others out their for originality and damn good writing. Scarred Hearts goes beyond average, it hints on excellence. I loved it - the setting, the build up, and the development of the plot and the characters, everything was perfectly paced and the end... Beautiful. Hard to believe they'd shared the same world but never talked in all these years. Now he couldn't imagine not having her to talk to. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Veiled Target; Author: Robin Bielman; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - "So I decided to act without thinking." Stars. Veiled Target is my first book by Robin Bielman, and although I didn't fully get onboard with one of the main characters in the book, for the most part I enjoyed it. The writing style and the storyline are easy to engage in, and everything that occurs is really well plotted out and described. In a matter of hours she'd gotten under his skin. For me it was a matter of chapters, I really didn't like Tess, as a highly experienced Eliminator (legal Assassin if you will), you would expect her to have a pretty large sense of self preservation, as well as a huge amount of common sense, and when after only spending a matter of minutes in a unknown man's company, on a blind-date no less, after then effectively being given the brush off, you decide to follow him and his shifty friend, down a dark alleyway in a less than safe area of the city all sorts of bells start going off... She came over as overly confident, brash and careless, her actions; again I am assuming this is a highly intelligent woman here, bordered on idiotic on several occasions. I am all for women's lib, and standing toe to shoulder on the battle lines with our penis carrying counterparts, but when you end up making a situation 100 times worse because you couldn't stay out of the way after being asked and given legitimate reasoning for it then you are just being reckless and stupid. I liked Hugh, he was sexy, snarky and gave as good as he got when dealing with Tess and her total disinterest in doing anything other than what she wanted to do. My one bug bear with him, and to a certain extent Tess was the fact that a whole lot of thinking about doing it takes up most of the first half of the book, with regards to sexy-times and you as a reader get to the point where you want to just shout 'do it already'! He wanted to strip her. Lick her between the legs until she came on his tongue. Touch her until she came on his fingers. Move his cock inside her until she came screaming his name. All well and good but I would have liked to have read more of them actually doing those things. Beyond my above issues, I did enjoy the story, Robin has certainly put a world together where there is potential for future adventures for other characters to have, and I would certainly happily read more work by her... I am not sure whether it would be this series, as if I am honest there isn't really one character that stood out enough for me to want to have any follow-up with them, but as the old adage goes Never Say Never! "It's no longer about Veiler or human. It's about good versus evil." ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: All I Want for Christmas is You (Coming Home #5.5); Author: Jessica Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Thank you for not giving up on me." Stars. Jessica Scott isn't a new author to me, in the fact that her Coming Home series of books have been on my reading radar for a while, but actually reading her work, that is new to me. Again, I am faced with the task of wanting to give myself a slap for waiting so long to actually pick up one of her books. All I Want for Christmas isn't a fluffy read, but it does encompass the spirit and meaning of Christmas perfectly. After returning to the US from active service, on a tour that saw her lose her best friend Captain Samantha Egan is struggling, her way of coping is to try and ignore the numbness that seems to have become a part of her everyday existence, and to leave everything that once meant so much, behind. She returns home to Saber Falls with her daughter Natalie, to her mothers house, also leaving behind the love of her life, Major Patrick MacLean. Patrick isn't giving up his girls without a fight, and swiftly follows Sam and Nat in the hope that he can help Sam with the Grief and PTSD she is attempting to pretend are not affecting her, and pull his family back together in time for Christmas. "Make me feel again, Patrick." This is an emotional and heart felt story, it makes you stop for a little while and think about all the things that you are grateful for, especially at this time of the year. If you haven't read this authors work before it is going to make you want to dive in and start the series (a bit like this reader), if you have, then you can congratulate yourself on not being a late-to-the-party-dumbass like I am! ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Yorkshire Christmas (Christmas Around the World Series, #2); Author: Kate Hewitt; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - A real home. A real family. A real Christmas. Stars. A Yorkshire Christmas reminded me a little bit of the film The Holiday except Cameron Diaz doesn't travel to the UK from the US, Claire Lindell does, and she doesn't bump into Jude Law, but instead sexy and solitary farmer Noah Bradford. Add into the mix that he is a single father, who has just had his young daughter unceremoniously dropped on his doorstep for Christmas, and you have a Christmas novella match made in heaven! "She'd come to England to relax and recover, not fall for a man. Best laid plans that thankfully go awry! After skidding into a ditch on a back country lane in the darkest depths of Yorkshire during a snowstorm, Claire finds herself rescued by the slightly ornery, but totally sexy Noah, staying in the cottage that backs onto his farm means that the temporary neighbors end up seeing more of each other than they originally planned. Noah's daughter Molly is a welcome addition to the story, and gives it a heartwarming and familial feel. "I want more from my life than memories." The Christmas Around the World series, offers the ideal solution to a reader that is busy at this time of year but still wants to get a little reading in, or if you just want to curl up for a few hours and lose yourself in a seasonal romance, you can have your Christmas fix, but in quick, sweet, easy portions. This series is the perfect accompaniment to your glass of mulled wine! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Christmas with the Laird (Christmas Around the World #3); Author: Scarlet Wilson; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "Welcome to Garnock Hall." Stars. I really enjoyed Christmas with the Laird, it was a little spooky, bought about a few little sniffles, was beautifully written, and took me back to Scotland, a country that holds a little piece of my heart in it's soul. In the middle of winter it was still a dark place, but it didn't feel quite so sorry, quite so sad. It was almost as if the ghosts had given up and left. Juliette and Andrew have been unceremoniously left to carry the can by their boss, when on the brink of finishing work for the Christmas holidays, they are called back to record a new episode of Haunted Ever After. Andrew has responsibilities back in Scotland and takes Juliette with him back to his ancestral home Garnock Hall to film the required episode. This is a great little novella that packs quite a punch, looking at love, loss and dealing with grief, and all wrapped up with a tartan Christmas bow! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas at Waratah Bay (Christmas Around the World, #1); Author: Marion Lennox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Could one Christmas change everything? Stars! You can pretty much guarantee that at about this time every year, you will start too see books with a Christmas feel start popping up on my Goodreads reading list. It is a big thing for me each year, as I just love settling down with a heartwarming story that helps ease me into the Season, with a little love and a whole lot of Christmas Magic. One magic kiss. Christmas in Waratah Bay, is my first seasonal read for 2014, and it was without doubt the absolute perfect way to kick off this years Christmas reading. I laughed, cried and had all sorts of 'feels' while reading this book. Max is your typical Scrooge for the modern day except instead of being tight with his money, he is tight with his feelings, it was great too see him opening his heart and his home to Sarah, Harold and his family for the Christmas holiday. Families... who'd have anything to do with them. I loved that as the story progressed you learned more of his past as well as Sarah's, and why initial expectations and assumptions you have of someone are not always what they may seem to be. "For now, let's just live it. let's just do Christmas like it ought to be, and not think past it." This novella ticks all the boxes that I have when it comes to my Christmas reading requirements, on to the next novella in the series! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas in Venice (Christmas Around the World, #4); Author: Joanne Walsh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "We didn't spend enough Christmases together, did we?" Stars. Letting go of the past, and looking towards the future are the strong themes that run through the final novella in the Christmas Around the World Series. And what a series it has been, all novellas have had their own individual characters and story-lines, all have been extremely enjoyable and totally different from their companions in the series. So to Venice we go! "Here's to the tree, and to Christmas and to us." Lorenzo and Ashlynne haven't seen each other in 5 years... A devastating loss, a betrayal, and eventually divorce lead them to part ways and divorce. A freak snow storm strands Ash at Marco Polo Airport on the eve of Christmas, and as luck would have it Lorenzo, has just landed on his way back home to Venice. He always did have the power to charm and disarm her. Being bought together for Christmas forces them both to face the mistakes from their marriage, its breakdown and the decision of where the future will take them is also an important part of the story between Lorenzo and Ash. A great finale, to an absolutely stellar series of Christmas novellas. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Match Made at Christmas (Christmas in New York, #4); Author: Patty Blount; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I believe in people." Stars. A poignant and thought provoking finale to the Christmas in new York series of novellas. Elena and Lucas, are both dealing with feelings of guilt, and struggling with the grief and loss of loved ones in the September 11th attacks. "Sometimes, we're afraid of the wrong things." Thirteen years on and Elena's return to New York for the first time since that dreadful chapter in the cities history, brings to the forefront everything that she has worked so hard to keep supressed. Another great series from Tule publishing, I hope we get more from the women in these stories at some point in the future. "When one of us is hurt, all of us bleed." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: All I Want for Christmas (The McKinnon Brothers, #1; Christmas in New York, #3); Author: Jennifer Gracen; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - Of all the bars in all of New York, she'd walked into his. I am a great fan of the second chance at love trope, what tends to sour it somewhat for me is when the couple in question, then go and make the same mistakes again second time around. Cassie and Sean somewhat fall into this category, and it did have a slightly negative effect on my enjoyment of the second novella in the Christmas in New York series. "Don't make a promise you can't keep." Being in novella form it was still enjoyable as the whole situation wasn't overly played out, and I liked the fact that Sean basically put his heart and nuts on the line for Cassie in an attempt to prove himself to her this time round. The continuation of the lives of the other girls though this novella gives it good flow as well, so I would still recommend you read it if you are looking to read the series as a whole. "So Irish. What are you doing for Christmas?" ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Christmas Light; Author: Jolyse Barnett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "One day you'll want to follow your own path instead of the one set before you by others." Stars. I really enjoyed the first book in the Christmas in New York series of novellas, unfortunately novellas two and now three haven't quite hit the mark, for me. "It's all downhill from here." I think what tarnished the tinsel for me in relation to A Light in the Window is the fact that Jade is the one who does wrong towards Ben (repeatedly). Initially during their school days, when she decides it's easier to bully the school geek, than to remain best friends with him, this then follows on when she returns home (15 years later) for the holidays, in the fact that she insists on a 'friends with bennies' relationship, due to only being in town for a month, he is the one that then gets grief from her mother and her friends for upsetting her, when she ups and leaves... "I miss the girl I used to know." Add to the fact Jade's mother has some really weird ideas about who should be blamed for her youngest son's addiction problems, and the seasonal spirit deflated a little for me when reading this one. There were some incredibly sweet and heart warming moments in this novella, so don't be completely dissuaded from reading it. I have an issue with bullying (in any shape or form) and some of the situations in the story just nudged that particular sore spot for me. The final book in the series is next up on my Kindle, and I really hope that Goodness and Light finishes this series off as well as This Christmas started it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: This Christmas (Christmas in New York, #1); Author: Jeannie Moon; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "I wished for you," ... "Every year at Christmas." Stars! Jeannie Moon offers the reader an absolutely lovely start to the Christmas in New York series of novellas. Sometimes a storyline, its characters and the authors writing style, just click with the reader, and I absolutely adored Sabrina and her daughter Charlie. The return of Jake Killen to her life after a decade, offers them both a few surprises, and although the storyline doesn't really offer up anything new, I still enjoyed every minute of this novella! "I won't let you fall." I loved Jake, the guy has a heart of gold, and though he has missed out on ten years of his daughters life through no fault of his own, he goes out of his way to make sure that he doesn't miss anymore. His attempts to prove to Bree that he wants to be a full-time father, and have a full-time family with her are sweet, sexy and heart felt. "I don't want to lose anymore time." Looking forward to reading the rest of the novellas in this series! Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vision of Darkness (D.I.E. Squadron, #1); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3 - "It's a long story. I have... issues." Stars. I am a big fan of Tonya Burrows' books, everyone that I have read in the past has pulled me in, put me through the emotional wringer and not let me go until its very end. "I'm not leaving." I think that is why it was a bit of a shock to me that I found myself struggling with Vision of Darkness. It is not a bad book by any stretch, and Tonya as always has managed to give the reader a cast of interesting, unique and engaging characters. The storyline is complex and the scale and depth of its development, as well as the involvement of a large amount of what you initially assume are secondary characters make it a book that opens what will be a series with plenty of scope and potential for future releases. "Ghosts don't exist." Pru and Alex are a pretty likeable couple, both of them are a little odd and the town of Three Churches, Maine definitely plays up to and pretty much embraces their oddities. What with a haunted lighthouse, people disappearing and accidents and unexplainable occurrences abound it all adds up to a varied read, with a few little surprises thrown in along the way. So why am I not giving it 5 stars then? Quite simply because I had to read well over 60% of the book before I actually felt like the story was going anywhere. Yes there is a lot of scene setting going on, as well as the establishment of the characters and their places in the story, and this has been the case in the past with Tonya's Hornet series as an example, but something was missing from Vision of Darkness I didn't have the buildup of anticipation that I would expect with a book from this author, and the plot twists when they came, lost their shock and surprise value because it took so long to get to them. "I will do or be whatever you need. Always." We do get a pretty kick-ass ending, and I would be interested to see where Tonya decides to take the series as a whole, it's just unfortunate that I wasn't 100% blown away on this occasion. It certainly won't stop me from one-clicking each and every one of Tonya's future releases that's for sure! ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Game for Marriage (Game for It, #1); Author: Karen Erickson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I can keep a secret if you can." Stars. Extremely enjoyable, even if wholly predictable. I liked Sheridan's sass, and Jared has a dirty, dirty mouth, backed up with a footballers physique, so whats not too like! A true panty melter if ever she saw one. I have always liked Karen Erickson's writing, she has a great style, and knows how to put enjoyable and sexy together with great skill. "One night," ... "No strings. Just... fun." Another thoroughly indulgent Brazen treat!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Game for Trouble (Game for It, #2); Author: Karen Erickson; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 2 - "All this push and pull is confusing as hell." Stars. After reading and enjoying book one of the Game for It series, I was eager to start book 2, and see how Willow and Nick's story panned out... I have gone from a 4 star 'I loved this book!!!' treat with Game for Marriage, to a 2 star 'What the hell went wrong.' total disappointment with book 2. What went wrong, for me... One Word - Willow. "No matter what, I can't win with you... I'm honest with you and you tell me to leave anyway." For a woman so desperate to shake of the little rich girl persona and make it on her own in the big wide world, Willow certainly had a really good go in excelling in acting like a spoiled little princess for most of this book. I loved Nick, the guy practically gave the woman his balls on a plate by the end of the book, and for the most part it still wasn't good enough for her. "I messed up first time around. I want another shot." I going to leave it at that, and move on to book 3. We all have an off day, this was Karen Erickson's.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lovers Restored; Author: Kelsie Leverich; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, young-adult; Review: 2.5 - "I'm not sure you want to know what I've got to say." Stars. Lovers Restored is a story of lost love, and redemption. Facing the demons from your past and moving into the future, free of long held guilt. "Will we survive this?" Cooper and Halle, have known each other since childhood, being her best friend's older brother he has always been a part of her life, and held a part of her heart. That is until one fateful night 10 years previous where they both lost the one thing that connected them the most - Peyton, sister and best friend. Maybe is they had each other's body, their hearts would let go. Both of them are keeping secrets, and both of them are struggling to deal with the consequences of that night, and what was meant to be a quick trip home, to honor a memory and lay the ghosts of the past to rest, turns into something a whole lot more. This is my first book by this author, and I was impressed by the writing style. The plot was well thought out, developed and the storyline is sound. But the issue I had was more to do with the actual characters than their story. Cooper is not a man I really felt any sympathy or compassion for, and when someone is struggling from grief, these are feelings I would under normal circumstances expect to feel. Sadly, for the most part he came across as a bully, and his constant I want you, but I don't want to want you response, and his avoidance methods to everything for most of the book got a little to repetitive for me. He shouldn't be doing this. He couldn't want this. He didn't need this. His efforts at redemption towards the end of the book are sweet, and I liked the epilogue, but for me it was too late in the game to change my impression. Halle was sweet and kind, but in putting up with his treatment for most of the book, meant for me she came across as more of an emotional doormat than anything. He was a double edged sword - and she'd been cut one too many times. So although this book didn't completely blow me away, I am going to put it more down to a personality clash between myself and Cooper, and hope that I get on with other characters, in future books from Kelsie Leverich. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: No Promises Required (Love Required, #4); Author: Cari Quinn; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Pussy got your tongue?" Stars! Cari Quinn has done it again, the Love Required series just goes from strength to strength. Jill and Bryan have featured here and there in previous books, so it is great to finally get to read their story, and it didn't disappoint. No wine. No women. No thongs. Bryan's life is currently on something of a hiatus, having been injured whilst playing, he is back in Haven for a few weeks, mainly for his sister's wedding. Jill has always been around what with being his sister Victoria's best friend, and her mother stepping into a kind of surrogate role for Bryan and his sisters after their own mother took off when they were children. However, Jill has changed, she's no longer the innocent, inexperienced girl he once knew... or is she... "You never forget your first, darlin', and I'm going to prove that to you tonight." Although in parts this books does stretch the realms of imagination, I didn't really mind, I loved Bryan and Jill, both of them are fighting insecurities about something in their lives. Jill uses hers to push herself and go after the one thing she's always wanted. Bryan, has been trying to clean up his act for a while, as well as having concerns about his future as a pro-footballer. Haven was just somewhere to rest his head in the downtime, but when he was with her, the place felt like home. Although getting mixed up with Jill is probably not in his best interests, especially in view of the fact he is trying to stay on the straight and narrow, I really thought it was sweet how he attempted to do things the right way with regards to dating, even when Jill didn't really mind that most of their time together, involved them in a state of undress, in varied positions on multiple surfaces! "I've been falling for you for more than ten years. It just took me this past week to finally figure it out." A great book and continuation of a series, with great characters whose loves and lives are easy to get immersed in. I hope we don't have to wait too long for Melinda to get her story. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flirting on Ice (Atlantic City Hustlers, #1); Author: Veronica Forand; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "I've watched you and wanted you for the last four years." Stars. Flirting on Ice is a really good start to the Atlantic City Hustlers series. I haven't read a huge amount of books that are based around a Ice Hockey team and its players so this was a refreshing change. This is a fast paced novella, and I liked the heat and buildup between Zac and Heather, although he has been lusting from afar for the last 4 years, his decision to make his feelings known to the bosses daughter, couldn't really come about at a worse time. What with his contract up for re-negotiation, the team struggling for superiority, and a nasty little spy reporting their whereabouts whenever they try to secretly get together, things turn a little nasty when the teams fans turn on Heather. This is an easygoing read, if you have a few hours to spare. I liked the components used to bring this story together, and although it doesn't really offer any surprises, it was really well written, and lays the foundation to what could become an easy-to-get-addicted-to series. ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Undefeated (Bomb Squad, #2); Author: Melissa Cutler; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "It's just you and me and breathing." Stars! The second book in Melissa Cutler's Bomb Squad Series, came as a huge surprise to me. Whilst I enjoyed the first book Risky Business, it didn't blow me away. Whereas, Undefeated pretty much grabbed me from the first chapter and didn't let me go until the end; I read it in a day as I just couldn't bear to put it down. "I want your time and attention." There are a lot of books out at the moment that include characters that are struggling with PTSD, and the after effects. Some good, some bad, some indifferent, this is book quite simply puts you right in the middle of Liam's struggles, Marlena's attempts at understanding him, and their long and hard struggle to be together in a meaningful way whilst dealing with the rigors of everyday life and the innocent things that sometimes trigger the bad memories. This is a book that really delves deep, into the causes, treatments and effects on a person as well as the people that care about them, who is struggling with mental issues. There are a lot of side stories playing out through this book as well as Liam and Marlena's, and a lot of secondary characters that take a primary role at points, but it isn't confusing, the writing is descriptive, emotive and full of expression, the humor when it comes is a little break from the drama and Melissa has managed to portray a beautiful, damaged, ornery, anti-social, lonely man, perfectly. "My mouth only does one thing well, and talking's not it." Liam is a blunt, brash, rude, dirty talking, devoted, compassionate and loyal guy and I fell in love with him. Marlena is spiritual, friendly, loving and happy on the surface; however as the story develops the things the pair of them have in common become more and more apparent as well. "I'm going to be your solid ground tonight." There are points when Liam's internal monologue and the actions of the Bomb Squad made me cry, I giggled a few times as well, a group of men shooting the shit with each other is always going to bring a smile to my face and the author really did capture their voices and the joviality of it from a male perspective really well. "You always have a choice when you're with me. Remember that." As the emotional bond and the building of trust between Liam and Marlena develops you also see them become more comfortable with each other and due to that the verbal sparring between them becomes more and more entertaining as well. I loved this book, I loved the characters, it was unputdownable for me, a total surprise, it exceeded every expectation I had and then some. I cannot wait for the third book in the series Game Changer is due May 2015 ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once and Again (Return to Briarwood, #1); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "You can't change what you can't change." Star. DNF @ 49% I hate, literally hate writing a DNF sum up for a book by Elizabeth Barrett, her Star Harbor series is one of my all-time favorite reads, and to say I was excited to learn that a new series was coming our way in the form of Return to Briarwood would be an understatement. This book has all the potential to be a five star read; second chance love - Carolyn and Jake have not seen each other in fifteen years, in that time he has gone from poor too rich, and Carolyn the reverse, their initial parting was not on good terms, and the potential for their re-connection to offer up some real drama, rediscovery and sexy times was strong. What I cannot understand, even though this is a series, is then adding another POV from a totally unrelated character in single-mom Jane Porter, yes shes a new friend to Carolyn, but that was about it @ the 49% mark. I also struggle with the amount if secondary characters and side plots that are zipping off all over the place, yes as a series you expect there to be a lot of characters, and recurring ones at that, but if they don't have any real relevance in the major scheme of things in relation to the couple the book is about leave it until later on when the reader has started to remember who is important and what their relevance to the story is. At one point there are several paragraphs outlining who Carolyn's boss was, his wife and kids names and what they liked to do in their spare time, erroneous for me, and it is things like this that took what should have been a pretty easy read and bogged it down with lots of information that wasn't necessarily needed at the very beginning of the series. The other problem for me, is that I didn't really feel any empathy for either Carolyn, Jake and Jane as her story started to be revealed. We have - - Carolyn; the Martyr to a father who although responsible for losing the families wealth, couldn't give a shit about anyone but himself, and two sisters that are off doing who knows what, who knows where. - Jake; who has come back to flip the bird at all the people who turned their noses up at him when he was poor and from the wrong side of the tracks, when in reality even with money they still see him exactly the same way. - Jane; a woman who has left a husband and is trying make the best of a fresh start, whilst bringing up a child on her own in pretty extenuating circumstances, to then have further drama dropped on her in the form of a meddling mother and the re-appearance of said ex. It was just too much too soon for me, and it just slowed the story's pace down to that of a snail. Unfortunately, as a reader; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: When Joss Met Matt; Author: Ellie Cahill; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "This has bad plan written all over it." Stars! This is my first book from Ellie Cahill, and I enjoyed every second of it. It reminded me of a good old Rom-Com film, and whilst reading it, that's how Joss and Matt's story played through my head, this book would really transfer to the medium of film with ease. Its one of those books that is like a warm hug on a cold day. "This must be why angels and devils don't mix." The story spans seven years, formative years, from college to adulthood, and how a friendship can evolve and develop over that time, the one constant being the inclusion of 'Sorbet Sex'. Joss and Matt are there for each other at pretty much every pivotal moment of the others lives, happy, sad, love and loss. The sex and the parameters of their relationship deviates from the original set of rules they agreed upon whilst in College, as they get older. Understandably, as the issues they experience in life change as they branch out and move on. The cast is plentiful, the story well paced and I liked that it moved from the now, back to the past with great ease. It was seamless, easy to keep up with and getting to look at those seven years and what had transpired between them really worked beautifully in relation to the conclusions that the story is inevitably moving towards. If you are looking for something to dip into, or just curl up with, When Joss Met Matt will certainly offer you a well written, easy-going read. The writing style that Ellie Cahill offers really does pull you into the characters and their feelings. Low on drama, high on entertainment, and an absolute pleasure to read. "Thanks for being here." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Temporal Shift (Dark Desires #4); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "I like a man who can still get an erection in the face of certain death." Stars! Blown Away that's pretty much all I have to say about the latest book from Nina Croft. One thing I do think needs to be clarified and that is that the characters and places, as well as the continuing storylines are part of the Blood Hunter series. Although this book is listed as a Dark Desires Novel on the cover, I am a little unsure whether this book and any future books are being marketed as a different series. Personally I would highly recommend that you read the full Blood Hunter series before you read this one, mainly because an awful lot happens in those books to a lot of the characters that run through this book, but also because they are freaking amazing books anyway! "I've been yours since I turned sixteen and first dreamed of you." This book focuses on Devlin Stark, he featured in the Blood Hunter books, but is now front and centre, it isn't a spoiler to say he is looking for revenge against the man that murdered his brother, as it states it in the books synopsis, that storyline is however a big part of the last book in the previous series. After travelling through a black hole in search of meridian, Devlin and the rest of the crew of the Blood Hunter 2, stumble upon a planet unlike any they have previously come upon, here they find Saffira Lourdes and her people. Saffira is special; she sees the past and the future in visions and Devlin is less than impressed when he discovers he features pretty heavily in some of the spicier visions that Saffira has. Nina Croft, went the extra mile with Temporal Shift the plot in general is superb, but the storylines involving Devlin and Saffira are just mind blowing, how she managed to split everything and then pull it all back together just offers the reader one surprise after another, after another. You just do not know what to expect from each and every chapter, but in a really invigorating way. "Fuck that hurt." The same old constants are there with regards to Rico and his acerbic wit and Captain Tannis with her over protectiveness for her crew, along with the outstanding banter between them all in general, once again I have pretty much run out of words that I can use to say just how much I love this series. One thing that makes it shine for me though, is the total and unashamed Anglicized writing, I can hear these characters conversations clearly in my head because of it, and I love it! "I love you..." "I don't want your love" "It's yours anyway. It's always been yours. I'll be yours until the end of time." I have been lucky enough to read these books in pretty quick succession, I am majorly bummed now that I have to wait for future books to be released, so fingers crossed it isn't too long; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Here All Along (Kelly Brothers, #7); Author: Crista McHugh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - She couldn't leave Hollywood behind - not entirely. She avoided the spotlight, but she still lingered in the shadows. Star. DNF @ 64% I have enjoyed most of the Kelly Brothers series, so it bummed me out a little bit that the last book in the series left me up to the point I stopped reading frustrated and a little underwhelmed. If I am honest the last couple of books didn't have quite the spark of the predecessors, but Here all Along sadly fizzled out completely for me. My frustration stemmed from the fact that this was a book I have been looking forward to in that Gideon Kelly has not really played much of a part in the rest of the books, being a busy movie star his lack of appearance at a lot of the Kelly family events has been explained away due to a hectic work schedule, so I was looking forward to getting in his head and enjoying the 'friends to lovers' romance. Sadly it was overshadowed by annoying and unlikeable secondary characters for the most part. Stupid, stubborn, redhead. My other issue, and this was the nail in the coffin for me was Sarah Holtz, or more specifically the use of her alcoholism as the mainstay of the story. If you are in recovery for three years, and have been clean in that time, it really doesn't sit well with me as a reader that the author is then happy to just throw that sobriety 'off the wagon' in one foul swoop. I also struggled to get on-board with Gideon's then easy acceptance of finding her drunk. if you choose to live your life in the Hollywood bubble, and are hiding more than a few skeletons in your closet, it stands to reason they are all going to come tumbling out at some point. "Please don't run away from what could be something great between us... Please, red, give us a chance." I wish I had loved this book, I really wanted the series to end on a high note, the authors writing style is as strong as it always is. I would still happily read further books by Crista McHugh, I just couldn't get past my disappointment with all the added extra's character-wise in this story, and the way the rest of the story was playing out around them, Gideon and Sarah sort of got lost in it all a bit. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: In the Red Zone (Kelly Brothers, #6); Author: Crista McHugh; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Game on." Stars. Crista McHugh has delivered another solid read with book six in the Kelly Brothers Series. Frank hasn't figured massively in the previous books, being a pro footballer he spends his time in a different part of the country from a lot of the family. I liked this story, I won't say it blew me away; Crista has made every one of the Kelly Brothers likeable, some with more drama in their stories than others, and the women they fall for are always usually pretty agreeable too, as is the case with In the Red Zone. Frank lacked a little spark compared to the rest of his brothers, his fiery red-headedness came to the fore very briefly at the beginning of the book, but then he seemed to just relax into Mr. Easygoing' without much of anything to make him really stand out, I was expecting someone with a little more attitude and mettle if I am being honest. "When I commit to something I give it my all." I found part of Kiana's back story involving her ex to be under developed and what I thought would play a bigger part in the budding relationship between her and frank sort of fizzled out without too much exploration or development. The emotional scars were there to see and did play a part in the building of their connection but I wanted the whole situation to have more of a run and less of a 'cut and dried' solution than it was given. I liked Frank and Kiana together, he made all the right noises and did all the right things, but it was difficult to find any real connection between them over and above the football and the fund raising for a lot of the book, this installment in the series was all very sweet and nice, it was still a worthwhile read, but nothing really stood out about this Kelly Brother for me. That said, I have enjoyed each and every one of the books in this series, it stands to reason some are going to hit the spot more than others. The Kelly brothers are all unique and have differing attributes and personality traits. I like that, they aren't all one going to be any one thing, and it makes each of the books in the series differ from their predecessor. "I'm right here beside you until the very end." Gideon Kelly is up next, I look forward to June and seeing what sort of story Crista gives him! ARC generously provided by the author, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Say My Name (Stark International Trilogy, #1); Author: J. Kenner; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "You think you're the one in control? Think again..." Stars. There is no doubt that Julie Kenner can write damaged, brooding, controlling alpha males with a certain something that makes the women they desire fall hook, hand-cuff and blind-fold for them, women that usually come with their own set of monogrammed baggage themselves, and for the most part these are themes and tropes that I enjoy, but having read all of the books in the Stark and the Most Wanted series, I have to say that nothing really stood out in Say My Name as new or different from any of the previous books or characters that the author has given us. This isn't a negative review, but I do expect more from this author if I am being completely honest. Everything about this book, just called de-ja-vu to me, I don't know maybe me reading tastes have changed since the Stark days, but Jackson Steele didn't really have anything about him that made him memorable or distinctive to me, he actually says to Sylvia in the book, that 'Stark leaves a long shadow,' and unfortunately he definitely seemed to be firmly in it. "I want you to remember everything you gave up." If you are a first time reader of this authors books I have no doubt you will be sucked into the slightly twisted and dark relationship that Jackson and Sylvia have, who could guess that two days spent together in Atlanta, five years previously would have such a deep and profound effect on them both separately and as a couple going forward. Bought back together by desperation on Sylvia's part, and kept together by Jackson's demands things are wobbly at best, the threads start to unravel again as the book progresses, when secrets and lies start to be exposed on both sides. The connection between the two of them for some of the book was tenuous for me, and Jackson cane across as a bit of a hardhearted tool at points, but there are also parts where he shows Sylvia great understanding and passion as well, but they never really felt 'comfortable' together for a lot of the time. There is a lot going on in this though, motivations for a lot of things haven't been fully shared as yet, which I am sure will keep readers entertained in the following books. I want desperately to be in his arms again, and I am absolutely terrified of the collision. This is the first book in the authors new Stark International Trilogy and as such this couple have a lot more to come. This isn't the end of their story, but luckily it doesn't finish on a massive cliffy, some secrets have been revealed, as you would expect there are a lot more to come and not all the players have dealt their hands yet... "I'm the man who'll fight your demons." Although not blown away I would still recommend this book, it was still enjoyable and I wholly expect to be in the minority with my feelings.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous; Author: Patricia Rosemoor; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - Unusual, and not in a good way. Stars. DNF. I have to say this is probably the most unusually written book that I have ever tried to read. I say 'tried' as my concentration drifted so many times that I had to go back and re-read more than a few paragraphs. My main problems are that the story is written in the first person, but then the flashbacks revert to third person, its all very disjointed, and to be frank the writing style is so clinical it felt like I was reading an instruction manual a lot of the time. "You Missed Justus by minutes," he tells her. Her gaze is locked with his. She looks stunned. And wary. She seems confused. She wasn't the only one. I actually started reminding me of that scene in Silence of The Lambs, you know the one... Sorry, it's just not a writing style that works for me, in relation to a book that is meant to be romantic suspense. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Unwritten History; Author: Missy Johnson; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - He's only going to be a friend anyway... right?" Stars. If you want the full and extremely sexy picture of how and where Eli and Jill initially got together, you will want to read Unwritten History. "I never lose control, but if anything is going to make me do it, it's you." This is my first time reading work by these two authors, I am moving straight onto Rewriting History I enjoyed this novella so much! "You've exceeded my expectations." ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rewriting History; Author: Missy Johnson; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3 - Does love at eighteen differ to the love you feel at twenty-five? Stars. I am a big fan for the teacher-student romance story. I suppose it is the forbidden aspect more than anything, and being a girl who remembers fondly her own teacher crushes, its an enjoyable way to spend a few hours reading about the girls who got to live out their fantasies with their own teacher crushes (albeit in a fictional way). I have fallen for the girl who hid behind the safety of her computer screen. I would firstly recommend that you read the prequel novella to this book Unwritten History although not long, it does give you greater depth and understanding into both Eli and Jill and the beginnings of their story. Rewriting History was an OK read. It went from the first 50% being enjoyably average, to the second 50% at points being supremely stupid and extremely underwhelming. There are a lot of tropes thrown at this book, all of them I have seen in at least one or more previous books from this genre, and most of them just fizzled out without really being explored or justified. That on the whole doesn't bother me, lets face it there are really only ever going to be a couple of ways a Teacher/Student romance is ever going to ultimately turn out, but for me I think the author(s) added too much, I would have liked more development and concentration on a couple of the many plot twists, rather than more and more things being added, sometimes more is just...more. All I can do is hope that love is enough for our relationship to survive. I would happily read more work from Missy/Carly, this wasn't a bad book at all. I just think when you are putting out a book in a genre that has been done to death by a lot of authors with varying degrees of success, you need to make sure that you are offering A La Carte and not all-you-can-eat-buffet. We just need to be careful. ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cursed by Fire (Immortal Brothers, #1); Author: Jacquelyn Frank; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - "I'm not sure if you are my salvation or my destruction." Stars. Jacquelyn Frank as an author is new to me, I have seen her books, but never until now actually read one. The Synopsis of book one in the Immortal Brothers series grabbed me when I read it, so I thought i would give Cursed by Fire a go. As a first read, I will be honest it has given me cause to pause. There were parts that made up this book that I really, really liked. For one, the author has an amazingly descriptive narrative. Even though we are taken to a different time and place where Gods, Goddesses and Warriors still roam, it was not a struggle to imagine the places described or picture the people inhabiting them. I also found this writing style particularly bewitching when being told in Dethan's POV, this guy has suffered, is still suffering, and because of it you would think that all trace of humanity would have been literally burnt out of the guy, but given the chance of redemption and release from the Curse that holds him, by the Goddess of Conflict, he is battle ready and raring to go after being left to repent in the most abhorrent of ways for more time than can be imagined. The ebb and flow of the story progresses well, once the scene has been set and the players introduced everything moves along at a fair old pace, with a little bit of everything to tempt the reader. "Your taste tempts me and I will have the whole of it." What lowered the star rating for me as the book progressed was the culmination of three things, The King (or Grand), his daughter; Selinda, the Grandina of Hexis and her evil husband-to-be, Grannish. It was all a bit weak and comical in all honesty. A king who is to blind to see what is in front of his face, a woman who defers to a spineless bully, unless a stronger man is around to stand up to him. Every time Grannish was mentioned, and from the descriptions that were given, the only image that kept springing to mind was a certain animated Lord, who thought size, or his lack of it, is what really matters! I enjoyed Dethan's tale enough to want to read Garreth's, the next book in the series Cursed by Ice, due March 2015. I am hoping that it is more of a case of the characters not being to my liking on this occasion, as the writing was top notch. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Extraordinary Life of Lara Craft (not Croft); Author: Lola Salt; Genres: young-adult, children, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "Life is for living." Star. DNF @ 50% I think it is more a case of 'it's not you, it's me' with this book. It started out pretty well, and I did have a few giggles. But it went from sublimely ridiculous to just plain ridiculous very quickly, and I stopped myself reading it, to see if a few days break would get me back into it. But alas no, Lara and her adventures just aren't for me, from boffing a devoutly religious virgin rancher in the Australian outback, to a threesome with some stoner Twi-hards in L.A. it was all a bit O.T.T, and that in itself found me getting bored. I am a fan of Sarah Alderson's writing, Becky Wicks as an author is new to me, although this extreme circumstantial-comedy style of writing didn't work for me, I am certain it will be a hit with others. Notwithstanding, I would happily read books written by both authors in the future. ARC generously provided by the authors. I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot for Teacher; Author: Mandee Mae; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Review for Unwritten History. 3 - He's only going to be a friend anyway... right?" Stars. If you want the full and extremely sexy picture of how and where Eli and Jill initially got together, you will want to read Unwritten History. "I never lose control, but if anything is going to make me do it, it's you." This is my first time reading work by these two authors, I am moving straight onto Rewriting History I enjoyed this novella so much! "You've exceeded my expectations." ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hard to Let Go (Hard Ink, #4); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I've never been the kind of man who believed in dreams... That wasn't the hand I got dealt." Stars! IT's LIVE!!! This book, as well as the series as a whole is another outstanding example of why I love Laura Kaye's work. It is hard to believe that the whole series encompasses approximately one month in the lives of the characters it involves. Beckett and Katherine's story is told around the climax of the whole Church Gang / Seneka Worldwide Security investigation, as well as Nick, Marz, Shane and Easy trying to clear their own names and military records in the process, with a lot of help from the women they have met and fell in love with, Charlie Merritt, Jeremy Rixey and the Raven Riders MC. "Dude. I am so not the one with the problem." The chemistry has been bubbling between Beckett and Kat since she turned up at Hard Ink unannounced, after pulling a gun on her for thinking she was an intruder, their relationship has been one of sarcasm, snark and winding each other up at every opportunity ever since. As with all the previous books, Beckett like his team mates before him, is struggling with the mental and physical after-effects of the mission in Afghanistan that saw him lose pretty much everything that was important to him. Their careers, their brothers-in-arms and their reputations. They all carried a little dose of fucked up around with them." I liked Kat as well, strong, confident and prepared to do anything and everything she can to help her brothers and their partners, not to mention the rest of the team go forward to live a life without threat and fear hanging over them. This couple together, full on steam coming off my Kindle hot! "That won't be the last time you come down my throat... And this won't be the only time you come on my cock." Beckett opening up to Kat and the team about his past, the repercussions of what went down in Afghanistan on him on a personal level, and his gradual realization that he is a person who is deserving of love, a life and a future with someone by his side... Maybe he was meant to float through life - unattached, unfeeling, unwanted. Absolutely. Outstanding. It wasn't really a surprise though, because Laura has dealt with every one of the issues these guys have been dealing with, whether it be mental, physical or a mixture of the both with absolute respect and when reading, what feels like thorough research and understanding. "Don't let me hurt you. Never let me hurt you, Angel. Promise me." You need to have read all of the previous books to really understand just how good this series is. The overall plot and how it grows and branches out, the gradual inclusion and depth of development of all of the characters into the storyline, the secondary characters relevance, everyone's back-stories and the ultimate finale, the pace and how everything comes to pass are just another example as to why; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Movie Star's Red Hot Holiday Fling; Author: Christine Glover; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - She didn't need happily ever after. She just needed him. Stars. I really enjoyed this novella; it is a quick, sassy, sexy and emotional seasonal read. I liked that the author stepped away from the norm and gave the reader a female veteran, dealing with PTSD and the aftermath of a tour-of-duty gone wrong. "Privacy's overrated." Jessie is carrying around a lot of ghosts from her past, and Blake manages to help her see things from a different and more balanced perspective. The snarky banter between these two in the beginning is really engaging; Jessie has definitely got her opinions on Move Star Blake and is not afraid to let them loose. Blake isn't shy on calling her on her shit though, and it doesn't take long for him to work out that the chip on her shoulder is actually a cover for some deeper and more damaging problems. "Nothing will stop me from proving I'm ready to serve even if it's stateside." Unfortunately, trust and sharing goes both ways, and when Jessie discovers that some of her revelations have been used in a way she wasn't prepared for, the merriness of the season quickly dissipates, and Blake finds himself with some serious bridge building to do. "I just want someone to hold me." This is a sweet little novella for someone looking to curl up with something sexy with a little drama around Christmas thrown in. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One to Leave (One to Hold, #5); Author: Tia Louise; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "All of this... it's a lot to take in." Stars! I love this series, and I love Tia Louise's writing of it. Each and every character brings a little something to the mix that the others do not have and as a whole, you have a wonderfully entertaining and eclectic mix of people, all of which you fall a little in love with as their stories are told, and the series as a whole progresses. "So much has happened, and not enough." It is pretty safe to say I will never get bored of reading each of the episodes in the lives of Derek, Patrick, Melissa, Elaine, as well as Kenny and Slayde and now Stuart and Mariska that Tia has given her readers, and One to Leave is no exception. Although not my favorite book, I still really enjoyed it. "When I go, I go alone." Main reason being for me is that, I have waited an awfully long time to meet and get to know the elusive Stuart Knight, and although this is his and Mariska's story an awful lot of other stories are also being played out around theirs in this book. Not a bad thing and it offers great development to the series as a whole. But I still don't feel I know Stuart as well as I want too, and the lesser focus on him in this book for the group as a whole I think bears a little responsibility for that. Although Knowing the imagination of Ms. Louise, I am hoping against hope that this is because there will be another book involving this couple more 'intimately' in the future! As I said, I still love this series. Tia nailed the banter between Derek, Patrick and Stuart, and it was great to see a little more of the dynamic between the Knight brothers as well as the group as a whole with the inclusion of Kenny, Slayde and Mariska. "I want to know you better. That's all." Stuart Knight, much like Derek Alexander is a man of many facets, he is definitely a guy who likes to be in charge, and I liked the mix of his dominance with Mariska's slightly freer spirit. She didn't shy away from standing up to him, or giving him a run for his money though and I really liked that. The inclusion of Nikki into this story pissed me off a bit, but again I expect this is something to do with the author's 'bigger picture' of which her readers quite rightly aren't fully privy to as yet! I do hope that we get to see more of this couple in more closer conditions in a future book from the series. I also have to give Tia the medal for a longest epilogue I have read in a book so far, she could have almost marketed it as a novella if she had been of a mind to! "Make a wish." ... "Make it for me." My wish, has pretty much been granted, One to Save is due; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Blank Canvas (The Apartment Novels, #2); Author: Amanda Black; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "The cuter your face gets, the more I want to sit on it." Stars! The Blank Canvas is the second book in Amanda Black's The Apartment Novels series. It was enjoyable, but I didn't find it as emotionally engaging as the first book. "I'm happy for the first time in years, and the only thing I'm high on is you." After Ethan's shock departure at the end of The Apartment I expected there to be more in the way of fireworks between the two of them upon his return, but apart from his family giving a good talking too, Lily just seemed happy to let him step back into her life and dictate every step of their blossoming relationship. Ethan was the dominant character in their initial meetings though, so I suppose it is to be expected that he will step back into that role when they reconnect. This story still had the heat of the first book, but whereas The Apartment was dirty-sexy, The Blank Canvas is more sweetly-sexy, and delayed gratification is definitely the name of the game. I enjoyed seeing Ethan and Lily get their 'Happily Ever After', but I kind of expected more from the author after the heat and originality of the first book, The Blank Canvas was a little too 'cut & dried' for me. One thing is for certain, this series shows that Amanda Black without doubt has great talent, it's a little 'raw' right now in my opinion, what with the overuse and repetition of certain words (purr, purred, purring, whine, whined) throughout the book, and the ease in which everything was resolved, it all felt a little rushed this time, but I am definitely on the lookout for more work from her in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Retrace; Author: Sigal Ehrlich; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - "Hey I'm the neighbor from upstairs, can I borrow some sex? Stars. This book is an absolute hoot, although I am pretty sure the author didn't intend it to be that way, I hope that the version that is released for purchase has been fully edited and spell checked, because to be quite frank I was laughing so hard at points I pretty much lost what was going on in the story.... As below - ~ Spamming Tissues - Pretty sure they were spasming, but hey what do I know. ~ Not long after we ordered in Italian and had it with a couple of wine glasses. - Were the wine glasses the starter, or maybe they work better as dessert! ~ "Scared the leaving shit out of me." - Mmmm is that the living. ~ I wrap my arms around him and he buries his face above my bare chest, heaving heavily. - She must smell reallllly bad for that to happen. And the gold medal winner - ~ A very distinctive bugle meets my middle, when a mighty eager Reeves lands between my legs. Unfortunately, as I said the above did detract from the story a bit, but if I am honest I struggled to find much of a story to begin with. It started out really well, we are given a definitive prologue for both characters, and their first meeting is unforgettable to say the least. Nia and Reeves are both battling demons, Reeves we find out about at the beginning of the book, Nia's more-so as their story progresses. I could empathise with Reeves somewhat, but the big reveal for Nia's past issues was a bit of a let-down, and I struggled to understand her whole reaction to it, and if I am honest I was expecting both of their pasts to actually tie up in some way. They pretty much spend the first 75% of the book, bouncing off each other like bunnies but vehemently denying they are a couple, to then come to the conclusion that actually they are a couple. There is a little added drama with Katie, Reeve's best friends little sister, but it didn't really bring any value to the book on the whole to be honest, and the last 15% where both characters deal with their pasts all seemed to just fizzle out. I did love the Dual epilogue though, it gave their story a pretty decent closure. There's something about Reeve's that put's me at ease, that just makes me want to, well, be next to him. Typos aside, the writing is good, I would read other books from this author without hesitation, I was just expecting more to be honest. I have heard good things about Sigal Ehrlich but Retrace was lacking in any real depth of story-line for me to give it more than the rating I have. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Hundred Christmas Proposals; Author: Holly Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Stars! I read a lot of books, and I enjoy most of them, but I would be telling fibs if I said I remembered reading each and every one. Holly Martin, and her books are a total exception to that rule. I remember them all, quite simply because they are unforgettable. Her writing style is unique, her characters unforgettable and her story-lines pure, reading perfection. Harry and Susie from One Hundred proposals are Back! I loved the first book, this little Christmas novella is the perfect continuation of their story. Holly had me laughing, crying and awwwing over their antics, the situations that they ended up in, and the blog posts of the perfect proposals they arranged. I hope at some point in the future that Holly has the opportunity to give Jules and Badger their own little story. After the events in One Hundred Christmas Proposals I really would love to see them get their Happily Ever After as well! ARC generously provide via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for her readers next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Second Chance at Paris (Bayou's End, #1); Author: Cole McCade; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: There is a new cock on the roost, in what is largely a female dominated hen house, otherwise known as today's romantic fiction, and boy does he know what he is doodle-do-dooing! It is fair to say I was a little skeptical when I read Second Chance at Paris I liked Zero Day Exploit but it doesn't hold a candle to the writing, characterization and story development in this book. Cole has a certain poetic lyricism to his writing, at points my reading flow was almost like singing a song in my head, the music just came and the words were his. "Have you seen the U.S papers today?" "Can't say that I have." "Do you even care?" "Can't say that I do." "Because you're an asshole." "Could say that I am." The tropes aren't new, but they way they are used is, I am a sucker for second chance love stories, and Celeste and Ion are unique, unusual and colorful characters. It really helps that the secondary characters are also likeable, and fit well into the story as a whole. This is a book that isn't just about love, but about family, acceptance and learning that sometimes appearances can be deceiving in the most delightful of ways! You're not the boy I watched from afar without ever really knowing him... but I think you may be even better. Sometimes it's worth taking a chance, sometimes it isn't, I have been on both sides of that coin more times than I can count when it comes too books and authors. This is one risk that definitely reaped rewards, and I cannot wait to see where Cole takes us next in the Bayou's End series. "I wished on a star," ... "And it bought me you." ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hard as It Gets (Hard Ink, #1); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - All Gave Some. Some Gave All. Stars. I have been saving up the Hard Ink series as I love me some Laura Kaye, and I hate having to wait for books in continuing series to be released. I am now in the enviable position of having 4 to read on the trot, YAY me! Nick and Becca are characters that you grow to love as the book progresses, add in a whole troupe of delectable, yet damaged and diverse ex-serviceman, a tattooist brother and a three legged puppy and you know you are in for a right treat. He was as beautiful in the light of day as he was in the shadows of night. Laura Kaye has once again smashed it out of the park, in terms of storyline, characters and development; I am always a little leery of the romantic suspense genre, as there are few authors who seem to be able to carry it off well. With this first offering in the Hard Ink series, Laura has added herself to my very short, but extremely distinguished list of those that can. I am off too see how The Hard Ink Special Forces Team adventure continues in book two, with sexy Shane and his Southern Drawl, firmly front and centre!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling for the Enemy (Private Pleasures, #3); Author: Samanthe Beck; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Wolverine's got skills." Stars! Samanthe Beck is an author that can basically do no wrong in my eyes; she has taken a fictional town and its residents and made me want to move there. Bluelick, Kentucky is definitely on the overachiever side of the scale when it come to hot-single-and-ready-to-mingle men, and all of the ones we have so far met have their own little brand of something special to keep a girl on the slightly damp side. "I can assure you I haven't been a virgin for a long time..." "You are by one important standard." "Oh yeah," ... "How do you reckon?" "You haven't had sex with me." Ginny has featured in the previous two books in this series in that she has been friends with the girls whose stories the books are telling. Ballsy, confident and not afraid to speak her mind, she's been the talker of the group. It was good to get behind the public persona and see more of the woman behind. "Sugar, if you're not happy with your haircut, all you have to do is say so." What initially turns out as a haircut and shave in thanks for swooping in and saving the day quickly turns into something a whole lot more for Shaun Buchanan. Ginny as owner of the hair salon is known about town, and since his return, 'accidentally' ending up in the vicinity of the woman herself and her hair salon has become something of a habit for him. What she doesn't know, and what he isn't aware of is that their physical and emotional connection behind closed doors could have a whole heap of ramifications for the both of them if ever made public knowledge. "Some mistakes are worth repeating." I think that Samanthe Beck is probably one of the most accomplished writers that I have come across recently who manages to bring her characters to life in such a way that you feel like you have known them forever, what with giving them really well developed and highly emotive back stories as well as personalities that you can't help but like, you really feel like you are in Bluelick following along with their trials, tribulations and lives with them. "Take a ride with me." Loved this book. Adore this series. I really hope that this isn't the last we have seen of this town and its residents. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mistaken by Fate (Serve, #3); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 "whatever you're selling, I don't want any part of it." Stars! Mistaken by Fate is Katee Roberts first addition to the Serve series, and Garrett Reaver is definitely a keeper! Before him came Oliver and Jonah, the one thing they have in common... Serve BDSM Club. I really liked Garrett and Ridley together, Garrett is definitely a Dom, and not just an alpha male, and although he wholly takes charge in the bedroom, at the club and on any other available wall or surface of his choosing Ridley quickly understands that her pleasure is still his top priority, and by pushing her boundaries and controlling her pleasure things develop into more than just sex. "It's called aftercare, baby. Get used to it." Ridley is independent, so submitting in any part of her life comes initially as a bit of a challenge, but Garrett senses that in the bedroom giving up control is ultimately what will give her the most amount of pleasure, and he is determined to be the one to initiate her into the scene. She'd never met a bet that she wouldn't take. When he discovers that his brother Will is her initial choice after inadvertently stepping in and taking his place in one of Serve's private rooms, long held feelings and emotions surface, and although he isn't in it for the long haul he makes Ridley and offer she can't refuse. "Garrett had always been the one - the one who broke her heart, the one who got away, the one she'd lost her mind over the second he crooked a finger at her. These two have a past, and it plays a big part in how their present plays out together. I am a huge softy for the best friend's older brother trope. Katee pretty much delivered up the perfect mesh of sexy-times, romance and emotion between this couple, and I would have happily read a longer book with more development into Ridley's discovery of the art of submitting to the man she gave her heart to as a teenager. "Fighting for something makes you appreciate it all the more." Tessa Bailey and Katee Robert have delivered the goods with every book in this series so far, I am interested to see where it takes us next. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hard as You Can (Hard Ink, #2); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "How may prior military does it take to drill in a screw?" Stars! I think this is going to be one of those series, where I fall in love with each successive book a little more than I did its predecessor. I loved Nick Rixey in Hard as it Gets but Shane McCallan, ticked all the Southern charm boxes and then some for me. "I specialize in pain in the ass, darling.'" I think the other big thing about this book, and I am hoping for more of in the rest of the series, is reading of the rebuilding of the bonds of trust in the team. Nick and Shane have some pretty deep moments in Hard as you Can and nothing grabs me by the throat and squeezes the ever loving tears out of me more than an outwardly strong, sexy alpha male, facing up to and dealing with his demons, that fact that you get two of them facing their personally perceived weaknesses together had me crying into a tissue for more than a minute or two. "I've never felt closer to another person than I do to you." This book is a little deeper than it's predecessor, what with Nick and Shane having their moment, Crystal and her sister Jenna (who I am hoping is less annoying in her own book) are dealing with some pretty serious, and potentially dangerous situations themselves. Shane being their potential Knight in a shining bullet proof vest! He was a fire she had no business playing with. You need to read this series in order, a lot has happened in the first two books alone, and I don't think any reader would get the benefit of the full and very involved storyline that Laura has put together without following their reading order, another winner, and off to the next book I merrily skip.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eyes Turned Skyward (Flight & Glory, #2); Author: Rebecca Yarros; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "The best things are worth the burn." Stars. Rebecca Yarros got herself an Insta-fan with me after I finished reading Full Measures it is a book I read with my heart in my mouth and a tissue at my eyes. So you can imagine my joy at seeing that this wonderful author had another book due up for release. Eyes Turned Skyward is loosely connected to Full Measures but you don't need to read it to understand anything from Paisley and Jagger's story, this book is wholly their own. I would however recommend that you do, because it is a bloody marvelous book! "No one is friends like we are." This book, like its predecessor, grabs you from the offset, and doesn't let you go. Rebecca has a way of interweaving the characters stories together, and throwing in little plot twists that keep you guessing right up until the end. At the beginning you sense that Paisley and Jagger both have more to their stories and backgrounds than the information that is immediately provided, and you are not wrong. What surprised me is just how deep and far their pasts go, and how much a difference every revelation could potentially make to each of them and their blossoming relationship. This isn't a light fluffy book. Paisley and Jagger are both dealing with some pretty serious issues, some personal, a lot familial, but I didn't finish it bummed out, it is a book that lifts you, makes you think about life and the people around you, and appreciate the things you have. I loved this book, I loved the characters, it's not overly angsty, but the drama and romance is absolutely stellar. Rebecca Yarros is an absolutely outstanding talent, probably the best new author I have discovered in 2014. I want more, I want it now, and I want it in plentiful amounts (I know that I am not going to get that, but it is the season of magic and sparkle and a girl can wish!) You're my only Little Bird." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure in providing the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Surrogate Husband; Author: Wynter Daniels; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - She went for leather jackets, not leather briefcases. Stars. Sadly this book really did not work for me, I loved the premise, but it was just a constant repetition of the same thing - * You are not my type of guy. * I have daddy issues. * I'm not really interested in you, it's just for show. * You take too many risks. * I'm not supposed to mix business with pleasure. Add to that the fact that I found the chemistry between Lucy and Dex absolutely non-existent, and it made this book a bit of a slog to get through. ARC generously provided by Entangled, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: One Night in Vegas; Author: C.M. Stone; Genres: non-fiction, romance; Review: 3.5 - "It's just one night on vacation, right?" Stars. One Night in Vegas is a short sexy novella focusing on Eliza and Chris. Eliza is returning to Vegas to spend New Year with her workaholic brother, who conveniently cancels their New Years Eve dinner plans and arranges for Chris to take his place. Little does he know (or does he...) that his best friend and his little sister have more than just a little childhood reminiscing to catch up on. "You have a talent for making the most innocent things sound dirty." C. M. Stone has managed to cram a fair amount of second-chance loving into this enjoyable little novella. I really liked both Chris and Eliza, and the brother's best friend trope never gets boring when well written, and this novella certainly is. Take into account that you get to see a little into the other side of Vegas as well, it was worth the hour or so it took to read. "You look beautiful to me." Looking forward to reading more from this author, and hopefully this series in the future. ARC generously provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Until You Find Me (Untamed, #1); Author: Amber Hart; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - I am a collection of broken pieces. Stars! I absolutely loved this book, if you are looking for unique characters, in an unusual setting, with a writing style that borders on lyrical, then you are really going to enjoy Until You Find Me. Amber Hart is a new author on my reading list, but after reading the first part of Raven and Jospin's story I am pretty sure that won't be the case going forward. She is different where everything else looks the same. I didn't really have any expectations going into this book, the synopsis offered something completely different, the characters aren't your average young twenty-something's, and the setting; namely the Cameroon Jungle is certainly not somewhere I have visited in person or my imagination before. Raven is staying at the Heart for Habitat Gorilla Sanctuary, trying to come to terms with, and ultimately understand why her father dies. Dealing with her grief, a vicious gorilla attack that has left her scarred and scared, as well as trying to understand just what it exactly was that kept her dad from her life, and from missing her childhood years. You can kind of see where parts of this story is going to go as it develops, Jospin epitomizes everything Raven shouldn't want, and Raven is everything that Jospin should avoid, but it is so beautifully written that you can't help but get lost in their adventure. With them both keeping secrets from each other, and knowing only the basic background information, their time together focuses purely on the now and the stolen moments that they manage to spend with each other, as well as the unique circumstances that they find themselves in. "It seems I've grossly underestimated your determination." This book is full of suspense, surprising twists and a really good plot line, the diversity of the characters and the location that everything takes place in offers a refreshing and unusual read. I am a total sucker for animals in my book so Leahcim the gorilla and Raven's interactions with him, added even more enjoyment to my overall reading pleasure. Great news is, I have the second part of this couples story lined up to read next, Captured by You promises to be as exciting as its predecessor, what with the tables turning on pretty much everything Raven and Jospin have been through together, and their lives in general so far. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Desire (Chasing Love, #3); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - "You want another ride?" Stars! Joya Ryan, was one of my top author discoveries of 2014. Although not a new author on the block by any means, I discovered her impressive talent for storytelling with the release of the Chasing Love Series through Entangled's Brazen imprint. Her books offer everything I want to read in a romance, and the third book in the series Chasing Desire is no exception. "I just want some of your time." Huck Galvin has been very present in the previous two books in the series, and although you get too see his 'happy go-lucky' side as a secondary character, you get to see the true man in this book. I loved him! As a character he has two of my most favorite things Piercings and Ink as a man his personality and past offered everything I wanted to read about. Dirty talking, soft-centered, low on dramatics, high on humor. She was oil stained, and he was dusty and dirty, and damn if they didn't fit perfect. Joya turned the tables a little on this couple as well, Autumn isn't your average girl in a bind, she's super feisty, happy to one-up Huck in every way possible whenever she can, and go after her own wants and needs, and not just sit back and let a guy dominate her, in any way. Enemies in every way but in the bedroom. And boy did it make for some fantastic follow-up conversations and sexy times when Huck managed to pin Autumn down. Topping Huck Galvin would be time well spent. Joya, has a writing style you can't help but become engaged in and fall in love with. I really enjoyed these characters and their trials and tribulations in getting to their Happily ever after, this series just goes from strength to strength in my opinion. I hope we don't have to wait too long for Ryder's book. I also hope to see more books and Series from Joya through Entangled in the months and years to come. She is a talent to definitely keep hold of in my opinion! "I'm lovin' on you." ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seducing the Princess (Shillings Agency, #3); Author: Diane Alberts; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 "You might own a fucking country, but tonight... I own you." Stars. The third book in the Shillings Agency series takes a step into the realms of the imaginary, with the introduction of Princess Isabelle VanGuard of Maldeva. Journeying to the U.S for issues of great importance in relation to the continued prosperity of her country as well as meeting the man her parents deem may be a suitable match for her marriage, Isabelle is assigned one of Shilling's finest operatives in the form of tattooed, straight talking, take-no-shit, former marine Gordon Waybrook. "Just for one night, whatever you'd like, it's yours. I'd give it to you, no questions." Their connection is instant, their chemistry undeniable, but can a Princess, and a Marine with a penchant for being in charge in the bedroom truly work together in the long run... Seducing the Princess is an enjoyable addition to the Shillings series, I liked Gordon, for all of his reluctance to commit, he was quite happy to step up to the plate when the chips were down for Isabelle. The whole royal theme, didn't really blow me away, but I could appreciate where the author was going with the story. He was an American version of pure temptation. Looking forward to seeing if the I.T geek Holt will get a book next, there is certainly a story there begging to be told! ARC generously provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rush (White Lace, #1); Author: Gina Gordon; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Don't underestimate the power of a good pussy." Stars! If you are looking for something a bit different, sexy, edgy, slightly kinky, humorous, emotional, unexpected, in short a totally refreshingly engrossingly enjoyable read, then Rush is the book for you. "I hate it when I get the wrong vagina mold." Max and Everly together were the perfect pairing, Mr. Been-there-done-it-all-and-got-the-t-shirt-to-prove-it, meets Ms. Life-as-it-passes-her-by, but the good thing about both of them is that they weren't afraid to show their vulnerability with each other, or pull each other up on their bullshit. This is one of those books that comes along and takes you quite by surprise. I have read books by Gina Gordon before, for the most part they have been enjoyable experiences, Rush took this author and her writing to the next level for me. Everything was just right, from the extremes in the plot and characterization, to the level and depth of the secondary characters involvement in the storyline as it developed. "I'm not the class-A douche bag you think I am." And that was the best part of this book, I had pre-conceived ideas as to what Max would be like before I started the book, with a porn star mother and a porn production company owner father, he goes onto to take each of those mis-conceptions and show what type of guy he really is, with every 'check' mark he makes against Everly's bucket list. Everly in her innocence gave him the opportunity to be the man he wanted to be, but he also pushed her to see past the expectations that were heaped on her shoulders and to look at what she actually wanted from her life. There's been a lot of porn in my life lately. I loved this book; it made a change from a lot of what I have been reading lately, and I hope that the author has the opportunity to explore this world and the characters in it more at some point soon in the future. "Let go... Forget everything." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sealed with a Christmas Kiss; Author: Rachael Lucas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You only get one life," ... "Don't bottle it now." Stars! More Roddy and Kate and the rest of the gang from the Isle of Auchenomor! I loved Rachael Lucas's first book, set on this remote Scottish island Sealed with a Kiss, so when I saw Sealed with a Christmas Kiss pop up on Netgalley, I had absolutely no reservations in requesting it. Duntarvie House, it's inhabitants and the rest of the townsfolk return for a festive novella, of the wedded kind, and I loved every second of it. Kate and Roddy are attempting to make the house and it's grounds not to mention the island as a whole, a destination Wedding spot, and are looking to make the first wedding to be held at the House to go off without a hitch, to ensure plenty of good publicity, and hopefully more bookings for the future. "We're not trying for perfect - we're aiming for posh shabby chic." As you would expect not all goes to according to plan, and Kate is left with a few decisions to make, as well as a house to get ready for the destination wedding to beat all other destination weddings that have ever gone before it. Stress much! I loved this little novella, going back to Scotland, in any way, shape or form always makes me happy, and Rachael Lucas facilitated that return perfectly. ARC generously provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coming Up Roses; Author: Rachael Lucas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Time - and a spot of gardening - heal most things. Stars! There is one thing for me that I know is guaranteed when I pick up a book by Rachael Lucas, and that is I will immediately feel at home. Her books are warm, welcoming and have a familiarity about them that pulls you in and makes you feel like you are a part of the story. Daisy, her escapades and adventures, not to mention the people she meets while staying at her parent's house in the village of Steeple St. John are just a lovely, heart-warming, entertaining and charming read. I loved old Thomas, and the time they spent together putting her parent's garden back to rights, and the friendships she made with Elaine and Jo along the way. Her gradual incorporation into village life through the coercion into various clubs and committees as well as being forcibly volunteered into helping at village events along the way just kept the smile on my face and the giggles bubbling away. My only niggle, I wish the guy she eventually ends up with, had more of a 'romantic' role in the overall fabric of the story rather than literally just popping into the foray as love interest right at the end. But as you can tell from my rating it is a really small niggle! I look forward to seeing where the author is going to take me next; we have travelled to Scotland together, and now spent time in a sleepy English village... Ireland and Wales are still up for exploration, although to be honest, I think the Rachael could tell me a story that takes place in a Tesco car park and I would fall in love with it just as hard. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lawless In Leather (New York Saints, #3); Author: Melanie Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Knights don't kiss like that. Devils do." Stars! The New York Saints series literally has gone from strength to strength since its beginning. And the third book in the series offers some serious rivalry in contention with book two for my overall favorite so far. "I've always found team sports more enjoyable than solo ones." Mal Coulter is the third and final new owner of the team to get his story. Whereas Lucas and Alex were visible in each other's books, the author kept Mal a little more elusive, in the back-ground and unknown to the reader, this added to my anticipation, ex-special forces with a few dark secrets, Mal take his responsibility for the security in the stadium, as well as for the team and his employees extremely seriously. And then we have the arrival of Burlesque club proprietor, Madame R. also known as Raina Easton, choreographer to the Fallen Angels the newly formed team dance troupe/cheerleaders, and his protective instincts take off into the realms of extreme. Both of them are dealing with their pasts, whilst trying not to let them interfere with their future, and I absolutely loved this couple together. "You've got scars. I do too." The romantic suspense in Lawless in Leather really gives and edge to Mal and Raina's story. The author did a really good job of keeping me guessing right up until the end of the book, it's nothing too deep or heavy, and although it adds to the story it doesn't detract from the sizzling chemistry between uber dominant Mal, and overly independent Raina. "I'm offering to rub them not judge them." This series started off a little rocky for me, more due to me clashing with a character than the writing or storyline. I am so glad that I stuck with it, because I can honestly say I am a little addicted to this team and their owners now. I am also happy that the author is now continuing the series with some of the players now getting their stories in forthcoming books. Oliver Shields is up first, in Playing Hard and I can't wait. Only downside is it isn't scheduled for release until February 2016! "Next year we get to do it all over again." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas is Cancelled; Author: Aurelia B. Rowl; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Betrayed, homeless, out of a job and now stranded in a train station. Stars! Another great book by the talented Aurelia B. Rowle. Second-chance love is one of my favorite tropes, so add in a Christmas twist and I am a happy reader. This quick, sexy, emotive read kept me up well past my bedtime as I just couldn't wait to see if Tilly and Dean would be able to overcome their pasts, so they could have a future together. If you are still in the Christmas spirit, or are looking for something with a little snow and magic contained within its pages to read, this is the perfect title for any reader to curl up with for a few hours of escapism, and being set in the U.K gives it a little added charm! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Officer in Pursuit (Lock and Key, #3); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - It was her turn to be brave. Stars. Officer in Pursuit is the third book in Ranae Rose's, Lock and Key series. Although enjoyable, for me it didn't quite have the emotional punch as its predecessors, and I did struggle to find a connection or any real development of feelings between Grey and Kerry for the first half of the book. Kerry Harlow has been a resident of Riley County for three years, having moved on and left her past life behind, she has established herself as Wisteria Plantation House's Head House-Keeper. Through her job she has become close friends with Sasha and Alicia (books 1 & 2) who also work at the house but in other capacities. Ranae has kept Kerry and her background very much out of the previous books in this series, and I have to admit I was raring to find out what this quiet and unassuming woman's story was. It isn't pretty as you would expect, it is however a little predictable, and again that left me a little off kilter, as these aren't issues I have ever really had with this authors writing in the past. I have been surprised by the previous books in the series as well as emotionally invested in the characters and their storylines, and for some reason it didn't all quite gel together for me this time. No one truly knew her. Not even her best friends. Officer Grey Morgan... well he epitomizes everything that Ranae does best, and that is give her readers a strong, but vulnerable man, that you can't help but fall in love with. He is cheeky, assured, confident but not arrogant, and very easy on the eye (well in my imagination he certainly was). His pursuit and then protectiveness of Kerry was extremely endearing and, once again I lost a little piece of my heart to another one of Ranae's heroes. This isn't a bad book, the light supernatural element carries on through nicely, the characters and the development of the series in general are still of a very high standard. As I said I just have very high expectations when it comes to this author. I'd still happily recommend it, the series and anything else she has written or is ever likely to write in the future. Jeremy, One of Riley County's Police Officers is up next, he brings a little something extra to the mix being a single dad, and I am looking forward to reading his story. ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hearts of Fire (Hearts, #2); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You've got me under your skin now." Stars! I have pretty much run out of complementary words to use when describing how wonderful L.H. Cosway and her books are. I read a lot, and giving a 5 star rating to any book means it has touched me, in some way and I would happily read it again and again. "Some marks last forever. You have to decide if they're worth it." There are few authors whose books I have read that I have never rated lower than a 4.5, this author is one of them, and the simple reason for that is that I lose myself when I read her books. You can't help but not too really, everything is so beautifully written, perfectly described, and although not true to my life, the people, places and scenarios never feel like you are reading a work of fiction. Jack McCabe as we all know is the brother of Jay Fields (Six of Hearts) and this is his story. One thing that stood out for me is once again the author has managed to offer up a completely different story its predecessor. Jack works in the realms of fire and knives, his show performed on the road with a rag-tag bunch of 'old school' circus performers. The Circus Spektakular offers up a little bit of everything, and never stays in one place for too long. Jack McCabe, fire-eater extraordinaire! Lille, stumbles across the circus at a low point in her life when change and adventure is long overdue. Stuck in a dead end town, with an overbearing mother, studying for a qualification she doesn't want, and in a relationship with a man who excites her about as much as a copy of the Yellow Pages. The allure of the unusual, and a certain sexy, but ornery fire-breathing, knife throwing performing artist, proves to be too strong and off she goes! "I'm good scary, Lille. The kind that frightens bad scary." As with all stories by this author, expect the unexpected, nothing is ever as straight forward as it initially seems, and nothing ever turns out as you think it will. This is why I lose myself in her books; they offer; Escapism to the max. Entertainment to their end. Endearing characters that you are thinking about long after you have finished reading. I loved this book, a whole new cast of characters are introduced within its pages, the author has broadened the scope to offer plenty more stories and revisits to Jack, Jay, Watson and Lille in the future. Oliver King is up next, in King of Hearts due Summer 2015! "If you're not open, then no one can ever come inside." ARC generously provided by the author, it was, as it always it my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taking Control (Babysitting a Billionaire, #3); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "I love the way you hate." Stars! Taking Control is the third installment in the Babysitting the Billionaire series. Not quite as good as book one, but just as enjoyable as book two. I like that each one has focused on one particular couple whose relevance to Knight Security varies. She was a bitch. He liked it This book's is Jess's story, being second in command to Jake Knight, she has always managed to stay behind the scenes and with her no-shit-take-no-prisoners attitude, it has worked well. Jake is now looking to step down and concentrate more on family life, so it is up to Jess to prove that she can alter her attitude to encompass the open, friendly outgoing persona that being a company figurehead would require, or risk the job going to someone else in the company. She was unfinished business. And he meant to finish it. Declan McCabe knows Jess, he was her first and he has never forgotten her, even though things ended on a sour note. Their second-chance-at-love story isn't unusual in its themes, but it is well written, sexy and I really liked the push and pull between them as a pair. Declan is protective, whilst Jess is meant to be his protector. They are both looking to be the dominant force, but after past experience Jess is not looking to get her emotions tangled with anything more than a little sex on the side. "I'll never forgive you, but I want to forget you." Another great book by Nina Croft, an author who has given me nothing but pure reading pleasure in 2014! I hope that we will possibly get a more in depth look at Declan's brother Logan in 2015, a guy with tattoos, a bad attitude and a dirty past is most definitely hiding a story I would want to read about. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Make Me, Take Me (Hot Nights, #3); Author: Amanda Usen; Genres: romance; Review: 3 Stars. 3 - "I've seen enough of the back of your head to last me a lifetime." Stars. I do have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Amanda Usen books; for the most part I enjoy them, and the same can definitely be said for the third installment in the Hot Nights series, but there always seems to be something that niggles at me as the story progresses which then lowers my enjoyment level. This is definitely the case with Make Me, Take Me.I liked this book, but I didn't love it, for a couple of reasons. The first half started well, but as the story between Betsy and Quin progressed, I found myself struggling to really find anything likeable about Betsy and a lot of her reasoning behind her actions and behavior moved from the realms of stubborn and independent, with her cut and run behavior towards Quin to bordering on selfish and bitchy. Add to that the lies and omission of the facts about a few important things between her, her mother and her sister Kate it was all a bit too much, overly dramatized and went on for far too long. "I've been sitting here all night thinking of things I'd like to do to you, and I want to make you say yes." Unfortunately, because of the aforementioned I also really, really disliked Betsy's sister Kate as well. Again I could see both sides of the arguments between them, but the execution of the story just didn't give me enough emotion to make me feel any sympathy for their issues, and some of Betsy's internal monologue just sounded like a spoiled girl struggling with bouts of jealousy for her little sister. Quin's back story as well as his selective memory loss was all a bit one step too far for me in relation to everything else that was going on. "I hope you've got a magic want in that big bag. You're going to need it." I know the above all seems a lot of negative, but those are the main things that are in my mind while I write the review about the book. There are positives, Amanda writes some imaginative and dirty sex, the vivid descriptions of New Orleans and its characters were very easy to pull to mind, and I liked seeing a little of Lila and Jackson as well as Jenna and Roman. I have a feeling that Kate may get a book next, will I read it... ARC generously provided by Entangled for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Charlotte Chronicles (Jackson Boys, #1); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 5 - We waited so long, fought so hard. Stars! I love Jen Frederick's books, and The Charlotte Chronicles is no exception. I knew that she was releasing Charlotte and Nate's story initially in serialized installments, but knowing myself and how much I love her work, I knew that if the story grabbed me I'd be seriously miffed having to wait for each part to be released. So I made the decision to wait until all parts were available, that way I could enjoy and devour their story in my own time, and at my own pace. Imagine my happiness when I then received an ARC of the one complete story I have been stopping myself from reading in installments for the last however many months! "I won't let you down" In a nutshell it was worth the wait, I have been affectionately called a picky bitch by a fellow GR friend and reviewer before, because I am very tight when it comes to giving out 5 Stars. Not because I am nasty, but because with the quantity of books I read, there are certain pre-requisites I have that need to be facilitated for me to consider giving any book I have read 5 stars. This book hit each and every one of those requirements, and blew them out of the park that my expectations live in. Time, distance, separation, none of that will sever our bond. Being loosely associated to the Woodlands Series of books is a massive plus point, as well as the emotional attachments I formed for Charlotte, Nate and Nick as well and many of the well crafted, and integral secondary characters. I laughed and I cried, there were times when I was frustrated, and I loved every single freaking minute of it. I cannot recommend this book, its author and pretty much all of her other books highly enough.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maybe This Christmas (Snow Crystal trilogy, Book 3); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "It's a perfect powder day." Stars. Maybe This Christmas is the first book I have read by Sarah Morgan, it won't be the last. Seeing as it is actually book three in the O'Neil Brothers series, one could say I have a little catching up to do! She'd been in love with Tyler her whole life, and nothing she did, or he did, had ever changed that. Brenna and Tyler have been best friends, since they could basically put their own skis on. Both have stronger deeper feelings for the other, but it has never seemed like the right time to look at them more closesly. Tyler is now back with the family and helping to run the Snow Crystal Resort full time, and what with having the addition of full custody of his teenage daughter Jess as well, having Brenna move in with them over the Christmas period, due to the resort being fully booked brings the more than friendly feelings they have been holding for each other right to the fore. "Whenever you hurt, I hurt. Whatever you feel, I feel. It's horrible, but I can't help it. I guess I've known you too long. It's as if we are connected." With them both being a little commitment shy, the path of true love doesn't run a smoothly as a skier over fresh snow. But having a huge family in the background egging them both on, you can't help but hope that they will get the Christmassy Happily Ever After. "I've wanted you forever. It's always been you. Always." I now have to go do some catching up, Tyler has two brothers, and we haven't been fully introduced yet! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Little Christmas Kitchen (M&B Christmas Wishes, #3); Author: Jenny Oliver; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "You have to go with your instincts, don't you?" Star. DNF @ 40% I am a little sad to be giving up on The Little Christmas Kitchen, I absolutely adored Jenny Oliver's 2013 seasonal offering in the The Parisian Christmas Bake Off , the characters were varied, multi-faceted, likeable (even the villians!), and the story was Christmassy, enjoyable and extremely easy to immerse yourself in. The Little Christmas Kitchen for some reason (upto the point I stopped reading) seemed to be lacking every one of those elements. Ella and Maddy are both emotionless, uninteresting and hard to feel any sort of empathy or emotional connection to. For example if the character you are reading about doesn't seem to be too bothered by the fact that her husband is cheating on her, its always going to be difficult for a reader to feel anything for her or the predicament she finds herself in. You kind of hope that being forty odd percent into a book that something interesting would have happened, but nothing of note really comes to mind. Ella is jealous of her sister Maddy, Maddy is jealous of her sister Ella, they both have issues with their mother... I Just found it all to be lacking, which is a shame as I had really high hopes for this one. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Kiss Before Midnight; Author: Sophie Pembroke; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "To thine own self be true." Stars! I absolutely adored The Kiss Before Christmas, it was one of my favourite seasonal reads of December 2013, so when I saw that Sophie Pembroke, had written another seasonal novella, featuring another member from the same family that appeared in The Kiss Before Christmas I did a little Christmas dance of joy! "I've been patient for almost a year." Molly and Jake's story features one of my most favourite themes, in that Jake is Molly's brothers best friend, having lost his parents very early on in his life, he is also like a part of the Mackenzie family. I loved this novella, it was romantic, Christmassy, and evoked so many memories of past Christmases spent with my family, what with epic mince pie bake offs, mulled wine tipsyness, Toblerones and Chocolate Oranges all playing their parts as well as a few moments of comedy too boot. Molly and Jake were both easy to like and their story (a year in the making) was an absolutely perfect continuation of the Mackenzie siblings seasonal love stories as a whole. I just hope that Sophie gives Dory and Molly's brother his own seasonal story for Christmas 2015! "It felt right." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Watch Me (Dark Obsession, #1); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Keep. Her. Safe. Stars. Watch Me is the first book in Cynthia Eden's new Dark Obsession series, and the queen of romantic suspense has a new set of sexy alpha males for the reader to get their teeth into. This is essentially a second chance love story, with a massive amount of twists, turns and gunshots thrown in. Chance and Gwen have history, but being his bosses daughter always put her firmly in the Off-Limits category. "Months pass," ... "and I don't see you. Now, suddenly, you're back in my life?" Chance has branched out on his own and started a Close Protection business with his friends, and now partners Lex and Devlin. A meeting with Gwen's father Will establishes that all is not well, and she is most likely being stalked/threatened by her ex-lover Ethan. Will knows that Chance is the only guy Gwen will allow to protect her, Chance knows that this time he is not letting Gwen go. Cynthia has once again managed to take a simple set of tropes and turn them on their heads, you know who you think it is, and it never is, and as you would expect there are a good few surprises and revelations as the story progresses. Some fires burned too hot. It was better to be cold than to go up in flames. This is an enjoyable read; I will be honest and say it at points the storyline and development felt a little rushed. A prologue would have been beneficial, but more clarity comes in relation to the nature of Chance and Gwen's past together as the book progresses. It is without doubt a great start, and the introduction of potentially two, if not three sexy alpha male characters who all have stories to be told, means that the rollercoaster that this series is likely to be, is nowhere near its end. "You're the closest thing to a real home I've ever had." Lex and Sophie are up next in Want Me, due January 2015, and I am eager to see how their story develops. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Want Me (Dark Obsession #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - He sure felt right. The bad boys always did. Stars! I don't think it is any secret that I am a HUGE fan of Cynthia Eden, I think I have read almost every new release from her in the last 12 months or so, and I have no plans to stop. The writing, her characters and storylines just work for me. Whether it be a romantic suspense, PNR or just straight romance title she delivers, and at a very high standard. Yes the storylines are a little similar, and the characters all a little alike, but I don't care. I like what she offers and I always enjoy what I get! Want Me is no exception, as the second book in the Dark Obsession series the story takes off a couple of weeks after book one, Watch Me left off. Protection. Discrete. Assured. Lex is the J in V.J.S. Protection and when Sophie Sarantos turns up at the company offices seeking protection from an unknown stalker, he immediately steps up, after saving her from her gas filled house a few weeks previous, she has never been far from his thoughts. As you would expect, the plot twists are many, the sexy times varied and there are surprises a-plenty, all in a typical days work for this author, and I really enjoyed this installment in the series. Luckily we have only got to wait a month for the next book, Need Me due for release in late February. "I won't let you go. If I have you again you're mine." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Riskier Business (Crossing the Line, #0.5); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Until the end." Stars. Another sterling read from the outstanding imagination Tessa Bailey. Troy and Ruby return in a bridging novella, taking them from the Line of Duty Series, and opening the new Crossing the Line Series. This quick sexy read steps firmly into the romantic suspense genre, with their relationship facing challenges neither of them are prepared for Troy goes all out Alpha-Cop to serve and protect the woman he loves. With Ruby's past colliding with her present all bets are off when her Father returns to New York, and Troy turns almost feral (in the sexiest of ways) in his desperation to keep her safe. There is a lot going on in this novella, the surprises are unexpected and many, and Bowen features heavily which is as you would expect seeing as the first full length book in the Crossing the Line Series Risking it All gives us his story. "We're one, baby. We're stronger together." Tessa manages to interweave all of the revelations and plot-twists with her own special brand of sexiness, I forgot just how hot under the collar, and damp in the nethers a certain NYPD Detective manages to get me, with his dirty mouth and his willing tongue! I don't think you necessarily need to read the Line of Duty Series, or specifically Troy and Ruby's initial novella His Risk to Take to enjoy Riskier Business but this is Tessa Bailey, so you'd be silly not to! "My brand of trouble is so good it hurts." ARC generously provided via Entangled, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: More Than This; Author: Jay McLean; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - There is only so much shit I can take before all the fucked-up things in my life consume me. Stars! More Than this is the first book I have read by Jay McLean, it is what I affectionately class as a 'kitchen sinker', in that it feels like the author has literally thrown as many tropes as she possibly can at it. This is the type of book I need to be in a certain mood for, otherwise I just get frustrated and annoyed. Luckily, I was in the right mood, although I did get a little frustrated, but that was more to do with the copious amounts of almost home-runs, and dry (as well as wet) non-humping that went on for most of this book. I've been a part of the worst night of her life. Mikayla has to be one of the unluckiest characters I have had the opportunity of reading about in quite a while. It is difficult to write a detailed review because of her story as it would pretty much give most of the book away. Betrayal and Tragedy are words that are used in the synopsis, and they do pretty much sum up the biggest parts of the story. Jake and his friends are what made this book for me, I liked Kayla for the most part, and even though the bulk of the story is a result of the things that happen to her, he was the one I actually cared about as the book progressed. The guy (as well as his family and friends) literally puts his life on-hold to help her through the worst times imaginable, and at points I really struggled to understand her actions and reactions towards him. What dropped this book from the full 5 stars for me was the fact that with all the drama already going on the author then felt the need to add in random acts of both of them trying to make the other jealous as well as failing to communicate with each other about totally banal things bringing about totally pointless arguments as well. I also found the whole 'Casey interludes' to be a complete waste of time (unless she figures in other books in the series more prominently, if so I will take that point back!). "It's just you. It's only ever been just you. It will always only ever be just you." I am late to the party with this series, but I kind of like that, because I now have 3 books I can read in succession and a new release due at some point in 2015. Win-Win! This may have been the first book I have read by this author; it damn sure won't be the last. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rise (The Originals, #1); Author: Julie Plec; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "We will always have one another. We will always have family." Stars. I have seen several seasons of The Vampire Diaries (and read, as well as preferred the original books the show was derived from). So when I saw The Originals: The Rise pop up on Netgalley I thought I would give it a go, I love a good Vampire saga, and having not seen any of the TV show my opinions are based solely on the book itself. Something new had come to New Orleans, and the night would never be safe again. The book gives you the stories of the Mikaelson siblings; Elijah, Rebekah and Klaus. It is pretty apparent that each of them has their own agenda as the book progresses. The story told from all the points of view is fast paced, varied (as they all are going about different things for the most part) and easy to imagine. Rebekah and Klaus are also dealing with love interests as well so there is a little romance, but it is not the mainstay of this story. There was no future for them without one another. This is a book firmly in the PNR genre for me, you are not only reading of Vampires, but Witches and Werewolves feature heavily as the book progresses. I liked Elijah for his diplomacy, Rebekah for her confidence, and Klaus for his sarcasm, two of them love and suffer loss in this book and although not the end of the story, it ended well, you know there are more adventures to come for this trio, but along in the future. "A year is still a year to me; a lifetime is a lifetime. Having had more than a few of my own makes them no less vivid or important to me." Nothing really new or unusual about the story, but it is well written and the characters are likeable. I will definitely be looking out for the second book in the trilogy The Loss due for release in March 2015. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Slashed (Extreme Risk, #3); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "What are we doing?" Stars. I have to say that the third novel in the Extreme Risk, series was a bit of a disappointment for me. Tracy Wolff in the previous two books managed to offer up some really good tropes, in a different way and with a decent cast of characters to back everything up, and seeing as the whole Cam and Luc situation has been hinted at throughout those books I was hoping that their story would be as stellar as its predecessors. It started well, one thing Tracy excels at is sexy-times, and they come thick and fast in the first half of the book, but it became pretty obvious really quickly that this story was going to mainly be based around the H/h assuming everything and then not communicating with each other, this was kind of the beginning of the downhill run for me, and although I can understand the reason for using the last and pretty predictable trope, it kind of lost its impact with the unnecessary and pretty unexplained familial drama on Cam's side, and lack of real depth or development in relation to Luc's feelings of inadequacy, and their immature behavior towards each other in the last 25% of the book. Enjoyable enough, but the author set the half-pipe high with the first two books in this series, and Slashed fell a little short in comparison. Axed is the next book in the series, and according to Goodreads it isn't due for release until early 2017... I hope that is incorrect as it would be a shame to wait that long for what I am hoping will be a book as good as the first couple of this series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Merger of the Heart (Glenwood Falls, #1); Author: Melia Alexander; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Should've. Could've. Would've. Stars. Merger of the Heart is a well written, albeit extremely predictable, second-chance love story. Daniel and Jessica cross paths after 7 years separation, little does Daniel know that their 4 nights of shared passion together, produced more than just a few unforgettable memories. "We have a lot of catching up to do." As I said this is a well written story, and Melia offers plenty of depth and development to the main characters as the book progresses. But for me some of the elements seemed to be erroneous to the actual story as a whole. While their being from rival construction companies seemed to be pretty underplayed, the inclusion of Daniel's family issues and Jessica's mothers involvement in the story both seemed to add absolutely nothing to their story of interest. Jessica's constant 'When you leave' and 'you will leave' attitude towards Daniel got a little repetitive, so it didn't really come as a surprise, when he then lived up to her expectations. There is definite potential for further books in this series with the inclusion of Jessica's Best guy friends, Ian and Brad, and I am interested to see where Melia will take the series as a whole. Not a total winner for me on this occasion, but I loved Jonathon a young voice always adds an extra something to a story, and the moments of him and Daniel together were sweet and heart felt. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Man for Hire (Front and Center, #3); Author: Tawna Fenske; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Nice helmet." Stars! Book three in the Front and Centre series hits the spot if you are looking for an easygoing romance, with likeable characters, great verbal sparring and sexy times, with the added bonus of re-appearances of previous characters from earlier books. Tawna Fenske has a writing style that the reader ends up fully immersed in. Her characters are so engaging that you can't help but experience their emotions with them. Anna and Grant are both commitment leery, happy for the here and now, neither believes they are looking for a relationship. Thrown together after Grant unwittingly assaults the photographer that Anna has bought with her to assist on the weddings she is planning whilst in Hawaii, centipede bites in unusual places, and fancy dressing while rescuing cats from trees are just some of the scrapes the couple get themselves into whilst together. "Should I get the battery?" This book takes a slight step towards the emotive, when the reasoning's behind Grant's relationship reluctance are revealed, as well as his efforts to prove to Anna that he can be the man she now needs him to be. Another great book from this author, Tawna Fenske has added herself to my 'Can't wait for your next release' shelf with ease, and I just hope that her next release is the fourth book in this series, I have a feeling Schwarz Patton, may just steal a little piece of my heart when we get his story. "Stick around and find out." ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Trouble with Love (Sex, Love & Stiletto, #4); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Want to make the same mistake again?" Stars! I remember way back when emailing Lauren Layne after finishing reading Just One Night and basically begging her to write Emma and Alex's story, you could feel they had one too tell running through the undercurrents in the third book in the Sex, Love & Stilettos Series, so as you can imagine I was absolutely delighted to see that my and quite a lot of other readers wishes had been granted! I have loved all the books in this series, Lauren has hit the mother-load when it comes to this group of people and the stories that they have generated. The Trouble with Love exceeded every hope and expectation that I had and then some. Alex and Emma's history plays a really important part in their future in this story. After being left in charge in the interim of Stiletto magazine Alex uses his position to push Emma to face up to the ex's of her past. What follows is a bunch of interviews with just three questions for each guy to answer, and the replies give Emma more than a little food for thought. Lonely was better than hurt. There is a lot of the usual banter between Emma and her fellow Stilletto girls as well as with Alex and the guys, they are a close group and there are more than a few giggles to be had because of it. But I found this book to be the most emotive of the four. You can feel and see the hurt and how it motivates the pair of them in a lot of their actions and the will they / won't they as the story progresses really keeps the reader on tenterhooks the whole time. I couldn't put this book down, I read it in an afternoon, I loved it. Lauren did Alex and Emma, the Sex, Love & Stilettos Series, and her readers proud. I am hoping second time lucky as well, because Cole Sharpe, Lincoln Mathis and Emma's twin sister Daisy were all screaming 'I have a story too', to me by the end of the book, so I hope that Lauren has the opportunity to revisit this series again at some point in the near future. "I hope you find whatever you're looking for. Or ditch whatever haunts you." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Naughty Little Wishes (Birthday Dare, #2); Author: Nina Crespo; Genres: romance; Review: 2 - "You've always been a bit of a nosey busy-body." Stars. I really enjoyed the first novella Take Me if you Dare in Nina Crespo's Birthday Dare series, so I had great hopes for the second novella Naughty Little Wishes being just as good. Tease... Take... Bite... Sadly, it wasn't the case on this occasion. Nina's writing style is just as engaging, but that in itself made it even more of a disappointing read when the characters you are engaging with are so uninspiring and outright annoying. Tab and Drew were both people dealing with a lot of personal demons. The actual building of a relationship as well as their sexy times fell flat in the main due to Drew constantly thinking about an old ex, and Tab's incessant need to butt into everyone's business as a way to get over her guilt for her brothers death. "Stop trying to fix him. He's not broken." Tab went about her task with Military precision and determination, reading it was like driving along an uninterrupted stretch of road, knowing that you are going to be involved in a massive car crash at some point, whilst ignoring everyone's advice to get off the road, because you know best, and are certain that you can drive through the wreckage without any issues. I wanted to love this novella, but unfortunately it left me underwhelmed, a bit bored and massively disappointed. ARC generously provided via Entangled, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: One Night of Trouble (After Hours, #3); Author: Elle Kennedy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're one of a kind, AJ." Stars! Elle Kennedy delivers again; I absolutely loved AJ and Brett. A closet dirty boy and an openly sassy girl, clashing and pushing each other's limits in every way possible, makes for an extremely entertaining read. Book three in the After Hours series is a definite improvement on its predecessor, Brett offered a refreshing twist to the usual tropes in that she was the tattooed, tattooist bad-ass in direct contrast to AJ's wholesome boy next door persona. But not all is as it seems, and both of them are trying to make themselves into people that fit the expectations of those around them, rather than who they actually are or want to really be. AJ has been pretty elusive in the previous two books, in that he has been present, but we didn't really learn too much about him, you are given the full no-holds barred AJ in One Night of trouble and he is something of a revelation! "Let me take you home" ... "let me show you who I am." I really enjoyed this book, and the series as a whole is well worth adding to your TBR shelves. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Betting on Fate (Serve, #4); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "I always take care of what's mine." Stars. The fourth book in the Serve Series offers up a couple of tropes that I am not a massive fan of, I knew this going into it, and decided I would persevere due to the fact I like this authors writing style, and I have really enjoyed every book in this series so far. I am glad I did because aside from that it was a bloody great read. I won't lie and say the tropes are now a favorite, and I still wouldn't actively go looking for menage or exhibitionism sex but it was dealt with in a sedate but still sexy way, and let's face it, this is a series about a BDSM club so it stands to reason these things are going to 'pop-up' on occasion as the series progresses. I liked Will and Penelope together, both have very similar and singular tastes with regards to what they like in the bedroom, they are both members of SERVE, and are also in the same line of work, but for rival companies. The battle for the upper hand escalates into a bet, one of which as the story progresses it turns out neither of them are really on the losing end of. Another great addition to the SERVE series, I am looking forward to reading the next and final book to see is Sara can be tamed! "I thought I was on top." ... "I changed my mind." ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Ride (Realm Enforcers, #1); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "You're a lot of hard work, darlin'." Stars. Rebecca Zanetti is one of, if not the go-to author for me. I have read and loved every one of her books released up til now. And on the whole I did enjoy Wicked Ride we get to learn more about the Dunne Brothers, who if you have read the Dark Protectors series, you will know of them anyway, as Enforcers for the Coven Nine which is basically the ruling body for Witches. Closely linked to the Kays family (Dark Protectors Series) by marriage and allegiance, they appeared quite frequently in a lot of the books in that series. "You shoot me, and we're going to have a problem." If you have read anything by this author you will know that her guys are strong, dominant alpha males, they do and say what they want, and don't offer any apologies after the fact. But it works because you are also always given a sassy and confident woman, who isn't afraid to challenge said male, and it's the fireworks, chemistry and general 'push and pull' between them, that follows which is what makes their stories so entertaining. And you definitely get that with Wicked Ride, Kell and Alexandra most certainly start on opposite sides of the fence, she's Detective, he is newly arrived in Seattle from Ireland and is associating with a known Motorcycle Club; The Titans of Fire. Known for their links to drug dealing and gun running, Lexi 100% believes Kellach is one of the bad guys, helping with the distribution of a new drug, that is killing people in the most unusual of ways. "You leap to conclusions faster than a Blue Hare during mating season." I think what reduced my enjoyment of this book for the most part was the constant merry-go-round between Kell and Lex, it's obvious from the get-go they have chemistry. But for me the author took Lex beyond sassy and confident and erred into arrogant and judgemental. If she had one knee-jerk reaction to something before getting the facts or the full story from Kell, she did it a dozen times more, before then caving and having sex with him, I get that this is mainly due to her trust issues, but the repetitiveness of it really dragged it out in parts. "The second I think you're not a moron, the very moment I think we're on the same page, you fuck it up." The other issue I have is with Alexandra's familial back-story, without giving anything away, I cannot in this day and age get on-board with someone using the 'he promised me he has changed, he won't do it again, and he loves' me' excuses, it pisses me off, winds me up and makes me want to slap fictional characters up-side the head, and to be honest, it wasn't really needed in this book, there was enough already going on. "If you're going to make a mistake, make it a good one." All that aside, if you are looking for action, plenty of; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Hope Christmas Love Story; Author: Julia Williams; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - All is right in the world. Stars. Free on Amazon UK right now - [url]... I loved being able to go back and revisit the Tinsall family and the town of Hope Christmas. Julia Williams really delivers when it comes to Christmas books! "I'm going to grab some magic and keep it to myself."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Rules According to Gracie (Behind the Bar, #1); Author: Stefanie London; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "It doesn't mean anything if you're willing to let it go." Stars. The Rules According to Gracie is an easy-going, short and sweet read. Gracie was likeable, albeit a bit of a doormat at the beginning, and Des was your typical tattooed bad boy, who is actually a good guy with a heart of gold. I struggle in this day and age to get onboard with the whole familial pressures to pick a suitable match, especially when you are a 27 year old, independent woman who has already had a previous relationship to fail because of it. Yes, I am happy to read that trope in a historical novel; it fits with the time, but not so much in the present day. The story is set in Melbourne, Australia which was a plus; we definitely do not get enough books set down-under in my opinion. She'd tried internet dating, speed dating, blind dating, matchmaking... Luckily there is a little more going on in the story over and above this, and I think if given the chance to broaden the length of the story Stefanie London has potential to deliver an absolutely stellar read for the Lovestruck line in the future (fingers crossed for Gracie's sister Emmaline). "Finding the right person is not something you can tick off a list." ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Teased (Dark Protectors, #7.5); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Damn, you're feisty." Stars! It was such an absolute treat to return to the Dark Protectors universe. This series is and will probably always be my number one PNR go-to set of books. Rebecca Zanetti has crafted such a diverse and unique set of characters and story-lines with the original series of books that as a reader you are constantly kept on your toes and emotionally invested in each and every continuation that now comes along, whether it be spin-off series based on other character groups or additional novellas like Teased that give you a welcome return to the Realm, with secondary characters from the initial books. "I'm a guy who gets the job done, no matter the job. Work with me... It's your only option." Rebecca pitched the alpha male, and the feisty female perfectly with Chalton and Olivia, Chalton isn't one for going on missions so much himself anymore, and has spent the last few decades firmly ensconced with his computers working behind the scenes at the Realms underground headquarters. But when the King asks, who is he to refuse. "We all need saving once in a while." Olivia as a reporter has been given information in relation to the special chromosomal differences between humans and vampires, and although she doesn't have all the facts or details in relation to the research, her published articles are proving to hit a little to close to the mark for certain factions in the Realm. As you would expect the chemistry between this pair flares quick and burns hot, and once again Rebecca's sexy-times leave your Kindle a little hot under its protective cover! "I'll take the night... Without sleep." What Chalton first expected to be a quick in/out mission turns into so much more when the Kurjans and other enemies start to pop up wherever he and Olivia are, not to mention the timely reappearance of his brothers; Theo and Jared after a century of silence. "You're my brothers, and I carry you with me at all times." I could go on, but I won't. If you have read any of the previous books in this series you know what to expect, and you will not be disappointed. If you are a reader new to this author and are picking up one of her books for the first time, well I can only say 'welcome' you are in for one hell of a (joy)ride! I am pretty sure this is not the end of this little revisit to the Realm, Jared has a story to be told, its beginnings are visible in Teased and knowing Rebecca, I would bet money that Theo won't be far behind. ARC generously provided via Inkslinger PR, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: On the Hunt (The Sentinels, #2.5; Immortal Guardians, #5.5; Underworld Detection Agency #6.5); Author: Alexandra Ivy; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - Places came and went, even people. But her books always travelled with her. Stars! On the Hunt was definitely a book of two halves for me, in that I have read books by two of the authors (Rebecca Zanetti & Alexandra Ivy) and have no previous reading knowledge of the other two (Dianne Duvall and Hannah Jayne). Weirdly, or maybe it's just coincidence, I actually enjoyed the two novellas by the authors I was already aware of more than the two I wasn't. Alexandra's was full of myth and magic, and although book 2.5 in a series, it was easy to read and nothing was confusing in relation to the characters or the storyline. Whereas I struggled with both Hannah Jayne's and Dianne Duvall's offerings because of that reason, they felt like they were very much part of a series, and I felt like I was missing something with both of them. "I've changed." "I haven't." "Good." Rebecca's offering Scorpious Rising is the prequel novella to her new Scorpious Syndrome series. As you would expect she gives the reader an uber alpha male and a sassy, feisty female character along with a fast paced storyline to keep you interested. "Your mind may not be clear or your heart. But your body knows who owns it." My only bug bear is once again her use of odd dialect in relation to her characters accent, I have never heard a Scotsman in today's times use the words Mayhaps or Garna, I may be wrong, and it was only a small niggle. This was an interesting start to the series, I am interested to see where she takes it in the first full length book Mercury Rising, due for release January 2016. All in all a great little selection for the PNR reader, I think with mixed collections such as this you are always going to enjoy some of the offerings more than others, but on this occasion they were all pretty entertaining. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Baby, It's Cold Outside; Author: Jennifer Probst; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Safe in his Arms by Melody Anne. 3.5 - "They all fall... sometime." Stars. Melody Anne is an author new to me, so this little novella was the perfect way to introduce myself, to what was a really enjoyable and engaging writing style. Safe in his Arms is the first book in the Unexpected Heroes series, and Melody gives the reader a great introduction to the town and people of Sterling, Montana. Hawk and Natalie, were a likeable couple, and their story was easy to immerse myself in, along with the introduction to some pretty entertaining secondary characters. The main plus for me, is as this is the beginning of a series, and I enjoyed this book immensely, I know I have plenty of books and characters, with their own stories to look forward to reading in future months and (hopefully) years to come. "All the best things in life happen because of bad ideas." This novella wasn't a bad idea, this series looks like it will be a really, really good idea! and I cannot wait to see what Melody has in store for the Unexpected Heroes series, with the next release Her Unexpected Hero, due 24the February 2015. Saving Grace by Kristen Proby 4 - "If you can't bang a billionaire, bang a hot ski instructor." Stars! Or in Grace's case both! Loved this novella, love this author, adore the series. "You're far too tempting, Jacob Baxter." And British to boot, what more could a girl ask for!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Easy Love (Boudreaux, #1); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - I am enough the way I am..., Stars! If you have read the authors With Me series you'll know exactly what you are getting with this one, because we have essentially moved from Seattle (where the aforementioned is set) to New Orleans, which is where the Boudreaux Family resides. As with the Montgomery family in Seattle, the Boudreaux's are a large clan, with lots of friends and extended family that will likely play a part in the future books. Six siblings, all in their twenties and thirties, and all miraculously still single (although one isn't at the beginning of this book), and just like the authors original series characters, no doubt all of them will have their own particular foibles, likes/dislikes and personalities and will manage to find their special someone's with each new book that is added. I loved the With Me series, so having half a dozen books in this series to work my way through is like Christmas come early for this reader.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghost of a Promise (Phantoms, #1); Author: Kelly Moran; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3 - "It took a pair of ghosts to open my eyes." Stars. Ghost of a Promise was an enjoyable, fast paced and quirky read. Jackson Granger arrives in Maine, with his film crew, for the popular television show Phantoms in order to film an episode at the Trumble Mansion. Speculation and ghostly occurrences at the site have been rife for years, as well as a purported curse. "A Kerrick returns to Trumble territory." Ava Trumble, the new owner of the historic building, needs to solve the mystery of her ancestor Sarah Kerrick's death in order to save the house from being passed over to the towns historical society, ruining her plans for turning it into a Guest House/Bed & Breakfast. Together with Jackson and his team they search for the truth, with a little ghostly help on the side. "Call the Ghostbusters." Although this was an enjoyable read, the paranormal aspect spectacularly so, the thing that let it down for me (especially in the second half of the book) was the budding relationship between Jackson and Ava, and the constant 'I want you' - 'We can't do this again' - 'You're not staying.' - 'I don't care, I want you.' it was all a bit overplayed for me, which detracted from the extremely well written sexy times, because you knew that one or both of them would say something to kill all the feelings evoked, soon after the deed was done. The epilogue was also a little cut and dried as well after all the denial and distrust in the bulk of the story. "There is no honor in being right. It's a damn lonely place." This is the first book I have read by Kelly Moran, although it wasn't an outright winner for me in relation to the couple's relationship reluctances, I really enjoyed the PNR aspect of the story, the writing style was easy to immerse yourself in and the flow kept everything moving along at a really nice rate. I would happily pick up another book by this author in the future because of it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Some Like It Sizzling (A Perfect Recipe, #3); Author: Robbie Terman; Genres: romance; Review: 2 - "You are some piece of work." Stars. Me when I started this book - Me when I finished it - Having waited patiently for a year for the third book in Robbie Terman's A Perfect Recipe Series, I was so happy to finally get to read Jenna and Luke's story. You were given a little tease of the potential fireworks that could go off between them in Some Like It Sinful and I couldn't wait to see how this second-chance love story would play out for them in Some Like it Sizzling. Jenna has always been the cool self contained girl of the trio and it was no exception in this book. Problem being the author did such a good job of making her an unlikeable snob in the first 60% of the book that by the time she loosened up, I didn't really care either way anymore. I think what really was the final nail in the coffin of this one was the fact that Luke, albeit in response to Jenna's behavior and attitude towards him, turned from a sweet, hot, dirty Fireman into a bit of a douche as the story progressed as well. There were glimmers between them, but one or the other would then do something that turned the sweet to sour pretty much every time. "That hand is lethal..." "Wait til you feel my mouth." The big secret that Jenna nursed over the 15 years they were apart, and the reasons why she left without telling him... Felt like a total cop out to me if I am honest, I was expecting more, I wanted more, the characters deserved more. The one thing I did love about this book was the side story between Olivia and Riley, I kind of wish they had had a bigger part in the book. Older woman, younger guy, sexy times... In fact, I would like them to have had their own book. I like the authors writing style, the previous books in the series were extremely enjoyable; I just struggled to connect with the characters myself, or feel much of a connection between the two of them for most of the book. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Christmas Feast; Author: Katie Fforde; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 Seasonal Stars! Katie Fforde offers the perfect, stories to sit back and relax with at any time of the year, but I find her Christmas stories always have a little of the magic and sparkle of the season contained in them that makes it hard for this reader to resist the opportunity to read them. A Christmas Feast is no exception, and as a collection of short stories, it is perfect for the potentially busy reader to dip into over the festive season. I really enjoyed all of the Christmassy tales contained in this collection, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for something that is easy to pick up and put down over the festive season, but still wants something enjoyable to read, when a spare ten of fifteen minutes can be found! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Audition; Author: Tara Crescent; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You play the biggest role in your resurrection." Stars! The Audition is the first book I have read by Tara Crescent. It is safe to say I was pleasantly surprised and extremely impressed, with the writing, story-line and characterizations. I am what I'd call a soft BDSM reader. I don't mind a bit of spanking, tying up, toys and light pain play, but when things go past that I tend to steer clear. Although The Audition is probably still pretty tame by the BDSM reading connoisseurs standards, for me it went past the normal parameters of what I would usually enjoy. But I fell in love with Nikolai, and his methods although seemed to be initially harsh, reached a part of Allie that she had lost with the death of her mother, and opened her up to her love and feelings/emotions for playing the piano again. "Music doesn't live in your fingers... Music lives in your heart." The writing of this couples Dom/sub relationship was bluntly graphic at points, but Tara gave me the emotion behind the actions that I have found sorely lacking in the few heavier BDSM reads I have looked at in the past. Definitely an author I will look to read more from in the future. Nothing felt like it had been added for 'shock' value, this couple were wholly into each other and what they were doing together, I liked that and I felt comfortable reading it (for want of a better word). "Play for me." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Davenport Christmas (The Bad Boys, #3.5); Author: M. Leighton; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "He possessed me, heart, body, and soul, a long time ago." Stars! The Davenport brothers hold a huge place in my heart, this little Christmas novella, certainly is welcome in the fact that it gave me a little more time with Cash and Nash, but the best thing about it... I an guessing that it may well be a pre-cursor to a longer visit with the brothers, their women and there families sometime in the future. I can't wait if that is the case! "You will always be the love of my life."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes; Author: Anna McPartlin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Enlightening and Insightful Stars. Rabbit Hayes is dying from breast cancer, spending her Last Days in a terminally ill hospice isn't the most fun place to be, even if you are in the same situation as those around you. This book took me a while to read, not because it is bad, but because it deals with a subject that I live in abject fear of having to deal with again myself. Not my own loss of life due to terminal illness, but the loss of a loved one. If you have lost someone to cancer, or have had to watch someone you love fight cancer, this book will in a way give you insight, and as you can guess it isn't pretty for the most part. I struggled, I cried and it bought to the fore emotions and memories I am still not 100% sure that I really wanted to revisit, but there is laughter as well, I giggled through my tears some of the time, and some of the time I just plain giggled, oddly it also gave me a little comfort. Mia (Rabbit) has had a varied and interesting life, and you get too see a lot of that as well, it isn't all about the here and now, and the revisits to the past from her childhood on-wards were happy, funny and vibrant too read. It gave balance to the scale of her life, and of the final days that she is now living, it also added a realism and depth to the story. I wasn't an easy read, but it was a worthwhile and thought provoking read. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Skin Deep (Stolen Breaths, #3); Author: Pamela Sparkman; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'd rather have the ache than to never have had a reason to ache in the first place." Stars! Pam Sparkman almost broke me with the first 20% of this book, I don't mean that in a derogatory way but more in a hit-you-straight-in-the- heart, grab it with both hands, squeeze it hard and leave you gasping for breath, and drying your eyes. "Sometimes finding ways to survive can nearly kill you." But continuing with Hayden and Beth's story to the end, as well as encountering all of the ups and downs they overcame and embraced in-between definitely gave me a full emotional work out. Pam has a way to taking an uncomfortable, and sometimes what we perceive as an unapproachable subject and giving it beauty through her writing, not in a way that condones or encourages, but in such a way that makes you rethink your perceptions and reconsider your ideals, whilst going through the characters experiences with them, some things resonate more with us as readers than others and although I cannot claim to have experienced any of the things that either character dealt with in Skin Deep, the writing bought their issues very much into my head and heart and pulled me along with them for the whole book. Another thing you can always expect with a book from this author is that it will never begin, evolve or end the way you expect it to. The characters sometimes have more going on they you initially expect, and there is always at least one twist you didn't see coming, and just when you thought you had everything figured out she throws one more sledgehammer straight into your heart. "How do I make you understand something I don't understand. But for all that you come away knowing that you have been a part of something so very special and totally unforgettable. I don't really want to talk too much about the story, as it would be easy to give things away, and I think the journey that Hayden and Beth go on together is a special one, it is more than just the building of a relationship between two people, and there are more than just a few obstacles in their path as they navigate their way through. You also get the chance to catch up with Lily & Cooper; (Book one, Stolen Breaths) and Maggie & Joe; (Book two, Shattered) as well as the inimitable Miss Sophie, in this instalment in the series, and see how their lives are moving on as Hayden and Beth's story progresses. I want to be courageously in love forever... because he made me want forever. Another outstanding read, and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Sparkman takes this series next! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Cowboy (Whisper Creek, #3); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Once upon a time... There was a handsome cowboy prince." Stars! I love this series, think of every word you can for good, and that sums up my feelings about Whisper Creek. Every book in the series has delivered more than I expected it to, and I had extremely high expectations in the first place. But Maggie McGinnis has once again given me the story that I wanted so much, but added so many more facets to it that I didn't even realise it needed. "There's nothing regular about you." Cole Driscoll and Jess Alcott have been circling around each other for the past two years, having met originally when she and her two friends journeyed to Whisper Creek Ranch for a girly holiday, they have built up a bond, and a pretty solid friendship in the intervening visits. "Seems to be a common problem for you Boston gals. One whiff of Whisper Creek air, and you're all packing your bags to move out here." But neither of them is quite sure how much further they are looking to go, the feelings are definitely mutual, and watching her friends meet and fall in love with the cowboys of their dreams has given her plenty of food for thought, as it has with Cole, seeing his brother and his best friend fall; hook, line and stirrup for Jess's friends. You get a sense in the previous books that there is more to Jess than meets the eye... and Maggie gave this woman one of the most heart-breaking back-stories I have read in a while, but it is the positives that you pull from it, as although her start in life is not the most nurturing or supportive, she has bettered herself and is living her life on her own terms. Cole's potential inclusion into that life going forward, and her gradual revelation of who she actually is to him, and Hayley and Kyla (books One & Two) as the secrets of her past start to catch up with her, really keep you engrossed in this book. Add to that the continual flicker of feeling between her and Cole, as well as the decisions he is trying to make about his own future, and I felt myself going through pretty much every emotion you can for this couple. Maybe at Whisper Creek... she'd finally discovered a home. This series has been absolutely stellar, I loved the epilogue in this one, but I hope Maggie hasn't finished telling stories of Carefree, Montana, the Whisper Creek family may have had their 'happily ever afters', but there are a few people that pop up in the books that I would like to see get their stories told as well, Jenny and Michael spring to mind straight away, but with the expansion of the ranch and the Driscoll's business interests in general, I hope that there is scope for more books, or maybe some sort of spin-off series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forever This Time (Echo Lake #1); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Where does your heart live? Stars. I am really on the fence with this one. On the positive side Maggie McGinnis has managed to perfectly build and establish the town and residents of Echo Lake the secondary characters were great and the flashback parts of the book had me in tears on more than one occasion. The general story-line and its development was enjoyable, the pacing steady and the writing, as usual stellar. Broken glass, broken promises... and broken hearts. But on the other hand there are four pivotal characters in this story, yes Ethan and Josie are who the story is mainly about, but Molly and and Josie's mother also figure in it quite a bit, past and present, and the big issue I have is that I found it really difficult to actually like or any of them. Josie's Mom I am ruling out of that a bit though as the main issue I had was the fact that the problem Josie had with her before she left, and her personal demons in general, weren't really addressed in any real clarity, and the reason was quite a heavy one, and I felt it deserved a little more depth in it's resolution. But Molly was an out and out cow for most of the book, I could understand she was hurt by her friend leaving town, but her behavior and thoughtless actions were a little too much, in light of the fact she and Ethan knew exactly why Josie was leaving in the first place, I understood it more from Ethan, as he had, had his heart firmly broken, but Molly just came across as a hormonal teenager, acting out in a twenty-eight year old's body. Yes Josie's actions ten years previously, and in the present upon her return to town were hurtful and extremely selfish, but on the other side of the coin, she was in an untenable position prior to leaving, and the both knew it. "You gonna wait forever? Or you gonna live your life?" I am a huge fan of Maggie's writing, her books always pull you in, and Forever This Time did that, I just really struggled with the characterizations this time. Forgiveness was a long time coming in this book for all concerned, and for various reasons, and the point of the story got a little lost in it for me. Won't stop me eagerly awaiting the next book Heart Like Mine though, this is Josh's book, and I am looking forward to getting to know him better. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zero Day Exploit (Bayou's End, #1.5); Author: Cole McCade; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I'm an odd duck, and odd ducks float." Stars! Cole McCade is an author new to me, and having received a recommendation from a close friend as to how enjoyable his writing is, I didn't hesitate to snap up Zero Day Exploit from his website, it is free until 18th January, so I had absolutely nothing to lose. [url]... "Well,"... "That was unexpected." The first thing that stood out to me was the skilled and engaging writing, Cole manages to take two average people and put them in a pretty uninspiring environment, and make them electric. Zero/Zoraya and Evan together gave me everything I want as a reader, great verbal sparring, sexy times, with plenty of relevant conversation and build-up in relation to this stories and backgrounds so that I got to know who they were and what motivated them as the novella developed. Both quite insular people, as you would expect neither are looking for anything more than a few nights with the other as well as a little company, and I liked that Cole didn't over do it on the unnecessary angst or dramatics in relation to Zero and Evans developing feelings towards each other. It always gives me a little buzz when I discover a new author with a writing style that I can engage in and relate to. Cole has certainly offered that up with this novella. You are given an excellent indication of the potential of this author for great work in the future with this story, with its unusual set-up, fluid and immersive writing style, not to mention likeable and relatable characters. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: You and a Billion Blue Tiles; Author: Missy Welsh; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 Stars. Short, sweet sexy first times. A cute M/M free read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alluring Ink (Inked in the Steel City, #7); Author: Ranae Rose; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "I'll take you anyway I can get you." Stars. I am a huge fan of Ranae Rose, and this series I hold very close to my heart in particular as Hot Ink was the first book I ever read by her. It has been full steam ahead since, and as an author her stories never disappoint this reader. Alluring Ink is Crystal and Dylan's story. We were briefly introduced to Crystal in the previous book in the series Irrisistible Ink as she is James's younger sister. Her problems were many at that point, whereas her options were few. James stepped up, and Crystal was given the opportunity to get her life back in order. We jump back into this Crystal's story a little over a year on, she is finally getting on with her life, she has a job, a new home and is taking full responsibility for the care of her baby daughter Emily, and has firmly left her demons behind her. Resisting temptation was a little easier when you knew first hand how destructive indulgence could be. Dylan has just arrived in Pittsburgh, looking to take a guest spot in Hot Ink for three weeks, with the potential to possibly make it a more permanent move if things work out. Crystal and Dylan's developing relationship is not without it's drama, what with an over-protective older brother, and an under-the-weather younger brother offering up distractions, both are keeping huge chunks of themselves from the other at the start. As their feelings develop and the story progresses you learn more about both of them, and the issues that they are dealing with. I enjoyed this book, both the H/h are dealing with massive issues in their lives, and Ranae takes the time to ensure that as a reader I understood everything and how the effects were felt throughout both of their lives. I did struggle however to find much of a spark between the two of them for the first half of the book, and the times they were apart gave more insight into them as a couple, than when they were together. "I think about you every day; sometimes it feels like every damn second." Thatsaid, this isn't a bad book by any stretch. You are given plenty of interaction with the rest of the Hot Ink family so the progression of the series as a whole is great. I liked Dylan, he had a lot too deal with and did it admirably. Crystal was the same, with Emily as a cute addition. I just have high expectations for Ranae's characters and together they didn't quite hit the mark this time. ARC provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Can't Always Get What You Want; Author: Chelsey Krause; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "It was never just us." Stars. Chelsey Krause shows massive talent with her debut novel, and in general Can't Always Get What You Want was an easy-going, and entertaining if slightly underwhelming read. The writing style didn't quite gel for me at points, and I found the constant references to her ex, as well as the non-stop comparisons between him and the new guy in her life overused and a little repetitive as the story progressed. Sophie was likeable, she reminded me a bit of Bridget Jones with some of the situations and scenario's she finds herself in. But the story jumps between her when she was 19 and to the current day (she's 24), and there didn't seem to be a lot of progression of maturity in those five years. I kind of wished this had actually been split into two books, so the reader was given the full story between Sophie and Aaron 5 years previous, and then Sophie and Brett current day, as the flashbacks at points lacked a little depth and full development. "When I look at you," ... "I see forever." The other thing that massively annoyed me, was the constant break downs into lists of - Pros: against Cons: A) B) C) Regularly followed by 1) 2) 3) It was used far too often, and didn't really add anything to the writing. This isn't a bad book; the story just needed a little more content and fleshing out, rather than pretty much being reliant on the one trope. The characters were varied and interesting, there were a few laughs, a few tears, I just wanted more. I look forward to seeing where Chelsey takes her readers next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Captivated by His Kiss; Author: Cheryl Bolen; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Love settles a persons heart." Stars! A superbly eclectic and diverse collection, offering sweet, sexy, ghostly and thoroughly entertaining reads, with something to suit all tastes and penchants. I enjoyed each and every one of the novellas contained in this collection. To write a review for each story would be wasteful of your time, and I can only encourage you too go and one click this absolutely stunning collection and spend that time reading it for yourself. I would happily pay PS0.99/$0.99 for one story, let alone all of the books in this release. To whet your appetite, a few of my favourite quotes below - Amazon UK - [url]... Amazon US - [url]-... My thanks to Lauren Smith for generously providing me with a copy of this collection, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Need Me (Dark Obsession, #3); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You started this... I'll finish it." Stars! Need Me pretty much takes off, where book two (Want Me) in Cynthia Eden's Dark Obsession Series left off. The somewhat elusive Devlin Shade, steps out of the shadows to help presumed guilty murderess Julianna Smith. This series hit the ground running from the start, and this installment keeps it going at a steady sprint, right from the first chapter. "I'm taking the damn case." As you would expect, nothing in relation to Julies' case is cut and dried, did she/or didn't she. The woman is hiding more secrets than an MI5 operative, but Dev like his predecessors Chance and Lex, and co owners of VJS Protection, Inc, isn't afraid to ask the questions and look for the answers, by any means necessary. Innocent people don't lie. They don't run. The chemistry between the two of them is Eden-Sexy, and they don't waste anytime, burning up the stairs, sheets, etc!! As with the previous books, you get a huge case of 'insta-everything' between this couple. I didn't care, this is Cynthia Eden, I love her writing, her characters and her story-lines, and Need Me lives up to every expectation I have of her as an author. She delivers, time after time, the books are always hard to put down, the characters complex, all a little different and I fall in love with every one of them to some degree. "You do like your secrets, don't you." This book has the best ending, as Cynthia confirms that Ethan will be getting his own book Beware of Me due later in 2015. If you have read this series from the beginning, you will know who he is, and will most likely be itching to get his story as much as I now am! "Forgetting you won't be easy... No hope for that." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: First Time in Forever; Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Feelings are the hardest thing in life to control." Stars! I am starting to get a little author crush on Sarah Morgan, I fell in love with her writing style and easy going story telling after reading her 2014 novel Maybe The Christmas, so when the opportunity presented itself to read the first book in her new Puffin Island series, it was a total no-brainer. First Time in Forever is the perfect beginning, three friends Emily, Brittany and Skylar have used Brittany's grandmothers beach home Castaway Cottage over the years and for each of them it has become something of a refuge, all for their own reasons, and each of them have their own stories as to why. This book is Emily's, and the story is wholly her own, but it also sets the scene, introduces the islanders and gives you the background for everything else along the way. Ryan Cooper has spent a large part of his life being responsible for others, he isn't interested in taking that role on anymore, life is his for the living, and no responsibilities, attachments or expectations are wanted in the mix anymore. That is until Emily arrives on the Island, with a young child in tow, he can sense her unease, her emotional detachment and her overall fear of the whole situation she is in, and the honorable man in him wants to help, it doesn't hurt that he is sex-on-a-stick hot, charming to a fault and gets along with pretty much everyone he crosses paths with. "I see you Emily Donovan. I'm standing here, looking right at you, so you can damn well stop hiding." This is one of those books I just get absorbed in, I loved the main story, I loved all the little side stories that ran through it as well, you are literally getting to know the Island and its inhabitants as Emily and Ryan work out what they actually want from each other. A brilliant start to what I expect is going to be an extremely memorable series. Brittany and Zach are reunited on the Island in the next book in the series; Some Kind of Wonderful which is due in July 2015, so not too long for this eager reader to wait! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gilded Cuff (Surrender, #1); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I don't want just one night." Stars. I am a huge fan of Lauren Smith, The Shadows of Stormclyffe hall was one of my top ten PNR reads of 2014, add to that the fact that I fell head over heels in love with her League of Rogues series and I am one smitten kitten for this author. Lauren offers the same immersive and engrossing writing style that I have come to expect with The Gilded Cuff as well as a uniquely different storyline offering thrills, spills, romance, suspense and a little kink as well as a really likeable couple too sink your reading teeth into. Sophie and Emery run into each other at The Gilded Cuff a high class underground BDSM club on the Long Island, Gold Coast. Initially Emery isn't aware that their meeting has actually been engineered by Sophie, who is actually a, investigative reporter looking for the full story of his and his twin brothers kidnapping and subsequentcaptivity 25 years previous, in view of solving the crime. Emery escaped, his brother is believed to have died whilst creating a diversion that enabled Emery his freedom. Sophie believes that the threat to Emery is still very real; Emery seeing an opportunity to educate Sophie in the ways of a Dom/sub relationship makes her an offer she can't and doesn't want to refuse. "Your story, my submission." The chemistry between the two is palpable from their first meeting, and even though Sophie encompasses everything Emery actively tries to avoid in his life since the kidnapping, he can't seem to leave her at The Gilded Cuff when he heads for home the evening. At this point, I do have to raise my hand and ask a few questions in relation to the timeline that the rest of the story takes place over. Bearing in mind the first 80% of the book spans approximately three days, (unless I missed something) the speed at which things happen between Sophie and Emery, from the development on their feelings towards one another, decisions about their relationship course, more revelations about both of their pasts, as well as the ease and unquestioning acceptance that Sophie just steps into the role of submissive to Emery's Master, all felt a little rushed. I am not usually a stickler for the whole safe-sex/I'm clean discussion, but with this time-frame I was expecting at least a conversation or some confirmation that both of them were clean and Sophie on the pill. Emery dived right in (repeatedly) with no mention of putting on a condom, or confirmation that Sophie was on birth control. "Hold on to this moment, don't think about tomorrow. Just be with me." The story does clip along at a very rapid pace, and you are certainly not given a chance to get bored as I have come to expect with Lauren's lyrical and on occasion somewhat poetic writing style. Every character and every aspect of the plot is fully described and developed. I still loved The Gilded Cuff, I just think the time-span that the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gilded Cage (Surrender, #2); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "This is the beginning, not the end." Stars! The Gilded Cage literally takes off where The Gilded Cuff left off, if you haven't read the first book in Lauren Smith's Surrender series I recommend you do so, to get the full background on Fenn Lockwood, and the reasons for everything, especially in the first half of the book being such a shock to him. Although this review doesn't offer any spoilers on this book, it potentially will for The Gilded Cuff, if you haven't read it. It is not secret that I am a huge fan of Lauren Smiths writing, as an author she has the breadth and depth of imagination to be able to turn her hand to pretty much any genre, this isn't a skill that a lot of authors manage to execute well, and I always find myself a little excited and a lot intrigued too see where this talented lady will take her readers next. Whereas book one of this series, comprehensively 'set the scene', as well as giving you Emery Lockwood's story, it also gave you Emery's recollections of leaving his brother behind and the belief that he had been killed at the hands of their captor. As he discovered towards the end of the book that wasn't the case, and Fenn Lockwood, now Smith is actually alive, well and living in Walnut Springs, Colorado as a ranch hand and occasional Bull Rider. This is Fenn and Hayden's story, the head-strong sister of Will Thorne, once and still friend of the Lockwood twins. The connection between them both, starts off hot and burns brighter as the book progresses, both have particular tastes when it comes to the bedroom, and Fenn's particular penchant for control and tying, definitely ticks all of Hayden's boxes, feeling particularly unfulfilled in that area of her life he offers a welcome release for her, as fully trusting the man she gives herself to, gives her the opportunity to do something that she has struggled with in the past... Submit. "You're sleeping in your skin tonight and nothing else." There is no doubt that Lauren put everything she has into this book, it is full of action, twists, turns, and the reunion between the Lockwood family after the years of searching and hoping, had me in tears, the subsequent fall out for Fenn's discovery and then return, and the kidnappers attempt at exacting revenge, all make for an entertaining and multi paced read, that you will struggle to put down. "We are friends, always and forever." The glimpses you are also given of Will Thorne and Callie Taylor together, offer up just enough to make this reader, pretty impatient for the next book in the series The Gilded Chain (due October 2015) is their story, a known Dom, and a heart-sore, country girl in Paris... I am excited already! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gilded Chain (Surrender, #3); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Be brave for me." Stars! Lauren Smith has such a great talent when it comes to character development, and one of the main things that I have loved about this series so far is the fact that every yummy man that we have come into contact with has been completely different from his predecessor. I loved Emery and Fenn, but Wes... I had a funny feeling he was going to be something a little bit special, and boy did he get this readers heart a-pounding. We have seen bits and piece of Wes in the previous two books, being best of friends with the Lockwood brothers he has played a pivotal part in that family's reconnection. But the actual man and what makes him tick, well the author managed to keep that a little more elusive. "You think you can seduce me in thirty days." I loved that Lauren took this story out of the US, and Callie and Wes' fledgling relationship gets its wings whilst taking in the sights and sounds of Paris. This couple are diverse in that they are opposites in a lot of ways. Wes is experienced in all aspects of giving and receiving pleasure, Callie has spent her life on a remote farm, pretty isolated from the rest of the world. Wes has a deep appreciation for art and its preservation, Callie is an artist, who just needs a little of the right kind of encouragement and support to achieve excellence. "We're a disaster waiting to happen." Both of them together... the innocent and the experienced, the naive around the confident, really gave this story a depth and charm. "This is all new to me. I don't know how to be with you..." Just Be... That's all you have to do." There is also the element of mystery and suspense flowing through this story and as with the previous books it adds another layer to the budding relationship between them. Callie is thrust into a world of which she knows little, and while Wes tries to deal with the presence of The Illusionist, an unknown presence, stealing valuable artworks from friends and acquaintances. "If dreams had a scent they would smell like you." I loved this book, it had a softer feel to it than its predecessors, and although there is the element of suspense the story really had the charm and feel of a good old-fashioned romance (with a little light BDSM thrown in!). Lauren Smith really does go from strength to strength with each book that she releases. Don't be put off by this being the third book in The Surrender series, it can easily be read as a standalone, and if you are looking for a well written, intriguing and diverse romance you cannot go far wrong with The Gilded Chain. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Game Changer (Bomb Squad #3); Author: Melissa Cutler; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "Surfboard and Stumpy." Stars! This book touched a chord with me, I think the subject matter and the way the author dealt with it hit every emotional trigger that I have. But in a good way. This is a book about acceptance and living life to the fullest, loving yourself, allowing others to love you and understanding that it is okay to show weakness, to rely on those that care for you, and that facing your fears makes you a stronger and more resilient person for it. Melissa Cutler has taken the Bomb Squad series from enjoyable to exceptional with the addition of Game Changer to its numbers. Brandon and Harper have been circling each other like prowling tigers since the first book, and it is in this book that we finally get the full run down of what exactly has gone on between them in the last five years, why Harper see's Brandon in the light she does, and the reasons for Brandon going out of his way to antagonize her in every way he possibly can. "You're the one who rejected me, who keeps rejecting me, but yet you don't want me to be with anyone else? Why is that? Because it's fucked up." You know this couple loves each other before they do, and it is reading of that realization dawning on them through the progression of the story, and in view of all of the obstacles that they face, which makes this book an absolutely unputdownable read. "I want you because when I kiss you, it's never enough." It is sexy, because delayed is always better than instant gratification, it is tense because you feel you are with them every step of the way, if I could have mentally willed them to get together sooner believe me I would have, but I am glad everything happened they way it did, the book and the characters were all the more real for their emotional progression and the time-line that everything took to unravel in. You can read this book as a standalone, but I would recommend that you take the time to read the first two books in the Bomb Squad Series, you will see through the other couples stories the development of Brandon and Harper's story along the way, it adds depth, to what is already an extremely well developed and highly emotive read. "You're not alone." I don't think everyone will embrace this book as I have, I understand that we all get different things from different books, I think the issues in Game Changer are what resonated with me most, one thing you would struggle to dispute is the exemplary way in which Melissa Cutler has written this story, the thought, research and depth of understanding she has put into Harper and Brandon's medical issues, the potential mental and emotional responses and the time it took for them to work through everything, was written in such a thoughtful and respectful way. I think I have rambled enough, if you have read this far, I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Great Zoo of China; Author: Matthew Reilly; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5 Lucky Stars! It would be extremely hard for me to accurately sum up, or try to comprehensively put into words the awesomeness that it the storytelling genius of Matthew Reilly, I have been with this author from the beginning (far too many years than I want to count!) and have pretty much devoured each and every one of his books since the release of Ice Station. He has a very distinct way of telling you a story, that for a lot of authors you would struggle with it's believability, in relation to the break-neck pace he sets his plots against, the kick-ass, down to earth but almost superhero characters he envisions and the impossible situations they get themselves into and ultimately out of, that just round his storylines off perfectly. ~Here there be dragons~ There are undoubtedly going to be some people that read the book and see nothing but the comparisons between it, and Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park novels, and having read both I would be lying if I didn't say there are some huge similarities and tropes that reflect through both. But I can live with that, the storytelling, characters and writing style pulled me in and didn't let me go until the end. "Excuse my language, but what the fuck do we do now?" You don't have a chance to get bored with Matthew's writing style, as soon as the characters overcome one obstacle something else is already in the offing, and you are immediately pulled right back into the melee. We get a female lead in The Great Zoo of China, and I really liked CJ Cameron, she did bear a few resemblances to one of Matthew's other well known and loved characters a certain Shane 'Scarecrow' Schofield, but the change up was welcome. I initially stumbled across Matthew Reilly by accident, his books were only printed on paper and found in book shops, and the Kindle had never been heard of, it is probably the best trip I have ever taken! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: First Frost (Waverley Family, #2); Author: Sarah Addison Allen; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "Autumn winds bring strangers." Stars! My literary love affair with the books of Sarah Addison Allen began way back in 2007, when I stumbled across a paperback book in my local book store (yes books were still a physical thing back then). The cover grabbed my attention and the synopsis on the back piqued my interest, to this day that book still sits on my book shelf, one of very few that I have kept, because it evokes a memory every time I pick it up, a memory of comfort, happiness, expectation and joy. Waverley women are mysterious and magical women with a long and well-known history in the south. So to be returning to Bascom, North Carolina after such a break, made this quite an emotional read for me on several levels, some personal and some not. A lot has happened in my life in the intervening years as you would expect, and reading of the changes that have happened in the lives of the Waverley sisters as well as their spouses and children also bought back memories of some of the highs and lows in the tapestry of my own life. Bay Waverley was only a small child when I read Garden Spells so to read of her experiences as she approaches womanhood, especially with her unique Waveley take on life and love, and the way her peers treat her because of it was an absolute treat. Each Waverley had something different about her. Claire and Sydney also feature heavily in this book as well (thankfully), as well as the aging Evanelle, it was akin to a long lost family reunion for me, and I loved every second of it. First Frost is an easygoing and comforting read, it almost felt like coming home after years away. It bought back happy memories, fizzles of excitement, and the reawakening of a memory of something innocently forgotten, but no less loved because of it. Sarah is one of my 'go-to' authors, I love her books and the characters contained within. Her stories are unique, colourful and memorable, First Frost is no exception, it is another perfect example why I love her books, and I would encourage anyone to give them a go, disappointment is not a word contained in the book of Words to Describe Sarah Addison Allen Don't define yourself by what you don't want to do. Define it by what you do want to do. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stealing Rose (The Fowler Sisters, #2); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "You have some explaining to do." Stars. I have been a fan of Monica Murphy/Karen Erickson's books for a while now. I have read a few, and for the most part they always seem to fall into two categories for me, 'Awesome' and 'Average', one thing that can always be commended is the writing, but on occasion the story let's it down. "I'm just playing"... "With fire." Stealing Rose unfortunately is in the latter column for me. Once again the writing is Monica's usual stellar quality, but the story-line itself left me a little underwhelmed. The first 15% of the book sets the scene nicely, Caden and Rose have a couple of encounters you know what he is about, and their attraction is palpable. But what then follows is around 60% of the following - - Sex - Jealousy - Lies (by omission) - Justification of the above. The story just stopped moving. Add to that Rose was a difficult character to like a lot of the time (and her sister Violet), what with the whole 'evil-stepmother' and 'no-on appreciates me' whining I actually wanted Caden to rip her off, just to get things moving again. I haven't read the first book in the series Owning Violet, I don't think it impacted my enjoyment of this book, and from what I saw of Violet in this one I am kind of glad I didn't to be honest. Stealing Rose is set in London, that was a welcome change, and If you are looking for lots of sex, and are not too fussed about there being much of a story to go with it then I am sure this will be a winner. But it doesn't really start to move again until around the 75% mark and for me that was a little too large of a gap. This won't stop me reading more from the Monica, as I said although Stealing Rose is not a massive winner for me, I have become used to the peaks and troughs of my reading experience with this author, and for every average read, there are usually two awesome ones to take the edge off of my overall disappointment! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Surrender (Devil's Den, #1); Author: Violetta Rand; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Texas Boys do it right." Stars. Whilst I liked Surrender I didn't love it. Garrick and Robyn had an interesting dynamic and I liked the parts of the book when they were together and dealing with their issues in order to build a relationship. Garrick is dominant, possessive and has a definite way with words and actions. Robyn although working in an environment that belies one thing, is actually pretty much the opposite of all the expectations you would have for a woman in her situation, those aspects together made me keep reading. What I found detracted from that were all the side plots and random characters that were thrown at the story. "I'm glad you've found me." There were a couple of tropes that carried enough weight to them, that should have been explored more, rather than having lots of little things added, for me it just made the story all sorts of scrappy, jumping from this, to that, then to something else, but never really offering the level of depth I was looking for. The writing style is easy to immerse yourself in and I did like the story, plenty (if not too much) of drama, interesting sexy-times and dual POV, I just think it could have done with a little more focus, and less of a cut & dried ending. Surrender is the first book in the Devil's Den series, its successor Seduction is due, mid-March. This is my first book by this author, and although I am uncertain as to whether I will read any more books from this series, I would be interested to read something with a different setting, tropes and characters by Violetta Rand in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: As Good as it Gets; Author: Fiona Gibson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Was as good as it got! stars. I am usually a huge fan of Fiona Gibson's writing. She manages to take an average storyline and elevate it to excellence, with a combination of witty observations, engaging conversations, likeable characters and just a little spark of something out of the ordinary. I like that her heroines are usually just normal women, with jobs, kids, stretch marks, (ex)husbands/partners, self doubt, zany friends/neighbors, living everyday lives. Her unique observations about run-of-the-mill occurrences inject her books with inoffensive humour, that makes them easy to read, and hard to put down. Something fell short with As Good as it Gets for me, I found Charlotte's inner monologue didn't have that usual ease and flow to it, it went on too long and for no apparent reason a lot of the time. The humor was sorely lacking, and the secondary characters were either annoying, uninteresting, or nothing out of the ordinary. This isn't a bad book, but I just expect more from Fiona after my past experiences with her previous books. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Thane's Redemption (The Song, #1); Author: Nina Crespo; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Could have been so much more. Stars. I really like Nina Crespo's writing style, and Thanes Redemption is no exception. As I have come to expect with her books; we are given interesting characters, an unusual plot and plenty of scope for development. But that is where my issues lie with this novella, this may be the start of The Song series, but reading this 80ish page installment felt like a full book that had been cut back to fit into a novella. There was so much happening in the story a lot of it was never really given any kind of level of development that it deserved. This is definitely something that needs to be read in close succession because of it, but with no release date forthcoming for the next book in the series I would worry that most readers would need to revisit this part to actually remember what has happened. There are a lot of loose ends as well, which because of it being a series, and no forthcoming date for its follow-up leaves everything pretty much hanging in the air. I have read several novellas by this author now; I always enjoy her writing style, story line and characters I just always feel that something is lacking due to the length of the book. The same can be said for Thane and Celine so much happened in such a short space of time, I just wanted them to be given the length of book their story actually deserves. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Between Now & Never; Author: Laura Johnston; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 1 - Trust your instincts. Stars. DNF @ 39%. I think if I am being honest, I kind of knew pretty early on that this book wasn't going to do it for me. The first 10% of the story gives you the reasons as to why Cody is in the place he is. So as a reader you are then reading from his and Juliana's POVs. What happens in the aftermath of the event he cannot remember, and how she is indirectly involved in it but doesn't actually know is the forefront of the story from then on. So they are both in the dark, both scrabbling for answers, and up to where I read, both of them had gotten absolutely nowhere, with that or with each other. I have been called 'picky' in the past, and I will happily hold my hands up to that adage when it comes to the basics, but as long as an author gives me a well written story, characters I can at least get along with, and a bit of steady development I am usually happy. But I am feeling nothing about any of it, and although the premise of this book is really good, it just hasn't worked for me in this instance. There is nothing wrong with the writing style, I just expect things to have moved on more in relation to page count, the book may have jumped two months after the first 10% but the characters and plot didn't. The connection between the two of them was flimsy at best and nothing really stood out enough to make me want to continue reading. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Prince (The Florentine, #0.5); Author: Sylvain Reynard; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 3 - He was the predator, not the prey. Stars. The Prince is a really great bridging novella, seamlessly blending the past with the future, by offering glimpses of Gabriel and Julia Emerson from the unforgettable Gabriel's Inferno Series, as well as introducing the reader to the elusive Prince of Florence, and how their lives come into contact as a beginning to The Florentine Series. There are a few little teasers and a lot of scene setting going on in this novella as well. The light and beauty of the Florence you view when you read of Gabriel and Julia's times visiting the city, as well as the darker, harsher and wholly different underworld of Florence that you get to glimpse through the eyes of The Prince and his subject's. A teasing, and intriguing start to the The Florentine Series, Sylvain Reynard's The Prince offers the reader, just the merest taste of the thrills and spills that can be expected in the forthcoming release The Raven which is due for publication on 3rd February 2015, I am looking forward to continuing the adventure! ARC generously provided via the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Open Tackle; Author: L.C. Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: ; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: At His Service: Part 1 (Playboys of Boston #0.1); Author: Suzanne Rock; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Are you new to this?" Stars. No messing with the first part of At His Service, the sexy times take off, pretty much from the first chapter. What I really liked though was the fact that Karin and Leo's story is developing at a nice pace alongside it, and that it isn't your usual run of the mill Billionaire/inexperienced girl scenario. Seeing that this is part one of 4, as you would expect there is a lot of scene setting and character introduction going on as well. I am intrigued, interested and eager to read more. So all in all 'Job Done' with regards to the first installment. On to the next! "Every part of you is beautiful." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: At His Service: Part 2 (Playboys of Boston #0.2); Author: Suzanne Rock; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - 'This isn't over.' Stars. So, part two of At His Service carries on directly after where part one left off. Leo and Karin have done the deed, Karin has done a runner, due to Leo discovering that she isn't initially who he thought she was, as you would expect all sorts of complications have now arisen. "This is my life you're playing with, Mr. Perconti." CEO and owner of the Palazzo Hotel, sleeping with a staff-member and a lowly cleaner no less, hold's a certain interest to the press, now who would have guessed! Joking aside, I am actually enjoying this serialized version so far. Leo is a little blunt and stilted in his language, a lot dominant and in all the right ways I want to read about, and he is initiating his little 'maid' in some sexy and varied ways. The over use of the word 'Channel' is starting to grate a bit, as all I can see when the word is (repeatedly) used is a massive ship sinking in her lady garden! Onto part three, let's hope she doesn't suffer from any fog or inclement weather when Leo, no doubt visits her 'Channel' again. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: At His Service: Part 4 (Playboys of Boston #0.4); Author: Suzanne Rock; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You were never really one for casual relationships were you?" Stars. Part four picks up from where three left off. Leo and Karin are again apart, they are both also openly mooning and pining for the other with great gusto, but his agreement to appease the staff and prevent further strike action at the hotel means they must stay apart (well for at least a couple of pages anyway). The Perconti family has descended on the Palazzo Hotel en-masse for Arianna Perconti's marriage to Aviation mogul Landon Blake. Everything needs to be perfect, with nothing else occurring to cause further scandal to the Perconti name, so the time is definitely not right for more The CEO & the maid type problems. As you would expect, it takes Leo about 5 minutes to work out a way to figure Karin back into his plans for the Perconti empire, and at this point the unhinged-ex wife makes her appearance... "You always had the reins, cara. I just didn't realize it until now." You do finally get the full story of why Leo is as he is, some decent sexy times (although the word Channel pops up again *eye roll!!). And a decent round off to this couples story, with Karin finally going after what she wants, and getting it. The epilogue also gives you a fairly hefty hint as to where the author plans to take the series next, and with whom. So all in all an entertaining, uncomplicated, sexy, stress-free, with an acceptable level of cheesiness thrown in for good measure, read. "We can accomplish so much more together than apart." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: At His Service: Part 3 (Playboys of Boston #0.3); Author: Suzanne Rock; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Work with me." Stars. In part three of At His Service things are not going according to plan in Leo Perconti's world. Tensions between his family and Hotel staff at the Palazzo are approaching boiling point for the oft promised but non-appearing pay-rises and benefits they have been waiting for 3 years for. His family is doing their best to give him a heart attack with their antics, and Karin is getting jittery about their 'relationship' again. Leo; ever the optimist looks to make things as easy for Karin as he can by giving her a new job and moving her into the Penthouse with him as part of that job, but the tensions arise anew between her and the rest of the hotel staff because of it. "You belong to me now, and I like to take care of what is mine." Not a huge amount of development in the path of the story with this installment of At His Service, a few questions are answered, and a lot of things regarding the hotel come to a head. I am still liking Leo and his bluntness, but Karin is getting a little repetitive with her on again/ off again, shall-I-or-shan't-I mind-set about their relationship. "No promises for the future, no regrets about the past." Looking forward to reading the final installment, I am interested to see how Suzanne finishes this couple's story off. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zack (Cold Fury Hockey, #3); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "No more hiding." Stars! Zack is one of the books released in 2015 that I have waited impatiently to read, after finishing Garrett back in February, I just knew going into this book (if you have read its predecessor) that it had huge potential to tug on the heartstrings, and it did; not quite as much as I was expecting it too, but it was still a really enjoyable and emotional read. This book picks up around three months after the end of Garrett, Zack Grantham is still very much dealing with the grief and adjustments to his life, since the death of his girlfriend Gina in a car crash, a car that he was driving and an accident that he blames himself for. Now a single father to a young son, moving forward, feeling anything and getting on with his life feel like impassable obstacles. Then the new nanny arrives in the shape of Kate Francis, a quirky, geeky, bubbly woman who at first glance, you wouldn't think deserves a second look. And the icy walls that have surrounded Zack's thoughts, feelings and general day to day living slowly starts to melt with the continued exposure to her sunny personality. I'm desperate for something to get me out of this dark place I've been living in. The romance in this instalment of the Cold Fury Hockey series is a bit of a slow burn, and the first 50% is more about Zack dealing with his guilt for Gina's death, and then his attraction to Kate, and then the guilt because of his attraction to Kate. Sawyer handled it perfectly it wasn't over-done, the drama and angst levels were enough to make me invested as a reader, but not too much that I got annoyed with it. I liked this couple together, the second half was a little predictable, but I didn't mind that because it was so well written I still found it enjoyable, and easy to immerse myself in. Another big positive for this book is that Zack spends a bit of time with Ryker Evans; new Goalie for the Cold Fury Team, and his book is up next, this is a guy who is slightly further along with his career, and I am interested to see how Sawyer handles his story, what with two young children, and major life decisions looming on his horizon. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cursed by Ice (Immortal Brothers, #2); Author: Jacquelyn Frank; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - "A comfortable cage is still a cage." Stars. Cursed by Ice is the second book in Jacquelyn Frank's Immortal Brothers series, I liked the characters a little more in this one, but I am still not blown away by it all, and I am not really sure why to be honest. The writing, pacing and plot are all pretty good, there is just something not quite hitting the spot for me in the overall scheme of things. Things have moved on a bit since the first book, Dethan (book 1) has now found his place back in the world, and in exchange for his own immortality has managed to persuade the Goddess, to partially release his youngest brother Garreth. Where Dethans curse was fire, Garreth's is ice. The world in which these characters reside in is vividly described and easy to imagine, Garreth and Dethan find themselves at the walls of the City of Kith at the beginning of this book, and the action and adventure takes off from there. More mythical creatures and unique characters become involved in things as the story progresses. I really took a shine to Garreth, he came across as an honorable and noble guy who gives his all for those he cares about and the causes he believes in. Sarielle was a little easier to like than the heroine in the first book in the series in that she wasn't looking to others to get her out of the situations she was in. I liked her spark and the fact that she kept fighting throughout the book for herself and her family, a little naive and unsure in some areas, but together with Garreth they made a great pairing. This series is growing on me, two brothers left, and I wonder what adventures the author has in store for them, and the women that will inevitably tame them. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Play by Play (Play Makers Shorts, #1); Author: Kate Donovan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - Unsurprising Stars. I think it is always best to keep your expectations manageable when it comes to reading novellas; any author is going to struggle to give the reader any major depth or development to a story or it's characters in a book that is 80 odd pages long. Kate Donovan's first installment in the Play Makers series sets the scene well, and offers a little cute 'behind closed doors' romance on the side. I liked Jake and Sophie 'Elevator Girl' pretty well, and the fact that as a reader we know their stories well before either character truly does, made it easy to follow along! Sports-Blogger falls for Sports-Hater! This is a pretty quick read and a sweet story, and I really liked the inclusion of the blog posts to the mix. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: One to Chase (One to Hold, #7); Author: Tia Louise; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - Uncertainty is essential. Stars. I am a big fan of Tia Louise and the One to Hold series. I have read and loved every book prior to One to Chase, and as such it is with real regret that I can't offer a higher rating for this installment. "A little business. A little pleasure." Marcus and Amy's story was an easy enough book to read, but for me it lacked the depth of background and emotional connection that I have always felt with the previous books and characters. Derek, Patrick, Stuart and Slayde all had very definitive and solid backgrounds and strong personalities, and as a reader you get to know more about them as their books/ the series progresses. I felt a bit empty with Marcus, yes he has a strong personality, but apart from being Elaine's brother you learn little more about him for most of this book. Having read the introductory novella Runaway prior to this, I was expecting plenty of sexy times, and Tia never disappoints in that area, but I wanted the story to build with it. You can sense that both of them have issues that they are dealing with in regards to familial past relationships, but it took a little too long for everything to be laid out on the table for me. Everything in me craves her. Amy is very much a runner, having returned to Chicago from Paris, under the excuse of spending more time with her mother, she's actually hot footed it home, due to things getting a little too serious with her last lover. Relationships aren't for her, emotional connections are to be avoided, and she's almost a 'one and done' type of girl... Until Marcus that is, running is still on the table, but he in his own way gives chase, on more than one occasion. Again, I lacked the understanding of her characters motivation until much later on in the book, and it all felt a little cliche for me, when you take into account the previous women from the series, their strengths, weaknesses and backstories, Amy needed more of all those attributes, it was a bit challenging to feel any real connection between her and Marcus, over and above the sex initially because of it. I really struggled with the whole plot for the first 70%, it felt very repetitive and reminded me a little of a day time soap opera with the whole Paige Goldfarb/Karen Philpot saga, not to mention the whole charade that Marcus allowed himself to get dragged into... the bitching and back-stabbing. I suppose, I have extremely high expectations of the author, and although I wasn't really sure what to expect with this one, being that it was two virtually unknown characters joining a series that has pretty much been based around and established through one specific group up until now, this change in direction didn't quite work for me. As I said it was enjoyable enough, but I was expecting more. Tia Louise is one of my favourite authors, this series; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One to Save (One to Hold, #6); Author: Tia Louise; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - So much has happened to get us here. Stars! Derek, Melissa and the whole Knight Alexander family have been a part of my reading life for quite a while now. I love these books, the people contained in them and their stories, they are all interweaved into one memorable and unforgettable web. "It's only the beginning." Tia Louise knows how to tell a story, and she knows how to do it well One to Save is no exception, and once again I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster for pretty much the whole of the book. We pick up shortly after where One to Leave finished, Stuart Knight is back working alongside Derek and Patrick at Knight Alexander and everything seems to be on the up. Except we all know that Derek has been keeping a secret from Melissa, and it could potentially be a deal breaker. I survived and now I am strong. This book like all of it's predecessors really pulls you in, as the reader you know what is going on in both Derek and Melissa's heads, what you don't know is how either of them will react once all the cards have been laid on the table, Melissa in particular, her past dictates that nothing but honesty exists between her and Derek in order for them to have a future together, and whilst planning their wedding more than a few secrets are unearthed. Derek in his attempts to protect Melissa from the harsh realities of some of the things he has done in his past is potentially putting more strain on their relationship, than telling actually telling Melissa the truth would do. I had ideas in my head as to the direction that Tia would take Derek and Melissa's story in this installment in the series, as always and as expected, it was nothing like I guessed, again she delivered more, the twists and turns in the story are plentiful and the cast many. This is why the series works, because Tia has taken the time to build and develop such a diverse and colorful set of people, that you are happy to spend time whether it be a few paragraphs or a few chapters with each and every one of them. All I lost was my heart. Stunning, Sexy, Surprising and as always One to Save is a totally Stunning read. One to Chase ~ Amy Knight and Marcus Merritt's story is due in June 2015, new characters, a new story and a new direction. I cannot wait! ARC generously provided by the author, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her Unexpected Hero (Unexpected Heroes, #1); Author: Melody Anne; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'm game if you are." Stars! Melody Anne is fast becoming one of my favorite go-to romance authors, Her Unexpected Hero is the first full length book in the Unexpected Heroes Series, and it was an absolute winner. "I've had better, Jackson Whitman." We are introduced albeit briefly to the Whitman brothers in the opening novella in this series Safe in his Arms... Sexy, single, self-made, and all with a little something about them that you can't help but be interested in and intrigued by, the Whitman's, their family and friends as well as the town of Sterling, Montana as a whole are people and places I want to read more of. "I'm just across the hall if you want me... "The door's open and I sleep... commando." Jackson and Alyssa's story isn't unique in its themes; in fact I could probably go into double figures on the amount of books that I have read with the same sort of storylines. But it is so beautifully written, with a cast of characters that you can't help but become enamored with, I couldn't put this book down I was enjoying it so much. Melody Anne has a writing style that pulls you in, you feel involved in the story and you hope the characters to make the right choices... Lies never ended well. That didn't always happen, and I could have happily given Alyssa a hard shake for a lot of this book, but it is all bought together really well, and the authors reasoning for leaving things as they were for so long become apparent as the story progressed. "Sometimes we have to risk everything before we can find true happiness." This is a series I think I am going to fall more and more in love with as the books are released. I sensed a spark when I read Safe in his Arms, after finishing Her Unexpected Hero there is a definite flame of interest burning, and I cannot wait to see where Melody takes us next with Who I am With You due for release April 2015. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Week in New York (The Empire State Trilogy, #1); Author: Louise Bay; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - No ambiguity. No promises. No bullshit. Stars! Louise Bay has literally taken all the good plot points and character traits from some of my favorite romances and turned them into the Empire State Series. There wasn't much new or unusual about the story, (and this review is for all three instalments) but what I liked about Anna and Ethan, was that they were both established adults in their own rights. Anna was as confident as Ethan, and the drama and storyline was solely focused on them rather than secondary characters. "I have rules..." One lives in London the other New York, and what starts a one night with no strings whilst Anna is on vacation in the Big Apple, develops into one week of fun, but still with no strings. With Anna's return to the UK they part amicably and go back to their lives. But fate has other plans for this couple and the three novellas in this series chart the building of a relationship around a couple that are falling in love with each other, the best thing about it, I think as a reader you see that they are in love before they even realize it themselves. "Sometimes I forget that I didn't know you my whole life..." This series is what I would call easy to read and stress-free, the author hit the pitch between the two of them perfectly, in that both are shy of commitment and as each new twist in the plot plays out one or the other of them steps further out of their comfort zone to embrace the relationship developing between them, it was a bit like a game of leap-frog at points with one of them always being a little bit further along than the other. "You couldn't be any more beautiful to me than you are now." Low angst, high emotion and plenty of sexy times, this is an author who I am glad to have discovered. I may be a little late to the party, but let's just say my one-click budget was totally blitzed this week in buying the rest of this authors books! "I'm glad we found each other..."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Autumn in London (The Empire State Trilogy, #2); Author: Louise Bay; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - No ambiguity. No promises. No bullshit. Stars! Louise Bay has literally taken all the good plot points and character traits from some of my favorite romances and turned them into the Empire State Series. There wasn't much new or unusual about the story, (and this review is for all three instalments) but what I liked about Anna and Ethan, was that they were both established adults in their own rights. Anna was as confident as Ethan, and the drama and storyline was solely focused on them rather than secondary characters. "I have rules..." One lives in London the other New York, and what starts a one night with no strings whilst Anna is on vacation in the Big Apple, develops into one week of fun, but still with no strings. With Anna's return to the UK they part amicably and go back to their lives. But fate has other plans for this couple and the three novellas in this series chart the building of a relationship around a couple that are falling in love with each other, the best thing about it, I think as a reader you see that they are in love before they even realize it themselves. "Sometimes I forget that I didn't know you my whole life..." This series is what I would call easy to read and stress-free, the author hit the pitch between the two of them perfectly, in that both are shy of commitment and as each new twist in the plot plays out one or the other of them steps further out of their comfort zone to embrace the relationship developing between them, it was a bit like a game of leap-frog at points with one of them always being a little bit further along than the other. "You couldn't be any more beautiful to me than you are now." Low angst, high emotion and plenty of sexy times, this is an author who I am glad to have discovered. I may be a little late to the party, but let's just say my one-click budget was totally blitzed this week in buying the rest of this authors books! "I'm glad we found each other..."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New Year in Manhattan (The Empire State Trilogy, #3); Author: Louise Bay; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - No ambiguity. No promises. No bullshit. Stars! Louise Bay has literally taken all the good plot points and character traits from some of my favorite romances and turned them into the Empire State Series. There wasn't much new or unusual about the story, (and this review is for all three instalments) but what I liked about Anna and Ethan, was that they were both established adults in their own rights. Anna was as confident as Ethan, and the drama and storyline was solely focused on them rather than secondary characters. "I have rules..." One lives in London the other New York, and what starts a one night with no strings whilst Anna is on vacation in the Big Apple, develops into one week of fun, but still with no strings. With Anna's return to the UK they part amicably and go back to their lives. But fate has other plans for this couple and the three novellas in this series chart the building of a relationship around a couple that are falling in love with each other, the best thing about it, I think as a reader you see that they are in love before they even realize it themselves. "Sometimes I forget that I didn't know you my whole life..." This series is what I would call easy to read and stress-free, the author hit the pitch between the two of them perfectly, in that both are shy of commitment and as each new twist in the plot plays out one or the other of them steps further out of their comfort zone to embrace the relationship developing between them, it was a bit like a game of leap-frog at points with one of them always being a little bit further along than the other. "You couldn't be any more beautiful to me than you are now." Low angst, high emotion and plenty of sexy times, this is an author who I am glad to have discovered. I may be a little late to the party, but let's just say my one-click budget was totally blitzed this week in buying the rest of this authors books! "I'm glad we found each other..."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Storm (The Storm, #3.5); Author: Samantha Towle; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Hindsight - it's a motherfucker, ain't it?" Stars! I am always a little sceptical when an author revisits a couple that we previously left living their happily ever after. I have no issue if a novella adds something to the overall series or story, but more and more recently a lot of these types of books seem to be financially motivated more than anything. Sam has 'added value' to Jake and Tru's story, although to be honest this isn't a story that hugely focuses on them... To understand why, you need to read it, and for me it was a worthwhile use of an hour or so of my time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darkness Falls (Reveler #1); Author: Erin Kellison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Wake up to the truth!" Stars! I can honestly say I have never read anything like Darkness Falls before, and I mean that in the good sense... Sleep and dreams, are something that we all have in our lives and Erin Kellison has taken those two things and given them a uniquely dark and fictional spin. This is a weird one for me in that although I knew and understood exactly what was going on whilst I was reading it, trying to explain the book in a review is proving difficult. A lot of the main plot points would be considered spoilers, but to say that Malcolm Rook and Jordan Lane's initial meeting is about as far from your average introduction as you can get would be an understatement. Both on a ship to dreamland, so to speak, one is nervous as it is their first experience in the Reve, the other is essentially talent spotting, that talent may not be something it's owner is essentially aware of, or will wish they had once they learn of it. "Sleep is an alteration in your brainwaves, and Reve is simply getting everyone on the same frequency." Although based on truth, Jordan quickly comes to realize that there are an awful lot of grey areas that the general populace are not told about when it comes to Reve, and through her initial association with Michael she starts to understand that she may have more in common with him in relation to this than she initially assumed. She'd known him all of thirty-six hours, and for most of that she'd feared him. Their attraction is instant, their connection intense, and while the world, dream and otherwise is irrevocably changing for Jordan, her snark, confidence and level-headedness, shows Malcolm just how special this woman is. Darkness Falls, is certainly the setting stone for the beginning of the Reveler series, you are introduced to several other characters of note in Jordans' sister Maisie and Rook's boss Steve Coll, this book ends on a cliffy, but bearing in mind it's a series of eight and all have been released, there are no worries about dipping right back in, with the next book Lay Me Down which continues this unusual and interesting adventure. ARC generously provided, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Raven (The Florentine, #1); Author: Sylvain Reynard; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Find another art restorer to snack on." Stars! Sylvain Reynard is a master at building anticipation and sexual tension between two characters, as well as developing a fast paced yet vividly descriptive storyline for their relationship to grow though and build upon. Add into that mix a paranormal element and I found myself immersed in the wonderfully diverse story that is The Raven, which picks up two years along from where The Prince ended. Little has changed in Florence in that time for William York; however a few things have changed for Florence as a city. Now a hunting ground for more than just the human race, battles are being waged, fought and lost, as well as won on a daily basis. The city of Florence had been his home for almost seven hundred years. In the middle of all this action falls Raven Wood, a woman who was basically invisible, not deemed acceptable by societies warped standards of what is beautiful or normal, she spends her days restoring art Uffizi Gallery and her night's drawing, sketching and spending time with her small circle of friends. "I'm physically disabled, not visually impaired." One thing Raven has in spades...Gumption, she isn't afraid to stand up for the underdog, speak her mind, or plough head first into a fight. Not always a good thing for a woman who is unable to run, when the going gets tough. "Trouble is not what you do. Trouble is what you are." I really enjoyed this story; it has a lot of the elements of writing in it that get my reading juices flowing. Suspense, a little history, fact intermingled within the fiction, action, adventure, and of course love and romance. But not in the normal, bog standard ways. It is no secret that I have a bit of a soft spot for a guy who has specific dietary requirements and the author delivers that beautifully in The Raven. "Clearly you need help. And a dietician." I'd even go as far as to say, The Prince of Florence eclipses a certain Professor Emerson, for this lady! You will get all you are expecting with this book, and more, and then some on-top of the more. The Raven marks the end of the beginning of The Florentine series. I am looking forward to seeing where Sylvain takes his readers next; I am sure whatever direction he takes will offer even more excitement, thrills and romance and drama. "You are my greatest virtue and my deepest vice." ARC generously provided by the publisher, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy with You (Boudreaux #1.5; With Me in Seattle #8.5; 1001 Dark Nights #15); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "We broke the bed." Stars! Decent novella, that interlinks the With Me and Boudreaux series, and gives you a little catch up with Matt and Nic from the former, and provides you with secondary characters; Asher and Lila's story from the latter. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Easy Love as you get the beginnings of Asher and Lila's story in it. Add in a little murder mystery, although I pegged who it was from their first introduction, it well written as usual. Although I will say Asher was a little similar in his sexy talk and sexy preferences that he reminded me of Eli Boudreaux from Easy Love on a couple of occasions. Nevertheless Proby delivered again, and I am going straight onto Easy Charm; single mother + injured sportsman = Reading Heaven!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hard as Steel (Hard Ink, #4.5; Raven Riders, #0.5; 1001 Dark Nights, #26); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You're a little pain in my ass." Stars! Another absolutely stellar read from Laura Kaye. This novella transitions us from the Hard Ink series in that it gives you the story of what happens to, and between Jess and Ike, after he takes her away from the rest of the group in Baltimore because of the threat to her life, and introduces us to the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club, when they end up staying at the compound. There is no messing with this one, the chemistry between Jess and Ike, is combustible at the start of the novella and does not take long to boil over when they find themselves in close quarters together. Both a little commitment shy for their own reasons, but both also irrevocably drawn to the other there step out of the friend-zone, into something more is inevitable, especially as they start to understand more about each other and their pasts. "Living life on your own terms is the sweetest vengeance of all." Another Solidly entertaining read, Hard as Steel is also a great step over into the authors new Raven Riders MC series, the first full length book Ride Hard; is due for release April 2016. ARC generously provided by the author via Inkslinger PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nobody's Angel (Willow Park, #1); Author: Sarah Hegger; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1.5 - 2 "You underestimate the size of the footprint you leave." Stars. Nobody's Angel is probably one of the most depressing books I have read for a while, and unnecessarily so if I am being totally honest. I was ready to call time on this book at around the 40% mark, but I stuck with it as I was really hoping that out of all the dull, nasty, abhorrent and un-savoury characters in the book, there would be at least one positive to add to the flickering candle that was Lucy Flint, and the only reason I really liked her was because she had pretty much crapped on everyone else in the book before she had left town 9 years previously, and they all by the behavior displayed in this book pretty much deserved it. The last 5% offers a little hope, but not enough for me to rate it any higher than I have. She was alive and she was living each day as it came. For me this book had two stories running through it, one of positivity, of a woman returning home, trying to repair the damage from her past and right the wrongs with the people she left behind, this is the story I wanted to read, was expecting to read. It was overshadowed by the family drama, most of which I finished the book feeling was unresolved and unexplained, Lucy returns home at her mothers request, as her father is ill. Quite frankly, her parents, were assholes of the highest order, its not often I feel that strongly or vehemently about my elders (yes even in books, I want to be able to respect them) but Carl was a nasty, vitriolic, poisonous man, his illness, whatever it was, was never really clarified, so I felt absolutely no sympathy for him. Lynne, her mother, was a spineless, weak, pitiful creature, and basically happy to blame Lucy for her problems, but when offered plausible solutions, preferred to stick her head in the sand and blame Lucy for stirring up trouble, after she was the one who asked her to return home. These are my main issues, I could go on, I am not going too, this book has in the main garnered positive reviews. I wish I could be giving one, but I really feel this book lost the point of what is should have been offering. The writing is sound, the characters for the most part un-likeable, the story line had plenty going on in it, but each new element that the author added to it just muddied the flow of the important tropes further and didn't really offer the deeper development I wanted in the areas that I thought really mattered. It was pretty much one nasty occurrence, followed by a horrible encounter after another and Lucy's flame was pretty much extinguished and stamped out by the end of the book, the rebuilding of her relationship with Richard should have been front and center, and it got lost in all the other stuff going on. A; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Who I Am with You (Unexpected Heroes, #1.5); Author: Melody Anne; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You've always been my shadow." Stars! With each and every book I read by Melody Anne from the Unexpected Heroes series I fall I little more in love with the town and the people of Sterling, Montana. The scene she has set and the development of everything as a whole that she puts into each installment released, just adds further color and depth to the series as a whole. Taylor and Travis have been edging around each other for years, being one of her older brother's best-friends; Travis has always treated her as more of a little sister than potential bed partner. That changes one night six years previous, but things don't go exactly as Taylor was hoping once the alcohol wears off and the morning comes round. "I wanted you once, I asked for you." Back in town after a horrific motocross accident almost takes her life, Taylor retreats to her brothers secluded cabin, having only seen Travis twice in the intervening years, finding him already set up and unwilling to move out of said cabin offers her two choices; stay and deal with the anger and hurt his previous rejection caused, or go back to her parents house, where peace and quiet, in order to recuperate is virtually non-existent with her families well-meaning over-protectiveness. I did initially have a few struggles with Taylor, overly independent and bull-headed are the words that spring to mind when thinking about how I would describe her, but when you are constantly battling with your elders for independence and a little recognition, rather than being coddled and over-protected to the point of suffocation, I could see the reasons for her reticence to acquiesce to Travis's wishes straight away. "It's all about Taylor." This couple are sexy-hot together, their shared past, means that the novella didn't feel rushed or under-developed, the story flows well, and the epilogue gives a great close to Taylor and Travis's eventual coming together as well as a great opening for the next book in the series - Her Hometown Hero, Spence and Sage's story is due for release in June, and I am looking forward to catching up with the residents of Sterling, as well as getting this couples story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her Hometown Hero (Unexpected Heroes, #2); Author: Melody Anne; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You're the type of woman a man wants on his arm forever, not just for a night." Stars. I really enjoy Melody Anne's writing style, and her Unexpected Heroes series is how I discovered her, so because of that I do have a bit of a soft spot for the people, not to mention the town of Sterling, Montana where most of the stories in the series have been set around. I will be honest and say this book so far is my least favorite, mainly because I really struggled to like either Spence or Sage that much, both of them seemed to struggle to make up their minds with what they wanted, and there were several parts of the book where I happily could have given one or both of them a really good shake, and at one point Hot Tub I actually cringed for them both, I was that uncomfortable for them and the situation they were in. Sage is inexperienced and Melody has written this part of her character so well it bordered on annoying on more than one occasion, ten years younger than Spencer and returning to town to take up her residency at the local hospital as a way of being closer to her grandmother, you really to get the impression that this is a woman with very much a teenage girls mentality when it comes to men and relationships. Having professed her love for him as a young girl and been promptly given the brush off, as you would expect she's a tad miffed when she goes unrecognized by our dashing Surgeon when he rescues her from a car wreck, on her way back into town. The tantrums, disagreements and assumptions and dramatics between them both go from there... "Dealing with a grown woman who's acting like a child required some extra strength." This isn't a bad book by any stretch, and although the most stuffy of the Whitman brothers to date, Spence does go out of his way (after an extremely shaky start) in the second half of the book to repair some of the damage he has done, and to build a solid foundation in the hope of moving forward with a relationship with Sage. That said, from his mannerisms, and some of their conversations it really did highlight the age difference between them as well, as some of it felt more father berating errant daughter, than lovers. This isn't the end of the Unexpected Heroes series, and I certainly will be looking out for future books from the author, especially as more of the Whitman Brothers are due meet their feminine matches. I also really loved the continuing building of the series in relation to all of its secondary characters and the town as a whole as each book progresses. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Following Her (Unexpected Heroes, #2.5); Author: Melody Anne; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 2.5 - "Lady, you're ruining everything." Stars. I seem to have fallen out of love with this authors writing style, either that or it has drastically changed over the last couple of books. I absolutely adored the first few stories in the Unexpected Heroes series, but Following Her even more so than its predecessor Her Hometown Hero felt really stilted and lacking in both story flow and character feeling when I was reading it. Case in point, does any woman want to hear the following from her lovers' lips whilst they are doing the horizontal tango? "I'm very grateful to get to know you." The other thing I struggle with, and not just with this book, but in all books, is where the main heroine is a supposedly well-educated and savvy woman, but then goes on to make one stupid decision after another. "You should be smart enough to be afraid." Or even worse, out and out denial of the facts, and refusing to accept what is blatantly obvious to pretty much everyone else in the book, and Ella was suffering from both, it made her really hard to like or empathise with. Sadly Agent Axel Carlson, read like a man acting how a woman would want him too, and not like a man behaving as a man would do. I struggled to find much of a connection between this pair, and the only real time they really came across as attracted or attached to each other was when Ella knocked him upside the head after mistakenly thinking him an intruder. There are more books due in the Unexpected heroes series, Her Forever Hero is scheduled for release in February 2016, will I read it... I honestly cannot say either way at this point. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Irresistibly Yours (Oxford, #1); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You are so out of my league." Stars! For me reading a book by Lauren Layne is like the sun coming out on a rainy day, because even when I am in my lowest of moods, her story-lines and characters are pretty much are guaranteed to cheer me up. Irresistibly Yours was certainly no slouch in that department, and I absolutely adored Penelope and Cole's coming together. This was an easy-going read, about two people going after the same position at Oxford Magazine and ultimately realizing that after spent more and more time together, they have a lot more in common than just their love of sports. Cole has featured in the previous Sex, Love & Stiletto series as 'one of the guys', so it was good to finally see him get his own story. There was something appealing about a woman you could be yourself with. And the author pitched it perfectly, a little drama but not excessive, plenty of sexual tension, sexy times and entertaining monologue. I liked the Penelope wasn't as polished and buffed as the girls were from the Sex, Love & Stiletto books, it gave the connection between her and Cole a slightly different twist and depth to it. "I don't have any illusions about the fact that I'm a friend-zone kind of girl." Beautifully written, perfectly developed and just generally excellent, I cannot wait for Jackson to have his story told in Playing for Keeps, due for release in February 2016, but the one I am really hanging out for is Someone Like You, due in May 2016, this is Lincoln's story, and to say I am more than a little intrigued by this guy would be an understatement. "Resistance is futile." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blurred Lines (Love Unexpectedly #1); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "How much wine did you have?" Stars! I think the main reason I enjoy books that have been written by Lauren Layne is the fact that you are pretty much guaranteed to fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with each other. Ben and Parkers story isn't unusual in that 'best friends to lovers' is a well-used and enjoyed trope, but it's the writing, characterizations and story development that gives it the edge. "I think this might be the best idea you have ever had." The drama is evenly dispersed, and the sexy times well written, and I think that is why Lauren's writing recipe is such a winner. Nothing is overcooked, or underdone, just perfectly balanced for the reader's imaginary taste buds! "You can't do the Will and Grace thing forever you know." Another outstanding read. ARC generously provided by Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hate F*@k: Part 1 (The Horus Group, #1); Author: Ainsley Booth; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Take me, Mr. Parker. Stars! Cole Parker and Hailey Dashford Reid have a somewhat unconventional relationship, based on less than stellar circumstances. As part of The Horus Group with Jason Evans, Wilson Carter and Tag Browning, Cole and his brothers by other mothers, have been involved in getting her father out of the odd sticky situation in the past. That's the one thing about the brothers you choose. They forgive a lot, and they understand you better than you understand yourself. Their paths cross again when her elder sister is caught on camera giving a prominent (married and much older) politician a personal lap inspection with her mouth! The paparazzi descend on the family en-masse and Cole and his team are once again called into to act as security and run interference between the family and the press. Ainsley Booth has got skills, mad writing skills' considering this is her first novella, in what I hope will be a series that runs it's full, sexy, suspenseful course. I am not a fan of the serialized novella, but the title and synopsis kind of grab you, but then so did the actual novella itself as well. "I've tasted beautiful and I'm not letting her go." The plot, the characters, overall development and sexy times are stellar. The verbal sparring, push & pull between them over pretty much everything, not to mention the simmering sexual tension you feel from Cole and Hailey are perfectly correlated, to such an extent you sort of forget you are reading. I'm frosty, he's pissed... order has been restored to the universe. My one hope, is that this series gets released in the time frames the author is advising on her website - Part two coming end of March 2015 part three coming end of April 2015 Future Horus Group books to be announced... This part of Cole and Hailey's potentially explosive tale as you would expect ends on a cliffhanger, I want to be able to remember it when the next part releases, so I have everything crossed that there are no delays! "You come back again sometime, ya hear?" ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: It Started at Sunset Cottage; Author: Bella Osborne; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 1 - "Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder." Stars. I am making a concerted effort to not DNF books in 2015. But when you know you just know, I got too 32%, but I just can't go on. In short - ~Too many POV's vying for my attention, Kate, Sarah, Andy, Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Dopey & Bashful (okay the last couple were my attempt at witty sarcasm). ~Nothing has really happened, I still don't really know any of the characters any more than I did at the beginning of the book, the minimal amount I have learned, in the main I don't like. ~And the nail that firmly closed the coffin lid, a seemingly intelligent woman, making the mother of all idiotic decisions in allowing a douche bag cheating ex-husband to just 'move back in'... The book has merit, the author shows promise, there is just too much going on, but at the same time nothing has really gone on, and what has happened hasn't really offered any encouragement for me to carry on. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Pawn - Volume 1 (Pawn, #1); Author: Maya St. James; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You could've warned me we'd be discussing vagina's when you asked me for drinks." Stars! I always feel a little rush, when I read something by an author new to myself, and know that I am going to be enjoying their writing for many years to come; something clicks - whether it is the writing style, storyline or the characters you just instinctively know, and that is definitely the case for me with Maya St. James. "I'll pass but give my regards to your pussy." Pawn is the first novella of three charting the budding relationship between Senator Graham Delaney and Elle Courtney, and from what begins with Elle thinking her meeting 'Senator Sexy-Ass' as a coincidence, actually turns out to have had a little more planning and motivation behind it on Grahams part, the full details of why are not yet known. Graham has an attitude and a dirty mouth, put that against Elle and her take-no-shit personality and you have quite a few memorable conversations and sexy interludes to sink your teeth into! But there is a vulnerability about the both of them as well, and I hope that Maya explores this more as the series progresses. There is huge potential running though the pages of this first novella, and I am extremely interested in seeing where the author takes us with this couple. It does as you would expect end on a cliffy, but we do not have to wait months for the following two installments (Feb 14th & 27th) which if I am honest was my main motivation for reading it in its serialized version. Amazon UK - [url]... Amazon US - [url]... "Why the hell not." ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Genie; Author: Kitty French; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Business and pleasure, a bad mix as always. Stars! Genie is not my first ride on the technicolor express train that is the marvel we also call the imagination of Kitty French. This lady does romance, just not a we know it. Unusual locations, intriguing characters, interesting pasts, unexpected futures. You get it all in one of her books and more. Burlesque is not something Abel Kingdom has much interest in or any tolerance for, ask him why, and he will likely tell you it's just stripping/prostitution by any other name. His reasonings in his head are sound, and as the book progresses you are given deeper explanations as to why he behaves the way he does from the offset. "I'll fuck you, then I'll fuck you over." Genie Divine the fiercely independent, utterly confident and unabashedly sexy lead burlesque dancer at the Theater Divine is one hundred percent in disagreement with Abel's assumptions; about almost everything as it happens, and in an effort to save the theater she loves so much from being sold to Abel, endeavors to raise the money she needs to save it. Their connection is made whilst she's on the stage, strengthened when she is off it, but is it strong enough to survive everything that as a pair they have going against them. I really liked this story, Kitty really does give you a no holds barred romance story with a difference, I loved Genie and everything she encompassed with her choice of profession, her strong, confident and unashamedly sexy demeanor, her defiance in the face of certainty and her spirit in fighting until all of options were exhausted. He'd met his match. I struggled a little with Abel, all the attributes where there, dominant with a little assholiness, direct with a dash of cheeky charm, and full of imagination verbally and in his actions when it came to the sexy times. It was his treatment of Genie, the words he used, and the constant knocks against her that were the dampeners for me. As the story develops you see more of the man, his background and the past he is so desperate to wipe out, but it didn't quite give me enough empathy for him to justify the sometimes hurtful words he threw her way. "I'm not anti-love... I'm just anti-loving you." That said, this little niggle was such a small part of the overall sparkly fabric of the book, it was less of an issue, and more of an observation for me. I loved the whole set-up, the diverse and colorful characters and the originality of the situations the story produced. There are laughs, a few tears, lots of sparkle and glitter, and an epilogue full of potential and promise. I hope we get to visit the Theater Divine again at some point in the future! ARC generously provided by the author, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cowboy Delight (Cowboy Heaven, #0.5); Author: Cheryl Brooks; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "Everyone has their breaking point. You reached mine." Stars. I am in two minds with Cowboy Delight. This is my first book by this author, would I read another, in all honestly probably not. This isn't my kind of romance/erotica/smut however you want to term it. Steve and Lauren were ok as characters, what I really struggled with was the insta-everything that happened in the extremely short time that this novella covers. And by short I mean hours, not days, not even a day has passed by the time pretty much everything has happened. In the space of about 6 or so hours our H/h have gone from a quick kiss in his car, having a race with a tornado and horse riding. To her worrying about fitting his huge piece of hot meat(yes I know, cringe) inside her lady garden, to him spreading her ass liberally with butter for a bit of back door fun, and then smearing her boobs with his home-made banana cream pie until he hits the home run and comes all over her face.... Continuity was also a bit lacking, as in the next paragraph they are curled up on the sofa watching a movie... If you are looking for a quick, dirty, with a minimal plot and believability read, this one will be a winner for you. I kind of felt let down for the characters, there was a lot of potential in this story but it was completely bypassed for a few cheap thrills, and lots of side plots that didn't really amount to anything. ARC provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive view on this occasion.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Driven by Fate (Serve, #5); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "This is highly irregular." Stars. I am a huge fan of Tessa Bailey, so it came as a bit of a surprise to not fall 100% in love with this couple. Driven by Fate has all of Tessa's usually fail safe attributes in a dominant male, a sassy female, plenty of dirty talking and a half decent back story to help carry everything along. "I'm not your beginner course." What didn't quite gel for me were Frankie's initial reasons for actually being at SERVE in the first place, if you have read previous books in the series, you will understand her extremely thin connection to the club and it's owner Jonah Briggs. It didn't really add to the story, make much sense, or put Frankie in a good light with me initially. My other issue, and it was the main one. Porter Evans; he is the epitome of what Tessa does best in her men, brooding, over-protective, dirty, dark and deliciously inventive in the bedroom, but for some reason he came across as stilted, cold and completely devoid of any emotion(which I expect with a Dom) but it was at all the wrong points. "Maybe Monocle should have been my safe word." It may be the British connection, and that in some areas I struggled with the Anglicization of his voice, it was done pretty well for the most part, just not when it came to the important points between him and Frankie. The connection he has with Frankie, for me for most of the book felt tenuous at best, and if I am completely honest, I didn't really feel much of anything between them until the last couple of chapters. "This cock will make you scream every damn time." This isn't a bad book, Tessa writes so well that even on an off day she still eclipses almost everyone else in her genre, with the writing quality, characters and overall development of her stories. I think the main issue for me being British myself is that Porter didn't really come across as that, and it affected my enjoyment of this book. It will in no way stop me from grabbing anything else with sweaty, excited palms that Tessa releases in the future though. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Want Me (Dark Obsession, #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - He sure felt right. The bad boys always did." Stars. I don't think it is any secret that I am a HUGE fan of Cynthia Eden, I think I have read almost every new release from her in the last 12 months or so, and I have no plans to stop. The writing, her characters and storylines just work for me. Whether it be a romantic suspense, PNR or just straight romance title she delivers, and at a very high standard. Yes the storylines are a little similar, and the characters all a little alike, but I don't care. I like what she offers and I always enjoy what I get! Want Me is no exception, as the second book in the Dark Obsession series the story takes off a couple of weeks after book one, Watch Me left off. Protection. Discrete. Assured. Lex is the J in V.J.S. Protection and when Sophie Sarantos turns up at the company offices seeking protection from an unknown stalker, he immediately steps up, after saving her from her gas filled house a few weeks previous, she has never been far from his thoughts. As you would expect, the plot twists are many, the sexy times varied and there are surprises a-plenty, all in a typical days work for this author, and I really enjoyed this installment in the series. Luckily we have only got to wait a month for the next book, Need Me due for release in late February. "I won't let you go. If I have you again you're mine." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pawn - Volume 2 (Pawn, #2); Author: Maya St. James; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Don't walk like that. People will talk." Stars! The second part of the Pawn Series starts of pretty much where novella one left off. Elle is back in Washington and Graham is still in New York, pissed that she walked out on him. I want her, crave her like I've never desired any other woman. Graham as you would expect, doesn't take Elle's departure lying down, and is soon back in D.C. to remind her of their agreement, and to start collecting on his investment. "Change of plans, Ms. Courtney." The risk when splitting a work with essentially enough word-count to warrant being a complete book into serialized parts I find is that often there is a part (or parts) that don't really offer anything up in the flow of the story. Although well written, and full of the innuendo, blunt talking and inappropriate actions, from Senator Sexy-Ass this part of Graham and Elle's journey is remarkably like the first novella, in its content. "Is it just me or do you get cruder as the days march on?" It's not a bad thing, but it is something that can sometimes lessen the reader's anticipation for future installments. I think my rating highlights that I have no issues with the virtual non-movement of the storyline on this occasion. "When I call, you come." That said, the author has an awful lot of loose ends looking to be tied up in relation to this couples story, and I am looking forward to it giving the final (and extended) part of the Pawn Series, a thoroughly exciting and engrossing ending. Thankfully we don't have to wait too long as it is due for release at the end of February. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Strange Magic: Part One (Magic, #1); Author: Michelle Mankin; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 "There's more to you than meets the eye." Stars! Strange Magic is the first work of Michelle Mankin's that I have read. I have to say I am pretty impressed. From the interesting characters, the vibrantly descriptive writing, and the immersive storytelling it took me no time at all to plough through this short, but extremely enjoyable novella. I might be on the slow road to ruin but I didn't have a death wish. Told from the POV's of ex bull-riding come, country rock singing sensation Billy Blade, and New Orleans, Ice Cream Parlor owner Thyme Bellerose's or Ty Boo for short. This is a story that starts with the beginnings to the now infamous and unforgettable, Hurricane Katrina. "The darkness is gathering over the city." I loved the way Michelle linked these two characters together, they do not know each other from Adam, but their connection is unique to say the least. I spent a good 80% trying to work out how she would link them, and boy she didn't do it by halves! A great albeit a little creepy (in a good way) start, I am looking forward to seeing where Billy and Ty Boo's story goes. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Until You; Author: Jeannie Moon; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "The bad days always manage to get worse." Stars. DNF @ 30% I hate not finishing a book, and this one held such promise in it's synopsis. I was expecting a romance between a forty year old divorcee and a twenty-nine year old Pro Ice Hockey player when I started Until You, who due to their age differences (amongst other things) have to deal with a few bumps in the road along the way. Sadly that isn't the only thing going on in the book, and it became secondary for most of the part I read. The problems start for me with the addition of POV's from Kate's abhorrent ex-husband who at one point enters her house, without permission and pins her to a wall, that didn't sit well with me at all as well as her seventeen year old daughter, who is essentially a spoiled, selfish, brat added into the mix, personally I don't think they actually added anything to the story, and in all honesty I wasn't interested in their thoughts or opinions which in relation to Kate and David's story, didn't really seem to have anything to do with it. There were just too many characters fighting for page space, and at approaching a third of the way through the book there wasn't a lot of development too the story as a whole. Because of the limited time they are actually together, I struggled to find a romantic connection between Kate and David, and in all honesty her conversations with him at points felt more mother/son than woman/man. "You make me feel like a... like I don't know... an adult." I am not a stickler for sex in my books, but if you are going to leave the sexy at the door, you really do need to have a story to back it up. That sadly isn't the case for me with Until You it needs to have the erroneous POVs removed and more time with the actual couple included. This is of course only my opinion. I have read this authors work before and I really liked it, and I would happily read more from her in the future. On this occasion I don't think the synopsis really gives an accurate enough picture of what the book is truly about, and I wanted the story from that synopsis and not the one actually in the book. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Hero (Hot Aussie Heroes, #2); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Trust me your nipples are going to love it." Stars! I am a big fan of Amy Andrews writing, her characters are likeable and her storylines although your standard romantic fare, are well written and easy to lose yourself in for a couple of hours. The Hero is the second book in the Hot Aussie Heroes series, I haven't read its predecessor and would say this can be read as a standalone. Edwina and Justin have history, having originally starred alongside each other in the hit Aussie television drama The Gift of Life, Justin up and left to the bright lights of Hollywood after two years on the show. Now, two years later and Jus is back, and Ed is now divorced, so 5 days stuck in a car with each other in aid of charity is sure to re-ignite that old flame. A flame that was never fully extinguished, and that they never had the chance to explore due to Edwina being married. She had a fire between her legs that was raging out of control and he was a big dose of accelerant. As I said this novella doesn't really offer up anything new in the way of story, but I have a soft spot for romances set in Australia, Jus and Ed were easy to get along with as was the plot, and Amy has mad skillz when it comes to delivering up some sexy times for the reader. "Just so you know, Ed... I am going to be hard and deep inside you tonight." A quick and enjoyable read, and well worth a couple of hours of your time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Highlander's Obsession (Highlander's Beloved, #1); Author: Vonnie Davis; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Beloved Stars! I absolutely loved this book. I didn't have massive expectations going in, I was just looking to be entertained for a few hours. I love a man in a kilt and a gravelly Scottish burr, hits me right in the knicker elastic, and it was pinging all over the place with this Highland treat. Add into the mix Shape-shifting bears, a few friendly ghosts, a lot of giggling and a little sniffle, and I fell in love with Laird Creighton Masterson, and his brothers Ronan and Bryce. Paisley Munro arriving from the US with her Grandmother, Effie is just the woman to tame the ornery, demanding and swooningly sweet Laird. "I was scared of you before, but I'm not now." A Highlander's Obsession delivered a whole lot more than I was expecting, and although the first book in the Highlanders Beloved series it offered a lot of openings and introductions whilst still keeping Creigh and Paisley at its focal point. I love Scotland, although the Scotland in this book is the Scotland I wish I had visited previously, I'd kinda like my own kilt wearing Laird to curl up with on cold nights the next time I travel to the Highlands! "We'll make a Scot of ye yet."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Highlander's Passion (Highlander's Beloved, #2); Author: Vonnie Davis; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4 - "I've got all the therapy this man needs." Stars! Book two in the Highlanders Beloved series pretty much takes off where book one finished. Creigh and Paisley are happily settled into wedded bliss, and now it is Bryce's turn to rectify the mistakes he made when he gave up Kenzie Denune just over a year previous. "What's past is past and lost forever." Although he wasn't too know, just how difficult life would be for her after their parting, Bryce feels deep and unrelenting guilt about how things turned out for Kenzie. Now a widow, and after miscarrying the child she was pregnant with at her violent husbands hands, Kenzie is a broken, untrusting and bitter woman, and Bryce sets out to win back her heart, and rebuild her shattered trust in him, men and life in general. The story of the Matheson Clan moves forward as well in this second book, the bear shifters have dealt with the issues that were present in the first book, but the Wiccan aspect of the story takes more of a step to the forefront as well in this one, witches and warlocks are abound to Mathe Bay, and the battle for supremacy is going to be fierce. "Tis odd how what starts out bad can end up so fukin' good." Vonnie Davis has grabbed me completely with this series; I wasn't in all honesty expecting to get drawn into the Matheson Family, their neighbors and the adventures that ensure as completely as I have. She has tried to inject a certain authenticity into the writing by pretty much offering all of the dialogue from the Scottish characters in a way that in your head actually sounds Scottish, I really enjoyed it, but if you are not one for that sort of writing you may find it a bit of a struggle. "I want to be ye guiding star." A Highlanders Passion would have been a five star read for me, but for two issues, I struggled with Bryce's daughters characterization; in that supposed age versus voice and actions didn't completely match-up, and Kenzie's knee jerk reactions towards a man that pretty much did everything he could to prove to her his true feelings just went on a little too long for me. Yes I understood that she had been hurt in the past, and badly, but I got to a point in the story after a pretty epic fight, where she once again accuses him of being untrustworthy and potentially unfaithful to her for the nth time, and it was one time too many for me. Bryce's actions spoke a lot louder than words (and believe me there were a LOT of words), but she kept choosing not to see (or hear) them. There is still great humor in this one, I laughed a lot, the Matheson men seem to struggle to keep their bits and pieces from staying out of trouble and under their kilts! A few tears again, and Effie, with her one liners is turning out to be an; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Can't Walk Away (River Bend, #3); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I wouldn't change a thing." Stars! It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Molly McLain, the River Bend series is one of those go-to sets that you know you will be picking up in years to come, because they give you all you want when you need a comforting, sexy, romantic read. It's a series I want to revisit, with characters I want to keep hearing more about, and stories that I know that although they are yet to be told will be just as good as their predecessors. "Sometimes the biggest risks reap the greatest rewards." Molly manages to give her couples the perfect balance of everything one might want to find when reading a book like this, Ally and Mark are no exception. There is a fine line when plotting out a story that involves the lack of commitment and communication tropes. It can get frustrating and downright annoying for a reader when taken too far, but again Molly played it just right, you just get to the point where the first fizzes of annoyance start to rear their head and the story evolves and develops into so much more than you originally expected it to. Mark and Ally have featured in the previous books in the series. River Bend being a small town and the age demographic being what it is, as you would expect the group of twenty & thirty somethings generally end up spending time together. What started as no-strings gradually over time develops into too more for both of them. Problem being neither knows the other feels the same way, throw in an unexpected pregnancy, and the road travelled by this couple is certainly not without its pot-holes and traffic diversions. "I could fuck you every hour of every day." I loved it! Mark was dirty, dominant, sweet, sexy, possessive, and adorably jealous, an out and out sweetheart. It took him a while to get his priorities straight but when he did, Ally Did. Not. Stand. A. Chance. But she made him work for it, I like a heroine that knows her own worth, and Ally didn't just lie down and let Mark have it all his own way. Put together and with the addition of the rest of the River Bend characters it was a great combination that ensured an absolutely stellar story for any reader to get their teeth into. Molly knows how highly I rate her work, and this series just gets better and better, (although she may want to give a girl a little more warning before she releases the next book!). There are very few authors that I would drop everything for in order to read one of their books; Molly is one of them. Some writers and readers just click, there may be times when things don't always hit the mark 100% but the feeling is still there now matter what. I loved the first book in this series; I have loved each and every other addition to it in varying degrees since, and I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Only for Him (Only #1); Author: Cristin Harber; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Never tell me goodbye." Stars! I am an avid novella reader, but I very rarely go above a 3.5 rating for them. Generally due to the restricted development that the author is able to bring into the story because of the limited length of the book. That is so not the case with this one, Cristin Harber pulled me in from the get go; I can honestly say this is probably the best novella I have ever read. Bruises are a part of life. This isn't a unique story; Grayson is Emma's brother Ryan's best friend, and Emma has been in love with him forever. What makes it so special is that it is beautifully written, well developed and at no point does it feel rushed. What Emma doesn't know that Grayson feels the same way, until one night he decides to act on his feelings. "We're done ignoring us." Reciprocation of their feelings towards each other is mutual, acceptance of their relationship by their peers is a given, what they don't figure into the mix is Gray's douchey alcoholic father turning up and embarrassing Emma on her prom night whilst she is at her most vulnerable, the incident has long reaching consequences for both of their futures. Cristin did offer a surprise in the way she closed this part of Gray and Emma's story out. I was kind of expecting events in Gray's life to go the way they went, Emma's no-so-much. I really, really hope we don't have to wait too long for the next part of the Only Series; Only for Her to be released, as I am dying to know whether this couple will get their happily ever after! ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Slow and Steady Rush (Falcon Football, #1); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Let the past stay there and believe in love. Stars! Laura Trentham has added herself to one auto-buy list with Slow and Steady Rush. This book offered me everything that I want in a romance novel, and it also offered an extremely strong beginning to the Falcon Football Series. "Still waters and all that." I started this book with minimal expectations, being that it is from a new author offering up a new series, but after reading the synopsis I was hopeful of a good read. Laura more than exceeded my expectations, she blew them away. I devoured Darcy and Robbie's story; it had everything, laughter, tears, great development on the town of Falcon, Alabama and its residents in general, as well as the gradual building of this couples relationship in that setting. One is a returning resident, one a newcomer, and both have a lot to prove, to the town and too themselves. "I've ridden way bigger studs than you, Coach Dalton." There is so much going on in this book, Robbie is dealing with the expectations of starting as the local schools new football coach, the team has been on the skids for a long time so the pressure to provide a few wins and motivate his boys and the town in general is huge, not everyone is happy that an 'outsider' has been given such a plum role and more than a few obstacles are thrown in his path. Darcy has returned to Falcon, on sabbatical to care for her ailing grandmother Ada, who basically raised her and her cousin Logan, subject to the towns disdain and being the center of family gossip in the past, she is looking to get in, get her Gran back on track and get back to the city again. I loved Miss Ada her sass as well as her perky personality in general were a really great addition to the story, she wasn't secondary for me and actually played quite a pivotal role in the scheme of things. I also loved the dynamic between the two of them, what initially starts out as reluctance to stay soon morphs into something else as Darcy starts to get more involved with the town, the library and Robbie with Ada's encouragement, and a little meddling thrown in for good measure. This book oozes potential, the writing highlights a massive talent, the story and the characters offer a strong, emotive, sexy, and hugely entertaining beginning to a series that I have extremely high hopes for. Logan Wilde is up next, I think he is going to be another guy with more under the surface than you initially expect, and I cannot wait for Caught Up In Touch (due July 2015) to get to know him a whole lot better. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Locked in Stone (Hearts of Stone #1); Author: Tory Michaels; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3 - "I don't give up, and I don't quit." Stars. I really liked Locked in Stone it was beautifully written, vividly descriptive, with a whole plethora of otherworldly beings included in its pages it offered a varied and unusual storyline. If you put Gargoyles, Necromancers, Sentinels, Witches, Ghosts and Vampires to name but a few, into the mix you know you are in for a edge of your seat read. It trundled along nicely, although there was an awful lot of background information and plot development, in the main I would say I enjoyed Rose and Cal's story. She was what she was and if anyone didn't like her looks, tough shit. So why have I only given the book a three star rating? Firstly, let's take a minute to appreciate one of the sexiest covers I have seen so far in 2015... Because if I am being brutally honest it is the sexiest thing about the book, and that for me is where it massively lost its appeal. Cal was more over-protective brother, than horny lover when it came to Rose, and I think this book could have done with being broken up a bit with some sexy times between the leads. Rose the gargoyle definitely approved of Cal the man. Rose the woman was right there with her. The author has such a great writing style, I carried on reading right to the end in the hope that she would turn those amazingly vivid and descriptive skills to the sexy and give me at least one panty-melting scene between our H/h. Alas, it was not to be, and I think I ended the book as unfulfilled as the lead characters did. "Think of it this way: if you're groping me, it means you're near me." I would happily read more from this author, but I want more sexy added to the stories to break up the massive amount of information and plot you are given within her books. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bachelor at Her Bidding (Montana Born Bachelor Auction #2); Author: Kate Hardy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "He's skilled with his hands... You can't ask for more than that." Stars! Kate Hardy isn't an author that is new to me, so its no surprise to see a novella released from her, through Tule Publishing due the quality books and novellas that they release. Being the second in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction Series, I have absolutely no reservations in picking up this little gem from Netgalley. "One night. One dinner." Although a series, after reading the first two books, I don't think it would offer any problems too read these books as standalones, this story is wholly separate from the first book, although as you would expect there is a little character crossover. "You're lovely as you are." Another great thing about the second book in the series, is that it offers a totally different type of romance from its predecessor, this one is strictly romance by numbers, with tried and tested tropes, written beautifully and with great like-able characters, an easy going pace, and plenty of action in the cooking and bedroom department, I was a happy reader. Ryan and Rachel were both down-to-earth, easy to get along with characters, I wanted this couple to get their 'Happily Ever After' their story, and the outcome was an absolute delight to read. The Bachelor's Baby is up next, I am looking forward to reading Dani Collins' addition to this wonderful series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bachelor's Baby (Montana Born Bachelor Auction #3); Author: Dani Collins; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I'm not a man for complications." Stars. Although The Bachelors Baby was an enjoyable addition to the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series, I would have to say that it is my least favorite so far. "You've got a handful of screw yourself." As the title is pretty explanatory as to what occurs between Meg and Linc, I don't think a massive run-down of the storyline is required in my review. Firstly, this story had enough potential in it to not need the erroneous issues that Meg bought too the story in relation to her living in Chicago. One of the tropes loosely used in this novella has already appeared in the first book in the series, and didn't really need to be used again. "We only have tonight." I also struggled a little too warm to Meg initially, her whole way of dealing with certain issues she is adopted was massively overplayed. There is needy, and then there is irrationally needy, I understand her reasons for being like she was I just felt it was a little OTT with it all. This is still an enjoyable easy to read novella, and I have fallen in love with the town of Marietta, Montana a little bit more with each addition to the series. Unfortunately, The Bachelors Baby just didn't quite measure up against its predecessors. I had a massive giggle at the use of the term ferocious muscle! I have never read of a guys todger being called that before. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Darkness Awakened (Darkness, #1); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Their affair had been short, intense, and completely forbidden. Stars! I am gradually building a list of authors who write PNR, the way I want to read it. Katie Reus added herself to that list with Darkness Awakened. I like my PNR to be about the story and its characters, and not so much about the logistics of how they got to be who they are, or why they can do what they do. I accept that they are different, I enjoy what they do and I don't need a breakdown of how it came to pass. This book did that perfectly, and I was grabbed with Finn and Lyra's story from the first chapter. The mix of characters is diverse and broad, and the scope for future books is long and lengthy. "There's been no one." Great start, to what looks promisingly like being an excellent series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taste of Darkness (Darkness, #2); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "I will always find you." Stars! Where book one in Katie Reus's Darkness Series set the scene perfectly, book two definitely gives you the characters in all their paranormal glory. I have to say when I finished Darkness Awakened there was a definite 'semi' in the Lady-Boner department, after finishing this installment I am now at full mast. "I like your scent on me." Drake and Victoria's story started at the end of Darkness Awakened and as a reader I was eager too see how Katie would bring this couple together in Taste of Darkness, one has spent hundreds of years in hell, one has been protected by their pack, due to being female and their healer. Both innocent, both deadly, both in the way of unknown enemies plans. She was glad he had no problem leaning on her. Because she would never let him down. This book is sexy, there is a lot of growling going on, I like growling, it's a personal thing, I refer you back to paragraph one in relation to the effect growling has on me. But more than that, it is about the building of a couple. Drake is old school, he doesn't want to take anything from Victoria until he can provide for her in every other way. Victoria gets it, and although frustrated lets him take the lead. There is also a lot going on in this book in relation to the progression of the story as a whole. You have the introduction of Drakes family, and other Dragon clans. There is chemistry popping up all over the place between shifters and dragons as well which keeps you guessing, and hopeful for future books. "There will never be anyone else." Keelin and Bran in particular gave me tummy tingles, and thankfully their book Beyond the Darkness is up next. I don't think a little blue pill is going to be required in keeping things 'up' in this ladies nethers!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beyond the Darkness (Darkness #3); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "I'm not letting you go." Stars! Book three in Katie Reus' Darkness Series, literally takes off a month after its predecessor finished. And I have officially fallen hook, line and sinker for it, and the author. I think there is a fine line when writing romantic suspense in the PNR spectrum, there is a risk of going over the top in the technicalities and bogging down the flow of the story with long drawn out explanations into things. Not so, with Katie's books, I have read all three of this series in succession, and although the explanation is there, she manages to seamlessly slip it into the story without detracting from what is going on or who it is involving. Keelin and Bran were very much a part of the second book in the series in that both of the Petronella and Devlin Clan have a strong alliance, and when Keelin returns to the world after spending Centuries in forced hibernation, the last thing she wants or needs is a dominant Alpha Clan leader sending 'mating' flames her way. New Keelin had taken charge of her life and she wasn't going back to her prior, boring existence. Bran being the growly *swoon* understanding Alpha that he is, tries his best to reign in the dominant, overprotective need he has, to take, mate and ultimately bond with the headstrong Keelin, especially as he never envisioned himself being in the position of ever wanting to take such permanent steps with another shifter, and what follows is HOT, fire breathing dragon hot! He tries, he really does, but I loved that all the growly goodness got the better of him a lot of the time, dominant and demanding written well grabs me every time! He was going to imprint himself on every cell in her body, make sure she knew she belonged to him. The story also proceeds for the series as a whole, Keelin is being targeting by an unknown being(s), for what reason we aren't initially given, but as the book progresses and with the help of the Stavros Shifter clan, as well as the dragon clans, things start to become more clear, more characters are added into the mix with this book as well, so you just know this series has got some serious legs left in it, which makes me happy as the potential for future books expands with each addition to the cast. There are interesting developments in the life of club owner Bo, the half-demon looks to have lost his whole heart to the most unlikely of bedfellows (well not yet but i hope they will be). I hope Ms. Reus gives us the rest of this story in the next book in the series. I also hope we don't have to wait too long for it. It is safe to say Katie Reus has added herself to my 'Auto-Oneclick' list with this series, and I am in the enviable position of having a wealth of other work by the author that I can now immerse myself; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Yours Tonight (Reign #1); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Give me a number." Stars. Joya Ryan has a writing style that entices, her characters are alluring and her story lines are absorbing. I always find myself enjoying her books even more than I thought I would, I won't lie I have high expectations of this author, because she always delivers a beautifully written story. "I seem to find myself engaged in a game I'm not ready to quit." Yours Tonight is no exception to the above. Lana is an unusual character in that she is independent yet vulnerable, educated yet inexperienced, her past is something that has up to this point played a very active part in her future and the relationships she has. "I'm done being afraid." So when matched with a man like Jack Powell who exudes experience, power, strength and fortitude, you initially think that this woman is going to be totally out of her depth. "I have never seen a more beautiful curve of a woman in my life." Jack is carrying a lot of his own baggage around as well, and as their story progresses you realize these are two people trying to not let their pasts define who they are. As they become closer Jack's ghost's and Lana's issues start to play more of a part in the future they are trying to carve out together. Neither are that inclined to share with the other the full truth of what has happened to them, but the moments when they do are pretty heartfelt, but also as the book progresses a little heart breaking especially as the resulting revelations look like they are going to ultimately break them apart. Joya has managed to weave a little bit of everything into this story to keep the reader on their toes and it certainly shows that in the way things turned out, as I did not see it coming. At all. I loved Jack and his intensity, the guy knows what he wants, and goes after it, but his sensitivity towards Lana where it mattered gave me the warm fuzzies. I liked Lana, but now I want to see her develop into the strong, confident woman that Joya is so accomplished in writing as the series proceeds, I can see the embers glowing in her spirit, I want them to now build up into a solid, true flame. The only thing I did question was the speed in which Lana manages to get over things that you believe are initially going to give her pause in regards to her relationship with a man in general, it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the story, but I would have liked a little more exploration and time taken with it at the beginning, it felt like initially the route taken may not be as plain sailing as a normal couple would take, but then it was never really explored further. This is however the beginning of a series so it may be explored further as the books progress. "I just wanted to be strong on my own."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ask Me Nicely (Naughty or Nice, #2); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "I'm battered and bruised and I'm tougher, but I'm still here." Stars. I am a huge fan of Amy Andrews, I loved the first book she released through the Brazen imprint No More Mr. Nice Guy and the synopsis for Ask Me Nicely offered up everything I am looking for in my next romantic read, so I happily turned the Kindle on and dived right in. "All good things come to those that wait." Sally Kennedy featured a little in No More Mr. Nice Guy in that she was Mack's sister and Josie's best friend. You were given a little insight into her life, the fact she had suffered a great loss previously. With that in mind I was expecting a sexy, yet emotional read, of a ballsy woman looking to move on from her past, but still very much dealing with the grief associated with it. "Either kill each other or just get naked and do the wild thing already. You're scaring the animals." The main issue I have with the book is the fact that the loss and grief you are expecting to go through with Sal, is pretty much overlooked until the last 15-20% off the story. I liked Doyle, he offered a little light relief but he was pretty much a secondary character to Sal's sexual appetite, and the fun and games that ensued because of it. "You stole my orgasms." I can wholly get onboard with a self-assured, confident woman enjoying uncomplicated, commitment-free sex, but it was essentially being used as an emotional crutch and as a way to block out the issues that Sal didn't want to face up to. If there had been more emphasis put on the emotional aspects of why she was behaving like she was it would have had a massive impact on my enjoyment of this couples story, the titillation, sexy-times and innuendo between them was really well written, but it was left sorely lacking due to no real emotional back-up until the last stages of the book. Amy Andrews has a great writing style; the story and its direction unfortunately just didn't work for me on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Corporate Spy (Sleeping with the Enemy, #2); Author: Angela Claire; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Fool me once." Stars. This is the second Brazen offering I have read by Angela Claire, it would be a lie to say I think we are going to have a long and committed relationship, but I can 100% say that Tempting the Corporate Spy gave me a little hope for a future of a potential 'no-strings' agreement between us. "Do you want to do it again?" On the strength of TtCS, I would certainly read another book by this author. But we are in the 50/50 realm at the moment, this one was OK, the one before brings me out in a rash if I even think about it. I would like to say the only way is up. I hope that will be the case, I am reserving judgement for now. "We're not done with each other." This is an easy going read, nothing massively surprising on the plot side, plenty of sex, a slightly blunt dirty talker, and easy-to-get-on-with cast, and an uneventful end. A good filler read, if you need something to keep you occupied, but not too involved at the same time. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Makeover Mistake (What Happens in Vegas #2); Author: Kathy Lyons; Genres: romance; Review: 3 "Bold and unexpected. I like that." Stars. The Makeover Mistake was a quick read. Michael and Thea's relationship begins in Las Vegas, with Michael being less than honest with Thea initially in telling her his reasons for actually being there. Things heat up pretty quickly between the pair of them, and the sexy-times were well written. "Strip and suit up." As the days (and nights) pass, Thea opens up to Michael a little more about herself and the problems she is facing in relation to her career. He offers his help, which she accepts, without knowing that she's actually part of a plan that Michael already has in place, and that she is actually in bed with the competition. I don't think this novella will blow anybodys socks off in relation to the storyline, characters or in terms of general development, but it was entertaining enough for an hour or two. It's not a novella I would rush out and buy; and I have definitely read more enjoyable books by Kathy Lyons. ARC provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: By Any Other Name (Forbidden, #1); Author: J.M. Darhower; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "The Prodigal Son and the Ice Princess." Stars! By Any Other Name is the first book I have read by J. M. Darhower, and those that know me, know I am not one to throw around 5 star ratings without good reason, but this book ticked every damn box I have ever had with regards to my reading 'likes', and added a few more for good measure. It was the kind of book that once you have finished it, you go online and one-click everything else you can find that has been written by that author without giving it a second thought (which I did). "She must be some girl." You just know, that they are going to be keeping you happy with their stories for the years to come, and add them to the auto-buy list with no further questions asked. That was this book; this is that type of author. Rivalry, revenge, families at war, forbidden love... all of these tropes aren't new, but when put together and mixed with just the right amount of author talent, and word magic they are winners. J. M. Darhower definitely has that skill, and then some, the story, the lives it encompassed and the way it all weaved together throughout the book, was the perfect mix of everything. "Don't plant your seeds in someone else's garden or you're liable to be buried six-feet under with fertilizer." I will admit my first impressions of Genna were totally wrong, when you start the book you initially think, 'spoiled little, mob-girl but as the story progresses you see that on the surface appearances can be so, so deceiving. I loved her attitude and snarky comebacks, this is a girl who isn't afraid to fight for what she wants, even if the ramifications are far reaching and almost outside of her control. "It's too late for me... I've already looked the soul-stealer in the eyes." Matty, once again as the story grows and develops turns out to be more than you are initially expecting of him, not your usual son of a mobster, the business, that kind of life and the expectations that come from it are so far outside of what he wants for himself, he has only really returned to town for the one person he still truly loves. So the God has a little bit of the devil in him. After a chance meeting with Genna, things start to progress at break-neck speed for them, when they realize just what kind of connection they have on a personal and familial level. The repercussions are many, the consequences unimaginable and the losses unexpected... This wasn't a book that I am likely to forget any time soon, and I think that will be the same for a lot of readers. I hope we see more from the Forbidden Series and this author in the very near future. ARC generously provided by J. M. Darhower, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Turn up the Heat (Second Chances, #1); Author: Serena Bell; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'd rather be afraid than half alive." Stars! I am a big fan of Serena Bell's writing, she always seems to manage to take something that was pretty special to start with and turn it into spectacular. Lily and Kincaid's story is definitely in the latter column for me, it started out steady and then took off pretty quickly. Back in Tierney Bay, Lily McKee is living week to week, staying in her sisters basement, whilst waitressing and bartending until she has made enough money to enable her to move back to Chicago and pursue her dreams of opening her own restaurant. She didn't factor tall, tatted and tempting Kincaid Graves into that equation, but as soon as he starts sitting in one of her booths at the Tierney Bay Diner on a regular basis her interest is piqued. "Don't hate yourself tomorrow" After an unplanned encounter in an alley behind the diner, opens up possibilities that both of them were never expecting, Caid has to consider whether his life as it currently is, can include Lily. Domination and submission at the basest level, trust and the possibility of more than loneliness, even though both of them profess to not be looking for commitment or a relationship they are pulled together repeatedly like the tide to a sandy moonlit beach. Both have secrets that they aren't looking to share, but as their time together brings about stronger feelings and the deepening of the trust between them, their pasts gradually become exposed. He had taken something that had felt dark, shameful and dirty and made it beautiful. This is a beautifully written book, the story takes some well-loved tropes and plays them a little different, not forgetting it is a whole lot of enjoyable too. If you haven't read anything by this author before, I would definitely recommend you add Turn up the Heat to your TBR. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bound to the Bachelor (Montana Born Bachelor Auction #1); Author: Sarah Mayberry; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You make those noises in yoga class?" Stars! Bound to the Bachelor offers and exemplary start in the new Tule Publishing Montana Born Bachelor Auction Series. Sarah Mayberry has done the one thing that takes a novella from good to great for me, and that is write a story that whilst reading doesn't actually feel like it is a novella. The story-line, the characters and the overall development were so well done that you just get lost in reading it. "The man-whore and the nun." Lily and Beau's adventure together offered so many facets that I fell in love with them and the town of Marietta, Montana completely. I was laughing at points, the sex is hot and plentiful and the story offers more thrills and spills than you would initially expect. "Spooning. It always leads to forking." The auction has taken place, and now five more Bachelors have got dates to organise, and stories to be told, with the women who bought them for Charity, can't wait. Onto book two for me! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heartbreak Cove (Sanctuary Island #3); Author: Lily Everett; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - I'm home... And I'm Staying. Stars! Heartbreak Cove is the third book in Lily Everett's Sanctuary Island series. It is the first book I have read in the series but not my first visit to the Island. Having read Homecoming last year, I quickly fell in love with the Island and it's inhabitants. Sheriff Andie Shepard and Sam Brennan's story is one that will grab you from the prologue and keep you entertained until the very end. A woman of the law and a horse rescuer with a whole host of secrets in his back pocket. Initially there seems to be more dislike than attraction, but an orphaned girl, an abused horse, and the residents of Sanctuary gradually bring this couple together. I didn't feel like I was stepping in blind with this book it read just as well as a standalone as I guess it will as part of the series, it did make me desperate too read it's predecessors though, just so I can go back and spend more time on the Island. This is a 'slow burn' romance, there is no insta-anything, everything moves along at the pace of life. The side romance between Taylor and Matt was a great addition, it offered a look at romance from both sides of the coin giving a teenage viewpoint as well as the adult one. I met Matt originally in Homecoming so seeing a bit more of him and his family was a great catch-up for me as well. "In the past, I've risked my livelihood, my freedom, even my life. But nothing and no one has ever gotten me this close to risking my heart. Lily has built a solid, unbreakable foundation with the island of Sanctuary, it's a place with each and every description she gives you, that pulls you in, it welcomes you, the townsfolk albeit a bit quirky here and there make you feel at home, and I hope she takes us back there in some way on a regular basis in the future. "This town is amazing. There is no place like it." And the epilogue... Well to say I cannot wait for October to get here now, would be a total understatement, Home for Christmas the continuation of a story that begins in this book, promises to be one emotional and seasonal sleigh ride back to Sanctuary, and I am looking forward to it! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Seven Sisters; Author: Lucinda Riley; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Now was the time to discover who I was. Where I came from. And where I belonged. Stars! The Seven Sisters is a book that you will struggle to put down once you start reading. The co-ordinates on an Armillary Sphere set off a chain of events, which send Maia D'aplise on an adventure of a life time. Set in the present (2007) the story is begins on Lake Geneva, in Switzerland where Maia and her sisters; Ally, Star, Cece, Tiggy and Electra all meet up at the family home for the reading off their adoptive fathers will, this reading and the information provided sends Maia off to Rio to investigate further. In the course of her searching we go back to the late 1920's, and are given the story of Maia's Great Grandmother, Izabela Bonifacio and her travels to Paris as well as her life in Rio, her loves and her losses along the way. "Hiding away from the world never works, because you still have to meet yourself in the mirror every morning." I loved this book; it is a beautifully written, visual and imaginatively stimulating read. The author manages to describe and give nuance to everywhere the women go, the people they meet and the stories they are telling. I also liked that as the story progressed the slight parallels between Maia's current life and Bel's previous life although not apparent initially become more clear as each facet of Izobela's life with her husband Gustavo, and then her lover Laurent develops. Set against the backdrop of the planning, and building of the great Christ the Redeemer statue, the Wall Street crash and everything that happened in-between, Bel's story was what actually shone through this book for me, even though it is the secondary part of the book to Maia's story, I just fell in love with her and the struggles she faced with the pressures of her life, her familial expectations and ultimately the decision she has to make, between her hearts happiness, and her families future. I sit here looking up at the stars and wish with all my heart we had met at a different moment in time. I have a feeling that this series will be one of the few that I will make time to go back and revisit many times over the years, and I cannot wait for the next sister to go on her own voyage of discovery. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vouloir (Passion Noire, #1); Author: J.D. Chase; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - She's a different kettle of vagina's. Stars! Vouloir is not the first book I have read by J. D. Chase, however some time has passed since the Orion the Hunter series, and for me the development in the authors writing, plot and character building has improved no end. This is by no means meant as a derogatory assessment as I really enjoyed the novellas in the series that I read, but Vouloir is definitely, the 'after' to Orion the Hunter's 'before'. I want to be clear that when I give a book a three star rating it means I enjoyed it, but for me there were issues, of which are outlined in my review. There is a lot going on in this book, and that is the main issue I have with it, at points there are so many POV's coming into the story that it gets a little overwhelming, there is so much going on with each character on an individual basis, it starts to cloud the flow of the story as a whole. Some of what went on, now I have reached the end of the book, I am struggling to understand what it's actual relevance to the main theme of the story in it's entirety actually was. You have POV's from - - La Veuve Noire - The book is about her and what she does in work and at play. You discover that her character as the story progresses is as messed up in certain ways as the people she tries to help. The Sex Therapist/Domme lines are very, very blurred at points, and her justifications as to why she suddenly decides to rub one out, rub one off on someones face, or just get down to it with whomever is available are sketchy at best. Her internal justifications for these things thereafter also sometimes read as just that, someone trying to justify their actions, when they know they may not be in the best interests of all. - Dean - Definitely pivotal to the story, but again all of the rubbish going on outside of what he is trying to learn about himself and his sexuality, was overblown I can see the relevance of its inclusion, but the volume included didn't really add much to the general progression of the story as a whole. - Jones - Again a bloody good addition, his appearance and acceptance into Veuve and The Kid's life was all a bit too easily accepted for me, especially when we are dealing with characters that have massive trust issues which become more apparent as their backgrounds are revealed. We again spend a lot of time in this guy's head and too much irrelevant background bogged his POV into a mix that was already overflowing. Also pivotal - - The Kid - Deserves a book all of his own (which according to the Author's note at the end, he will get), the glimpses of this unusual young man through Veuve's story offer a glimpse into something much larger and deeper, the last; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chosen (Laws of Segregation #1); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. Stars. It's no secret that I am a massive fan of Nina Croft, it's also not a secret that I am not a huge fan of the 'serialized' novella, but it's Nina and I couldn't resist, and I am glad that I have such weak self control as I would have missed out on a real treat otherwise. Book one in the Laws of Segregation series, Chosen highlights everything that I enjoy about this authors storytelling and writing skills. We are taken to a world where witches and warlocks are at war, or more appropriately warlocks have pretty much hunted witches to the point of extinction. Their powers are pulled from their souls at birth, and they are sentenced to a life of sexual slavery at the hands of the Warlock leaders. He sought to protect the one he had come to destroy. Talon and Shayla are enemies in every sense of the word, with him being an Enforcer to the Order charged with capturing and killing her, the protective instincts that he feels for her when he does finally catch up with her come as something of a surprise. I don't want to give too much more of the story away after that, but as with all Nina Croft books, expect the unexpected, and anything is most surely possible! Sexy, imaginative, thrilling, exciting and unexpected are the words that immediately come to mind, this is a quick but really unique and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see where the story takes us in the second book of the series The Calling. ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fix You (Fix You, #1); Author: Beck Anderson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I can't fix you, and you can't fix me." Stars! I went into Fix You expecting one thing, and came away having had delivered up something totally different. Let's face it the famous face/unknown entity trope has been done to death. But like all those other recycled to death tropes, as long as it is well written and keeps me interested I don't particularly care. When you start this book you immediately assume that the Fix part of the title relates to Kelly, a young widowed mother to two boys, trying to pick her life up two years on from the loss of her husband... "Some things hurt to remember." Some days are better than others, but bone-crushing depression is still only a heart-beat away from incapacitating her on any given day. No rhyme or reasoning to it, a memory, a smell, a random occurrence and Kelly is right back to where she was right after the death of her husband. This is where Andrew Pettigrew steps in, after a random jog sets off a reaction, that produces an impromptu melt down... Younger guy 'famous' no less and a slightly different take on the usual themes in a story like this, made me forget I was reading for a while and just enjoy. I started the book with the expectations of a light albeit, tad emotional read of a woman getting back onto her feet with the help of the current 'star of the moment', and what I got was something completely out of the ordinary. But I think what makes this book so special is I didn't really see it coming, the 'Fixing' is something that as the book progresses kind of turns on it's head the perceived weak become the strong, whilst the believed to be strong begin to show their weaknesses. "Don't look for reasons why this shouldn't be, or why it shouldn't work." I think we sometimes click with a book for no apparent reason. I certainly did with Fix You, although I have to say that Beck Anderson has a beautiful writing style, she could of gone for the 'woe is me' approach in relation to the issues the H/h are dealing with throughout the story, not to mention full on drama/angst overload, but she didn't she focused on other aspects of the story as a whole; grief, healing, your children, your family, and essentially accepting that it is ok to move on. Sometimes the reward is worth the risk. This book took me by surprise, the author will now be someone I keep an eye out for in relation to new releases. I look forward to reading more by her in the future, this is a book you certainly want too add to your 'TBR'. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Before I Fall (Falling Book 1); Author: Jessica Scott; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You've definitely made the day a little brighter." Stars! I am not a new reader to Jessica Scott's writing, but this is the first full length book I have read by her. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Before I Fall, it was beautifully written, the characters were well developed, the flow of the story itself was steady and the revelations came along at all the right points. Even though I kind of expected some of them, others came out of left field and offered just the right amount of surprise to keep me up well past my bedtime finishing this one. "Kitty has claws." This isn't a pretty hearts and flowers love story; it deals with a lot of aspects of returning to civilian life with life changing injuries, after time spent in the forces, it's a bit gritty, dark, and what I fear is possibly a little uncomfortably honest in certain aspects of its portrayal. Beth is dealing with it in the fact that her father is pretty much incapacitated 24/7 with a back injury that he bought back with him, from his last mission, and the Military's failure to ensure that he received the proper treatment to make a full recovery after leaving. I wasn't looking for anything but a paycheck. It looks like I've gotten way more than I bargained for. Noah is dealing with it firsthand having just left the military to continue life as a student at the college Beth is also a student at; it turns out the injuries you see on the outside may not necessarily be the ones that have the deepest impact overall. "I want to be here with her, but the war won't let me go. It intrudes into every moment of peace I try to hold onto. I think the strong theme that runs through this book is honesty, or the lack of it (even if it is just by omission) and the effect it has on us and those around us. Beth lies to herself about her father, his injury and his coping mechanisms for it. She also omits the truth about her situation to others as a way of avoiding them seeing what the actual reality of her life is. Noah, god I loved this guy, lies to himself to justify his actions and lies to others to cover them up. Eventually as you can imagine all the lies, omissions of the truth and avoidance catch up with everyone, in a pretty cataclysmic way. "You don't run when things get a little bumpy. That's not how life works. You stick. If you care about people, you stick." The build-up, the blow-out and the subsequent restoration of everything for this couple as well as those around them really does pull you into their story. This book is pure romantic drama, although the issues are pretty deep it didn't feel overdone or angsty, the characters were dealing with the life they had been dealt, and trying to make the best of what they had been given.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Homefront; Author: Jessica Scott; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "You never struck me as a coward." Stars. Every book I have read so far by Jessica Scott has grabbed me from the beginning and kept me in its hold until the end. Homefront was no different in that it's beginning grabbed me, but sadly its grip loosened as the book progressed, I was pulled back in towards the 70-75% mark, but there was a little too much going on in the middle for me, and it diluted the parts of the story that I wanted more depth and attention spent on. I would say now though that my review is solely for the ARC version that I received through Netgalley, and it is my understanding that the author has since released an amended version of the book, so my issues may not actually have relevance with the version currently available. Second chance love stories are one of my favorites, and Gale and Mel's had all the makings of an epic one, married and divorced young, although they have not really spent much time in each other's lives of the intervening years, the fact they have a daughter together means their connection has never been severed, but with Gale on deployment more often than not, being a father to his troubled daughter has been just as much of a struggle as being a husband to his ex-wife was, and failure is not something Gale deals with well, being stationed in Fort Hood, near his estranged family gives him hope that he can rectify some of those issues. The army would always take him away again. Or give him an excuse to leave. He had never been there. The elements of this story are good, and I expect drama with Jessica's books, the subject matter, the relationships she explores and the people she writes about are generally complex and multi-faceted in their lives, personalities and back stories, but I felt like there was a little too much added into this one, I wanted focus on Mel, Jamie and Gale's story, the rebuilding of trust, the development of parental, familial and long lost relationships, everything else that went on detracted from that for me. She remembered him for the boy he'd been. The boy she'd loved. The boy she'd left. Mel and Gale have a long past between them, but you aren't given massive insight into that, I liked the small glimpses that the author gave, I would have liked more. Jamie and her issues... the author portrayed a troubled teen extremely well, I found her behavior a real struggle, even for a teenager and with the problems she was dealing with, I think there was potential to offer a little POV from her perspective to give the reader more of a connection to her actions and reactions. This isn't a bad book, I will certainly be looking to read the next book in the Homefront series, After the War I suppose I just have extremely high standards when it comes to Jessica Scott's books, and this one just felt a little; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Weekend (Vegas Nights, #0.5); Author: Karen Erickson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - It was going to be a wild ride. Stars. Three women - "Natalie the sprite, Andrea the goddess and Reagan the conqueror." For three nights ... With a Fairy Godmother names James... Who knows what can happen!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hate F*@k: Part 2 (The Horus Group, #2); Author: Ainsley Booth; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "We're not fucking done." Stars! Ainsley Booth certainly knows how to keep the suspense running strong and the emotions on high alert when it comes to the serialized novella. Cole and Hailey return directly where from where we left them at the end of part one. Hailey is trying to come to terms with Cole's arrest, and Cole is trying to come to terms with his growing feelings for Hailey. This is definitely the establishing part of their story, and I liked that we got too see a little more of The Horus Group as well, you can tell that Cole has strong bonds with Jason, Tag and Wilson and I hope that the background behind that is revealed more as each of them get their own books/novellas in the future. "What we have... it's different." You also get to see a softer side to Cole in this installment, Hailey has worked her way through that hard and unforgiving exterior to the man that lives within, I loved his 'dating' attempts, and his little gestures towards her. The sex is still off the scale hot, and their deeper exploration of each other in this area, kept this readers pulse extremely elevated! "I'd rather have you in the middle of the night than not at all." You need to read part one, brace yourself for one hell of a cliffy at the end of this part, Cole and Hailey's story is far from over, in fact we have had the perfect build-up to what promises to be and absolutely engrossing finale! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review. This is me until I get my hands on part 3!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reckless Nights (Vegas Nights, #1); Author: Karen Erickson; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Everyone deserves a second chance." Stars! Cross a sexy actor with a curvy ER nurse, both of them on a weekend sojourn to Vegas, and you get some hot times, a hot tub and a quick-to-get-to-the point hot storyline. "My reputation precedes me." I have a lot of time for this authors books and novellas and the Vegas Nights novellas are looking to be another set that will be thoroughly enjoyable reads! "I could watch you do that all night." A famous actor, pro-athlete and musician... Sounds good to me, onto book two!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Protecting Fate (Serve, #6); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "You pleased me tonight." Stars! Another really great addition to the Serve series, I would even say that Z and Sara's story is a very close second to my overall favorite. "Don't make this any more difficult than it has to be." I think the main reason I liked it was the fact that it was just two people, with a deep attraction to each other, doing something about that attraction. Yes there was a little reluctance at the beginning, being that we are talking about a protector/protectee set up. But once those barriers were thrown aside, they were both, sexy-hot and raring to go. There isn't a huge amount of secondary character involvement for a lot of the book either, so the focus being solely on them gave it a great depth of emotion, and pulled me in as a reader. The tropes used are tried and tested winners, I think Katee's writing style really worked for this couple, Sara was a little sassy, Z was action and dirty words, but when the softer side of him came out to play, just loved him, I'd happily Sub for him any day! She was a temptation he'd never expected and couldn't resist. Another great book from Katee Robert, easily could be read as a stand-alone, and if you are looking for a few hours of sexy reading, Protecting Fate is definitely worth a second look. ARC generously provided via Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Isolated (Evan Arden, #4); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "You got balls." Stars! I am going to be honest and say that I haven't read all the Evan Arden books, in fact I have only actually read Otherwise Alone I knew this novella was Evan's viewpoint of what happened on the island when he went up against Sebastian Stark, I have read that series, and this novella basically takes up from the latter stages of that book and then follows over from there. I didn't feel lost at any point when reading. I knew who Lia was from reading that first novella, and although Shay gives you enough information to keep you from feeling confused, she also keeps back enough detail from those books that I know when I get to the rest of the series the main parts of the stories are still for me to discover whilst i'm reading. I want what Bastian has managed to achieve. Isolated gives you a really great insight into Evan's mind as he takes on Bastian, and the aftermath of their battle on Mt. Windsor. I found Evan's dry personality quite funny at points, but it also gives a great insight into just how battle-scarred this guy really is. This isn't a full story, it's more of a check in, a close of one chapter. With the potential of the next chapter left temptingly open for now... ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Unleashing (Call of Crows, #1); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 1 - Dazed & Confused star. DNF @ 25%. Me after 10% - Me after 25% - I am not someone who gives up on books easily, but I have spent the last couple of hours (more like 4 hours) reading this book and I still don't really wholly understand what is going on, which in effect has slowly drained all my interest in it away. This book is set (up to where I read) in LA. The author on her opening to the reader, confirms it is a stand-alone as well as the start of a series. I am going to go out on a limb and say The Unleashing is firmly in the 'series' bracket, mainly because is hard to tell who are actually the main characters, the author introduces an absolute plethora of people and POVs from the get go, and I don't really have a clue who is whom and where or what their parts in the story are. Add too that she habitually changes the way the other characters address each other from their forenames to their surnames and I am all sorts of confused. It was like an episode of MTV Real World L.A, but with a bit of violence at the beginning, add in to that your first day at the office, where you are introduced to so many new people you forgot who most of them are by the time you sit down at your desk, and thats pretty much where I was with it. I am all for big epic lengthy reads, with lots of characters, side plots and POV's, I read and loved War & Peace so I really have no problem with that sort of writing, but The Unleashing is so, so confusing in its lack of definition, the overload of information you are given doesn't really seem relevant this early on in the book. For me, the main characters need to be established and understood and then you add everyone else into the mix. Not for me on this occasion I am afraid, I wish it was, I love a read that is different in its themes, but I need to be able to ascertain where its going and who the characters are more importantly. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dream With Me (With Me, #4); Author: Elyssa Patrick; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - With love... Anything is possible. Stars! I wasn't wholly sure of what to expect from the fourth and final book in Elyssa Patricks' With Me series. Griffin Sinclair has been the one guy that as a reader you learn very little about in the previous books. Dream With Me gives you his story, and it's not what I was expecting. I think the biggest surprise was just how much of a gentleman he was, this is a guy that takes chivalry to the nth degree, and works his charms in his own unique way. The author somehow managed to make the first sexual counter between him and Evie, one of the hottest I have read for a while, without pretty much a word being spoken between the two of them. "I thought you hated me." We are given a high speed run through Griff and Evie's time at Green College, Vermont, with basically their first meeting having a big impact on their years studying, and as fate would have it, in a lot of the same classes. Nothing then happens between them until the week before graduation, throwaway words cause years of animosity, which due to both being late for a graduation event literally means they miss the boat, and in the space of minutes are in each other's arms. I liked this girl, but I didn't know how to tell her. I was sure she hated me and that if I said anything, she wouldn't believe me. For the most part I really enjoyed this story, Evie was quirky, refreshing and not afraid to take what she wanted from Griff, sexually and wherever and whenever she wanted. Griff being the Silent type in the previous books, was a bit of a revelation, as well as making a few revelations about himself, his upbringing, and his future aspirations. "Let's not focus on the future. Let's focus on the now." Although the relationship between the two of them goes at high speed, which is understandable given they only really have a week together, I found myself devouring pages as the time they spent together progressed. The latter stages of the book went a little bit off the rails for me, I kind of expected the reasoning behind their separation to be as it was, it was just the motivation behind it felt a little weak, it could have done with a little more oomph. "You want it all... And I just can't give that to you." But the redemption and reconnecting was sweet, and the author gave me what I wanted in the epilogue as it covered all of the couple from the previous books as well. This series holds strong for me, each and every book has been pretty enjoyable, each couple has faced their own set of challenges and have all had to work their way to happiness. I still hope that at some point the author will give Jack Sinclair a book, as I will not be swayed in my belief that he has a story of his; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Hope (Hitman, #4); Author: Jessica Clare; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "Deaths not taking us today." Stars! ITS LIVE! I really enjoyed Last Hope it had a certain 'tongue in cheek' quality to it that the previous books in this series didn't have. It didn't really have the feel of the rest of the books in the Hitman series either, in that it wasn't really connected to them, and the story wasn't as dark or edgy. I think this is mainly because a large part of the book is taken up with thoughts, discussions, general chit-chat and non-stop visualization of and about Rafe's unusually large cock! Python, baseball bat, club, and Godzilla are just some of the euphemisms that pop up throughout the book, and to be honest it was in the forefront of both Ava and Rafe's adventures for such a large part of the book, the fact they were stuck in the jungle, had been in a plane crash, and were being pursued by all-sorts of unsavory characters kind of faded into the background a bit, when the all-important question was left out there... WILL IT FIT??? A guy with an inappropriate boner? It happens. I can get past it. A guy with an inappropriate boner that's bigger than any log I've been able to find in the rainforest? A lot less okay. Although I am poking fun a little bit, this is still a good book, the tropes used are certainly new ones to me, I mean yes every hero I have ever read about had got a big dick, but not so big that he honestly believes it may kill a woman if he penetrates her with it. Giant cock or no, there's more to Mendoza than what's in his pants. The authors have provided an extremely entertaining, sometimes touching and in parts pretty funny addition to the Hitman series, as I said I am not sure it is a true fit with the rest of the books, and that may be an issue for some readers, but if you take it as just good all-round reading enjoyment then it ticks all the boxes on that front for me. "You've been thrown in the fire and you've been polished to the sharpest, strongest steel." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Only for Her (Only, #2); Author: Cristin Harber; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Some things don't change... You saving me is one of them." Stars! Emma and Gray return in Only For Her the second part of the Only series. Things have moved on three years since the first novella. Emma's life is nothing like she originally was expecting for it to be after Grayson's unexpected departure. Working multiple jobs, while trying to be a good mother to her daughter, things are pretty tough for her. Gray was supposed to be my best friend. He was supposed to be the one I loved forever. Gray in that time has literally stared down death and come out on the other side. Having lost his entire team, and almost bled out himself, he made himself promises, promises that he now intends to keep. One of those is to make things right with Ems, to try and repair the damage his departure did, and to look to the future, hopefully with her in it. Only For Him was the beginning and the end of the start of this couples relationship. Gray left Emma at the time she needed him the most. Only For Her is definitely the beginning of the next stage of their relationship. A lot has changed for both of them in the intervening years, Gray is now a hardened ex-soldier, looking for a new direction in which to take his life, as well as deal with the things he left behind in his past, some of which he isn't initially aware of when he returns to Emma. I've hurt and abandoned, loved and left everyone there is too leave. Emma has grown hugely over the course of the two novellas, she's not that young, in love, slightly vulnerable girl anymore, the shape her life has take has molded her into a strong, focused woman. I liked the almost 'role-reversal' you see from the two of them as they reunite in every sense. "Sometimes good things happen out of the blue." I am starting to fall in love with these characters, and pleased that there is more to come from them. Gray and Emma's journey is far from done yet, and I am looking forward to seeing how Cristin continues their story in Only For Us, hopefully we won't have to wait too long to find out! "I'll tell you a story." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: King of Hearts (Hearts, #3); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You'll have to get up a lot earlier in the morning to offend me, Mr. King." Stars! King of Hearts is another absolutely outstanding example of why I love L. H. Cosway's work so much. You never know what you are going to get in relation to a characters story, or what direction everything is ever going to take. I walked into this one thinking I had an idea of how things might play out, I mean we met Oliver King in Hearts of Fire and we were given a little of the guys background, but that was literally just the tip of the proverbial Iceberg. The previous two books in the series have offered up stories and characters of the weird and wonderful variety, and although we initially met Oliver whilst he was travelling around with the Circus Spektakular, the first half of King of Hearts takes the reader back to 2009, back to a time when Oliver, was King of all he surveyed and at the beginning of a relationship, that produced the photograph that is the only thing his now alcohol addled mind really and truly treasures. "If I don't have respect, I have nothing." The author took me by surprise a little with this part of the book, the Before and the build up to the actual event that pushed Oliver into the man we know him as was not really what I was expecting, and once again L. H. Cosway completely blew my expectations out of the water. I don't want to give too much else away to be honest, the beauty in this book, as it is with all of this authors books is that you as a reader dive in and discover the stories secrets yourself. What I will say though is even though this book steps away from the Circus environment, still go in 'expecting the unexpected' and have plenty of tissues to hand (especially for the second half). "I fear if I made you my queen, I could no longer be a king." I loved this book, I loved the path the story took; Oliver with all of his dashing charm, dirty moves and sexy wit, stands shoulder to shoulder with Jay and Jack in the 'leading man I love the most' stakes, and like its predecessors you can read this book as a standalone, I urge you to read the Hearts series in full though, you will struggle find a more unique and diverse set of characters and stories anywhere else. Karla and Lee are up next, Hearts of Blue is due November 2015, so I will now go back to waiting for another L. H. Cosway book to release! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Summer With A Star (Second Chances #1); Author: Merry Farmer; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I was never one to go down without a fight." Stars. Summer With A Star is a 50/50 book for me, there were parts I really liked, but there were also things I didn't. I read it to the end, it was enjoyably cute, with a little sexy thrown in for good measure. It's the sort of book that once you start, you can work out what is going to happen and where it's going to go after a few chapters, but in the main it is an easy to read piece. Spencer Ellis and Tasha Pike find themselves at a little bit of an impasse on their initial meeting. Spence is firmly ensconced in Sand Dollar Point, ready for a summer of relaxation and rediscovery away from the lights and paparazzi of his normal daily life. Tasha has spent the last twenty years saving for her dream, a summer spent solely at Sand Dollar Point, so to discover her rental has been let right under her nose, does not get her dream summer holiday off to the best of starts. An agreement is quickly reached, and they both decide to spend the summer sharing the house and the facilities, rather than either forgoing their summer plans. This is where things went a bit awry for me. Merry Farmer has a really great writing style it engages the reader, her descriptions of Summerbury, the house and the area the story took place in were extremely easy to visualize. The storyline itself doesn't really offer up many surprises, but I don't mind that when the writing is good. "You're what I've always wanted." My main issues were with Spencer and Tasha, I liked Spence but he lacked any strength of character for me, when you are reading about an A-List Hollywood actor, you kind of expect someone with a bit of backbone and a strong personality, not afraid to speak their mind and stand up for themselves. And I didn't really see that, he spent most of the book apologizing and trying to make amends with Tasha for things that weren't actually his fault. Add to that he pretty much let his agent walk all over her for most of the book, and I just found I wanted him to be a little more 'alpha'. Tasha was a struggle from the get go for me, the words noted on my Kindle as reading include; immature, petulant, childish, bratty and ungrateful. I mean this is a woman who sees herself as a 'boring teacher' and I really understood her self esteem and confidence issues in relation to her ex and his treatment of her, but Spence pretty much bent over backwards for her and it was never enough, every time he tried to do something nice she would throw it back in his face, or throw a tantrum, the guy spent most of the book apologizing for things her ex had done to her, and it all got a bit tiresome, the last 25% was a particular struggle and by this point; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Ache (Driven, #6); Author: K. Bromberg; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - Gotta love a girl with brass ones. Stars! DNF around halfway This was my first experience of K. Bromberg's writing, and after the hype I have seen over the last couple of years surrounding the Driven series as a whole, I have to admit I went in with quite high expectations... It started off well, Quinlan Westin is you standard mouthy, super confident woman with a side of inner vulnerabilities, and Hawkin Play is your A-typical rock-star; lead singer of the band Bent, arrogant but in a cheeky-make-you-smile-way, making amends for a mistake he didn't make, in an unique way, whilst keeping major personal issues on the down-low. The set up between these two started out well, and I liked the sexual tension and banter that was developing between the two of them. I'm with the band. I am trundling along nicely, when all of a sudden we start veering into territory that I am so not down with - Quin in her infinite wisdom turns up at Hawk's benefit concert with another guy, but still ends up getting off with Hawk in a bathroom at the venue, and at the point I stopped they were going at it in the VIP area of a club while her date is off on a drinks hunt. Not this time. Not with this guy. I am all of a sudden having terrible Thoughtless and The Mighty Storm as well as quite a few other Rocker book flashbacks, and my enjoyment is pretty much killed dead in the space of one chapter. The one plot-twist that makes me literally switch off, because it's old and totally worn out, not to mention the untruths and inevitable drama that then stem from it that wear me out. To be honest, Hawk and Quin had enough going on between them that it really didn't need to be added, what with his family issues, the initial set up of their meeting and the issues surrounding his brother and her reluctance to get involved with another 'player', it was one trope too far. That-said I know I am in the minority with my feelings, and it bums me out a lot as I really wanted to like this book, I have bought (but not read) every previous book in the series at some point or another so that I could eventually sit down and discover who Colton Donavan actually is, and his little sister and her behavior in this book has kind of put me off now. Blood is thicker than water but you can still drown in it. Hardcopy generously provided by the publisher, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter, #1.5); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I don't share..." Stars! Another great read from the Moon Shifter series, also easily read as a standalone, so don't let the fact that it's not the first book from the series deter you. That-said, there is a lot of mention of things that occurred in the first book Alpha Instinct that made me want to immediately start reading it when I had finished Nikan and Esperanze's novella, to find out the full story. "For the record, I want to be anywhere you are." This is a couple that have been circling each other for month's forced into close proximity with each other as their packs merge, due to the events of the previous book. Nikan has loved Essie since he first saw her. Problem is Essie is wary of getting involved with an Alpha shifter, believing her Beta nature will lead to her being dominated, and not in the way she's looking for, because of that she has kept Nikan firmly in the friend-zone, much to his frustration. When he touched her it was almost impossible to think straight, when he stared at her as if she was the only thing that mattered... it created an ache deep inside her. A quick weekend away for Essie to visit an old friend, gives Nikan the chance he wants in relation to getting her alone and letting her know exactly how he feels, and all bets are off when she finds out they will be sharing a hotel room, but a couple of rogue shifters and an and an abduction put a bit of a dampener on his attempts at seduction, but boy when the chance arises, Nikan isn't shy in showing Essie's exactly how he feels about her, and the fur flies. "The only name I want on your lips is mine. Over and over as you come." Enjoyable as always, and a great tempter to make you want to read the rest of the books in the series. Copy generously gifted by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review as thanks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His Untamed Desire (Moon Shifter, #3.5); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "You fight dirty..." Stars! Another quick visit to Katie Reus' Moon Shifter Series, gives us Daphne and Hector's story. Best friend's older brother is one of my favourite tropes, and although quick in its reading His Untamed Desire didn't disappoint. Returning to New Orleans, after four years away for study, Daphne is all grown up when Hector sees her walking into the Pack Alpha's bar for the first time since she got back, gone is the girl he thought he was too old for and in her place is the woman he knows is his mate. "I don't want anyone touching you but me." Daphne is a tad wary of Hector's attentions initially, as her last attempt at seducing him before she left ended in the brush off and a lot of hurt feelings. But things have changed, and after a run in with someone she thought she had left back in college turns Hector all alpha and growly, she starts to realize that maybe the feelings she has are actually mutual. "I've been trying to take things slowly because I didn't want to scare you with the intensity of how I feel." There is a bigger story-line being teased in this one that develops around this couples sweet reconnection in that pregnant shifters are being abducted in and around New Orleans, which is basically the set up for the next full book of the series, Avenger's Heat, which left me all sorts of curious, and although book 3.5 in the series overall, I didn't have any issue following along, so it can be read as a standalone without any real struggle. As I said this one really does set up the next book, and leaves you hanging with just enough information to make you desperate to start the next book to see how things play out, more juggling of the TBR for me now to try and fit it in, but I know it will be worth it as this is an author that never disappoints. Copy generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review as thanks.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breaking Her Rules (Red Stone Security, #6); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - No holding back anymore. Stars! I am a bit of a stickler when it comes to reading my book series in their order of release, it's one of my 'things' even if every book can be read as a standalone, I still have an uncontrollable need to start at the beginning and work my way through. The same can definitely be said for Breaking Her Rules, being book six in the Red Stone Security Series, I was all sorts of twitchy when I started reading it, because I have not read any of its predecessors. The author said it could be read as a standalone, and true to word, it can. I am all-sorts of itchy again now that I have finished it though, because I just want to read all the other books that came before and after it! Iris and Wyatt, long time friends, short term lovers, very long history. No one knows either of them like the other, so after one lusty and sexy week in Las Vegas, and a couple of misplaced words at completely the wrong time causes Iris to hot foot it back to Miami and her job without a 'goodbye', it doesn't take Wyatt long to go after what he believes is now undeniably his. If you like a bit of action with your sexy, then this is definitely the series for you, bodyguards, explosions, killers and assassins, this novella had it all, a strong dominant male, and an equally confident female lead kept the story moving swiftly, the drama level - high octane and the angst on the low down. I am eager to see what twists and thrills the author has in store with the rest of the books and the Red Stone Security team. I fell in love with Katie Reus's through her PNR writing, the fact it crosses over in to Romantic Suspense with a little mystery for added value, just makes me smile. I have a whole heap of books, characters and stories to immerse myself in from this author, and I cannot wait! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deadly Fallout (Red Stone Security, #10); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I'm not walking away from this thing between us..." Stars! I am a huge fan of the Red Stone Security series, these are books you can read in any order and all of them offer a great few hours of reading pleasure. Zoe and Sawyers story definitely ticked those boxes. Having dealt with a stalker situation over the last couple of years, Zoe was just getting used to living her life again, only problem being the man in question has returned to the country after six months working abroad and is intent on making her life difficult again. One altercation in the car-park at her place of work confirms that he isn't planning on leaving her alone... Sawyer McCabe, newly recruited to Red Stone happens to be in the right place at the right time, and having known Zoe in the past, immediately steps up to stand guard, so to speak. He just wanted to claim this woman, to taste every inch of her and then start all over again. It doesn't take long for the sparks to fly between them, and the suspects to start lining up behind them when the body of said stalker turns up in a bit of a mess and minus a pulse, and the author as expected kept me on my toes in trying to work out who it was. "I want you to remember the feel of me inside you even when I'm not with you." Quick, sexy and with plenty of action, Deadly Fallout is a book I would happily read again. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Ride (Midnight Cowboys, #1); Author: Cat Johnson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'll tune up your equipment." Stars! I absolutely adored this book. Midnight Ride offers everything up that an avid romance reader is going to love. What with a plethora of hot cowboys, and an older woman/younger man love story that is written just beautifully I just got lost in Tyler and Janie's story for a few happy hours. Janie being a widow struggling to run a farm on her own, and ranch hand Tyler being the carefree, younger 'cowboy about the Rodeo' and their coming together really did just tick all of this readers boxes. There was a little drama, a little reluctance, and a few giggles to ease this couple's journey along, and I liked the Cat Johnson didn't have them jumping into bed together within the first few pages. Their initial meeting is pretty funny, and although an error in judgment on Tyler's part, it means he has to work hard to change Janie's initial perceptions of him. With her he see's a future and not a meaningless hook-up, he just needs to convince her of that, and the fact that their 11 year age difference means absolutely nothing to him. "The only person I was looking at today was you." Sweet, sexy, thoughtful, I really did just fall in love with the whole story. This is my first book by the author as well, so that makes me a little happy too, as I have an absolute wealth of other books and series that I can now immerse myself in. Midnight Wrangler is due towards the end of 2015, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the Midnight Cowboys Series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jake Undone (Jake, #1); Author: Penelope Ward; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Things aren't always what they seem on the surface." Stars. Jake Undone is the first book I have read by Penelope Ward. In the main I enjoyed it; but the author definitely has a unique writing style that I think some people may struggle with. If I am honest this isn't the most professionally written book I have ever read, some of the sentencing and descriptions leave a lot to be desired, but for me on this occasion, and with this couple it actually worked, the simplicity and rawness of the writing is definitely half of the charm of the book. "I'm good at stripping off layers slowly." I liked Jake, I liked Nina, the first 50- 60% of the book kept me held in its grasp completely, with plenty of build-up, sexual tension and hints about what might be too come, they both have issues, some you are aware of, a lot that you aren't. There is quite a bit of 'getting-to-know' you in the first half and I liked that, I liked the 'getting past your fears' challenges and the time it gave them together to deepen their connection, it gave them depth as a couple and when things finally turned sexy, I was as frustrated as they were. I have to say that once Jakes Big Reveal was out in the open, things took a bit of a nose-dive in relation to the story line for me, it jumped from refreshing to averagely predictable and the drama and angst went a little overboard, as a couple they had enough going on to carry their story to a close, without the addition of all the erroneous baggage that was added to Jake's original baggage and Nina's irrational fears. "I'll do whatever I have to do to save you from yourself." You can see from a mile off where everything is going to end up once things kick off, and although that isn't a bad thing, it felt a little like the author taken the 'follow the recipe' route to the finish with the tropes she threw in, rather than staying outside of the lines in the vein that the book started. I'd recommend this book, even with the few small niggles I had with it, I still couldn't put it down, as a couple I found Jake and Nina pretty endearing, and although a lot of the story is nothing new, the author has managed to put her own unique spin on things to keep most of it interesting. ARC generously provided by the author, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Frostfire (Kanin Chronicles #1); Author: Amanda Hocking; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Remember my name. Because I'm going to be the one that kills you." Stars. It's been a while since I delved into NA, and it has been a refreshing break, for a reader who has been struggling terribly with her reading focus of late. The fantasy genre is also one I only visit on occasion, but Amanda Hocking has got the mix just right with Frost Fire there is a lot of scene setting and background building in this book, but it doesn't overwhelm or distract from the story too much. "Don't worry. We won't be too long white rabbit." Bryn is a tracker, Ridley is her boss and Konstantin is wanted in connection with several crimes, both on some level are also attracted to Bryn, as she is to them. Adult love triangles have me running for the hills. But for some reason on this level, where the sex is removed (well in this book there wasn't any) it just adds to my anticipation and enjoyment. "For you I would lay down my life any day." I can't really say a massive amount happened in this book, it is very much the beginning, there is a lot going on which has yet to be explained, Konstantin and his turn from being protector to criminal... Although, I think that the element of protector is still at play it just hasn't been established or made apparent who or why at this stage. Bryn and her sudden bouts of opinionated b!tchiness are also a struggle to understand at this point as well, in fact I am still on the fence as to whether I like her at all at this point. Ridley seems to just be an added extra at this stage of the story, so hopefully he will offer more than just being 'the other guy' as this series develops. Onto book Two!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ice Kissed (Kanin Chronicles #2); Author: Amanda Hocking; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "So, what do you say, white rabbit?" Stars! Book two in the Kanin Chronicles literally picks up, where book one Frostfire finished. Bryn Aven, is still very much in the thick of things, and having returned from an unsuccessful trip to the capital of Skojare in search of their missing queen with Ridley Dresden, she throws herself back into her work as a tracker, and even more vehemently into her denial of her building feelings for Ridley. "I... I wasn't thinking." I must admit I am still struggling to like Bryn, I was on the fence at the end of the first book, but her pomposity, general arrogance with her peers and opinionated outbursts with pretty much everyone in Frostfire put her more in the annoying category than anything else. It is the actually story-line, writing style and the rest of the characters that are keeping me entertained if I am honest, but you get glimpses occasionally of a deep vulnerability in her, and it is just enough to keep me from totally disliking her. A few things are revealed in this book, in relation to the story as a whole, while the Doldastam people prepare for war against Konstantin Black and his unknown supporters, Bryn is still not wholly convinced that he is actually the enemy, you are given tidbits of information that something a whole lot bigger is going on in this story and at the point where this book finishes, everything is still very much up in the air. The Skojare and Kanin people are definitely under threat, but who the actual enemy is, is still very much unknown. Come find me... Over and above Bryn's personality issues, I am really enjoying this series. Ridley stepped up in this book, and made his presence known, I would have liked a little more of Konstantin, but that's because I have a soft spot for a bad boy! The writing is easy to engage with, the story fast paced, and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes Bryn in the next book of the series Crystal Kingdom, which is due in August 15. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What a Bachelor Needs (Montana Born Bachelor Auction #4); Author: Kelly Hunter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You like betting on dark horses." Stars. The fourth book in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series, is definitely one of my favorites so far. "How do I measure up?" Jett and Mardie, ticked all the boxes in relation to what I want to read in a romantic novella, loved the addition of her young baby daughter Claire into the mix, and the easy going development and nature of their relationship in the story. This is a low drama, sexy, easy read novella that will leave you with a little smile and a lighter heart! I cannot recommend this series highly enough if you are looking for a couple of hours of entertainment, each novella can easily be read as a stand-alone, and every one of them has been pretty entertaining so far. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Home for Christmas (Sanctuary Island #4); Author: Lily Everett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "At least we still have Christmas." Stars! I have been waiting for Home for Christmas pretty much since I finished reading it's predecessor Heartbreak Cove back in February, and Lily Everett didn't disappoint, the wait was worth it. Sergeant First Class Owen Shepard's reasons for being on Sanctuary Island bring this emotional and warming Christmas story right into your heart as you are reading it. Having joined the Army and spent the intervening years fighting overseas, recovery from almost fatal injuries on his last tour, as well as learning he has a young daughter he never knew about mean there are more than a few decisions he needs to make about his, and now his daughters future. We met the spunky Caitlin back in the previous book as she moved to Sanctuary to live with his sister, until Owen was free to return home. "You can't change what you did in the past but it doesn't have to overshadow your entire future." Caitlin's early years were not spent in the most loving or nurturing of environments and because of that she is a very insecure and nervous little girl, the upheaval of losing her mother, moving to a new home and now meeting the father she never knew existed, brings about more than a few emotional moments, especially as it isn't initially all rainbows and sunbeams between them. Libby Leeds was the perfect connector between the two of them, although in an untenable situation pretty much of her own making, she goes out of her way to make the first Christmas together for Owen and his daughter as special and memorable as it can be. Their own blossoming chemistry, as well as the side stories with her cousin Nash and Sanctuary's Police Dispatcher Ivy, kept this story moving along really well, it was a busy book but not overly so. "It's hard not to sense magic in the air. It's hard not to believe in miracles." It was also impossible not to fall in love with this book. I love this author, she manages to bring a community together in each of her books, without detracting the focus from the main characters, it makes you feel welcomed and at home, and what could be more perfect at Christmas-time! "This is magical." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shaken, Not Stirred (Last Call, #5); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Gonna prove you wrong." Stars! Sawyer Bennett is not an author that is new to me, but the Last Call series is, I haven't read any of the books prior to Shaken, Not Stirred, did that impact my enjoyment of the book... Hell No! I do however need to go back and read the rest of the books now, as I fell in love with the Markham Family, their friends and their partners, and I want to read of how they all came together. I pretty much loved this story from its beginning to its end. Tenn Jennings has got one of the sexiest, dirtiest mouths I have come across in a while and boy does he know how to use it to great effect. Casey Markham is the commitment-phobe out of the two of them, and although I did find her motivations behind her reasons for 'loving and leaving them' a little bit weak, not to mention at around the halfway mark she has an epically bad idea in the name of revenge, in the main I didn't mind because when she is with Tenn the chemistry between them burned up my Kindle, add in a disillusioned ex, and a cute child, and the author literally mixed me a cocktail that I was happy to 'down in one'. "Want a ride?" This is one of those books that gives the reader exactly what they were expecting, and in a good way. It was sexy, well developed, the characters were likeable and the storyline although contained a little drama and angst, was not overloaded with it. I ploughed through it, and was sad when I reached the end. I will reiterate that you can absolutely read Shaken, Not Stirred as a standalone, but you would be silly not to read the previous books in the series, if they are half as good as this one you are onto a winner, something I will be doing in the not too distant future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breaking the Bachelor (Smart Cupid, #1); Author: Maggie Kelley; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "If the cocktail napkin fits." Stars. Breaking the Bachelor is the first release by the talented Maggie Kelley. Although I'm not blown away by the plot line or the main characters on this occasion, what I am hopeful about is the fact that there is definite potential in relation to the author's easy to engage in writing and development style, and that further books in the series are in the works. He doesn't believe in love, and I don't believe in chemistry. I liked Jane and Charlie but that's it really, friends for 20 years previously; it all comes to an end when they step out of the Friend-Zone whilst on holiday in the Caymans, 6 days of sun and sexy-times, leads to upset, and the mother of all knee-jerk reactions when Charlie's attempts to help a female Rum-Runner are misconstrued as flirting. Six months on and due to Jane's refusal to speak to him, Charlie has had no contact with her since she upped and left on the next flight out... I would have liked a prologue giving me this part of their story as to what happened in the Caymans between them; it would have given their relationship as a whole more depth, and me more understanding and maybe a little empathy towards Jane and her subsequent actions/reactions. Because this is basically why I have only given the book 2.5 stars, I really struggled to believe that Charlie would then agree to being involved in Jane's bet, after six months of radio silence from her, added to the fact that she offered him absolutely no explanation as to why she reacted in such a way that necessitated in him having to Fed-Ex her luggage back to her. There is a lot of hot/cold and I do/I don't in this from Jane as well, to the point that if I was in Charlie's shoes, I honestly think I would have kicked her to the kerb, it just went a little too far for me, and I felt the story suffered for it. Seducing Cupid might be the stupidest idea he'd ever had. This isn't a bad book, it's an easygoing read, I think the 'Matchmaker' trope when done well is a winner, but Jane had far too many issues with her own relationships (Past & Present) to actually work for me as a believable character in that scenario. Jane has brothers, and a BFF so I am hopeful that their story lines will match up in potential, to the quality that Maggie's writing offers in Breaking the Bachelor. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ravished (The Teplo Trilogy, #1); Author: Ayden K. Morgen; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "I hate arguing with you." Stars. I am sort of at a loss about how I review this book. On one hand I really liked it, but on the other, and if I am being completely honest, having just finished it, I feel like I am still waiting for the story to get going. There is no doubt that Ayden K. Morgen can write, and beautifully so. If I had started reading this book by an author with lesser skills in that area I think it would have been a DNF for sure. Her characters are well developed, the writing descriptive and almost lyrical in its flow at points, and you feel for Tristan and Lillian with every hurdle they overcome and every revelation they share. But for all the character development, the story itself sadly lacked any real progression for almost the whole book. It's possible that my interpretation of the synopsis is wrong, but I was expecting a little action, drug dealers acting as badly as drug dealers are wont to do, plenty of sexy times and a bit of an adventure with the main characters getting it on along the way... The reality for me is that it actually starts out with a kick ass prologue, and then the rest of the book pretty much sticks to the same set of tropes the whole way through to its end. I kept reading expecting that the author would push me off course at some point in the proceedings and throw in a curve-ball, but it pretty much went like this the whole way through. - Tristan brings Lillian to orgasm with his hand/mouth (often in public, but they do move it behind closed doors as the book progresses). - Tristan denies that he is attracted to/or wants to get involved with Lillian (or vice-versa), they have a disagreement. - Tristan changes his mind/Lillian changes her mind, they apologise to each other, more finger-banging ensues (although it does upgrade to sex as the book progresses) - Lillian agrees to get involved with the whole Vetrov/Teplo Night Club Drug saga, Tristan doesn't want her too do it. They row, end up having sex, and he takes her to the club anyway. As I said, if it wasn't for the high quality of the author's writing, and the fact I was desperately waiting for something to happen over and above their merry-go-round relationship drama, I am not sure I would have finished Ravished. Tristan is quite the dirty talking, dominant but caring guy, and Lillian although getting over the loss of something extremely important to her doesn't take too much shit from him, but I really, really expected more from this book as a whole. And I absolutely 100% expected more of an ending, I knew it was a trilogy going in so I was expecting a cliff hanger, but in the scheme of things it was all a little insipidly repetitive and echoed everything that had already been played out in full (and then some) through the book. I can't; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Risk (Xtreme Heroes, #1); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Insane. Intense. Best ever." Stars! Skye Jordan has definitely hit the jackpot with the start this new Xtreme Heroes series. I am always a little wary reading a romance book set in the world of a sport I am not massively knowledgeable about, and The Risk tells us the story of Noah Hunt, Snowboarding extraordinaire, and his battle to recover from a potentially career ending injury. But my worry was wasted, Skye gives the reader enough information to know what is going on but doesn't go overboard with lengthy explanations into anything. The story grabbed me from the first chapter, it had me giggling on a train carriage, and garnering me some pretty strange looks because of it! Julia Bailey is one of a long line of physical therapists that have been procured to assist Noah in getting back to strength, all previous attempts having failed, as Noah believes he can bring himself back too full strength just as well. Underneath, he is a good guy, but he's got some serious baggage, not to mention Rushmore on his shoulder. Everyone else knows just how difficult Noah's potential recover could be and the dangers of not doing it properly, Julia has been burnt in the past when it comes to dealing with high profile sportsmen with the egos too match and is initially reluctant to take on Noah's rehabilitation. "Professional and snowboarder do not belong in the same sentence." I loved these two together, both are extremely strong willed characters and although Noah is cocky you can't help but have a little soft spot for the vulnerabilities that you know are there, that he tries to keep hidden. Julia doesn't let him get away with a thing, and their battle of wills with his therapy, with their relationship, and their feelings for each other as the book progresses make for great reading. "I'm not doing another one-off with you... I want more. I need more. I care about you goddammit." This is a couple that grows together as the book progresses. I like that although after an initial hook-up Julia pulls back and brings it back to about Noah's recovery; it makes for some great sexual tension and heat between them. The Risk as I have come to expect from Skye Jordan, is another really great read. It's the beginning of a new series from this author, and that makes me excited. I haven't read a bad book from her, and I expect that to continue with further additions to the Xtreme Heroes numbers, there were a few introductions in this books as well; Finn, stood out too me, and is screaming 'I have a story to tell,' so I hope we get a book for him at some point in the future. "How can I resist." ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hate F*@k: Part 3 (The Horus Group, #3); Author: Ainsley Booth; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "I just need a hug." Stars. The final installment of Cole and Hailey's story literary picks up where the cliff hanger of book 2 left off. I have to commend Ainsley Booth for putting together a really riveting serial. "Everything about you feels like firsts for me." I am pretty open in the fact that normally I am not a huge fan of books released in this style, but the points where the author split up this story were really apt in keeping the momentum and interest up for this couples relationship development. I liked the round up of everything in this book, but I will be honest and say that it didn't quite have the 'punch' that its predecessors had. It may be me having unrealistic expectations, but everything was all resolved a little too quick & easy for my liking, I was expecting a little more drama and action and not the quick resolutions everything had. It was still really enjoyable, but after the stellar quality of the first two parts I'll admit, I was just expecting... more. This series is a great start, and introduction to The Horus Group as a whole, with Tag, Jason and Wilson still to get their stories I am expecting a few more adventures and a lot more sexy-times from these guys in the future. ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caught Up in the Touch (Falcon Football, #2); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "don't we all have some crazy in us?" Stars! I discovered Laura Trentham's wonderful writing style, when I read the first book in the Falcons Football Series earlier this year, and since finishing Slow and Steady Rush I have been waiting impatiently for Logan Wilde to get his story in Caught Up in the Touch, and boy was it worth the wait. "You take care of business, I'll wait for you." Logan Wilde figured a little in book one, being the local bar and restaurant owner, Darcy's cousin, and one of the Falcon Football coaches, but as the story wasn't centered around him it was just a scratch on the surface of what this man is all about. One of the things I like about this authors work is that she takes the love story between her characters and weaves so much else through it, the town and people of Falcon, Alabama, figure prominently again in this one, as well as the Schools Football team. This installment in the series, like its predecessor, focuses on the couple, but also expands the series as a whole. "You don't have to give me all your secrets right now, darlin'. But, when you do, I'll handle them with care. I promise." Jessica Montgomery is from out of town, and to say her initial meeting with Logan doesn't really go to plan would be an understatement. I loved the confidence of this woman, but it was just the first layer of her character, and Laura gave her really great depth with her past, and the familial issues that she introduced as the story progressed, but what I really liked was that although they were integral, they were only a small part of the story as a whole and not the dominant theme, it kept the angst and drama at an even level, and didn't detract from the relationship building between her and Logan. And these two together, hot, sexy and pretty damn funny at points. "Can you die from sexual frustration?"... "I don't know, but I heard-tell you can go blind from too much masturbating. Thanks to you, I already need glasses." I am falling in love with this series, I don't say this often, but they are books I know I would happily go back and read again and again, I think it is because that although there is a lot going on in them, you feel like you are a part of it, a part of the town and not just a casual observer on the side-lines of the field. Melting Into You; Alec and Lilliana's book is due, November this year and if the sizzling chemistry you get a little hint of between them in this book is anything to go buy, I think we are looking at another winner come release day! ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Win by Submission (Against the Cage, #1); Author: Melynda Price; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 1 - "It's no use... I'm a lost cause." Star. DNF @ 61% Win by Submission is one of those books you start, and immediately think 'yes, this may just be one of those books', the prologue was kick-ass, the premise intriguing and the characters although carrying some serious baggage between them initially started out as likeable and worth the effort of dealing with their angst and drama. I really did think I had a five star winner in my hands. "Being courageous doesn't mean you win every battle. It just means you never give up." I was merrily trundling along, for the most part enjoying the way things were going, mutual attraction, a lot of sexual tension, a few glimpses that all may not right in Katie's world, a little hint into Cole's past but things were still moving in the right direction, everything still had the bright spark of 'new and original' as well as extremely entertaining firmly attached to it, when the author did the one thing that pretty much under normal circumstances kills a book dead for me @ around the 30% mark and pulled out the old Inner Goddess monologue, although at that point I was still really enjoying the story and where it was going so I forgave, tried to forget and carried on reading. "You don't seem to have the best luck with guys, do ya?" We then get lip biting... Ok I know it's not the end of the world, but added to my earlier pet peeve, things started to slide a tad. I'm not sure, maybe it is due to the fact I was approaching miffed with these aforementioned issues, but I then started noticing the repetitive use of certain things - (Icy, brilliant, startling, vibrant) Blue (gaze, eyes, orbs...) = 13 Emerald (eyes, orbs, gaze...) = 12 Green (as above) = 5 Cerulean (as above) = 5 If Cole/Katie mentions in his/her inner monologue once about their height/weight/size differences, one or the other thinks it at least a dozen times more. I found myself focusing on all the repetition over the actual story after a while, and it all became really distracting. "We all have our battle scars. Some are just more visible than others." I still really liked Cole, although his recovery seemed to come on in leaps and bounds as soon as issues with Katie's ex came to the fore, the guy went from a wheelchair, to crutches, onto to walking unaided at a rapid clip. Katie was a pretty likeable character as well, although the mixed signals she kept offering Cole were starting to wear a little thin by the point I stopped reading as well. Although Win by Submission doesn't quite get my vote this time, two things are apparent to me from the portion of the book that I read. The author certainly can write, for me personally the book could have done with a little more editing to iron out the repetitiveness and some of the more lengthy inner monologues, I am also on the fence; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: In Bed with the Bachelor (Montana Born Bachelor Auction #5; The Montana Millionaires #5); Author: Megan Crane; Genres: romance; Review: 1.5/2 - "I have a constitutional aversion to bullshit." Stars. I have read and enjoyed every book so far in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series. Two have been stellar and two were extremely enjoyable. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for In Bed with the Bachelor. "I wouldn't want to bug you." To say I have issues with this one would be a slight understatement. Jesse Grey with his 'Chocolate Brown Eyes' just came across as surly and due to any lack of real development really difficult to like. Michaela Townsend, the politest words that come to mind for her are 'Pompous' and 'Idiot'. "You're a guy I bought in a bar. You don't have the slightest idea what excites me." I'll be honest and say that the synopsis didn't really have me jumping for joy with this one, but I am one of those readers that are a little 'anal' about following a series in its published order. Personally, I don't really think the tropes in this book really fit, in relation to the rest of the books, and take into account that all of the characters prior to this have been pretty easy going and amiable enough that you can't help but like them, it was a bit of a surprise to me that I disliked this couple so intensely. I think the main thing that really didn't gel for me though was the total lack of any sort of connection between the two of them for the whole of the book, this isn't helped by the fact we have a wholly unlikeable fiance in the mix as well. "I'm not the massage parlor you're looking for." Also, I struggle in this day and age to warm to a woman who sits back with her 'blinkers' firmly in place, and allows her aforementioned douche-bag of a fiance to basically live off of her earnings, whilst dictating that she should be happy with a commitment-free, open relationship, because he still wants to carry on sleeping around without any form of come-back or as he eloquently puts it the elasticity of relationships even after they are married, and at every point when she is called out on it being total and utter crap, she defends him. The series as a whole is still well worth your time, I am going to pass In Bed with the Bachelor off as a 'bump in the road', and hope that the final book One Night with her Bachelor finishes it all off in the style, and with the enjoyability I have become accustomed to. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: One Night with Her Bachelor (Montana Born Bachelor Auction #6; Wild Montana Nights, #1); Author: Kat Latham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm trying to impress a girl." Stars! Molly Dekker and her son Josh are essentially the people that are the catalyst for the whole premise of the Montana Born Bachelor Auction. So it was really good to read the finale of what has essentially been a great series come to a close, with their story. It started on a high, and definitely went out on one as well. Kat Latham is a new author to me, and on the strength of the story she gives the reader in One Night with her Bachelor an author I will certainly be looking too read more from. Gabriel, Molly and Josh's story is one I couldn't put down, and the one I have wanted since the start of the series. As with all of the previous books it can be read as a standalone, and if you only pick up one, this is the one I would recommend. Wildcard. Your date, your choice. This quite simply is a great love story; both parties are struggling with the unexpected major changes in their lives, and trying to make the best of the situations they find themselves in. I want a Gabriel, I loved him from the first page, to the last chapter. I could fall so hard for you. Molly and their budding relationship as well as Josh's disability and how everything steadily progressed between them, was just total enjoyment. It was an absolutely stellar end to the series, well worth a couple of hours of your time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Some Kind of Wonderful (Puffin Island, #2); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "What happened in the past wasn't your fault. What happens in the future is your decision." Stars! Sarah Morgan's Puffin Island series just goes from strength to strength with its latest instalment. Second chance love is one of my absolute favourites and this has to be one of the best telling's of that tale I have read in quite some time. I think it is due to the depth and breadth of backstory and personality that Sarah manages to give her characters without clogging up the flow of the overall story, and it makes her books pretty hard to put down, Some Kind of Wonderful slips into that category with ease. Zach and Brittany haven't seen each other in ten years, after marrying in haste as the young are wont to do, and then Zach making an even hastier retreat from their honeymoon bed, their reconnection, or potential fall-out from it is one that could cause issues for them both, especially as they are literally reliving the memories that they both made together the first time around. But as I have come to expect with this authors work, this isn't just a simple reconnection story, Zach's back-story, and Brittany's unwavering belief in him through everything, made for a pretty emotional, sexually tense and engrossing read. This book and the series as a whole so far has been an absolute treat, you get to spend more time with Emily (book one) and Skylar (Christmas Ever After, due October 2015), as Zach and Brittany's story progresses. I enjoyed the time exploring Puffin Island further, and getting to know more about its residents as they came into contact with them. There is a lot of potential here for more books over and above what is already advertised, and I really hope Sarah gives her readers the opportunity to revisit the Island and keep up with its inhabitants many times again in the future. Was there a more perfect place to live on the planet? ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Christmas Ever After (Puffin Island, #3); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Don't ever apologize for being who you are." Stars! I discovered Sarah Morgan around this time last year, and funnily enough it was with a Christmas book, and my appreciation for her writing, characters and storylines has increased exponentially in the last twelve months, and with every new story I have read. The third book in the Puffin Island series gives us Skylar and Alec's Story, and WOW it was so worth the wait. This is a couple that have been frenemies for pretty much the whole of the previous two books, more tolerating of each other than anything, due to their mutual circle of friends. "You have a habit of thinking you have me all figured out." The other thing that you come to understand if you have read the previous two books it that Skylar is so much more than the rich, spoiled, heiress that Alec assumes her to be. But the expectations of her family and the realities of who she wants to be are so conflicted it takes her a while to understand that she needs to start living her life for herself to be truly happy. "Turns out we were both wrong about a lot of things." The story starts in snowy London, takes us into the British countryside, before Alec and Skylar journey back to the Island. "With a body like yours, I'm willing to ignore the flaws in your personality." Sparks fly, so does their clothing and our couple generally make the most of their new found frenemies-to-friends to friends-with-benefits situation. "You scored straight A's for stamina." I don't want to say too much more about this book, I think its beauty will be more in your own discovery and outright enjoyment of the story, and my rating tells you how much I loved it. You can easily read it as a standalone, and if you are looking for your one Christmas read for this year, then I don't think you could go far wrong with Christmas Ever After. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Endless Nights (Vegas Nights #2); Author: Karen Erickson; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Did you just smell me?" Stars! Oh, my, wow! Karen Erickson hit the proverbial nail on the 'novella' with Endless Nights, in fairness this series has been pretty stellar so far, but this one... Just... Yum! ER nurse, Andrea is in Las Vegas for a long weekend with her two girlfriends; Reagan, who found her HEA in the previous installment Reckless Nights and Natalie, who is due to get her story told sometime soon in Wild Nights. "You taste good in the morning." These short, sharp, sexy stories are something you pick up and don't put down until you have devoured every glorious page. Granted they aren't that long, but Karen has managed to give you as a reader the development and background that is needed to make them absolutely fabulous reads. Luke Nelson, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks is also in town for a long weekend with a couple of his friends, he is introduced to Andrea at a party, the sparks fly, and what was meant to be a weekend of sex, fun and no-strings after the flight home, turns into so much more for both of them. I cannot wait for Wild Nights this series of novellas are going to be stories that I will happily revisit again and again in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Captured By You (Untamed, #2); Author: Amber Hart; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - Our lives have reversed. Stars! The second book in Amber Hart's, Untamed series literally picks up where its predecessor left off, this is a spoiler free review for Captured by You but if you haven't read Until You Find Me there are spoilers ahead. As at the end of book one, Raven, now stuck in the poachers compound with Clovis pretending to be a couple, is trying to gather the evidence they need to bring the whole operation down, the risks to her and Clovis are huge, and time is running out. All the while, Jospin now banished from the pack due to his admittance of double crossing his father is now hiding out and working at Hearts for Habitat Gorilla Sanctuary, as well as trying to work out who the spy in the Sanctuary is, he is also trying to work out how best he can help Raven and get her out of his father's domain. When you take away the core of somebody, all they've ever known and loved, whats left? The dynamic in this half of the story totally switches with both Raven and Jospin seeing into the others world. Raven in her quest to bring down Jospins fathers poaching operation, as well as protect the Gorillas her father died trying to save, her journey literally brings her into contact with everything that flips the finger in the face of the work he was doing. Jospin finds himself basically clearing up the shit and detritus of the animals that he has only ever seen in terms of monetary value in the past, and whilst doing it he begins to see that the Gorillas are more than just worth the meat and fur their remains offer. The building of their characters in this book and the changes they both go through due to their experiences are huge, extreme and absolutely engrossing. "That's the thing about trust... There's no way to know, really. You just have to do it." There is a lot going on in this book, but it didn't quite have the lyrical flow of Until You Find Me, although I still really enjoyed it I found the first 60% a little static. I can understand in part why though as the author has so much going on in the story there are lots of threads that need to be woven in, as part of its overall tapestry. Clovis pays a bigger part in this book, and I kind of hope that the author has a story for him at some point in the future. Like Jospin he gives up everything and as the book progresses you begin to understand why and how much his losses affect him and his brother Matthius. I was an absolute wreck towards the end of this book, the series as a whole has given me more than my fair share of sniffles, but it was worth it. Although a love story, it also offers an in depth look at a completely alien way of life that we in the western world; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Burning for You; Author: Michele Dunaway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm not like everyone else." Stars! I was expecting to enjoy Burning For You, I mean you give me a Fireman, and unless he is a total douche, I am usually a happy girl. This book took me totally by surprise, yes you get a hot fireman in Joe Marino, but there is so much more too the story between him and Taylor Krebs. What initially starts as a one off meeting to shoot the Sexy Public Servants of St. Louis Calendar turns into so much more for Tyler and Joe, both of them are not really sure of what they want, or where they are going in the face of the feelings that are developing between them. Add in a lot of family intervention, a little ex acting suspiciously, and a whole bunch of a genuinely likeable couple that you just can't help in hoping they get a happily ever after, despite their protestations, and you have an absolutely stellar read in your hands. This is a nice fluffy romance, but it is also a little deeper than that, I didn't think I'd find myself in tears reading this book, but I was and more than once. I didn't expect to find that the author took these characters and their pasts and developed their story as well and as seamlessly as she did, as well as merge their futures together into such a cohesive and wholly engrossing read, it is safe to say all of my expectations were met and exceeded with this one. If you are looking for a beautifully written, entertaining story, with a great supporting cast, a little drama and a bunch of firemen, then you can't really go wrong with Burning For You. I hope we don't have too wait too long for the next book in the Man of the Month Series, Michele Dunaway has a new, and impatient fan eagerly waiting for it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure yo provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: After The War (Homefront Book 2); Author: Jessica Scott; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'm glad you came home." Stars! After the War is the second book in Jessica Scott's Homefront series, whereas book one, entertained but didn't really blow me away, Sarah and Sean's story pulled me in, and gradually turned me into a blubbering mess, as it progressed. Funny how a decade at war changed everything. I get a perverse pleasure when a book evokes such a strong emotional reaction from me, as it happens very rarely nowadays. This couple, their past, the potential for their future and everything that happens in the course of their lives in the nine intervening years before their reconnection has been put together into a story that you cannot help but get invested in. I think the one thing that always rings true for me when I read a book by Jessica Scott, regardless of how much I like the storyline or characters, I know I am getting a 'true grit' version of life for someone who is in the Army, has spent time in the theatre of war, or is now dealing with the aftermath of those two things. Jessica writes from the heart, you can feel the authenticity of the experiences her characters go through not to mention the depth of their emotions and the feelings it provokes in you as a reader because of it. "This doesn't feel wrong to me. I just wanted you to know that." There is a lot going on in this book, but each and every part of it is relevant to Sarah and Sean's blossoming relationship, a little intrigue and suspense, characters you will love and others you will hate, Jessica for me ticked every box with their story, in relation to the type of book I want to read, and exceeded my expectations with others (see the paragraph outlining my emotional blubbering!) "You will always be first in my life." I don't know anything about life in the Army, having a family while serving in the Army, raising a child as a single parent in the Army, or losing someone who is serving in the Army, but After the War has given me at least a small insight into all those things, it's not all hearts and flowers, the risk definitely outweighs the reward most of the time, and you are most certainly a very special person if you have the strength of character, and the willingless to act in such a selfless manner for others, who a lot of the time do not even appreciate the sacrifices that are being made for them. Face the Fire the next book in the series is due in June, and I look forward to seeing where Jessica takes this series next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Only for Us (Only, #3); Author: Cristin Harber; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I chose you then and want us now." Stars! Book three in Cristin Harber's Only series, sets off straight after its predecessors end. If you haven't read the previous two novellas I would recommend you avoid this review for now, at least until you have read Only For Him & Only For Her, as although it doesn't offers spoilers to this part, it most definitely does to the previous novellas. "Anything hurts you, I hurt back." Gray and Emma are firmly back in the place they want to be, it's not plain sailing by any means, as you would expect years of separation have caused, mistrust and doubt to be the first reactions to everything that happens between them going forward, and not all secrets have been revealed between them as yet. Gray is also trying to absorb that in leaving, his assumptions that Emma would be living the high life in college, partying and having fun, were completely, and totally wrong. Her reality and the repercussions of his leaving are very much a part of her day to day life, and the guilt for leaving her as essentially a single mother weighs heavy in his already crowded mind. I fell in love today. Twice. I am absolutely loving this series, and not being a huge fan of the serialized novella that is a big thing for me. Cristin, has bought together a couple that through all of their faults, and mistakes you can't help but love and want the best for them. There was a huge elephant in the room at the beginning of this chapter, and added to that Emma's family are now aware that Gray is back in town and involved in her and Cally's life. It makes for a fast paced and fully filled read. "Welcome to Titan." The men of the Titan Group also pop up again and offer an intriguing glimpse into the team, this isn't a series I have read as yet, but the author manages to entice with the introductions, and I am anticipating an absolute treat when I have the opportunity to sit down and immerse myself in their stores. Add to that, that Only For Us ended on the discovery that this couple and their reunion as a family still has quite a way to go, in Gray's discovery of the one secret Emma had still been keeping from him, and in a place that could potentially prove to be dangerous for not one but both of them. I am dying to find out what the author has in store in the fourth and final part of their story Only Forever is hopefully due for release in the very near future! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Changing His Game (Gamers, #1); Author: Megan Erickson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Is that a river in your panties or are you just happy to see me?" Stars! I really enjoyed Changing His Game, set around the staff and owners of Gamers Magazine it offered a sexy twist on the boss/employee romance trope. Marley and Austin were both really likeable characters, their story although full of the usual tropes was easy to engage in. This is my first read by Megan Erickson, and her writing style really did work for me, she also gave a few unique twists on the norm which kept this book interesting. There is definite humor mixed in with the drama, and the couple were also both relatable as was the relationship that developed between them, it was sexy, geeky, and Austin worked his dirty-mouthed charm on Marley until both she and I were a quivering mess! "You make me... forget myself." Being the first book in the Gamers series, I am expecting great things from this author, a certain hoodie wearing, outwardly anti-social guy that goes by the name of Ethan had all my girly alarms ringing, so I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author, and soon hopefully! ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Since Drew; Author: J. Nathan; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Good things come to those who wait." Stars! Since Drew had the potential to be a five star read for me, it started off really well and the twist the author threw in was absolute genius. But it all sort of fizzled out to a little predictable after the first 40% or so. "I wish I wasn't your biggest mistake." Rising football quarterback, Olympic 800m hopeful, one has the option to choose whether they want their future to be based in sport; the other has that choice cruelly taken away from them. Fate brings this couple together, but it also could pull them apart again. It was still a really enjoyable read; but my two main issues were the fact that in parts some of the lack of development in the storyline almost felt like the author forgot that as readers we didn't 100% know what was going on in her head, and it therefore didn't fully transfer to the page, so some parts felt a bit jumpy and underdeveloped. On the plus side I really liked Andi, having been dealt such a terrible hand, she was still quite a positive and upbeat character, even after the big twist, her continued efforts towards Drew, and the snark between them was pretty cute and entertaining too. Things changed somewhat after her subsequent departure from the hospital and her involvement with Drew turns more sexual, the reasons for it were wholly valid, but her flaky on/off behavior did get a little wearing towards the end. The other issue I have is the whole Logan and Avery side story, the problem being it was alluded too, but never really expanded enough to actually understand its relevance in this book. You have to wait for a separate novella to get the full story, and in truth I think the author could have added alternate or extra POV'(s) into Since Drew rather than offer up a separate novella, it was just another thing that felt under-developed to me. All in all a decent, stress-free read, I would certainly read more from J. Nathan, I just wish the WOW factor hadn't fizzled out as the book progressed more, I sort of feel the story didn't quite hit it's full potential on this occasion. ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Girls on Tour; Author: Nicola Doherty; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "It's not that you don't have something... It's just... not enough. Sorry." Star. DNF @ 35% I had really high hopes for this book, I love a good chick-lit adventure, but the alarm bells started tinkling at around 10% and by the time I stopped they had hit 'full emergency' levels. The thing is, I get that the author is going for the comedic approach to the scenarios and situations that I encountered in the portion of the book I read, but for me none of it really hit my 'funny-bone'. We have Poppy and Lily, women supposedly in their twenties... acting, well like hormonal teenagers. As I said I can see what the author was trying to do, but for me Poppy just came across as desperate, childish and a tad judgmental. Lily doesn't really come across much better, selfish, self centered and also pretty judgmental. One of them in the space of 24 hours sleeps with a potential client, then a colleague, and then has a go at the colleague because she thinks he thinks she is acting like a slut... The other, travels to Los Angeles under the guise of helping her cousin to arrange her wedding, but is however just using it as an opportunity to further her dead and buried, non existent acting career. I never like DNFing a book, or writing a negative review, and I have no doubt I will be in the minority in my thoughts. My issues with this story are more to do with the characterizations and personalities in play, and not the actual writing or the story-line, those things I have no issues with. I can see what the author is trying to get across, its just not working for me in the way I think it is meant too, and when you dislike the characters you are reading about, feel absolutely no empathy for them or want to know more about them, it is for me time to call it a day. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Olive Branch; Author: Jo Thomas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "The only regrets you have in life are the things you didn't do." Stars! The Olive Branch is the first book I have read by Jo Thomas, and it was a wonderfully vivid, beautifully written, entertaining and colorful journey into the heart of Italy, it was literally like going on holiday in my Kindle. Ruthie's journey from Tooting, London to Puglia, Italy and her subsequent exploits were an absolute delight too read, what with a cast of many, and not forgetting Daphne the goat as well as Phil and Kirsty the Chickens, it was easy to just get lost in the story and enjoy the scenery along the way. I can't carry on being scared of what others might think. I have to do what's right for me. This book reminds me a little of the films Under the Tuscan Sun and A Walk in the Clouds (both of which are favorites for me). I loved the strong familial feel that ripples through the story from the Bellanuovo families involvement, as well as reading of Ruthie taking the step outside the unknown, in taking a chance and standing up to her fears firstly by buying the Bellanuovo Masseria, and then getting stuck in and trying to make herself a new life once there, I really felt like I was enjoying her adventure alongside her. "You always were a dreamer." Ruthie although a little gullible in a 'seeing the best of everyone' sort of way was easy to like. Marco and his family added extra depth to the story, as well as the budding relationship that grows between him and Ruthie as the book progresses, I loved the little dares and challenges he sets her, and how as an outside observer you can see his reasons behind them are more to keep her around than actually drive her away. This is a feel good book; you pick it up and immediately are immersed in the world that the author has created, it's not too heavy going, and the drama is minimal. I finished it with a smile on my face, which for me is one of the best ways to end an adventure that I have taken in the pages of a book. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Dare (Risky Business #1); Author: Jennifer Bonds; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "I knew you'd be a screamer." Stars! I really enjoyed this easy going, entertaining romance from Jennifer Bonds. Set in the world of advertising the author offered a refreshing take on the romance genre. The first novel in the Risky Business series, and the first book I have read by this author ticked most of the boxes in relation to my sexy romance requirements. She knew what she was doing in the boardroom and the bedroom. I loved the premise of this one, a dare that results in a one night stand that turns into Olivia Masterson's worst nightmare. Cole was the perfect guy for her on every level, in the bedroom, on the boardroom table, and especially in the office environment once he joins Pritchard and Associates, and essentially takes the partnership she was expecting for herself. The strength of character that they both displayed through the story gave really great push and pull between them, Olivia was confident without being cocky, and Cole was cocky without being arrogant. The sexy times were hot, original and well spaced through the book; they kept the pace steady and the story moving. A great start, I am looking forward to seeing where Jennifer takes the Risky Business series going forward, if the Once Upon a Dare is anything to go by, future books are likely to be well worth the wait! "I. Dare. You." ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fly (Velocity, #1); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You're my best friend. Nothing will ever change that." Stars! Molly threw me for a bit of a loop with FLY, and be warned if you are expecting River Bend with Motocross bikes thrown in you are in for a bit of a surprise. Although the writing is still very much in the author's usual style, the characters, settings and story-line most definitely aren't. There is plenty of drama and angst in this book, as you would expect with a group of twenty-somethings, living it large. Taylor is stuck at home in Maribel, working a dead end job and watching her dreams float by in the distance while her best friend of fifteen years, Colton Wade makes a name and reputation for himself on the Motocross circuit. The lifestyles they both live, are pretty much at opposite ends of the scale. I need more Taylor in my life, but I don't know how to tell her. There are two things that become pretty apparently, pretty early on in this book and that is Coltons lack of interest in taking responsibility for the situations he gets himself into, a lot of them you as a reader can see having Car Crash written all over them in Neon lights from the get-go, also that him and Taylor are very much on the cusp of stepping from BFF territory into something including a whole lot more naked time together. "I know what you're packing... And frankly it's not that impressive. If it were I would've had you naked a long time ago." But you can also see that with the bigger picture neither of them are really ready for a steady commitment. Him due to his lifestyle and the truck load of baggage he is carrying around, and her due to the fact she is struggling to face up to and deal with issues at home and with the other guys in her life. "I want to share more than phone calls with you." Although not my favorite book by Molly, and I think this is more because of the nature of the plot and characterizations, especially considering I am not a massive drama/angst addict, it was still a relatively easy read. Nothing was dragged out to the extent that it got annoying, and although both of them make poor decisions about almost everything as it progresses, they are both for the most part a likeable pair. Be warned FLY does end on a massive cliffy, and although I was expecting it to end up in the air, I was not expecting how it would be handled. Not too long to wait for Flight though, and I am interested to see how Molly handles the second half of this couples story, with all the threads that are needing to be tied off in it. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beware of Me (Dark Obsession, #4); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "When you have nothing... You want it all." Stars! Ethan Barclay, has very much been portrayed as the bad guy in pretty much all of the previous books in Cynthia Eden's Dark Obsession Series, we saw a slight crack in the facade towards the end of Need Me, (book three) which leads neatly onto this book, and takes Ethan to New York, in pursuit of the one woman who, knows who he is, and hold all of his secrets, as well as his heart in the palm of her hands. I really enjoyed this book, Ethan has been a little bit of an enigma in the previous stories, in that you sense that there is actually more good in him than the bad you see, and it is more circumstance and external influence that forces him to act as the bad guy, rather than by choice. And it very much shows in the story that Cynthia gives him and Carly. "I didn't ask about your scars. Mostly because I don't see them." As with all books by this author, I have come to learn to expect the unexpected, the same can be said with Beware of Me, you don't just have the reconnection and rebuilding of a broken relationship, between two people that are carrying around a boat load of baggage, but there are always a few bad guys, and nefarious characters thrown in to add a little excitement to the plot along the way. And like always just when you think you have it all worked out, something or someone comes out of left field and blows all of you theories out of the water! "You can't stay with me forever... "Don't be so sure of that." Another great thing, over and above my enjoyment of the actual book is that the author confirmed that she will be telling Victor Monroe's story soon in Mine to Protect, but there was also a pretty big hint that Detective Faith Chestang will be getting a book as well at some point, and this makes me very happy, as I have loved this series since the beginning, and the opportunity to spend more time with these characters is one I am not going to pass up willingly! "I'll get you through the storm that's coming." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kiss and Make Up; Author: Faye Robertson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I had sex with an Orc once." Stars! Kiss and Make Up is a light-hearted, easy going read from Entangled Publishing, this is a re-release from 2012 so check the alternate covers out if the synopsis sounds familiar, as you may have already read it. I have read books by Faye Robertson/Serenity Woods before so I knew I would enjoy this one, the author has a slightly tongue in cheek style in the way she writes her characters, it definitely produces a few giggles when reading. Eli and Tabby, meet up on a film set in New Zealand, him being a stunt-man, she's a last minute replacement for the make-up artist originally hired. Eli doesn't date people he works with, Tabby is moving to London for a year after filming finishes. But as you would expect their attraction proves to be too strong, and one thing as always, leads to another. Both of them are also dealing with familial issues, and although they add value to the story they do not clog it up with unnecessary drama or angst. This is a well written, albeit predictable read, the subject matter isn't too heavy and the characters and storyline easy to get along with. A fun couple of hours of entertainment that will leave you will a little smile on your face, even if unlike me, you aren't a massive fan of cheese! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Maenad of Manhattan (Lovers and Liars, #1); Author: Liz Meldon; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - No one can force anyone to fall in love... Stars! Things have changed a lot for Aphrodite in the last howevermany years, gone are the days when the Gods and Goddesses were worshipped and revered, now a girl has to think on her feet, marry for money, take her thrills where she can, and work for a living! Then one night while innocently sipping on her G & T in a bar, and watching the action unfold on the dance floor she bumps into Loki. Like her Loki has had to adapt somewhat with the times, and has turned himself into a mythological / paranormal Bounty Hunter if you will. It isn't often that Aphrodite has the opportunity to have some sexy fun with a man who can match up to her in strength as well as stamina, and they both take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them. She was far from home This novella was a surprise and a bloody marvelous one at that, the synopsis piqued my interest in the fact that it was unique and unusual, and I like a little of both on occasion. The author, offered up something completely different and I loved every second of it. It is also the foundation and beginning of what I hope will turn into a really enjoyable series. Vampires are thrown into the mix in the next installment, and now that Loki has Aphrodite by his side I am hoping that there will be plenty of action, a lot of sexy times and loads more verbal sparring between the pair of them to come. ARC generously provided in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Vampire of Vancouver (Lovers and Liars, #2); Author: Liz Meldon; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Two worlds - the old and the new, mortal and immortal - collided. Stars! The Vampire of Vancouver picks up Aphrodite and Loki's story straight after the first book in the series; The Maenad of Manhattan, left off. I really like where Liz Meldon is taking this couple, what with the mix of Gods, Godesses and mortals, the paranormal and its beings are also included in the story as well. It makes for a unique blend of characters all with their own special skills and abilities. The combining with this and the extremely high quality of writing and story-telling offers a really unusual and entertaining mix of action, sexy-times and intrigue. In Vancouver now and tasked with finding the missing daughter of an affluent couple, Loki and Aphrodite delve into the underworld, where Vampires are commonplace and bloodletting the norm. On discovering the location of said errant daughter, it turns out that things aren't all that Loki was initially led to believe, and the original deal struck changes into something new and with the potential to be even more beneficial in Loki's quest to gain more followers. But as is to be expected, with the higher reward, comes even more risk, something that Loki doesn't really take into account until it is too late. Entertaining, fast-paced and really quite different from a lot of the books I read, this author is definitely someone I will be watching for going forward. The adventure moves to Idaho in the next part of the Lovers and Liars series, in The Witches of Westwick College, which is due later in 2015. ARC generously provided, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Full Exposure (Independence Falls, #1); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm my own hero." Stars! Full Exposure is a book of firsts, it's the first in the Independence Falls series and the first book I have read by Sara Jane Stone. As firsts go, it was a quick, painless and really enjoyable experience, and one I would happily go through again! The brother's best friend trope, when written well, is an out and out winner, and the author really pulled out all the stops for Georgia and Eric's story. Both have issues in their pasts that make them reluctant to commit to a future together. "One day, you might need me." Georgia is also dealing with the aftereffects of serving her country, as well as trying to adjust to life back home, but she isn't weak, this is a woman who knows what she wants, understands her issues and is trying to deal with them in the best way she can. Add in an overprotective brother, and his best friend, a man she has loved since they were kids, as well as the adorable toddler she is caring for, and this book started out sexy, moved to emotional and kept me reading until way past my bedtime. A lot goes on as the story progresses, you can feel that the author is giving you the necessary details that you will need as the series moves forward, family and friends are introduced, a little of their pasts is revealed, but for all that the focus stayed true to Georgia, Eric and little Nate. "I've wanted you for so damn long." An absolutely stellar start to a series, I have the pleasure of a further 3 books to devour yet, and if they are as good as Full Exposure, you can be sure I will not be complaining! Liam is up next, and another of my favorite tropes; little sister's best friend has me itching to turn on my Kindle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caught in the Act (Independence Falls, #2); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You were always an orgasm-first, talk second kind of guy." Stars! Liam Trulane was the interfering older brother in book one, Full Exposure in the Independence falls series. The shoe is definitely on the other foot in Caught in the Act as he is now the one dealing with three intimidating older brothers in his attempts to rekindle his relationship with Katie Summers, a relationship that ended pretty much before it began seven years ago, because of her brothers pressure, and Liam's resistance to long lasting commitments. "I'm not giving up on you. On us. Not this time." I enjoyed this book, but it lacked a little of the emotional punch that its predecessor had. Liam and Katie together were hot, but I would have liked a little more emotion between them especially in view of their past together included to even out the sexy times. Big plus for me is that we get more continuation of the series as a whole, Katies brothers; Brody, Chad and Josh are also forefront in this book, and seeing as the next book(s) in the series are going to be about them, I liked that we are given a little look into the dynamic of them as a family unit in Caught in the Act. Eric, Nate and Georgia all pop up as well. There is no doubt in my mind now that Sara Jane Stone, writes books in a style I get on with, and offers characters and stories that I enjoy. The last few chapters of this one gave me the emotion between Liam and Katie that I was looking for in the rest of the book, so still, all in all a really enjoyable and solid addition to the Independence Falls series. Onto Book 3!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hero By Night (Independence Falls, #3); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I never gave up and I never will." Stars! Hero by Night is the third book in Sara Jane Stone's Independence Falls series, I was expecting good, and I got great with this one. We were introduced briefly to Lena Clark at the back end of the second book, and it was plain to see that this is a woman, that although a fighter, is struggling with a whole wealth of personal demons. "I guess I made one helluva first impression." Chad Summers, is your typical commitments free, one night, no-strings kind of guy, so reading of the lengths he went too in order to give Lena back some of the control she feels she has lost from her life, made this a book hard to put down, in fact I didn't put it down, the player became the protector, but he also became so much more, and it made for an extremely emotional and engrossing read... I like that in this series Sara is focusing on the strengths (and in some ways the weaknesses) of women, and not in a bad way, each of these books has offered up a positive message in its themes, and although the journeys of each of the couples are not without their drama and angst, everything is so beautifully written and un-glamorized, that it is easy to fall in love with the down-to-earthness of it all. "Just wait until I touch you... I want to find your sweet spots. I'm going to explore every wet and wanting inch of you. Taste you. Make you scream. I'll make sure you're with me. Every. Step. Of. The. Way." Chad exceeded my expectations, stepping back from his natural dominant tendencies to allow Lena to take things at the pace and in a way that was comfortable for her; there aren't many guys who would stick around after their initial meeting goes south extremely quickly. "You're the first woman who has pulled a gun on me in the sack." The whole building of their relationship, and connection between them was sexy and sensual and offered so much more than initially expected. This author has ticked every box with this series so far, and for me has added herself to my auto-buy author list. "For the record, you never disappointed me or let me down... Not once." I highly recommend this series if you are looking for your romance with a little difference, with strong leads, dealing with very real issues, and lots of originally written sexy times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wild With You (Independence Falls, #4); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I'll tell you mine, if you tell me yours." Stars! It is no secret that I have fallen in love with this series, Independent Falls and the people that live there are characters with stories that I want to read, and read again. I hope the author has a few more tales left in her imagination for these characters, as I really can't bring myself to say goodbye just yet. Being the fourth book, Brody Summers is someone that has appeared a time or two in its predecessors, so it is great to finally get his story; Sara hasn't given much away about him in the previous books, apart from the fact that he is a guy with a strong sense of loyalty especially to his family and friends, sometimes to the detriment of his own happiness. Doing what's best for others is what comes naturally for him, and when Kat Arnold comes back into his life, she pushes against everyone of his pre-conceived boundaries in that respect. "I want to push you past reasonable, to drive you out of control." One thing that is extremely apparent, if you have read the previous three books is that Brody has sacrificed a lot to ensure that his younger brothers and sister have had the emotional support, and the best opportunities in their lives that he can give them, as after the sudden death of their father he basically took over the reins of raising them, and keeping the family together, and all apart from his brother Josh have now moved on and made lives of their own. Josh was injured towards the end of the second book in the series, and has since been trying to make a full recovery although he is still suffering from short term memory loss, and this is why Dr. Katherine Arnold has returned to Independence Falls. Brody was a surprise, his dominant tendencies towards Kat, were an even nicer albeit sexier surprise. This couple share a past, and although not immediately apparent to Brody, it gave them and the rapid development of their relationship a really great depth. Brody, understood Kat and her need to take control, but he pushed those boundaries with her, and took the control and decision making away from her in the sexiest of ways. "I'm going to make you come. You have my word on that. I'm dying to touch you, taste you, learn what turns you on and makes you scream for more." Once again, the author took fairy usual tropes and turned them into an enjoyably unusual and uniquely engaging story. This was no surprise to me, as Sara has pretty much exceeded my expectations with every book in this series so far, and it just makes for the most enjoyable reads. I have been lucky in that I have read all four of these books back to back, sometimes that can be detrimental as obvious similarities between characters can become apparent, but in this instance it has just highlighted exactly how talented this author is, as every; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fairy Tale Bride (Montana Born Brides #1); Author: Scarlet Wilson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Don't jump to conclusions." Stars. The Fairy Tale Bride is the first book I have read by this author, it is also the first book in a brand series of novellas set in Marietta, Montana. I have spent quite a bit of time in this town and with it's inhabitants whilst reading other series that Tule Publishing have released in the past, and it is always good to return for a catch up! Lisa and Adam's relationship is one built on secrets, the towns Wedding officiando and owner of Married in Marietta getting together with the hospitals newest and most eligible Doctor causes a few tongues to wag. Both of them are keeping things from their past under wraps, and you know as the story progresses it is going to be a bit of an issue as they become closer as a couple. "I don't have much luck with sisters." I liked this first novella, I didn't love it. Adam was sweet but a little weak willed and Lisa, although I understood her issues, I still found her a little judgmental. But it is a quick, easy, predictably cute read, and well worth a couple of hours visiting Marietta and it's residents again. "Every girl should get her fairy tale." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Duelist's Seduction (Seduction #1); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Absolutely stellar short (but not that short) story from the talented imagination of Lauren Smith. I cannot recommend The Duellist's Seduction or any of Ms. Smiths other titles highly enough.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Yours Completely (Reign #2); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "I'm. Not. Jack." Stars! There are three things I know for sure after finishing the second book in the Joya Ryan's Reign trilogy. Firstly, as always her writing style and story-telling prowess are of the high standard that I have come to expect. Secondly, I am still fully on the fence with this one, in relation to my overall feelings for the storyline, characters and the issues that they are dealing with. And third and finally, I need book three, like yesterday, so I can try and make a fully informed decision about point two! I'd gotten a taste of candy, and now couldn't get the sugar off my tongue. Yours Completely pretty much takes off from where Yours Tonight left off, Jack has been gone a month and Lana is trying to deal with the repercussions. School is the main positive in her life and she throws herself into her studies as a way to take her mind and thoughts away from Jack and the pain his leaving her has caused. But there are positives to be taken from him deciding to remove himself from her life as well. Not the shy, introverted and awkwardly-social woman she once was, a certain strength and dominance has now become and integral part of her personality. Cal is gradually ingratiating himself into her life as well, but the pressure and demanding nature that she was used to from Jack, has been replaced with joviality and fluidity with Cal. "It's hard letting go of certain things, even the good moments you're holding on to aren't worth the pain they cause now." There are a lot of threads in the tapestry of this story that still need to be tied off, and because there is so much going on I am interested to see if at the end of the series the finished picture offers clarity for all that has happened so far. We have Lana's original familial issues very much in the fore, as well as the hints that her BFF may be keeping a few secrets herself, the collapse of her relationship with Jack, the building of her relationship with Cal. All of these factors and a few more are all very up in the air at this point, as well as once again the author finishing the book on one whopping cliffy. I liked Cal, but then again I liked Jack, they both bring out sides to Lana that she has been sorely missing, confidence, happiness, fun and willingness to be a different person and do things that would have pushed the old Lana firmly back into her shell and behind closed doors. Lana herself spends a lot of the book comparing Cal and Jack, and it isn't a difficult thing to do, whereas one is dark the other is light, both are dominant, both want to protect and take care of her, and as Yours Completely progresses you realize that just like Jack did, Cal is also keeping secrets from her. He walked a fine line of control and casual.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oblivion (Lux, #1.5, 2.5, 3.5); Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5 - Pretty much made of awesome. Stars! I took my sweet time with Oblivion, and not because I didn't enjoy reading it. But this is Daemon 'freakin' Black. So why rush, especially when you have the below in your head for the entire time you are reading... At just over a thousand pages, Jennifer Armentrout hasn't skimped on giving us the full Daemon Black experience either, and I have to say it was a refreshing to read the first three books of the series from his point of view. I found Katy's inner musings to be a little annoying at times (must be the whole teenage girl thing!), I just found Daemon's whole perspective and inner monologue highly entertaining and sometimes a little unexpected. "I'll take what I can get for as long as I can get it." You don't need me to write a long drawn out review for this one, if you have read and loved The Lux series, then you are going to love Oblivion, and fall even more in love with Daemon Black. Lots of love all round basically! ARC generously provided by Entangled Publishing, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Awakening; Author: Shannon Duffy; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Destiny waits." Stars! It is inevitable, that there will be comparisons between Awakening and other popular dystopian series such as the Divergent and Hunger Games books. I would be lying if I didn't say there are massive similarities between this book and those series. But, and it is a big but, as let's face it who wants to read a rewrite of books they have already read before, for all the similarities, the author has managed to inject enough originality to the rest of the book as well as write something that is so mentally engaging that you actually forget to keep comparing. Desiree and Darian have been best friends since they were young children, that is until he is arrested and imprisoned for killing his parents in cold blood, for no apparent reason. The Protectorate, lead by Prime Minister Vega immediately sentences him to life imprisonment in The Terrorscape as punishment for his crime. Essentially, meaning he will spend the rest of his life living his worst nightmares. The Protectorate pretty much controls everything that happens to the Citizens of the Tower, where you live, when you die, who you marry, where you work, what you dream. If you disagree, disobey or do not follow the rules as set out, you are considered 'Noncompliant' and that's when things start to go downhill rapidly. Desiree accepts that this is her life without much thought, The Protectorates warnings of how bad things were back in the Manic Age where people had the ability to think, feel and act freely are frequently played into the citizens homes and highlight just how bad things were before order was restored. That is until the powers that be, give her a life match with Asher Knight, her childhood nemesis and the boy who bullied her relentlessly, marrying the man who made her feel that way starts a chain reaction of questions, all of which offer potential answers that could rock the whole foundation of the world she believes she is living in. And then Darian escapes, and offers her answers to some of those questions she doesn't really want the answers too, and the adventure is on. This is a YA novel, the romance is sweet and is what I want to read of teenagers getting up to, it's innocent and offers all the nervousness and tingles that first love is wont to do. I got lost in my absolute enjoyment of this book, I didn't get confused, and although a lot goes on, a lot is described and there are quite a few character introductions as the story progresses, everything is clear, well described and flows beautifully together. This is my first book by Shannon Duffy; it definitely won't be my last. I just hope that as a reader I don't have to wait an absolute age for the next book in the series to be released, this is a story that will not read well with massive gaps between each books release, Awakening doesn't end on a massive cliffhanger, in my opinion, more; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A View from Forever (Thompson Sisters, #2); Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - "I wish this day could last forever." Stars! Charles Sheehan-Miles has managed to do with A View From Forever something that a lot of authors struggle to do when offering prequel novels for books that they have already released, and that is make it a worthwhile read. I am a sucker for books that offer me more of characters that I have grown to love, whether it be stories from their present, or revisits to their pasts, but lately I have found a lot of this type of book/novella to be more about bringing in a bit more money off the back of a successful release, and less about offering up a story that gives any extra value to the one that the reader has already been given. A View From Forever gives that value (and then some), in that it provides the beginning of the love story that is Alexandra Thompson and Dylan Paris, a couple I have fond memories of, and their story (Just Remember To Breathe) is one that I will never forget. The author takes the reader on a journey with them, that highlights just how different the worlds they come from are, as they spend time getting to know each other, whilst putting them in a situation together that gives them both the opportunity to see past those differences to just be the people they want to be instead. Alex (17) and Dylan (18) are on a school exchange trip travelling around Israel, 34 days together, days that inevitably and irrevocably change them both, not just because of the time they spend together, but also from the things that they experience whilst they are there. This book strengthens the foundation of Just Remember To Breathe, and gives further depth and perspective into who Dylan and Alex were prior to his stint in the US Army, and expectations as well as the pressures of her life in relation to the fact that she is the daughter of a man who is very much in the public eye. It gives you as a reader a deeper understanding of their story and how deep their original connection was, prior to them being reunited again at Columbia University. I haven't read a bad book by this author, and this one is no exception. As a series you do not need to read books one and two to appreciate this installment, but to fully understand how relevant this part of Dylan and Alex's story is I recommend you line up Just Remember To Breathe and dive in straight after you have finished, you won't regret it. That said, Crank and Julia's story (books one and two) is just as exceptional and memorable, so I recommend you try and read them as well if you can. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Edge (Realm Enforcers, #2); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "You'll do." Stars! After a slight characterization wobble for me with the first book in the Realm Enforcers series, Rebecca Zanetti is back to full form. She pitched Wicked Edge perfectly from every angle, the story-line, character development, plot-lines and pacing all worked to make this book the best she has released since the end of the Dark Protectors series. I will be honest and say I think that is mainly because the story and writing style really took me back to the DP days, and the inclusion of a few of my favorite DP characters into it just added something really special into the mix. "I don't play games, sweetheart, and you've done nothing else since the first time I met you." Daire Dunne featured pretty heavily in Wicked Ride the anally retentive brother, who had a place for, and a plan for everything. I loved that in this book we get to delve deeper into him and his motivations for things. As with pretty much all of Rebecca's men, his is uber protective, overly alpha and absolutely adorable. I loved the build up of chemistry between him and Cee Cee from the get go, and how with each and every obstacle she threw in his path he just kept coming back for more. Swoons and sighs were abound from this reader for most of the book, not just because of his whole demeanor towards Cee Cee, but his acceptance of her and the things she was fighting for and believed in (albeit begrudgingly initially). "I sure like this side of you..." "This side?" "Aye. As opposed to the side that drugs me and gets me shot." Everything took off in this book, and from the wealth of characters that Rebecca introduced on the first book and developed further in this one, I am really hoping that this series grows and expands to more than just a few books. With the inclusion of the Dark Protectors characters at pivotal points and the running of several plots through other secondary characters, Rebecca has given this series plenty of directions and avenues in which I hope she takes her imagination and her writing skills to explore further. "No fire this time? "...Don't need fire. Just need you." I am happy and pretty excited for Wicked Burn which is due in June 2016, the last time I felt this good was when I was reading the Dark Protectors books, I was worried that the author wouldn't be able to bring that level or quality of story telling to the table again, especially with the depth of character, and general development along the way. My concerns were unfounded, this book blew them all out of the water and into the stratosphere. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bearing It All (Highlander's Beloved, #3); Author: Vonnie Davis; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 1 - "Tis a bad move to challenge a Scot." Star. DNF @ 34% I gave the previous two books in the Highlanders Beloved Series a 4.5 and 4 respectively, so I never expected to be giving up on Bearing it All especially as I have been eagerly awaiting Ronan Masterson's story. I knew pretty quickly that all was not well, because I remember laughing from beginning to end with the previous books in the series, as well as shedding the odd tear, and the portion that I read of this one just left me rolling my eyes and getting irritated. The initial connection between Ronan and Anisa is tenuous at best, and I really struggled with the 'insta' in this one because of it. I didn't really warm to Anisa, and the elusive and private Ronan from the previous books, although as humorous as his brothers in his use of language didn't have the charm or like-ability they. My main reason for loving these books is that they are very different from the usual Shifter PNR, Bearing it All seemed to be grasping at plot points and tropes to keep it going, with Anisa's sudden appearance in Scotland from France bordering on the ridiculous. I like Vonnie Davis' writing, and the first two books in this series were stellar, something just hasn't clicked for me with this one, which is a shame as I was really starting to love the whole Masterson family and their Scottish quirks. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Taking What's His (Shillings Agency #4); Author: Diane Alberts; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "If you'll knock, I'll let you in." Stars! Diane Alberts Shillings Agency series has so far offered up the good, the mediocre and the pretty damn special. Taking What's His definitely falls in the latter category for me. In fact, I would even go as fast as to say that Holt Cunningham has just edged Cooper Shillings into second place on my list of Shillings favorites. "You have no idea how dangerous a guy like me can be." Maybe not, but I was damn happy to find out whilst I read the book. This is your average, run-of-the-mill 'brother's best-friend' trope, with a few geeky twists thrown in for good measure. Holt is ex-military, and working in IT at Shillings is not very high on the excitement and adrenalin scale, however he is still very much dealing with his time in the Marines, and the issues that he has bought home with him limit the things he can do, and often stifle the man he wants and is trying to be, so much so that relationships and commitment are way down his list of priorities, one night, no-strings is a big as the commitment gets for him. I really liked Lydia, she was bright, sparky and the perfect light to Holts dark. It really worked for their development as a couple, she challenged and pushed him, and didn't back off when he tried to push her away. Diane also managed to add in some really sexy-times between the pair of them as well, Holt has got mad oral skills, in both senses of the word! This book goes a little deeper than some of the books in the series, the author gave both characters great back-stories, Holt and his issues, played a massive part in that, but Lydia and her's also rounded it all out nicely and it all clicked together into one really great read. "No more running. No more fear." I hope that we get more from this series and this author through Entangled's, Brazen imprint really soon, a fresh twist and a great couple in a tried and tested trope has rejuvenated the Shillings Agency series, I can only hope that Steven (Lydia's brother, Holt's friend/colleague) gets his story told next... ARC generously provided via Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Take the Fall (Take the Fall, #1); Author: Marquita Valentine; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "Sorry, I don't speak heartless bitch." Stars! DNF @ 66%. I really tried with this one, there were moments when I thought I would be able to power through, but you know that enough is enough when you actually start wishing a fictional character drops dead from an unknown disease in the next paragraph, because you cannot find one redeeming characteristic about them. The reason I stuck with is is because Marquita Valentine can put a pretty good story together, and her writing is easy to immerse yourself in, but unfortunately her choice of characterization for Rowan Simmons in Take the Fall, left an awful lot to be desired for me. So in a nutshell here's the skinny. Rowan as a teenager is in love with Seth, together with her brother they attend and drive in an illegal drag race with her brother. Seth wins the race, and Jase gets into a fight with the losing driver. Things go south, pretty fast, and Jase and Seth end up doing time, even though the responsibility is wholly Jase's. Seth cuts Rowan off whilst he is in the slammer, and when he get's out goes straight into the Marines. Seven years later he is back in town to make amends... All sounds promising right? Well it did to me, but when we then catch up with Rowan, you find out in the intervening seven years, Seth's Gran gave her a home and a job, as well as helping her out financially to make sure her family home was kept in a livable condition while her brother did his time. So when our Hero and Heroine meet up again, and I can fully understand her hurt at seeing him, and her reluctance to trust in him again after what transpired. What I can't understand or really get on board with is the fact that after his Gran's death, and the reading of the will she thinks shes entitled to ownership of his Gran's house and business, and turns into Bitchzilla when she discovers it has all been left to Seth... Jase, pretty much summed up my thoughts in one paragraph, to be honest - "You can hold a grudge against a man who went to jail for us when he could have put everything on me... It's been seven years, sis. Let it go." It was this refusal, to move on, and the fact she was happy to hop in the sack with him at every available opportunity, while still treating him like a piece of crap in front of everyone the rest of the time, that finally killed it for me. The guy had virtually handed him his nuts on a platter @ 66%, and she still kept on with it. I kept reading because I was hoping at some point the would be a turn, and I am guessing the will be in the latter stages of the book, but for me, it was a case of enough is enough. I loved Seth, I just wish he had a better woman; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Heat Exchange (Boston Fire, #1); Author: Shannon Stacey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I sound like a self-centred bitch." Stars! Heat Exchange is the first book I have read by Shannon Stacey, although not totally in love with it, I would still recommend it. My reasons for disliking the story were more due to the author's characterization of Lydia Kincaid, than my actual dislike of the writing and storyline, in those areas everything was really enjoyable. I just really struggled with Lydia's judgemental and somewhat selfish attitude. I think my main issue was the fact that she has returned to Boston after a few years absence to cover in her families bar while her sister sorts her life out, and rather than settle in, take stock and see how the land lies with everyone, she just barrels in pushing her ideals and opinions on anyone and everyone who would listen. "You don't fish in the stations pond." However, when her relationship with Aidan becomes common knowledge, she then tells everyone to mind their own business when it comes to them giving their opinions of her life and perceived failings. "Brotherhood first. Everybody else gets whats left." As I said, my rating on the book is purely because of Lydia and her personality, everything else was pretty stellar, and I will definitely be looking to read the second book in the Boston Fire series; Controlled Burn, which is due for release this November. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shatter Me; Author: Tori St. Claire; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Can I be enough for you... for a little while?" Stars. I have read a few books by this author now, and although I always find aspects of them enjoyable, they always seem to fizzle out a little bit, for not offering anything different or overplaying certain tropes. I do not dispute at all that the author can write, and the sexy-times between her couples are always well crafted and imaginative, but something always lets the overall book down. The same can very much be said for Shatter Me, upon reading the synopsis I was really looking forward to reading Alex and Reagan's story, the subject matter hinted at, offered a glimpse that this book may be a little deeper and potentially more emotive than some of your more usual Brazen novels, and it started well, both Alex and Reagan are grieving the loss of a man that was a big part of their lives, how that grief is portrayed leaves one to believe the other may not have fully accepted the death of one he believes was loved. Sometimes it felt so damn natural it was frightening. You are also given the difficulties that two people face when they admit that they have feelings for each other, after the person that bought them together initially (in this case husbands best-friend, Army Brother) is no longer in the picture. The guilt for moving on, the anguish of thinking it is okay to do so, and the feeling that you are betraying that memory because the feelings you have and the forward thoughts you are considering are with the woman who was your deceased best-friends wife. And then we have the secrets, both Alex and Reagan are carrying them, and in the 18 months since Drew's (husband/best-friend) death, Reagan has moved on with her life, and not in the way Alex was expecting when he turns up on her doorstep, and as the book progresses it is clear that all may not be as it seemed with Drew and Reagan Sanders marriage. With all this going on I had great hope, both of our characters are dealing with some seriously heavy issues, and that is what I wanted to read about, them dealing with their issues, instead a large chunk of it was basically a merry-go-round of one or the other of them acting, reacting, apologizing and then they'd have sex. There was a bigger picture here that could have been explored, rather than going the predictable route the plot did, you knew the car crash was coming from very early on, and the wreck was a doozy. I see this book although enjoyable enough, as a wasted opportunity to take some less used tropes and turn them on their head, there was a definite missed chance to shake things up. This couple literally spend most of the story thinking they are doing what's best for the other, without actually talking to each other about it, and then apologizing and trying to make up for their misplaced intentions... I wanted them; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Falling for His Best Friend (Out of Uniform, #2); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "It was a good five percent." Stars! Another absolutely stellar addition to Katee Robert's Out of Uniform series, Drew and Avery have been present through the first two books as the couples that have eventually got together in them have all been friends. "Say what you need to say, Flannery, or shut it." The synopsis pretty much gives you the rundown of this story, but as you can expect being best friends and stepping into the 'hot and heavy' zone, for any reason is going to come with its pitfalls. And Drew and Avery together working thorugh them were an absolute pleasure to read. Katee excelled herself with the sexy-times in the book, the sexual tension between the two of them has been sizzling on the back burner for years, the importance of their friendship and not wanting to ruin that has been the motivation for them both to not pursue their feelings further. But with Avery's potential fertility issues looming on the horizon, and Drew's reluctance to see her have a child with anyone else, all bets are off, as well as all items of clothing, no surface is left un-fucked, and no vehicle for that matter! "Is that a baton in your pocket, officer, or are you just happy to see me." Great book, it was good to see this couple finally get their own happily ever after. I hope for more books in this series, at some point soon in the future. ARC generously provided by Entangled, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Retribution; Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - Be careful what you wish for Stars! Another stellar read from Katie Reus, having only discovered her talents recently, I have to say she is fast becoming one of my 'go-to' authors for PnR and Romantic Suspense. Retribution offers a bit of everything, and told in 4 POV's you really do get the story from all angles. Two sisters looking to avenge their parent's deaths, and the two men that are in the way of them achieving that aim, one a dream-walker, one the son of a mobster. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, but it dragged a little in the middle for me, not enough for it to take away my enjoyment, but it went from high speed to a sedate stroll then back up to high speed again towards the end. I would have liked a little more POV from Alena and Andre as well, although the story is mainly about Declan and his blossoming relationship with Nika, a lot of what motivated Nika to do what she was doing was because of Alena, and it would have been good to see into her head and her thinking a little more. I would also have liked a little more time spent on her and Andre together especially in the middle of the book, after - her kidnapping and subsequent escape. It is also mentioned that Declan has three brothers all of which have special talents slightly different to his own, I am intrigued, and I hope the Ms. Reus has stories to tell for them at some point in the future as well. ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Delicious Temptation; Author: Sabrina Sol; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - "You're not the only churro in town." Stars. The one positive that I have taken from reading Delicious Temptation is that the author has a great writing style. The problem that I have is that pretty much everything else about the book was all so very lackluster, the characters; their back stories and the book as a whole was just extremely negative. "You're twenty-six and you still let your parents run your life." I struggled with Amara, the above quote pretty much sums up why, at that age you need to grow a pair of cojones, and live your life for you, being brow beaten by your small minded, and blinkered parents, after they have guilt-tripped you into giving up your own dreams was just one step too far for me. "Stop doing what everybody expects you to do and start doing the things you want to do." Eric was the anti of everything I want in my book heroes to be honest. Unemployed, he has lost everything, and is living with his mother and grandmother. He has returned to town to right some of the wrongs when he left 12 years ago, although to be honest, his situation doesn't really leave him much choice. But all he succeeds in doing really is lying to pretty much everyone around him, which in effect lives up to the low expectations they already have of him, add to that sneaking around with Amara like they are still teenagers, it just didn't work for me. "Screw being the decent guy." This is my first book by this author, and although it wasn't a winner I would consider reading more from her based on the fact her writing style was easy to get along with, it is just unfortunate that I can't say the same for the characters on this occasion. ARC generously provided by Entangled, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Trouble Me (Fix You, #2); Author: Beck Anderson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - Everything ebbs and flows." Stars. Trouble Me picks up approximately 18 months on from Fix You, Andrew and Kelly have worked through the problems and issues they were dealing with in that installment and are moving on together as a family, with her two children Beau and Hunter. Andy Pettigrew's star is at its peak, and as always his pushy and extremely motivated Manager Jeremy is there making sure he takes every opportunity that is offered to him. We spend time in LA, New York, Boise and Oregon over the course if this book, and as you would expect meet a few new characters, and revisit some recurring ones along the way. "This is not how it was supposed to go." I was really excited to find out that Beck had written a further book for this couple, the first book in the series was a real surprise for me when I read it, I had expectations of one thing and the author turned everything on its head, I liked that, I liked that it was different and looked at the picture of fame, fortune, addiction and loss from an alternative perspective. The writing is just as lush and engaging in Trouble Me but I have to be honest and say I didn't really feel a lot of the storyline really added anything to this couple as a whole. We also have added suspense in Trouble Me to 'spice' things up and keep things moving along, for me it was a cross between Fatal Attraction and Single White Female but it wasn't very suspenseful in the end, usually I am the last one to the party when it comes to working out who the villain, stalker, killer etc is in the piece I am reading, but I clocked it right off the bat with this one, so it was more of a waiting game after that, on when they finally went bat-shit crazy, and what the fall-out from it would be. "I wish I could make it better for you." The dynamic between Andrew and Kelly is very much in the fore again as well, and where we saw a definite shift in Fix You in regards to who it was that was actually struggling to deal with their life and the things happening to them, it flips back around again in this one, Kelly very much becomes the vulnerable party, and Andrew becomes the pillar that she needs to lean on. I liked that, and I liked the strengthening of their family unit as the book progressed, I just feel that where the first book offered something different, this one offered up a homogenized mix of tropes that I have read many, many times before. Still good, but not different. "Life is precious and short." I enjoyed this book, it just didn't quite meet the high expectations I have of this author, it isn't a bad read at all, and I would still happily recommend it, I would say that you should make time to read Fix You if; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Wrangler (Midnight Cowboys, #2); Author: Cat Johnson; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "I remember a day when..." Stars! The Midnight Cowboys series is turning out to be an absolute treat to read. I think what has made both books so far outstanding is that the author has taken underused tropes in both of them and given us absolutely stellar reads. In the first book Midnight Ride we had the older woman/younger man theme used to great effect, and Cat Johnson has absolutely excelled with Rohn and Bonnie's story in that we are looking at a couple in their forties this time, a couple who have loved, lived and lost. The teenage girl who'd had a crush on him twenty-five years ago was alive and well inside her. I loved that the author gave you the present in their story, but also took us back to the summer of 1990, and gave us the beginnings of their relationship, as well as insight into the reasons that caused Bonnie to up and leave Rohn at that time. "There's no one but you... Now when I was eighteen. Not now." Flashbacks can become overdone in a story if not interspersed at relevant points, but Cat added them well and included relevant information in them, this couple at eighteen were cute, in their mid-forties the depth of feelings between them and the personal growth they have been through in the intervening years was just highlighted more because of it. "You can make excuses all day long, it's not going to change the fact that there's something between us. Whether we choose to ignore it or enjoy it is up to you. I know what I wanna do..." But their age wasn't treated as something special, it was just a book about a couple, who after spending twenty-five years apart, coming back together and discovering that the intervening years have made absolutely no difference to the depth of feelings they had then, and still have now for each other. There is just a little more mileage under the bonnet and a lot more wear to the tires! "It's about time you came home to me." I could go on, I really did love this book, the story was well crafted, paced and moved along really steadily, the emotional build up between them and the fall-out when secrets are exposed was not rushed, and I just found the whole book an absolute delight to read. "Be careful what you offer a desperate man... What I want might not be what you want. "I think it is." Midnight Heat is due in February 2016, this is Justin's book, and I am interested in seeing what story the author gives him. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Heat (Midnight Cowboys, #3); Author: Cat Johnson; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "I've wanted you since Texas." Stars! I am a massive fan of the Midnight Cowboys series, the first two books offered up stellar romances with slightly different and very underused tropes. Although Cat Johnson went the more traditional route in the coupling and main trope themes with Midnight Heat it was good to finally get to know Justin Skaggs on a more intimate level! I loved that Rohn and Bonnie (book two; Midnight Wrangler), played a pivotal part in the story between Justin and Phoenix as well, and that Colton and Tyler also figure into the plot as things progress. I think that is one of the main reasons this series has grabbed me to such an extent, as although each book focuses on a separate couple everyone else stories continue to play out in the background. If two people could survive a road trip, normal dating would be a breeze. This story is definitely a road trip with a difference, and I'll be honest and say I thought I was going to struggle a little with Phoenix's character at the start of the book, but I liked the way the author actually gave her more depth and maturity as she travelled with Justin to Oklahoma, and how the connection between them grew the more as she learned more about her past, and told Justin more about her reasons for looking up Bonnie Martin, in the first place. Complicated didn't even begin to describe this situation. This is definitely a slow-burn romance, which has been the case with all the books in the series so far, but the story flows so well that it didn't feel that way, the author does an outstanding job in building the attraction, and the tension simmers between Justin and Phoenix all through their journey. But their time has a definite expiration date due to Phoenix living and working in a different state, add to that the issues that Justin is dealing with in his family life and it just makes you root for them to get it together as a couple all the more. "I'm going to be here for you... I promise. I'm too interested in this to abandon you." I am really looking forward to seeing where the author takes the series, with Colton left to have his story told, I am a little sad because I hope that it isn't the end, hopefully Cat will find another ranch in the vicinity full of hot single cowboys that she can pair off in future books. ARC provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Salvation (Nashville Nights Book 2); Author: Robin Covington; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "I'll be the one with the cowboy boots and the very low expectations." Stars. Salvation is the first book for me from Robin Covington, having heard nothing but positive feedback about this author for quite a while, I was relatively certain I would be in for a treat. That said as a reader, the author does touch on a subject in this book that I for the most part try to avoid, recreational drug use in all it's forms never really appeals to me, so I have to be honest and say I wasn't sure how I would handle it within the confines of Carlisle and Mateo's story. I have to say that Robin offered up a frank, un-glamorized and more importantly not overused view of it and for that reason, it didn't have as much impact on my enjoyment as it has in books in the past. I think this is mainly due to the fact that Carlisle's reasons for 'self-medicating' aren't just for the hell of it, and aren't overplayed either. "This could get complicated... It could get messy" It is also the same with the 'reluctance to commit' trope, sometimes an author can overplay their hand in this region and it ends up pulling the book down into a sort of merry-go round of recurring issues, Robin again kept Carlisle and Teo's reluctance at an acceptable level, their circling of each other through the school year gives the speed of their coming together enough depth that it, and everything that followed didn't have that 'insta' feel. Sometimes the path of love isn't pretty and this couple is definitely dealing with their fair share of demons. But they are dealt with well, the story keeps moving, the drama is valid and not overly angsty. The sex, well it was that well written that I went back several times to re-read passages, Mateo certainly knows how to use his words. "You won't know each other better if you don't talk about it. Time passes in this book, as Carlisle and Teo's lives move on, not always together, but their hearts are still wholly consumed by the other, I liked that they didn't instantly get their happily ever after, they both had to work out who they were before their relationship together could fully solidify. I haven't read the first book in this series, although it is now sitting on my Kindle waiting for me to get to it, I would happily buy another book by this author after the reading experience I had with Salvation, gritty, emotive, unusual and just damn good reading. "Usually I'm a one and done girl." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shattered Duty (Deadly Ops, #3); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "This isn't fucking casual." Stars! Book three in Katie Reus' Deadly Ops Series, started off at a rapid sprint and didn't really slow down until the last chapter. I haven't read the previous books in the series (although I am itching too now) but, Shattered Duty can absolutely be read as a standalone, without the reader experiencing any confusion. As I have come to expect with romantic suspense books from this author, the cast and characters are laid out pretty quickly, the multiple POV's set the scene really well, and although very thorough, nothing is over-done or impedes the flow of the story between Levi and Selene as a whole. "You and I are going to have to talk about your trust issues." I really liked Levi, the guy is dealing with some serious issues, having lost his wife a couple of years ago in the most disturbing of circumstances. Grief and the thirst for revenge have been strong and controlling motivations ever since, and the intervening time has been spent living a solitary, undercover existence, trying to build an alternate persona that will allow him access to the people he believes are responsible for her murder. Selene Wolfe has known of Levi for longer than he realizes and when their paths cross at a party, they realize that their goals top infiltrate the same criminal network are very similar, except Selene works for his former boss in the NSA, and whereas her actions are sanctioned, Levi's are wholly independent and for personal reasons, rather than on a national security level like Selene's. Working together, as well as being attracted to each other, but never fully trusting, they form an uneasy alliance. "I want to taste your release on my tongue as you ride my face." Gotta love a dirty talker, and Levi certainly does admirably in that respect. I liked that Katy took the time to deal with the guilt and grief over his wife before putting them together sexually. The chemistry between them is smoking, but it takes a little time for the flame to fully ignite. Another great book, from an author who is becoming a firm favorite on this girls Kindle! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love in the Light (Hearts in Darkness, #2); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - When things are at their very worst and everything seems to be falling apart... Stars! IT IS LIVE!! Links - Amazon: [url] Amazon UK: [url] iBooks: [url] Kobo: [url] Barnes and Noble: [url] Amazon Paperback: [url] Hearts in Darkness was one of the first Indie books I ever read. I stumbled across it on Amazon one day as a recommendation after buying another book, and my love affair with Laura Kaye's writing and characters has been true and unbending ever since that fateful evening, when I sat down with my Kindle and read of Caden Grayson and Makenna James' first meeting... That novella was very much the beginning for this couple, and Laura has given her readers exactly what they have been asking for ever since. Love in the Light gives you the building of their relationship - 'post-elevator'. "No matter what, you'll always be a part of me." And as you would expect, nothing is plain sailing for them. This book would probably never have been written if that was the case. And I think the clues are there to begin with as to where story is going to go, as Caden's initial reaction to being stuck in the elevator really highlights what the crux of Love in the Light is ultimately about. Laura delves deeper into that side of the man, that lets face it most women fell in love with before even Makenna did. "I would go for you..." "...And I'm staying for you." What's starts off as a sticky first meeting with Makenna's family, culminates very quickly, and is actually the catalyst for a complete melt-down of epic proportions for Caden. Love in the Light focuses on what is broken in Caden, and how he works to put all the pieces back together again, in order to be the man that he feels Makenna really deserves, it's emotional and heartfelt and as the story progresses you realize it is also a long time coming, some things can only be left buried for a certain length of time, before they rise up and take over your very existence, with devastating consequences. "I've got you." I don't really want to give much more than that away to be honest. Like with Hearts in Darkness this book is something that is best read with no real idea as to what happens or where it inevitably goes. But this is Laura Kaye, and one thing the lady excels at is offering up troubled alpha males, with hearts of gold, and Caden is all that and a bar of chocolate. The story is well written, I won't lie and say it held a huge amount of surprises for me because it didn't, I could see what was coming from very early on, but did that detract from my enjoyment... Absolutely not! Laura has given each and every one of us that asked for more, the story that we were craving, and to be honest after meeting the James family, I believe there is potential for a series, I have crossed what; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Angel in Armani (New York Saints, #2); Author: Melanie Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Trust me, I'm a doctor." Stars! The second book in Melanie Scott's New York Saints series was an absolute treat. I will admit I went into this one with a little (alright a lot) of trepidation. Reason being, I had a big issue with Maggie from book one (The Devil in Denim), putting it politely we had a slight clash of personalities! Sara Charles luckily, is a little more rounded as a character, and more importantly Angel in Armani isn't a book essentially based around a poor little rich girl not getting her own way, which for the most part Maggie's book was. "That's the problem with dreams, sometimes you have to make sacrifices." Dr. Lucas Angelo, with his partners Alex Winters (Maggie's now partner, book one) and Malachi Coulter, took the risk to buy their favorite, but also extremely rubbish baseball team, The New York Saints. Alex deals with the business, Mal the security and Lucas being a Doctor/Surgeon covers everything in relation to the actual team. Bearing in mind he is based in New York, and the team is in Florida for Spring training, you can understand why Sara, her helicopter and Charles Air enter into the equation. Lucas hates flying; Sara has reasons to dislike people who have or come from money. They do however agree on one thing... That as a couple they work, but old hurts, insecurities and familial issues/differences as expected, do start to chip away at the bubble they have built around themselves. "I don't want to screw up your life." "If you really meant that then you'd walk away." "I really don't want to do that..." The author gave this couple, and the series a story that was really enjoyable, the sexy times were original (best sex in a power cut ever!) and the tropes although usual, were written in a way that gave them a better than average impact. Bit disappointed with the last 10% as Sara's behavior let down the character she was for the rest of the book, but bearing in mind book one only got a 2.5 from me, 4 for Angel in Armani shows what a massive improvement these characters, and their story was. Mal is up next, let's see what the author can give the elusive security expert in Lawless in Leather! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Piano Man Project; Author: Kat French; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - This is a job for a man, not a machine." Stars! I am a big fan of Kat French, her books encapsulate everything I want from a perfect summer read. Romance, laughter, a little drama, a great cast of characters, and a relatable hero and heroine. She hit the mark on every one of those requirements with The Piano Man Project as well as a few more I didn't know I wanted but enjoyed just the same. Honey was the kind of character that you couldn't help but like, a little hapless, easy-going to the nth degree and always in the thick of it without fully understanding quite how she had gotten herself there. Hal was the exact opposite, an ornery, grump and oh so easy to fall a little bit in love with. Their conversations, arguments, revelations and relationship in general were a total page-turner. "The fact that you keep putting your foot in it is the best thing about you." As I said there is a great cast of secondary characters in this one, being set in and around an old peoples home, you can imagine the breadth and diversity of the people that Honey comes into contact with on a day-to-day basis, add into that mix her friends slightly uptight Nell and party-girl Tash and all bases were pretty much covered. "Kissing you is better than sex with anyone else." I think the best thing about The Piano Man Project is that the author keeps you guessing right up until almost the end as to whom Honey may or may not end up with, it made it such an easy read to immerse myself in, and I didn't want to put it down. If you want something not too heavy, but extremely entertaining this book is certainly one I would 100% urge you to consider. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Playing Hard (New York Saints, #4); Author: Melanie Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Whatever you want." Stars! Playing Hard is the fourth book in Melanie Scott's New York Saints series, and in my opinion, to say each book goes from strength to strength would be an understatement. I love that in this book we have moved on from the new management team, meeting the women they were due their Happily Ever Afters with, which is what the first three books focused on, we have now moved onto the single members of the team. Oliver Shields has been present in the previous three books as one of the long standing members, being with the Saints since he was seventeen and fresh out of school. This is a guy that lives, eats and breathes baseball. He is also the guy that knows he cannot play forever, and is hoping for at least a few more good years before having to make those sorts of life decisions. "Sometimes dreams have to change." Fate, has other ideas though, and a car wreck that gives him a potentially career ending injury, puts him and Amelia Graham in the same orbit. Although Amelia is a little caught in the middle, in that the guy vying for Ollie's position on the team, not-to-mention being a total tool about it, is none other than her pseudo little brother. Finn Castro is to put it bluntly a total piece of work, and in falling for Ollie, once he finds out they are an item puts Amelia right at the top of his shit list. "I was starting to think you were the thing I always wanted." This is a story with several elements going on in that, Ollie and Amelia are building a relationship around outside detrimental factors, and past issues, some of which make them both very wary of the speed of the depth of their feelings for each other. You also have the issue of Amelia's split loyalties, which to be honest as the book progressed seemed to be more and more, misplaced. The Castro family as a whole do not come away from this book in a very good light, which is something to bear in mind for the next book in the series. You also have the situation with Ollie and Finn Castro, and the impact that it has on the Saints as a team, and I think Melanie worked all of these plot-points together really well. "I want to be with you. But I can't stay for you." I struggle massively with excess familial drama, and although Finn and his sister Emma were starting to grate in the last 20% of the book, it was played out well enough and was dealt with in a way that the drama felt necessary and not overplayed, and although Oliver and Amelia's story has now been told, Finn's career was left very much hanging in the balance at the end of Playing Hard. Which takes us nicely to the next book in the series, Playing Fast. This is Finn's book, and after reading of his attitude and exploits in this; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Heat of the Moment (The Boys of Summer, #3); Author: Katie Rose; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Welcome to Joisey." Stars! Having read more than a few sports based romances in the last month or so, it's fair to say that they have definitely been a mixed bag in the enjoyment stakes for me. I think at any other time, and with less reading numbers of books containing a similar theme, The Heat of the Moment may have deemed a higher rating from me, no guarantee's, but it is possible . "To strength and patience." Three stars for me means I enjoyed it, but there isn't really anything about it that stood out, in fact the a lot of the tropes used were eerily similar to another book released by this publisher recently, except this book is set around Baseball, and the other was around Ice Hockey. "You make me feel like... there's hope. This will happen. I will get well, fit in here and make a place for myself." I loved Gavin King, I think it is safe to say he is the kind of guy that we idealise as women, but not generally how a guy would potentially be, and I did find a lot of his thoughts, feelings and actions to be a little on the feminine side. I am not saying he totally lost his Man-Card but he was charming and pleasant to the nth degree, and even the sex was a little perfunctory. But he was an absolute gentleman, went out of his way to make Jess feel like a beautiful and desirable woman, and to see past the fact he is a Baseball Player, to the humble and dedicated man underneath. "I want..." Jessica was my other big issue, I struggled with her attitude and behaviour towards Gavin for most of the book. I understood that she had been hurt in the past by another douche bag ball-player, but pretending to get with other guys, to make the one actually interested in you jealous, and expecting him to jump through all-sorts of hoops and then still be a bit of a bitch to him really didn't do a lot for the chemistry between them, I also struggled with the level of her issues bearing in mind said relationship with douche-bag only lasted six months, it's not as if they were walking down the aisle or had years together between them. Overall a good read, it just doesn't quite hit the levels of some of the other books with this theme that I have read recently. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rules of Seduction (Serve, #7); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "You're way too hot not to grope." Stars. I am a big fan of Joya Ryan, her Chasing Love series (also published through Entangled-Brazen) is one of my absolute favorites, and as such I was interested to see what she would bring to the Serve series. "I wouldn't trust anyone else to take care of you." Being honest the vacated stilettos that Joya has stepped into (Katee Robert & Tessa Bailey) are some pretty big shoes to fill, but I was wholly expecting her to buckle-up, customize and make them her own. Not forgetting the fact that this is Nolan Hart's book, the guy I have been itching to find out more about since the beginning, and the expectations were high for me, from the get-go. "He's one of the best Serve has to offer." As you can guess by my rating, my expectations were unfortunately not met on this occasion. Main reasons being - * I had absolutely no visualization of either Ava or Nolan, for pretty much all of the book apart from eye color, hair color and the fact Nolan was ripped and had a penchant for vibrating tongue rings in the bedroom, nothing else was really described. * I also struggled to feel any emotion between either of them or for them due to the limited exploration of their pasts, hints were given but nothing was really elaborated on in relation to Ava's commitment issues and Nolan's over-protectiveness. I think this would have helped me understand Ava and her motivations a little more, because her whole persona just felt really 'cold' and unfeeling a lot of the time. * The only time you really get a glimpse of anything between them is when they are hanging out as friends, and even in these instances Ava seems to be able to switch her persona's on and off like a kettle. * Nolan although likeable and full of confidence, again really lacked any 'substance' for want of a better word, and bearing in mind he has popped up on quite a few occasions in the previous books I was expecting more for him, and from him. I don't know, maybe it's me having unrealistic expectations on all fronts, but this book in general just felt very lackluster, nothing really stood out, the storyline at best was average and although the sex well written and versatile, certain aspects of it Anal play, have no issue with it, but they needed more development and trust built between them as a couple, rather than go almost straight to it, especially as at the time they do it, Ava doesn't actually know who it is she is having sex with. felt like they had been added just to spice things up, rather than because they were needed. "If I had known you were inviting me to a sex party, I would have bought my assless chaps." An easy read, nothing wrong with it per se, but I was expecting more. Arc generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hold Me Until Midnight (Grayson Brothers, #1); Author: Christina Phillips; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I don't kiss ass, babe. I kick it." Stars! I really enjoyed Hold Me Until Midnight, it is the first book in the Grayson Brother series, and the first I have read by the author. "The Grayson's rule... Never fuck clients." One thing that stood out from this book for me is that Christina Phillips knows how to write good sex, but also put it into a well developed story at the same time. The chemistry between Scarlett and Jackson was off the charts, and I loved that he took the somewhat abrupt and straight laced character, in Scarlett and turned her into a strong and confident woman, with his laid-back, devil-may-care and sexily arrogant attitude. Jackson made this book for me, in that although he was a pretty strong character, he and his brothers (Alex & Cooper) have issues from their past that they are still very much trying to work through, as a set-up book for the rest of the series it gives you enough to keep you interested, but it doesn't overshadow the story that is being told. "Trust me you have no idea what I can do with my mouth..." "I wouldn't mind finding out." A really enjoyable read, likeable characters and an easy-going plot kept me interested and entertained until the end, and I hope to see more of the Grayson brothers and their very own brand of witty sarcasm, very soon! "I may be wearing a suit, but just so you know, I've still gone commando." ARC generously provided via Entangled, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fair Game (The Rules, #1); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 5 - Bitch face Jade has a solid swing. Stars! Fair Game is not the first book I have read from Monica Murphy, I know for sure it won't be the last either, but it is the best book I have ever read by her. There's something about this girl that I think... might be worth waiting for." Sometimes when you start reading a new book, you know from the first page that you are at the beginning of something special, there's that little tingle in your tummy, the infamous 'One More Chapter' filters through the subconscious the whole time you are immersed in the characters and their story as it is unfolding, that was me with Shep and Jade's story, couldn't put it down. "Pay up. I won that hand. I won you." This isn't a short book, but it didn't feel long in its reading, I absolutely adored the initial love/hate between these two, 'man whore' versus mouthy 'Miss Prim'. I would be lying if I said I hadn't read a lot of similar books to the themes that featured with Jade and Shep's story, but it all just worked perfectly for me, I got involved, I got lost in the reading and I fell in love with this couple as they fell in love with each other. The challenges they faced together, the sexy-times, the snark and sarcasm of their conversations were just an absolute joy to read. Being the first book in The Rules series, I am interested to see where Monica takes us next, In the Dark, Gabe's book is due in August, and Slow Play, due November 2015, are certainly reads that I will be waiting impatiently to get my hands on. "There's something to be said for anticipation." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review. ~~One of the best books I have read in 2015 so far.~~; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy Charm (Boudreaux, #2); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - This isn't permanent... Stars! Loved this one right up to the last 25%, as a reader you can tell where the story is going to go pretty quickly, but the author chose to turn Gabby into a hormonal teen rather than have her communicate with Rhys, considering her background I understood her reaction, but to then bitch to her siblings that he wasn't communicating with her when she had essentially been pushing him away for a few weeks just annoyed me. "Your heart and my heart are very old friends." Gripe aside, I pretty much read it in one sitting, Proby's writing and for the most part characterization were spot on, once again I loved the Hero, and wanted to be friends with the Heroine, the Boudreaux family feature at pertinent points, and as mentioned in my previous review, if you loved the With me series, this one will fit well, as the author has essentially taken all the good parts from that moved it to New Orleans, and called them the Boudreaux's. Musician Declan Boudreaux is up next, and I am pretty sure it will be another enjoyable reading experience for me!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Runaway: A One to Chase Prequel (One to Hold, #6.5); Author: Tia Louise; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "I'm ready to know you better." Stars! A quick, short and sexy interlude, that gives you the background and original meeting of Marcus Merritt and Amy Knight. Their full story is told in One to Chase, due for release, June 25th.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Insatiable (Insatiable, #1); Author: J.D. Hawkins; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "You're either born with it, or you're not. And you? You're not... Sorry." Star. DNF @ 40% I have seen a variance of reviews for this title, and I get why it has rated highly with some, I also get why it hasn't hit 'the spot' with others. For me... It isn't a bad book, I have read a lot worse, but it isn't a good book either. Insatiable sits on an already full to bursting shelf of books just like it, and up-to where I stopped reading, nothing really stood out as new, catchy or really endearing about Jax, Lizzie or their story. Likening the smell of a pussy to Catnip was a bit of a turn-off and I have never in my life thought of a cock as a joystick to heaven again this may just be me, I am 38 so not completely au-fait with what the cool kids are calling penises nowadays... I roll my knuckles in and around her holes with the expertise of a piano player. Errr... again nope, turned off with that analogy too. Another thing that was hard to digest (excuse the pun) is the description our cocky and confident Hero uses when receiving a good oral examination, I for one can honestly hold my hand up and say I have never felt the urge to - Rolls it around in her mouth before swallowing it like its a vintage wine. When ingesting my partners orgasm bi-products, I am more in Samantha's camp on that one to be honest... Mind you it could be a right money spinner if there are any guys out there ejaculating wine flavored spunk, Just saying! Onwards and upwards as they say, I am not judging you if you liked it, so please don't judge me because I didn't.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: In the Air Tonight (Sisters of the Craft, #1); Author: Lori Handeland; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "Death is the end." ...Not always. Stars! In the Air Tonight is the first book I have read by Lori Handeland, and it is also the first book in her new Sisters of the Craft series. I will say I was on the fence with this one for around the first 30%, the story was moving along, but the writing style was a bit of s struggle to get into. If you are having the same problem, I would say persevere, once you get used to the slightly quirky prose, and the random information the author intersperses from her characters, this book is a really great read. "One doesn't have to be a witch to benefit from magic." I think the main thing that really surprised me about this book is that it is so, so different from anything I have read recently, I love a good PNR, and this book had elements of everything in it to keep me entertained. Myth, magic, a little eerie at points, ghosts-a-plenty, a great heroine, a hero whose bones I wanted to jump myself, and lots and lots of plot twists to keep you entertained. As I said the writing style took me a little time to get used to/ into, but once I did, this book grabbed me and took off like a sprinter in a new pair of Nike's. His eyes were as haunted as my life. Raye Larsen doesn't really fit in, in a town like New Bergin, where it is important too, she epitomizes everything everybody who resides there isn't. Seeing ghosts as part of her normal everyday life doesn't really help with that either, and after being considered a little weird by her adoptive parents when she was younger, it is something she keeps totally to herself now that she is an adult. Bobby Doucet, doesn't believe in ghosts although he is carrying more than a few of his own around, when he arrives in town to help the local police investigate a spate of murders that may be related to several that took place back in his hometown of New Orleans, he and Raye are literally thrown together from his arrival. As they work together to try and ascertain why she is also being targeted, the chemistry and feelings between them grow. The problem is, they are both keeping secrets, and not telling the whole truth about themselves, and as the story progresses, the threads that were starting to bind them together, begin to unravel. He looked like I felt - overworked, underpaid, and desperate for an adult beverage. This is one of those books that you don't realize you have fallen in love with until you finish it. The author introduces a few characters in it that I am hoping we will get to see more of in the following installments. Raye's biological father, although 400 years dead is one of them, as a ghost he has been a constant in her life, but it is only as things start progressing and the threat from the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heat of the Moment; Author: Lori Handeland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "He's out." Stars! Book two in the Sisters of the Craft Series, takes off literally where book one finished. But this is a new town; Three Harbors, Wisconsin, and focuses on a different sister. Becca Carstairs, has always been a little bit different, being the town Veterinary Surgeon those differences, namely that she can understand the language of animals, means that her patient loss rate is virtually non-existent. "There's hurt... then there's agony." Owen McAllister back in town after a ten year hiatus, is hoping to get in, get his mother's house sold and get out again. The last decade has taken him far away from the path his life followed as the son of the towns 'mad-woman'. Injured, and carrying more battle scars internally and mentally, as well as his K9 colleague Reggie, Owen is really not looking for a reconnection with the one woman, who held his heart all those years ago, the girl who loved him for who he was and didn't judge him for his mother's crimes, especially in a town where appearances are everything. For him, a room that contained Becca Carstairs was devoid of anything else worth noticing. Lori Handeland has such a distinctive way of writing, you cannot help but become immersed in the story that she is telling, blunt and to the point, but also beautifully descriptive and quirkily humorous. I dreamed of him weekly, thought of him daily, missed him hourly. But it was Owen that stood out in this book for me, as although the story is based around the spate of animal sacrifices that has sprung up in town, not to mention the attempts on Becca's life, from initially unknown enemies. It was his story and his internal monologue that kept me glued to the pages. The Venatores Mali and the threat to the sisters as a whole is still very apparent, the appearance of Raye and Bobby (In the Air Tonight) towards the end of this book ties up the two really well together, it also gives us a really great cast and strong story-line to follow on with, moving onto the third and final book; Smoke on the Water which is due August 2015. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Smoke on the Water; Author: Lori Handeland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "You can't reason with cuckoo." Stars! The final book in the Sisters of the craft trilogy delivered up and exciting and unpredictable finish to what has been a really good series overall. Three sisters, all unknown to the other at the beginning of this series, finally come together in this the final book. Initially it does concentrate on the third and youngest sister; Willow Black. "Evil never dies." Willow has spent a large part of her adult life incarcerated in the Northern Wisconsin Mental Health Facility. Having an affinity to water, and seeing things through it that any normal person doesn't, tends to make people think that not all the connections in Willow's brain are fixed correctly. "I've been waiting for you... "I didn't know it, but I was waiting for you too." That is until Sebastian Frasier, strolls in, leather jacket, pierced ear, slightly rumpled and oh so delicious, as the facility's new administrator, he brings back more than a few memories for Willow. Odd thing is they are memories of things between them that haven't even happened yet. In my mind I knew him. In my heart I loved him. Part of this book runs concurrently with the second book in the series, and I liked the way the author intertwined all of the characters stories together in this, the last book of the series especially as it still felt very much like its own story still. "Not everything should be fixed... not everything can be." The Venatores Mali are still gathering in strength and number, their leader Roland now back on Earth, steps up his campaign to wipe out the sisters and witches as a whole, the excitement really builds up in the second half, with shocks, surprises and general resolution to things, there are more than a few emotional moments, when people are reunited, people say goodbye, and past guilt and grief are finally laid to rest. Owen, Bobby, Raye and Becca all feature heavily in the finale of this book, and it was good to see them all again one last time, as well as Pru and Henry getting their Happily Ever After-life'. I'll be honest and say I wasn't sure about this series when I started reading it, Lori Handeland has a very unique writing style, and perspective on things and it took me a little while to get into her mind-set. But once I did, the whole series turned into a really enjoyable and unique adventure from beginning to end. I will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Darkest Frost, Vol. 1 (The Darkest Frost, #1); Author: Tanya Holmes; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "You must understand... I am what I do." Stars! I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading The Darkest Frost as although the synopsis gives you a little hint of what the story is about, it doesn't really give you any information as to what direction the story may take, the backgrounds of the lead characters or the unusual skills and talents that both of them are living and dealing with. The thing is, I cannot really give too much away in relation to the plot without offering up spoilers, so I am going to do my best to encourage you to read the book without really giving anything away. To say this is one of the most unusual, unique and interestingly written books I have read in a long time would be an understatement, the author offered up a set of characters, back stories, secrets and gradual development that keeps you on their toes, at points I was just starting to approach the stage of wondering what the hell was going on, and the author would drop in a little nugget of information that clarified a lot of what I was getting confused about, it isn't hard to read or understand, but the level of information given on each of the characters as the story develops is such that you are given enough to know what is going on, but never enough to fully be able to work out where the author is ultimately going to take you. It certainly keeps you attentive to the characters and the story. Told in several POV's as well as jumping back and forth in parts you need to make sure you are fully awake when you are reading this book a lot happens, and it's a case of 'blink and you'll miss it' if you aren't paying attention to the chapter headers and whose head you are currently in. Creepy, spooky, sexy, unique and really, really enjoyable. If you are looking to read something totally new and different then this is the book for you. Although it does finish on a cliffy, so if that isn't your thing I would recommend you wait for part two, because otherwise you will end up like me, screaming at your Kindle, because although you learn a lot in the first part, you still don't really know anything at all, and I am dying to know where the author will take the dark and elusive Dr. Braeden Frost, and Denieve Knight in its follow-up. "I've only known you a little over a month, yet it feels like a million years." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crystal Kingdom (Kanin Chronicles #3); Author: Amanda Hocking; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "She is one determined bitch." Stars! The Kanin Chronicles series certainly had the potential to be a 5 star winner for me, and in the main I did really enjoy it, but I can't ignore the fact that my main reason for enjoying the books was due to the general storyline and the secondary characters. My lack of any feeling or empathy for Bryn Aven is what knocked it down a little with my ratings. Don't let that put you off though as I still think the series is a really enjoyable adventure, but when the main character (Who is only 19) has such a superhero complex, and is so arrogant that she rarely takes advice from anyone or listens to anything apart from her own self-important inner monologue, it does get a little trying. "It's hard to know what to do when everything is falling apart." That was my bug bear to be honest, I felt the author was almost trying to give us a Trollified Katniss Everdeen, but whereas you see the humanity and strength in character of Ms. Everdeen in her actions, I found a lot of Ms. Aven's actions came over a little more self-centered and her behavior at times bordered on childish, with the constant, 'it's all my fault' and 'I could have done more', I really did just want to tell her to 'get over yourself' more than once. But, the above for me was really a small detraction from my enjoyment of the series as a whole. As the final book you can expect lots of twists and turns, Bryn ventures far and wide in her hope to secure help for the Kanin people as well as try and clear her name. We get to spend a little more time with Konstantin (who I would love to see a novel/la for at some point outlining his adventures after leaving Doldastam). As well as the rest of the characters that I had come to like over the previous books. "I'll find you if you need me." I enjoyed Amanda Hocking's writing style immensely, evoking the images into a reader's head of a completely different people, not to mention their towns, buildings and general way of life can be a thing that some writers struggle to do without either going over the top, or not providing enough description, and the author hits that balance perfectly. I will certainly look forward to reading more from her in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Tempt a SEAL (Sin City SEALs, #1); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "You like things that explode in your mouth?" Stars! Sara Jane Stone's writing epitomizes everything that I want to read in a book of this genre. Well developed and engaging story-lines, likeable characters, and plenty of sexy, sexy sex! This isn't the first book I have read by this author, and it definitely won't be the last. "We've moved a helluva long way past hello." Lucia and Cade, accidentally (on purpose) bump into each other in Las Vegas. Lucia is there for one thing, sex, no-strings, and commitment free sex. Cade is there unbeknownst to her, at her sister's request to ensure she doesn't make a mistake of epic proportions or end up out of her depth. "I'm going to hell for this." What Natalie didn't figure on is the chemistry that sizzles from Lucia's first meeting with Cade, and the fact that her best friend has his sights firmly on being the guy that Lucia end up having her weekend of sexy fun with while in Las Vegas. This is one of those books that you pick up, get lost in and don't really return to reality until you finish the epilogue. I loved Lucia, strong and vulnerable, confident but shy and although she had issues, they felt genuine and not overplayed. "I've been good for a long time... I think I'm ready to be bad." Cade was the perfect yin to her yang, he talked the talk, but backed it up with the walk as well, also in that he had his own set of issues but they complemented each other in their weaknesses and strengths to give a whole enjoyable and really sexy and emotive read. "I thought going down under water was a SEAL specialty?" I had high expectations of this book, that's because I have high expectations of the author and once again, she delivered 100%. I hope we do not have to wait too long for the next Sin City SEALs book, because if To Tempt a SEAL is anything to go by this series is just getting started! "You can paint my dick magenta if it turns you on." ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sworn to Protect (Red Stone Security, #11); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Be careful, Devil Dog." Stars! The eleventh book in the Red Stone Security series see's us getting Quinn Brody's story. Although part of the series as a whole you can absolutely read these books as standalones. Prior to this I had only read book six, and although you get the vibe that all of the characters you come across have their own stories, nothing is confusing, and as a reader you don't feel like you are missing important information or anything. This was a quick, satisfying read, Quinn and Athena's initial meeting being two months prior to the beginning of this story, 6 dates and all is looking good between them until Athena drops the bombshell she's still carrying her V-Card, Quinn makes like Roadrunner, and she hasn't seen or heard from him since. Not that that has stopped either of them thinking non-stop about the other. An unexpected meeting at a work party for her new job, provides more than a little surprise when it turns out that Quinn also works for Red Stone Security. His past and their potential future then cross paths whilst on a job together in Las Vegas, and it is a race against time for Quinn to save the day and the damsel. I really enjoyed this instalment in the Red Stone Security series, quick and sexy, well written and a likeable couple to top it all off. The plot wasn't the most in-depth I have read from Katie, but she knows what works when it comes to her romantic suspense couples and has delivered it again with Sworn to Protect. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last True Vampire (Last True Vampire, #1); Author: Kate Baxter; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Welcome back to the land of the living." Stars! I absolutely adored The Last True Vampire, I won't say it is a huge surprise, because I loved its predecessor Stripped Bear, Kate Baxter can write and write really, really well. This story, the characters, the plot, the speed of how everything unwound and developed were all absolutely perfectly paced and described. I love me some PNR, and Vampires are up there with my favorites, add in a sassy take-no-shit heroine and I was a pretty happy camper throughout this whole book. "I could be more trouble than I'm worth, you know." Mikhail Aristov has spent the last however many hundreds of years living a pretty solitary and tether-less existence and what initially starts as a harmless blood donating hook-up in one of Los Angeles, hottest night clubs soon spirals into something completely different. Mikhail's not so random victim is actually hustling him, and while his left hand is in her pants and his fangs are in her neck, she lifting his rather expensive designed watch off his right wrist! Claire Thompson (great name for a heroine by the way!) hasn't had the easiest time of things, living hand to mouth, working day-to-day as a waitress, and hustling to make rent do not make for the most stress-free of existences...One more mark, and it's the straight and narrow for her, sadly the tethering of their souls, and said marks belief that she is his one true love, mean her plans go slightly awry. Add to that a team of Sortiari, Berserkers are heading straight for L.A. to try and kill Mikhail and the last of his followers, and Claire is definitely in the 'wrong-place, wrong-time' kind of situation. "I always follow through... If you insist on testing me, be prepared for the consequences." There is a lot going on in this book, a lot of characters are introduced into the plot as things develop, I liked that, Kate has done an excellent job in 'setting the scene' and if future books are as good as The Last True Vampire then sign me up. Action, adventure, off the charts hot sex, great characters, and an unusual twist on a well thumbed set of tropes made this book one I would happily go back to and read again. "It's going to take a hell of a lot more than a few supernatural assassins to keep me from you." Ronan's book; The Warrior Vampire is due December 15, it will certainly make my Christmas come early when I get my hands on it! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One More Shot (Hometown Players, #1); Author: Victoria Denault; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm bigger, so I win." Stars! One More Shot is the first book I have read by Victoria Denault, and as a debut novel it was a pretty stellar start to the Hometown Players series. "Put yourself out there... take a risk." The book focuses pretty much solely on the relationship between Jordan Garrison, NHL Superstar and player for the Seattle Winterhawks, and his childhood crush/friend Jessie Caplan. To say this couple has had their ups and downs would be an understatement, and at the start of the book they have not seen or spent any time together for the previous 6 years. I loved this couple, their re-connection and all of the issues and drama that came with it, just pulled me in from the beginning. This is a book that jumps back to Jordan and Jessie as teenagers and for the first 50% or so the story is giving you the reasons as to why they have spent the last 6 years apart, and the beginnings of their reconnection. It was well paced; the developments and revelations from them both were spaced perfectly. I am not a huge angst lover, never say never! But I often get to a point where the drama being added to drama just for the sake of more drama just bores me. Victoria worked the drama and angst between this couple perfectly, I felt a little frustration, a little empathy, and understood where both of them were coming from at points, I think the dual POV gave the depth to them, as you were given their reasons for what they did in the past, as well as their motivations for everything that went down with them as the story moved on. I loved and despaired for both Jordy and Jessie in equal parts in this book, both of them at points deserved a good hard shake, but I think that because both of them made mistakes and all the blame couldn't be attributed in one direction it made their reconnection all the sweeter when it came. "How's it feel?" Everything worked for me with this one, the writing style, the characters and the storyline. Jessie has two sisters in Callie and Rose, I hope they both get their 'happily ever after' in the following books in the series, both showed in this book that their personalities are wholly different from their sister, which means their stories and the men they they end up with are going to be completely different as well. Making a Play, is due September 15, and I for one cannot wait for the next puck to drop! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bride by Mistake (Montana Born Brides, #3); Author: Nicole Helm; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're not really as Mr. Bad Boy as you seem to think you are." Stars! Bride by Mistake is probably one of the best novellas I have read through Tule Publishing, being book three in the Montana Born Brides series, you can read them in order or quite easily as standalones if you wish. Sex and hearts didn't always intertwine. I think everyone needs their own Beckett Larson, the tattooed, motorbike riding, perceived bad boy, with an absolute heart of gold. Not without his faults for sure, but put against straight laced Kaitlin Shuller's abrupt nature and this was a novella match made for reading! Everything just clicked for me with this novella; I stayed up well past my bedtime to finish it. There isn't really anything out of the ordinary in the storyline, and it certainly held no surprises, but I enjoyed every minute of it. No man had ever... been this much. One thing is for sure, I will be looking for more books by Nicole Helm as her characters and writing style really did tick all my boxes. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stripped Bear (Last True Vampire, #0.5); Author: Kate Baxter; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I should be calling the cops right now, not spreading my legs for you." Stars! Kate Baxter is an author new to me, and Stripped Bear left me with a smile on my face at the end of its reading. I have found a new author, who's writing style ticks all of my boxes. Funny, engaging, likeable and sexy characters, a storyline that was easy to get immersed in and the beginning of a new series set in the PNR realm. "It doesn't matter who you belonged to before tonight. You're mine now." Leah and Cade haven't seen each other for 16 years; he disappeared from her life due to their age difference amongst other things. Now after a little underhanded subterfuge by his meddlesome Grandmother, they are very much back in each other's lives, not to mention Leah has unwittingly laid claim to him, with the simple shake of their hands... Cade isn't one to give up without a fight, even if Leah is engaged to be married to another man! This novella hits the ground running in all aspects, fast paced but still well developed it offers the reader a small glimpse into Kate Baxter's new True Vampire series. Book one The Last True Vampire is due for release early June, and I am looking forward to reading more of this authors work. "I knew... I always knew you were the one." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Protector for Hire (Front and Center, #4); Author: Tawna Fenske; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "It's been a while." Stars! The author, this book, the whole series... absolutely outstanding. The Patton family all in their own unique ways have been pretty easy to fall in love with, and Schwartz Patton, the elusive and up to this book pretty much unknown elder brother is no exception. I have been itching for his story for a while, and although Tawna has given her reader's glimpses of him, and little titbits about him in the previous books, this story was an absolute joy to read, in that I got the complete, no-holds-barred, full HD Schwartz Patton, experience. "I'm here to protect you, not fuck you." Blunt, solitary and lacking in people skills because of it, you just know that the verbal back and forth between, city-slicker Janelle and our reclusive mountain man was going to be laugh out loud funny, and down and deep dirty from the get go, and the author didn't disappoint. The chemistry between them sparked early one and kept up a sexy and steady burn from then on. "We're avoiding dicks around here." I love this couple and the situations they managed to get themselves into as the book progressed. But for all the fun there was also a lot of emotion and poignancy as well, a family reuniting, a band of brothers coming back together, not matter what has happened in the past, with no care for the water that has flowed under the bridge. As I said, I have for the most part loved this series, each Patton and the women/men they have ended up with have had some pretty funny and emotional adventures getting to their 'Happily Ever Afters' but it was such an enjoyable ride, and I hope to see more from this author very, very soon. "Don't mess with family." ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Hot Summer (One and Only Texas, #1); Author: Melissa Cutler; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I set the fires and you put them out." Stars! The first book in Melissa Cutlers' One and Only Texas series delivers a sweet, sexy read, that also sets up the town and people of Dulcet, Texas really well. I think the first thing that stands out about One Hot Sumner is the scope that the author has in relation to expansion on the series, bearing in mind that you have the townsfolk of Dulcet in the equation for one, you also have the staff and Members of the Briscoe Ranch Resort in the mix too. This is a series with the potential to run and run, and Melissa is certainly an author that knows how to build and develop a series with great skill. "You're not my first fire marshal." Remedy Lane is your typical city girl out of water, I loved her innate clumsiness, if there is an opportunity to trip, slip, drive into or fall over an object she pretty much manages to do it. Add in an errant elephant, and a flock of homing pigeons who are not actually sure where their home is, and her first few weeks on the job as the resorts events co-ordinator are more than a little eventful. "We can't breathe in each other's airspace without ticking each other off." Remedy's initial relationship with Local County Fire Chief Micah Garrity, is certainly not all warm and fuzzy, but the author did a really great job of building the attraction and sexual tension between them as well as the chemistry as their working 'frenemy' relationship developed. I absolutely loved that he always seemed to be on hand whenever she had one of her little klutzy disasters. Big city girl, and small town fireman are soon doing more than just burning up the sheets, and I loved this relationship, opposites really do attract in this one. "My bed or yours." We have a slight blip in the story-line with the inclusion of Remedy's abhorrent family and friends in the latter stages of the book, this is a group of people that could have become very annoying very quickly for me, luckily Remedy didn't take too much of their own particular brand of snobbery and small-mindedness before she kicked them into touch, and I liked that Melissa didn't drag this aspect of the plot out, as it really would have ruined the vibe of the story for me. "Loving you is really turning out to be a wild ride." A great start, with lots of interesting new character introductions, to what promises to be a really entertaining series. One More Taste is the next book due in October, and I am interested to see what sort of story the author gives Emily Ford, as Briscoe Ranch Resort's Executive chef, getting involved with the bosses errant son, may cause more than a few burnt fingers. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Wish You Were Mine (Oxford, #2); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "I don't want any of that nonsense." Stars. I am a big fan of Lauren Layne, and I am also a huge fan of the Stiletto & Oxford series'. What I am not a huge fan of is overblown familial drama, especially when the villain of the piece then pretty much walks away without getting their just desserts. Mollie was likeable but a little unremarkable, I liked her interactions with Jackson and the Oxford guys, but I found her constant excuses for her sisters lies and abhorrent behavior really difficult to stomach the more the story progressed. Jackson, I'm really on the fence with if I'm being honest, all the other guys that we have met through the two series have all had a little something special about them and I just didn't get that feeling with him. I think the main problem I have is that the one thing that stood out from this story wasn't the relationship building between Jackson and Mollie and the issues they were working through due to their past association as brother and sister in law, because it was overtaken by the words and behavior of Madison, the sister/ex wife. Take out that whole side of the story though and the rest of it was to the authors usual high standards, I just really struggle with this trope, especially as I feel it didn't really need to be as bigger part of the story as it was, considering how it all pans out at the end. Onwards to Lincoln's book, the guy is carrying around a whole trunk of secrets, and I cannot wait to see what story Lauren gives him. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deal With The Devil (Purgatory, #4); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "Are you asking for a bite?" Stars! Eric Pate, has featured pretty heavily as a secondary characters in pretty much every previous book in the Purgatory series, being the director of the FBI Para Unit, his involvement with the previous couples coming together has often been unwanted and not for the most upstanding reasons. Cold, calculating and emotionless are words that I would have used to describe him prior to reading Deal with the Devil the guy definitely had a lot more going on behind the facade, and it was good to finally get his story. "I guess I'm not the only one with secrets, am I?" Apart from a familial connection that came to light in the first book, you know virtually nothing about Eric going into this book, I liked that Cynthia kept him almost unknown until giving him his story, it made it all the more interesting discovering more about him, his motivations and the secrets he has been keeping. Ella is under the misapprehension that Eric, is one of her kind and even though she is being held pretty much as a prisoner at the beginning of the book, she believe Eric to be her one true mate. "I feel different when you're near me. When I held you in my arms and you just slept - fucking slept - that was the most peace I'd had since I died." As you would expect with a book from this author, all is never as it initially seems, the plot takes off at a rapid clip and doesn't really let up until the end, the twists are many, the surprises plentiful, and all in all a good time was had in its reading. I always enjoy this Cynthia Eden's books, you never quite know where she is going to take her characters, this series once again has been no exception... ends were tied up in this book, but not tightly, and I wonder if the author has more from this series and these characters yet to share. I wouldn't mind going back for another visit! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His Blushing Bride (Montana Born Brides, #2); Author: Dani Collins; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm your first?" Stars! His Blushing Bride is the second book in the Montana Born Brides Series, and I have to say it was an absolutely superb read. "I'm getting the impression you live by a lot of rules." Piper and Bastian, were both likeable down to earth characters, their coming together offered a little twist to the normal 'boy meets girl' trope. Piper is the towns High School Music teacher, concerned with appearances and aware that everything she does is watched with great interest. Bastian is in town for his sister's wedding, more of a free spirit he goes where he wants and does what he wants to do. And at this point he wants to 'do' Piper. "Sweetheart, if we release the animal... We're not getting him back in the cage." Dani Collins has mixed the perfect amount of sweet and sexy together into this novella, I loved this pairing, I am absolutely loving this series, cannot wait for the next Bride to get her guy! "I can't remember how quickies work... Can you give me a refresher?" ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finally His Bride (Montana Born Brides, #4); Author: Maisey Yates; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I'm in the market to be taken advantage of." Stars. The Montana Born Brides series goes from strength to strength with this contribution from Maisey Yates. Luke Shuller had quite a large part as a secondary character in book three (Bride by Mistake), and came over as a bit of an ass, so it was nice to get his story and understand who the guy really is and what motivates him. "You're better than normal. You're you." The 'Best Friends to Lovers' is a trope I always enjoy, and Maisey gave Luke and Melanie's story the perfect amount of sweet, sexy and drama. Luke to be honest is still a bit of an ass in Finally His Bride and the story that began between between his Sister Kaitlin and his best friend Beckett in book three still isn't really resolved, at the end of this book. I loved his over-protectiveness for the people he cared about, and as the book developed you understand why he is so bull headed about certain things. Melanie was a great strong character too, and although she has a few lows in her past, she is moving on and going after the things she wants in her life. "This is becoming a really bad habit." "Yeah, but I've also discovered its really effective. So I'll probably keep doing it." Only a couple of books left in the series now, as a whole it is creeping up my list of favourites with each addition to its numbers. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bound to the Sheikh (International Bad Boys, #6); Author: Carol Marinelli; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "We're all actors." Stars. I have a huge soft spot for Carol Marinelli and her Sheikhs, she is one of the authors that introduced me to romance, escapism and fantasy kingdoms with imaginary Princes, Sheikhs and Kings... most of her heroines were virgins, and always offered a little sass in the face of their Buber dominant counterparts. I am not ashamed to say the Pre-FSOG and Pre-Kindles her Harlequin/Mills & Boon titles (among others) figured heavily in my weekly reading. Bound to the Sheikh isn't the best example of her writing in this genre, although the story line a classic, I found it all a little disjointed between Emily and Ashim to be honest, but for all that it was a quick and enjoyable return to a genre that I remember with fondness, and hope to make the time for again in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Night With a Star (Second Chances #2); Author: Merry Farmer; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I am not entirely indifferent to you." Stars. A lot of the things I think about One Night with a Star are extremely similar to the things I felt about its predecessor One Summer with a Star, again it was very much a 50/50 book for me, and I was trundling merrily along and getting on quite well with Jenny and Simon's reconnection after his disappearance from her life 18 months previous, after one sexy-hot, and ultimately unforgettable night together at Sand Dollar Point, things started to go downhill from the 40% mark, and didn't really pick up again after that for me. "This is not last summer... This is so much more." Simon now back in Summerbury for Spencer and Tasha's nuptials (book one) is in for quite a shock when he realizes the woman he hasn't stopped thinking about is actually now the mother of his child, a child he had no idea about. This and their gradual building of a newer and stronger relationship were the things I absolutely loved about the book. Where it went awry, and turned a little slapstick for me was the over inclusion of Neil (the turd) the man who Jenny calls 'boyfriend', Although she was happy to still sleep with Simon as well. I honestly cannot think of enough derogatory things to say about this guy, and while I understood the authors reasons for having him in the book it just went on for too long, he ended up looking like, and sounding (in my head) like a pantomime villain. Add in to the fact if he used the phrase "You Hollywood types" once, he used a hundred times more, and a story that held a lot of promise, and was being enjoyed immensely, fizzled out greatly because of it. There were enough things for this couple to work through without adding him so vigorously into the mix. "If you're not happy, make changes." I really like Merry Farmer's writing style, the storyline was solid, but I think this couple lost the impact they could have had because of the overplayed secondary character, or the turd in this case. Discovering you have a baby son after what you thought was a one night stand with a woman you haven't stopped thinking about, dealing with addictions and becoming a stronger person for it, and reconnecting with the father of your child, as well as trying to rebuild trust and take that leap towards being a family together were enough issues for Jenny and Simon to deal with and I find it a shame that, this part of their story was overlooked somewhat because of everything else. "Love doesn't change, only the ways people experience it." This is an easygoing read, if you aren't looking for something too stressful, great for your holiday in that you can pick it up as and when you feel the urge, without worrying too much that you are going to forget what was going on. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kissing Mr. Wrong; Author: Kerri Carpenter; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "It's okay. I've got you." Stars! Kerri Carpenter definitely hit the novella jackpot with Kissing Mr. Wrong. this story had everything in it that keeps me reading and happily so. "Hi, beautiful." Vanessa was strong, for the most part confident and easy to get along with. John, is in town for a night, they end up getting their wires crossed on a bridge, and the rest as they say is history. After one unforgettable night, we move on three months, our couple although they haven't seen each other since have definitely not moved on from the connection they shared, so when John walks into the bar V. is working at it's not long before the chemistry is sizzling between them again, even though Vanessa has put two and two together and worked out that he is her best friends younger brother, and she really shouldn't want him. Kissing her felt like the easiest, most natural thing in the world, kissing her made the simple act of breathing seem hard in comparison. Add to the fact they end up stuck overnight in a store room, and this couple and their time together offered this reader the perfect escape for a couple of hours. A certain ex Serviceman named Lance cropped up a couple of times, I am interested to see if he will be given his own 'right place, wrong time' love story next. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Come Home to Me (Homefront, #0.5); Author: Jessica Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Thank you for not giving up on me." Stars. Jessica Scott isn't a new author to me, in the fact that her Coming Home series of books have been on my reading radar for a while, but actually reading her work, that is new to me. Again, I am faced with the task of wanting to give myself a slap for waiting so long to actually pick up one of her books. All I Want for Christmas isn't a fluffy read, but it does encompass the spirit and meaning of Christmas perfectly. After returning to the US from active service, on a tour that saw her lose her best friend Captain Samantha Egan is struggling, her way of coping is to try and ignore the numbness that seems to have become a part of her everyday existence, and to leave everything that once meant so much, behind. She returns home to Saber Falls with her daughter Natalie, to her mothers house, also leaving behind the love of her life, Major Patrick MacLean. Patrick isn't giving up his girls without a fight, and swiftly follows Sam and Nat in the hope that he can help Sam with the Grief and PTSD she is attempting to pretend are not affecting her, and pull his family back together in time for Christmas. "Make me feel again, Patrick." This is an emotional and heart felt story, it makes you stop for a little while and think about all the things that you are grateful for, especially at this time of the year. If you haven't read this authors work before it is going to make you want to dive in and start the series (a bit like this reader), if you have, then you can congratulate yourself on not being a late-to-the-party-dumbass like I am! ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review. **Originally released as book 5.5 in the Coming Home Series under the title All I Want For Christmas Read from 19 - 21 December 2014 as that publication.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Revealed to Him (Kerr Chronicles, #3); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Being afraid is a shitty way to live. Stars! I am a big fan of Jen Frederick, I love that her books take a different look at romance, and her couples are always unique in their perspectives and in how they build their connections with each other. Being honest, I saw some less than stellar reviews for Revealed to Him so it was with a little trepidation that I started the book. Luckily I really enjoyed Jake and Natalie's story, and pretty much read it in one sitting. "I wasn't expecting this." Yes I did work out the villain of the piece pretty much as soon as they were bought into the story, but for me it was Jake's handling of Natalie's issues, and Natalie's acceptance of Jake as he was, and the relationship that derived from that, which kept me reading, the suspense was really a secondary part of the story for me. "You'd be surprised what I'd be willing to do for you." Really enjoyable, and once again a little different from the norm. I really hope that Jen carries on with this series it has certainly got life left in it, there are secondary characters that definitely have stories to be told, and it was also great to spend a little more time with Ian Kerr and Tiny. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Running Wild (Second Shot, #0.5); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - One more night... Stars! Running Wild is a quick and sexy introduction to Sara Jane Stone's new Second Shot series, in which we are introduced to the characters that will feature in the first full length novel Serving Trouble, which is due for release in early March 2016. This novella is currently free on Amazon/B&N, and I recommend you snap it up while it is - Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]-... B&N - [url]... We go back to June 2012, and a pivotal time in Noah Tager and Josie Fairmore's lives. One is leaving Forever, Oregon for the Marines, the other for college, one is the towns hero, one the towns party-girl, but both are unreservedly attracted to each other... "I want you... I have for a while. I've respected your brother, steering clear, but I want to spend the last few hours before I go with you." Big brothers best friend is a trope that never gets tired, and although this is a very quick read, Sara Jane has given the reader enough background to understand that when this couple reconnect, post Marines and College in Serving Trouble a lot of water will have passed under the bridge for them both. The problem is, that at the end of this novella they are standing on opposite sides of the bridge. "That's going to leave a scar." I love Sara Jane's writing and characterizations, her Independence Falls Series was one of my favorite reads of 2015, and I cannot wait to see who we meet and what story-lines we are given the pleasure of reading, as the Second Shot series develops.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Serving Trouble (Second Shot, #1); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I knew you wouldn't let me down." Stars! Sara's Independence Falls series was in my top ten of 2015, so I was extremely happy to hear that she was shifting over to the neighboring town of Forever, for her new, Second Shot series, as it means we get a whole new cast of characters, as well as a few catch-ups with people from the previous series. If you haven't read the prequel novella to this book Running Wild I recommend that you do, you can find my review for it here - [url]... Although it now isn't being offered for free (Running Wild was included in the back of my ARC, so hopefully it will be in the released copy as well), it is still worth a read as it gives you an important look at the relationship between Josie and Noah, prior to them leaving town. Her for college, and him for the Marines. Things are different five years on, and although Noah always planned to return, Josie didn't and the choice wasn't one made lightly. The ghosts from Forever were hell bent on haunting her. This is a multi-layered story, with things going on aside from Josie and Noah's reconnection, the one thing that they both have in common in relation to their return to Forever is that the chemistry that was so strong between them then, is just as strong now. Being her brothers best friend, crushing on Noah as a teenager came with its own set of difficulties, add into the fact that she is the daughter of the towns Police Chief and those issues are doubled. Noah has never been in any doubt that he isn't good enough for Josie, and he is far from the hero that she believes him to be, even if his words and actions then and now are to the contrary. People changed. They hardened. They took hits and got back up, leaving their heart beaten and wrecked on the ground. I loved this book, it's not epically long, but the story doesn't lose any of its impact for it. Both Noah and Josie have had a huge amount happen to them in the last five years, and as the story progressed you began to understand how those things had impacted their lives and made them into the people they now are. The side story with Noah's colleague Caroline was an excellent addition to the plot, and I really hope that she and Josh get a book of their own at some point, because the pie-making hottie deserves his happily ever, especially after he saw all his brothers settle down as the Independence Falls Series progressed. "I want you in my life... Because I'm waking up to the fact that it sucks to face the world alone." Another absolute winner from this author, and I cannot wait to see where the series takes us next, no title as yet but the second book is due for release in June, so not too long to wait! ARC generously provided via Edelweiss,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beyond What is Given (Flight & Glory, #3); Author: Rebecca Yarros; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 1 - "Sometimes steady is just stuck." Star. DNF @ 64% I really don't know where to start with this one, I know I am going to totally be in the minority with my thoughts of Beyond What is Given, and the fact I haven't finished it is as much of a shock to me as it will be to all the reviewers that have given it 4 and 5 star reviews. "One mistake doesn't define your life." In all honesty, I had my doubts as to whether I was going to enjoy Grayson and Sams' story back at the 25% mark, I could not put down the first two books in the Flight & Glory series, in fact Rebecca Yarros' writing, characters and story-lines in both put me through the emotional wringer whilst reading and left me a hot mess for sometime after finishing them, and I just didn't have that feeling or feel the connection this time. "The only constant is change." My main issues are the pacing of the story-line, it is so slow to move along, I was approaching the 50% mark before anything of any real importance really happened (to me anyway). You know with this book like it'd predecessors, the true secrets and full backgrounds of both Grayson and Sam are going to be revealed as the story progresses, sad thing was I kind of worked out what they were going to be beforehand this time, and it dulled the impact, that and the overblown familial drama, interference and emotional blackmail on Graysons' side on top of everything else, and it just seemed too much, especially as it was all moving along so slowly as well. This won't stop me reading more from the author, and this is just my own opinion of the book, if you love her writing (as much as I do) then I hope that the book works for you. I wish it had for me, I have been waiting a while for it, and it's a disappointment to me as a reader, that it didn't live up to the expectations I had on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Exposing the Heiress (Once a Marine, #3); Author: Jennifer Apodaca; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1.5 - "You've totally ruined boring sex for me." Stars. If I was asked to sum this book up in one word - Having enjoyed the previous two books in the Once A Marine series, and waiting over a year for this the third book, I was looking forward to reading Alyssa and Hunter's story. The woman touched places in him best left alone. Sadly, nothing really gelled for me with this couple. There was an overabundance of dirty talking but the action seemed to burn out very quickly, the same can be said for the drama, lots of little bits and pieces but it never really felt fully put together. "All these years... it was you. It's always been you." The tropes used are some of my favorites, but I don't know, I literally saw what was coming each and every time before it even happened. I wasn't expecting a who-dunnit of Agatha Christie levels or anything but I was expecting a little more... Hunt and Lyssie did have some very sweet and poignant moments together, and Jennifer's writing is to her usual standards, but having read a few books by her now, I just feel that this one didn't really have the usual spark and connection her romantic couples have always had together in my previous reading experience. I will be in the minority with my thoughts, and I am sure that most people will love Exposing the Heiress, it just all felt a little forced and fell a little flat for me this time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Turning the Tables (Italian Connection, #2); Author: Joan Kilby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're here for a good time, not a long time." Stars! I really enjoy Joan Kilby's writing style. Turning the Tables was what I would class as an easy-going, low drama kind of romance, with a likeable couple that had an expected outcome. That isn't a problem for me if I am enjoying the storyline, and Tina and Luke's story offered a few laughs and a little cheesy role-play to ease things along at a steady pace. New York. New start. Tina featured quite a bit in the first book in the Italian Connections series, in that her older brother was trying to keep her from making a huge mistake with a guy, who as it turns out was definitely not the man of her dreams. Now in New York, Tina is trying to shake of the hurt and distrust that Fabio's scheming and lies caused and she is definitely not looking for another man to come in and take over her life. Enter handyman Luke, who isn't actually a handyman and all bets, as well as their clothes are off! Lots of sexy times in various locations ensue, but as you would expect, keeping secrets about your identity never has a good outcome, but with a sweet ending, the author gave this couple a story that I really enjoyed reading. I am hoping that Joan gives us Angela and Rico's story next, being the foodie of the Borlenghi family, I am pretty sure she is going to be another character that I get along with! ARC generously provided via Entangled, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Southern Nights & Secrets (The Boys are Back in Town, #4); Author: Robin Covington; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I bought a door..." Stars! I am in the main a huge fan of Robin Covingtons' writing, as the fourth book in her The Boys are Back in Town series, Southern Nights and Secrets can certainly be read as a standalone, as I haven't read any of its predecessors. I think the first thing I need to clarify is that this book was in the realms of a five star read for me for the first 70% or so, but the author then chose to re-introduce a plot twist, that had already been used in the early stages of the book, when setting up the background story between Ginger and Beck, and for me it was one use too far. There are other reviews that give more insight, but I would like to say that I think the decision of the reader as to how they view what happened is very subjective, and my opinion does differ from others on this point. For me, there is no cheating in this book, despite what the aforementioned other reviews say. They had split up as teens, and it is alluded to but not true in the latter stages of the story. Yes it pissed me off as the author could have gone in so many other directions. But, I do not class it as cheating as nothing actually happened. However, if it is a subject that rubs you up the wrong way in any of its possible derivatives as it seems to have done with a few others, the personal perceptions for this are more in the gray, than black/white, so you might want to pass on the book. However, take out the 15-20% of the book where this situation occurred, and this was still a pretty good read for me. "Are you friend or foe?" The author bought heat and sizzle between Ginger and Beck as soon as they set eyes on each other, and considering they have a lot of past between them, and not all of it good if you take into account their original parting over nine years previously, it didn't take long for them both to realize that they still share a lot more than just memories with each other. "I can keep our personal business out of our hospital business." Beck is your standard commitment-phobe, known for his man-whore ways, but loved nonetheless around the Shenandoah Regional Medical Center, mainly because he is also extremely passionate about the work he does and the patients he deals with. Ginger has the potential to become a huge fly in his proverbial 'ointment' when she joins the hospital staff, and is essentially part of the management team who gets to decide his future at the hospital. "...We meant something to each other at one time" "And it ended. A long time ago..." There is a lot of emotion between this couple, especially as the story between them progresses, and you are given the background to Beck's motivations in the past, Ginger is an extremely forgiving woman in that respect; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Redemption (Nashville Nights, #3); Author: Robin Covington; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I did the wrong thing to the right girl." Stars! I picked this book up yesterday afternoon, I put it down yesterday evening. I read it in one sitting, which in itself is extremely unusual for me, but I literally got lost in its pages and the story that Robin Covington told. If you are a fan of the TV show, Nashville you will love this book to pieces. "Life just got very interesting." Zane Wyatt and Emory Cabell have chemistry, add to the fact they are going to be stuck in close quarters together for the foreseeable future, while on tour with Emory's half-sister Kit Landry and the heat level rises past boiling point between them pretty quickly. For all of Zane's experience and Emory's lack of, this pair together were sexy, sexy hot from the very get-go. I loved that the author gave Emory the confidence to go for what she wanted, Zane is the consummate player, and boy does it show when they get down to business, the sexy times between them were some of the hottest I have read for a while. "You're always in control of this ride." This was an extremely easy going read, but in a good way. Robin got the mix of romance, drama and angst just right. I liked both Emory and Zane, the secondary characters added value to the story, and although there aren't really any surprises in relation to the plot, the writing of the story is executed perfectly. Noting is left under developed, or overplayed, and I just enjoyed every minute of the time I spent with this couple. "When we saw that shooting star, you are what I wished for. Not big contracts or big tours. Not even a new song. Just you." Although part of a series, you can totally read this book as a standalone, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. This author has added herself to my auto-buy list with Redemption, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next! ARC generously provided via Barclay Publicity, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rocked by Love (Gargoyles, #4); Author: Christine Warren; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "Time to nut up or shut up." Stars! Rocked by Love is definitely one of those books that sits in the fifty-fifty bracket for me. I loved the continuation of the general story arc, in relation to the release of the fourth Guardian, and the developments in the strengthening powers of the Order of Eternal Darkenss against them, but once again I struggled a little with the author's characterization of her lead female character Kylie Kramer. "How you made it to adulthood with that tongue still in your mouth is a mystery." It wasn't any one thing in this instance but a whole host I am afraid, Kylie is your typical computer geek, her connection with the previous couple in the story is that she was Bram Powe's best friend, and six months after his death she is still searching for answers as to what happened, his sister Wynn's (book three) lame excuse that he had a heart defect isn't sitting well with our little nerd, and she takes it upon herself to investigate further. "Magic? Me?" All was well for the first part of the book but as it progressed I found the constant (and overuse) of Yiddish slang extremely grating, Kylie for the most part came across as a petulant tween and not a grown woman, and to say the connection between her and Dag was tenuous for most of the book would be a vast understatement. I get that Christine Warren likes to make her female leads sassy, snarky, full of confidence and attitude, but there is a fine line for me, and we went well past it into outright annoying for some parts of the book. "Get over yourself." And I think this is why I struggled to actually feel much of a connection between her and Dag for most of the book. I loved Dag, like all the previous Guardians, he has a bluntness of phrase and absoluteness of action that leaves you knowing exactly where his heart and his loyalties lie, but it felt more like he was trying to keep a troublesome teen in check a lot of the time, added to the spoiled bratty behavior from Kylie it really didn't gel for me between them on this occasion. A warrior from the moment of his summoning to his last gasp of air. This is definitely a case of me not getting on with a characterization more than anything else, as the writing and story-line is still sound, and pretty entertaining when the rest of the gang were in the picture, I think mainly because is watered down some of Kylie's annoyingness a little. We have three guardians left to have their story told, and I cannot wait to see where on the planet Christine decides to release the next one and to whom as his Warden, Europe is looking like a possibility, and I really hope that is the case as it brings the adventure to my neck of the woods. No news that I can find as to when the next; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Over the Top (Maverick Montana, #4); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "This Lone Ranger bullshit you're sporting just ended." Stars. Having been waiting somewhat impatiently for well over a year for the next installment in the Maverick Montana series, I started Dawn and Hawk's story with extremely high expectations, I mean this is Rebecca Zanetti, the author I have a serious author-crush on, and whose books I never get bored of reading. So it was a bit of a surprise and a massive disappointment to be feeling that particular emotion for most of this book. "Baby, that is not how this is going down." I think it is important to say that the book is well written, I did love certain parts of it, Dawn and Hawk together were smoking hot, the whole Lodge/Freeze clan make regular and enjoyable appearances in their story too, and there was a particular scene around the 75% mark that had me laughing like an idiot for several minutes after reading it. "What the holy fuck of a holy fuckup of a fuck were you two fucking fuck-ups doing?" But the first 75% of this story is centered on and around a bunch of the towns old-folk and their misguided attempts to pay cupid to our couple, Dawn and Hawk for the bulk of the book were almost secondary characters to the mayhem that was playing out around them. There is also the inclusion of a few 'single' secondary characters that makes me think a spin-off or even continuation of this series is likely. I can't really say what I wanted or was expecting for this story, but I know what I got was definitely not it. "Sometimes you gotta take a chance at enjoying life and forget fighting death." I would have like to have seen more time spent on developing the suspense aspect of the book, Rebecca Zanetti has mad-skillz when it comes to writing this sort of book and let's face it Hawk has essentially spent the last however many years avoiding any entanglement with Dawn due to the nature of his work. So when it threatens him and those he loves you would expect it to have more of an impact and a lot more involvement on the story than it does. This mainly plays out in the last 25%, and to be honest it felt rushed, and there was so much more that could have been done with it. "Let's see what you've got soldier." I was expecting Over the Top to be kick-ass, and for the most part it felt like more of a gentle rub, Dawn and Hawk have been simmering for the previous three books in the series, and it seemed like the gas had run out right about the time their story started. Will it stop me reading more from this author; No absolutely not. I am sure that my feelings on Over the Top will be in the minority once the book is released. But I have high expectations of Rebecca Zanetti, and sadly they just weren't met on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Entangled,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mercury Striking (The Scorpius Syndrome, #1); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "All the gentleman are dead, baby. Soldiers and survivors are what we have now." Stars! If you were to tell me prior to reading Mercury Striking that I would willingly read a romantic suspense book that has the inclusion of Zombie type characters as part of its main theme, I would have promptly told you 'Hell No'. As a reader, film goer and just general human being, I do not do horror no matter what the level in any shape, type or form. But this is Rebecca Zanetti, and I just couldn't resist. And I am glad I did, because although there are some gruesome bits (on my level of gore anyway, most people would probably not be bothered) this book is an absolutely outstanding read. I think my rating probably attests to that, and quite simply Mercury Striking is Rebecca Zanetti doing what she does best, and with extremely entertaining results. "What is it about you and death? You just love to dance with it." The story, set-up, characters and general development across all points was perfectly paced, and although not necessary I would recommend that you try to read the prequel novella Scorpius Rising if you can as it gives you all the background into Lynne Harmony, and more depth into why she's known as Blue Heart. "I like the blue." Jax Mercury was all sorts of Yummy, alpha, dark, a dirty mouth, plenty of action, and pretty much everything I look for in my romantic reading heroes, the fact he wasn't shy about clearing out the enemy, zombie or otherwise, also made him pretty indispensable. "You're beautiful... In case I forget to tell you, you're beautiful." But I think the main thing that strikes as the story progresses is that for all his strength and leadership, he is really just a man struggling to survive, deal with his losses and his demons, whilst protecting those around him that look to him for direction and leadership, and work out his feelings for a woman that has come into his life and brought about emotions he doesn't really want to deal with at the most challenging of times. "I lead with actions, not words..." This wouldn't be a Zanetti book without some stellar sexy-times, and she delivers in spades for this couple. Lynne is a strong woman in her own right, and the pair of them together although do not deny they have insane chemistry are both keeping the deeper parts of themselves hidden, and this just added to the fight for dominance in between the sheets, and although Jax invariably wins, Lynne definitely gives as good as she gets. "There's only you. From day one, the second you marched into my camp, there's only been you." Keeping emotions out of the equation proves to be more and more difficult for them as the story progresses, especially when it becomes apparent that Lynne has more than just a few military figures after her, and the knowledge she possesses, forces Jax's protective instincts step to the fore especially as the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heavy Secrets (Bowen Boys, #3.5); Author: Elle Aycart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Were we chipping in for a bodyguard?" Stars! IT's LIVE!! Elle Aycart is an author whose work I never tire of. The Bowen brothers and the series of books that Elle has built around them are some of my all-time favorite reads. Why? Because although they are essentially romance/erotica at its best, she always manages to add just a little something to each one to make them completely different from anything else you are currently reading. James, Cole & now Max have all found and are happily settled with their women. One married, one engaged and one well on the way. Heavy Secrets gives us a chance to catch up with the dark, dirty and dominant Cole, and bubbly, curvy, and geeky Christy. "I love you... but butt the fuck out." This is a quick, completely entertaining and extremely funny read. Cole and his brothers have such a way of interacting with each other that you can't help but giggle at their antics. "You're a Valentines Day virgin, aren't you?" Cole's inner monologue and dry sense of humor as well as acceptance of Christy's geek hobbies had me laughing away at points as well, but there is a deeper and more emotional aspect to this novella in relation to both of them dealing with the darker parts of their pasts. "You are not fat. I won't stray. And you do not need to get knocked up to keep me." If you have read the previous books you know that Christy's weight and food addiction issues have played a massive part in making her the strong character she now is, adding her one weak link back into the chain for this novella, Elle gives the reader a glimpse of the mother from hell, and just how manipulative a bitch she really is. It makes this novella all the more poignant for me, having dealt with a lot of Christy's issues myself it was good to see her stand up for herself, and not fall back into the old habits she had left behind. But on the flip we also see Christy call Cole out on his shit, when issues from his past are unexpectedly bought back to the fore, forcing him to address parts of his past or try and rebuild those walls that being with Christy had bought down in the first place. God how I love this pair, I love the Bowen Family in general, and this little catch-up offers plenty of entertainment and surprises to make it a worthwhile and enjoyable and sexy addition to the series. ARC generously provided by the author, it was as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil Wears Spurs (Texas Kings, #1); Author: Soraya Lane; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Poker was easy compared to dealing with Ryder King. Stars! The Devil Wears Spurs, is the first book in the Texas Kings series. The Kings being brothers Ryder, Nate and Chase. This is also the first book that I have read by Soraya Lane, and on the whole it was an enjoyable experience. "If I let you stay will you be in my bed?" "Sure... so long as you're not in it." Ryder King's life is currently on a high, a bull riding champion, with women throwing themselves at him in general, and plenty of fun available on the circuit, it is safe to assume his ego may be a little too big for his Wranglers when he returns home to the King Ranch due to his grandfather's ailing health. That ego is also what ultimately has the potential to be his downfall as well. Overconfidence in a high-stakes poker game leads him to lose his third ownership of the ranch, and it is now a race against time to somehow win it back, and from the families biggest enemy no less, before his brothers find out and kick his ass into the next century. "Darlin', if I was winning, you'd be butt naked and riding me right now." As luck would have it Chloe is working the bar that night and sees Ryder's loss at the tables, even luckier for him she's a bit of a poker officiant, due to her father's less than stellar child-rearing skills, also short of cash herself and looking to make a fast buck to enable her to pay for her college tuition they strike an unlikely alliance. What follows is an easy-going adventure to Las Vegas and back, and then back to Vegas again, Chloe and Ryder both suffer from commitment issues, and as such the agreement of 'friends with benefits' for the duration of their deal, is reached. The deal... Chloe with her poker smarts wins back Ryder's lost stake in King Ranch, in exchange for the money to pay for her education. While I enjoyed this book there were stretches of it that, did just that... stretch, and I found myself a little distracted. Parts of the story were really enjoyable, and in general I liked the voice that the author gave both characters, as well as the development to the King Family as a whole. Chloe was easy-going, Ryder; sexy and experienced, and together they were really sweet. The second half of the book if paced better than the first, but all in all it was a good start to a series. "You look good in a suit, but I'll never stop admiring your ass in a pair of jeans." Cowboy Take Me Away is due at the end of 2015, and this is Chase King's book, I will be interested to see where the author takes the series in general as well, a few snippets were left open in this book in regards to Nate, as well as the introduction of Clay King, Grandfather to the King boys, and; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kiss The Bride (Montana Born Brides, #5); Author: Rachael Johns; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "It's never too early for ice cream." Stars! Tule Publishing, their authors and series are without doubt my 'go-to' books now when I am looking for romance, love, likeable characters and easy to engage in stories, and Kiss the Bride is no exception. You know what you are getting with their books, but this series has to be the best collection I have read so far. Mags and Jake's story isn't any different from a lot of the famous guy/unknown girl stories out there, but I think the fact it is set in the town of Marietta, and connected with so many characters that I have read about previously, it is like going back to your favorite holiday destination with every new book I read. "I haven't have this much fun in forever." Another absolutely brilliant addition to the Montana Born Brides series, I actually enjoyed Rachael John's contribution to the series so much, I went to Amazon and one clicked the book linked to this one which features Magdalena's sister Selah! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flirting with Fire (Hot in Chicago, #1); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "Use your words." Star. DNF @ 70% I am a huge fan of Kate Meaders' writing. Sadly this one did not hit the heights that her previous books have with me. At halfway, nothing much had really happened with Luke and Kinsey. The little additions with Gage and Brady held more interest for me. The pacing of this book is also a lot slower than my previous reads from this author, and although there are nuggets of her usual verbal and inner monologue brilliance the gaps of slow pacing are too long and too frequent. There is a lot going on though, but I think for me the story needed to be more 'compact'. I still have great respect for Kate Meaders' writing, this one just didn't work for me.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Saving Grace (Love Under the Big Sky, #2.5); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "If you can't bang a billionaire, bang a hot ski instructor." Stars! Or in Grace's case both! Loved this novella, love this author, adore the series. Be warned though this is a re-relase, Saving Grace was originally published in the Baby, it's Cold Outside anthology before Christmas 2014, so make sure to check you haven't already read this stellar novella before you get all one-click happy! Mind you this is my second read of it, and it was just as good as I remembered it. "You're far too tempting, Jacob Baxter." And he is British to boot, what more could a girl ask for! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Even The Score (Tall, Dark, and Texan, #1); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Perfection times heaven. Stars! Sometimes you pick up a book with no expectations and no real idea as to what you are going to get. I hadn't read anything by Kate Meader prior to Even The Score, and to say it grabbed me from the first page would be an understatement. I am naturally quite a quick reader, but I found myself slowing down with this one, because the writing is just that good, I wanted to make sure that I hadn't missed anything. Kate has also managed to mix snark, sarcasm and wit perfectly between Hunter and Tess, that when the emotional aspect of their pasts and their developing relationship comes to the fore of the story it makes it all the more poignant. He had a lifetime of darkness nipping his heels, and she was the first flush of dawn. Hunter and Tess, were really, really likeable characters, both strong and pretty confident personalities, who are used to dealing with their own issues and getting on with things the best they can, but they also have massive pre-conceived notions about the other, that as their weekend together as fake lovers progresses, they both start to realise just how wrong about the other they were, and how right they might actually be together. Being the first book in the Tall, Dark & Texan, Series, I have to say I am pretty effing excited right now, nothing gives me more of a rush than discovering an author that ticks every box I have in relation to my romantic reading requirements, and Kate Meader has certainly done that, and then some, with a little bit more on top for good measure! "I love your dirty mouth, Hunter Dade, and you can use it on me anytime." ARC generously provided by Entangled Publishing, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Two Nights With His Bride (Wild Montana Nights #2; Montana Born Brides #6); Author: Kat Latham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "Please help me stay positive here. I'm really struggling." Stars. My low rating is purely for the characters in this book, and not for the authors writing etc. I have read and enjoyed Kat Latham's books previously, I suppose in a way it is a compliment to the skill of her writing that she managed to portray Jared and Nancy in such a light that I despised the former for the whole book, and despaired for the latter (and not in a good way) for the first 60%, that by the time things started to pick up the damage was already done. "This isn't how I want my story to go." I had a feeling Nancy would be a character I would struggle to like with in the glimpses we see of her and Jared through out the previous books in the series. The author managed to nail the particular trope of her and Jared's relationship parameters so well that I almost DNF'd when he decided to surprise her on her Bachelorette party. Wyatt was a glimmer of sweet, in all of the bitter but I just cannot get on-board with a woman knowing something is wrong, unhealthy and ultimately not in her best interests, and then justifying it with a load of weak ass excuses. Again I reiterate the author wrote those characteristics perfectly, and they are just something that hit all of my personal dislikes when reading. I wouldn't discourage anyone from picking up this book, the things that annoyed me are not necessarily big issues for anyone else. I would certainly encourage you too read the other books in the series as well, it has on the whole been an absolute joy. Sadly, this time, reaching this particular couple's happy ending just went a route that was not for me. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Delayed Penalty (Pilots Hockey, #1); Author: Sophia Henry; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "I am not sure I want this job anymore." Star. DNF @ 27% I love a good sports romance, and I have to say I did go into Delayed Penalty with expectations of getting at least that. I am sure that this book will work for a lot of readers, but having got to 27% I was expecting more to have happened, and maybe experiencing a modicum of a connection between Auden and Aleksandr, sadly it all felt a little superficial and nothing up to this point had really been given any depth or explanation, apart from constant reference to his hair and muscles. "I am Russian. Cool head, blazing heart." My other issue is the fact that once again the 'my parents were killed' and/or 'I never knew my father/mother' trope is used for both of them. Once in a while it would be nice to read of a couple of twenty something characters, who have a regular family, or even a portion of one, waiting at their fictional home for them. Add to that Auden's abandonment issues, when her grandparents actually seemed to treat her pretty well, and Aleksandr's reasons for needing a translator turning out to be utter bullpoopie, and I have reached the point that I know that this book isn't really for me. I know as a Flirt title this book wasn't meant to be a heavy or emotionally charged read, but I did expect to at least have a little development for the main characters after reading over a quarter of it. Not entirely sure that I would look to read anything else from this series. ARC provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Remember Me (Storm Lords, #1); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Welcome to the Abyss." Stars! Nina Croft is an author whose work I never tire of, whether it is a forty odd page novella, or a four-hundred page book, she always manages to offer an entertaining read with likeable characters and a fully developed plot. Remember Me is in the former category, and even though it only took me an hour to read it, I still felt like I had read a full book at the end of it. "For violating the laws of heaven you are banished." Caden Wolfe has been around for more than a few hundred years, and in that time he has been searching for one thing, the woman he loves, the woman he lost when he tried to save her from a mortal illness previously. After violating the laws of the angels by giving her the elixir of life and losing his wings, his banishment has left him on earth, with his brothers all of whom lost their mates to the same fate. Cade's first meeting with Phoebe Little, doesn't really get off to the best of starts, in as much as they are staring down a missile in Afghanistan, there to interview him and find out more about Stormlord Securities, Phoebe feels there is something different about the elusive and sexily alluring Mr. Wolfe, but isn't quite sure what it is... Given the opportunity to shadow him, in his business dealings for five days, the chemistry between them burns hot, and becomes hard to deny very quickly. As I said, a lot goes on in this little novella, and I wholly believe Nina could easily flesh it out into a full book if she chose too, but that is probably me being greedy more than anything, as I absolutely love this author's work. Return to Me is the next story due for release from this series, with Torrin hopefully getting his own 'Happily Ever After'. "You promised me eternity." "It's yours." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh, #1); Author: Sophie Jackson; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 "That's one for the spank bank." Stars! Pound of Flesh is one of those books that grabs you, shakes you up, turns you upside down and slaps you upside the head, but all in a good way. I believe this is a re-publish of something that was originally Fan-fic, if so, sign me up for more. I love a good forbidden romance, and although Carter and Kat's meeting and initial getting to know each other begins while he is incarcerated in Arthur Kill Correctional facility the bulk of the book and their story takes place while he is on parole, but she is still his tutor as part of his release conditions and there is a non-fraternization rule firmly in place, so that breaking the rules aspect is still very apparent. What begins is a story that you think is initially rich girl/guy from the wrong side of the tracks story, gradually flips as Carter's life and family background are revealed, as well as a sixteen year long connection between the pair of them that took this story to a whole other level of excellent. It was a total revelation, in relation to the depth and breadth the author went in respect of building this couple up, in bringing them together, and the obstacles they faced in continuing their relationship. "Do you know I'd do anything for you? Do you know I think about you constantly? Sometimes I think I'm crazy. You make me crazy. I'm insane when I'm not with you. Jesus, I ache. I need you so badly, I need us. I need to feel us like this, because swear to god, my heart... It beats only for you." Wes Carter; arrogant, cocky, a bit of a dick and I absolutely loved him. This guy...gah! Behind that overly confident facade is a vulnerable, nervous and so, so sweet man. I loved his nervous waffling when trying to explain how he was feeling to Kat, the author captured it perfectly. "I might not have the flowery fucking words or anything, but I'm... I'm serious about you." I cannot recommend this book, highly enough, everything about it worked for me. The writing, the characters, the drama/angst levels, the overall development and storyline, everything ticked all of my boxes. Sophie Jackson has gotten herself a new admirer with Pound of Flesh and I cannot wait for Love and Always due August, and Max O'Hare's book An Ounce of Hope which is due January 2016. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grey (Fifty Shades, #4); Author: E.L. James; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "That was the most fun I've had with my clothes on in a while." Stars!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bind Me Before You Go (Serve, #8); Author: Harper Kincaid; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "I'm all in." Stars. Bind Me Before You Go is Harper Kincaid's first addition to the now long-running SERVE series, it is also the first work I have read by this author. On the whole it was an easy read. I think I am right in saying this is the shortest addition to the series so far, and that in essence is what let the book down a little. There is no doubt Harper can write, and write well, however I found the main issues that I had with Cassidy and David's story were pacing, everything happens very quickly for this couple, think 'insta' on a shot of espresso, and you are in the right mind-set. For me they would have benefitted with a little more development between them, especially at the beginning, and definitely prior to what is essentially their first 'scene' at SERVE together. As a couple they were both pretty likeable, David has issues with commitment, Cassidy is looking to live life to the full after recently arriving in New York. You can sense where the story is going pretty early on, but it was an enjoyable and relatively uncomplicated read, that only took a couple of hours to get through. I am looking forward to seeing what the author has in store in her second book for this series Claim Me Before I Break, due later in 2015, here's hoping it's a bit longer, with a little more development to it. ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: About That Fling; Author: Tawna Fenske; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Discretion is my middle name." Stars! I have read a few of Tawna Fenske's books now, and one thing you can always be ensured of is that you are going be be entertained. About That Fling was definitely entertaining, but it didn't quite grab me as much as the previous books I have read by this author have. I didn't dislike the story, far from it. But whereas it started at a great pace, there are large swathes of it where it almost slows down to a complete stop. The premise for this one is really good and is ultimately what piqued my interest, how can you not be intrigued by a relationship starting between two people who seemingly have nothing to connect them, to then find out that pretty much everything between them is completely interconnected, with both their work and private lives. As you would expect it caused a few uncomfortable and comical moments for them as a pair, and as individuals, and I really enjoyed getting in both Adam and Jenna's heads as each situation and scenarios played out. "You've only heard Mia's side of the story." So how do you deal with the fact that you are falling for your best friends ex husband... How do you work through the difficulties of pursuing a woman that you are working with in a mediatory capacity... These are things the author took and explored extremely well and in a pretty entertaining fashion. I just think the pacing of the book was a little on the slow side, and some of its content definitely could have been reduced in length to keep things moving along at a more steadier pace. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Warrior Vampire (Last True Vampire, #2); Author: Kate Baxter; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "I'm not an all-you-can-drink dinner buffet. Got it?" Stars! Kate Baxter continues on with the Last True Vampire series with absolutely stunning story-telling in The Warrior Vampire we met Ronan Daly in the previous book as Michael Aristov's right hand man, a lot happened in that book and some of the changes directly involved Ronan, especially towards the end. The Warrior Vampire is Ronan's story, and boy was it a good one. I was pulled in from the beginning, and I liked that the author took us away from Los Angeles for most of this one and gave Ronan his story in a different setting, you are given an indication that this may be the case at the end of the last book as Ronan sets out to find his sister Chelle. I really like that the author gives us really strong female leads in this series as well, Claire in the previous book and now Naya in this one. Both were strong and assured in themselves, and although there is vulnerability there it is not played upon and it added to the characterizations in a positive light rather than making either women seem weak or clingy. "I fucking love a female with a violent streak." Naya gives as good as she gets, the verbal sparring in the early stages of the book between her and Ronan is really enjoyable, and the dirty-sexy chemistry between them from the get-go positively vibrates through your Kindle. "Whats it like?" "Whats, what like?" "Drinking my blood." "It's Everything". There is a bit of a slow burn going with this one, but I liked that, Ronan's past allegiances really do rear up and affect his present connections, and Naya is dealing with a whole set of issues herself in that her Pod and the rules that she is governed by do not leave room for a relationship in any way, shape or form with a Vampire. Magic is being used and for nefarious purposes and it is very much something that she needs to be dealing with. I found it refreshing that the author worked through everything at a steady pace rather than finding a quick resolution to some of the more important tropes and moving on, the suspense, the romance and the character development all worked in-line with the overall pacing of the book and the development of the rest of the story-line going on around them. "It's like finding peace after centuries of restlessness. I don't want to want you... I can't afford to need you. Especially now." The story does continue to play out back in Los Angeles and we are given snippets of it through Claire, Michael and Jenner to name but a few. This is my only small niggle in that due to quite a large time lapse since reading The Last true Vampire my mind is a tad fuzzy on the whole Sortiari element of the story now. It didn't really impact my enjoyment of this one though, but I did at points wish I could remember the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: This is One Moment (Come Back to Me, #2); Author: Mila Gray; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I see you." Stars! I will be honest, I didn't think that Mila Gray would be able to top Come Back to Me but This Is One Moment, was just as good if not better in some ways. Didi and Noel, were so different in so many ways that it bought a refreshing mix to their story, add in the slightly forbidden aspect, in that she is a medical student and he is recuperating in the Military hospital she's doing a summer internship at, and the sexual tension between them was off the charts. This was an easy book to read, in that it was so well written that you cannot help but get lost in Noel and Didi's slow build to an actual relationship. Noel's ornery moods, and Didi's bright character and persistence with him until he starts believing in himself as a person again, takes the reader on quite a journey. I'm drawn to him like a crazed, suicidal moth to a blazing bonfire. The author didn't rush this, and it worked out really well because of it. I think it would have lost some of it's' impact they hadn't dealt with all of the hurdles and emotional issues that came with the reasons that Noel was in the hospital in the first place. "You can't keep running, literally and metaphorically, for the rest of your life. One day it surely has to catch up with you." There is also a great supporting cast in this book, and although not all have happy endings, their additions to the story as a whole are invaluable, and give This Is One Moment a really great depth and plot diversity. The banter between the guys and the camaraderie that they have built up as a group generally kept the plot moving and were pretty pivotal in parts to the story the was developing between the lead characters. "Just because the fairy tale doesn't exist doesn't mean the happily-ever-after doesn't either." I loved this book, this author offers a unique perspective on a few popular tropes that are around at the moment. Everything balances out, and you are just left with a smile on your face (after going through the whole range of emotions during reading) when you finish. I hope we have more to look forward to from Mila Gray/Sarah Alderson in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Where There's a Will (Whiskey River, #1); Author: Katherine Garbera; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I don't want to become a regret for you." Stars! Four brothers, two legitimate, two illegitimate... and the reading of a will that is going to cause a few fireworks are what gives us the story of Ryder Ford and Addison Wells. Some Mistletoe, an unplanned kiss and three months worth of sexual frustration find this couple in a storage closet sexing, sorry I meant seeing out a storm! Work place romances are always a good read in my book, and this quick and sexy novella had everything I needed for an hour of reading enjoyment, and it set up the new Tule Publishing; Whiskey River series really well. Ryder was sweet and sexy, Addison strong, sassy, and a little reluctant, it made Ryder's pursuance of her even sweeter. "Lie to yourself if you want but I'm not going to." The will has been read, the terms laid out, and the Kelly and Blue brothers are now set up to have their stories told. Trey Kelly is up first in One Night with the Cowboy if it's as good as Where There's a Will then this series is going to be a keeper!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Janie Wants; Author: Rhenna Morgan; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Whatever you're here for, I'd like to help you find it." Stars! What Janie Wants is the first book I have read by Rhenna Morgan, it is certain to not be the last though. I love a good 'Older Woman, Younger Man' romance and the author really delivered with Janie and Zade's story. From a knee in the balls introduction, to plenty of sexy-times and low level drama, this was the perfect book to start my holiday with! This is an easy-going read, nothing too surprising with the storyline of the tropes used, but it is really well written, the characters are relatable and likeable. Zade was sweet, sexy and the kind of guy any woman of a certain age would happily have a holiday fling with. I liked that Janie although dealing with the feelings from her recent divorce, didn't capitulate to his charms, without making Zade work for it a little bit. "You'd look perfect naked on a beach." I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. ARC generously provided via Promo Stars Services, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Indecent Invitation (Spies and Lovers, #1); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "The things I subject myself to for the good of England." Stars! I am not a huge reader of Historical Fiction usually, I think this mainly stems from the fact that I read a library full of Mills & Boon style historical romances in my younger years, and although the stories in that genre and style absolutely hold a fond place in my heart, I in general like my heroines with a little more 'mettle' to them nowadays. Laura Trentham gave me that in An Indecent Invitation, with fiery, ballsy Lady Lily Drummond, but she also managed to add a little bit of mystery, plenty of laughs and some seriously sexy times between Lily and Gray Masterson, so for me it was a win in every sense of the word. "I have my share of scars." There is a lot going on in this book, what with the disappearance of Lily's father, Gray's investigation into that, the fact Lily is very much of interest to most of London's eligible bachelors, and Grays' jealousy over that, and how she manages to get herself into (and out of) numerous scrapes, with and without Gray's assistance and over-protective back up, and I absolutely loved her, and the fact she dove into every fight whether it be verbal or physical with as much gusto as her male counterparts. "She's only a woman." Gray was pretty easy to fall for as well though, after 8 years working for the Crown as a spy, he has seen his fair share of action, and is carrying his own set of demons because of it. The Lily he remembers from eight years previous, is nothing like the Lily he starts to fall in love with, and being his best friends little sister, a man who is a brother in all but blood, adds a little more complication to their coming together, especially when he doesn't go the most respectable route in eventually making his intentions known, and in 1812, keeping it respectable is very much the expectation. "You've been etched in my memory." Highly entertaining, exciting, adventurous and easy to read, the first book in the Spies and Lovers series gives the reader plenty to think about, Lily's brother Rafe poses quite a few questions, and I am hoping that the next book in the series A Brazen Bargain; due for release in January 2016 give us a few answers. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Trouble on Tap (Sweet Salvation Brewery, #3); Author: Avery Flynn; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "The time for playing with zippers is over." Stars! I absolutely loved the third book in the Sweet Salvation Brewery series. Olivia and Mateo's story offered up everything I want to be reading in a book of this nature. Second chance love, built around a Beauty and the Beast kind of vibe, with a likeable couple set against a small-town backdrop with lots of recurring characters. A few years have passed since Mateo and Olivia have seen each other, their parting of ways was not on a happy note. Both are back in Salvation, neither one too happy about the fact. Mateo as the towns Police Chief, is well regarded, a veteran, carrying more than a few visible and invisible scars from his time serving his country. Olivia; the only thing the town cares about is her surname - Sweet as such she is tarred with the decades old brush that her family name is synonymous with. "No one knows more about sinning than a Sweet." Sure she's known as the flighty one, being a former model and being the centre of more than a few scandals will do that to a girl's reputation. So coming back to town in the hopes of changing that perception offer more than a little battle of the 'uphill' type. "You are nothing but trouble." "Maybe you need some of that in your life." Avery Flynn nailed this couple together perfectly, sexy with a little dirty, sassy and sarcastic together with a little vulnerability and emotion to back it up. Mateo I loved, Olivia was the kind of woman you'd want to be friends with. Their story and reconnection as lovers as a whole, not forgetting the inclusions of a three-legged cat, a homeless dog, and lots of escapades in-between was an enjoyable way to spend an evening. ARC generously provided by Rock Star PR via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Neighbors with Benefits (Anderson Brothers, #2); Author: Marissa Clarke; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "It must be hard to be king." Stars. I really enjoy Marissa Clarke's writing style, and the first book in the Anderson Brothers series was one of my stand-out reads of 2014. Book two; Neighbors with Benefits gives us Michael Anderson's story. Uptight, stuffy and as the CEO of the Anderson family business empire he is almost constantly aware of being on his best behavior for appearances sake, as such free-spirited Mia Argaropolis, doesn't really fit in with the mould he believes his life should fit into. "I always go all in." Although I found this addition to the series pretty enjoyable, I struggled for a lot of the book to understand why these two people would be attracted to each other, and for the most part it seemed to be due to the inclusion of Clancy, the Shih Tzu. That-said as things progress, the author does take a bit of the stuff and bluster out of Michael and make him a little easier to empathise with. Mia I felt similarly for, and initially I would go as far as to say I disliked her a bit, but once things start to progress you see that there is more to her than the initial impression she gives you of herself, I suppose I should be telling myself off for making snappy judgements about someone, even if it is a fictional character! I read this book while on vacation, and it was an enjoyable and easy-going read, with plenty of entertainment, not too much drama and the verbal sparring between them both, not to mention Michael and his brothers at points was absolutely hilarious. "I'm so sorry I forgot to ask; did you want catsup with those fries?" Chance will hopefully be along soon with his story, being the youngest brother, I am guessing tying him down will be even more of a challenge than it has so far been for Will and Michael, and I cannot wait to see what the author does with his story! ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Witness to Passion (Guarding Her Body, #1); Author: Naima Simone; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Put the gun down, Rambo." Stars! If you are looking for a little action and suspense to go with a pretty stellar dirty talking hero, then Witness to Passion is definitely a book you should consider adding to your TBR. Naima Simone is an author new to me, and with the first instalment in her new Guarding Her Body series, the incentive to seek out and read more is very, very strong. "Sometimes you have to go 'yipee-ki-yay' on a person." Having not read anything from the author prior to starting the book, I didn't really have any expectations when going in. Fallon and Shane's story grabbed me from the beginning and took me on a really enjoyable and pretty sexy adventure. Little sisters best friend is a trope that when done well, works for me every time, and the author pitched this one perfectly. The sexual tension and chemistry between the two of them was palpable from the get-go due to past issues, and just built and built as the story progressed and the danger to the pair of them increased, Shane... well this guy does dirty really well, vocally, physically and just in general. But Fallon was no shy retiring wallflower, and as soon as the pair of them stopped denying what they wanted from each other, all bets, clothes and previous deals were off. "I want to fucked, not fondled." GDG Security Solutions Shane and his partners Ciaran Ross, Khalil Jordan and Maddox Wright's, company offers up plenty of scope for future books from the author in the Guarding Her Body series. You are given a little of each of them in this book and I hope we get all of their stories at some point soon in the future. This author has me intrigued, interested and eager for more, because if this book is any indication to go by, there is a lot more to look forward to and get excited about. "I lost my mind, my panties and my heart." ARC generously provided via Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Night with the Cowboy (Whiskey River, #2); Author: Eve Gaddy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I'm tired of being careful. I'm going to have some fun." Stars! Book two, in the Whiskey River series, gives us Trey Kelly and Ariana Wright's story. An enjoyable, quick read, that offers more development on the Kelly/Blue brothers as well. Ariana has returned to Whiskey River, Texas to begin her life again, after a horrific car crash left her scarred, and dumped by her fiance, the man who was actually driving the car. Confidence shattered, she now spends her days on her lavender farm, working on recipes for new beauty products. The Kelly Farm is right next door to Ariana's, so it was only a matter of time, and a pair of stray dogs before her path crosses Trey's. This was a really enjoyable story, I liked Trey, he was sweet, charming and romantic in all the right places. Ariana has a little bit of a martyr complex going on, which although understandable towards the end of the book, starts to err into the get over yourself category, a little but being a novella it was quickly sorted out. You are also given definite tidbits and teases into who the rest of the brothers are potentially likely to end up with, and I cannot wait to see where the next book; One Night with the Tycoon takes us, and which brother will find himself firmly lassoed next! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Naked (Body & Soul, #1); Author: Gina Gordon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Sexy is a state of mind." Stars. Not my favorite book by Gina Gordon, but I respect the reasonings and the story line she has tried to give readers, in telling Violet Walkers story. "You are more than just what you look like on the outside..." "But that's who I am. All my life everyone always told me I'm beautiful." Body Image, and the way we and others perceive us is a huge thing nowadays, and although I understood Violets struggles, I certainly didn't agree with a lot of her actions as the book progressed. The first 30% was great, we had a really unique meeting between Noah and Violet, you could feel the chemistry between them simmering from their initial introduction, and the sexy times were quick to get going, despite all of the secrets and omissions from both of them. But for me the next 40% or so felt like a little bit of a spin cycle in that is basically went something like this - * Sex * Secondary character drama/ or a little bit of a revelation from either Violet or Noah. * Sex * Some sort of revelation from either Violet or Noah/ secondary character drama * More sex... You can tell from the offset this is the beginning of a series, there are so many people introduced into the mix, as well as a huge amount of erroneous drama that I don't feel was really needed, the rich bitches, her mother's interfering were my main issues, and didn't really seem to add anything to the bigger picture the story was trying to impart. "You're a complete mystery." I felt that Violet's personal struggles, Noah's feelings of inadequacy, and the fact both of them used sex to deflect dealing with reality, were enough to keep the story moving for me, and there were quite a few points in the book where I thought the pacing could do with a rethink due to overly lengthy inner-monologues that felt a little repetitive in nature. "Show him... Give him a chance to decide for himself." The last 20% or so then picked up speed, but that therein is the problem I have, because the fact is that everything almost went at snail's pace up to this point, then all of a sudden everything is pretty much resolved, everyone is happy, and all is forgiven. There is a huge amount of good to this book, and the story-line has merit, I just struggled a little with the characterization to a certain extent, and the plot development for the bulk of the book. Would I read the next book in the Body & Soul series... I think so yes, Gina Gordon offers a refreshing take on love and romance, I just think Naked would have delivered more of an impact in relation to the issues it was dealing with if it had been pared down a little. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Now and Then (Dare to Love, #3); Author: Mira Lyn Kelly; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I'm not the nice guy I was ten years ago." Stars! The third book in the Dare to Love series didn't disappoint. And to say I was a little leery when I started this one would be an understatement. I am not a huge fan of long drawn out familial drama, especially when it revolves around loser parents, and a supposedly grown adult letting them run roughshod all over them. Luckily the author pitched Brynn's family issues just right in that they didn't play a huge part until I was well into the second half of the book. Although this makes me sound completely unreasonable in view of my first paragraph, I would go as far as to say they were almost too 'cut & dried' in their resolution with Ford, riding in on his big white horse to save the day. I really like the friends to lovers trope, and Mira really gave this couple a great reconnection. Their story was quick to get going, the few flashbacks you were given to their time together ten years previous gave the relationship depth, and the sexy-times between them were stellar. "I want to taste all your peaks... Lick through all your valleys." My only other niggle and it is a small one is that we didn't see a huge amount of involvement from the rest of the group as we have in the previous two books, which was a bit of a disappointment as the banter is always stellar, and the small amounts that there were in Now and Then lived up to expectations. I hope this isn't the end of the series, the author has created a great cast of characters, and I would like to see more from them in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Promises (The Billionaire Bachelors #4); Author: Lily Everett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Sometimes the only way forwards is to leave everything you know behind." Stars! I am a BIG fan Lily Everett, and every book/novella that takes me back to spend a little more time in Sanctuary Island. Three Promises is a mix of both, in that it's a book containing three previously released novellas (The Fireside Inn, Bonfire Beach & Lantern Lane) and all of them are set on the island. Match-maker Miles Harrington, is due to tie the knot with the woman he loves in a few short weeks on Sanctuary Island, and in giving his three Groomsmen tasks related to the wedding, sets them all on the path to finding their own 'Happily Ever Afters'. "When you find her- the one woman, the special one- don't screw it up. Don't let her go. Fight for her. Because if you lose her now, you'll regret it for the rest of your life." Leo, Cooper and Zane, as all you're a-typical Billionaires, and I would be lying if I said any of the novellas offer up anything in the way of new and unusual tropes. But Lily crafts such charming stories together with some really likeable characters, that the three novellas combined just offer up a great few hours of reading pleasure. "Show me what it's like to be wanted." You have the Aristocrat and the Librarian, a second chance reconnection, and opposites attract tropes used in the stories told and each one was equally as good as its predecessor. I loved that the author also provided a combined epilogue at the end to tie the stories together and give us a little follow up on everyone that was involved as well. As with every book I finish that takes me to Sanctuary Island, I hope that I have the opportunity to visit again soon. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crashed (Axle Alley Vipers, #1); Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I went about this all the wrong way." Stars! Crashed is the first book in the Axle Alley Vipers series, it is also the first book I have read from Sherilee Gray. With several of my favorite tropes in play 'best friends older brother' & 'second chance love' I settled in, and was really enjoying the story developing between Deacon West and Alex Franco. Alex has loved Deke since she was fourteen, being the older brother of her best friends, and work colleagues Piper and Rusty, he has been one of the few constants as well as being in and out of her life ever since. One unforgettable night when he took her virginity, and then a second 6 months prior to when this story really takes off, where they share another dirty, sexy night together, only this time it's Alex doing the early morning flit from his apartment. "I let the past get in the way of our future." So what went wrong... For me the addition of a crazy, but then not crazy ex, and the derogatory way Alex was treated by almost everyone in the second half of the book, to the point that she even started calling herself a 'whore'. As a couple, Deke and Alex had enough going on with his past, her commitment issues, and the deal he made with her to ensure that she agreed to spend time with him, I personally didn't think the story really needed anything else added to it. I really liked them both, and the dirty-talking, sexy Deacon ticked all the boxes of what I want in my romantic heroes, Alex ticked all the right boxes for me as well, inked, pierced and full of attitude, vulnerable in ways only those who know her closely can interpret, theirs was a story that was hovering at the 4 - 4.5 star mark until all the added crap with his ex started to dull the flow between them as a couple, and the relationship they were tentatively building together. He'd been her knight in grease-stained coveralls, been there more times than she could count. This is not a bad book, it is extremely well written and I loved the set up of an all female garage, as it is not one that I have come across often, and to say that Sherliee Gray can certainly write an alpha that knows what to say and how to back it up in the context of sexy-times would be a massive understatement. Piper and Rusty were strong characters through Alex and Deke's story, and I am interested in seeing what direction the author takes their stories in the Forthcoming books Revved and Wrecked which are due later this year and in early 2016. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Revved (Axle Alley Vipers, #2); Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Grease looks good on you." Stars! I have to admit I was a little bit wary when I started the second book in the Axle Alley Vipers series, after the first book Crashed; Deke and Alex's story left me a little underwhelmed. Luckily Revved lived up to its name, and Reid and Rusty's story kept me well entertained, and pretty Revved up to it's end. I liked that the author gave this couple a slower build to boiling point than in the previous book. Rusty is wary of men, and dirty talking, Reid took the right route in building their connection steadily. It gave them a tension and sizzle that simmered nicely and kept me engaged, and when they finally do get together the author made it totally worth the wait. "You are so full of it, it's not even funny." The drama is well paced, with a few lighter points to keep it moving along, and although towards the end gets a little heavy in its doses, I had fallen in love with the pair of them by that point, and it felt relevant, so it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story-line that the author gave them, it worked really well especially with their pasts and the issues that they were dealing with, as a couple and separately. "I want that fire... I want all of it." It was good to catch up with Alex and Deke, as well be given a slight taste of the sexual tension humming between Piper and Cole, (Wrecked; due for release, February 2016) it made me hopeful that there is a potentially stellar read on my TBR for early 2016. "Okay, fine. I'll admit it... You don't completely suck." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wrecked (Axle Alley Vipers, #3); Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I'm not ready to lose this... not yet." Stars! The Axle Alley Vipers series is definitely one I am glad that I stuck with. I won't lie I wasn't sure me and the authors writing were a fit after the first book. But I was wrong and each following book in the series has been better than its predecessor. You are given a sense of the deep and underlying attraction between Cole and Piper in the previous book in this series, but Cole Black is a man with serious demons, and although the scars on his body give visible recognition to the fact that he is a guy dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. She would never get used to the haunted look behind those arctic blue eyes. What you don't see, and I think what makes this book so good, are the internal scars, and the massive impact they are having on a man who is used to being in control, and how he perceives the loss of that control has irrevocably changed his life. The author took Cole's survivors guilt and resulting PTSD and incorporated it into a really great romantic read. Piper West is the curvy, sassy younger West sibling, having been molly-coddled by her older sister and brother for most of her life, she is eager to prove to them both that she is the responsible and grown up woman that is capable of taking over the reins of her own life. Cole is the man that she has had feelings for, for years, her brother's closest friend played an integral part of her teenage dreams and fantasies. There was not a trace of the boy she'd fallen for when she was just a teenager. But the man she fell for is lost under a blanket of guilt, feelings or unworthiness and a general emotional shut-down. And what follows as the book progresses is the gradual breaking down of those walls with temptation, sass and just plain old flirtation, and I adored every second of it. "I'm not your fucking brother." What was a surprise was just how deliciously dirty Cole was, once Piper got him a bit riled up, and I have to say Sherilee Gray added some absolutely stellar sexy-times between this couple. But the feels, ahh the feels, this is a book that puts you through the emotional wringer for its couple, but it was so, so worth every minute of it. "I've waited so long for you... I need you." "You have me" This book can be read as a standalone, but the series as a whole has turned out to be an unexpected winner for me. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sugar Daddy (Sugar Bowl, #1); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "No going back now." Stars! My last couple of reads from Sawyer Bennett have been of the underwhelming persuasion, so to say I started Sugar Daddy, with more than a little trepidation, would be an understatement. For me, this book pulled her back onto my auto-buy list, but beware, if you hate the dreaded cliffy, you may want to wait for the full series to be released, because this one ends on a hum-dinger! This is one of those books where you don't want to say much for fear of giving stuff away, but I can tell you what I liked in generalized terms. And firstly that would be Beck and Sela, both characters with more than a few secrets and skeletons in their closets, but together they work and on every level. At the start of their 'arrangement', Beck knows Sela isn't being fully open with him, but it doesn't stop him pursuing her, and essentially making her an offer she can't refuse. There is some kind of connection between Sela and me that I've never experienced before. Sela is struggling with the foreign and wholly unexpected feelings he pulls from her, firstly as a woman, and secondly in regards to having a relationship with a man. Especially when her meeting and getting together with him is initially a secondary factor to what her original aim is. Intimacy is actually something that I could learn to crave with a man like Beckett North and that I've only just begun to discover the true potential inside of myself. I find myself excited to see where this series goes, Sawyer left us hanging right at the point I was expecting her too, I think the gritty dark aspect of Sela's backstory is going to play even more of a part going forwards, and although referred to in passing in Sugar Daddy not fully divulged as yet, not to mention how her and Beck continue with their relationship after the way things ended at the end of this installment. "Buds for life." The next book in the Sugar Bowl series, Sugar Rush is due for release early August, so thankfully we haven't got too long to wait to see where the author takes this couple's story. Weirdly at this point, I don't much like either Sela or Beck, because of their actions in this book, but that doesn't stop me desperately wanting to know whether they manage to redeem themselves with me and each other with the series progression. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it is my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hunter of Her Heart (Wolfe Creek, #2); Author: Kaylie Newell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 2.5 - "You're better than this." Stars. Lone Wolfe Protector, book one in the Wolfe Creek Series was one of the most eerie, and unusual reads of 2014 for me, so I was more than a little excited to see that Kaylie Newell, had written its follow-up Hunter of Her Heart and that it was Zane and Candi's story. She was an anomaly, hard and broken at the same time." It was a surprise to find myself struggling with this one, for more than one reason, but in the main it is because I was approaching the end of the book before anything really started happening. Upto around the 80% mark, the issues between Candi and Zane to say the least were predictable, both seemed to act more like petulant teenagers than adults and that connection that fizzled between them in the first book, especially after the horrific attack seemed to get lost with all the added drama, it also seemed that most of the time, that the only time one of them didn't have an issue with the other was when they were having sex. "You hurt me all the time... You just don't always leave bruises." Hunter of Her Heart had massive potential, and I was expecting more of the same type of eerie, creepy unusual story-telling as the author delivered in its predecessor, unfortunately it all felt a little predictable and lacklustre this time... Even the big reveal didn't really have any impact, with Candi seeming to take Zane's 'special skills' in her stride. "It's time we had a little talk." Kaylie Newell has a really easy to engage in writing style, I am not sure whether this book is the end of the series... But there is a little loose end drifting in the wind that I would like to see get its own story, whether that happens, and whether I read it... I am honestly not sure at this point. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Strongest Steel (Second Circle Tattoos, #1); Author: Scarlett Cole; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - The strongest steel is forged in the hottest fire. Stars! The Strongest Steel is the first book in the Second Circle Tattoos Series, and Scarlett Cole, being a new author has managed to take a set of pretty well used tropes and give them a refreshing and enjoyable new spin. "Welcome to Second Circle." Harper Connelly has spent the last four years working an anonymous job, in a non-descript coffee house, and trying hard to not draw any attention to herself in Miami. Her past; nothing but a selection of nightmarish images, bad dreams and in general memories that she would rather not revisit. Trent Andrews is at the top of his game, becoming known for his skills with the tattoo irons, his designs are unique, sought after and talked about. A chance meeting, late one night between him and Harper, starts a journey that both of them weren't prepared for, or even expecting. "I just want to get to know you. All parts." A girl with scars, a guy with the skills to take something unsightly and make it into something beautiful. The result; a tattoo that highlights strength, resilience and steely determination... but as the book progresses and Harper's past starts to catch up with her, you ask yourself if the wearer of the tattoo, can live by, and practice the characteristics that it symbolises. "Happy is by far your best look." I really enjoyed this book, Scarlett has managed to give both Harper and Trent great voices as well as a great storyline. There is plenty going on within their journey, and you need to be paying attention to make sure you don't miss anything. A lot of thought has gone into the plot, and you can tell that in its execution. Nothing is left unexplained or underdeveloped. Yes, there is a lot of drama and a medium level of angst around the characters and the story but it isn't overdone, or dragged out. "I really want to do normal with you." I liked that Harper's past, whilst horrific, was dealt with in a positive way. Trent was an absolute sweetheart, and the lengths he went to at the beginning of their time together to make sure she felt safe, comfortable and at ease with him and the tattooing process were an absolute treat to read. Nothing is rushed in their story, their relationship develops at the right pace for someone with Harper's issues, and I loved the added tension that sprung up between them because of it. "Tattoos and hugs. I'm great at them both." If you are looking for a little suspense, a little drama, some cracking verbal sparring, a couple that you can't help but root for and a generally enjoyable story, then I don't think you will be disappointed with The Strongest Steel it delivers on all of the above, and then some! Cujo and Drea are due to have their story told in early 2016, I am looking forward to seeing where Scarlett takes this group of characters next. "Are you trying; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flirting with Scandal (Capital Confessions, #1); Author: Chanel Cleeton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "There's no crying in politics." Stars! Flirting With Scandal is the first book I have read by Chanel Cleeton, and if the rest of the Capital Confessions series is as entertaining, she has got a new fan for life in me. "This one looks like trouble" I think there is a fine line when you are writing a romance story set in a specific arena, politics, medical and technical backgrounds can be tricky to get right, and there is a risk the story gets bogged down with the over inclusion and explanation of things relative to the trope. Chanel hit this just right for me, as although it was very clear from the offset that Will and Jackie's story and romance is built and based around an election campaign, the story between them still flows smoothly and isn't muddied by too much political jargon and back-story. "If I'm fucking you, no one else is." I love a sexy preppy guy, who behind closed doors turns in to a dirty mouthed bad boy. The author balanced this out with Will perfectly, All-American to his potential voters, All-Sexy when it came to his time with Jackie. "Just so we're clear, I'm here because I want to. No other reason." Good because I'm not planning on letting you go." Jackie has a little wobble around the 75% mark, which had my rolling my eyes a tad, the author took what was a really enjoyable and unusual story and erred on the side of predictable for one beat too many for me and I think what dropped a star of my rating was the fact I could see it coming from a mile off , I can see the reasoning behind it, and how it bought things to their inevitable head, but I was hoping that the author would stick with keeping things different, and go for a different route. It only had minimal impact on my enjoyment though, and all in all I found this couple and their story a really entertaining, unusual and original read. "There's beauty here, whether you want to admit it or not." Being the first book in the series, doors are opened in this book for future characters, and we get to see a little of and find out a bit about, Blair Reynolds. Her book Playing With Trouble is due in July, and I am looking forward to seeing what story this talented author gives her. "Now that I've had a taste, I want more." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Never Refuse a Sheikh (International Bad Boys, #5); Author: Jackie Ashenden; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I want more." Stars! Jackie Ashenden pitched it right out of the park with Never Refuse a Sheikh as part of the International Bad Boys series, it stands out as one of best books I have read of this genre for a very long time. Too much. Too overwhelming. Too intense. This book had it all, great storyline, great characters, and a really great relationship in Altair and Safira. For such a short book it really does deliver a massive punch, especially as the background of not only Safira, but also Altair is revealed as the book progresses. You expect a bit of romantic fluff when you pick up a book with Sheikh in its title, well this one is so much more, and enjoyably so. Well worth a couple of hours of your time, and if you are looking to pop your cherry on a book from this genre, then you will not go far wrong with Never Refuse a Sheikh. "Why do you call me kitten? I am a lion." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pawn (Ironclad Bodyguards #1); Author: Molly Joseph; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - Courage is grace under pressure. Stars! Pawn is the first book in the Ironclad Bodyguards Series, it is also the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author. With an intriguing synopsis and interesting characters I found myself absorbed in the world of professional chess playing, and well to say there is a lot of action going on underneath the board and it's pieces would be an understatement. "I feel afraid all the time." After being viciously attacked and beaten in Russia after beating a male competitor, Grace Ann Frasier, is forced by her step-father to accept 'close-protection' in the form of Sam Knight, ex-Army, and long-serving bodyguard from Ironclad Solutions. As you would expect from a couple stuck in close quarters with each other in a snow drenched Helsinki for weeks on end, with sizzling chemistry and mutual attraction, the close becomes even closer the longer they spend together. I really loved that this story moved away from the usual protector/protectee themes, while a lot of the storyline is similar to a few other books I have read in this genre, the subject matter it is focussed around is new, and fresh and as such it made Grace and Sam's coming together and subsequent adventures pretty refreshing in its telling. "I'm a jealous, possessive son of a bitch. Just warning you." The other thing I really liked is that this book wasn't just about Grace, Sam had his own story going on too, and as the book progresses you see that both of them although extremely strong characters in their own rights are also extremely vulnerable as well, together they balanced each other out. Grace's theatrics to Sam's calm and collected nature. Sam's dominance and control in all things, to Graces carefree acceptance of certain things... Sex mainly, but you get what I mean! Diva the second book in the series is due in April 2016, bit of a wait, but I am looking forward to seeing where the author take us next with this series. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All I Need Is You (Loving You, #2); Author: Wendy S. Marcus; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "Please don't be a dream." Stars. All I need Is You is the first book I have read by Wendy S. Marcus, and the second book in the Loving You series. It was a quick, easy read, and grabbed me at the start with the letters between Neve and Rory being the introduction to the story, but it wasn't without its issues, and for me they detracted a bit from my overall enjoyment. I liked Rory, back from a year serving in Afghanistan, he has returned with more than a few bad memories, and I liked the way he tried to work through the PTSD without involving Neve. And although I loved the way Neve helped Rory with his demons, and the bond that formed between them due to the mutual care taking, I really struggled to find much else about her that I liked for the rest of the book. I have no issue with the fact that prior to Rory entering her life, she was happy to go out and take exactly what she wanted from a man, and then leave in the morning with no regrets, but the authors portrayal of this and the recurring incidences of her past 'one and dones' continually popping up just went a little too far for me. Her internal monologue and reactions to things at points just had me thinking 'bitch' and added to her overall up and down mood swings it just got a little tiresome. There are a lot of secondary characters in this one too, Rory's family, Nate (Neve's brother) as well as many more, and to be honest at points everything that was going on felt a little too busy, and erroneous to the actual focus of the story. This wasn't a bad book, and I would certainly think about reading more from the author in the future, it just didn't tick all of my boxes on this occasion. Although book two in the series, I believe it can absolutely be read as a standalone as I didn't feel I was missing out on anything having not read Loving You Is Easy. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Bargain; Author: Jessa McAdams; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1.5 - "There are quite a lot of preconceived misguided notions floating around. Stars. I generally only give 1 Star to books I DNF, I managed to get through this one (barely) hence the 1.5 rating. Where to start... I have so many issues with this book, and very little inclination to spend the time writing the essay it would take to put them all down in a constructive and respectful way. My time is precious, and on this occasion it has been fully spent in finishing the book. "You're quite full of it, are you no'?" The writing as you would expect of an author of Julia London/Jessa McAdams caliber is sound. The issues I have are with the cliche, predictable plot, unlikable somewhat sexist characters that themselves lack any depth or development. The way Scottish people are portrayed, even the way Americans are portrayed to a certain extent is pretty derogatory a lot of the time. Add to that a very tenuous emotional link between our couple, outright desperation from Sloane in relation to getting Galen to admit he has feelings for her, and numerous references to paying for sex from Galen to Sloane at every available opportunity it was just all a little cheap and old-fashioned for what is meant to be a modern love story. "This is nothing but a story you've created... No matter that you've begin to believe in it, it's still only a fantasy in the end.". I have no doubt this book will do well, but on this occasion it ticked all the wrong boxes for me. ARC generously provided by Entangled publishing, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Breaking a Legend (Kavanagh Legends, #1); Author: Sarah Robinson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "I like to do things a little different." Stars! I think a publisher is doing it's author a bit of a disservice when adding comments like the below to entice readers to give a book a go, and it seems to be the common thing lately. Perfect for fans of Katy Evans and Monica Murphy Because, they are immediately giving the reader high expectations of what they are potentially about to read, particularly if as the reader you are a huge fan of the authors works that the book is being likened to, and a lot of the time it is totally misleading. For me, pretty much every time it leads to my expectations not being met and disappointment, and I kind of feel bad that I didn't enjoy the book more because of it. I want to judge an author on their work and not because it is supposedly similar to another authors writing or books. I liked Breaking a Legend the Kavanagh family is large and diverse, and Rory on his own is battling a wealth of demons and dealing with a mountain of issues. But here is where my main niggles began, because for all of his issues, they weren't really looked at as more than a filler in the story, the prologue and the first chapter gave the impression that this was going to be a dark and gritty tale of an ex MMA fighter trying to figure his way in the world after a career ending injury, and the woman that helps him deal with and overcome his addictions... But as soon as Clare became a fixture in his mind and bed, it all seemed far too easy for them to become a non-issue. He trusted her implicitly, though for the life of him he couldn't figure out why. This was my other problem, the speed of development between Rory and Clare was a bit unexplained, they went from a bit of banter in the family bar to him deciding to sign up for a Commitment card after only ever being a one and done guy prior to Claire's arrival, she didn't really come across as that special, and although likeable nothing really made her stand out to me, and bearing in mind her past, the speed in which she gets together with Rory didn't really seem in keeping with that. So you have the relationship between them going at the speed of light, but then Claire's reasons for moving into their Bronx neighborhood, being expanded on then going at the pace of a snail... And I kind of struggled to understand why Rory, who inquisitive in all other areas of her life didn't really push this. "Damn woman, you're a fucking emotional rollercoaster." This isn't a bad book, there are areas that needed development, areas that could have been totally removed unless given more focus. It's a little predictable, especially the second half, and that wouldn't have been an issue if the flow of the rest of the story had been steady. It was; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Caged: Takedown Teague (Caged, #1); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: young-adult, non-fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - I was never one... Stars! I quickly realized that Caged: Takedown Teague is something that I had originally read in part when Shay originally published it as Fan-Fiction, I don't believe I ever finished it in that form, so it was good to get back into the story and read a bit more than before. The book is written in Shay's inimitable style and as you would expect Liam's head is an extremely entertaining place to be. I will be honest and say that the four star rating is wholly for Liam's characterization, personality and inner monologues, because if I am honest, I didn't really feel there was a lot going on in relation to the story-line, for the bulk of the book. "Maybe it's time for you to take a chance again." Caged is definitely what I would call a slow burn, in that if you are looking for any major drama, a little angst or epic plot-twists, that is common-place for this author you are going to be in for a bit of a surprise. The main portion of this installment in the Caged series is the initial meeting, getting-to-know-you, and general relationship development between Liam and Tria. Yes both of them are sporting some pretty messed up pasts (Tria's, I found particularly out there) but there isn't a lot about any of that, apart from a few teasers, until the last 25% or so of the book. The whole thing was actually quite sweet, and although Liam could definitely win gold in the 'Wanking Olympics', the sexy-times are pretty thin on the ground, you don't really get a huge amount of time in the cage either, but the general flow of the story pretty much evolves around Liam trying to understand why he is so intrigued and protective of Tria and her massive handbag, their day to day lives crammed into a tiny apartment together, and where a relationship between the two of them could go, if he ever manages to pull himself out of the 'Big Brother' / 'Friend-Zone' with her. She had promise. She had potential. I didn't have shit. This really was the appetizer for me, and I have a feeling that the bulk of the action is going to be delivered in part two of the series; Trapped, Shay unusually has left this part of Liam and Tria's story at a pretty big cliff-hanger, and now that the building and development of their relationship has got to a certain point I am interested to see what direction it goes, and whether the issues from both of their pasts have any effect detrimentally or otherwise on the fragile future they are starting to carve out for themselves. All is most definitely yet to be revealed! ARC generously provided via TRSOR Promotions, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pursued by the Rogue (Fairy Tales of New York, #1); Author: Kelly Hunter; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "A lot of years between then and now." Stars! Being the first book in the new Fairytales of New York series, Kelly Hunter has been tasked with setting the scene for the series as a whole, as well as beginning the story in general. In this case the scene is New York, the story focusses on four women. Dawn, Faith, Mercy and Zelda formed an unshakeable bond in their time together at boarding school, and this series sees them reconnecting ten years on, after one fateful night and a bottle of stolen communion wine sees them going their separate ways. Pursued by the Rogue gives us Dawn Turner's story, she perceives herself as the Ugly Duckling of the group, and while on the surface she appears cool, calm and collected... underneath that could not be further from the truth, Dawn's life is in a tailspin of uncertainty, fear and the ticking of an ominous clock. This is a book of second chances, taking chances and living life to the full. Dawn and Finn were the perfect blend for each other; one a little uptight, overly organised and very much the adhering to the rules. The other a free spirit, easy-going and confident in who he is. Their shared past goes deeper than Finn initially believes, and Dawn's future with him, may not be as clear cut as he hoped. Have a few tissues handy with this one, Finn is the kind of guy every woman hopes to meet, Dawn is the type of woman every girl would want to have as a friend, although I can see myself potentially saying that about Zelda, Mercy and Faith as well! "I love your hands..." "You should. They worship you." If this is the standard of writing we can look forward to for the rest of the series, then book two; Tempting the Knight is sure to be another winner. "I'll dance with you anywhere." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taming the Beast (Fairy Tales of New York, #3); Author: Lucy King; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I think I've been half in love with you for years." Stars! Book three in the Fairytales of New York series explores the modern day retelling of my favourite of all favourites; Beauty and the Beast, add to that our Beast is none other than elusive, ornery, and not forgetting sexy; Sebastian Madison the older brother of Zelda (book two) and this was a story I was happy to get my hands on. "I don't do talking." This story has been building for a while, Mercy has had a crush on Seb since she was a young girl, but things changed between them irrevocably a few years after the ill-fated wine incident that saw all the girls going their separate ways from boarding school, when a visit to New York saw them spending one, unforgettable night together. Mercy now back in the thick of things studying in New York and reconnecting fully with her friends decides it's time to see if the attraction that was once there, is still mutual. A no strings arrangement is agreed upon, but as the weeks pass, feelings develop, confidences are shared and intentions change on both sides. The past still held him tightly in its grip. I really enjoyed Taming the Beast, and Lucy King is an author whose work I would have no issues with reading again. Seb and Mercy were a likeable couple, the issues they faced and the way their reconnection played out weren't massively unusual, but the drama was well balanced with the storyline, and the sex well-spaced with the actual building of their overall relationship. Faith Sullivan is up next, in Seduced by the Baron and I cannot wait to get stuck in. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Knight (The Fairy Tales of New York, #2); Author: Heidi Rice; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: 4 - "You only have to promise me tomorrow." Stars! Book two in The Fairytales of New York series concentrates on Supermodel Zelda Madison and her friend Faith's oldest Brother, legal aid lawyer Ty Sullivan. Tempting the Knight offers a really great twist on one of my favourite tropes, and I really liked Zel and Ty's relationship dynamic in this one. Both are pretty strong confident people, they know what they want, and go after it. One very much a planner to the very strongest degree, the other flies by the seat of their pants, always in the midst of chaos, generally the one that started it... Or is she... Zelda Madison had a wild, reckless streak that was bold, beautiful and exciting. I think the main thing you grab from this book as Ty and Zelda's three day sex with no strings agreement progresses, is that appearances can most certainly be deceiving. Known in the modelling world for her hair, Zel is looking to make a few changes in her life, reassessing her worth, considering a different direction, one might say a bit like Rapunzel did after being stuck in her ivory tower for such an interminable amount of time. I absolutely loved Tyrone, sweet, sexy, with plenty of dirty and a side order of Knight in shining armour just to balance him out. Tyrone Sullivan was going to be a hard habit to break. This couple together, and the journey they took; from Ty's initial inaccurate assumptions, and his discovery that there is in actual fact a lot more to the beautiful woman he is falling for than just a pretty face. To Zel's fear of taking a step towards a different future, a future that may not mean she is on her own and her gradual acceptance that she may be worthy of love were absolutely engrossing. Add that to some pretty good snark between them and it was the perfect balance of characterisation and storyline for this reader. "Are you saying you want to cross-examine my underwear counselor?" The other thing that grabbed me in this book, the elusive and pretty ornery Sebastian Madison, as Zel's older brother he features a little towards the end of the book, and to say I am intrigued by this Beast of a man would be an understatement... Luckily he along with Mercy get their story told next in Taming the Beast, book three of the The Fairtytales of New York series. Too say I am a tad excited to read a modern day version of my absolute favourite fairy-tale would be a slight understatement! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gypsy Beach (Gypsy Beach #1); Author: Jillian Neal; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "There's magic in those sands." Stars. Gypsy Beach is what I would class as perfect summer reading, in that it's the sort of book you can pick up and put down at irregular intervals on the beach, or wherever you are and not get confused as to what is happening and who is involved. It is also the first book in Jillian Neal's new Gypsy Beach series, and a pretty good start it is too! I really liked Sienna and Ryan, second chance love is always a trope I enjoy, and if you add in plenty of likeable secondary characters, a cute kid, a little drama and a few plot twists I am usually kept happy in my reading. "I've got you, baby, and I'm never letting you go again." The plot is a little predictable, but the writing is sound and the author gives great voice to both, Sienna and Ryan. Their struggles getting back together, dealing with their pasts and the people from them, and getting their future on the same track, were well paced and easy to immerse yourself in. My only niggle, and the reason lowered my rating a tad, is that at points, I struggled a little with Ryan's inner-monologue and with certain ways her verbalized things. To clarify, I felt his voice lent more to how a woman would wish a man to talk, rather than how a man would really think/speak, for example - Slicking his fingers with her dew... Salty pearls of need. I really cannot ever see a guy thinking in those types of phrases (and the above were not isolated, I highlighted descriptive phrasing like this quite a lot). I guess for me Ryan was a little flowery, for want of the better descriptive word. I would still happily recommend this book, it was easy to read, the characters were engaging and the series set up well, it gives great scope for future books from the author. ARC generously provided by Rock Star PR via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Diva (Ironclad Bodyguards #2); Author: Molly Joseph; Genres: romance; Review: 1 - "You make me into an awful person." Star! DNF @ 58% I have been umming and ahhing as to whether I wanted to continue with this one as I had really high hopes for Diva, I absolutely loved the first book in the authors Ironclad Bodyguards series, but whereas the lead H/h in Pawn actually made the effort to get to know each other, and the chemistry and connection between them was apparent from very early on, Diva displayed very little of that on both counts. "I'm giving you a hard time because I don't like you very much..." "Unfortunately, the feeling is mutual." The main problem I have with this one is that we have an experienced (in all the wrong things) yet immature, (in everything that's important) twenty year old woman (I use that term loosely as she acts like a teen-toddler for pretty much all of what I have read), sleeping with her uber mature, by-the-book, thirty-seven year old ex-porn star, whose infamous for his painal skills bodyguard. Yes, you are given the reasonings for her behaviour as the book progresses, and I did feel for her at the beginning, but it just went on too long without any real increase in maturity or improvement in character even after everything that had happened up to the point I stopped reading. "You're my bodyguard. You're supposed to be protecting me from death, not urging me towards it." Age differences are never usually an issue for me as long as it's legal, but the gap between these two was so glaringly obvious it really did feel like a Daddy dealing with an errant Daughter a lot of the time unless they were boffing, then it just dipped into horny/lust/anger/insult/revenge territory, but with absolutely no emotional connection being displayed or really portrayed between them in the story-telling. "You'll regret this." However, the writing is sound, which I suppose in a way highlights just how talented the author is in that she did such a good job with Lola Mae/Lady Paradise's reckless, devil-may-care personality, that I disliked her intensely pretty much from the beginning of the book. "You've convinced yourself you're some untouchable, irreplaceable genius." I kept reading as I was expecting some sort of revelation or incident which would then bring about the realization that she couldn't keep behaving as she was and wise-up to everything around her, which may well happen in the remaining 40%, but by this point it's pretty much degenerated to angry sex and name-calling between her and Ransom, and I have pretty much lost the desire to see how everything turns out for them. "As long as you're with me you're safe." That said, this is purely personal reading preferences and me not getting on with the characters than the actual writing, Molly Joseph puts a decent story together, and I would really like to read further books from the Ironclad Bodyguards series, if there are more released in the future. I just on this occasion have no inclination to see how this couple's story; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Forbidden Fling (Wildwood #1); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Looks like the wild is back in Wildwood." Stars! Skye Jordan is one of those authors, that after finishing one of her books, I am always left wishing she wrote faster and released books more often, because I remember just how much I love her writing. Forbidden Fling certainly did that for me, and I am pleased that we get to see more from the Wildwood series very, very soon. Delaney Hart has returned home to a town that she left firmly in her wing mirrors ten years previously. She left with bad memories as well as a bad reputation, and her return will most likely spark those memories, and rekindle the reputation for the town of Wildwood in general, and several families in particular, especially when it comes to her families bar, The Bad Seed. But the Delaney that left, isn't the wild child anyone remembers her as anymore, the woman that has returned knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it, even if she has only been back in town for a few hours, and isn't 100% certain who it is, she's actually going after initially. "A Hayes and a Hart were never meant to be friends, let alone anything more." Ethan Hayes, always admired from afar, before Delaney left, coming from one of the town's most influential families, his presence on Delaney's' radar barely registered, seeing that she was into bad-boys, bad-behavior and bad-habits. But things have changed in the interim, and there is certainly more than a little attraction stirring between these two from the get-go, even if she doesn't realize who he is on their first introduction. "I never wanted anyone the way I want you. It... scares me." But the town in part is against what Delaney is trying to do, and in a roundabout way it could also have a huge effect on the future that Ethan was planning for himself, a future that would get him out from under his father's control and working for himself. "You can't run from your past forever." As you would expect in a small town, small-minded judgement, and threats aren't the only thing Delaney has to deal with in moving forward with her plans, and I liked the way Skye interweaved what was happening to Delaney in relation to the bar, with her budding relationship with Ethan, and his issues with his family. My only wish was that he had stepped up a little sooner than he did in relation to some of the Hart family's behaviour towards her and what she was doing. "I only want to be with you. The last week has been miserable without you in it." Forbidden Fling was a really great start to this series, with Delaney having two sisters both of whom are single, I am assuming we have at least two more books to come, especially with events unfolding towards the end of this one as they did, and that makes me happy. The author has set up the town and people really well, in; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Nights (Vegas Nights, #3); Author: Karen Erickson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Can I have your cherry?" Stars! What do you get if you cross one inexperienced woman, with one tattooed, sexy and some might say overly experienced rock-star, who meet each other whilst on one Wilde weekend in Las Vegas? That's pretty simple actually! A quick, sexy and really enjoyable read. Karen Erickson has hit the nail on the head with the Vegas Nights Series, each and every book, although short has been a, absolutely stellar read, and the main thing with them is that they really don't feel like novellas when you are reading them. I wasn't sure that I was going to like Natalie when I read Reagan and Andrea's books, she seemed a little pushy and opinionated. "You need to quit assuming, sweetheart." But I liked her speak first, think after attitude in this one, it worked really well with Noah's to-the-point, say what you think personality, and who doesn't love a dirty talker in the bedroom! Both had a few little issues in their lives that rounded them out as characters and gave the story depth, and although their coming together was sexy hot, the end of the series was sweetly romantic. "I'm starting to like bad ideas." I am a bit of a fan of this author, her stories whether full length or short, quick novellas in general, are entertaining and easy to get into reads, and Wild Nights is another one that definitely goes onto that list with ease. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Covert Affair (Deadly Ops, #5); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 -"If I could go back and change things..." Stars! Katie Reus is one of the few authors that I know without doubt will always take me to my happy reading place. The fifth book in the Deadly Ops series hits the ground running with Nathan and Amelia's story, and the author used one of my favorite tropes set around a pretty stellar suspense story; Second Chance Love. I will be upfront now and say that I haven't read every book in the series, but although it follows recurring characters (most of them NSA Operatives), each book is about one couple specifically, the story line plays out around them as well so there isn't a huge overlap that can cause any confusion if you haven't read the previous books or in order. Monsters could have all sorts of faces. Coming at you from several POV's this story is mainly about the reconnection between Nathan Ortiz and Amelia Rios, twelve years after she dumped him without a by-your-leave. Turns out that there were reasons for that, and although the chemistry is still as strong between them over a decade later, Amelia is under no illusions that the revelation of the truth could put a serious dent in Nathans decision to pursue something more permanent with her. "Is it weird that I think it's hot when you boss me around?" But there is also the issue that young, vulnerable women, a lot of which have worked for Amelia have literally disappeared, and once all the information is pulled together by Nathan and his team, the numbers turn out to be quite alarming. The finger of suspicion points in many directions and for many reasons, and I loved the way the author ruled out one potential suspect but then in the same paragraph almost always managed to throw someone else into the mix. The action is interspersed really well with the sexy times in this one as well, and because of everything that is playing out, and not forgetting their past association together, the chemistry between this pair simmers from the get-go. "I should have trusted you." Amelia is no shy retiring lady, her sass and willingness to stand up for herself really made her an equal with Nathan in this story, but get them naked and Nathan took the lead and spectacularly so! I love this series, but then I pretty much love everything that I have read by this author, and I cannot wait to see what she releases next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heart Like Mine (Echo Lake, #2); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "This isn't how this was supposed to go." Stars! Heart Like Mine is the second full length novel in Maggie McGinnis' Echo Lake series. I so, so enjoyed this book. This is McGinnis writing at her absolute best for me and she nailed it with Delaney and Josh's story. I am not a reader that requires all of the books I read to be full of sexy times, if an author can deliver a well-rounded story with a likeable couple, that have a noticeable emotional connection, I am quite happy for the sexy-times to be left 'behind closed doors'. I have found though over the years, that there are very few authors that manage to do this with every book they write, sometimes something feels amiss because the lack of that area of a relationship being explored in more depth, Maggie for me is one of those authors that takes the time to develop her stories and characters enough that this is never an issue. We also touch on a subject that is very close to the hearts of anyone who has had a loved one that has struggled with their health, in that Delaney has been charged with looking at ways to cut the budget for one of the most important departments at Mercy Hospital, the unit that Dr. Josh Mackenzie oversees; pediatric care. The loss of funding to provide adequate medical care for the children in his unit causes a lot of sparks to fly between them after their initial meeting, and I loved the fact that he challenged her to work on the unit with him and his staff to see exactly what they did and how they worked whilst already stretched to their limits, with the funding they currently had. This is a very current issue across the globe nowadays and it was nice to see it addressed in an informed and compassionate way. Acquiescing to Josh's request, pushes Delaney completely out of her comfort zone, stepping out of her top floor carpeted office with a view, to get involved on the wards and with the patients is not something she wants to deal with initially or is emotionally prepared for due to issues from her own past, but the more time she spends with Josh, the nurses and their patients, opens her up to the rewards and sense of achievement she feels from working in a more front of house role. He was ready to stop wishing, maybe she was more than a colleague. Slow building, the author really took the time to let this couple get to know each other as well as their friends and family, even though the bulk of the book actually takes place over the space of two weeks, it didn't feel like it, so much is going on between them as their connection deepens, as well as in the hospital it really was just a beautifully put together story. "I'm looking for the nine-to-five guy, not the five-to-nine one." You have the inevitable tipping point between them in the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Over the Fence; Author: Melanie Moreland; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I keep waiting for you to walk away." Stars! Over the Fence is the first book I have read by Melanie Moreland, and on the whole it was a pretty enjoyable read. I think the main thing that stood out for me is that this is a book about two regular people, who although both have pretty unhappy pasts are both living relatively normal lives. It was nice to get back into the real world if you know what I mean, and go through this couples ups and downs with them. As I said the main story line between this couple is built on their pasts, and what starts as an innocent flirtation between neighbors across their garden fence soon escalates into a full blown relationship after Kourtney receives an unexpected and unwelcome visit from a family member, which pushes Nat into full protective-guy mode. "We've become fence friends." It soon becomes clear that all is not well with Kourtney, and Nathan goes out of his way to try and rebuild the confidence and self-esteem of a woman who has had it systematically battered and bruised for most of her life, but he neglects to fully disclose the less savory aspects of his past to her and as is always the case with secrets, the longer you wait to tell them, the harder it becomes. The main reason this book didn't hit a higher rating for me is that I found that pretty much every obstacle and problem that was thrown, dropped or just cropped up in this couples path to true love was resolved without any real conflict or issue, everything was dealt with pretty amenably, and forgotten about. There were several plot points that could have added a little more drama if expanded further Kourtney's familial issues being the main one , and believe me I am not one for erroneous drama, but the story could have done with a little more, everything just felt... nice for wont of a better word. She entered my life so quietly, yet had such a profound impact on it. That-said, Over the Fence wasn't a struggle to read, the writing was immersive and the plot and characters in the main were well developed and likeable, and the epilogue was absolutely adorable. I would happily look to read more from the author that's for sure. ARC generously provided by the author via Promo Stars Services, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hierarchy of Needs (The Portland Rebels, #2); Author: Rebecca Grace Allen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I've been ready for six years." Stars! The Hierarchy of Needs is the first book I have read by Rebecca Grace Allen, and I have to say it was an absolute treat. Teaming up one of my favourite tropes with a really likeable couple is always going to be a winner for me, and the author excelled with this 'best-friends-to-lovers' story. It was hard to forget the best thing she'd ever had. Jamie Matthews and Dean Trescott have been best friends since meeting in detention in school, although over the years they have tried to stay within the parameters of platonic friendship, their attraction and more than friendly feelings for each other on occasion have caused them to slip into the friends with benefits category. The last time being six years ago, when after one hot coming together Dean pulls back again, and insists that he and Jamie should stick to being best friends and nothing more. "We're good right?" The reality is, they both want more with each other and for themselves, but sitting down and actually acknowledging to each other the truth about their feelings, as well as admitting to themselves their real hopes and dreams for the future is not something either of them has really considered as a possibility before. The Hierarchy of Needs explores this couples coming together over what was supposed to be a weekend-fling to get each other out of their systems, but as you would expect when they return to Portland, both of them know that things between them, as well as the current lives they are leading have irrevocably changed, does that mean they go forwards as a couple? Or look to explore their dreams elsewhere and with other people. I really enjoyed this book, and although book two in The Portland Rebels series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone, I haven't read the first book in the series, but after enjoying Jamie and Dean's story, I will definitely be looking to read The Duality Principle at some point very soon. ARC generously provided by Rock Star PR, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Major Misconduct (Aces Hockey, #1); Author: Kelly Jamieson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "For the love of cheese." Star. DNF @ 23% I had high hopes for Major Misconduct having read and enjoyed quite a few sports romances recently, they have been my 'go-to' genre when I want a little romance and escapism, because if you met me you would know I am the most un-sporty person you are ever likely to meet. I have also heard a lot of good things about Kelly Jamieson, so I started the book with a certain level of expectation. Sadly, it was always going to be a struggle to stay invested in a story where the Heroine has such a fixation with cheese, and the constant use of phrases such as - 'For the love of cheese' 'Holy cheese whiz' Cheese-its For cheese sake... I knew pretty early on this one was going to be a bit of a slog, but the writing was sound and the story development steady, but add the above to the fact that our heroine also feels it's ok to up sticks and move to Chicago, without a job or any money behind her because her brother is a minted sportsman, and that its ok to expect him to allow her to move in and inconvenience his life to make hers comfortable, while playing the spoilt little princess... Well things kind of died a death, after that. I liked Marc, but nothing really stood out about him. But I think this may have been alot to do with the fact that Cheese Loving Lovey got annoying real quick and real early in the book. As I said the writing is sound, and the synopsis appealing. I really think it was more a case of character dislike more than anything for me, and I will certainly be reading the next release in the Aces Hockey the series, Off Limits is due for release November 15. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Burned by Darkness (Dragons of Eternity, #1); Author: Alexandra Ivy; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "There's not a witch in the world who has magic strong enough to keep out dragon-fire." Stars! Alexandra Ivy is an author new to me in as much that I have not read any of her work previous to Burned by Darkness, but as an author in general, she is one that I have been dying to read, for a long time, and this book being the first in the new Dragons of Eternity series, seemed like an ideal place to start. And happily I was right to wait. I love me some PNR, and this book had all the elements of the genre that I love so much, a sassy heroine, a dark, brooding, dominant alpha male, and a cast of entertaining and worthwhile secondary characters. Tayla, twenty-five years ago had the misfortune of believing she had been kidnapped from her father's gem shop, and sold to a dragon by Troll Slave-Traders, managing to use her then unknown skills to escape, she has been on the run ever since. Baine being the dragon Talya escaped from all those years ago, has been looking for her ever since. When he finally catches up with her, sparks fly, the fires of desire rage and the sheets on the bed literally go up in flames. But the story isn't just about this dragon finding his mate, Tayla finds out that her capture wasn't a simple kidnapping as she thought, and Baine realises that the woman he believes is his soul-mate, is not just going to lie down and accept her fate. Add into that her unknown skills have now become common knowledge and there are quite a few beings out to claim her as their own. He was a dragon who understood that wealth didn't only come in gold and silver, the greatest treasure was knowledge. There is quite a lot going on in this book, we get too meet a few characters that I hope will feature more in future books, and the author does a really good job of setting the scene and giving enough background for everything, without over doing it and detracting from Baine and Tayla's reconnection. The story was unique and well-paced, the sexy-times plentiful and perfectly described. I liked Tayla's ballsy attitude, and Baine's somewhat clumsy attempts to woo her. This is definitely a start of a series that I will be eagerly looking for more of in the future. It also makes me happy in the fact that I have a wealth of other books and series from this author that I can now go look up, and enjoy reading more of. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Night with the Tycoon (Whiskey River, #3); Author: Katherine Garbera; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Is it true... Do you do everything with your boots on?" Stars. Book three in the Whiskey River although entertaining enough, doesn't really offer much in the way of surprises. Wyatt Kelly is your standard one and done, commitment-phobe, and Juliette Rossi is the woman hoping that she can change him. As you would guess, all does not go according to plan, and what ensues is a month or two's worth of 'cat & mouse' between them. Both have deeper feelings for the other, but it all hangs on whether Wyatt can step out from his deceased fathers shadow, and disprove the old adage of the 'apple never falling far from the tree'. "I just don't do relationships. You're the first woman I've wanted to make things work with and frankly, I have no idea if I can." If you have an hour or two that you are looking for something, light, easy-going and relatively stress free to read then this would certainly be a book I would recommend, but having read the previous book in the series, this installment seemed to be a little lacking in the depth and emotional development of its predecessors. Nicolas and Xander Blue, are still to come, and I am looking forward to seeing what stories the authors of this series give them. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Seduced by the Baron (Fairy Tales of New York, #4); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Here's to well hung men who are good with their hands." Stars! Seduced by the Baron, was a pretty enjoyable end, to what has been an absolutely stellar series from Tule Publishing. Every book from the Fairy Tales of New York series has been easy to read, with a great set of recurring characters, a likeable couple and lots of sexy-times thrown in for good measure. Australia collides with New York in this one, with Faith Sullivan finally getting a chance at her own happily ever after with Beer Brewer, and all-round sexy-surfer Rafael Quartermain. After watching Mercy get together with Seb, Dawn and Finn finally reconnect and Zel and Ty go from frenemies to lovers, Faith had pretty much given up on ever getting her own happily ever after, especially as she is stuck running the family pub; Sullivan's, while her ailing father buries his head in the sand about important life decisions. Amy Andrews always manages to work a little light relief into her romances and I liked that about this book, Raf had the patter, and Faith had the comebacks and together their story, albeit a tad predictable towards the end, was still a joy to read. Tule Publishing have really set the benchmark high on this type of series, and I think the use of different authors for each book keeps things varied and interesting for the reader, there are an awful lot of publishers out there attempting to do the same thing that could definitely take a leaf out of their book, as to how it should be done. I cannot wait for more from them, and this wonderful group of authors in the future. Especially as we still have two Sullivan brothers awaiting their own happily ever after, I really hope one or more of the authors from this series steps back into the world that they have created at some point in the future and gives us their stories, and hopefully many more. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hard Ever After (Hard Ink, #4.6); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Only. Always. Forever. Stars! I have loved every book and novella in the Hard Ink series, the story-line and the couples it encompasses is quite simply Laura Kaye writing at her absolute best. As a reader I really could not have asked for more, and this novella to finish everything off was the icing on the wedding cake! I don't think I really need to write a long drawn out review for this one, it's Laura giving the Hard Ink fans one final visit to the guys and their women, in the form of Becca and Nicks wedding. "It's good to be back." It's not plain sailing, and one bad penny that the Team had initially thought they had removed from the equation returns to try and exact revenge on Nick and those he loves, on the eve of the wedding. Expect happy tears, sad tears as few laughs and a lot of contented sighs as this series sort of comes to an end. "This all feels right." Although there is a 1001 Nights novella on the horizon, but it features a side character and not one of the original Hard Ink crew. Hard to Serve Kyler Vance's book is due late June, and I hope we get a little update from Hard Ink Tattoos in the telling of his story. "To nights and friends I'll never forget." ARC generously provided by the publisher via InkSlingerPR, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Prince's Runaway Lover; Author: Robin Covington; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Happily ever after sounds really good to me." Stars! With each book I read by this author, I become a bigger and bigger fan of her work. I think you can tell from the title that The Princes Runaway Lover offers up one thing mainly, and that is - Pure. Reading. Escapism. Nick and Isabel's story was an absolute pleasure to read from the saucy start; to the sweet and romantic ending, and it took me back and reminded me of the many, many books of this style and story type that I lost myself in when I was a young(er) woman discovering romantic fiction for the first time. Don't be fooled though, although about a fictional Prince, and set in an imaginary country, this book has all of the traits I have come to adore and expect from Robin Covington. Sexy to its very end, add in a few unexpected surprises, a couple and story that I couldn't get enough of and this was a winner from start to finish for me. "I don't know whether to thank you... or walk away and leave you and your particular brand of trouble alone." As part of the Men of the Zodiac series this book can most certainly be read as a standalone, I have not read any of the previous books in the series, and it had absolutely no impact on my total enjoyment of this story. "I could make it so that midnight never comes for us." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Strong Enough (Tall, Dark, and Dangerous, #1); Author: M. Leighton; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "You'll either kill me or heal me." Stars! It has been a while since I have read a book by Michelle Leighton, her Bad Boys series is, and will most likely always be one of my all-time favorites, and I think that is one of the reasons that Strong Enough turned out to be such an enjoyable read as well. Written similarly to that series, this book pulled me in from the prologue (which also made me ugly cry) and kept me hooked until its end. Jasper and Muse are pretty much polar opposites, one dark to the others light, one closed off whereas the other is painfully open. The one thing they do have in common is that not everything is as it seems from initial assumptions, the only difference between them being is that one of them knows that fact, and the other is completely unaware of it, well at the beginning anyway. We all hide our real selves behind some kind of mask. The other thing I liked about this book, and again this is something that the author does so well, is that what you originally believe the path the story is going to take, then actually turns out to be nothing like the route it then follows. It keeps the reader on their toes, and the excitement at a constant fizz. "What I offer, I excel at providing." I have a massive soft spot for broken bad boys, and Jasper King epitomizes everything that I love, he is dirty, and sexy and he does it so well he is sooooo good to the point that he is bad in that respect. A dirty talker who backs up his words with equally dirty actions, and someone who isn't bothered with societies perceived rules and regulations on what is right and wrong, my heart was just as aflutter as Muse's was for most of the book. I liked his unpredictability as well, it keeps you on your toes as a reader when you have no idea what a character is going to do next. We also get to meet the rest of the men from the Tall, Dark and Dangerous series in Stong Enough, and Rogan is up next in Tough Enough, due November 2015, and Tag gets his story told in Brave Enough due April 2016, being ex-special forces and Jasper's team-mates, you just know that these two guys are going to be just as sexy, dirty and imposing as Jasper is, and that their stories are going to be just as heart-grasping and breathtakingly engrossing as well. "Do you really want to know what it feels like to play with a monster?" The strongest thread of this story is actually about Jasper and his team being double crossed, and although Strong Enough is based around the building of the relationship between Muse and Jasper, I can see a lot of thrills and spills coming in the following books as Tag and Rogan try and figure out who is targeting them and the reasoning's behind it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fan the Flames (Man of the Month, #3); Author: Michele Dunaway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "My forever mission." Stars! The third book in Michelle Dunaway's Man of the Month series continues in the stellar tradition of its predecessors. The author manages to take well used tropes and give them a fresh spin, with plenty of love, romance and entertainment for the reader to enjoy. I loved Scarlett and Brad together, a widow returning home to St. Louis after spending ten years as a military wife and mother, coming home was not a part of her plans until the loss of her SEAL husband, Todd. Brad being Scarlett's friend, and the best friend of her now deceased husband has had a case of the unrequited hots for her since their school days, but Todd got in first and he has kept his distance since. "You can depend on me. I'm here for you. I want to be here for you." Add a cute daughter into the mix, and Brad's discovery that the attraction is mutual between them, this couples reconnection and move into a relationship just made for the perfect romantic read, I struggled to put this book down and stayed up well past my bedtime to finish it. "I want to feel alive again. I want passion. I don't want to have died too." Have a few tissues handy, what with a healthy dose of survivor's guilt and unaddressed grief on both sides, flowing through their story, and a couple of letters towards the end that bring a massive lump to the throat, I was a bit of a blubbery mess when I finished! I cannot wait to see which man from the Sexy Public Servants of St. Louis Calendar has his story told next! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Texas Thunder; Author: Kimberly Raye; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "I'm no good at destroying people." Star. DNF @ 61% This book had all the elements to be a winner for me, The start of a series focusing around three sisters, set in Rebel, Texas. Featuring two families; the Tuckers and Sawyers that have been at odds with each other for many years... Sounds good right? Add in a sexy bull-rider who has returned to town after ten years to try and sort out his ailing grandfathers ranch, a guy who also has history with one of the aforementioned sisters and I was all-sorts of happy to start Texas Thunder. Especially when you take into account that he is a Sawyer, and she is a Tucker! "Life doesn't always work out the way we want." I stuck with this book as I was certain that at some point it would get moving, but at 61% very little has actually happened to develop the story, yes there is a little bit of intrigue and a couple of kisses. But the only real news we find out is the reasonings as to why Brett left Callie all those years ago... Apparently blowing your load in your pants prior to doing the deed for the first time is a really, really good reason to haul ass from the school prom and leave your date at the curbside... What really didn't help is that I didn't really find anything that like-able about the Tucker sisters on the whole, Callie seems to have a martyr complex being the eldest, and her younger siblings Jenna and Brandy (not that young both are working) are both happy to sit back and let her take everything on. I really wanted to like this book, I just lost interest waiting for it to start. ARC provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cowboy Take Me Away (Texas Kings, #2); Author: Soraya Lane; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "To old friends." Stars! I will be honest and admit that while I enjoyed the first book in the Texas Kings series, I wasn't wholly blown away by it. But there was something about the authors writing style that I liked, so I decided to give the second book Cowboy Take Me Away a chance. And I am glad I did, as Chase and Hope's second chance reconnection really ticked every one of my required romance boxes. "Nothing beats the truth." The author stuck to tried and tested tropes with this one, and although the storyline was totally predictable, I really enjoyed this book. Chase King like his brothers Nate and Ryder has a little something special for a girl to get her teeth into, and I liked that Hope was a strong and established woman in her own right. Both aren't certain that they are looking for a relationship, but neither of them can deny that the chemistry between them is just as strong as it was when they were last together five years ago. But Hope now has responsibilities, responsibilities that could change the whole course of their relationship once Chase finds out the full truth. "I've never mistaken you for a one-nighter, Hope, that's why I've always been waiting for a rematch." I am glad I stuck with this series now, as this book really was the perfect low-drama, romantic read for me. I am eagerly looking forward to Nate's story; I Knew You Were Trouble, due for release in June 2016, the final King to meet his match, although I get the feeling this one may be a bit of a tugger on the emotions with granddad's health being what it is. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue Streak (Blue #4); Author: Jules Barnard; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - She's a good girl. And I'm no boy next door. Stars! If you are on the look-out for a quick, sexy, medium level drama read, then I think Blue Streak fits into that box quite well. Book four in Jules Barnard's Blue series, this can easily be read as a standalone, I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, and I don't think it affected my reading enjoyment at all. Zach and Nessa have been friends for a long time, and while neither has taken it further, both are harboring some seriously lusty thoughts for the other. Zach is the player, while Nessa watches on with equal parts dismay and annoyance that he has put her firmly in the 'Friend-Zone'. That is until one night alone together, with one to many margaritas, and a hot tub are thrown into the equation. Zach is keeping some pretty heavy secrets when he and Nessa do decide to get it together, and rather than fess up he hopes that he can keep them from ever being discovered. As you would expect that idea doesn't work out so well for him, when Nessa, in the wrong place at the wrong time, see's something that will take some pretty serious explaining, and his only hope of reconciliation is to spill the beans. I don't deserve her, but the thought of losing her makes me crazy. Told in dual POV it was good too see inside both Zack and Nessa's heads as their story developed. This is the first work I have read by this author, and after finishing Blue Streak I would certainly consider reading more from her in the future! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Safe in His Arms (Unexpected Heroes, #0.5); Author: Melody Anne; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "They all fall... sometime." Stars. Melody Anne is an author new to me, so this little novella was the perfect way to introduce myself, to what was a really enjoyable and engaging writing style. Safe in his Arms is the first book in the Unexpected Heroes series, and Melody gives the reader a great introduction to the town and people of Sterling, Montana. Hawk and Natalie, were a likeable couple, and their story was easy to immerse myself in, along with the introduction to some pretty entertaining secondary characters. The main plus for me, is as this is the beginning of a series, and I enjoyed this book immensely, I know I have plenty of books and characters, with their own stories to look forward to reading in future months and (hopefully) years to come. "All the best things in life happen because of bad ideas." This novella wasn't a bad idea, this series looks like it will be a really, really good idea! and I cannot wait to see what Melody has in store for the Unexpected Heroes series, with the next release Her Unexpected Hero, due 24th February 2015.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Spaniard's Kiss; Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "One look and I was lost." Stars! I love me some Nina Croft, whatever the genre and tropes being used, she manages to deliver up a storyline that I get involved in and a couple that I want to see get the 'happily Ever After' they deserve. The Spaniard's Kiss is no exception, and I loved every minute of the time I spent reading it. "Are you real or just my imagination?" Isobel Sinclair has decided it's time to move on with her life, losing her husband unexpectedly two years ago has left her living day-to-day with no particular purpose or direction anymore, and it's time to make changes. Rafael Sanchez, her husband's best friend throws all those plans out the window initially in one sexy-hot kiss, unless she can persuade him to be the man to father the child she so desperately wants. I loved Rafe, he was sexy, honorable and held his secrets close to his chest, but when it came to Isobel and him together, the build-up between them and the sexual tension was off the charts, and it gave the story a real depth. "I don't want to be your fucking friend." I don't think anyone reading The Spaniards Kiss will be surprised with the storyline or the direction it goes, but as usual Nina has managed to write it all so well, and with such development and depth that it really is the perfect couple of hours of romantic reading escapism. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fairytale Beginnings; Author: Holly Martin; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - From this slumber, you shall wake, when true love's kiss, the spell shall break. Stars! I am a huge fan of Holly Martin and her books, they are quirky, entertaining and always a little bit different from your standard Chick-Lit type genre. So when one of my favorite authors decides to write a modern day fairy-tale, set in a quaint English village, featuring a magical castle, and Disney obsessed heroine, and a dashing, if somewhat grumpy hero, not to mention a cast of diverse and entertaining secondary characters, I am at the head of the queue to read that baby! Cameron Heartstone has been living in Clover Castle, for a few months now, having inherited it, lock, stock and draw-bridge, the last six months have basically been a battle to pay off the outstanding debts, and as the money has dried up, make all the staff (most of which, live in the village of Clover's Rest) redundant. He was grumpy, rude, sweet, funny and sexy as hell. Unpopular, ostracized and at the end of his tether, he asks Castle Heritage, to send one of their representatives to see if he is applicable for financial aid for the continued upkeep and restoration of the castle. Milly Rose's arrival at Clovers Rest is less than auspicious, after her car conks out by the village green, she finds herself stepping out into a village that time and modernization seem to have completely skipped by. "Those that stay there never leave." What follows is a romantic adventure of epic Disney proportions, with ghosts, curses, secret passages, treasure, an evil witch, magic and mayhem. Cameron and Milly together were sweet, sexy and very entertaining, and their love story, although not without its pitfalls was an absolute joy to read. I love this authors writing, you cannot help but be sucked into the stories that she tells, and Fairytale Beginnings is no exception. Beautifully written, well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns, it kept me amused and giggling frequently right up until its end. "And they all lived happily ever after." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was as it always is with Holly Martin's books, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hearts of Blue (Hearts, #4); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "If I wasn't me and you weren't you..." Stars! The one thing you can always be guaranteed of when you read a book by L. H. Cosway, is that you will be thoroughly entertained, and are likely to fall in love with the characters and their story line as the books progress. Hearts of Blue gives us the story between Lee Cross and Karla Sheehan, both of whom we were introduced to in the previous book in the series King of Hearts. This is a pair that couldn't really come from any further ends of the scale. Police Officer and Criminal. "You're too young for me..." "I'm perfect for you." One thing I love about this authors writing is that she never just takes a standard trope and runs with it, there is always something just a little bit different that makes everything stand out, black and white becomes a colorful spectrum, and what may be lost in shades of grey is vibrant and eye-catching. "Oh, Snap, what are we gonna do?" The same can be said for this book, as you would expect the path of this couple's relationship is very much filled with obstacles and issues, what with Lee's family being heavily embroiled in the criminal underworld of London, the untenable position this puts Karla in as they grow closer and their relationship develops is really well handled. The author doesn't glamorize this aspect of the book, and I really felt for her and Lee, because you know that they are both in situations that aren't wholly of their own making and just trying to make the best of things while keeping the collateral damage to their loved ones at the absolute minimum. "I look at you, I see a little piece of myself, but braver. That's why I like you." I will be honest and say there are two aspects of this book that didn't 100% gel for me this time, its didn't have a massive impact on my reading enjoyment, but they were niggles nonetheless and that is a first for me, with this author. We are stronger in the places that we've been broken. ~ Hemingway Karla Sheehan was a difficult character to wholly empathize with, I can't 100% put my finger on why I felt this way, but to say that I did find some of her reactions and decisions questionable on certain matters as the book progressed. There was a lot of internal monologue about not being with Lee, but it felt that after each lengthy mental dissection of the pro's and con's she just went and did it anyway. "Hurting with you is better than a painless life without you." My other niggle, and this may sound weird, is that this book is the first one I have read by L. H. Cosway that feels like it has been for want of a better word Americanized certain words, and phrases popped up throughout, and it lost a little of its London charm. This is me being extremely picky, and as I said; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Second Chance Summer (Cedar Ridge, #1); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Life's too short for fake butter, dip, or people." Stars! Unbelievable as this statement may be, it is no less true; this is the first book that I have read by Jill Shalvis. Have I been hiding under a rock, living with aliens or kidnapped and kept in someone's basement for the last twenty years, you ask yourselves... The truth is, this author was one on a long, long list that I have that is titled; 'must read something by them soon'. I did, and I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter. Cedar Ridge was rustic, remote and isolated, and only the hardy and durable lived there. *Packs bags, and heads to the airport!! I am a huge fan of a series that is set around a town/family and Jill Shalvis pretty much offered up everything I want to read in this type of book. Having not read anything by her before I was interested to see how quickly the story got going in relation to Aidan and Lily, and how much background and character development would be included in respect of the secondary characters, and she pitched it perfectly. The information provided was enough to keep you informed, but it didn't clog up the story developing between the main couple. "You'll get there when you get there. There's no rush." I fell in love with the Kincaid family, and the verbal sparring and pranks that the brothers get up to through this story were pretty damn funny, add in a mother that they are all uber overprotective about and a little sister that they cannot help but play Big Brother with and you can tell that this family is just going to grow and grow on you with each additional book. "She'd want you to live your life... not just mourn hers." Second chances, overcoming and embracing grief, reconnection with your old life and loves, as well as accepting that living in the past is not the way to move on into your future, are all important factors in this book. And reading Lily's story, and the massive part that Aidan played in it; past and present took me as a reader on an enjoyable and at points a roller-coaster of emotions. I literally couldn't put this book down because I enjoyed it that much. You root for this couple from the first chapter, up until the very end, and you are not left disappointed in any way. I am lucky in that I have dozens and dozens of books, stories and characters to get to know by this author now, but I will be paying particular attention for My Kind of Wonderful; Hudson Kincaid's book, which is due Christmas 2015, I have a feeling this series is going to be a keeper! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Christmas Cottage / Ever After; Author: Samantha Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I'm not ready to let you go." Stars. This is definitely a book of two halves for me, and if I am honest I sort of knew it would be from pretty much the beginning of The Christmas Cottage. We are essentially looking at two stories; the first between Lacey and Ean takes place pre-Ava's wedding, and the second; Ever After post the wedding. Of all the people to be trapped in a snowstorm with. I wasn't a fan of Ava in the first novella, as the blushing bride she came across as desperate and a little shallow, and she lived up to those expectations in Ever After. "If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were trying to get rid of me." However, the writing and storytelling is sound. My issues are purely with characterization and although this is the first work I have read from Samantha Chase, I would happily read more in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hotter You Burn (The Original Heartbreakers, #2); Author: Gena Showalter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Give me forever, or give me nothing." Stars! It has been a few years since I last read a book by Gena Showalter, and reading The Hotter You Burn bought back all-sorts of good memories for me. In relation to how entertaining this authors writing is, and how enjoyable her stories and characters are. Being the second book in The Original Heartbreakers series, and having not read the previous books, had absolutely no impact on my enjoyment, and I cannot recommend it highly enough whether you have or haven't read its predecessors. Beck Ockley and Harlow Glass were the perfect mix of snark, sass, sexual tension, one-liners, drama and back-story. Both of them are dealing with their own sets of baggage, not to mention the feelings and emotions that they start to provoke in each other the more time they spend together. "Stay close. I'll be coming for you." One thing you pick up on pretty quickly is that Mr. One-and-Done is really not looking to put himself between the folk of Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma and the towns pariah, but Harlow for all her bristle and bluster, brings out a protectiveness in him he has never experienced or felt for a woman before, especially when he realizes that having bought her family home out from under her, with his friends Jase Hollister and Lincoln West, she is essentially penniless, jobless and homeless. You can't help but fall in love with this story, Gena has put a little of everything in it, and the recipe is definitely a success. The sexual tension between these two in the first half of the book had me biting my nails and chewing on my bottom lip, when they get down to it, you know it is just the beginning of their ride into the unknown together. One wants everything, the other is used to giving nothing, can they together reach the happy medium of a healthy relationship? She wanted affection and love, the kind she'd read about in books and seen in movies. The kind where couples fought to stay together, even during the worst of times. The kind that protected. Defended. Cherished. I certainly won't be leaving it so long in the future before picking up another book by this wonderful author, The Harder You Fall West and Jessie Kay's story is due December 2015, but I also have the enviable treat of having the first two books of the series lined up on my Kindle to read very soon too! "That was..." "Only the beginning." ARC generously provided via Rock Star PR, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy Melody (Boudreaux, #3); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Your love is like a song, and our song is an easy melody..." Stars. My love rating for this one is based on the lack of any real story-line for Declan and Callie's story, the writing is the authors usual high standard, and it was no struggle to read. I think what disappointed me the most is the fact that the chapter you are given in Dec's POV at the end of the last book lead me to think that this story would be a frenemies to lovers type tale and that simply wasn't the case. "I didn't know the little things were so big until you." Dec asks Callie to dinner, and it's full steam ahead, in fact apart from the interaction with the rest of the Boudreaux clan and a visit to Seattle to check in with the Montgomery's from the With Me series there was very little story between our couple. And the misunderstanding at the end that lead to them not talking to each other for a week... well I still don't quite understand how the author managed to make such a mountain out of a mole hill, apart from the total change in Declan, as through pretty much the whole book he was Mr. Sweetly-attentive, and then without any real explanation to why he turned into Mr. Slightly-aloof, there was no real reason for things to have gone the way they went. Not what I was expecting, and I was hoping for more for this couple in general to be honest. Kristen moved the plot along for the family in general but Dec and Callie were more along for the ride than having any real or meaningful story play out around everything else.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Can't Resist Him (River Bend, #4); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "Call me soldier again... I dare you." Stars! I am always happy to return to River Bend and its inhabitants, Molly McLain has created a series that just keeps getting better with each book that she adds to it, and Jenny and Brody's story is absolutely no exception. I think what I liked most about Can't Resist Him, (apart from my favorite type of piercing!) is that both Jenny and Brody were both dealing with their own sets of issues. Jenny is mainly struggling with self-confidence and self-worth after years of being with the wrong types of men. He was as lost as she was. While Brody's feelings of guilt, his struggles with grief and the PTSD that he is afraid to admit to with his loved ones. But together they both offered the other what they needed to be strong and accept themselves and their pasts for what they are, and start looking towards the future. It made their story an outstanding and emotional read for me. But in a good way, I think if an author can pull you into a couple's story on an emotional level then they have nailed their personalities and characteristics perfectly, and Molly did this for me, and I pretty much read this book in one sitting. "You're going to make me love you... "That's the plan." There are some pretty entertaining moments between Brody and the guys, and Jenny with the girls as well, and I like that Molly always remembers to bring the previous River Bend couples in to the books so that you get a check-in with them, it keeps the series fluid, and makes the addition of new characters to the group and the town as it progresses easy to manage in relation to remembering them. If you hadn't already guessed I loved this book, I love this series, and I cannot wait for more from the town of River Bend and it's past and future couples in Molly's forthcoming releases. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taking Control (Kerr Chronicles, #2); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - You're like a good whiskey, bunny. Each minute that ticks by makes you taste better." Stars. Taking Control, pretty much takes up where Losing Control left off. This book is mostly from Ian's POV, but you get a little bit of Tiny thrown in here and there. Although I really enjoyed the continuation of this story, this book almost split into two halves for me, the first half seemed to be all about the sex and Ian trying to ensure that Tiny knew how much he loved her and valued their relationship. I'm not sure how many walls I've managed to tear down, how far inside the citadel of her heart I stand. The second half then delves back into the whole Richard Howe storyline, which started off in the first book and is a huge part of what initially brings Victoria and Ian together. Tiny's step-dad makes an appearance, as well as her step-brother Malcolm, but their involvement almost seemed secondary in this book, whereas Malcolm was very much in the forefront of Losing Control. I've bought my way into her heart and life. I'll lie, steal and cheat to stay there because nothing is worth more than her. There is a little intrigue and subterfuge running through this installment on the Kerr Chronicles and I liked the suspenseful aspect that Jen bought in. As their relationship progresses, there are also hints of potential future stories that could be told for the secondary characters involved. I am itching to see if the whole Kaga, Jake and Sabrina teasers that Jen added will morph into a book at some point in the future as well as the indication that there is relationship potential between Steve and Lauren. I hunger for something different now, more physical, more personal. If you loved Ian Kerr in the first book you will love him and his POV even more in this book, I enjoyed the writing immensely, Jen has given Ian a really witty and acerbic voice/sense of humour, but he is also a guy firmly in touch with his emotions and is not afraid to talk about and express them. I'm fucking terrified I'll lose her and then I'll be empty again. It's no secret I have a huge author-crush on Jen Frederick as well as her books. I loved Losing Control and Taking Control really offers the perfect closure on Tiny and Ian's story. I have everything crossed that the aforementioned secondary characters in this series, actually get their own stories told. Sadly, I am now back in the position where I am stuck waiting impatiently for her next release! She makes my world turn. ARC generously provided by the Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. *not this is a newly edited and revised version of the original book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Losing Control (Kerr Chronicles, #1); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - I'll never be done with you and your solid gold pussy." Stars! Ian -"I'm going to tell you a little bedtime story, Bunny. Once upon a time I was in Japan and I discovered this plastics company. I knew after the first tour of the company that I had to have it... I begged, cajoled, and finally bought my way in. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made and one that I arrived at in a day." Jen Frederick always manages to take your standard boy/girl romance and give it a fresh new twist. I love that although her characters have problems, you don't drown under an overload of angst and over-the-top drama. Losing Control is definitely another winner in my opinion, you have likeable characters in Victoria and Ian, and you have the drama from their pasts, as well as the challenges that they are both currently dealing with in their lives. Victoria - You can only deal with one days worth of shit at a time. Otherwise you're paralyzed by the fear of tomorrow. I think one of the reasons this book grabbed me so hard is I could understand a little of Victoria's struggles, by no means all of them, but the most important one. That is the feeling of helplessness when it comes to being unable to do the best that you can for a loved one, when in the end the decision is out of your hands, fate and destiny are ultimately in control and no matter how hard you fight, what you do, and however low you are prepared to go, the decision is still made without your input. Outward appearances would have you believe that Ian Kerr is in control, and for the most part he is, except when it comes to Victoria 'Tiny' Corielli. "I can see my future in your eyes, Tiny." After a chance meeting with her in through her shifty brother Malcolm, things don't go exactly to plan. Tiny needs money and lots of it, Ian has a job that could help with that problem, but until they meet she isn't sure as to what it entails... "You're the package today, sweetheart and you have delivered yourself right to my door." What really made this book for me, and what I liked the most was the conversations between Ian and Victoria, you do get a generous amount of internal monologue, but the main developments in their relationship evolve around their chatter and not what they're thinking. Ian has a dirty, dirty mouth, which is always a plus for me, and Jen's writing as usual, at points had me squeezing my thighs together to alleviate my own 'discomfort'... "Let me be perfectly frank with you, Victoria. There are lots of things that I'd like you to do for me. some of them involve you on your knees. Others require you bent over a table. All of them require me to be between your legs." "Who say's we'll be sleeping? I anticipate a lot of rigorous activity followed by; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Only, Always, Forever (Hard Ink, #3.6); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "For you, always." Stars! Nick and Becca, sigh... Just loved this couple "Without you, I wouldn't have found a way back to myself." A short and sweet treat, and a lovely little addition to the series. I miss the Hard Ink guys, I just wish the two offshoot series the author has produced since it's finish, offered up less 'done to death, and then-some' tropes. Still love Laura Kaye's writing though.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: RUSH (Rush #1); Author: Emma Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "If I could see just once more-just one thing in this world-it would be you." Stars! I am not going to write a review giving you a complete run-down of the plot for Rush I could quite easily and it would probably end up being all gushy and rambling, but I think the synopsis gives enough details about the essence of the story for any reader to work out whether the third book in the City Lights series is going to be something you do or don't want to read. This is one of those books that as a reader, I struggle to find on a regular basis. It pulled me in, from the first page, and I became emotionally invested in the characters and their story very quickly, so much so I forwent food (if you knew me, you would understand the significance of that statement!), ignored work and generally just spent the day immersed in Noah and Charlotte's story. "What does he need?" "Someone who stays." I think the main theme of this story, and the thing that brings them together is grief, and the author explores it in its different forms in this book. Grief from loss of a loved one, and grief from the loss of something so integral to most people's normal everyday lives. Adjustment; another thing that they both go through, one by closing off her heart to the one thing that makes it really beat, the other closing his life to everyone and everything that he used to know prior to losing his sight. "I don't want to let go." Together they both learn to adapt, and look at life differently, and what starts out a little unpredictable and jagged between them gradually calms and evens out. I liked the build-up and the understanding this couple have for each other as they spend more and more time together, Noah with his boat load of issues, is forced to look at his life differently when Charlotte enters it, and Charlotte is pushed to reassess her goals after seeing the daily challenges Noah encounters and overcomes on his path back to the land of living slightly differently than he did before. "I think you have been left alone long enough." We also get a healthy dose of love as well, but it wasn't insta-anything, everything took the right amount of time to develop and build between them, and I fell in love with them as they fell in love with each other. Some books make you stop and think, some books make you stop and look at the world around you, and some books make you stop and appreciate that you are luckily enough to be able to just read a book. Rush did all of those things, and I want to thank the author for generously providing me with an ARC, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest (and hopefully not too gushy) review!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Back to Yesterday; Author: Pamela Sparkman; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 5+ - Life is a journey and some journeys take longer than others. Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url]-... Amazon UK - [url]... Five Star reviews for this book have been blowing up my GR feed for a couple of weeks now, and rightly so, Pamela Sparkman has put her heart and soul into the writing of Back to Yesterday and you can feel it with every page you read, and with every step further you go into Charlie and Sophie's story. I have been with this author on her writing journey since the beginning, I knew when I read Stolen Breaths back in 2014, that at some point in the future she would deliver a book that would exceed every expectation I have of her, and I have high expectations, and boy did she deliver. This is a love story that spans the decades, through war and peace and everything in-between. "I can't stay and you can't follow." Anyone who has read anything from this author before will know who Sophie McCormick is, she's the secondary character that manages to steal the limelight (in a good way) in every previous book that Pam has written, the feisty old lady that everyone defers to, the matchmaker that everyone scoffs at, but then ends up falling, and hard, just as she planned. This is her story, this is Charlie's story and it is unforgettable in its telling... Starting in 1943, the author takes you back to America, during the war, you are given a snap-shot of what life was like for those working for the war effort, and for those waiting for someone to return from the war. Charlie is recuperating from an injury obtained whilst flying in Europe, and while recovering meets Sophie, but she is reluctant to get involved, and as their story progresses you understand why her abandonment issues are so prolific. But what starts as a bet develops into so much more of the intervening months. Wherever she was, my heart was also. The relationship between Charlie and Sophie grows at a steady pace, the author tells the story over several layers in that, his time in Europe, their time together before, and after are all interweaved, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. Although a romance, there are a few points when your pulse is pounding with nerves, and a few where your eyes are watering with tears, it's just in essence the total package. "I don't know if I could do it justice." I have given myself a couple of days to write this review, as I feel I owe it to the author to give her the best review I possibly can. She deserves it, Back to Yesterday is more than worth it. And although I don't think I can every fully impart just how wonderful this book was for me as story, and the emotions I felt for Charlie and Sophie as they took their journey together, I hope that I have gotten across just how special; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Playing For Her Heart (Gamers, #2); Author: Megan Erickson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "How'd a soldier like you learn to lick a woman like that?" Stars! The second book in the Gamers series pretty much takes up where its predecessor Changing His Game left off. Except this book focusses on Gamers Magazine owner Grant Osprey, and the woman he meets at a Comic-Con gathering. This is a book of coincidences and collisions. Grant and Chloe agree on one night, but neither of them really forgets the other, what follows are lots of unplanned meetings and connections between the pair, it is almost as if fate is stepping in and telling them that they should look to be more than just one night... "Ah, Princess. You sure know how to pay a debt." This was an easy-going read, Megan Erickson definitely has a diverse and dirty imagination when it comes to writing some pretty stellar sexy scenes between her couples and I loved Grant's predilection to spanking pretty much any part of Chloe that he could get his hands on! My one niggle, and this is my personal tastes and does not detract from me recommending the book at all, is that I am getting a bit bored of the usual familial drama being added to books of this nature now. It seems that in pretty much every one I read nowadays someone is always dealing with unnecessary guilt and feelings of inadequacy over issues they have or had not control over, like all trends its getting a bit overused and played out now for me. "You wouldn't want the real me." We see a lot of Ethan in this book as well, and I really hope that Megan gives us his story next. "Take care of my girl." ARC generously provided via Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Melting Point (Hot in Chicago, #1.5); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Let's not wank before we can walk." Stars! Loved it. Gage deserved to get his happily ever after, and Brady was the perfect moon to his sunshine. "Guy's like you don't go for guys like me." A few laughs, plenty of feels and Kate Meaders' distinctive writing style made this novella a perfect couple of hours reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Playing with Fire (Hot in Chicago, #2); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "You planning on kissing my cock later with that mouth?" Stars! I love Kate Meader's writing style, and I think the main issue I have with this book (hence the rating) and similarly to the first one in the Hot in Chicago series is that due to their length the writing loses a little of the authors usual punch in delivery. Both novellas were absolutely stellar, but I really struggled with keeping my reading focus, especially for the first half of the book. I loved Eli, him and Alexandra have been circling around each other like snarky vultures throughout most of the series, so it was good to finally see the two of them actually squaring off against each other. "You never fail to bring out the worst in me." Alex was a little harder to get along with, I loved her snark, the fact she didn't take any of Eli's shit lying down, and that she stood up for herself with her brothers and anyone else who dared to get in her face, but at times... I don't know, I think due to the pace/length of the book some of her reactions just seemed a little overblown, over dramatic and a tad immature. In parts I could understand this especially as she became more aware of the levels that Eli had stooped to spend time with her. "I'm a no good dirty, rotten bastard who knows what he wants and will fight like hell to get it. I'll destroy anyone who says anything against you, who lays a hand upon you, who gets in my fucking way." Dirty, confident and dominant, terms that can be used to describe both of them to be honest, and on that front and when the sexy times happened, they were stellar. "No one else will satisfy you... not even your own fingers. If I'm in the room, in this city, on this goddamn planet, I will be the one who takes care of you. We clear?" I really did like them together, I just found again that the length of the book diluted Kate's one-liners, pithy retorts and entertaining inner-monologues, it was very much slow, quick, slow, quick for the most of the story. Great ending and epilogue, I just wish the book was a little shorter. I'm here. I'm not leaving. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blackmailed By The Hero (Gone Hollywood, #2); Author: Julie Particka; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Don't knock the vaj - those things can take a pounding and come back for more." Stars! I really enjoyed Blackmailed by the Hero, being the second book in Julie Particka's Gone Hollywood series we are now given Vicky Stone's story, she is the younger sister of Actor Evan Stone (book one). Dante and Vicky have history, being her brother's best friend, Vicky has known him loosely for quite a while, but their initial meeting was just before she was due to get married. Seeing the unmistakable chemistry start fizzing between them at that initial meeting, Evan warns her off Dante, in the hope that she carries on down the aisle. "I don't want a hero... I didn't ask for one, and I don't need one." Fast forward five years, and Vicky now newly divorced is trying to move on with her life, waitressing for Elegant Entertainment her plan is to get enough experience and earn enough money to start her own event planning business. Stepping out of her comfort-zone, puts her in the wrong bed, but luckily Dante is definitely the right guy... One is striving for independence, the other wants to give the sun, moon and stars and reading of them both moving past their pre-conceived impressions of the other, whilst negotiating the pitfalls of a relationship potentially in the public eye, was pretty enjoyable. "Sorry, I don't french this early." Blackmailed by the Hero, is a quick, sexy and enjoyable read. Lots of one liners and verbal sparring. The pre requisite villain, plenty of sexy-times and Dante Palladino has a little somethin' special, which makes this girl's nethers go all aquiver! ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Melting Into You (Falcon Football #3); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: graphic, comics, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I wonder what would have happened if our paths had crossed in college." Stars! Laura Trentham has become a firm favorite over the past year. Her Falcon Football series pretty much has epitomizes everything that I look for as a reader in books of this genre. Each book focuses on a particular couple, and whilst their plot grows the story for the town and it's residents develops alongside. Lilliana and Alec have been circling each other for a while, and their verbal sparring in this books predecessor Melting into You brings back fond memories. As the towns Buildings Inspector, they have had more than a few run-ins over Hancock House the family homestead that Lilliana inherited from her grandmother, being in a state of disrepair, Lilliana has struggled with the expense and the sheer size of the renovations and re-decoration that the house needs to be bought up to code to enable her to open as a Bed & Breakfast. "People make mistakes. Most people deserve a second chance." As the book progresses, you also find out the reasons for Liliana's apparent dislike for Alec, as well as the background on why Alec remains aloof and closed off from pretty much everyone in his life. Laura always manages to thread a secondary story through the plot of the characters that are in the forefront, and the thread in this one has been a situation that has gradually been unraveling as each book in the series has progressed, it really worked for me, and the side order of excitement really kept the pace of the plot moving along. "My boobs normally turn intelligent men into Neanderthals." I loved that this couple, although both nursing past hurts and insecurities, as well as feeling hugely vulnerable putting their hearts on the line with each other, do just that. Alec although initially appears gruff and uncommunicative actually turns into a sweet, endearing and thoughtful guy. Lilliana has been used to men treating her a particular way in the past, and it was good to read of Alec pushing past the walls of false confidence that she had built to discover the sensitive, but still incredibly ballsy woman inside. "You don't have to do that. Not with me." Another great thing was being able to catch up with the couples from the previous books, I believe that Melting into You is the last book in the series, which in a way is good, as Laura Trentham has definitely ended on a high. Saying that though, I would happily revisit this town and its characters if she did decide to go back for future visits as I have absolutely loved every minute that I have spent in Falcon. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: As Lost as I Get; Author: Lisa Nicholas; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "How do you lie for a living?" Stars! As Lost As I Get is the first book I have read by Lisa Nicholas, and I have to say I was really impressed with it, the storyline, the characters, everything came together perfectly and offered up a really distinctive and engrossing read. "The most important thing is that you stay safe." Second chance love is a trope that I usually get on really well with especially when it is delivered up with a little twist on the norm, add in a unique environment, a unusual back-story for both our main characters, and a plot that twists, turns and keeps you on your toes from its beginning and this was a book that I eagerly devoured. Zoe and Lee were a great pair of characters, both independent, strong and stuck in a life threatening situation together, you would think that their connection would be tenuous and of the fleeting variety due to the highly stressful circumstances they are going through, but with the fact they have a past between them, it just makes everything they go through and the feelings that they are rediscovering for each other even more stronger. This is a book that took me completely by surprise, and in a very good way. I like my romance to be offered up a little different and the author really excelled in that area. I will definitely be looking to read more from Lisa Nicholas in the future. ARC generously provided by the publisher via Barclay Publicity, LLC, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: MacKenzie Fire (Shine Not Burn, #2); Author: Elle Casey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Some people are just clueless." Stars! This series literally came out of left field, took me for a horse-back ride, it made me cry with laughter, wet myself with laughter, and generally gave me all sorts of good times. I think it takes an author with a lot of skill to write such a character as Candice and keep her entertaining without veering into the annoying. "Go away I'm unconscious right now." Her inner monologue alone was the stuff of comedy gold, add into it the escapades she gets up to with Ian and the general mayhem that seemed to follow her around, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this book. "Whack the kitty." Elle Casey with this series has moved from an unknown to an unforgettable author to me. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Win Me Over (Hearts and Crafts, #2); Author: Nicole Michaels; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "This aint football, big boy. This is dance." Stars! Win Me Over is the second book in Nicole Michaels Hearts and Crafts series, and it follows on pretty much where Start Me Up left off, only this time we have Callie Daniels and Bennett Clark as the main characters. To say I was impressed with book one would be an understatement, but I am even happier now as this book was just as enjoyable as its predecessor. School Football Coach and School Dance Coach come together in aid of a local fund raising dance competition. Little do they know that their chemistry on the dance floor soon morphs into something even hotter outside of practice. "Are you being dirty, Coach Clark?" This series has pretty much gone from good to even better with this addition, I liked Callie and Bennett together and the inclusion of all of the characters that we met in the first book as well as some new ones, kept up the momentum of the series as a whole. Both Bennett and Callie are keeping more than a few secrets from each other at the beginning of the book, but as their story progresses things start to be revealed. I loved Eric, his conversations with Callie, both verbal and through BFF mental perception, made for a few giggles, not to mention Anne and Lindsey having equal page space as Callie's Blog partners on My Perfect Little Life, and the development of the series as a whole, everything was well written and perfectly paced. Draw Me Close; Lindsey and Derek's story is due March 2016 (which seems like ages to wait for this desperate reader!) Given their interactions in Win Me Over I am expecting fireworks between them, and more than a few bumps in the road for their relationship. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Start Me Up (Hearts and Crafts, #1); Author: Nicole Michaels; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I've thought about you every day since I met you." Stars! Start Me Up was an absolutely brilliant beginning to the Hearts and Crafts Series. I loved Anne and Mike. Their chemistry and the story development in general set off at a steady and enjoyable pace. Anne's daughter Claire added a little light relief, and her friends and co-bloggers on My Perfect Little Life Callie and Lindsey offered great scope for their future books. I love a series, set in and around a small community and Nicole Michaels has provided the perfect opener for plenty of more books in the future, with a wealth of characters and places around town that can be incorporated along the way. "We'll call it even once I've seen you naked." Callie is up next in Win Me Over, and I am looking forward to seeing where her story takes me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wilde at Heart (Wilde Security, #3); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 1 - "Word of advice, stay away from the poker tables. A blind man could read your tells." Star. DNF @ 75% It pains me to write this sum up. Wilde at Heart has been a long anticipated book on my TBR, so starting it was meant to be my weekend highlight. It may be a case of 'it's not you, it's me but something felt seriously off for me with this book from the beginning. "You can't tarnish something that was never polished to begin with." I struggled with both Reece and Shelby as people, and if I am being honest the chemistry between them, felt pretty non-existent, even during their hot and heavy moments. Changing who you are to please someone else never works." There is so much going on in this book it is hard at points to work out what is meant to be the focal point and who is actually relevant to the situation. The are a few sub-plots going on as well, and it all just felt overly busy. Personally one of the problems they were dealing with would have been enough, but you have all the added drama of the rest of the Wilde family included in this one, it felt like it was much, much more than the previous books, and too much for most of this one. My other issue, is the way everyone treated each other in this book, Eva in particular (Shelby''s sister, now married to Cam Wilde) if my sister spoke to me, and disrespected me the way she did to Shelby, irrispective of it being true or not, we would not be talking, and punches would likely have been thrown in the route to this. I just found everyone so judgmental in this book. I am sure I will be in the minority with my feelings, and I hate that I didn't love this book. I feel like I have been waiting forever for it, and I have hope that this is just a blip in the Wilde Security series overall, as I have a huge soft spot for the Wilde brothers. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Running Wilde (Wilde Security, #4); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Who do you want to be?" Stars. Tonya Burrows picks up the pace again in the fourth book of the Wilde Security series. Thankfully, after being left more than disappointed with its predecessor Wilde at Heart; Vaughn and Lark's story was a more welcome addition to what is overall still a pretty good series. This one had a bit of a 'Road-Trip' theme running through it, as well as a healthy dose of 'Cat & Mouse' to keep the plot moving. Lark has been on the run for longer than she cares to remember, and Vaughn is the first man to have ever caught up with her until now that is. "You're cute I'll give you that." Both are dealing with separate issues as their reconnection grows, Vaughn has unwittingly put himself in the cross-hairs of the local mob boss, who is looking to 'Make him an offer he can't refuse', and Larks reasons for being on the run and changing her identity on a regular basis are also revealed. The banter between the Wilde brothers is stellar as usual, and I liked the slight cross-over between this one and the HORNET series. I did struggle a little with the actual connection between Lark and Vaughn for most of the book, but as is to be expected Tonya delivers with the sexy-times. The elusive and for the most part unknown, Greer Wilde is due to have his story told next, and bearing in mind he had played almost no part in the series so far, I am interested to see what adventure Tonya takes us on with his story. ARC generously provided in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Too Wilde to Tame (Wilde Security, #5); Author: Tonya Burrows; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "And break..." Stars! Tonya Burrow's returns with the fifth and final book in the Wilde Security series. Five books, over three years, not forgetting the numerous cover changes in that time, and we are finally given Greer Wilde's story, the eldest Wilde brother is carrying more than a few troubles on his shoulders and the author took a good 65-70% of the book exploring them while he carried on looking into the deaths of his parents. "What kind of trouble are you in?" "I don't know yet." I liked Natalie, a confident woman not afraid to stand up to grouchy Greer, but for me the story took too long to get going. The intimacy between them is very limited and the suspense aspect of the book played out in a rush towards the very end of the book. "You're too complicated..." "I'm complicated... How's that?" "You're too close." "Too what?" "To me." I certainly didn't struggle to read Too Wilde to Tame, and the banter between the Wilde siblings when they finally get back together bought a few giggles on, but I was kind of expecting more. More story, more sex, more depth, more development seeing as this book was the culmination of the series, and the explanation to Greer's absence through most of the previous books, it just lacked a little impact. "You look good with a smile." Decent epilogue though, and I hope we get some updates on the guys and their women through future HORNET books. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sacked (Gridiron, #1); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I started my life the day I met you. Everything before then was just practice." Stars! Its Live! It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Jen Frederick's writing. I think mainly because whatever trope or theme she decides to turn her writing hand to she does extremely well and with her own unique twist. This can certainly be said for Sacked with the slew of college based romances centered around the players and the women who eventually tame them out there right now, Jen has once again took a very popular and current storyline and turned it on its head enough to make it all her own. "You can run... but this campus is too small for you to hide." I really liked Knox and Ellie, the author pretty much reversed their positions as to what you would normally expect, especially with a book of this type, in that Knox is the one looking for commitment and a relationship, and Ellie is the one trying to keep things on a casual level. Add into the mix the fact he is a virgin, and this was a book I struggled to put down. "We don't get to pick the family we're born into... But we do get to choose the family we live with. I choose you. You're all I'll ever want." As the book progresses you find out a few of the reasonings as to why she does this, and again the author managed to keep the delivery of the drama and angst at just the right levels, in that it added to the story developing between them but didn't detract from its overall direction and flow. The banter between the guys in the team is another thing that I really enjoyed in this story, Ellie's brother Jack and her room-mate are also really great additions to the book as well. "Welcome to disappointment. It's character building." Knowing that this is the beginning of a series make me all-sorts of happy, Jen has definitely started it in absolutely stellar fashion with Sacked, and I cannot wait to see where she takes the Western State Warriors series next. "Waiting can be worth it." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers, #1); Author: Gena Showalter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "Let's do this again never." Star. DNF If having a selfish asshole for a sister wasn't bad enough, then getting involved with a guy that bounced said sister on and off his cock in the space of an hour at the start of the book, pretty much nailed the coffin shut on this story for me. I still like the series in general, so hope the next book(s) don't follow in the same vein. The over use of the phrases man meat & lady meat got pretty annoying too.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The One You Want (The Original Heartbreakers, #0.5); Author: Gena Showalter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: ...I want you back in my arms...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Who do You Love; Author: Jennifer Weiner; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You told me a story." Stars! Who Do You Love is the first book that I have read by Jennifer Weiner, and I would certainly look to read more from her in the future. This is a story that spans 30 odd years, and takes in the lives of two very different, yet also deeply connected people. Rachel and Andy meet when they are 8, in an ER of all places, Andy is waiting for his errant mother to arrive so he can receive treatment, Rachel being a frequent flyer on the hospital wards is hanging out and watching the world go by. A friendship is made and a bond is formed. You then get too see what happens to them over the years (starting in 1985) and told from both POV's it gives the reader the opportunity to get into both characters heads at the pivotal points in their lives. This was a pretty long book, and at points it felt it too. As you would expect a lot goes on in this story, where you have a comfortably off woman, and a guy who has had to literally fight tooth and nail for everything he has ever wanted. The twists and turns are sometimes predictable and sometimes not. "What do I do now?" Andy and Rachel's times apart are just as instrumental to their overall story as the times when they are together, but for me there were long swathes where not much happened at all, reading the book was a little like interval training, an all-out sprint for a couple of minutes, followed by an hour of leisurely strolling. The balance wasn't quite right and I did find my mind wandering when the strolling went on for too long. This is a book about life, its ups and downs and how it is lived from opposite ends of the spectrum, how we perceive others, how we look at ourselves, how you can have everything, but it meaning nothing if you don't have the people you love to share it with, and how having nothing is sometimes better when your heart is whole, your intentions are true and the people who mean the most to you are standing strong at your side. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All I Want (Animal Magnetism, #7); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "No worries, I've got this." Stars! Book seven in Jill Shalvis' Animal Magnetism series starts off with an erroneous kiss, and builds on that initial contact as the story between Zoe and Parker progresses. It is the first book I have read from this series, and it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I read a lot of books, and I can honestly say that there are only two authors that I know I can go back to time and time again, and pick up any of the many books they have written, read and never come away disappointed. I only discovered this author's work recently, but I already have the feeling after two books that she is quite likely to become number three on that list. "With you I'm never hard to get. I'm just hard." You can tell when reading this book that the characters of Sunshine, Idaho and the couples that the author has created are going to be a group that you are going to be happy revisiting time and time again. Not just romance, this book focuses on Parker's need to bring to justice the criminal that bought about the death of one of his colleagues. Supposedly on personal leave his arrival in Sunshine, is more than just a coincidence as it is also close to the place that the man he is hunting was last seen. "Time to fill in some blanks, Mr. Mysterious." I really liked Zoe and Parker together, their chemistry went from simmer to boil very quickly, and the verbal sparring between them kept me entertained enormously. Add in a dog that barks and farts, two errant kittens and a cast of likeable and relatable characters and this is a really well rounded and easy to get engrossed in romance. "With you I'm more unsure than I've ever been." Another series I have dipped into late, and cannot wait to settle in and read the preceding books as well as any future releases, there were characters in this book that you can tell have stories to be told, and I look forward to reading them. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Kind of Wonderful (Cedar Ridge, #2); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - 'Mountain Hottie' Stars! What can I say about Jill Shalvis, that hasn't already been said. I consider myself lucky in that I only discovered her writing this year, what makes me lucky? I have dozens and dozens of books by this author that I can now take my time and immerse myself in, and nothing gets this reader more excited than a series, and Jill has certainly got quite a few of those on the go that I have some serious catching up to do with. "I don't need options... I just need you." I fell in love with this authors writing with the first book in the Cedar Ridge Series, and I didn't think any of Jill's other guys could top Aidan Kincaid from Second Chance Summer, but he has just been slightly pipped by his brother Hudson. She'd fallen in love with Cedar Ridge, with the people in it, with the life she'd made for herself here... With Hudson Kincaid. I think what makes books by this author so easy to read is that although the characters are all dealing with their own sets of problems and dramas, Jill never takes it to the point that you get ground down by angst. Bailey for instance, is living to the fullest due to having spent a large part of her life so far dealing with a debilitating illness that meant she never had the chance to experience much of anything. Enter 'The List' and Bailey's reasons for being in Cedar Ridge. "You have no idea what you're doing right?" "When it comes to you? Hell no... With you I'm so far out of my league, I can't even see the league." Hud is the same, dealing with being the main carer for a parent with mental issues and the feelings and emotions attributed to not knowing where his twin brother is and how he is doing. These things could lead to major angst and drama overload, but Jill pitches it all just right, and you come away with the positives of the situations and not all depressed about everything. Romantic. Feel-good. Wholly entertaining. This couple had it all, and were just and absolute pleasure too read together, and separately as they both work out that you can have something you want, even if it doesn't necessarily fit into the plans that you had originally laid out for yourself. "Love is worth it." I have fallen for the residents of Cedar Ridge and even more-so for the Kincaid family in general, the banter, the kinship and just the total family togetherness makes this series and each book so far, not-to-be-missed books to add to your TBR. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nobody But You (Cedar Ridge, #3); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I'm yours for the duration." Stars! I am a huge Jill Shalvis fan, and seeing that the Cedar Ridge series, is how I discovered how much I like her writing and story-lines, I have a pretty big soft spot for it. "I'd never bet against you." I have been waiting for the elusive Jacob Kinkaid to have his story told, and the author once again didn't disappoint. As expected our leading man is paired with a strong and sassy female, but both of them are not without their own issues, that they are working through. "I'd be happy to put you over my knee... If you asked real nice." Revealed and explored at a steady pace, as the story between them as a couple and the Kinkaid clan as a whole progresses. You just can't help but immerse yourself in it, and enjoy each and every page. "You always were a charmer." Another winner, I hope that Kenna and Mitch are given their story next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragon Fall; Author: Katie MacAlister; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "We are not in any sense of the word ordinary." Star. DNF @ 76% This went from enjoyably ridiculous, to ridiculously annoying. The most entertaining character in the book... Jim the talking demon dog. Aoife, has a choice selection of phrases she uses, which at the beginning were endearing, but got way too repetitive and annoying as the book went on, below for your delectation are just a few of said exclamations - "Holy cheese on whiz!" "Sweet sadistic salamanders!" "Sweet salty balls!" "Sweet Samarian sandals!" "Sweet suffering Sycophants!" "Sweet scuppering salamanders!" Add in the regular use of words like - - Hurty - Ploppies - Noogies - Boobies (don't mind this one usually, but on top of everything else, notsomuch!) I lost the actual point and the direction of the storyline with all of this going on, and I haven't got the energy to try and pick it up again. This is my first book by Katie MacAlister, if the writing style used in Dragon Fall is her usual way to tell a story, I think it is best we part ways now. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Shine Not Burn (Shine Not Burn, #1); Author: Elle Casey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "King Dong." Stars! I think you can tell from the level of 5 star reviews just how good this book is. It is my first by this author and there is absolutely no doubt that it won't be my last. "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but sometimes the trouble follows you home." It's not a new storyline by any means but the quality of Elle Casey's writing, story-telling and characterization in Shine Not Burn is what makes it stand out. The only thing that slightly tarnished the shine for this and knocked half a star off... a supposedly intelligent woman making stupid decisions, for the most part is was pretty funny, but towards the end I found Andie's constant denial of her feelings towards Gavin a bit heartless, especially as it didn't then stop her from sleeping with him repeatedly. "I lost my brain an hour and three margaritas ago." To be honest, the niggle is me being really picky, I loved this book and the Mackenzie family as a whole, Ian Mackenzie gets his story told next in Mackenzie Fire and it is lined up and ready to go on my Kindle. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Cassidy; Author: D. Kelly; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "I've known you since we were six years old and I've loved you for as long as I can remember." Stars. I think you need to be in a certain mood to read and enjoy Chasing Cassidy, and in the main I really enjoyed it, but due to the subject matter it deals with, is very heavy on the angst and drama, if that's not your thing then this is probably not the book for you. "My instincts are always to run now." It's safe to say that Cassidy hasn't had the greatest start in life, having suffered years of physical abuse by her alcoholic father her one light in the darkest of times has been Zach Stafford. Zach knows what she went through as a child, he made it his mission to put a stop to it, and even now, after she leaves him at the altar, loves her unreservedly. My happiness begins and ends with her. As you would expect Cassidy now older, and now living her own life away from her father's poisonous influence has more than a few personal issues that she is dealing with (you get to experience a lot of what she went through with flashback paragraphs throughout the book told from her and Zach's POVs). Low self-esteem and lacking confidence, are but the tip of the iceberg. And after running out of her Wedding to Zach, and their subsequent reconnection in Hawaii, you are given the full story from both sides. A few secrets are revealed as the book progresses, as well as a lot of self-recrimination, anger, acceptance, facing up to the past, dealing with the consequences of your actions, and the rebuilding of trust as the foundation of a strong and healthy relationship, and not forgetting an extremely large amount of crying from all parties, so much so that I almost became immune to it towards the end. "To forgive is to love." This wasn't an easy book to read by any means, but if you can pull yourself through the rollercoaster of feelings and emotions that you and the characters ultimately go on, you do come out the other side the better for it... I also found lots of wine and large bars of chocolate helped greatly too! ARC generously provided, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her Alaskan Hero (Alaskan Hero, #1); Author: Rebecca Thomas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Alaska isn't a place for a woman like you." Stars! Her Alaskan Hero is the first book I have read by Rebecca Thomas, it's also the first book in the Alaskan Hero series. Sabrina finds herself on a flight to Alaska, with only her wedding dress and a suitcase full of bikini's. Having expected to now be married an on her way to Hawaii for her honeymoon, having her groom leave her a Dear John letter just as she's about to walk down the aisle, ruins her plans somewhat. "This isn't California." A long way from home, and looking to keep herself well out of the public eye, Sabrina ends up at Forresters Lodge and in the company of the sexily rugged Zak Forrester. "I'm a serious kind of guy. I don't generally kiss women unless I really mean it." The relationship dynamic between this couple is reversed a little in that Sabrina is the one eager to get things going, while Zak held back. Pretty understandable, seeing as she's just turned up unexpectedly, potentially on the rebound and is pretty much the polar opposite of every woman Zak has ever met previously. Can they overcome their differences, and the obstacles thrown in their path to become something more to each other? This was a quick, sweet opposites attract tale, well written, with likeable characters, a few giggles and a low drama storyline. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blood and Metal (Dark Desires #5); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "There's something about danger that makes my dick hard." Stars! I have been a huge fan of the Blood Hunter/Dark Desires Series since its beginning. Blood and Metal gave me the opportunity to spend some more time with Rico, Captain Tannis and the rest of the Blood Hunter crew, hand as usual Nina Croft did not disappoint in giving us Fergal and Daisy's story. "I don't want to be on my own anymore." As you would expect there are the usual thrills, spills, laugh-out-loud one liners, and hot, hot sexy times in this one. But Nina also brings the story full circle, The Church of Everlasting Life, with Temperance Hatcher at its helm is wreaking all sorts of havoc across the Trakis system and as such anyone who is not fully human is living under threat of elimination. "I can be a killer or a pervert. What a choice." Fergal's reasoning's for being where he is and for what he is ultimately doing are more closely tied to the Blood Hunters mission than is initially known, and as the book progresses it's not only Daisy's daily struggles with her new identity, and their reconnection that plays out, as more than one twist to the tale is discovered. This is a book I just couldn't bring myself to put down, Nina Croft is one of my go-to authors, because whatever genre she writes I know she will deliver, on this book, and with this series in general she did It in spades. "You want to borrow the handcuffs?" I am so happy to know that in the future we get will to revisit the crew of the Blood Hunter, space for this series is definitely not the final frontier. ARC generously provided via Entangled Publishing, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: His Lover to Protect (Out of Uniform #3); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "If the glass slipper fits..." Stars! I really enjoyed His Lover to Protect, the third book in Katee Robert's Out of Uniform series see's Alexis Yeung, take a little trip around Europe. Having featured in the previous book in the series, I already knew a little about her, and the reasons for her leaving the US for Europe without a word to her family and friends. I have to admit, I wasn't a huge fan of Alexis or her behaviour in Falling for His Best Friend, so I was interested to see how Katee would make her likeable to me. She did, and she did it well, mainly because you are given the background information to understand her reactions and actions fully. "I'm just trying to understand you." I think there was also potential for this book to be too angsty and overly dramatic due to the past issues that Alexis is trying to come to terms with, but the author got the mix of drama/sexy times just right for me. "Darlin', you got the drop on me once. It wouldn't happen again." Luke Jackson, is the other reason I really enjoyed this book; ornery with a side of sweet dirty talker, he ticked all my boxes, and I loved the banter between the two of them in the first half of the book. "You gave me back a piece of what I was looking for." Although the tropes are well-known, and you can pretty much guess how everything is going to work out early on in the book, sometimes things just gel together well and offer the reading experience that you are looking for at any given time. I was in the mood for a book of this nature when I picked it up, and it did exactly what it was expected to in that I had an enjoyable few hours with a likeable couple on their own adventure to happiness. ARC generously provided by Entangled, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Claimed by the Warrior (International Bad Boys #9); Author: Joss Wood; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Honey, your mouth shouldn't write checks your ass can't cash." Stars! I have had mixed success with the books that I have read from the International Bad Boys series, and Claimed by the Warrior was firmly in the success column for about 75% of its reading. Then we hit the final stretch and it all seemed to lose its way a bit. This isn't a long book, but the author has tried to cram a lot of separate tropes into it, familial issues on both Jed and McKenna's parts, a stalker (which should have been the focus, in my humble opinion) and the general building of their relationship around his commitment issues and her reluctance to get involved with another Bad Boy. It all got a bit sketchy after a while and some of it didn't really seem to add to the plot overall. Its not often I work out who the villain of a piece is before the big reveal, but I had them pegged almost straight off in this one as well. "I'm a soldier and we're nothing if not adaptable." The sexy-times were more of a fizzle than a burn and the ending... well it was kind of an unnecessary cliff-hanger, and I hope that it means at some point in the future, the character left hanging will get their story told. It wasn't all bad, as I said the first 75% was pretty enjoyable, Joss Wood is an author new to me, and I would certainly happily give more work by her a go in the future. I think this one could have done with a little paring of the unnecessary and more development on the main plot points. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Night with the Bad Boy (Whiskey River, #4); Author: Eve Gaddy; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - A players stock in trade is charm. Stars! Another enjoyable addition to the Whiskey River series. Xander and Bailey have sexy hot chemistry from the get-go, so it made this fourth novella in the series an easy story to read. The addition of Bailey's son added a little extra dimension, and I liked that Bailey wasn't afraid to stand up to Xander, and was as confident, if not more-so than he was in going after what she wanted from their relationship. "I want to be with you... whatever it takes." I don't think the plot really offers any major surprises, but it was well written, the characters likeable and well developed for a book of this length. Well worth a couple of hours of your time, and easily read as a standalone if you haven't read the previous novellas. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Forever; Author: Melody Anne; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - "I'm nothing special." Stars. Finding Forever was a quick, easy read. While I in the main enjoyed it, there were several things that kept me from completely falling in love with this Christmassy tale. Money was a fine thing to have, but it wasn't a substitute for love. Whitney Steele, finds herself appointed legal guardian to her young niece and nephew after their parents die just before Christmas in a horrific car accident. The story then really starts one year later, and the children and Whitney are still struggling with their grief, as well as working out a new parent/child dynamic that works for them. He hadn't been a very good man for a very long time. Enter Liam Felton, brother to the children's deceased father. Liam and his father having had no contact with him for many years are dealt a double blow in learning of his death and then of the existence of his children; Ally and Brayden. Rich meets poor, and change is afoot for Whitney as well as the children in this Disneyesque story, but will they all live happily ever after? "One night can shape a lifetime." My main issue with this novella is the writing style, when words such as - - Ravished - Gentleman caller - Suitor and - Damnation are used I expect to find myself reading historical, not modern fiction. Liam although meant to be uptight and stuffy came across as aloof and unemotional a lot of the time, and to be honest his interactions with Whitney especially when of a sexy nature, left this reader feeling a little on the chilly side. As I said this was a quick read, which is why I stuck with it, Melody Anne is usually an author that works for me, but something with this one just fell off the mark this time. ARC generously provided by the author via Inkslinger PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vindicate (Recovered Innocence, #1); Author: Beth Yarnall; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - I never saw it coming. Stars! I really enjoyed Vindicate, Beth Yarnall is an author whose work I haven't read previously, and I will admit that I wasn't sure whether we were going to get on for the first few chapters of the book, but as the story progressed between Cora Hollis and Leo Nash, it all kind of grew on me. My main issues really stemmed from the fact that a lot of the internal monologue for both of them, came across as 'hormonal teenager' especially in the first few chapters, where we were luckily enough to be privy to Leo's inner monologue and thoughts on his initial meetings with Cora, and that he was pretty much a walking boner when she was around. I did however like that the author gave us the story from both perspectives, and once the hormones had been worked through (by them both), this was actually a pretty good romantic suspense. Cora, although inexperienced and a little on the vulnerable side, also had a massive streak of steel running through her character, and I liked that she carried on believing in her brothers innocence even when everyone else had pretty much given up hope on him. Her feelings for Leo, did come across as a little immature at points, but I suppose in a way that is to be expected for a young woman who has spent the early part of her twenties working to make rent, while trying to investigate her brothers case on the side. It's hard to be comfortable around him. I'm learning that despite appearances there is something more to him than a pretty face and I-couldn't-give-a-fuck attitude... He does actually give a fuck. More than he'd want known. My second though after starting Vindicate was I hope Beau Hollis gets a book, and after doing a bit of internet stalking I was happy to see that Beth is continuing the Recovered Innocence series with his story next. Atone is due for release February 2016, and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes Beau's story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bad Romance; Author: Jen McLaughlin; Genres: romance; Review: 1 - "There are always choices in life... It's how we deal with them that defines who we are." Star. DNF @ 38% There have been a slew of Step-Brother romances out there recently, I have read some, and if I am honest enjoyed few of them. But I usually get on with Jen McLaughlin's writing so I thought I would once again dip my toe in this supposedly taboo trope... Thing is, and the issue I struggle with these books is that they don't really feel taboo to me, most of the time the couple in question are usually of legal age, and/or generally find their parents marrying when they are all grown up, and mostly have already flown the nest. As such, the step-siblings moniker doesn't really have the same impact it does because you are talking about grown people. The same thing pretty much happened with Bad Romance because apart from one illicit kiss (he is 18, she's 15) Jackson is then out of contact with Lilly for the next seven years whilst overseas in the Military, both now in their twenties and having actually spent no real time together classed as step-siblings, this just felt more like a Rich girl, acting out with the tattooed bad boy kind of story. I wanted him to be my first act of rebellion after a lifetime of doing everything right. I am not going to bash this book, as I would expect from this author it is extremely well written, with an awful lot going on plot-wise. I just found it too busy, with too many side plots going off in different directions. The chemistry between Jackson and Lilly was luke-warm at best (for me), as well as the repetition of 'we can't due to being step-siblings. A lot of what had happened up to the point I stopped reading also felt a little contradictory... Moving in together - but trying to avoid banging each other, Making out with each other - but denying you want to bang each other, telling the one person who can hold it over your head, that your step-brother is secretly living with you - and denying that you aren't thinking about banging each other... If you like these sorts of stories, I urge you to give Bad Romance a go, I would recommend it for that reason, I just think I am going to call-time on this trope for myself, I just struggle to get what is so exciting about it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fighting for Devlin (Lost Boys, #1); Author: Jessica Lemmon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - On the fence... Stars. I have not had the pleasure of reading anything by Jessica Lemmon, prior to starting Fighting for Devlin but I had heard good things from my other Goodreads friends, so had expectations of getting a good story from the first book in her new Lost Boys series. It started out ok, I like a romance which is built around a unique setting and illegal gambling is certainly something that I don't come across with any regularity, I think my issue is that everything else all felt a little too 'teen angst' for me. Rena, is dealing with the usual tropes and background issues, which isn't a problem for me, but I need it to be well written and engaging, this just didn't pull me in, I should have been feeling empathy for the things she had been through, but it just got annoying after a while which is explained in my next paragraph. There is a HUGE amount of repetition of certain thoughts and plot points through this story. A lot of the time it felt like Rena mentioned she hadn't had a date or been with a guy in four years in almost every other paragraph, add that to the fact her internal monologue read a lot of time like a young girl writing in her journal, and it was a struggle to really put her in a specific age bracket. Her best friend also didn't offer anything likeable or act very rational, in the mature adult stakes which didn't help either. The whole representation of the female race in the book wasn't very positive, or mature for the most-part. Devlin was ok, your A-typical bad boy, darkly brooding with a past and a bit of an attitude. Circumstances are not going in his favour for a lot of the book, and I liked that part of it. But I struggled to really feel or see much of a connection between him and Rena, they maturity levels were just too skewed to work together that well as a cohesive couple. I have mixed feelings about this book, there were glimmers of things I liked, but all-in-all it didn't really offer anything new or different to books in this genre that are already out there. The unusual trope wasn't really explored that much, and the relationship between them was just all a little bland. I would consider reading more from this author, I am not sure whether this series is for me though. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Billionaire's Temptation (Amalfi Night Billionaires Book 1); Author: Katherine Garbera; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - "I'm not entirely sure what I've done wrong." Stars. Sadly I wasn't really blown away by the first book in the Amalfi Night Billionaires series. Rocco De Luca, ex F1 Racing Champion and Steffi Harlan (his brother's assistant) really didn't have that much chemistry going on between them. "I'm more than you think I am." My main issue though was the fact that Steffi blew hot and cold throughout pretty much the whole book, from one paragraph to the next she was either denying her attraction to Rocco, then admitting it, then saying they couldn't because of her job, then giving in and doing it with him anyway. Rocco the troublemaker and Steffi the enforcer. It went on too long for me, add into the fact she was also pretty judgemental about him, without actually knowing that much about him on a personal level, and I struggled to understand why Rocco would be bothering with her after a while. Being the first book in the series, I have hope that this is just a small blip and that the rest of the books will be stellar, sometimes a character just rubs a reader up the wrong way, and that was definitely the case for me on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Draw Me Close (Hearts and Crafts, #3); Author: Nicole Michaels; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Everything's a gamble... You just have to decide if it's worth the risk." Stars! I have been waiting impatiently for Nicole Michaels to write Draw Me Close ever since the somewhat tense meeting between Lindsey and Derek in the latter stages of the last book in the series, this is a pair with a past, and not a very happy one at that, and I couldn't wait to see what story the author gave them. There was a risk with this one that Lindsey would come over as a little too bitter and twisted due to the nature of her and Derek's separation, especially when she finds out the true and full reasoning's for it. If you add to that the ex-issues and parental drama, and the author pretty much dished up every trope that I massively struggle with, especially if it is milked to death. But Nicole managed to give them all the right amount of balance in that they were all very relevant to Lindsey and Derek's story, but they didn't massively detract from the main theme, which is their reconnection after eight years apart. "I'm a nice person... A good person, but you make me bitter and ugly..." "You could never be ugly... No part of you." Derek and Lindsay's story, is a pretty emotive one, and you can really empathise with both parties as the story of their initial getting together back in college, and then separation eight years previous is explained. Derek being in an untenable situation at that time, and having his heart pulled in two different directions decides to do the honourable thing rather over and above what he really wants, which leads to Lindsey's heart being broken, without much of an explanation as to why. I liked that they both had to deal with those issues from the past while working towards getting back together again, it wasn't an easy journey, and it wasn't rushed either which gave you as a reader huge amounts of sexual tension and emotion to deal with for and from them as a couple. "I enjoy wanting you this bad. But I worry I may never have you again." To say I adored this book and Derek and Lindsey would be slightly understated, Nicole managed to give me a story that I quite simply got lost in, even with some of my least favourite tropes included. The build up to Annie and Mike's wedding features heavily in the story as well, which I loved as it gave lots of scope to bring back the characters from the past books, and give us a little development on their individual stories as well. "I'd forgotten how much you like to talk." I am sad that this is the end of the Hearts and Crafts series, but the author ended it in style and on a high for me, and I hope that she has more books and series along the lines of this one on the planner for the future. "I'd do it all again. For you." ARC generously; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Never Surrender; Author: Rosie Miles; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "There was never anything ordinary about our relationship." Stars. This is the first book I have read by Rosie Miles. It was well written and pretty entertaining in an action packed sort of way. But oddly the author had a really weird knack of giving away exactly what was going to happen next in the previous paragraphs. I didn't mind it so much as the story was pretty fast paced, and not only are you reading of the reconnection between Quinn and Maggie after she has spent the last 12 months undercover, but they are also dealing with the fact that her cover has been blown, the bad guys are after them, and one of their colleagues is sabotaging them as well as trying to frame Maggie, every step of the way. Distance and time might have separated them physically, but she'd lived in his heart, his thoughts, constantly. I really liked Quinn, sexy, brooding and not afraid to put himself on the line for the woman he loved, he went above and beyond in his efforts to protect her and help her clear her name. "Kiss me forever." Maggie was more of a struggle, she contacts Quinn after 12 months of radio silence to ask for his help, then pretty much disagrees and disregards every idea and suggestion he has initially. She did sort of work out as the book progressed that is was ok to lean on someone else again after so long being on her own and in a really high stress situation... but she was almost too 'gung-ho' for me for most of the story. Entertaining enough, and it held my interest, Never Surrender is the type of book that keeps you engaged and invested whilst reading, I would certainly look to read more from Rosie in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Mr. Wrong (Chasing Love, #4); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - "Fuck me like you mean it." Stars! I think there is one thing that without doubt Joya Ryan excels at, and that is writing varied and plentiful sexy-times with her couples. The Chasing Love series has certainly highlighted this and Chasing Mr. Wrong offers up plenty of energetic and diverse sexy situations between Ryder Diamond and Whitney James to keep the book interesting and the story moving along at a steady pace. The dynamic between this couple was a sort of opposites attract type situation, Ryder being known and loved around town can't deny the pull of attraction between him and drifter Whitney, and after what he thought was meant to be just one night turns out to have potential to be more, he struggles to find balance. Giving in to the wild was a bad idea. Whitney likes the Ryder that comes out to play in private, the politically correct version that he puts on for everyone else, because he believes that how they actually perceive him, just makes her push at him until the dirty talking, dirty doin' Ryder comes back into play. "I've never had a woman put a condom on me with her mouth before." I really like this series, each and every character so far has had a little something about them that makes you as a reader enjoy their journeys, there's a little drama in this one, but I think the author balanced it out perfectly, and it added to rather than detracted from the story being told. "I never liked being caught until I met you." ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wrong Number, Right Guy (The Bourbon Street Boys, #1); Author: Elle Casey; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 1 - None of this makes a single bit of sense. Star. DNF @ 38% Elle Casey is one of my top finds of 2015 after reading the Shine Not Burn series a couple of months ago. I had absolutely no hesitation in grabbing Wrong Number, Right Guy from Netgalley, and no doubt I would love the bones of it like I did with the other books. Not so much sadly, it started out great, I was in fits of giggles with the predictive texting and I though I was onto another winner from the author. But although it is well written and in the authors unique style I find myself @ 38% wondering what is going on, the story hasn't really moved, and to be honest, May's internal monologue has gotten so long and mainly irrelevant I have started to skim, add to it that whereas the previous heroines in the books I have read by Elle, have been likeable and endearing with their quirky personalities and dumb luck, May has just become annoying and a pretty immature in her thinking. We still no absolutely nothing about Ozzie, and the rest of the Bourbon Street Security team are just names... and due to all the internal monologue from May, the chemistry between the two of them is absolutely non-existent. Felix the dog has had more page time than this couple together. This won't stop me from reading more from Elle Casey in future, I just think this one lost it's way a bit with an overly talkative Heroine, who unfortunately didn't really have much of interest to say. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: His Fantasy Girl (Things To Do Before You Die… #1); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Is this one of your fantasies?" Stars! I love this author's work, there is just something about Nina's writing style and characters that ticks the boxes for me every time. His Fantasy Girl was absolutely no exception, really entertaining and sexy, with a few giggles and a little drama thrown in for good measure. After finding themselves stuck on a life raft when the cruise ship they are traveling on sinks Logan McCabe and his two friends make a pact that they are going to go back and see if the women that meant so much to them in the past, really are the one's that got away. For Logan that is very much a one, in the form of the 'night stand' variety, and he gets a little more than he bargained for when he knocks on Abigail Parker's door, after eleven years. The chemistry between this couple is hot from the get-go, Abi doesn't want to want the sexy, long haired, tattooed night-club owner, and Logan is determined to charm her out of her pants, and into his bed by using every trick he has up his sleeve. "I like the way you look at my cock... Like you're hungry for it and you'll let me do whatever I like with it." Nina Croft knows how to craft the perfect Brazen book in my opinion, and of late I think this is something the publisher has struggled with massively. His Fantasy Girl has the perfect balance of story, sexy times, drama and character development. Nothing is dragged out for too long, things get going really quickly, and you like the characters that are involved. Another Winner for me, and I am looking forward to seeing where the next book in the Things to do Before You Die series takes us. ARC generously provided via Entangled, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Dare A SEAL (Sin City SEALs #2); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "It was just a bet." Stars! This is one of those times where as a reader I really, really wish that I had loved the book I had just finished a whole lot more than I did. Sara Jane Stone is one of my top author finds this year, she manages to give her readers strong, yet vulnerable female characters that you can empathize with and that you ultimately want to get to know and see achieve their happily ever after. Her guys are always easy to fall for, and the story-lines that the relationships are built around are absolutely stellar. "Let me in. Let me see you." And I think that is where To Dare A SEAL fell down for me, my two issues mainly focus on Natalie, yes she was an extremely strong yet vulnerable woman, but I struggled to actually like her or truly understand her decisions for the first 60% of the book. This stems from the plot more than the characterization to be honest, because when you know a guy is trying to get into your pants because of a bet... well for me that is 'Game Over' and move on, not 'Game On' and lets go. "I realized I had my eye on the wrong prize." I really liked the small amount banter that I saw between Natalie and Jack in the previous book of the series, but for some reason everything just rubbed me up the wrong way for a lot of this one, but again I think when an author is offering up a trope that a reader massively struggles with, everything therein and after that becomes exacerbated because of it, a little niggle becomes a large one, a small dislike becomes out and out annoying. "This time we do it my way." I think this is more of a case of 'it's not you, it's me' as the writing is to the author's usual excellent standards, the sexy-times once they get going are diverse and varied, I just really struggled to get past the whole bet scenario that this story, played out around... To be honest, Natalie and Jack had enough issues between them, and of their own to start with, that would have offered up a perfectly good story, without the addition of that trope into the mix. This won't stop me eagerly awaiting the author's next book, she is still one of my top finds of the year, I just didn't get on with the overall story arc for this book. "I think the odds are in your favor." ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hold Me Until Morning (Grayson Brothers, #2); Author: Christina Phillips; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "You've got some major issues here." Stars. The second book in the Grayson Brothers series runs a little similar to its predecessor in that it's heavy on the familial drama. The author manages to inject some pretty hot sexy-times into the mix though, so if you can cast aside the former, the latter was worth reading the book for. Brother's best friend is always a trope I generally enjoy, Cooper and Paris' coming together was pretty hot, stuck together in a remote cabin while so she can have some peace and quiet out of the public eye, Cooper is a little more than surprised to feel the sparks and chemistry that ignites between them as soon as they meet. The inevitable happens, but rather than just keep it to one week of no strings fun, they decide to make a go of it for real... It's going to be a long week. I liked this book, I didn't love it, both stories in this series so far have relied on heavy parental involvement and for me it went one step too far in Hold Me Until Morning. She was living her mother's dream, and her mom had no intention of waking up anytime soon. The meddling and general behavior of Paris's mother kind of killed the second half of the book for me, but it didn't help that both Cooper and Paris, seemed to have any sense when it came to actually communicating with each other about things. "You could just say no." The writing was still really good, and we are given a few hints into Alex Grayson's personality as well as further development on the Grayson brothers past in general, and I am interested to see which direction the author takes his book. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Making a Play (Hometown Players, #2); Author: Victoria Denault; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "If only my nuts were numb." Stars! It's Live The second book in Victoria Denault's Hometown Players series, takes off from where its predecessor One More Shot left off. Jordan and Jessie have sorted out their issues and are very much 'living the dream' together. Making a Play brings the focus round to Rose, Jessie's younger sister, and her not-so-secret love for Ice Hockey player; Luc Richard, you are given a few hints as to how deep this couples feelings are for each other in the first book, but up to this point neither of them has acted upon them. Having known each other since they were children, Rose is fed up of being in the friend-zone with him and goes out of her way to ensure that Luc knows she's looking for more than a pat on the head and a friendly cuddle going forwards. Luc however has other plans, and trying to keep his nose clean and his face out of the press over the summer is proving harder than he thought it would be when Rose's attempts at seduction are basically turning him into a walking hard-on. Victoria got the perfect balance between drama, sexy-times and story development with Making a Play Luc and Rose having their joint pasts and back-story gave a great depth to the building of them moving from being friends to lovers. I adored being in Luc's head, and Rose was an easy to get along with character as well. This book is definitely a little less angsty than One More Shot and it made a big difference for me in my overall reading enjoyment, don't get me wrong I really liked Jessie and Jordy's story, but Luc and Rose's issues and problems and the way they work their way through them as the book progresses, are broken up with a few laughs and a stellar set of secondary characters. The drama is there but it's relevant and not overplayed. The Final Move, due December 2015, is also set up nicely in this book, and I cannot wait to see where Victoria takes the series next, it's definitely turning into an unforgettable set of stories. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Then He Kissed Me (Cottonbloom, #2); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Do you remember when I asked you to run away with me..?" Stars! The second book in Laura Trentham's Cottonbloom Novels series certainly doesn't disappoint. Nash and Tally's story is sort of second chance, in that they were friends who drifted apart due to circumstances beyond their control as children, but the attraction that simmers between them as adults, threatens to take that friendship into a whole new direction. You get to know Tally quite well in the first book of the series in that she is one of the Fournette siblings, her older brother and his relationship were the main focus of that one, but she played a part in their story. Time had tested but not severed their connection. Nash arrived back into town during that book as well, but was more on the periphery than having any major role in it. You know about their childhood friendship though, and Then He Kissed me gives you their redeveloping relationship as adults. She was why none of his relationships had ever lasted. He'd left part of himself on the river, he'd left part of himself with her. The one thing that becomes apparent very quickly with this one is that we have an imbalanced couple, in that whereas both of them had their issues as children, one has gotten over them, and the other hasn't, but tries to hide those insecurities behind bluster, confidence, and ducking out if the going looks like its potentially getting a little tough. "You throw the same lame excuse out to avoid anything that scares you." I won't lie I struggled a little with the repetitive nature of this aspect of the story, and in the latter stages of the book it was erring towards being in the over-done territory for me. But the author managed to keep both characters pretty likeable, and the story-line moving at a steady pace so it stayed within bearable parameters for me. "Sometimes I want to shake some sense into you..." I think the sexual tension between the two of them was another thing that kept things flowing as well, it's thick and sticky like molasses for a lot of the book, they take two steps forward, then one of them pulls back, to the point that as a reader you are sexually frustrated for them. But I liked it, the time to rebuild the friendship was taken around their building attraction as well as developing upon their pasts and how what happened to them has then shaped their future. "You knew me as a weak, wimpy kid, but you need to accept me as a grown man." The story as a whole develops through this one as well, with both towns on either side of the river still vying to win the competition that will see a much needed cash injection into the community coffers. The conclusion of that story as well as the culmination of all the fiery passion you have seen between opposing town Mayors; Regan Lovell and Sawyer Fournette in the first two books; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kiss Me That Way (Cottonbloom, #1); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Meet me under the cottonwood tree..." Stars! It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Laura Trentham's writing, whether it be contemporary romance or historical fiction, she is an author that always manages to put a really engaging story together. Kiss Me That Way is the first book in the new Cottonbloom series, in it we are introduced to the town of Cottonbloom that sits on the river; one side affluent the other not so much. The Fournettes sit firmly in the run-down part, whilst Monroe Kirby is on the other, however appearances are not always as they seem. "Don't fool yourself into thinking I'm nice. I wasn't then, and I'm sure as hell not now." Not that that ever made a difference to Monroe, as Cade Fournette was her hero as a child, the man-boy that scared away her demons, who then became the man who woke up her desires. But he left town before she ever had a chance to tell him that. But now he is back, and it seems the feelings of the past have firmly replanted themselves in the present. I really enjoyed this second-chance love story. Cade is dealing with feelings of inadequacy and coming from the wrong side of the tracks initially still plays on his mind constantly when it comes to Monroe, even though to her their differences never really played a part in their friendship back then or in her attraction to him now. Laura built the sizzle between the two of them really well, and I liked that it wasn't a rush to get to the bedroom. "I'll do it, but my crotch is strictly off limits." There are a few giggles to be had, and the introduction to a few secondary characters which will likely play larger parts in the forthcoming books, all played out around a great love story. "We are indefinable. We always have been." Nash Hawthorne, also returns to Cottombloom in this book, his story and relationship with Tally Fournette is up next with Then He Kissed Me, due for release in June. Then we come to Sawyer Fournette, who has beef (and a past) with Regan Lovell, this is the book I am really interested to read, as to be honest, I struggled to like Regan in this one, so I am interested to see if the author manages to put her in a more likeable light, in Til I Kissed You, due for release in August. One thing is for sure Laura has set up my summer reading well with this series and I cannot wait to return to it. "You'll never find anywhere else like Cottonbloom." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was as it always is my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Till I Kissed You (Cottonbloom, #3); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Things worked out just the way they were supposed to..." Stars! The relationship between Sawyer Fournette and Regan Lovell that has been on a high simmer through the previous two books in the series, finally gets bought to the fore in Till I Kissed You. The Town Mayor of Cottonbloom, Mississippi and Parish Commisioner of Cottonbloom, Louisiana have more than a little history, and we are finally given the reasons as to why they went from lovers to frenemies, and now back to lovers. The physical attraction was an inconvenient echo from their past lives together. The mystery of the festival the saboteur comes to the fore in this one as well, when it turns out that some of the threats have been made towards Regan in particular and not just the towns in general, it sparks a reaction in Sawyer. They may not like each other very much for public perceptions, but the fact the woman he has never forgotten, and still cares very much for, is potentially at risk, brings all-sorts of protective (overly-so) alpha instincts out in Sawyer. "How do we keep managing to get ourselves into these dark and secluded situations?" Ten years have passed for this couple, and I loved the frenemies feel the author gave this one. Both of them are still nursing hurt from the pasts between them, but as they start to open up and talk more about what happened it appears that not everything was as it actually seemed at the time. The years without his smile made her aware of how much she'd missed it. Missed him... The sexual tension between the two of them was an off the charts sizzle throughout, I think I felt it more as these two have been battling with each other through the previous two books as well, and there actual coming together after seeing their friends and siblings find their happily every afters, was combustible, especially when they are both initially still trying to deny their attraction and feelings for each other haven't ever really gone away in the last decade. She didn't need a light to find his lips. He'd been her constant for enough years that she could find her way to him even in the darkest night. ~ ~ The boy she'd given her virginity and heart to so many years ago had turned into a man in every sense. I feel like this series came and went in a flash what with all three books being released within months of each other. On the plus side, it was great to keep the stories and characters fresh in my mind as the gaps in-between were minimal. But on the negative, apart from the good news that we are getting a Christmas novella to round the series off, Cottonbloom is another town that Laura Trentham has taken me too and like its predecessor; Falcon, has left me with lots of happy memories, and hopes that there will be more visits at some point in the future. "Some things never die, but; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tempted by a Rogue; Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I never used to get faint until you showed up." Stars! There is one thing that I can whole heartedly say about Lauren Smith and the books that she writes, that no matter what the genre or tropes used they are always entertaining. I am not a massive historical fiction reader nowadays (although I had a sizeable Harlequin collection in my younger years) but the way the author tells the story, just pulls you in and keeps you invested in the characters and the adventures they go on. I loved Gemma and Jasper together, and as usual Lauren has given her heroine a bit of back-bone underneath her corset! Not the shy retiring type, she stands up to him, and when she discovers just how mislead she has been by him and James, and doesn't give him an easy out in his courtship of her. "I can't concentrate when you are touching me." Although only a novella, the author has also managed to give a full and detailed backstory to both of our lead characters, and Jasper's was particularly poignant in light of his experiences at sea over the intervening eleven years. "I'm not good at being respectable. I say things I shouldn't." Plenty of sizzle and sexy-times, make this novella another absolutely stellar addition to Lauren Smiths Historical titles. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Should've Said No (Thistle Bend, #1); Author: Tracy March; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Roots go deep here." Stars! Tracy March is an author new to me, and the first book in her new Thistle Bend series was an absolutely stellar introduction to her writing. There is a little bit of everything going on in this book, which kept me as a reader on my toes. Lindsey Simms has moved to the town to set up the new Museum, and as you can expect being a small town, not all families are on the friendliest of terms, history runs deep here and memories are long, and that is the case between the Crenshaw's and the Karlsson's, although not common knowledge, Lindsey sits on the Karlsson side of the fence by way of a very thin family connection. Problem with that, she has a very strong connection to one Carden Crenshaw, town bachelor and absolute sweetheart. He was 31 flavors of trouble, but resisting him seemed impossible. I really enjoyed this story, some parts of it were predicatable, when it came to keeping secrets and the inevitable car crash when it all comes to light, but then other parts were unexpected, and I found the whole Karlsson/Crenshaw feud and the resulting resolution of the situation towards the end of the book, really well thought out and executed. "You make me believe that things I'd given up on a possible." The romance is well paced, and as a couple I really liked the general development between the pair of them. This isn't meant to sound disrespectful, but the author managed to take two seemingly uncomplicated and pretty unremarkable adults and give them a story that made them shine. Carden was the perfect gent and Lindsey was just the type of woman you can see yourself settling down with for a chat and a coffee, both of them were confident in themselves and their lives, and the relationship issues from their pasts added relevance, but didn't overly dramatize things between them. "I'm scared as hell to fall for you... But I'm more terrified to let you go." Easy-going, entertaining and just generally a great start to a series, I cannot wait to see where the author takes this series next with the release of Just Say Maybe in May 2016. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bite of Winter (Love Bites, #1); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "You still have a story to live." Stars! If you are looking for a charmingly sexy, quick PNR read with a little Christmas glitter and sparkle, then The Bite of Winter is an excellent contender for that area. I am a big fan of the authors writing style, and once again she has delivered a really enjoyable and deeply layered read, even though this is essentially a novella everything is fully fleshed out and detailed. Too many years had passed since he'd looked upon mortals as something other than... I am not a huge reader of menage, no particular reasons as to why, it just never really floats my boat, I suppose I do look for a connection between the characters in my romantic reading, and I find menage more titillating, than offering any real depth, but rather than going down the full-on erotica route with this one, Lauren put three people together, and gave me a sensual and emotive read. "Let me kiss you. Just one kiss. I want to remember... It's been so long." I found the story to be more about loneliness and its effects on a person and how by coming together, Ian, Zoey and Connor find what has been missing from their lives. There is a certain vulnerability from all three of them for various reasons, and I really liked that Lauren took the time to build the connection up between the three of them, this is sexy, but not full of sex, however what there is beautifully written and fits in well with the overall pace of the story. "I want to keep you... Keep you and never let you go." As the beginning of the Love Bites series Lauren, has set the scene for future books really well, and I look forward to seeing where the story takes us. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lost (Crow City, #1); Author: Cole McCade; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "Do you think lost people recognize each other, when they meet?" Stars! The Lost is without doubt the type of book I normally avoid, and you certainly won't find a ream of titles of this genre sitting on my TBR shelf. Not because it is badly written, but because it covers subject matter that as a reader I do not look to read about. Dark, gritty, taboo, uncomfortable, and in equal parts heart-wrenchingly sad and gut-churningly brutal. But when a trusted friend and fellow reader recommends a book to me, on occasion I step out of my comfort zone. This was one of those times, and if I can impart anything in my review it would be to take heed of the trigger warning, the author had the forethought to add it for a reason, and it is there so that readers make good choices in their reading matter. This isn't a fluffy, cuddly, cute romance, and as such should be read with the expectation that shit is going to be real, and all punches are delivered with the full force of the writers story telling skill. There isn't a huge amount I can tell you about the story that unfolds around Leigh and Gabriel, both are battling demons, their pasts, and looking for the direction their futures are heading in. What I can say is this book keeps you on your toes, and just when you think it is safe to come out from behind the sofa, Cole provides another slap-in-the-face twist, just to make sure you are still paying attention. "What struck you hard enough to break you?" This isn't a book I would recommend lightly, or a light book to read, but it made me think, and it made me feel and there isn't a higher accolade that I can really give The Lost than that really. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Say You're Mine (Shillings Agency, #5); Author: Diane Alberts; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "What's it gonna be?" Stars! The fifth instalment in the Shillings Agency series gives us Steven and Lauren's story. Both featured a little in the previous book as Steven is Holt's friend and colleague and Lydia's older brother. We move from one tried and tested trope in 'Brothers-Best-Friend' to 'Friends-to-Lovers' in Say You're Mine. But when done well, both of which are personal favorites. She was the one constant in a world full of chaos. You could sense something was simmering between our couple in the last book and I liked that the author took the bull by the horns, and pretty much hit the ground running with their story. The sexy-times are plentiful, the story-line steady, and although wholly predictable in it's direction and resolution, it was easy to engage in and enjoyable to read. "By the time I'm done, you're never going to forget what tonight felt like. What we did." We are also introduced to the newest addition to the Shillings Agency staff roster in single dad Mark. Here's hoping he gets a story next, the 'Single Dad' trope is certainly one I really enjoy reading as well. "I picked the right guy for once." ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vérité (Love at Center Court, #1); Author: Rachel Blaufeld; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Be extra-ordinary." Stars! It wasn't a real surprise to me that I absolutely adored Verite. This isn't the first book I have read by Rachel Blaufeld and I know for certain it won't be the last. "Let's think of the now." There is one thing that you can guarantee, and that is that this is an author who takes the standard and popular tropes and gives them a unique and refreshing spin. Once again I was absolutely blown away by the level and skill of the author's storytelling and depth of characterization for Tingly and Ty's romance. "Feel that? That's my heart beating for you." Both athletes, trying to make their way through college, and whilst Ty is a Basketball player, Tingly is a runner, but not just on the track, in every sense of the word. If things get difficult Tingly is the first off the blocks and out the door. "Leave your running for the track. Leave your past where it belongs... in the dirt. If you're gonna run, run to me, to your future, to being happy." You can understand why, when pretty much everyone in her life and her past has dumped on her from a great height or used her for their own agenda. And I must admit I was worried that this 'Cut and Run' type of relationship would get repetitive in it's telling for me, but with everything else they had going on as a couple it actually added more depth to their eventual coming together in all senses of the word. "Want you, all of you. Not just once or twice, or just for fun. Want all of you... The naughty and the nice, especially the nice, because I'm scared to death I'm going to screw up and not be the man you need when it comes to the naughty..." There is a massive amount of charm and vulnerability to both of these characters, and it was nice to see the author mix it up in relation to who was the inexperienced one in the relationship. You cannot help but feel empathy for them both, for everything they experience as individuals, on top of everything they have to deal with and get through on the path of becoming a solid couple. Loved it, can't wait to sink my teeth into Dolce, the next book in the Love at Centre Court series, due for release on 21st January 2016.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Redemption Lane (Crossroads, #1); Author: Rachel Blaufeld; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I shouldn't have ever left." Stars! Its no secret that I have fallen out of love with the overly dramatized, angst fests that some authors release nowadays. You know the kinds of books I mean, where everyone in the main characters past/family has died, There are demons are aplenty, addictions abound and just when you think it cannot get any worse, something else is dumped on the pile just to depress the plot even more. I do however still love drama and angst when it is well written, relevant to the story, and actually adds something to the plot and the relationship between the characters it is about. Rachel Blaufeld hit that balance perfectly with Redemption Lane. The story between Lane and Bess is intricately woven and exquisitely written. It's unpredictable in the directions it takes, and the author pulled everything together in a way that I could never have predicted when I started reading. "I shouldn't have ever left." A love story in the truest sense, it isn't rushed, in fact 5 years passes between their first and second meeting, and a lot has happened to both of them in those years. Bess isn't the woman Lane remembers from their brief meeting. Bess doesn't even remember their first meeting... My heart was on autopilot until I met you, and you made it beat steady and strong again. Told from 3 points of view, I got pulled into this story, the reconnection between this couple takes time, the story builds, and every secondary character has relevance, nothing is glamourised and everything is developed so well that you see the story in your minds-eye as it plays out, even better some of that relevance of certain things you do not realize the importance of until the latter stages of the book. There was solace in the time I was left alone with my memories. And absolutely outstanding read, this is my first book by the author, and I am moving straight onto the next book in the series; Absolution Road I enjoyed it that much!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Absolution Road (Crossroads, #2); Author: Rachel Blaufeld; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "One and a half is better than none." Stars! Absolution Road gives us the second Wrigley Brothers story. This time it is Jake and although he featured in Redemption Lane his character was not one that came across as particularly likeable for a lot of the story. Of course as that book progressed you did see more of him and his motivations in relation to his interactions with his brother Lane, and the reasons behind a lot of his actions. Jake is a troubled character, and Rachel Blaufeld, has given him a story as emotionally engrossing and beautifully written as his brother Lane's was. I think what strikes me most as a reader with this authors books is that although the romance is integral to everything that happens, the story is so much more than that. Jake for all his complexities, and personal demons is essentially a nervous teenager when it comes to his relationship with Aly, having been more of the one and done, kind of guy before she enters his life, I found his nervousness about entering a relationship with her and his second-guessing of everything he tried to do for her so endearing, this big muscled hulk of a man, bought to his knees by the one woman you would least expect him to really be attracted to. Once again the author also gave us a strong female, Alyson Road is someone you can empathize with, strong and independent, Jake's pursuance of her and the almost innocent bumbling along of his efforts to do the right thing, but usually in the totally wrong way gave this couple a lot of moments together where you just kind of stopped reading to smile to yourself for a moment. "You're not in control when it comes to this. I am." There is a lot going on in this book, all relative to Jake and Aly's developing relationship. The reasons for their initial meeting have far reaching consequences as the story between them plays out. Once again the author took the plot somewhere I wasn't expecting it to go, and I think that is one of the huge assets her already pretty stellar writing skills, added to the dual POV and the inclusion of Lane and Bess, it was an unputdownable, emotional thrill-ride of a read. I am a relatively new member of the Rachel Blaufeld fan club, I went for full lifetime membership after reading this series. To say I await her future releases with eager anticipation would be a massive understatement, and I cannot recommend this book and the series highly enough. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Craving (Miami Scorcher #4); Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "On what planet could this ever work?" Stars! Another really enjoyable read from the imagination of Katie Reus/Savannah Stuart. As usual the author has offered up a really great story, and although book four in the Miami Scorcher series, Dangerous Craving can easily be read as a standalone, although to be honest I enjoyed reading it enough that it has piqued my interest enough that I would like to read the previous books as well. Nissa and Thomas, haven't seen each other for a pretty long time, him being a shifter and her being a Fae princess, the course of their relationship stopped when he found out that she was not a human, words were spoken in haste and after she left him, Thomas has spent the intervening years living with the regrets. "It's been a century. You can't pine over someone that long." Nissa now being targeted by an unknown enemy reaches out to Thomas in the hopes that his pack will offer her protection. The feelings between them reignite, the passion sizzles as much as it did before, and this time Thomas isn't going to let Nissa go without a fight. This is a quick, sexy read. If you like a little PNR with your romance, and some well written characters you can't go far wrong with Dangerous Craving. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Slow Ride (Playing for Keeps, #1); Author: Cathryn Fox; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "In my world... the woman screams first." Stars! Slow Ride is a quick, sexy read. I flew through this one in my lunch hour, so if you are looking for a little escapism from your work day, I recommend you give this title a try. Nothing beats a good Second-Chance romance, especially if the girl in question is your old school friends twin sister. Chase and Julia, were hot together, and this novella hit the ground running. "I've waited too long for this, wanted you for too long." Julia is a little wary as she always believed that it was her twin sister Chase always had the hots for, but as the book progresses you come to see it was always the other way round. One misunderstanding back in school and both of them were left with the wrong impression. Chase wants Julia for the long haul, but can he convince her to stay, especially after he reveals the main reason he owns a Dude Ranch with his best friends Jag and Mac. This is my second book by this author and once again she didn't disappoint. Looking forward to reading more from the Playing for Keeps series, when Wild Ride releases in October 2015. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Moment of Weakness; Author: Brooklyn Skye; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - It was all very typical and allowed her mind to wander. Star. DNF @ 63% Add an unlikeable emotionally closed off Hero, and a Heroine who goes from innocent and inexperienced, to overly opinionated and an officiando of the blow job at a very quick clip, mixed together with multiple plot-lines, none of which that felt adequately developed, and a lack of any real connection between Micah and Laurel to keep things moving along, and A Moment of Weakness ground to a stop for me. "Wouldn't want to lose you." The story had potential, but it could have done with less going on and more focus on the main points. Micah and Laurel also suffer from whip-lash mood swings and it just all got a little busy, without anything really moving or expanding. I don't expect to find my favorite character in a contemporary romance / Erotic novel to be a six year old child, and that is exactly what happened with this one, and indifference moved to boredom pretty quickly. I stuck with it hoping it would pick up, as the author can write, but the feelings and emotions were very much in the background, and it made it extremely difficult to see or feel that anything real was actually developing between them. ARC generously provided by the publisher, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Final Move (Hometown Players, #3); Author: Victoria Denault; Genres: children, romance; Review: 3 - "I'm your final move." Stars. I didn't think there was another Garrison I could love more than Jordan, but Devin took his brother's cheekiness, charm and sexiness and upped the ante by adding a whole other level of yummyness in the way he dealt with the dissolution of his marriage, his adorable son, and the re-emergence of his feelings for Callie Caplan. "I'm done feeling." I have a feeling this is potentially going to be a book that a lot of people will either love or hate. Callie has come across in the previous two books in this series as a confident, take-no-shit, devil-may-care woman, and whereas her sisters have allowed the men they love to break and then rebuild their hearts, she has kept hers firmly closed off, locked away and has stuck firmly to the one-and-done ethos. "You're still the only girl I take cold showers with." That all changes when she starts living with Devin, albeit supposedly temporarily, it becomes glaringly obvious very quickly that he is a man struggling, with the break-down of his marriage, and what he perceives as failure to provide a stable and loving home for his son. Very close to going completely off the rails, Callie steps in and offers him the support and no-nonsense advice he needs. This couple have a past, yes it was short, but it left them both with a lot of 'what ifs' hanging between them, and stuck in such close proximity with each other it is not long before things turn sexual. "Last night was about the past... Tonight is about the future." Its not difficult to see what direction the juggernaut that will cause the relationship car crash between this pair, is going to come from, and I was prepared for it as soon as things took a turn towards the bedroom between them. I suppose you can say that Victoria did her job a little too well, in that at around the 75% mark where the inevitable collision happens, Callie sticks to previous form (and then some) and I was left almost loathing a character, that I had come to, over the course of the book, hold a begrudging respect for. "You should be pitied, not admired." You are given enough of a back-story to understand Callie's reaction and motivations but I think what made it particularly hard to swallow was the fact that Devin didn't actually give her any reason to go off the deep end in the first place. And I think the deep end is an understatement, this woman took everything that he offered her and pretty much set fire to it, stomped all over it and left it in an alley for random drunks to piss all over. It really was a struggle to see why, after having his heart broken by his wife, to then give it to someone else and have the self same thing done again to him, that he would want her back in his life afterwards. "I'm not your mistake... I'm the best thing that; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Return to Me (Storm Lords, #2); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "Let me show you all you can be." Stars! Nina Croft delivers again with Return to Me the second book in the Storm Lords series. If you like PNR, but with a little bit of a difference then this series will certainly be one that you want to check out. Torrin Stormlord has essentially been living in purgatory for the last thousand or so years, in trying to make his wife immortal by stealing the Elixir of Life he along with his brothers had their wings stripped, and were banished from heaven for their crime. Spending the intervening years in The Abyss and wreaking death and destruction on their enemies and by the order of Queen Lilith, until a chance discovery uncovers the fact that the wives they ultimately lost may not in fact be totally outside of their reach. Leaving, Lilith and The Abyss behind Torr along with his brothers sets up Stormlord Securities in the hope of finally retracing their loved ones, who are now living their lives on earth. Five short days and within that time she must see him, know him, love him. Reuniting with them when found comes with its own set of difficulties as Torr is quick to discover when Belladonna Dixon pops up on their facial recognition software, and where he expects her to remember him immediately, the plan goes a little awry when she has absolutely no idea who he is. As I have come to expect with this authors writing, the story sets off at a pretty steady pace, Torr with only five days and Bella with no memory of him or their previous life together, make for a pretty entertaining couple, Bella can feel a connection, but her life has up till this point been less than happy, and putting your trust in someone who is unable to answer a large amount of your questions or offer feasible explanations to a lot of the weird and scary stuff that is happening around you, makes it even for Torr to work his way back into Bella's heart. "I will not forget you a second time." Add to the fact that Queen Lilith has her own agenda when it comes to Torr, as well as a Demon looking for revenge against him, and one of his brothers on the verge of madness due to grief, suspected of causing all sorts of trouble, and this is a story that grabs you by the hand at its beginning and doesn't let you go until the epilogue. Nina Croft can turn her hand to pretty much any type of romantic genre and do it more than well. This series, along with every other book and series I have read by her offer exactly what I want as a reader, entertainment. Her characters are ballsy, sassy, sexy and relatable and her storylines whether they are contemporary, fantasy, or paranormal romance are always well developed and engrossing reads. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Christmas at Lilac Cottage (White Cliff Bay #1); Author: Holly Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - Everyone had someone. Stars. This is a hard review to write in a way. Mainly because I absolutely adore all of the previous books I have read by this author. They are always well written, quirky, massively entertaining and just a little bit different. And although this book offered most of the above it was missing that little spark that I associate with Holly's writing, storytelling and characterization. Another small niggle for me was the mad rush of emotions Henry and Penny seemed to go through with each other at the beginning and at points through the book, especially as I struggled to actually feel any real established connection between them for most of the story. I liked the setting and the introduction to a lot of the characters living in and around White Cliff Bay, but I normally struggle to put a book down by this author, and this time that anticipation just didn't seem to be there. It is still an enjoyable read, I guess I just have extremely high expectations when it comes to Holly Martin's writing, and this book didn't quite hit the mark for me on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Night with the Playboy (Whiskey River, #5); Author: Katherine Garbera; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "There's a storm coming..." Stars! Book five in the Whiskey River series offers up a couple of well-loved tropes, within a story that is engagingly written and a couple that are easy to get along with. Nicholas Blue has been the easy-going brother throughout this series, quick with a joke and always a smile for the ladies. In One Night With the Playboy you get to see past the facade to the man underneath, a man suffering with self-doubt, grieving the loss of his best friend, and discovering a baby daughter he never knew existed. "I let you dance away from me before, I'm not doing it again." I liked Reba, a strong woman, although in love with Nick, she doesn't allow him to sweet-talk his way back into her life. She wants all of him; heart and soul; and not just the parts of himself that he is comfortable to show. "A man doesn't go to a woman when he no longer knows who he is." "You should have, I would have helped you find yourself again." I really enjoyed this instalment in the Whiskey River series, equal parts sexy and emotional, it was good to see that there was more to the last of the Kelly/Blue brothers, and that his path to love was a full of obstacles as his brothers before him. I hope this isn't the end of our visits to Whiskey River, Texas I think there is potential for a few more stories yet, and I will keep everything crossed that at some point we get them. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Night with the Billionaire (Men of the Zodiac, #9); Author: Sarah Ballance; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I can't want you, but I do." Stars! One Night with the Billionaire is the first book I have read by this author, it is not the first book I have read from the Men of the Zoiac series. Although I haven't read every title from it, the ones I have read have been extremely good, and this book is definitely on the list. Bad boy done good, mixed with second chance love on a virtually deserted private island, takes the reader to Latitude 13. The uber exclusive resort available to those with deep enough pockets, looking for privacy and a break from being in the public eye. "I spent too many years wishing you'd see me." Zoe Davenport finds herself on the next private flight out due to a very public scandal involving her now ex-fiance, not being able to keep his dick in his pants and his texts to his interns of the non-sexual nature. Little does she know that the resort and island is owned but her one time, bad boy next-door crush of her youth, Ryder Nash. "You take away my control... You make me want to let you have it. To give every damn shred to you and just fall." The chemistry between these two from the beginning literally steamed up the screen on my Kindle, add to it that Ryder has got the dirty-talking alpha cheekiness down to a tee, and I spent a very happy few hours reading of this couples reconnection. As you would expect a few secrets are revealed as the story progresses, but the author in the main kept the drama light, the sexy times hot, and the angst on a very low simmer. Winner all-round! "I never knew how to dream. Never knew I could." This definitely won't be my last book by this author, and if you are looking for a couple of hours of reading pleasure then you can't go far wrong with One Night with the Billionaire. All of the books in this series can be read as standalones so don't let the fact that this is number nine put you off either. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Until Death; Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "I'm not the man you knew before." Stars! Another sexily suspenseful story from the imagination of Cynthia Eden, Until Death takes place around the fun parades and masked balls of Mardi-gras. With a murderer on the loose and time of the essence, it is left to P.I Ivy DuLane and Detective Bennett Morgan to try and solve the case. But Ivy and Bennett have history, and having returned to town after years working elsewhere Bennett has more than a potential serial killer on his mind. He is back for Ivy, the woman he didn't put up a fight for before. "You matter. You always have. You always will." Problem is, the killer has Ivy in his sights as well... So Bennett finds himself in a race to save Ivy, as well as trying to solve the case before the body count increases. As usual expect the unexpected, Cynthia Eden takes the reader on another whirlwind adventure. "I don't need saving." A quick, enjoyable read, with more twists and turns than an F1 race-track. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unleashed Temptation (Miami Scorcher, #1); Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "I hate dogs..." Stars! The first book in the Miami Scorcher series, sets things off really well in that it the story was pretty scorching between Nick and Carly and it was a really great opener to the Lazos Pack dynamic in general. I think Nick Lazos may be my most favorite hero that Katie has written so far, there was just something about him, he was sweet, sinful and growly-alpha in equal measure, and although this book is all about the 'insta' connection it worked, because of the whole 'shifters-mate-for-life' thing. He knew she was his mate... He could hear and feel she was. Only problem being is that Carly is human, and not a huge fan of man's best friend, so falling for a werewolf... even though she doesn't know that he is initially, poses a whole host of problems for Nick. She was falling for him so fast and it was a little terrifying... Bearing in mind I read books two through to four in this series before this one, it's safe to say that they can be read out of order and as standalones', and as usual the author delivered a quick sexy and well-rounded read. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Worth the Risk (Miami Scorcher #2); Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "You have me." Stars! Book 2 in the Miami Scorcher series is as action packed and exciting as I have come to expect from Katie Reus/Savannah Stuart's writing. The fact I read it after book 4, shows that this series is easily read out of order, or as standalones. That said though, this one did end on a bit of a cliffy, which I am expecting to be resolved in the next book Power Unleashed. Stephan Lazos is deep undercover trying to ingratiate himself into one of Miami's known criminals inner circles, in the hopes of taking him and his operation down. What he wasn't expecting was to meet his mate, whilst on the job. To say it puts him in a difficult position would be a bit of an understatement, especially when it becomes apparent that Marisol Cabrera is just as interested in his target, but for completely different and potentially life threatening reasons. "You don't know as much as you think you do." Alpha Wolf/Male and difficult Wolf/Woman all come together in one quick, sexy and energetic read. As with the other book I have read in the series the story moves at sprint pace, and the sexy times come thick and fast, this author is climbing up my very short list of author's that Never Disappoint with each and every title of hers I read. "No one fucks with the Lazos brothers." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Power Unleashed (Miami Scorcher #3); Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I'm... different." Stars! Another stellar addition to the Miami Scorcher Series, although normally the author writes her series so that each book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend that you read Worth the Risk before tackling Power Unleashed as these two books are very much interconnected in relation to characters and the storyline that they are involved in. We met Paz Cabrera in the previous book in the series, and her sister was the main focus of the story. Whereas her sisters instalment focused on her connection with one of the Lazos brothers and their mutual interest in an underworld criminal, but for completely different reasons. Paz's story is slightly different, having now been rescued by the pack after being presumed dead, the council has sent their enforcer Adam Tucker to ensure that everything occurring in Florida is not bringing the werewolf/shifter population and the Lazos pack in particular into the public eye. "I thought you'd be taller." Savannah Stuart manages to get the sexy and emotional connection between her characters shooting sparks really quickly in her books and Power Unleashed is no exception. I love the whole Mates theme that is running through these books, it kind of takes the 'insta' and makes it acceptable because of it. I have read the middle three books of the series now, I hope to have time to get to the start and the finish very soon. This author never disappoints, and the books I have read in this series have been wholly solid in their plotting and absolutely entertaining in their reading. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Desire Unleashed (Miami Scorcher, #5); Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Being friends would likely kill him but he could deal with it... For now. Stars! The fifth book in the Miami Scorcher series was a quick and sweet, friends-to-lovers read in Savannah Stuart/Katie Reus usual stellar high quality writing standards. You have been introduced to Ethan and Caro through previous books in the series, Ethan is an anomaly in that he has been turned into a Werewolf through human experimentation and not through birth, whereas Caro has been a shifter for hundreds of years. She was the best friend he'd ever had and he didn't want to screw that up. Caro having been badly hurt in the past, is very wary of getting her heart hurt again, so when Ethan indicates he is interested in her, she immediately insists they stay in the friend zone, but as the months pass and that friendship grows she starts to wonder if they could be more... "You want me..." "So?" "So... what are we going to do about it?" "You're my friend, Ethan..." "Fuck being friends. I've never wanted just that from you. You know that." This was an easy read, nothing particularly new or different with the plot, but Ethan was sweet and attentive, and Caro wasn't shy to take what she wanted once she had moved on from her past hurts. "I'm not playing games and I'm not letting you go." You get a bit of interaction with the rest of the Lazos Pack as well and I hope we get more stories at some point in the future from some of the secondary pack members as well. ARC generously provided by that author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Claimed by the Warrior (Lumineta, #3); Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "I knew human females were not rational." Stars! It would seem that there isn't a romantic genre that Katie Reus/Savannah Stuart cannot turn her hand to and do extremely well. Claimed by the Warrior is book three in the Lumineta series. Lumineta being a planet, the planet where a large number of humans ended up relocating after Earth's demise. The year is 2237, and females on Lumineta hold a revered position, it is also not uncommon for them to be mated to two males. I am not a huge fan of multiple partners in my romance, and luckily Con is so smitten with Leilani in Claimed by the Warrior he bucks the trend and decides that they should be exclusive, Leilani although friendly with his brother Cyr, doesn't have feelings for him in that way, and agrees that one on one is better, than two on one. This was a quick, sexy, read. The warriors jostling for Leilani's heart were sweet and sometimes funny with their blunt honesty. I loved Con and his growly alpha, overprotective jealousy, and did I mention that Lumineta men can elongate their tongues! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Compromising Her Position (Compromise Me, #1); Author: Samanthe Beck; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I won't bite." Stars. I think with any book there is a fine line in making sure you balance the story with the sexual encounters. That line is even more important when we are talking about an author of Samanthe Beck's calibre. "I know what you need, and I'll satisfy you until you're hoarse with gratitude." There are going to be readers that may have an issue with the way this book started, I wont post a spoiler, as the synopsis pretty much sums up Chelsea and Rafe's initial meeting. To be honest yes it is a questionable scenario, but that wasn't really my issue, what I struggled with is that for a good 65% of the book all this couple really does is have sex. 'Why is she complaining' I can hear you muttering, well because I have high expectations of this author, no argument she writes hot and diverse sex scenes, but in all the previous books that I have read (and loved) they have been beautifully balanced and dispersed in a well rounded and entertaining story-line. "I found these on my pillow. Much as I appreciate the welcome, I hope the rest of the guests have to settle for a mint." These two went at it like proverbial rabbits, whilst in the background you have a rather limp ex boyfriend/new lover plot playing out for Chelsea, and what is coming to be the Entangled Special in usual roll-out parental type drama for Rafe. Sam's writing as always is sound, the innuendo; and boy there is a lot of it, would have been more entertaining if the story had the strength to back it up, but like the sex it just got a little too much. All in all, I just feel the scales were over-balanced on the sex side of this one, and I would have liked a little more story-line to flesh it out. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Her Treasure Hunter Ex (Ballybeg Bad Boys, #1); Author: Zara Keane; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "May the best diver win." Stars! Her Treasure Hunter Ex is the first book that I have read by this author, and the first book in the Ballybeg Bad Boys series. The title was what grabbed me for this one, and the synopsis sold it to me. The second chance love trope is one that I really enjoy, add in an unusual backstory, in that our couple are diving the wreck of the Lusitania off of the Irish coast for missing jewels, and that not everyone on the crew is on the up and up, and Declan and Katy's story kept me entertained for a few hours. "You're certain you want to start something with me again? It didn't end well last time." The reason this only got a 3 star rating for me is that our couple have a past between them that isn't pretty, and I felt that it was all resolved and forgotten about very quickly, and before you know it they were back to being a couple again. It didn't quite ring true with me, and the reconnection felt rushed and underdeveloped, if you are going to add a broken engagement and a miscarriage into your story line, I think it needs to be addressed a little more in depth than it was done in Her Treasure Hunter Ex. The suspense side of the book was well plotted and the ending held a few surprises, and I would certainly look to read more from Zara Keane in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rock Redemption (Rock Kiss, #3); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "It meant everything." Stars! Nalini Singh is an author who I have heard a lot about, seen many of my reading friends be excited about, and one that I have never read anything by, previous to starting Rock Redemption. Book three in the Rock Kiss series, this is basically a friends who fall out, working back to being friends, before eventually (and I mean eventually) admitting they have much stronger feelings for each other and taking the step of moving onto being lovers. This book wasn't a struggle too read, in fact I moved through it quite swiftly, and the author certainly has an easy to engage in style, but I would be lying if I said there was much about Noah and Kit's story that offered up anything new or unique from any of the other hundreds of messed up rock star books that are out there, or the ones I have read personally. "Just be my friend... Don't give up on me. Please don't." It is a given that Noah's actions at the beginning of the book were exceedingly douchey, but it was a struggle to feel any real emotional connection between the pair of them as they tried to work past his actions and rebuild their friendship for most of the book. For want of a better word it all seemed very dry, and the instances where they do share parts of themselves with the other lacked any real emotional depth for me, and at points it almost felt like I was reading a plot outline rather than a fleshed out book. But I made it to the end, and without any real loss of attention, so the author must have some sort of magic skill in keeping you engaged. But it certainly didn't meet the expectations that I had going into it. Broken or not, he was hers and she wouldn't give up on him. This isn't a bad book, I just think that I expected something a little deeper and more meaningful from an author of Nalini Singh's stature. If you are looking for a sex-fest, this is certainly not going to be a title you are going to get a lot from, this is pretty much in the Friend-Zone until around the last 25% mark. I am not someone who needs sex in their books as long as the story is good, but I'll be honest and say I think I would have been more invested in them as a couple if they had taken that step a little earlier in the story. I would read more from the author after finishing Rock Redemption there was something about the writing that kept me interested until the end, I think I would maybe try some of the author's work from another genre though. ARC Generously provided via TRSOR Promotions in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rekindle the Flame (Hot in Chicago, #0.5); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Find 'em hot, leave 'em wet." Stars! Reading Slump Over!!! Kate Meaders' writing to me, is akin to crack to an addict! Loved it! "When you're in the room, you're my sun." Going straight onto the next book in the series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: These Battered Hands; Author: Laurel Ulen Curtis; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 - "I just want to live in this moment..." Stars. I am a total sucker for a good sports romance, make it a different sport from your usual football and ice hockey players that seem to dominate the pages at the moment and I am even more interested. Laurel Ulen Curtis is a new author to me, and she also introduced me to a new sport, in the form of Nik and Callie's story. Gynmastics is one of those sports that I have watched, and spent most of my time thinking 'how do they do that'. A part of me had accepted him as someone I could trust. Someone I could relate to. Someone who might just end up knowing how I felt. I could see myself in him, at least the way I used to be... I could see the years he'd put in to get to that point, plain as day in the level of his talent, and I knew it had to be equal if not more than my own. I have to admit that I was interested to see if the author would manage to transfer the movements of a gymnast onto the page in a way that I as a reader without much knowledge of the subject would understand and be able to visualize, and she did it really well. I don't profess to now be an expert of all things gymnast, but I kept up with everything that Callie and Nik worked and tumbled through as the story progressed. "Yelling is kind of becoming our thing." Although in general I really enjoyed the story, I found that there were parts of it that seemed to move really slowly, the pace at the beginning was great, the meeting and clashing of athlete against coach was perfectly paced, the snark and verbal sparring entertaining, and the chemistry that built and ultimately turned into more really kept me turning the pages. But it sort of slowed from a jog to a stroll once the relationship dynamic changed between them up until around the last 40% of the book. "Being strong doesn't mean you can't be soft. Working hard to meet your goals doesn't mean you can't live. And living a certain way your entire life doesn't mean you can't ever change... Life is fluid." I will say one thing though and that is the author wasn't afraid to inject equal parts vulnerability, arrogance, innocence, inexperience and confidence into Callie, and where in one paragraph you want to slap her for her thoughtless comments or reactions, in the next you want to give her a long, hard hug for her feelings of vulnerability and confusion. Nik was sort of the perfect opposite for that, and where Callie had weakness he had strength, and where he had darkness Callie injected light. "I'm just wearing my bruises on the outside." Overall, a pretty enjoyable read and because of the unique subject matter, I sometimes found the sport aspects of These Battered Hands a little more interest grabbing than some of the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eating Well Made Easy: Deliciously healthy recipes for everyone, every day; Author: Lorraine Pascale; Genres: non-fiction; Review: I have never reviewed a cook book before. I kind of asked myself how would I go about it because let's face it, it would be a total lie to sit here writing a review claiming that I have cooked all of the recipes contained in Eating Well Made Easy, but as a qualified chef myself, and an absolute foodie, I know UI could happily write pages and pages of ramblings about the recipes contained within, and the really insightful tips that Lorraine Pascale provides the reader as the book progresses. Although fully qualified, I have to admit I am a lazy cook, especially when it comes to myself and massively during the week when I am trying to juggle working full time, traveling to and from work and so on, and I have to admit that the main thing that struck me about a lot of the recipes contained in the book was that you could either prepare them in advance, or they would take a matter of minutes to throw together in the evening. Also a large number of the offerings do not contain more than a dozen or so ingredients, I won't lie if I see a recipe that has a shopping list worth of components I am usually turning the page, a few in particular caught my eye and will certainly be tried very soon. - Peanut Butter and Banana Muffins - Goats Cheese and Courgette Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts - Pepper and Tomato Egg Cups with Spicy Salsa - Home-Made Chive and Parmesan Popcorn - No-Bake Chocolate Brownies If you like cooking, and you are looking for some simple, quick, healthy and what in the main look quite easy recipes, I would certainly not hesitate to recommend this book to you. Just the pictures alone had me salivating! ARC generously provided by the publisher, via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rolling in the Deep (Lopez Brothers, #1); Author: Rebecca Rogers Maher; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "We had this moment, though, didn't we?" Stars! This book was almost a five star read, Rebecca Rogers Maher is a new author to me, and to say I was impressed with the writing style, story-line and character development in this one would be a slight understatement. After seeing a few mixed reviews for Rolling in the Deep I started reading with no expectations, and found myself quickly gripped by the budding relationship between Ray and Holly, which played out around a life changing lottery win. "Hope hurts most of all." The pair of them both from pretty unremarkable backgrounds, and working in the local supermarket trying to make ends meet, split a ticket on the off-chance that lady luck is shining on them, and as you can guess, their numbers come in. I loved that the author didn't then just go on a mad shopping spree with them and their money, but actually looked at the impact that sort of win would have on the rest of the people in their lives. I liked that the extreme circumstances pushed them to deal with their feelings for each other, and you really got the impression of something special building between them. Both of them are grieving a loss in their own ways, and although wholly different their coming together offers the support that enables them to start accepting that loss, and start looking to their futures. "This feels real." As I said in my first paragraph this book was edging towards the five star mark for me, but one thing really stuck and irritated just a little too much for me, and that was Holly's acquiescence towards her ex-husband. A guy that it is quickly established early on that she divorced for being a general douche, that got his jollies from making her feel inadequate and taking pot-shots at her in general to undermine her self-confidence, and make himself feel big. "Are you really going to just lie down and take it?" This then went one step to far when she allowed him to them take her child away from her without even batting an eye-lid. If it had been me I wouldn't have just cowered like a kitten, but would have fought like a tiger for my cub. The situation was rectified pretty quickly, I just wish it had been dealt with straight away. Another real positive from this book was the secondary characters in Beth; Holly's best friend and Tony; Ray's recently divorced brother. Having done a little Goodreads stalking I am really happy too see that Tony and Beth are due to have their story told in early 2016, in Just Give Me a Reason. If you are looking for something a little different in the romance genre, I think Rolling in the Deep fits the bill really well. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Claim Me, Cowboy (77th Copper Mountain Rodeo #1); Author: Charlene Sands; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "You lost that bet, and it was my lucky day." Stars! The Montana Born Rodeo kicks off in absolutely stellar fashion, with Claim Me, Cowboy. And if serving up a huge helping of second-chance love isn't enough, I got to return to one of my favourite towns - Marietta, Montana. Tyler has returned to town after an eleven year hiatus, leaving under a cloud he has only really returned to sort out his father's estate and sell the Circle W Ranch, before making a fresh start with his baby daughter in Texas. That is until he arrives at the house and discovers that his only love Summer Simmons has been left half the house in his father's will, and now a widow herself after losing her husband, who also happened to be Ty's best friend prior to his leaving is determined to return the ranch to its former glory. "You are so bad for me. This book was an absolute joy to read, returning to Marietta, and seeing the development of the blossoming relationship between Ty and Summer after everything that happened between them in the past, the author managed to fit an awful lot of story into this novella, and she did it really well. The rest of the series is certainly going to be on my TBR now - Hold Me, Cowboy by Alissa Callen Keep Me, Cowboy by Nicole Helm Choose Me, Cowboy by Barbara Ankrum Are due for release over the next couple of weeks and I cannot wait! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snowflake Wishes (Echo Lake, #0.5); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I think maybe I missed you a little." Stars! Maggie McGinnis + Christmas = Outstanding novella! Its not a surprise that I enjoyed Snowflake Wishes as I have read and loved every other book that the author has so far released. Being the beginning of the Echo Lake series this was a great second chance love re-connection built around giving the reader a bit of an overview of the town and its residents. "You're a hard woman to get over... Turns out, I kind of suck at it." Piper and Noah haven't seen each other for seven years, having left town to pursue a life of extreme adventures Noah isn't certain what to expect when he returns, the fact the Piper is unmarried and unattached comes as a bit of a surprise, and in an extremely pleasant way. I have already fallen a little in love with Echo Lake any town that has its own Christmas theme park gets my vote, add in a little love story, and some seasonal sparkle and I am a happy reader! Forever This Time, the first full length book of the series is due for release on the 3rd November and I am looking forward to seeing what Maggie has in store for us. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hawke (Cold Fury Hockey, #5); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "Things change, don't they." Stars. We return to the Carolina Cold Fury Ice Hockey team for book five in Sawyer Bennett's hugely popular series. As you can probably guess from my rating, Hawke didn't reach the heights that the first three books did, and he sunk even lower than Ryker, on the enjoyment scale for me. "You've seen one dick, you've seen them all." But the difference between Hawke and Ryker, is that I actually liked Ryker, it was a struggle for the to feel anything more than slight indifference towards him, and although I think it was poor form in the way Vale treated him, his attitude stank for a lot of the book as well, making it hard to feel any sympathy. "I was being loyal to myself." I'm not a huge fan of making someone suffer overly long for something they don't even know they have done/ or were a part of to begin with. One of the main reasons this story fell all-sorts of flat for me is that I worked out almost straight away why Vale dumped Hawke the way she did originally. But in not telling him, she kind of lost the right to be a bitch to him about it as far as I am concerned. It kind of takes away the surprise when it takes so long for something to be revealed to the person in question, when you as the reader have known about it for almost the whole time. Another thing that this story lacked was depth of storyline, although the previous books use well-thumbed tropes, they were special in that the author gave them a unique twist, plenty of emotional connection and build up between the characters, and heartfelt resolutions to the issues they went through on the path of becoming a couple. This book was so long to get going, I hit 43% still wondering where the story was, and when it did start moving, I just struggled to feel any of the aforementioned expectations. I have read a few books by this author now, and Hawke really doesn't reach the high level that I have come to expect from her, I don't think it is a case of the series losing steam, in fact let's face it, it could theoretically run and run, the nature of a team is that people come (and go), but I definitely think it may be time to go back to the drawing board and look at different avenues to explore, something has been lost in the last two books, and I am hoping with Max's book, that Sawyer can add it back into the mix again. The one plus was getting to see some of the old crew from the previous books, and see how their lives are going, what changes are occurring, and that they are all living their happily ever after. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Power Play (Risky Business, #2); Author: Jennifer Bonds; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'll bring the shoes, you bring the condom." Stars! Jennifer Bonds really stepped up to the hockey net with Once Upon a Power Play. I really enjoyed the push and pull between Ryan and Chloe, and their sexy-times were extremely diverse and plentiful. "Dead men don't need limes." This is probably the first Brazen title I have read in a long time that didn't figure in some sort of over the top familial drama, and it was such a nice break. This book literally for the most part just focuses on the two of them, together, getting down and dirty, whilst working through their own commitment issues. The secondary tropes enhanced, and didn't get in the way of this, and it was just a really easy book to get into, get lost in and get read without being distracted. Chloe's expected wobble towards the end and the reasonings for it were pretty easy to see coming from a mile off, but I really didn't mind as again it wasn't overblown and worked well with the overall story-telling. "Pictures don't lie." Stand out Secondary character for me was Bash (no last name given), one of Ryan's team-mates, I loved that he called Chloe out on her shit and the fact that she believed others before even speaking to Ryan about things, and I hope that the author has a story lined up for him at some point in the future. "I have to be honest, I was pulling for you. You're good for Ryan. I've never seen him that happy before, but if one bullshit article in the tabloids is all it takes for you to cut and run, maybe it's best you part ways now because you don't deserve him." It was an evening well spent, getting to know this couple, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes the Risky Business series next. ARC generously provided via Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling for the P.I. (Still Harbor, #1); Author: Victoria James; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Stop drooling and start walking." Stars! Falling for the P.I. is the first book that I have read by this author, and I will certainly be coming back again and reading more of the Still Harbor Series. Victoria James managed to catch my attention with Matt and Kate's story, and get me so invested in it that I read it in a couple of hours (I may have even extended my lunch break at work to do so!). There is a certain charm about the authors writing, as well as the story-line, and although it is carrying a little drama in its themes, Falling for the P.I. was for the most part a heart-warming and easy to get along with read. "Whatever it is you're running from, you're safe with me." Kate struggles with trust, having spent her life being rejected and let-down by those that are supposed to love and look out for her, she has now made a life for herself with her Foster-Sisters Cara and Alex, as well as their adoptive daughters. So it is an extreme struggle for her to let Matt in, especially as she has her own adopted daughter and her needs to take into account as well. "Don't assume I'm like everyone else.". Matt gave me the warm fuzzies; sweet at the right time, dominant when it was necessary, but an absolute darling throughout the whole book. "I'll always believe you." As a start to a series this book really does well in giving you enough background of the secondary characters without detracting from the story building between the main couple. I liked my introduction to the town and people of Still Harbor and will be looking to visit again soon. Luckily the wait isn't too long, as Falling for Her Enemy is due for release in early November, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Endless Possibility (Rush #1.5); Author: Emma Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "This might be a good one. One of the best ones. One of the rare finds that stays with you forever..." Stars! Its Live! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... Charlotte and Noah return, and boy what a return it was, Endless Possibility made me hopelessly happy. I am always a little leery when an author offers up a novella in relation to a book that they have previously released. Sometimes it 'adds value' to the overall story that has already been told, but more often than not I just find them a pleasant catch-up with characters I have some fond memories of, more than actually offering anything new or unique to the already told story. I think you can tell by my rating that Emma Scott exceeded my expectations with Endless Possibility and then some. I had a lump in my throat, and my heart in my mouth for most of this novella, I fell hard for Noah in Rush, and the journey that Emma took him on across Europe in Endless Possibility, to essentially work out for himself how he now fits in with the world at large, in the realms of living as a blind man, and to then accept himself as being someone worthy of the love that Charlotte had for him... Well it was just beautiful to read. Pure escapism, you know the type of book, it grips onto you, and keeps your heart in its hold and your emotions on the roll until the end. Take it. Hold on. And never let go. You need to have read Rush to just understand how outstanding this novella is. Emma Scott didn't just jump on the 'let's make some more money' band wagon with this one, it fills in an area of Rush that played an integral part in getting Noah and Charlotte to the place that the perfect and lip wobbling epilogue in Endless Possibility provides. What more can I say. Read Rush - Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... You won't regret it, then spend some more time with Noah and Charlotte and see how their adventure concludes in Endless Possibility. Emma Scott is one of my author discoveries this year, and I cannot wait to see what remarkable stories she has in store for her readers going forward. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Descartes Legacy; Author: Nina Croft; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - You can't trust anyone. Stars! I am literally running out of nice things to say about Nina Croft and her books. She is an author that quite simply writes books I want to read, gives me stories that I get lost in, and characters I get involved with whilst learning about them through their adventures. The Descartes Legacy did exactly that, and I enjoyed the thrills and spills that Jenna and Luke went through together, and separately in order to discover the truth about Jenna unique abilities, her fathers past, and what he was involved with. Full of action, sexual tension and a few unexpected surprises, I was once again kept entertained by the author's storytelling. "Don't sell yourself for me... I'm not worth it, and I won't thank you for it." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tempest Rising (Rising Storm #1); Author: Julie Kenner; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Little Bit." Stars! Its difficult to give you any real details about Tempest Rising; Julie Kenner, has been tasked with opening the Rising Storm series, and because of that, there are a lot of introductions to characters, and the families of Storm, Texas, but she does it well, and although there is a lot going on, nothing is confusing or hard to integrate into the overall scheme of the story. This series promises a lot of twists, turns, shocks and surprises with plenty of stories to be told. The list of characters and POVs introduced in this book is long and their backgrounds, not to mention the secrets they are carrying are varied and diverse. A car crash, brings about new life, not to mention death with the return of Ginny Moreno to town. But all is not it seems with Ginny and I am interested to see how her story develops, not to mention everyone else's throughout the future books in the series as they are released. You have a Sheriff who isn't afraid to step outside the law to protect those that he cares about, marriages that aren't as solid as you are initially led to believe, secrets and lies, and let's face it neither end up staying undiscovered for long in a small town such as Storm. ARC generously provided via InkSlinger PR, in exchange to the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: White Lightning (Rising Storm #2); Author: Lexi Blake; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "Saved by the bell." Stars! The second book in the Rising Storm series picks up very much from where it's predecessor left off. The word about town is still very much on the return of Ginny, and the repercussions of the events that occurred in relation to it. But the focus moves over to the Rush and Alvarez families in White Lightening, and it would seem that they may have more connecting them than we are initially led to believe. To be honest at this point, the series is very much still in the 'setting the scene' developmental, part of the story, but I am intrigued and interested still in seeing where it will all eventually go at the moment. It is becoming more apparent though that the web of secrets and lies that most of the people in the town of Storm, Texas are holding close to their chests, are going to cause an awful lot of fireworks when they all start becoming common knowledge. "I'm here all summer... How would you like to spend some time with me?" Looking forward to seeing how the whole story continues to develop in part three; Crosswinds due for release this time next week. ARC generously provided via InkSlinger PR, in exchange to the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crosswinds (Rising Storm #3); Author: Elisabeth Naughton; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "What the hell are you thinking?" Stars. Welcome to Storm, Texas the third installment in this weekly novella version of a soap opera is apparently the Teen-Edition, in that the story mainly focuses on Lacey Salt, Mallory Alvarez, Luis Moreno and Jeffry Rush. Think of every teen bitch you ever remember coming across when watching shows like, The O.C, 90210 (new and old), Pretty Little Liars etc... and in a nutshell that sort of sums up how this novella and Lacey's behavior as the story progresses, having been deemed the good girl by her parents and the town, in trying to deal with and overcome her grief Lacey decides it's time to take her life in hand, and start living for herself, whatever the consequences and without a care for whoever she hurts in the process. "Things are just... complicated right now." The resurgence of an extremely pissed off Dakota Alvarez at the end of this novella ensures that there are likely to be plenty of fireworks in the forthcoming installments in this series. Dance In The Wind is up next, and I am interested to see which direction Jennifer Probst takes the story. ARC generously provided via InkSlinger PR, in exchange to the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dance in the Wind (Rising Storm #4); Author: Jennifer Probst; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - Stuck in a lie. A lie that could never be told. Stars. So we return to Storm, Texas for the fourth instalment in the soap-novella series. Jennifer Probst pens Dance in The Wind, and it pretty much takes up where it's predecessor left off, Logan Murphy's return to town... "I thought you wanted me to be bad?" I think the list of fictional families involved in this series, will give you an indication as to how much is actually going on in each one of these novellas. You have - Allen Alvarez Douglas Grossman Johnson Moreno Murphy Prager Rush Salt And each and every one of them has more than a little something going on in the overall scheme of the story. So many secrets to keep. That's what I like about the series as a whole, because even though so much is going on; for instance in this novella alone you are looking at the development of Ginny and Logan's relationship, the discovery that Hannah although with Tate has totally inappropriate feelings for someone else. There is the whole Dakota Alvarez looming car crash of life choices, and the rest of the Alvarez' family dealing with the aftermath of Hectors departure. Kristin and Travis' secret and illicit meetings, and the women that Patrick and Dillon Murphy both have feelings for not necessarily being in the same place as them, and this is very much just the tip of the iceberg, nothing is confusing or unexplained. I will admit I was worried I would remember everyone and everything but with the novellas being released on a weekly basis everything has stayed fresh and not forgotten "One step at a time." These novellas never were intended, and will never be stories that can be told as standalones, you can gather from the above just how much is going on, and how imperative it is to have read the previous books in the series. This brings me to my one niggle, because after four novellas is it really necessary to keep going back and going over things that already happened or were revealed previously, it takes up valuable page space that could be given to giving more depth to the plot and the characters going forwards. But other than that this series is shaping up to be a unique and really unusual reading interlude. Larissa Ione is up next with Calm Before The Storm, and in am interested to see what secrets, lies and revelations will be spilled in her offering to the series. ARC generously provided via InkSlinger PR, in exchange to the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Calm Before The Storm (Rising Storm #5); Author: Larissa Ione; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "No chihuahua has ever been a match for a big dog." Stars. This is the first novella in the series that has actually felt a bit fillery to me. Nothing really moved along in it, and bearing in mind you have a cast of dozens, all of which are harboring at least one dirty little secret, I was expecting a little more. "You're only making this worse." Don't get me wrong I wasn't bored, but the development of several of the pivotal plots that have featured in the previous installments is virtually nil, and apart from the arrival of Marcus Alvarez into the mix, and a lot of pursed lips from the towns higher echelons in relation to his potential involvement with Storm's golden girl Brittany Rush, nothing else really happened. "I've Never found anything but lies at the bottom of a glass of alcohol." The final three episodes in this Soap-Novella have certainly got some tying up to do. ARC generously provided via InkSlinger PR, in exchange to the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Take the Storm (Rising Storm #6); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "At some point, you have to shit or get off the pot." Stars. I finally realized what my problem is with this series while reading the sixth installment. Although every episode has been written extremely well and Rebecca Zanetti's is no exception. The flow of the many different story-lines has been consistent and the general movement of the plot steady. But, I cannot actually think of one character (and there are many of them) that I actually find particularly likeable, or feel any empathy for. "We jump in with both feet." While I think the premise of this series is good, I just think that at this point in the proceedings something or someone should start shining, in fact with the number of characters and the lives they are living it should be more than one. There isn't anything particularly dislike-able about a lot of them either, but no one really stands out. "Either you and I move forward, or we stop." Rebecca integrates Marisol Moreno and Patrick Murphy into this installment, and once again like many of the plot points in the previous novellas it all fizzles out again by the time you finish reading... The thrills and spills of the first episode or two seem to have lost momentum as well to be honest, and I am really interested to see how the last two authors; Lisa Mondello and Dee Davis are actually going to pull it all together into a cohesive conclusion... Storm, Texas is more of a subtle breeze at the moment, rather than a blustering gale. ARC generously provided via InkSlinger PR, in exchange to the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Weather The Storm (Rising Storm #7); Author: Lisa Mondello; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "We can't ignore this any longer... We need to talk." Stars. Without a doubt Weather The Storm has been my favorite novella of the series so far. Initially I was a bit peeved that the Daniels family were being introduced, particularly this late in the series, and considering the plethora of characters and families that already have however many plots and story-lines running through the series already. "You don't need to play with fire to get burned. Sometimes you just get burned." But it was nice to actually read of a regular couple dealing with issues, that weren't overly dramatized or keeping secrets and telling each other lies, which can pretty much be attributed to almost every other person that I have so far come across whilst reading about the mainly awful residents of Storm, Texas. "I'm scared... I have been for a long time." It is a shame that it took so long for a couple with a decent family base behind them and some basic self-respect for themselves to have their story told. Bryce and Tara were a man and a woman struggling, dealt the blow that no loving parent want's to have to face, in that their son isn't quite the normal little boy (by generic standards anyway) they thought he was, but still extremely special in his own right. And looking to try and make the adjustments to their life and relationships to ensure that he as well as their young daughter still get the best care and upbringing they can give them. One book left, and Dee Davis has a massive amount of cleaning up to do. My only hope... That Dakota Alvarez gets everything she deserves and then some in the finale! ARC generously provided via InkSlinger PR, in exchange to the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thunder Rolls (Rising Storm #8); Author: Dee Davis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Whatever happens next, we'll face it together." Stars. As you would expect the poop literally hits the fan in this the final instalment of the first series. Dakota Alvarez finally lets fly, and there are very few families in Storm, Texas that are left without shit landing in their vicinity. Some threads of the storyline are tied off, some are left to be resolved at a later date and a few new ones are added just for good measure. I haven't disliked this series, and as a somewhat experimental way of delivering a story based around a town and it's many residents I would call it a success. Another positive for me is getting to experience some really exceptional authors, I think their skill is highlighted in the fact that each one has managed to pick up where their predecessor left off so seamlessly. For me, I have a slight issue with the lack of depth, development and overall likeability of the bulk of the cast, the seventh novella stands out for me as the best, in that it largely focuses on one family, and doesn't jump here, there and everywhere. I also think the price for each novella somewhat steep if you add all eight together and than take into account that most of the authors involved are offering full length books for the same price and less. would I read a series like this again... I honestly don't know, but for now I think I have spent enough time with the residents of Storm. ARC generously provided by Inkslinger PR in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling for Her Enemy; Author: Victoria James; Genres: romance, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I hope it's you." Stars! Victoria James takes her readers back for another visit to the town and residents of Still Harbour and Falling for Her Enemy gives us Alexandra McAllisters' story. I really enjoyed this book, you are given a heavy indication as to what the STORY is likely to be about towards the end of its predecessor Falling for The P.I., in that Alex is told that her adopted daughter's possible father has been searching for her. In steps Hayden Brooks, successful man about town, never expecting to be thrust into the position of father, and especially not in a sleepy town like Still Harbor. They were on opposite sides, yet the same. The chemistry between the two of them bubbles from their first meeting, and although both of them are reluctant to see where it could lead, especially in light of the fact that Hayden is in town to potentially pull Alex's carefully crafted happy apart. "I really, really wish you'd turned out to be an asshole." I think what really gives this story its depth is the fact that the author took the time to show both of them and their individual vulnerabilities in relation to the situation they find themselves in. Hayden is just as far out of his comfort zone as Alex in that he may have a daughter he didn't know about, especially as fatherhood isn't something he has really considered seriously up to the point of finding out. Alex is dealing with feelings and emotions for a man, something she has never entertained before, and especially not a man like Hayden, who has the potential to drastically change everything about how and why she lives her life the way she does. Set against a backdrop of snow, Christmas and goodwill to all men, women and children, this is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold afternoon or evening, and just get lost in a beautifully written story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Delicious Complication (Delicious Desires #2); Author: Sabrina Sol; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "There's not enough Tequila in this world." Stars! The above quote pretty accurately reflects my feelings when I received and ARC of Delicious Complication to my in-box. To say I disliked its predecessor Delicious Temptation, would be a bit of an understatement, in fact I was ready to sign myself in for a thorough eye-bleaching after I finished it. But I am a nosey cow, I openly admit I am not one who likes to miss out on things, so I took a peek, and I am glad I did, one chapter turned into two, and two turned into the whole book. I had no issue with the authors writing in Delicious Temptation the problems I had were wholly in the characters, their attitudes, behavior, backgrounds and the story-line they found themselves dropped in. And to be honest I wasn't expecting much from Daisy and Brandon's book because of this. Initially, because I disliked Daisy hugely in book one, and also because the whole Fake-Fiancee trope has been done to death lately. But when written well and included in a story-line, with amenable characters I am still happy to give it a go. The author got everything right this time for me, and I am glad I gave this book a chance, put my initial reservations behind me and settled in for what I can honestly say was a really enjoyable and sexy read. Yes it's extremely predictable, but I didn't mind that, I grew to like Daisy the more the book progressed, Brandon was sexy, and their moments together once they got going were spicy... The dirty talk was a little cheesy at points, but it added to the charm, and to be honest compared to the list of issues I had with this books predecessor amounts to absolutely nothing in the scheme of things. "I think we're done talking." ARC generously provided by Entangled, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tell Me You Need Me (Search and Seduce #1); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Time for the sex. Not the reality. Stars! I am a fan Joya Ryan's writing, Tell Me You Need Me falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum if we were listing my favorites. I am not going to lie and say that there is anything new and unusual about the story-line, but Chloe and Gage were a likeable pair. Both commitment-phobes with their own sets of issues. But their banter was enjoyable and the sexy-times plentiful. She'd rather be a momentary fantasy than a heartbroken reality. Chloe is trying to keep her mother's restaurant alive in Beaufort, while Gage rolls into town on occasion to help out with Search and Rescue responsibilities. Both are happy with their lives as they are, but Gage wants to turn their 'when he's in town' hook-ups into a little more, and idea which Chloe is more than a little resistant to. "Sorry, no dating. And definitely no romance..." "Then no sex." Tell Me You Need Me was a quick and easy read, a good starting point to Joya's new, Search and Seduce series. The ending felt a little rushed, but overall well worth a few hours of your time. "Stop running... Let go so we can fall together." ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Summer Fling; Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Time to begin. Stars! Perfect summer reading. Originally released as two separate books; A Bride for Glenmore & Single Father, Wife Needed, Summer Fling takes the reader to the Scottish island of Glenmore. Kayla and Evanna both nurses on the island get their happily ever afters over a summer. Sexy Doctors and nurses, plenty going on, and a heap of sexual tension keeps both stories moving along, and easy to immerse yourself in. Sarah Morgan has become one of my go-to authors recently, when looking for some good old-fashioned romance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses; Author: Jenny Hale; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - 'Middle of the road' Stars. Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses is one of those books you pick up, read, and forget as soon as you start something else. I don't mean that disrespectfully, but I just cannot find anything about the story that stood out as particularly new or different. Not a huge issue if the writing and characterizations are sound and engaging. But the rich, reclusive guy and the single mother struggling in all areas of her life trope needs to be done well to pull me in and Nick and Abbey's interactions in the main were all a bit cold and stilted, and the constant comparisons to what Nick had and what Abbey couldn't afford got a bit wearing after the first fifty or so mentions. This is my first read by this author, it hasn't completely put me off reading more from Jenny Hale in the future, but I think I would probably go with something a bit shorter the next time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Make A Christmas Wish; Author: Julia Williams; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Let me take you on a journey." Stars! I am not a stranger to Julia Williams writing and stories several of her previous Christmas books rank highly in my overall list of favorites, Make A Christmas Wish falls a little lower on my enjoyment scale than it's predecessors, and there isn't any main reason as to why that I can wholeheartedly put my finger on. Told from several points of view, and through Journal entries for Adam and Livvy's son; Joe. The book basically charts the beginning, middle and somewhat unplanned end of Livvy's life and relationship with Adam. As the book progresses you get flashbacks to Christmases past which highlight the deterioration of their marriage, and insights into the woman Livvy gradually became as the years of raising a young child with a challenging condition gradually took their toll, on her as a person, her friendships and her marriage. "You have unfinished business." We also get to see the present of the story through Emily; Adams new partner and Adam as well so it really is a well rounded tale. An easy-going read in nature, with a few blurry eyed moments, but it took a long, long time for me to warm to Livvy, even as you see and start to understand who she was and why she has been left on earth as a ghost to try and understand her past mistakes and given the opportunity to make them right before passing over, I really did struggle with her for a lot of the book. There is another issue that also left me with a little bit of a bitter tang in my mouth, its a very small thing in the scheme of the book, and in an effort to keep the review spoiler free I will refrain from mentioning it, but some beginnings didn't sit well with me. This is a book you can pick up and put down over the Christmas period whether you have five, fifteen or sixty minutes to spare. You are not going to struggle to pick up the story again if read incrementally. Enjoyable, but not exceptional. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hold Me Cowboy (77th Copper Mountain Rodeo #2; The Wildflower Ranch #5); Author: Alissa Callen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "The grass is perfect where I am." Stars! Hold Me, Cowboy, was an enjoyable but unremarkable type of read. It's the type of novella that you pick up and enjoy in the moment, but there wasn't really anything about it that stood out, or distinguished it from the many other Second Chance Love stories out there right now. This is the first book I have read by the author, and in the main Kendall and Brent's reconnection fulfilled all the requirements of a romance of this nature. "Things happen. People change." The chemistry between them was a little lacking though, and bar from a few kisses the steamy moments were missing, and although sex isn't a per-requisite in my reading, I feel this book may have benefited a little from more development and 'action' in that area. "There's only one girl I want to make sigh." The reasons for Brent's departure four years previously and his reluctance to get involved with Kendall upon his return to Marietta were a little weak to be honest, and for the most part this book felt more of a young adult read... "When it comes to living my dreams... all I've ever wanted was to be with you." This was a sweet, sex free, easy-going book, I would certainly be happy to read more from Alissa Callen in the future, the story just needed a little more meat on its bones, and depth to its characters. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Keep Me, Cowboy (77th Copper Mountain Rodeo #3); Author: Nicole Helm; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "All I ever remember is wanting you." The third book in the Montana Born Rodeo series, gives us the return of Cole McArthur to Marietta, Montana and the reconnection between him and his first love; Jess Clark after his departure ten years previously without even a 'goodbye'. This was a book of two halves for me, I was really enjoying the chemistry that was building between Jess and Cole, especially as you are given the reasons of his departure back when they were teenagers, what knocked the rating down a little for me was the McArthur family in general, as the author gave them some pretty unlikeable and irredeemable qualities. "I will always care... Whether I should or not." It was however a very quick read, and everything was resolved before I had much of a chance to build up a head of steam behind my dislike, and it had a pretty sweet ending as well. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Moonshadow's Daughter; Author: Kaylie Newell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - Death comes to us all... Even in fairy tales. Stars! The third book in the Wolfe Creek series more than made up for the disappointment of its predecessor for me. Kaylie Newell pitched Aimee and Jake's story perfectly. Well-paced, beautifully descriptive and extremely eerie right up until it's heart-pounding ending. If you have read the previous two books in the series you will know a little about Aimee Styles already, her death (or supposed death) was the catalyst that bought her best friend to Wolfe Creek looking for her, since then and through the books we have learned that not all is as it seems with the town or its inhabitants. "Now's a good time to stop living like you're dead." Two years later, and Aimee is forced to confront her life, in view that everyone thinks she's dead when struck down by a nasty flu, and in requiring treatment is bought into contact with the town Doctor, single father Jake Blackstock. We met and learned a little about Jake in the second book, as whilst camping his son Daniel went missing in the woods, and was subsequently found by town bad boy; Zane Wolfe. "You're safe now." The Moonshadows Daughter took me right back to the creepy, spine-tingling look-over-your-shoulder-while-reading feelings I had when I read the first book. "I'm tired... of being alone." Kaylie has managed to mix up an emotive love story, added to a paranormal influence with a dash of things-that-go-bump-in-the-night perfectly, and I enjoyed it so much, and read it so quickly, that I almost felt like it had finished as soon as I had started it. "You're safe now." It felt that the end of this book was the end of the series, if so I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next. If not I would be happy to return to the creepy Wolfe Creek for more adventures. ARC provided via Netgalley, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas at Evergreen Inn (Jewell Cove, #3.5); Author: Donna Alward; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're not as scary as you used to be..." Stars! One of my favourite things about Christmas, is the plethora of Christmas novellas that we as readers have available to us now. It gives me a chance to experience Christmas, time and time again, with a large number of people, and feel the love and relationships grow for them as their stories are told, not to mention feel the seasonal spirit bloom inside myself as I fill my imagination with all things Christmassy. It is also a really good time to discover new authors, and Donna Alward falls into that category for me, and it was an extremely pleasant discovery. As was the town of Jewell Cove and its residents. Although a relatively short novella, nothing is lacking in Todd and Lainey's story, they have known each other since school, but the timing has never been right in the past, for them to be anything other than friends. Until one massive snow storm leaves them stranded at Evergreen Inn together, and the chance to take things further is provided. "We'll just have to figure it out one thing at a time." Lainey having had her heart broken the previous Christmas is wary of romance, not to mention lacking in the spirit of the season, and Todd goes out of his way to help her make new and happier memories. I absolutely adored this couples coming together, having not read any of the previous books in the series (something I plan on rectifying very soon) I didn't find it detrimental to Todd and Lainey's story, and it can absolutely be read as a standalone. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Never Tear Us Apart (Never, #1); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Only Us. Stars! I am no stranger to Monica Murphy's writing, in the past she has delivered up some absolutely stellar standalones and series. That said, I honestly can say that Never Tear Us Apart may well be her finest work to date. I think mainly because it is so different from what she has previously published, this is a book that pulls you in, and keeps you emotionally invested right up until the end. This isn't a fluffy romance, and at points it's quite dark and gritty, a little uncomfortable to read, and it makes you think. Told from differing points of view, we get the 'Then' and the 'Now' but the story line isn't told in a straight time frame, Monica has dealt with splitting up Katie and Will's past eight years, whilst integrating it at pertinent points, with Katherine's current, and how her budding relationship with Ethan, is helping her rebuild herself into the woman she wants to be in the future. I was violated in the worst way. Mentally. Emotionally. So much that the physical violation doesn't even matter any longer. As I said this book was difficult to read in parts, not because the author went into great detail of the things that Katie dealt with during her capture, although it isn't glamorized either, but I just found myself so emotionally invested in the story, not to mention the characters that it was hard to separate from it at points. This is one of those books that sits with you even after you have put it down, and for me that highlights just how special it is. Memories may fade, but they never really go away. I didn't realize this was book one, of two when I started it, but as Never Tear Us Apart progressed it became pretty obvious that the relationship growing between Ethan and Katherine was not going to be an easy one, there are a lot of secrets and omissions of the truth that are gradually revealed as it progresses, and it is pretty apparent that when it all comes to the fore, nothing is ever going to be the same for either of them ever again. "Promise?" This is where the author left the story, and although I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall I can understand why she did. A lot has happened, there is a lot to absorb. And May isn't that far off really is it! Never let You Go the conclusion of Katherine and Ethan's story is due as mentioned in May, I am hoping against hope that the author gives them the 'Happily Ever After' that they deserve. But I am expecting it to be an extremely bumpy and emotional journey for them (and me) to get there. When you've already faced your death once, what do you have left to fear? ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Vacancy (The Vacancy, #1); Author: Cael Percy; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - It was only supposed to be a routine office job." Stars! The first installment of The Vacancy certainly poses more questions, than provides answers. But even though it is extremely short, it does pull the reader in quickly. Alexa needs a job, and desperately. An unexpected interview and then job offer at Storm & Co gives her the much needed funds to prevent the loss of her home. "Do it for yourself, or not at all." Six months pass before the action then really starts, and from their first meeting; Alexa and Jonah Storm, develop a pretty strong chemistry... We are left at the point where they have made the decision to take the step past a working relationship, so this is definitely not the book for you if you are looking for all ends to be tied and all doors closed, as everything is left pretty much up in the air. I don't mind that, and I am interested to see where the author takes this couple, Alexa has a past that is going to at some point become a part of her present, and you can't help but think there is a lot more to the elusive Jonah. My first novella by Cael Percy, I would happily read more on the strength of The Vacancy. ARC generously provided by the author in Exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bite the Dust (Blood and Moonlight, #1); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "You can't control other people's crazy." Stars! No one writes paranormal romantic suspense quite like Cynthia Eden, and I think the first book in her new Blood and Moonlight. series, highlights exactly why. Bite the Dust introduces us to the underworld of New Orleans, not to mention the wealth of creatures and characters that live in it, as well as giving us a kick-ass Heroine and a sexy dominant Alpha as our lead characters. Detective Jane Hart, is on her first case for the NOPD, a brutally murdered woman, left in an alley outside of a local nightspot, drained of blood with her throat slit. Although you never expect a murder to be cut and dried in its investigation, the fact that the victim disappears from the morgue, and all of her colleagues have no memory of the crime even being committed the following day, leaves Jane wondering just exactly what is going on in the deep, dark, depths of the New Orleans underworld. Handsome faces could hide horrible monsters... Local business owner, and Alpha of the town's werewolf population Aidan Locke, knows more than Jane thinks he is telling her. And it was extremely entertaining to read this couple butt heads over pretty much everything from then on in, with Jane attempting to investigate the weird and wicked crimes being committed, whilst apparently the target of an unknown entity herself. "Are you sniffing me? ...Because that is some weird serial killer shit if you're doing that. Don't make me go for my gun again." The banter between this couple was hilarious at points, as well as the chemistry which was more than a little steamy. Cynthia gave great depth to the back stories of this pair as well, which seeing as it's the start of the series is what I would expect from her. "I don't know what scares me more. You... or the vampires out there." Bite the Dust hits the ground running with its story-line, and the author brings in a great cast of characters as the plot progresses. Nothing is quite as it would seem in New Orleans, and I figure that as the series moves along we will be given more and more insight into the werewolf and vampire populations, as well as delving deeper into the pasts of Jane and Aidan. "The end... It never looks the way we expect, does it." Better off Undead was released early January, and I cannot wait to get back to this series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: These Three Words; Author: Holly Jacobs; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "It's never a bad time for ice cream." Stars! One thing that gets me excited as a reader, is when an author thinks outside of the box when it comes to writing their romances. I like things a bit different, stories a little away of the norm, and let's face it most of the romance and love stories you generally read, are all about beginnings, first meeting, first sexy-times and so on. So when an author writes a book about what is potentially the end of a relationship I am interested. Although, in a way These Three Words covers the beginnings as well, because the story starts with Addie Grayson, preparing to end her marriage with her husband, but before she can the unthinkable happens and what then follows is an emotive and heart-felt journey through the beginnings of their relationship in the telling of stories and her recollections of past happenings and pivotal moments between them. Everyone I spoke to reminded me of something. Told largely from a hospital waiting room, Addie tells parts of her and Gray's story to the many and varied people she meets whilst holding on for news of him. If you aren't a fan of flashback stories this may not be the one for you, but for me it worked and really well, because although you are kept in the present, the memories and reminiscing of the highs and lows of their relationship, and the revelation of what ultimately was the 'straw that broke the camel's back' between them were mixed in perfectly with the current situation Addie and Gray are in. "A relationship should be a dialogue, not a monologue." This book was almost a five star read for me, I loved the epilogue, the only thing that I felt deserved a little more time spent on it was the latter stages of the book and what transpires between them after the situation that puts her in the hospital waiting room initially is dealt with. This is a really small niggle to be honest, as I really, really enjoyed this book. "Sometimes plans have to shift and alter." Holly Jacobs is an author whose work I haven't read before, but I will certainly be keeping a watch for new and future releases from her after finishing this beautifully written story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Can't Hold Back (Returning Home, #2); Author: Serena Bell; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: 4.5 - "What about happy endings?" Stars! One of the main things that I love about Serena Bell's writing is that she always manages to add a little something different to every one of her stories. Nate, an injured ex-serviceman is struggling to fit back into a civilian life, in Alia he finds a woman who offers him physical therapy for his injuries and mental clarity for the other issues he is currently trying to come to terms with. The only problem being is that he and Alia have a past, and that past is built around her involvement in his relationship with her sister, and its eventual demise. "Can we do this now and regret it after?" As I have come to expect with Serena, this couples story grabbed me from the beginning, I think it's the 'down-to-earthiness' of her couples the situations they find themselves in, and the obstacles that are thrown in their paths along the way, and how they ultimately deal with those things are what make her stories so special. You can also tell that a lot of research goes into each and every aspect of the book, from Nate's Injuries to the therapy Alia offers him, and the rest of the soldiers she treats. "You make me feel so good... I want to do that to you." This was an absolutely stellar read from beginning to end, the sexual tension, the vulnerability they were both experiencing whilst they tried to work through the issues between them from the past, and decide where they wanted to go in the future and just the general coming together for Nate and Alia as the story progressed, it was beautifully paced and perfectly set out. "I need your hands on me." I hope that at some point we get a book for Alia's sister; Becca. Being someone else who doesn't fit in the perceived bracket of 'normal' I certainly think she has a story to be told from what we see of her in Can't Hold Back, and if Serena tackles it, it's almost certain to be another winner. To Have and to Hold the next book in the Returning Home series is down for release in July 2016, and I cannot wait to see what this super-talented author has in store for her readers next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heartsong Cottage; Author: Emily March; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - Been there, done that. Got the casket." Stars. Whilst for the most part and enjoyable read, there were several issues I had with Heartsong Cottage, being my first read from Emily March I didn't really have any expectations going into this one apart from it being a seasonal read. The cover intimates that fact, and unfortunately that is not the case, Christmas is barely mentioned and it is literally in the last 20 pages or so that it is. For me this is a big sticking point, because when you offer up a cover showing a snowy cottage, with Christmas lights and a tree I am expecting the bulk of the story to at least play out in December. He'd laid open his soul to her, she'd continued to keep secrets. My second issue is the fact that for most of this book I felt like I was reading a written reimagining of a depressing county song, you know the ones... My wife done left me, my dog gone died, my car broke down, and my house burned to the ground, because if in any situation there could be a way to turn it into a drama the author did it, there were the odd Taylor Swift Shake It Off moments, but at around the 70% mark I was wondering if there wasn't a tragedy that the author was going to try and incorporate into this couples story. She was so tired of running. So tired of always looking over her shoulder. Ever so tired of always being afraid. But enough of the negative, there were positives to be gained from Emily March's story. Being my first visit to Eternity Springs the town and its characters are extremely well established and you feel it in the writing. I liked Daniel and Shannon for the most part, it was just all the unfortunate issues that befell them as the story progressed that became a little too much. The story-line didn't really offer up a huge amount in the way of surprises in its twists and turns, but there were several moments when this hard hearted reader welled up (not really I am as soft as they come!). "Let me tempt you... "That's all you've done since the day we met. The book is well written, I wouldn't have expected anything less of an author of this calibre, as I said this is the first book in the series that I have read, and being book ten I didn't feel lost or out of the loop, so it can certainly be read as a standalone. My main issue is just in the fact that this book has been wrapped up to look like it is a Christmas read, and it doesn't qualify for that genre to me personally. I would happily look to read previous or future books from the series. "A heartsong is beautiful. It's timeless. It's classic." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blood Magic (Wing Slayer Hunters, #1); Author: Jennifer Lyon; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I'm trying a new look called kidnapped and pissed." Stars! Jennifer Lyon isn't a new author to me, I have read and really enjoyed some of her contemporary /erotic romances in the past. But Blood Magic was my first foray into her PNR offerings. I am all for a sassy heroine and Darcy hit the tone perfectly for me. Vulnerable and determined make for a good mix when you take into account the woman has just discovered she's a witch, and been taken prisoner by the and oh, so sexy Wing Slayer Hunter Axel Locke. "I want to screw you more than I want to kill you." There is a lot going on in this book, and it took me a good 25% to get into the story and get over the barrage of characters that you are initially introduced to. But once it gets going it is pretty much full steam ahead until the finish. "I don't know what it is between us, but I want it... And you want it." Plenty of action, a little intrigue and sexual tension you can cut with a knife really bought this story together. Axle and Darcy both have strong feelings and emotions for each other, and it seems that they also bring out strong reactions in each other as well, this gave their sexy-times a little added heat, and kept the overall flow of the story really well paced. This is the first book in Jennifer's Wing Slayer Hunters series, and with the wealth of characters we are introduced to in this book, I am interested to see where the author takes the story next. We are given a glimpse of Sutton and Carla in the first book, but Soul Magic their story is due for release on 19th October. I really like that the author is re-releasing these titles with two week windows, it means you can keep the story in your memory and move onto the next one without massive breaks in-between. "Arrogant hunter..." "Prickly witch." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Someone like You (Oxford, #3); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "It's better than I thought it would be. Stars! I think it's safe to say that Someone Like You is probably one of the most anticipated reads of 2016 for a lot of people, and I think Lauren Layne made it worth the wait with the story she gave Lincoln Mathis. This is one of those books, that as a reviewer I want to gush wholeheartedly about, but there isn't a huge amount I can actually say about the plot and characters without giving a massive amount away, and I definitely think this is a book you need to go in without any pre-conceptions as to what is going to happen, because for me that was half the joy of finally getting Lincoln's story. "I think we're going to get along just fine." Lauren delivered up a slightly different story this time, in that it was very much character driven, that's not to say that her books in the past haven't been, but I just found everything with Lincoln and Daisy's story to have an added depth and emotion to it. Sex comes a long way into the story, but it works well because of it as these two characters have an awful lot to work out between them and individually before they can take the path towards a fully fledged relationship. You get the usual back-up with the rest of the Stilletto and Oxford characters, and as in all of the previous books, their addition brings great entertainment to the proceedings, but there were points where it just added to the whole dynamic of the story. Lincoln is not the character you have been lead to believe over the course of the previous books, and the more you see of the real guy that hides behind the charming facade, the more emotional certain aspects of the story make you as things move along. It was odd that it was the person who'd known him for the least amount of time who could expose him... Kindred spirits that inevitably pull together due to the connection and emotional understanding they have to what the other has been and is going through, both of them present a front for the world to see, and it seems that the only ones to have ever seen past the facade is the other. I loved this couple as friends, more than friends and eventually lovers. "I want your hands on me, I want you gentle, rough, desperate, because I'm feeling all those things... I've been feeling them." For me this is some of the best writing I have had the pleasure to enjoy from this author. I loved her work before Someone Like You, I am pretty sure I will continue to love it for many years to come. "I don't know if I can let you go..." Luckily we get more from the Oxford series in 2017, with I Knew You Were Trouble due for release in June, and I cannot wait! ARC generously provided by the publisher, via Netgalley and it was my; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy For Keeps (Boudreaux, #4.5); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 _ "I'm not going anywhere..." Stars! Enjoyable, albeit expensive (if you take into account the page count) addition to the series. I liked Adam in Easy Melody so it was good too read his happily ever after. Slight continuity blip with this as well, and he introduced Sarah in the previous book as his girlfriend. I think this one had the legs to be longer to be honest, but still an enjoyable couple of hours reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Welcome to Forever (Hero's Welcome, #1); Author: Annie Rains; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "We're in this together." Stars! Welcome to Forever is the first book I have read by Annie Rains, and I really enjoyed it. Take two characters, both not looking for, but then finding second chance love, add in a really cute child and some entertaining secondary characters and Micah and Kat's story was one I didn't want to put down. It wasn't his head or what was in his boxers that he needed to worry about. His heart was in deep trouble. Although there is a little bit of drama rolling through this one, and some of it erroneously so in my opinion, I think what pulled this book through that and made me fall in love with it was the whole community feel you get from the story and the residents of Seaside, North Carolina. The slow building relationship between Kat and Micah and the hurdles they overcome to be together as the story progressed just added more color to the story as a whole, and just made it easy reading especially as told in both POVs. "No time for foreplay." "There's always time for foreplay." You can tell this is the first book in the series, with the addition and inclusion of several characters and family members in the overall plot and I am interested to see where Annie takes the Hero's Welcome series next. We are introduced to Julie and Lawson in this book, and I am looking forward to discovering how their relationship develops in Welcome Home, Cowboy, due for release in April. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Give it Up; Author: Lori Foster; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I'm going to make up for lost time." Stars! Lori Foster, where have you been all my life!!! Loved, loved, loved this collection of novellas. Ladies Meet Axel and Booker Dean, and their mutual friend Cary Rupert. Each guy gets his Happily Ever After over the space of a couple of years, and this set together works really well as although each novella focuses on one of them and the woman they fall in love with individually, you have the general development of them as friends/brothers as well. "You're ballsy!" "I know." Whether you dip in and out or read the whole thing in one go, I just think this is a great collection of stories, the verbal sparring between the guys at points had me in fits of giggles. And each one of them has their own special brand of seduction that you can't help but get a bit hot under the bra-straps for. "Are you sure you're good at this seduction stuff? Because from what I've seen, you're batting a big fat zero." There is a little bit of everything spread over the three stories, most of your favourite tropes are covered in one way or another. Give it Up is the perfect light romantic reading escape, with nothing to deep or heavy to deal with, just yummy men, with swoony methods and likeable women, who are nothing out of the ordinary, except to the guys that fall in love with them. "I can't start figuring out when someday will be until I start making headway with you." Another author I have heard great things about, but never had the chance to read anything by up until now, and Lori Foster delivered for me on every level. I cannot wait to read more by her and soon! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rendezvous in Point Reyes (West Coast Holiday, #3); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're in good hands." Stars! I am a huge fan of Elisabeth Barrett, and her West Coast Holiday series is the perfect lazy afternoon/weekend reading. We met Stella Flynn briefly in the previous book in the series as it focused on her brother Liam and his growing relationship. Stella having just started to get over her divorce decides to spend a long weekend in Point Reyes, to relax and re-evaluate her life. Forgetting that her brother's best friend and her long time crush Jason Roberts's lives and works there too. "I don't want to hide anymore." Little does Stella know, but Jason has been harbouring some not so platonic feelings for her over the years, and when he finds out she is in the area on her own for a few days, seizes the opportunity to show her that he isn't the womaniser that she assumes him to be. Sexy, sweet and full of feels, the author pitched this couple's romance perfectly. Both are struggling with issues from their pasts, and although it played a part in their story, the drama didn't overtake everything else. I read this book in one sitting, it was such an easy to get along with story. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Second Chance Christmas; Author: Ellen Butler; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 2.5 - "Going down this road will only bring regrets..." Stars. If you are looking for a heavy dose of cheese with your Christmas reading, then you are likely to enjoy Second Chance Christmas, don't get me wrong it was an easygoing read, but I found some of the authors language use a little on the overly flowery side, and I really struggled to get on-board with a mature and supposedly educated couple (Lawyer and Major in the US Army) having the pet names of Buttercup & Teddy Bear. There were moments of sweetness in this second chance reconnection love story. "Maybe one day you can forgive me." "I already have..." But I would be lying if I said I hadn't read better Christmas novellas with this sort of theme, and massively so. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: If You Believe in Me; Author: Natalie J. Damschroder; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3 - "I will never give up." Stars. If You Believe In Me was a quick sweet and heart-warming read, about not giving up hope and holding on for the one you love, no matter the consequences and whatever everyone else believes. Amber and Kale, were friends forever, lovers for two weeks, and have been separated for two years, while he serves overseas, even worse the last six months have been under the assumption that he is listed as missing. "I believe in him." Amber doesn't give up hope, and Kale does his best to get home for Christmas, to give the woman he loves the seasonal magic she deserves. This is the first work I have read by this author, although quick, the story was well written and the characters engaging, and I would happily read more from her in the future. Well worth a try if you are looking for a speedy Christmas shot in the arm! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shifter Planet; Author: D.B. Reynolds; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Watch and learn, Earth girl." Stars! It's really hard for me to describe Shifter Planet, in fact I have taken a couple of days to try and put my thoughts together, because it was such an enjoyable and unusual read. Think G. I. Jane, crossed with Avatar, with a side of Star Trek and you are kind of in the ballpark of where this PNR tale sits. Amanda has spent her life aboard various space ships, and having never spent any time on land, it comes as a bit of a shock to her how attuned with the Planet Harp she is when her team land to carry out a diplomatic as well as exploratory mission. The descendants of Harp, hail from Earth, but over the years changes in their biological make-up have turned some of their residents into more than just your Average Joe. "You are such a pretty kitty." I really, really enjoyed this book, I must admit I went in with no expectations, being the first book I have read by the author, and to be honest the Title not to mention the synopsis, could both do with a bit of work. Amanda was strong, sassy and the adventure she goes on in an effort to be the first female earther to become a member of The Guild is unlike any adventure I have read before. "I finally get you half naked... and you're bleeding all over my sleeping bag." Rhodry goes from uber male, to injured kitty as the story progresses, and I loved that Amanda was the strong and dominant influence in their partnership for a time. Shifter Planet felt more of an action/adventure story over romance for the most part, our couple do get hot and heavy later on in the book, but for me it was the journey that Amanda and Rhodri took, and the obstacles that they overcame that built their relationship. Well worth a read if you are looking for PNR with a bit of a unique spin on it. The first third of the book definitely sets the scene and gives you the background information you need to know about Harp and its people, but once past that the story is full on, action, suspense and adventure right through to its finish. This is my first book by D. B. Reynolds, and I hope that she continues on from Shifter Planet with the amount of characters introduced in the story, there is certainly potential for more stories to be told. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chance of a Lifetime (Anderson Brothers, #3); Author: Marissa Clarke; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I won't peek if you don't." Stars! Marissa Clarke reeled me in, and kept me on the hook from start to finish with Chance of a Lifetime, this is one of those books that you pick up expecting a light and fluffy read, and although the author gives you that, there is an awful lot of thought that went into its writing. Dealing with blindness in any form in a fictional setting has to be handled with a certain level of respect, and I think that Marissa hit the balance perfectly with her characterization of Gen Richards, in that it was very much a part of the thread of the story, it wasn't glamorized or overplayed, it... just was. "Challenge accepted." I wasn't a major surprise to me that I loved this book so much, the Anderson Brothers are men that once you meet them, you never really forget the time you have spent with them and Chance Anderson lived up to all expectations in that respect. He'd taken punches for her. Gotten stitches for her. Even gone to jail for her... And she didn't even know. I think what made him shine is the fact that he saw Gen for who she was and not the fact that she was blind, something that her family has struggled to deal with massively from the get-go, and up to this point has had a negative impact on her life and general sense of adventure, a situation that with Chances help she's looking rectify with her teenage bucket list. "Freedom you earn is more powerful than the freedom handed to you." It was also great that the author took the lack of the sense of sight and incorporated it into the gradual building of their relationship, and reconnection after ten years apart. It gave a whole new level of depth to the sexy-times that took place between them. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I really enjoy the authors work in general, and I look forward to seeing where she takes us next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Darkest Frost, Vol. 2 (The Darkest Frost, #2); Author: Tanya Holmes; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "With you I will go." Stars! The biggest compliment I can pay this book(duology) and the author, is by saying that it is unlike any other story I have ever read, or am ever likely to read in the future. Tanya Holmes pretty much has done it again with the second (and final) instalment in this series, in that I cannot really say too much about the story, because it is all essentially one massive spoiler, it pretty much starts, where the last book left off, and the pace of the story is pretty fast moving. "What are you?" "Extremely hard to kill..." Xavier and Braeden Frost are unlike any other fictional set of brothers you are ever likely to meet. I loved the sharp contrasts between them both in their personalities and their actions. Denieve, is pretty much on a constant roller-coaster with the pair of them, and as soon as she (and the reader) figures out something about them, you are barreling onward to the next massive twist. "This will happen, and when it does, I'll own every inch of you." This isn't a book you are going to forget reading, and the author really does deserve massive respect for putting together such an unusual, engrossing and beautifully written story. Although I can't say a lot about it, I cannot recommend The Darkest Frost duology highly enough. The story pretty much has a little of everything in it too keep you entertained, but you really do need to read the first book otherwise you will not have a clue as to what is going on. "I embrace the crazy. It's the only way to live." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jockblocked (Gridiron, #2); Author: Jen Frederick; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I think the reward of you is worth the risk." Stars! Its Live Amazon US -www.amazon.com/Jockblocked-Novel-Grid... Amazon UK -www.amazon.co.uk/Jockblocked-Novel-Gr... B&N -www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jockblocked-... The second book in Jen Frederick's Gridiron series brings us back into contact with some favorite characters from the last book Sacked, and introduces us to a few new characters as well. Jockblocked gives us Matt Iverson's story, and as you can guess being one of Western State Warriors most well-known players, he is also known for being a bit of a hit with the ladies! One of my favorite tropes when it comes to romance set against the back-drop of College is the Man-whore to Man-of-your-dreams conversion, and Matty Iverson is a prime candidate for that sort of story, he was involved in the previous book Sacked most memorably for being a bit of a dawg, and tapping whatever was on offer, wherever it was available. He's like an Exxon Mobile disaster, spilling his pheromones all over the ocean of female good intentions. One thing that you are always guaranteed with a book by Jen Frederick is that the characters have really great voices and inner monologues. And Jockblocked delivered up some seriously funny one liners from quite a few different sources. Lucy being the introvert to Matty's very much extrovert character worked really well, and I loved that the slow-burn build between them built up great tension through the first half of the story. "You look like a lot of effort, and I don't think you're a good risk." So why only a 3.5 rating I hear you ask, and to be honest I can't 100% put my finger on what it was that didn't completely grab me about this book. I loved pretty much the whole story, and it was in no way a struggle to read, although I felt the second half of the book flowed better than the first. I think Jen did such a great job of building the tension between this pair through the earlier half that I almost wished they had got down and dirty a little quicker. I think this is more of a personal preference than actually anything against the story or writing itself. "I like you... And your insistence on labeling me as risky does not make me like you any less." There are a lot of side stories going on in this one as well, and again Jen managed to tie them all seamlessly together as the book progressed. I have to give a special mention to Hammer, the guy was an absolute hoot, and his little inclusions into Matt and Lucy's story had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. All in all another really enjoyable read, and I am desperate for more books from the Western State Warriors, Jen has set the series up in such a way that it has the potential to run and run with each new batch of footballers that pass through the locker room doors. The other good thing is the fact that this book just like its; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jingle Bell Harbor (Bell Harbor, #3.5); Author: Tracy Brogan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Of all the Christmas tree joints in all the world... Stars! It's been a while since I spent time in Bell Harbor, and I have fond memories of my previous visits. Tracy Brogan always delivers a humorous and heart-warming romance between her couples and Kelsey and Drew's, Christmas coming together was certainly no exception. Add in the numerous recurring characters, from the previous books in the series, and a little Christmas Jungle, and this was a really entertaining and enjoyable novella. "I've gotten porno spam that was more romantic than that." Drew was the geeky guy at school that had a secret crush on the popular Kelsey back in school, but never acted on his attraction, now Kelsey is back and he isn't going to waste his second chance to get to know her better. Tracy didn't disappoint, and Jingle Bell Harbor was a charming and welcome addition to the series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the New Boss; Author: Angela Claire; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Normal's not all it's cracked up to be." Stars. Once again Angela Claire almost delivers an exceptionally good reading experience, to only let it down with an integral character in the story. In fact, the review I wrote for the last book in the Sleeping with the Enemy series pretty much reflects my thoughts on Tempting the New Boss. I liked it, I didn't love it. "Good luck with that." Mason Talbot, is a very different character to a lot of the normal guys you find in a Brazen romance, I loved that about him, and his blunt, forthright way of saying what he wants, how he is feeling and what he is thinking about, made him entertaining, endearing and difficult to not develop a little soft spot for. "I could look at you smile all day." My biggest issue was Camilla Anderson, talk about whip-lash reactions, actions and general behavior. I lost count of the amount of times she said one thing, then went on to do the exact opposite. Add to that, her treatment and behavior towards Mason, and her attitude in relation to his unique personality, especially in light of her own family and I went from irritated to annoyed to outright dislike of her as the book progressed. "When I said I might die tomorrow, I didn't mean, like, literally tomorrow." This is the third book I have read by the author now, and once again it didn't quite live up to the expectations. In all honesty I am not sure I would actively look to read more of this series, or from the author in general. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: His Temporary Fix; Author: Sofia Grey; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "Time is precious." Stars. The synopsis of His Temporary Fix, promises one thing and then approximately half-way through then diverts off in a completely different direction. I was expecting a sex-fest at the beach where our Hero and Heroine end up with more than One-and-Done feelings for each other, and then all of a sudden Holly and Zack are turned into New Zealand's answer to Sherlock & Watson. This story is novella length and to be honest the amount of plot points the author tried to cram into it left it all a bit up in the air. Holly is back in New Zealand to care for her brother, she meets Zack on the beach, they have sex, a relationship develops. That was enough for me, I didn't need the frosty mother, the intimated other woman, the witch-hunt for Zacks' deceased sisters lover, etc... It almost felt like I got half of one book and then half of another. It was well written, I would certainly think about reading more from the author in the future, I just didn't need so much crammed into a novella, a lot of which didn't really add anything to it. "you make me want more... You make me want everything." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tough Enough (Tall, Dark, and Dangerous, #2); Author: M. Leighton; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Impressed yet?" Stars! Another absolutely outstanding read from Michelle Leighton, the Tall, Dark and Dangerous series is certainly exceeding my expectations on every front so far. This book is a little different in pace to it's predecessor. Whereas the romance was carried out against a back-drop of action and suspense before, we have pretty much the reverse for most of Tough Enough in that the main bulk of the book is the building of a relationship between two extremely different people. One confident and full of charm, the other looking to live under the radar, and not looking to draw any attention to themselves. "I want to know all your secrets. To strip you down. Lay you bare." And that is where the charm and absolute beauty of this book lies. Rogan epitomizes the kind of guy I absolutely adore reading about. The cheeky smile, topping of a body to drool over and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make Katie happy, the little things he did for her to earn her trust, and give him a chance at more than friendship with her. "I look forward to changing your mind about me." This book doesn't rush into the bedroom as the author took the time to build the trust and emotions between them as their story developed. It gave them a real depth, and I loved the way Rogan dealt with each new revelation from Katie as her confidence in him and herself grew, his absolute determination to ensure that she felt safe and protected going forward, kept me reading eagerly too see what sweet thoughtful thing he would do for her next. Somewhere deep down, there's still a girl in me who wants to love, who wants to trust, but she's afraid. The suspense, and the tying up to the first book, doesn't really get going until the last 30% of this story, and it felt a little rushed to me, everything happened and then all of a sudden it was all resolved in the space of a couple of paragraphs. I don't have an issue with it per se, but it kind of felt off-kilter in respect to the balance bearing in mind that the first book was very much focused on the betrayal of the guys in the Delta Five team, and the resulting deaths that had and were occurring. "Everyone has flaws." I still loved this book hard though, and I loved this couple. Michelle gave her readers a guy to fall for and a girl to feel for, and it worked on every level in that respect. The drama was perfectly balanced in the story and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. "You are the closest I've come to living in a long time..." "Then let me bring you back to life." ARC generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Her Secret Christmas Hero (Secrets of Cherry Lake #6); Author: Mallory Kane; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "I think the time to be careful is over." Stars. The synopsis of Her Secret Christmas Hero is what initially grabbed me with this one, I mean who isn't going to be intrigued by a man in hand-cuffs, and not for kinky reasons either! It started well, the initial meeting between Allie and Jake is the stuff of Christmas nightmares, but once they made it back to the all-important barn, where pretty much the rest of this novella takes place things fizzled out for me. "We'll be fine." This novella had so much potential, and the authors writing style is easy to engage in, but everything that happened between these two was in the space of hours. Stuck in a barn together overnight (Christmas Eve) Allie goes from wary to wanting to falling for a guy who she has absolutely no background knowledge of apart from what he tells her. I liked Jake, and I liked them together, I think the author would have made the story more believable (yeah, yeah, I know its fiction) if their blossoming relationship had grown whilst trapped in a snow storm together for a couple of days, rather than overnight, there is plenty enough going on in the novella that it could have been stretched out a bit to accommodate that, and still keep it novella length. My first book by Mallory Kane, and I would definitely be happy to read more from hr in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper; Author: Debbie Johnson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Three cheers for fat-bottomed girls. Stars!!! Sometimes a book and its story just clicks with you as the reader. And Never Kiss A Man in a Christmas Jumper certainly did that for me. This is the first book that I have read by Debbie Johnson, and on the strength of it, it certainly won't be the last. I won't lie and say there is anything massively new or special about the story-line between Maggie and Marco, but the authors writing style is what took the generic and turned it into something that just took me back, while it pulled me in and settled around me like a warm fleecy blanket. "Im not one of those women who gets noticed. I don't light up the room. I sneak in under the radar... " "You light it all up for me." Maggie and Marco are from completely different worlds, single mother, seamstress, insular in her living habits, whereas Marco is worldly, confident and not shy to speak his mind or what he is feeling. "I promise to be gentle with you." I loved this about both of them, and whereas some authors may have looked to 'glam' up the story between them, Debbie Johnson didn't, the writing is very British in its telling and I had to smile at the use of words like 'tiddly' and 'hair bobble', words that bring back fond memories and lots of smiles for me. I loved the antics that they got upto together and separately, the secondary characters added value to the story overall and it just came together in a really great way. "Things happened. Things changed. Things... are complicated." Never Kiss A Man in a Christmas Jumper is just a good, old-fashioned romance story, told in a style that you can't help but be entertained by, and I loved every second of it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merry Mistletoe; Author: Emma Davies; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Magical stuff, mistletoe." Stars! Merry Mistletoe is the first work of Emma Davies that I have read, and in respect of the story-line and its Christmassy-ness it ticked all of my required boxes, and in great style. I think there is always something charming about taking a simple storyline, and giving a little Christmas magic. If the writing is up to snuff, it then morphs from simple into something very special. Freya and Sam have known each other since childhood, and as the book progresses, due to the more contact and time they spend with each other you come to learn that although living on neighbouring farms, their friendship was broken, and the reasons why. Despite the torrents of life, things always endured. Having suddenly lost her beloved father, Freya is tasked with getting in the seasons Holly and Mistletoe harvest with the help of drifter Amos, and hardly any help from her toad of a boyfriend. Things do not go quite according to plan and Freya ends up without said boyfriend, a broken arm, and due to lack of money is forced into looking to sell the farm. This was a quick, entertaining and heart-warming read. It bought a tear to my eye when reading of Freya's yearly visit to the Christmas Decoration display to choose a new ornament in memory of her father, as this is something I do every year with my mother although I am lucky in that she is still with me to make the selection. If you are looking for a little Christmas sparkle and a well written 'Happily Ever After' I urge you to give this little novella a go. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Alpha's Claim (Reaper #1); Author: Donna Grant; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "We stand together." Stars! I really like Donna Grants' writing style, having read some of her Dark Kings series already it was good to get involved at the very beginning of the new Reaper series. It is immediately clear that this series crosses over with the Dark Kings series, and I must admit some of the references early on left me with a bit of a 'Dazed & Confused' look on my face after having only read a portion of that series. But do not let this deter you, I carried on and once the story between Baylon and Jordyn really got going, the plot does move over to the Reapers, and the fact that someone is trying to wipe out the team and draw Death out into the open. This book is told from several points of view, you have Cael the leader of the Reapers, along with Fintan, Talin, Kyran and Eoghan battling alongside him and Baylon for most of the book. Daire is also mentioned but not in the picture so much. This makes me happy though as I am expecting each of the above to find their women as the series progresses, and the team try to stop the mass murder of all the Half-Fae humans. He was back. And he was going to unleash hell. Plenty of sexy-times occur between our couple, whilst fighting evil, and although a relatively short book, a lot happens in relation to the general plot and secondary character development. I am excited to see where the author takes us, and not too long to wait either as Dark Alphas Embrace is due in February 2016. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Nights before Christmas (Wild Montana Nights, #3); Author: Kat Latham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I don't know why it's you... and I wish like hell it wasn't." Stars! I really enjoyed Three Nights before Christmas, it is always a pleasure to return to the town of Marietta, Montana and it's inhabitants, and Kat Latham, gave Austin and Lacey and absolutely stellar story for me to sink my teeth into. I think what made this little novella such a treat is the fact that it was quite unusual in its tropes, the ex-con and the man who helped send her to jail falling in love, over the rebuilding of a steam train. Lacey was a strong and sassy woman, hardened to some elements in life due to her time spent in prison, and Austin operating under pre-conceived assumptions about her due to her conviction were a really great couple, both strong mentally, but also vulnerable as well. It was good too read of the gradual building of the relationship for this couple in-spite of the issues that initially were between them. A really great read, sexy and a little emotional at points, and a really likeable couple to boot. It also gives you a little insight into Lacey's brother Sawyer, whose story is told in Sarah Mayberry's Christmas novella His Christmas Gift also available now. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Billionaire's Christmas Proposal; Author: Victoria James; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You came through for me." Stars! Victoria James is a relatively new author to me, although it hasn't stopped me devouring and loving every one of her new releases over the last couple of months. I will be honest and say that The Billionaires Christmas Proposal didn't really live up to the high standards that I have attributed to this author now. "I've wanted you, and I was too afraid to ever take a chance with someone like you." I think the main talent and skill of Victoria's writing is that she takes simple themes and turns them into beautiful stories. Nothing is rushed everything is built solidly and the story as well as the characters are given a chance to develop at an organic and steady pace. And for me that is where this book struggled, to my count there are 4 tropes at play, and if I wanted to be completely pedantic you could actually split two of them and go as far to say 6, and that is where the problems start for me, half of them were really not needed. In the previous books I have read by the author, there have only really ever been two or three at most in play. The story between Allie and Ethan was crowded up with a bunch of secondary characters and plot-lines that detracted from the focus of the relationship that was three years in the making between them, not to mention the loss of the shelter that Allie worked at and the secret's that Ethan was holding close to his heart about his childhood. These were the three parts of the story I wanted to get involved in and fall in love with, the whole host of familial BS that was added in was really not needed. Oddly this has been a big bug-bear for me with a huge number of Entangled titles lately, and not just this author, for some reason it seems that the general belief at the moment is to throw the kitchen sink of familial drama at things, and a lot of the time, and particularly with an author like Victoria who has proven to not need all the additional drama, the 'less is more' ethos works perfectly. "What are you doing...? "I'm showing you what it's like to forget where you are, who you are, and everything except wanting more." This is still a pretty good read, the second half by far supersedes the first for me. I just really hope that the author goes back to her previous writing methodology, because she really has the talent and skill, to keep it simple and deliver it perfectly. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Have and to Hold (The Wedding Belles, #1); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You made me want to be more." Stars! I am a huge fan of Lauren Layne, and I don't think there is anyone that quite manages to pull a series together in the way she does. To Have and to Hold had all the elements that I have come to expect from this author, in the cast of great characters, attractive settings and a really enjoyable and low-stress story-line. The first full length novel in the Wedding Belles series did not disappoint. The author did a great job of introducing the rest of the Belles wedding planners and staff, but still kept the story-line around Brooke Baldwin, and brother of the bride-to-be; Seth Tyler. Brooke has been burnt from her last relationship, insofar as the fall-out was so bad she's moved to New York to get away from it, and start fresh. Seth is the only cloud on the horizon of her new start in that he is really not happy with his sister's choice of husband, especially after only three months of dating and having never met the guy. Good thing he was a ten physically, because his personality was trending towards negative. Ornery with a side of rude basically sums up Seth, so his involvement with the planning for his sister's wedding is not really conducive to the happy and in love vibe Brooke is looking for when discussing the important aspects of the wedding with the couple in question, and the snarky discussions the two of them have because of it were really entertaining. "This thing between us - I'm not going to pretend it's not there, but I'm also not going to action it." Add to that a healthy dose of attraction, and it's not long before Brooke is kicking aside her self-imposed man-ban, and getting hot and heavy with him. But, both of them are looking for different things initially, and I loved that Lauren gave Seth a huge streak of vulnerability, this male is all alpha, but you could tell he was stepping out of his comfort zone with Brooke, because of the feelings she evoked from him. Seth Tyler had a thick layer of gentleman beneath all that swagger. A man that likes control, and that is essentially where the drama comes from in this one. The reasons for Brooke's coming to New York as less than stellar, and Seth's distrust of the groom-to-be pushes him to do something which he knows he will probably regret. "I'd rather lose sleep over my own guilt than worry over my sisters future." This is just a beautifully written story, well balanced in relation to drama versus giggles, extremely likeable characters; main and secondary, that you just know this series is going to be another keeper from this author. Wedding-planner-in-training, Heather Fowler is up next in For Better or Worse, and even better we don't have long to wait for it as its due in August! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: For Better or Worse (The Wedding Belles, #2); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You might not love me yet, 4A, but you will..." Stars! I just have to start with a big happy sigh writing this review. Even a few days on from finishing For Better or Worse just thinking about Heather and Josh's story makes me smile. Lauren Layne has such a strong talent when it comes to writing a series, and I have no doubt said this before, but her skill at weaving a story that focuses on a main couple, but then includes all previous and forthcoming characters any individual book is second to none. "Scratching the itch is a better solution than trying to stifle it." Friends /Frenemies with benefits when done well can produce absolutely brilliant results, and Lauren hit that balance perfectly between this pair. Their initial meeting and the following banter between them because of it set up the chemistry for them to then produce funny, sexy and emotive results as the story progressed. "The other night when you were so cranky, I thought for sure you must be a morning person... I see now that this irritable thing you have going on is more of a twenty-four/seven thing..." When things developed in relation to feelings and what they each wanted from their no-strings arrangement you just felt for each of them in what they were going through because of the other one's choices, and I just wanted to give both of them a big hug, and then bang their heads together! "Despite all your sass, you are a relationship kind of girl, and I'm not a relationship kind of guy." This is one of those books you pick up, and don't put down until you have finished it. I loved Heather, such a feisty and independent character, but you also saw the vulnerability in her when it came to men and relationships as the connection between her and Josh deepened. Josh with his quick wit, constant innuendo, and happy-go-lucky personality had a few secrets and demons of his own to deal with, but the drama was played out around some really great secondary plots, and the rest of the Wedding Belles entourage. He never felt so alive as when he was bickering with her, and these days being alive was everything. I cannot wait for Alexis' book, but I have to be honest and say I am also a little nervous for it as well, especially as her suitor in To Love and to Cherish, is of British persuasion. I really, really hope that the author or her publisher has had the manuscript checked to ensure that Logan's anglicized language is actually correct, because as a Brit myself it has the potential to affect my reading enjoyment if such a small detail hasn't been paid attention to. Through the reading of this book it already looks like that probably isn't the case, because I can 100% confirm that Logan would not use Bullocks as an expletive, the phrase is; Bollocks always has been always will be. So I wait with baited breath for To Love; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "You've definitely been worth the wait." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - www.amazon.com/Wicked-Realm-Enforcers... Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/Wicked-Realm-Enforce... Whilst, I really enjoyed the first two books in the Realm Enforcers series, there was just a little of the Zanetti magic missing from them. Notsomuch for Wicked Burn she put pedal to the metal from the off, and this book was one wild and action packed ride from beginning to end. Simone Brightston has figured in this series pretty heavily already, and even had the odd cameo in the Dark Protectors series at points, so it was good to finally see this ballsy, take-no-prisoners witch get together with her match, and ultimately her mate. The woman wore beauty as a shield and wielded it like a knife. As a leading figure of the Coven Nine Simone has had more than a few issues to deal with recently what with the Planekite attacks on witches across the world, bringing about suffering and in some instances death, whilst trying to investigate that issue, it came to light towards the end of the last book that someone has been building a case, or to put it bluntly has been setting her up, to show that she has been betraying the Witch Nation behind their back for the last however many years. Nikolaj Veis, broke her heart a hundred years ago, now free of the obligations that prevented him from being with her fully then, he isn't giving up on her, or proving her innocence without a fight. There is so much going on in this book, it's like getting on a roller-coaster and spending eight hours going round without getting off, but in such a good way, this book took me back to my Dark Protectors happy place, there is so much revealed, so much going on and so many people involved in it all you just don't have a chance to take a breath, take your eyes off the page, or stop to take stock of everything you have learned until the very end. "You've had a century to forgive me... Time's up." The other thing that hits jackpot of plot expansions for me, are a few of the secondary characters involved in this one, we met Bear, the leader of the shifters a while back, but more comes to light on him, his past and his lineage in this one, for me the author has hit the mother-load here, there are so many ways this series can now progress, and with so many new characters introduced, it has the potential to go on for just as long as the D.P books did/are doing. I am so happy about that, I love this author's PnR offerings and I love a nice long, meaty and well developed series, Rebecca Zanetti excels at that and this series is shaping up to be as good as the series it was spawned from. "My dreams have been filled with you, even in the worst of times. You gave me hope." Although madly busy plot-wise, the book still focuses; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unlucky in Love (Whisper Creek, #4); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I'm off to find... myself." Stars! Maggie McGinnis returns to Whisper Creek with the fourth novel from the series; Unlucky In Love. I have found myself with the last couple of books that I have read by this author, loving most of the aspects of the stories she is telling, but then massively struggling with her characterizations of her female lead. And once again Unlucky in Love fell into that area for me. "Don't close the door on possibilities quite yet. You never know what could happen." Jilted two weeks before her wedding, Alexis Maguire heads to the Whisper Creek Ranch for the summer, to work as the Ranch Nurse, and to find her inner daredevil, and through the course of her adventures meets delectable, sweet and mightily swoony cowboy /ranch hand Gunnar Steele, now at this point I would have been all Fiance, Schmiance, tally-ho cowboy, but nope our slightly desperate heroine decides to take another path initially... "None of this sounds remotely insane to you? Moulding yourself into someone you're not, in hopes of getting back a guy who I'm dead sure never deserved you in the first place?" Now I would say that for the most part, I enjoyed this story, especially the parts where the ex, wasn't Lexi's sole motivation for doing things, call me independent but I just can't understand why any woman of any intelligence would want to try and win back a man that dumps her, by letter two weeks before their wedding. Gunnar had all the aspects of a hero that I expect from Maggie, in that he was a gentleman, a charmer and totally lovable in his actions and behaviour towards, Lexi. "This is real... Whatever's going on here-and however we decide it ends up-it's all real." This was still a relatively enjoyable read, even with the heavy dose of familial drama to finish it off, I loved the way the author pulled everything together, and the ending left me happy-sighing. I just hope that we start to get some more kick-ass type heroines from this author going forwards. Meant to Be is due for release in January, so happily we don't have too long to wait to return to Whisper Creek, I get as much enjoyment out of getting updates about past couples as I do from reading the stories the characters books are about. I also hope that Alexis' sister gets a book at some point in the future as well, because there is a single girl, desperate for a good old Cowboy lassoing! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Secret Santa Baby; Author: Robin Covington; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Best. Secret. Santa. Ever." Stars. If you like Robin Covington, then you will love this seasonal 'Lunch-time special'. Friends since college, Nicholas Boone sits back and watches his best friend and business partner Damien get together with the girl of his dreams, because he was too slow out of the blocks. ""I decided to go big..." "You went huge, baby." Little does he know, that now single and read to mingle after her split from Damien; Tessa is more than a little interested in him as well... Secret Santa, has never been so sexy, and although a quick read, it did not lose any of its impact or sexiness because of it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas Past; Author: Susanna Fraser; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5- "Come with me. It's Christmas." Stars. Another Quick seasonal read from the House of Entangled. Sydney and Miles' interlude in 1810 was easy to immerse yourself in, time-travel told in under 50 pages is never going to get too technical now is it. But the story was sweet and the couple likeable. Past meets future in a sexy Christmas get together. "I can't let myself change the past." Worth grabbing if you a looking for a little escapism for an hour or so over the Christmas period. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her Wicked Proposal (The League of Rogues, #3); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Negotiating? Is that what they are calling it nowadays?" Stars! Book three in The League of Rogues series gives us Cedric and Anne's story. I have a huge soft spot for the cast of characters that Lauren Smith has created in this series, each and every book is better than its predecessor. One thing that always strikes me when I read one of Lauren Smith's Historical books is just how well her writing voice translates back to those times, and it really on the mark again with Her Wicked Proposal. I think another big plus is that although the book is set in 1821, the author gives you strong men and equally strong women to take them on. It makes for entertaining banter and plenty of shenanigans to take place. Once again the author also manages to take the reader through a plethora of emotions as the book progresses. "Deep down you aren't cold. You are an inferno, a blaze that consumes me." Told from several points of view the book focuses on the upcoming and speedy marriage of Cedric to Anne, after the adventures of the previous book in the series, Cedric is blind, struggling with loneliness and wondering what on earth he is going to do with his life to make him feel like he is worthy again. "Most women have faded in my mind, but not you. Never you." Anne struggling with the sudden and unexpected death of her father, is having to fend of fortune-hunters from every direction being her father's only living heir. But a marriage arranged for convenience, suddenly looks like becoming a love match when both parties suddenly realize that deep buried feelings are not as dormant as originally assumed. "Passion is always possible when two hearts are willing." The threat of retribution from Hugo Waverley is still very real for all of the League members as well as their loved ones, and as you would expect plays a very big part in Cedric and Anne's story. Lauren certainly has exceptional skills at offering a diverse and entertaining adventure, built on layers to keep the reader guessing up until its end. As well as being sexy, and funny with plenty of emotion from everyone involved to keep the story line moving along at a steady pace. "You'll be the death of me." I love this series, I don't read a huge amount of Historical fiction nowadays, and if you are similar to me in that way, then I cannot recommend highly enough that you make an exception for The League of Rogues, as they take Historical and fiction to a whole other level! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forbidden (Her British Stepbrother #1); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Tie me up, darling, and I'll spill all my secrets." Stars! It's no secret that I am not a fan of the whole Stepbrother romance phenomenon that seems to have gripped authors and readers alike recently, I have tried to read a few and most of them have either left me underwhelmed or completely nonplussed as to what the whole furore is about. BUT, I do love the forbidden romance trope, and I think that is the bracket that I would drop this series into, because Lauren Smith has concentrated on the relationship between this couple and not the titillating, slightly no,no aspect that the whole step-siblings trope seems to be about at the moment. Without posting spoilers, I want to be clear that this couple are both in their twenties, have no knowledge of the other until meeting by accident at a pub in Cambridge, and have no prior history. The Step-siblings aspect comes much later in the story. And that is why I enjoyed this one, it's not filled with angst, or overplayed drama, it's about a sexy British aristocrat, meeting and finding an unexpected connection with an American student. I wish to have an adventure... Tristan and Kat are pretty much the opposite of each other, one experienced, who lives life to the fullest, whilst dealing with unimaginable pressure to conform and fit in line with familial duty, the other sheltered, inexperienced, nervous and a little shy, more comfortable in the fictional world created in books and literature, than the actual real world. What transpires is a beautifully written, sexy adventure between two people coming together and discovering a lot of 'firsts' about themselves and each other. "Makes a man hungry for more when a woman looks at him like that." The good thing is the rest of the books in this series release in a relatively short time frame, so although the reader is left on the edge of the cliff at the end of Forbidden; Tristan and Kat's story continues in Seduction Which is due for release on 9th February. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seduction (Her British Stepbrother #2); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Everything was going to change now. Stars. As you would expect Seduction pretty much picks up from where Forbidden left off, and after the revelations at the end of the first book, Lauren really ramps up the sexual tension between Tristan and Kat in this installment. I think what really brings everything from simmering to scorching levels on the sexual tension front and keeps it on the burner the whole way through, is the approach Lauren uses to this couples romance, she teases you with the connection that has already been forged between them, and adds depth to their emotional ties with each new revelation. Adding into the mix the fact that Kat's father is now marrying Tristan's mother, just makes every touch, glance and sexy moment that they share with each other from that point onwards even more important to the bond that is growing between them. "Someday you will fall in love and it will change you forever." Although Kat's repeated attempts at distancing herself from Tristan in light of the new developments fail pretty quickly, you can also see the internal struggle the pair have with continuing their relationship, at the possible detriment to their parent's happiness if they are found out. But unwittingly their parents succeed in pushing them further together and deepening their emotional connection even more over the course of the time they all spend under the same roof over Christmas. "Every time you banish me from your bed, it destroys me..." This story is far from over, and once again I must reiterate that don't let the whole 'Step-brother' theme put you off. It is a part of the story, but it isn't added for titillation or shock value, although their relationship is perceived as forbidden and carried out in secret, this couple are both fully aware of what they are doing, the connection between them is formed from mutual attraction and an emotional understanding of the others deepest wants and desires, and not just because they find themselves living under the same roof as each other, and their hormones are in charge. "It's more than that. And it scares the bloody hell out of me, but we have to find out where this goes." Not too long to wait for the final part of Tristan and Kat's story; Climax is due for release early April, and I cannot wait to see how Lauren ties all the loose threads of the story up. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His Christmas Gift; Author: Sarah Mayberry; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "That's a real gift you've got there..." Stars. The second book in the Montana Born Christmas duology didn't quite live up to the high standards of its predecessor. To say the story-line between Sawyer and Jenna was a slow burner would be a bit of an understatement. I think the main issue that I had with the book is although it can completely be read as a standalone, a large portion of this book sort of rehashes a lot of what happened in Kat Latham's offering Three Nights before Christmas but is told from a different couple perspective. I can kind of understand that there isn't going to be a huge amount of sexy times between a couple who are dealing with a broken leg and Chicken Pox between them, but the chemistry from being holed up and quarantined together should have been intense and constant, and I didn't get a lot of connection from this couple for a good 75% of the book. An easy enough book to read, I just expected a little more from this couple in the attraction stakes, there is a huge amount of internal monologue, but very little action. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Games (O’Connor & Kincaid, #1); Author: Tess Diamond; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I'm in charge." Stars. Tess Diamond has certainly got the potential to be a major player in the romantic suspense stakes, this novella even had a whiff of the Patricia Cornwells about in that, we have a very strong but flawed lead female character. Although to be fair not a lot of romance has taken place at this point in the proceedings, Tess did an excellent job of injecting some serious chemistry between her main characters; Maggie Kincaid and Jake O'Connor. Dangerous Games is really the scene setter for this series, you are given the players, and their current positions on the board so to speak, as well as the necessary background on each of them to keep you intrigued, without giving too much away. Maggie, has certainly got a back story, that I hope is developed as this one progresses, and you can just sense that there is a whole lot more going on behind the cheeky facade that Jake shows her for most of this novella. "This ain't a tea party, Goldilocks." A US Senators daughter is kidnapped, as you can imagine, the world and his wife are trying to get in on the action of trying to rescue her. Told from several points of view, this novella really gives a good perspective of the proceedings from all angles. And I hope that Tess carries on in this vein for the following instalments. Game of Lies is due later this month I believe, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes us, especially after the major cliffy that this novella left us with. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All He Wants for Christmas; Author: Elisabeth Naughton; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "Welcome to Holly." Stars! IT's LIVE!!! If you sat me down and gave me the opportunity to pick six of my favorite authors to get together and write a Christmas anthology of novellas focusing on different couples, but set in the same town, four of the authors involved in All He Wants For Christmas would certainly be on that list. Reasons as to why... basically because I haven't read a bad book by Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Skye Jordan and Alexandra Ivy. And although authors new to me Elizabeth Naughton and Laura Wright fitted into the mix perfectly. I am not going to write a specific review for each and every novella contained in the collection, I think my rating speaks for itself in relation to the quality writing that is on offer in this anthology. The one thing that really stood out for me is the fact that every novella offers up something a little different from the rest. "You're never going to get rid of me now." You have some suspense, reconnection, second-chance, friends-to-lovers, and love at first sight romances in the mix, but the other great thing is that each and every one of these novellas can be read on its own independently of the others, so if you are looking for something seasonal too read you can dip in and out of the offerings as and when you have some time, any and all of them make for a great couple of hours reading. "This is the perfect place to be for Christmas." With businesses with names like Yuletide Spirits, Silver Bells, Holly Jolly Chocolatier, Christmas Carols Shop & Crafts and St. Nicholas Hardware, Holly, North Carolina is certainly the place you want to spend some time visiting around this time of year, and town the is ready for Christmas 365 days a year. I really can't separate theses novellas in order of preference, as I really would be happy to read each and every one of them again. Ella & Tate, Meg & Dylan, Jemma & Gray, Nora & Jackson, Carol & Gabriel and Faith and Meier's stories all offer up really great romances and plenty of sexy-times to keep things moving along. Each and every one offered up their own individual sprinkle of Christmas Magic. "You burn... It's like there's a fire in you, lighting you up from the inside. There's nothing cold about you." This series is up for pre-order on Amazon, and for such a low price I urge you to hit that one-click button, this is one Christmas collection you will go back to year after year. Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... Thatsaid, I think there is scope to revisit the town and the rest of its single residents again so here hoping this stellar group of authors get together again in 2016. "This is right, it's perfect." ARC generously provided by Skye Jordan, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: His to Take (Out of Uniform, #3.5); Author: Katee Robert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Truth or dare, Freckles?" Stars. The second novella in the Out of uniform series offers up a quick and dirty Christmas getting together. Erin and Warren have been operating on a friends with bennies type scenario over the years, in that when they are both in town, they hook up. And they were both pretty happy with the scenario, but for Warren things have changed over the last year due to a few things that have happened in his life since they were last together, that have forced him to re-evaluate the direction he is going. Now Warren wants more, and he is not looking to accept 'no' for an answer. Little does he know that a few things have changed for Erin since they were last together as well. "I don't know who you've been kissing in the last year but they obviously haven't been doing it right." I found His to Take an average sort of read, Erin and Warren didn't really offer up anything different or new, in relation to the previous characters and stories that the author has bought us in the series, and I definitely preferred the earlier novella His to Keep in comparison. "You're something else." But the sexy-times were plentiful and the ending sweet, and it only took a couple of hours to read, so ideal if you are looking for a little break from all the seasonal madness. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dashing Through the Snow; Author: Debbie Macomber; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 1 - Errrr....... Star. DNF @ 55% I really am at a loss as to find anything positive to say about this book. Debbie Macomber is a huge, huge author, with dozens and dozens of books to her name, and to be honest I was expecting Dashing Through The Snow to be one of my Christmas hits in the reading department, this was so much of a miss it is not even funny. To be honest I am actually struggling to believe that this book has been written by this author. I was expecting a heart-warming story-line, likeable and relatable characters in a Christmassy setting. Not-so-much, Dash and Ashley came across more of a father and daughter combo, and personality wise I could not see them coming together as a couple at all. There was no chemistry, and no perceivable connection between them. The whole FBI scenario... I have no words, but to bring terrorism (even suspected, and in a slightly comedic way) into a book, and a Christmas one at that... at this point in time, just left me cold. I know this sounds harsh, but I think the author has seriously let herself down here, this book needs serious revision, and rewriting to make it resemble something in the realms of the high level of quality reading material that I would expect have Debbie Macomber's name attributed to it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Billionaire's Christmas Baby; Author: Victoria James; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Thank you for making me feel special." Stars! Another absolutely outstanding book, by Victoria James. Whether set in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter she always adds just a little magic to her stories to take them to hard-to-put-down levels. "You completely caught me by surprise." Ethan is up next, in The Billionaires Christmas Proposal, and if he is half as endearing as Jackson is, it will surely be another stunning seasonal read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just Give Me a Reason (Lopez Brothers, #2); Author: Rebecca Rogers Maher; Genres: children, romance; Review: 4.5 - "You'd be surprised what I can handle." Stars! I have to admit that as soon as we met Tony and Beth in the first book in Rebecca Rogers Mahers' Lopez Brothers series, I had hoped that they would get together, and I was so happy when the blurb for Just Give Me a Reason confirmed my hopes. This is one of those stories you pick up and don't put down until its conclusion, and I pretty much read it in one sitting myself. I liked the fact that the author mixed things up a bit with this one in that Beth was the more dominant personality to Tony, as well as being the one with commitment issues. There is something there now, between us, that wasn't there before. As a couple there are so many potential obstacles in their way, but fate throws them together for a week, and what starts out as an attraction denied, turns swiftly into something a whole lot stronger, and as the time they spend together progresses, both struggle to deal with the depth and speed in which their feelings for each other change. Adding into the mix the fact that Beth is pregnant, really gave the author opportunity to make Tony's character even more endearing, especially when complications arise, and he is man enough to stay the course, especially when you take into account the child isn't his. "Please tell me you're ready." I am growing to love this authors writing, storylines and characterisations, it was great to see how Ray and Holly were getting along in this one as well (Book one, Rolling in the Deep) after the dust had settled from their lottery win, and although this series has come to its close, I am eager to read more from the author in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mine to Protect (Mine, #6); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Ready to cross some lines?" Stars! Another stellar addition to the Mine series. Cynthia Eden is among a small group of authors whom I list as a guilty pleasure in that, her stories don't necessarily change a huge amount, and the characters are all pretty similar in their make-up, but I just love them anyway. Victor Monroe has been a secondary part of the series for a while now, he has played larger supporting roles in the last couple of books in that they have focused on characters that he has a primary involvement with. Cynthia has mad skills at keeping her characters pretty intriguing and elusive when she wants to keep a little mystery surrounding them, and she did that really well with this guy, all we really know prior to Mine to Protect is that he has a dark, shady past, and that he is a FBI agent who now deals with shady and dark criminals... "Tell me your secrets..." "Will you tell me yours?" Oh and let's not forget Zoe Peters, the daughter of a notorious crime boss, who he is trying to protect in exchange for information from her father. One small problem with that, they have insane chemistry and both of them are struggling to keep things 'professional' when stuck in close quarters with each other. As I have come to expect, the plot twists and turns in this one, and the good and the bad guys aren't necessarily who you expect them to be. The author introduces a few new characters as well, so you never know, I wouldn't be surprised if we see more from this series at some point in the future. "I want everything... With you." Add in some superb sexy times and this read was as I expected it to be, a well-used couple of hours of my time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Accelerate (Hotwired, #1); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Pure magic." Stars! Hands down the best book I have read by Tracy Wolff this year. Accelerate grabbed me by the eyeballs and pulled me full throttle through its pages. Nic and Jordan are an interesting couple, and although the martyr complex Nic is nursing like a fine Scotch throughout the book got a little wearing towards the end, the author provided enough background and character development to keep it bearable. "I get how painful the past can be. I get that it hurts and that revisiting it only makes it hurt worse..." I think the main thing that grabbed about this story is that it is set a little differently from the romances I have been reading of late, a bit of action a little adventure, and even though the bulk of it takes place over about three days a really great gradual development between Nic and Jordan. "It's been so long since I've felt safe... so long since I felt cared for... I haven't trusted anyone in far too long." The connection between this couple is well crafted and the outlying story that plays out around their budding relationship is different and well plotted. I have always said that Tracy Wolff can write sexy-times like no other and boy did she excel herself in this one. It is hot, but it's also sexy, with a really sensual build up and plenty of feelings interspersed in it, there is a reason for the way it is written and I think that it was beautifully handled. I have spent my whole adult life looking for someone I can call mine-just mine. Being the first book in the authors new Hotwired series, I am interested to see where she takes us, as the list of secondary characters in Accelerate offered plenty of scope for development in the future. Burnout is listed as the next title in the series, I just hope we don't actually have to wait until December 2016 for it, as that is it's currently listed release date. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Deception; Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "I wish we could stay like this forever." Stars! Another stellar read from Katie Reus/Savannah Stuart. Sexy, romantic suspense is really a genre where this author can do no wrong for me, and Dangerous Deception certainly ticked all of the aforementioned boxes. Sage has spent the last 18 months trying to forget the week she spent with Trent Takoda, a week filled with sexy-times, and more importantly a break from the life she has since left behind. It comes as more than a surprise when he walks onto the job-site that she is visiting with her new boss, and it's even more of a shock when she discovers they are actually brothers. The man she has taken pains to forget is once again 'front and center' and not just in her dreams this time. But danger lurks, and the threat she thought that she had left behind comes skulking out of the shadows... As you would expect the authors usual 'Alpha Sexiness' is at its highest setting with Trent, and as soon as he realizes that the woman he has fallen for is in danger, he goes into full-on protection mode. "I'm not taking any chances with your safety and I'm not walking away from you. Deal with it." This was a really quick and enjoyable read, the end was more of a sparkler than full on fireworks, but overall well worth a couple of hours of my time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Protecting His Assets (Bad Boy Bosses, #2); Author: J.K. Coi; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3 - Weird. But not to bad. Stars. This is a bit difficult review to write to be honest with you. Because although I didn't struggle to read Protecting His Assets, I really struggled with a couple of big parts of the story. Let the games begin. The premise of this one is what intrigued me the most, I liked that the author took the bodyguard/victim trope and turned it on its head, in that we have a female bodyguard protecting a strong confident alpha male. The storyline was a little predictable, but well plotted and moved along at a steady pace, which I think is in main the reason I didn't struggle to get through it. "I don't make assumptions... I calculate possibilities." The first issue that I had is with the connection and chemistry between Steve and April, because for me there wasn't really any for almost all of the book. Steve came across as a bit of a prick a lot of the time and because of what felt like a serious lack of any emotive additions to the inner monologues for both of them what would usually come across as a confident guy being an alpha lover actually read a little arrogant and rude on several occasions. "I promise to be the perfect body for you to guard." My other issue is the fact that everything escalated between them really quickly from the point of meeting, deciding they were attracted to each other and then jumping into bed. This kind of added to the lack of any sort of connection between them growing and building. I also struggled to understand what the relevance of April's backstory with her father as well, and it felt like it had been added as filler trope rather than for any relevance, especially as it was then all pretty much resolved in the last couple of chapters. "I didn't intend to kiss you before... But this time I want you to know it's completely intentional." I am honestly on the fence with this author after reading this book. J. K. Coi is an author new to me, and although I didn't 100% fall in love with the characters in this book, I didn't struggle to read it either. I suppose it will really depend on whether the blurb for the next Bad Boy Bosses book grabs my attention as to whether I decide whether to give it a go. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Atone (Recovered Innocence, #2); Author: Beth Yarnall; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "We're a fucked up pair for sure." Stars! The second book in Beth Yarnall's Recovered Innocence series, gives the reader the story I think we all wanted after being introduced to Beau Hollis in its predecessor, Vindicate. This is an author that seems to be able to take dark stories with slightly twisted characters and balance the drama and angst levels so that they are in keeping with the depth of the story-line, but don't turn the whole thing into one dark and depressing read, which for me makes a massive difference to my overall reading enjoyment. I'm raw yet scarred over. I think that if you have read Vindicate, you know that Atone is not going to be all unicorns and rainbows, Beau having just been released from prison, after spending six years incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit, is carrying around a lot of baggage. Pairing him up with Vera, a woman with more secrets than an active CIA operative, set this couples' story off and running pretty quickly. Ex-con and Ex-you-don't-really-wanna-know, both of them have more than a few ghosts to lay to rest, and for one of them those ghosts are very firmly back to haunt them. We had a bit of a reverse in pacing in this one as well, whereas I found the first book in the series dragged a bit in the first half, this one went off like Usain Bolt in a new pair of spikes, but like all good sprinters, it lost its momentum a little as the distance increased. Weirdly the second half, where a lot of Vera's true past came to light is where things really slowed down for me, and then the last 20% or so everything kicked off again. In the main it wasn't an issue, as the book isn't massively long, but the pacing felt a little juddery at points. You bent me, but you didn't break me. I'm still standing. I'm free. There is plenty of everything in Atone sexy times, suspense, shocks and surprises. I think Beau was the biggest one, because I was expecting an emotionally closed off, brooding a-hole, and he was an absolute treat, endearing, romantic in a quirky sort of way, and all-in for his woman even with a few major wobbles along the way. "What we are is not what either of us was." So happy to see that Beth is continuing with the Recovered Innocence series, with Reclaim due at some point, I think there is plenty of scope for a few more visits to Nash Security and Investigation in the future, and I am interested to see what adventure the author takes her characters on next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it is my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: If Only In My Dreams; Author: Mariah Stewart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "This may be the first Christmas we'll spend together... But it won't be the last." Stars. My first read from the imagination of Mariah Stewart offered up the perfect mix of Christmas Magic and familial comfort. Cale and Quinn, stumble back into each other's lives whilst unexpectedly trapped together in a snow-storm. Quinn has returned home to High Meadow Ranch to spend Christmas with her family, while Cale has returned to his family's old cabin to try and rebuild his bond with his twin sons after the end of his baseball career also bought about the end of his marriage. If love is true, if its meant to be, it never dies. Second chance love, is always a trope that I enjoy reading about, and this sweet, stress-free reconnection story between two regular people, with a little ghostly interference was a couple of hours well spent. The addition of Cale's twin boys and Quinn's large family filled out the bones of this story nicely. I think the beauty of a lot of these re-issued Christmas novellas gives me as a reader a chance to 'dip my toe' in and read a few new authors, it's a great way to 'test the waters' and see if the writing style suits you, and on the strength of this novella, I would happily look to read more from this author in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Game of Lies (O’Connor & Kincaid #2); Author: Tess Diamond; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Some people are worth fighting for, don't you think?" Stars! Tess Diamond picks up Game of Lies straight after where Dangerous Games left off. Maggie and Jake now know who they are going after... or do they? All is definitely not as it seems as they start to dig deeper into the kidnappers motives and it would seem that Senator Thebes may be playing a larger part in the motivation to commit the crime than was initially expected. I am still really invested in this story which makes me happy, as I have found with previous series where a story has been cut up that there is the potential for the middle novella to be a bit of a 'filler'. So not the case with Game of Lies though, and everything that happens and is ultimately discovered you know is going to have relevance as the latter stages of the story play out. "Go get 'em, Goldilocks." The attraction between Maggie and Jake reaches boiling point in this one as well, and I loved the way the author played it out between them. Maggie shows Jake a little of her vulnerability and rather than taking advantage of that and using it to get ahead like a lot of the male members of the team would have done, he uses his knowledge to support her in her leadership and the decisions that she makes, a lot of which are not met with enthusiasm by the rest of the group, especially as things take a turn for the worse due to her recommendations being disregarded in the latter stages of this installment. I cannot wait to see how the author closes out this adventure, with End Game due in early December. Although the stage has been set and the players all named, the climax of the story is still very much a mystery, as I cannot really predict where this one will end. Let them worry. Let them wait. ARC generously provided via the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Alpha's Embrace (Reaper #2); Author: Donna Grant; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I won't let you down." Stars! The second book in Donna Grant's Reaper series continues the story of the Reapers as a whole, but gives us Kyran's story and background in a little more depth. I think the thing I really like about this series is that the author hits the ground running, yes there are a lot of characters to get your head around, but they were so well integrated in the first book that it really wasn't a struggle to step right back into the story as a whole. Only a fool would walk away from someone like her. Kyran is one of two Dark Fae who works as a reaper, with his blood red eyes, and black and silver hair, one might say he has a distinctive style all of his own. His immediate and strong attraction to River, takes them both by surprise, especially as River is hiding a few secrets of her own, and getting involved with a Dark is definitely something that should not be on the agenda. "There's a fire between us." You also have the stories of the rest of the Reapers developing and growing around the integral characters and I must admit I am itching too see how Cael and Erith's story plays out, the sexual tension literally simmers across the Kindle screen when they are together, and at this point nothing has really happened between them, so when it does?? "You can't run from me." Dark Alphas Demand is due for release in May, and I am looking forward to seeing which of the guys falls in love next, and who with. Things were definitely changing. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Alpha’s Demand (Reaper #3); Author: Donna Grant; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Welcome, Reaper..." Stars! This series just keeps getting better and better with each new book that the author adds to it. I think the main reason being in that although each book focusses on an individual Reaper getting their woman, in this case its Talin with Light Fae; Neve Everwood, the daughter of a well-known and powerful Fae Family in the Light Court. "Don't believe everything you see or hear. Trust your heart." The flow of the main story-line pulls everything along and keeps everyone else involved. I also like that when the author answers one question within the plot, it usually brings about two more questions to be answered off the back of it. There are multiple POVs going on again in this one, and you 100% need to have read the previous novellas in the series, otherwise I think you would really struggle to understand what is going on especially the whole Bram situation, and the subtle undercurrents between Erith and Cael that seem to be getting more obvious with each book we get. "We're assassins... We kill. It's our job, it's everything we do." It's difficult to say too much about the story, as I said being part of a series, a lot of what goes on in this will give away spoilers for the previous books, but if you are looking for a side order of magic and mayhem with your romance, then the Reaper series is certainly one you will want to check out. If the truth escapes, Death will commence. No news on when the next book is due, but they seem to be coming in three monthly increments, so fingers crossed I won't have to wait too long to continue reading this series. "I'm so glad you're with me." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: End Game (O’Connor & Kincaid #3); Author: Tess Diamond; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - This was the start of something good. Really, really good. Stars! Tess Diamond didn't quite end on the bang I was expecting with this, the final installment in the O'Connor & Kincaid series. But, she did end the story very well, in that the twists and turns kept coming right up to the last chapter, and although everything has been left in something of a holding pattern, this case for Maggie and Jake has well and truly been closed. "No matter what happens tonight, you and I are in this together." More revelations are abound in End Game and although Senator Thebes involvement in everything is put out there for public consumption, the players that are operating over and above him and very much in the shadows are not all revealed. Another thing that leads me to believe that this may not be the authors final visit to this particular cast of characters is that issues from Maggie's past, which you are lead to believe are very much 'dead & buried' are given new light as this book progresses. "Sorry I'm late, Goldilocks." I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed that the relationship between Jake and Maggie wasn't developed further, but again I think this is purely because the story arc didn't really leave any place for them to drop and do the horizontal workout, this is also another big reason why I hope we get to see more of this couple in the authors future work. "There used to be honor among spies." As I said things didn't take the turn I had geared myself up for in this one, but that has become something I have learned to expect from Tess with each installment of the series I have read. My only hope is that going forwards we get books instead of serialized novellas, this isn't my favorite way to read a story, I didn't mind it so much this time as the wait between releases has been relatively short. "So what's next?" A question I am really interested in knowing the answer to myself. Tess Diamond is hugely talented, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight at Tiffany's (From Manhattan with Love, #0.5); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "This is New York City... anything can happen here." Stars! Another winner from Sarah Morgan, and a great introduction to the ladies from her forthcoming new series From Manhattan With Love, starting with the full novel Sleepless in Manhattan, due in March 2016.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thief of Hearts (Hearts, #5); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "Even when you've given up on yourself, I won't give up on you..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url] Amazon DE: [url] Amazon CA: [url] Amazon AU: [url] The Hearts series by L. H. Cosway, is without doubt one of my most favourite series of all time. To be honest it moved into that category pretty early on, but I never expected it to offer up so many totally different, but all completely engrossing stories when it began. The Cross family have played quite a pivotal part in the last couple of books. Stu Cross; not-so-much on account of the fact he has been in prison. Now out, he is looking to start afresh, and that includes taking adult education classes at the local college, which according to him are a part of his parole terms. Even though I was the teacher in this situation, somehow it felt like I'd just been schooled. This is where once again the genius of this author's imagination ramps everything up, because rather than just take your average teacher/student type of relationship and all the usual tropes that go with it, she adds so many more layers to Stu and Andrea's connection. They are polar opposites at first glance but the more time they spend in the class room, (and out of it) there is something about the fact they have very little common ground between them that ultimately pulls them even closer together. "I'm not good for you, Andrea. Please remember that, because the next time I try to touch you, if you let me, I won't stop." Stu is a guy who challenges everything that Andie holds as her benchmark, and initially their time in class together is more a clash of wills rather than an educator/educatee scenario. Andie is used to being the one in charge and he pushes every protocol she has in place for her student's, right to the very limits. Sometimes the smallest number could be the biggest in the world. For the most of the first half of the book I alternated between excited tingles, to uncomfortable clenching in my stomach because of it, as a reader, with the story being told from Andrea's POV, I felt like I was feeling everything she was as it happened. "I might be a shifty fuck, doesn't mean my family is too." Stu expects answers to his questions, even when they aren't necessarily related to the classes that Andie is teaching, and I loved the push and pull between them. You know that more is going on in the picture that the author is painting, and that it is probably not all on the up-and-up in Stu's case, but I just could not help myself from developing a bit of a soft spot for the guy, as he does essentially have a massive heart under his gruff, cockney charmer exterior and everything he ultimately does is for the good of his family. You are in for a lot of twists and turns in this one, and just; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just Say Maybe (Thistle Bend, #2); Author: Tracy March; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Every secret has it's time..." Stars! The Thistle Bend series is definitely becoming one of my favourites, I really enjoyed the first book Should've Said No and Just Say Maybe followed in that tradition. Tracy March has built the town of Thistle Bend around some really great characters and locations, and I really enjoyed Bryce and Holly's story. We met Holly Birdsong in the last book, being the towns property lawyer, she is a pretty big fixture in Thistle Bend, add to that her family history is intrinsically linked to the town, as you would expect memories are long and gossip carries quickly. So when Bryce Bennett rolls up, with more than a few secrets of his own and looking to buy the abandoned lodge that is situated on Wild Rose Ridge, everything in Holly's head tells her to keep her distance, the lodge bought nothing but bad luck and grief to her family when it was originally built and she is unsure whether if resurrected those memories will do anything but more harm. "You've got a thing for numbers, don't you?" Problem is after their initial and unusual first meeting they are both pretty much smitten with each other, and denying that attraction as well as everything they have in common with each other is almost impossible. "There's definitely a lot of potential here..." Once again, Tracy managed to interject a little suspense into the plot of this one, and as before the quirky and just a little bit magical Montgomery Sisters are the source of the clues that enable Bryce and Holly to work out the answers to the questions that an unknown, hidden room pose when they find it during an inspection of the lodge. Always love. Easy to read, entertaining, lots of tension, sexual and otherwise, and again with a great set of characters to keep it all moving along, Bryce and Holly's book was an absolute pleasure to immerse myself in. The arrival of Ellie London back in town, and the little glimpses into her past also added a little more curiosity, and the next book in the series; Couldn've Said Yes due for release in October gives us the rest of her story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coach Maddie and the Marine; Author: Blaire Edens; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "You think way to much for your own good." Star. I generally only give one star to a book I DNF. I read this to the end as its a relatively short book, as will be my review. The first 65% was basically an 'American Football for Beginners' handbook, interspersed with a couple that kissed a few times and then decided after each occurrence that they couldn't be together. "It frightens me to think I might lose someone I love again." The next 10% is all kinds of insta-everything, with our H then making the mother of epic douche moves. "You can't live your life in the past." The remainder of the book then takes us back to the fifties and sixties, where a man could always dig himself out of trouble with the offering of flowers, balloons and chocolates... Bliss books need a strong story line to make up for the fact that everything sexy is closed door. This book started strong, but rapidly dropped due to lack of depth to it's story line, non- existent chemistry between the leads and a poorly utilized trope, in that of grief for the h, and survivors guilt for the H. In this day and age a sparkly engagement ring, and a few flowers do not an apology make... Well not one any self respecting independent woman would accept anyway. ARC provided by Entangled for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: On His Watch (Search and Rescue, #0.5); Author: Katie Ruggle; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "I've missed this." Stars. The first novella in Katie Ruggles' new Search and Rescue series gives us a quick introduction to some of the Rocky Mountain rescue teams main players. It also give us the reconnection story of Ice Rescue Diver; Derek Warner and Artemis Rey, the woman he loved and left 4 years previously. "Nothing's ever easy is it?" In the process of searching for two missing children one snowy windy evening, Derek and Artie also rediscover their feelings for each other, newly divorced Artie is the one woman Derek has always wanted, but never felt he was good enough for. But while getting themselves into scrapes and two children out of danger they both realize that the past and their mistakes with each other from then mean absolutely nothing when their feelings are still so strong for each other. "If I get another chance with you... I'm never letting you go." This was a really quick read, it wasn't too heavy going even though there were quite a few things happening plot-wise. Katie is an author new to me, and this novella was a great way to discover that her writing style and story-telling are things that I would like to experience more of in the future. Hold Your Breath the next book in the series is due for release in April, and I look forward to reading more from this author. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crashed Out (Made in Jersey, #1); Author: Tessa Bailey; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - "The scales are too imbalanced here." Stars! When you talk to fellow readers about the Brazen imprint, Tessa Bailey's name is one of the first that always comes up when authors are discussed. And if I go back to the early days when Tessa was writing her Line of Duty series, the books were entertaining and full of banter and build up. You were given the time to get to know the players and the sexy-times and inevitable 'dirty talking' were a very welcome addition. But for me lately the books seem to have lost all of the above and fallen to a default setting of sex and dirty talk with very little substance to back them up. Phrases like the following don't really come across as sexy to me, and when added to the mix of everything else being said. It takes away the sexy and just drops it right into the center of cheesy. "pump like a nasty dog..." "I can fill you full of thick dick" "I want to fuck you like a beast in heat" "working my dick like a goddamn stripper pole." Tastes change and what was once enjoyable in a reading capacity can become the opposite, that is not unusual and has happened to me more times than I can remember. But... I don't know, I guess I just have high expectations of this author, and when using a 'younger man/older woman' trope, I expected a story to back up the sex that they are having in every available position, room and situation that Jasmine and Sarge found themselves in. And that is the crux really, everything else that did happen kind of gets lost and buried under all the sex and talking... My other peeve, Sarge; who incidentally is seven years younger than Jasmine actually came over as the older person for most of the book because of all the dirty talk, it just didn't seem right for a guy in his early twenties, it's only the small amount of emotion that you see from the pair of them towards the end of the book that was the only time he actually read like a younger guy. I have said this before, I would really love to see Tessa write a book that didn't fall back onto relying heavily on a hero that talks dirty, especially after that last couple because for me they are starting to lose their sexiness and all merge into one another, almost like doing your weekly washing on the same cycle, just with different names and locations. I know I will be in the minority with my feelings, I can live with that. At the end of the day we are all entitled to our opinions as well as expectations of any book, but on this occasion Crashed Out just didn't work for me. ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How to Save a Life (Dreamcatcher, #1); Author: Emma Scott; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5+ - I'll always come back to you. Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... I didn't think that Emma Scott could go any higher in my estimations to be honest with you, but How to Save a Life absolutely broke me (in a good way). This is a book where you go through every emotion and sometimes to the extreme. This is one of those books where you cannot say a huge amount about the story-line for fear of giving stuff away. But, I basically spent the first half nervously waiting for the expected to happen just not quite knowing what form the expected was actually going to take, that would then be the catalyst to set the wheels in motion for the second part of the story. I then spent the second half alternating between holding my breath and crying uncontrollably, whilst waiting for the inevitable but again unknown resolution to make itself apparent. "Do you ever... Do you think about us? What we had?" "Every minute... I think about us every minute of my life." You have a sense that all is not as it seems, but WOW the author just came right out of left field with the whole set-up, development and then conclusion of Jo and Evan's story. There is a lot that goes into building a book with the level of depth that How to Save a Life has, and anyone who knows me or my reviews, will have an inclination as to how much of a fan (not) I am of erroneous or overplayed drama and angst. Emma seemed to hit the perfect levels of this for me, because although there are a lot of downs to this story, and some of them heart-breaking in their telling, the ups; even on the smallest scale just seemed to balance everything out perfectly. Two ghosts who thought they were too broken to be of worth to anybody, now reborn. Evan and Jo's story isn't pretty, but it is beautifully written, this is a couple who initially meet whilst at school, in the middle of nowhere America. Both different from the perceived norm, and as such treated less than respectfully by their peers. Both of them are also living with things that happened in their pasts, that very much have a hand in shaping the people they are becoming. However, one unforeseen and completely freak accident separates them just as they are starting to accept themselves and each other for who they are. The intervening four years of separation before they are finally reunited are not kind. My thoughts put down roots, reached stems and leaves out and up. The patch of dry dirt in my soul, dead and barren for years, now a garden. Jo and Evan are people you just want to hold, and hold tight, for their past experiences, the issues they are working through in their present, and the inevitable fall out from everything that happens in-between. I don't think I have been this emotionally invested in two characters since; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Christmas Cracker; Author: Trisha Ashley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - "Everything has a season." Stars. I seem to have developed a bit of a love/hate relationship with Tricia Ashley's books of late. Whereas Twelve Days of Christmas is probably one of my top five seasonal reads, several of her other Christmas offerings from recent years have fallen flatter than a dropped pancake. One thing that really miffs me off as a reader is a book that promises something in the impressions you are given by the cover, and the blurb, but then delivers something else entirely. At 53% I have decided to call it a day, because apart from the fact that our heroine Tabitha is now working to restore a Cracker Factory there is absolutely nothing Christmassy about this book at all. Add to that I am struggling to find anything I like or dislike about her. And that the rest of the large and varied cast seemed to be pointless additions or totally abhorrent and I am really struggling to find anything of positive note to say about A Christmas Cracker. My other issue, is that although the book has progressed months in its timeline, nothing of any real interest has really happened, and apart from the loose linking's to the next town over; Little Mumming and its inhabitants (the location of my aforementioned favorite TA, Christmas offering). "You don't need money for happiness, just warm, loving hearts." If this book was released without all the Christmas hoopla, I would probably have carried on with it, but I have held back reading it with the expectation of getting a Cracking Christmas read, and it couldn't be further from the truth. Not a winner for me on this occasion, Tricia Ashley die-hard fans are sure to enjoy it, but if you are looking for a book full of festive cheer, seasonal story-lines and tinsel etc... This may not be the one for you. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Player and the Pixie (Rugby, #2); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I think I've missed you all my life." Stars! Once again L.H Cosway and Penny Reid deliver a book that I, simply just could not put down. The Player and the Pixie is everything that I want my romantic reading to be in that it offered, likeable characters (even the un-likeable ones), a unique story-line, and some really unforgettable moments along the way. If you read The Hooker and the Hermit then you know exactly who Sean Cassidy and Lucy Fitzpatrick are, and you'll know exactly why their potentially coming together as a couple is about as bad an idea that you could conceive. Lucy's brother Ronan, although Sean's captain on the rugby field, is also his arch enemy off it. Sparks and more of than not fists fly whenever they spend more than a couple of minutes with each other. Why were the beautiful ones always such pricks... But a chance encounter, and an unfortunate unintended revelation causes a different set of sparks to fly between Lucy and Sean. And what starts out as a 'tit for tat' kind of deal between them leads to a lot more than either of them initially intended. The authors have once again managed to put together a couple that at the beginning you would think have absolutely nothing going for them when it comes to the progression of a relationship, Sean is still a bit of a tool for a lot of the book, but with Lucy he seems to find the nice guy within, but you are also given the back-ground and reasoning's as to why he is the way he is in the development of the story between them. "You're far too colorful to ever be the black sheep." Lucy is a bit of a walking disaster as well in that her familial relationships seem to bring out the worst in her, but something about Sean, gives her the stability and emotional strength to fight those demons, that is until their secret is discovered, and once again all hell breaks loose and at the worst of times. I read this book in one sitting, I literally couldn't put it down. The storyline is diverse in that it takes the usual, and gives it a unique twist. I wouldn't expect anything less from this duo to be honest, and if you are like me you will go through all the emotions with Lucy and Sean as the book progresses, I love nothing more than a man with vulnerabilities, and the authors gave me that in Sean, Lucy was a harder sell on me, but again within the progression of their story as a whole you get to see all the colors of her personality (and her hair) and it leads you to understand and empathize with her, and her struggles, with herself and her family. The teaser for The Cad and the Co-ed, at the end of this one left me squeezing my Kindle with excitement, Bryan Leech again is another rugby player that doesn't come across as much of a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Showmance (Showmance, #1); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "What a pair we make." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url]-... Amazon UK - [url]-... B&N - [url]... I don't think that there is another author that quite paints a picture with words as vividly with so much detail as L. H. Cosway always manages to do. Showmance is no exception, I devoured this book as I would a large bar of my favorite chocolate, you know the kind that when you look down and see just crumbs you can't believe it's all gone, and just how quickly you managed to get through it. Another thing the author seems to manage to do with great skill is take likeable characters; flaws an all and put them in unique and diverse settings, and give them a story that exceeds all expectations, again there is a firm check mark in the column for Showmance on this front as well. I fell in love with Rose, Damon and the varied and many secondary characters in the book. Set mainly around the bringing together of a cast for a new theater production of Moulin Rouge, and the re-emergence of Damon Atwood into the public eye after nearly a decade out of the spotlight, and all the hoop-la that goes with it. Fame as a child star didn't go too well for this guy, and he has pretty much spent most of his twenties holed up on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, working on a fishing boat and living with his grandmother. "You have no idea the kind of betrayal I've suffered in my life... This friendship I have with you is a big deal. I haven't let someone into my life like I have you in years." Rose, tries to see the best in people, through rose coloured glasses if you will, but when she once again gets dumped upon and then dumped by her latest actor lover, she swears off men for the foreseeable... Well that is until she sets eyes on a certain Mr Atwood and his magnetic, grumpy charm. As you would expect with a theater full of thespians, all with their own agendas, egos and points to make, the path from friendship to true love does not run at all smoothly, and the author really bought the story alive with the secondary characters heavy involvement in Rose and Damon's coming together. Notable mention goes to Rose's best friend and flat-mate Julian, and I can't lie having the authors confirmation at the back of the book that he will be getting his story told in 2017 made me really, really happy. This is a guy that reminded me somewhat of the inimitable Nicolas aka Vivica Blue (Painted Faces) in that his face-value character and the complexity that you know is going on behind that, is going to show a whole other person in the telling of his story. Sometimes they good ones could break your heart even worse than the bad. I love this author's work, as I am sure you can gather, you can always guarantee that whatever; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hearts on Air (Hearts, #6); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Be brave with me." Stars! L. H. Cosway returns to the Hearts series for the final time, and in Hearts on Air we are finally given Trevor Cross's story, two years on from the novella One Epic Night Live! Buy now on: AMAZON US: [url] AMAZON UK: [url] It's hard to believe just how long this series has been going now, and having been with it from the very beginning, there have been a lot of highs interspersed with the occasional low. For me, Hearts on Air was a fifty/fifty read, in that I really enjoyed the first and last quarters of the story, but I did struggle a little between 25-75%. The story between Trev and Reya basically goes like this - * Best friends * Lovers * Estranged for two years * Friends again (but Trevor wants more) * Lovers again. The first three points are pretty much covered in the first 25%, although you do get a few flashbacks throughout the mid stages of the book. "I need you... just for tonight. Just give me tonight and then you can decide if you want to keep me..." The 25 to 75% portion of the story is basically focused on the rebuilding of their friendship after two years of pretty much avoiding each other, and here is where I struggled somewhat. It was mainly because it seemed to be dragged out far too long, felt a little repetitive, and I found Reya to be a bit of a prick tease in relation to knowing how Trevor felt about her, and using it to bolster up her own confidence on more than one occasion. I loved his unpredictability. I got off on his wildness and spontaneity. And I adored how he always surprised me with what came out of his mouth. She also seemed to have absolutely no problem eavesdropping on people in situations that were wholly not her business. I could understand the author's reasonings behind this in a way, because Reya (and the reader) is given more insight into Trevor because of it, but personally I think I would have just preferred to have a few chapters from Trevor's POV, it becomes more obvious as the book progresses that there is a lot more going on with him, than his happy-go-lucky persona would initially have you believe, and I would have loved to have gotten into his head and got it first hand, over Reya essentially ear-wigging on him. "Words without music are far too revealing..." That-said, it was great to catch up with pretty much everyone from all of the previous books in this story. The Cross family all-together are a pretty entertaining bunch, and the hairs literally lifted on my arms when we are taken for a visit to the Circus Spektakular and a certain Magician and his Fire Breathing brother took center stage. The ending and epilogue, made me smile as well. I hope the author is looking to start a new series at some point in the future based around Trevor's Parkour crew,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fix Up (First Impressions, #1); Author: Tawna Fenske; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "It is what it is." Stars. The Queen of pithy innuendo strikes again, unfortunately when you are battered around the eye-balls with it in pretty much every paragraph of the book it tends to lose it's overall charm somewhat. It also takes away the scope of getting much of an emotional connection between a couple, when all they are doing is 'one-upping' each other in said 'innuendo' stakes. I got they were horny for each other, I think there may have been mention of one or the other of them falling for the other, actual connection or feelings... I got none, until the very end of the book. "In case you failed to notice, I'm not a people person." Thing is I like Tawna Fenske's writing, it's light and refreshing, but the more innuendo she seems to pile on with each new book takes away from there being any actual real depth to the story-line or the characters. In fact if you took out all the innuendo in The Fix Up and just left Ben and Holly having a normal conversation I fear there would be very little book left too read. It's good to be a geek. I would just like a little more depth to the story and the characters. Ben's geekiness was more of an afterthought, and Holly's financial issues with her ex didn't really come into play to make them that relevant. I liked the last 15% of the book, mainly because the aforementioned innuendo overload was toned down to a bearable level. Entertaining enough, but it doesn't hit the heights, or achieve the perfect balance between funny and emotional that the early books of the authors Front and Center series did. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Billionaire (The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy, #1); Author: Meghan March; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You could wreck a man with that mouth." Stars! Sometimes a book does exactly what it says on the tin. And for me that is perfectly okay, if the writing and story-line are strong and well rounded. Meghan March is an author new to me, and I must admit although the premise of Dirty Billionaire isn't a massively new or original one, it still grabbed my attention. I am not ashamed to 'fess up that I have a huge soft spot for a certain type of Billionaire asshole and Creighton Karas, ticks every one of those required boxes, and he ticked them with style. "She's rare and I'm the kind of man that appreciates that quality." Holly Wix is your A-Typical inexperienced girl in a bind, and what she expected to be a night of no strings fun, with our lovable asshole turns into so much more when he publicly calls her out and offers her more than she ever bargained for. As you would expect, she has other commitments that make their situation less than ideal, but in steps Creighton to smooth the way allowing for their coming together to be for more than one hot and sweaty night together. I See. I Want. I Conquer. I Keep. I liked that Holly stood up to Creigh, and I loved the inevitable verbal sparring and horizontal tangoing that inevitably happened afterwards. Meghan managed to bring together their story with the sexy-times and not just give us a story about their sexy-times. "My dreams are all I've got left and I'm not giving them up for anyone." Don't get me wrong this is pure erotica at its absolute best, but its not mindless, this couple have a background and their own stories to tell, as well as their inevitable coming together and the pit-falls that will arise from this. The first installment ends on a bit of a cliffy, but have no fear, the next one Dirty Pleasure novella two in the trilogy is due on 12.29, so not too long to wait at all. I am excited about this series, I cannot wait to see where it goes and what story the author gives this couple as it progresses. ARC generously provided by RockStarPR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Divinely Ruined (Divine Temptations Trilogy, #1); Author: Diane Alberts; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "Maybe I should prove to you that you're no angel... and neither am I." Stars! Another great reissue from Entangled. If you are a fan of this author I would recommend that you make sure you read the blurb before one-clicking just to be sure you haven't already read Divinely Ruined as it was initially released in 2012. "We're alike... Two broken people trying to pretend we're not. Maybe that's why you were sent to me." I really enjoyed Tony and Rebecca's story, it was a little different with a slight PNR twist, and although a quick read, the story in this novella is well rounded and fully fleshed out, well worth a couple of hours of your time, if you are looking for some romance but don't have a lot of time to get your fix! Being the first book in the Divine Temptations Trilogy I would be interested to see if the author continues with it, after such a long break between releases. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leaving Yesterday (Laurel Falls, #1); Author: Zoe Dawson; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "For however long it lasts." Stars! An absolutely outstanding start to the Laurel Falls series by Zoe Dawson, this is my first work by this author, and I have to say I cannot wait for the next book Maybe Tomorrow which is due for release in October (sigh)! There is a huge amount going on in this book, what with story-line and characters going in lots of different directions. We are introduced to many of the residents of Laurel Falls a sleepy, tired town, as the book progresses. A town that is slowly dying due to a drop in tourist trade, which has caused businesses to close and people to seek employment and accommodations elsewhere. But the town certainly still has a huge amount of charm, and the residents were really great to get to know. "I don't think I'll be able to let you go for a while." Although the synopsis indicates that the book mainly deals with the relationship between Trace Black and Rafferty Hamilton, this is certainly not the only story playing out, as a reader you are also introduced to, and given the backgrounds of the rest of the Trace family, not to mention quite a few other prominent townsfolk. "You're laying on the cowboy a bit thick." This is where my only gripe really comes in, in that the book comes at you from many POVs and at points on many occasions I had to go back and re-read paragraphs to work out and be sure of who's head I was actually in at the time. This may be because the version I read was an ARC, and I hope the publisher gives suitable paragraph breaks and indicators so that paying readers don't have the struggles that I did working out when we had moved from one characters mind to another. "I knew you were trouble the moment I laid eyes on you." I really look forward to seeing where Zoe takes this series in the next book, she has picked a character for the continuation that I find surprising and I am interested to see how the arrival of another out of towner has to the continuation of everybody's story dynamic. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To Catch His Mate (Crescent Moon, #5); Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I'm not letting you go." Stars! This is one of those books that just makes you go - This is a quick, sweet and sexy novella. Reece loves Alyssa, Alyssa loves Reece, but mistakenly overhears him telling one of his pack members that their mating is just to strengthen pack ties, so Alyssa cancels said mating and takes off. He was playing for keeps. There wasn't anyone else he wanted but her. Savannah Stuart/Katie Reus always manages to give an enjoyable and easy to read story no matter the length or the depth of the plot and characterization she is offering. I didn't feel like anything was missing from the budding relationship between this couple, and Reece's attempts to get back into Alyssa's good books, whilst trying to stop himself going all sexy alpha on her were just adorable. There is nothing sexier than a hot shifter trying to reign in his natural impulses and urges to win over the woman he loves. "I like knowing I'll be your first. Your last." Another winner from this author, and can totally be read as a standalone, if you have any concerns in that area. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Brazen Bargain (Spies and Lovers, #2); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: 5 - "Following the proprieties has never been my strong suit." Stars! Laura Trentham absolutely rocked my socks off with the second book in the Spies and Lovers series. I really enjoyed An Indecent Invitation (the first book), but A Brazen Bargain was literally a struggle to put down, I enjoyed it that much. "I find I'm rather partial to brutes." Rafe and Minerva featured a little in the first book, in that Rafe was Lily's brother, Minerva her friend, and Grey the man Lily loves is Rafe's best friend. Rafe Drummond was a temptation she wasn't sure she could give up. You are lead to think that the man behind the scars is as dark and brooding as his exterior makes you assume, and in this story you are given the reasonings and back ground into why he is as he is. I loved that Minerva challenged him on his ornery personality, and the fact that in this book she is indirectly indebted to him, it just made the chemistry and verbal sparring between them even more interesting, and the author did a superb job in keeping things building between them without rushing to the main event (so to speak), the story as a whole is so much more than an attraction between two people, and the layers that Laura built around that just gave it such a vivacity and beguiling depth. "Let me take care of you." I am not a huge Historical Romance reader, but I cannot recommend this series highly enough. The author manages to keep the feeling of Historical in relation to the language, descriptions locales etc, but challenges the normal expectations in that her characters are strong, her female leads willful, intelligent and full of spark and mettle. Her unmarred purity only underscored his tarnished soul a hundred fold. Minerva faced challenges, and dealt with them herself, no deferring to Rafe or her brother for guidance, and I loved the depth of character Laura gave Rafe, yes he was strong, dominant and a little bit naughty, but there was a vulnerability and charm to him as well. I absolutely loved them both, and when they finally worked out their feelings for each other were a match... So, so sexy! "There's beauty in the darkness. You just have to look a bit harder." I so hope that we get to return to this series soon, there are certainly more characters with stories to be told. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Vampire (Last True Vampire, #3); Author: Kate Baxter; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: 5 - "A mated male is... Temperamental." Stars! I absolutely love this series, Kate Baxter brings another couple together through each book, whilst still running the bigger story concurrently. I must admit the space between books means it takes me a few chapters to refresh myself on the whole Sortiari situation, but it never takes long for me to get right back into the story. The Dark Vampire is Eric Jenner's story, we have seen glimpses of him through the previous books although the author hasn't given a huge amount about what makes this guy tick away, you are given the impression he is a vampire with only a few specific requirements. He fucked. Fed. Survived. Bria Fairchild, has pretty much spent her life locked away behind the closed doors of her uncles compound, he believes it is for her protection, but little does he know that she spends her evenings sneaking around town in her own special way... Jenner is your typical gruff, growly alpha Vampire, so when Bria's uncle brings her to Mikhail's mansion with life ending injuries one evening, the last thing he expects is for their souls to tether to each other after she has been turned, as she is in essence the opposite of everything he is, and he believes himself completely unworthy of a woman so beguiling and pure. Her presence was the calming warmth to his cold cruelty. Her touch a gentle balm to his abrasive violence. Except she isn't as innocent as he initially assumed, and what ensues is a battle of wills, hormones and pretty much everything in-between for them. "You blood is like a drug... Just a sip and I'm wired." Bria wants him, but he is not sure he can hold onto his control well enough to be the gentle and caring lover he thinks she needs. "I know you want me... Why don't you do something about it." I absolutely devoured this book, the push and pull between this pair that plays out around the bigger story going on made it totally unputdownable. Both vulnerable in their own ways, Jenner believes he is doing the best for his mate when he tries to keep her away from the action and out of his bed, when in essence he is doing the same to her, as her uncle has done for the previous ten years. "Today is the first day of my existence." Reading her fighting her way through and out of that over-protective shell that both men try to keep around her was really enjoyable. The Last True Vampire series has got plenty of life left in it yet, lots of questions still remain unanswered in the main theme of the story, and with a plethora of secondary characters including Chelle, Siobhan and Lucas that I want to see find their own Happy endings... Well as happy as they can be when you have half the Supernatural world wanting to kill, capture or drink your blood! I cannot wait for more from this series and hopefully soon! This is a; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You And Me, Always; Author: Jill Mansell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Boyfriends come and go, but friends are forever." Stars! Another absolutely outstanding read from Jill Mansell. I think the one thing that always encourages me to read a book by this author is that no matter how things turn out for the characters, I am always left with a smile on my face by the end of the book. You And Me, Always features a diverse and colorful cast of characters, mainly living in and around Stanton Langley, a small village in the English countryside. You are given an insight into their day to day lives and a little look into a few of their pasts to give you the basis as to how their previous experiences have shaped them. Funny how fate worked, sometimes. I suppose you could say the book is mainly based around Lily, and the letter she receives on her 25th Birthday. The contents enclosed, start a chain of events that in a sense cause a 'ripple effect' having far reaching consequences on her friends and acquaintances as the book progresses. * Patsy; and her desperation to find a man and start a family. * Dan; the ladies' man, and the case of unrequited love he has been nursing for years. * Coral; still grieving for the unexpected loss of her husband, but looking to start living again. These are just the tip of the iceberg character wise, but I love the way that every character Jill introduces has a big impact in the overall progression of the book as the story progresses. As you would expect with such a plethora of characters a lot happens, most of which I don't really want to talk about, to avoid giving away spoilers. "I didn't plan for it to happen quite like this, but I'm saying it now... I'd still love you. I just would. Because... I already do." You And Me Always reminded me of a Richard Curtis film, and if you are a fan of those then I think you will absolutely adore this book. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caught for Christmas (Stripped, #3.5); Author: Skye Warren; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I'm not done with you... I haven't even started." Stars! It has been a while since I have had the chance to read anything by Skye Warren so when the opportunity arose to read and review Caught for Christmas, I jumped at the chance, and I am glad that I did. This is the world I'm living in now. This novella was a quick and sexy read, and as part of the Stripped series, can easily be read as a standalone. "Don't change I like who you are." First thing that came back to me was the author's style of writing and how she manages to pull you into the story and empathize with the characters from the get-go. I liked West, and Bianca was well on the ball for an eighteen year old woman. You could feel the chemistry bubbling between them and the sexy-times are quick to get started. "When you come for me, it won't be because you want to distract me. And it sure as hell won't be because I'm paying you." I think the author pitched this couples story about right with it being a novella, there was potential for Bianca's familial drama to get annoying and drawn out, but due to the length it happens and is dealt with quickly. "We're done waiting." Caught for Christmas, is a great way to introduce yourself to this authors writing style and story-telling, it's also an excellent little Christmas interlude if you are looking for a couple of hours reading, and in my case it was a really good way to refresh my memory as to why I should be putting more of Skye Warren's books onto my TBR! ARC generously provided via ARdentProse PR, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Pleasures (The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy, #2); Author: Meghan March; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - I've placed my bet, and it's my heart that's on the line... Stars. Part two of The Dirty Billionaire trilogy predictably picks up where its predecessor left off. In all honesty I don't have a huge amount to say about this instalment, as it all felt a little 'lather, rinse, repeat' of the first book, so much so that it ends on exactly the same cliffy that Dirty Billionaire did. "Better get ready, because I'm fucking coming for you." The locations may have changed in that Holly is now on the road touring, and the sexual positions were certainly mixed up enough to keep it entertaining, but there were two things that stood out for me. The 'give and take' of the relationship growing between Holly and Creigh, is very much, in Creigh acquiescing and giving, whereas Holly seems to be doing all the taking. "You already bought me once... You don't need to keep buying me." The second thing that could become an issue in my enjoyment stakes in the third and final instalment due on 12th January, is that Holly's attitude is starting to get annoying. I understand that she is a little discombobulated with the situation (which let's not forget is totally of her own making), and I can also understand her feelings of inadequacy, but it is getting little annoying reading Creigh jump through all of Holly's hoops to then find she still isn't happy, and once again ups and does a Houdini. As I said slight niggles for now, but I am interested to see how Megan finishes this couples journey, when Dirty Together releases in a couple of weeks. "I don't want to be treated as an afterthought..." "When you look at me like that, you're my only fucking thought. ARC generously provided via RockStarPR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Together (The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy, #3); Author: Meghan March; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "That dick of yours demands attention." Stars. Overall, I would say that I did enjoy The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy. The synopsis for the books gives enough of an indication that as a reader you are not getting a book in the realms of War & Peace but more of a light-hearted, smutty romance. And it started really strong. I really enjoyed Creighton and Holly's initial meeting and the situations that they found themselves in after getting married. Stop borrowing trouble... I think for me the enjoyment was somewhat dampened mid-way through the second novella, where things started to have a little bit of a de-ja vu feel, in that almost the self, same things happen to the couple so much so that it ends exactly the way the first novella did. "I'd be happy to school you in something..." "You already did. In love." That said I really liked Creigh, and Holly had her moments. I liked her sass, his dirty mouth and their sexy times together. This is a couple that had enough going on between them and their polar-opposite lives, that I really didn't see the point in adding in all the parental drama on both sides. "I thought I had everything... And then I met you." Towards the end of this installment, I was actually rolling my eyes at the direction the author took the story in, but I think the main issue I had with some of the stuff that was thrown in was that none of it really added any depth to the story, and didn't really feel necessary to the overall story line. Don't let me deter you, this series is one of those types of reads that offers up exactly what it says on the tin. I would happily read more from Meghan March in the future, I just think with The Dirty Billionaire the main tropes were enough to carry it through, this couple did not need the added and somewhat erroneous secondary issues to be added. Lost until I found you. I hope that Creigh's sister gets her own series at some point, now there's a woman with a lot of potential... And a new bodyguard apparently! ARC generously provided via RockStarPR, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Heart's Awakening; Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Love such as ours never dies... Stars! Nothing gets me more excited than a new release by Nina Croft, I kind of wish she wrote fast enough that I get a new one on a weekly basis. Hearts Awakening is probably the shortest offering I have read by her, but it is still perfectly formed. "I missed you." You cannot beat a good second chance romance, and add a little ghostly interference to it as well and this was a story that I pretty much read through in my lunch hour. "That was another life." Kieran and Jenna have pretty much experienced a full role reversal in the years since they last saw each other, and whereas one was living the high life with all the opportunities that wealth afforded being available to them as a child, while the other was living hand to mouth, that situation has completely reversed now they are adults. Young love that was thwarted, is given a chance to flourish and grow with this couple, while searching for a missing Heirloom, but can Jenna see past her need for visible wealth and accept that Kieran's love is the most priceless gift of all? ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her Secret Lover (What Happens in Vegas #11); Author: Robin Covington; Genres: graphic, comics, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I hate to come and run, but..." Stars. I am a big fan of Robin Covington, having recently discovered her work last year. And although I enjoyed Her Secret Lover it didn't quite meet the expectations I have of this author. "After you've shared a sex toy, you have to be on a first-name basis." The banter between Kelsey and Micah was pretty good, but I struggled to feel invested in the story for a large part of the book, the connection between them for me was as little weak, but what really grated was the whole secondary trope with the VIP customer. "I am more than a pretty face and a big penis." The whole scenario just felt really cheesy and outdated to me, and took away from the whole Forbidden aspect of the relationship between this couple, which to be honest was enough and could have carried the story well if it had been made the main theme. "Drop your clothes on the floor. You won't be needing them anymore tonight." This isn't a bad book, the Lovestruck line of books are in themselves meant to be light reads, and it certainly delivered in that aspect. I just have higher expectations of the author, Robin Covington is absolutely stellar when it comes to telling a story, building an emotional connection between a couple and providing them with steaming hot sexy times, and on this occasion she only really delivered the last point for me. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reckless; Author: Kimberly Kincaid; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I've got your back." Stars! My first new author discovery of 2016, and Kimberley Kincaid delivered everything I want in my romance reading and she delivered it spectacularly! If you read romance, you are likely to have a soft spot for the odd fireman, and Alex Donovan certainly left me feeling all soft, whilst reading Reckless. With just the right amounts of charm, confidence and attitude, he is a guy you are certainly going to get a little swoony over. Oh, and he is not too shabby in the dirty talking stakes either! "I think we got off on the wrong foot here." The fact that he ends up falling for his boss's daughter, well that just added fuel to the fire for me, add to that, the author built an absolutely stellar story around them, and this was an easy book to read. "I'm reckless... Not brainless." Zoe was pretty much his opposite at the beginning of the book, and I loved that while together Alex encouraged her to step out of her bubble of rules and conformity, and take a few calculated risks. Their gradual build up to the sexy-times really worked because the author kept the sexual tension on a constant simmer, and I liked that they had a little bit of past between them to give their reconnection depth. "If you want to see all the places I blush, go ahead and find them." As I said Kimberly Kincaid is a new author to me, and a very, very happy discovery at that. I found her writing style really entertaining, with plenty of snark and banter, the sexy-times between Alex and Zoe were absolutely stellar, and the general story-line although packed with a few of your run-of-the-mill tropes, was so well written that it really didn't feel that way, the drama was relevant and not overplayed, and everything was just perfectly balanced for me. Being the first book in the new Rescue Squad series, you are also introduced to a wealth of characters, that I am expecting to see more from and get to know a lot more about with each addition to the series. "Right now, in this moment, I want to be with you." Fearless, the second book in the series is due for release on 26th July this year, being Cole's book I am all sorts of excited, as we see quite a bit of him in this one due to him being Alex's colleague and friend. More firemen... ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Christmas in Disguise; Author: Katie Fforde; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "If my friends could see me now." Stars! A Christmas in Disguise is a very quick but altogether charming seasonal read. Jo agrees to stand in for her friend in cooking her employers Christmas dinner. Only problem being her friends boss has already said no to her having the time off, so Jo has to do the whole thing incognito. In steps invited guest, the sexy but slightly elusive Anthony to offer her a hand, he is a little worried about being on the hostesses conquest list as potentially the only single man on the guest list, so he ropes Jo into pretending to be his girlfriend as well... As you can imagine a little mayhem ensues between the Canapes and the Christmas Pudding, but I can honestly say a good time was had by all! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hallowed Ground (Flight & Glory, #4); Author: Rebecca Yarros; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - Live well. Love hard. Stars! Josh and Embers story continues in Hallowed Ground, the fourth book in Rebecca Yarros' Flight & Glory series. This is a couple I have a massive soft spot for as the story of their meeting and everything that happened after in Full Measures was probably one of my most emotional and enjoyable reads of 2014. I will be honest and say I was a little nervous to start this one, having such strong emotions about Josh and Ember, means I really wanted the continuation of their story to be the absolute best it could be... And after my experience with the last book in the series I wasn't 100% certain Rebecca could pull it off. Hallowed Ground, was as much of an emotional roller-coaster as Full Measures was, but I think the main thing you pull from the story is just how far Josh & Ember have come as a couple over the last two or so years, and the depth of their feelings and the strength of their relationship because of it. "Sometimes the littlest catalysts cause the biggest impacts." Expect tears, I cried loads, expect heartbreak, you'll witness loads, prepare yourself for drama, shocks and more surprises than you would think capable for an author to weave into one book, but Rebecca did, and she did it well. Josh and Embers continuation isn't an easy read, but then I didn't really expect it to be. "When it comes to you, to how much I love you... I have no morals. No honor. I would lie, cheat, murder, steal, dishonor everything I hold dear if it meant spending my life with you. No measure of duty, or God, or country could ever make up for losing you..." I cannot recommend this book, or for the most part the whole series enough. Considering the epilogue, I wonder if this may be the last time we spend with the crew that we have met and fallen in love with over the course of the four books, I hope that isn't the case as I would like to see how and where everyone ends up in a few years' time. "No more good-byes." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless In Manhattan (From Manhattan With Love, #1); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Sometimes you just have to take that leap." Stars! I think if I met Sarah Morgan, I'd give her a hug and thank her profusely for being a writer, while gibbering nonsensical words and phrases about how much I love her books. I'm still relatively a new reader of this authors work, but knowing she has over seventy published books, a large number of which I have still too read makes me a happy girl. Sleepless in Manhattan grabbed me from the get-go, and it is the start of a series that I just know is going to get better with each and every book added. Paige, Eva and Frankie have been friends since childhood, and now live in a converted Brownstone together, with Paige's brother Matt filling the last apartment. "Magic happens in this city. It's full of hope and possibilities." One thing that shows this authors irrefutable skill as a writer is that fact that all three of these women have very diverse characteristics and differing personalities, and it is very clear that Paige is the organizer of the three, Eva the glass half full, romanticist, and Frankie the blunt and down to earth one of the group, but you can also feel the great love and depth of friendship they have for each other as well. Jake Romano, is Matt's best friend. He has been there for Paige through thick and thin, the rock she leant on when her health was suspect as a young woman, the man she fell in love with during the time they spent together, while he kept her company when she was stuck in a hospital bed. The love then wasn't returned, and Paige has spent the intervening years trying to move on from the fact that she read the situation with Jake so wrong. "I'm not your brother and I'm not your parents. You don't have to do the happy act with me. I can cope with the truth." But Paige wasn't as wrong as she thought she was, and through the culmination of several big life changes that ensures they end up spending more time together and alone than normal, she finds that her feelings for Jake may not have been as one sided as she initially thought. This in itself brings about a whole new level of problems though, with him being her brothers best friend for one, and a total commitment-phobe sitting at the the top of the list. "My new favorite hobby might be kissing off your lipstick." I loved this book, I loved all the characters in it, the locations and the overall story arc between them all, and the focal story-line between Jake and Paige, was all that I wanted and expected it to be. "When I'm with a woman, I'm with a woman. She is my starter, my main course and my dessert. There are no side dishes." The author has set this series up extremely well, in that there is a huge amount of scope for the future books, and that you have; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Girl; Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "America's good girl just went bad." Stars! Good Girl was so nearly a five star read for me, but once again I found that I struggled with the first person POV, in that for me, it took away the depth and level of emotion I felt was required in certain parts of the story, especially in the early stages of Jenny and Noah's relationship. I loved the dynamic between the pair of them though, in that Noah was an absolute ass for most of the book, but it was kind of off-set with the way he tried to make good afterwards. Jenny came over as a little superficial at the beginning of the story, but as it progressed you got too see that there was a lot more to her than initially met the eye. I've been more intimate with him than I have with any other guy, and yet I hardly know him. I can't say there is anything particularly new or unusual about the tropes used or the direction the plot takes, as soon as you know the reasonings for why Jenny is where she is and Noah's justifications for behaving the way he does, you can see the inevitable car crash coming from a mile off, but that didn't bother me in the least because apart from the dreaded 1st POV issue, this was still a really good, romantic story, with a few laughs and a nice big happy sigh ending. "I'm a redneck, you're a red carpet." Notable mention needs to go to Noah's friends, Vaughn and Finn, I think the large part of the reason I loved this book so much was the banter between the three of them, and the constant friction between Vaughn and Finn, in that one is Noah's best friend from the wrong side of the tracks, while the other is in a completely different zip-code. "The faster the fall, the longer it lasts." I hope that Lauren has stories for these guys in her head to share at some point in the future as both were a big draw in this story and in their own differing ways. I have seen mixed reviews for this one, and I can agree with the point that I have seen made a few times in that Good Girl isn't like LL's previous books, it is different, I don't personally think it was bad different as it still had all the attributes that I associate with this authors writing style, I will say that I hope we don't see a permanent move to 1st person POV though as that is something I really struggle with. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Easy Kisses (Boudreaux, #4); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Love is never perfect." Stars! And we are back on track, after the disappointment of Dec and Callie's Story in Easy Melody, Kristen gives Charly and Simon a bit more of a plot for the reader to get stuck into. Both have their own ideas of love, sex and relationships, but the problem is British Simon, challenges all of Charly's notions on the subject, as much as she makes him realize that the connection between a man and a woman is not always as toxic as the one he shared with his ex-wife. "You're stuck with me, love." It always makes me a little twitchy when an American author takes on the British language, because to be honest most of them completely butcher it, but for the most part Kristen got Simon's Anglicized language spot on, I will forgive the couple of instances where things went a little off track with it, because I really enjoyed the story between him and Charly. The drama is well paced and not overdone, the interaction with the rest of the Boudreaux clan is as funny and emotive as expected, if you have read the With Me series, it's not hard to see the correlation between that series and this with the plot points and themes the author is using, but if it ain't broke why try and change it, and I just love the familial feel that Proby gives with each book that is added, it really is like visiting with old friends. Beau is up next, and I am hoping his 'opposites attract' story-line is good as I am expecting it to be.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Ruthless Proposition; Author: Natasha Anders; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "The Ballerina and the Beast." Stars! A Ruthless Proposition is not the first book I have read by Natasha Anders, as an author she has found her groove and sticks to it really, really well. Namely, that pretty much every one of her heroes starts her books out as a total and utter - As such it was no surprise that Dante Damaso, pretty much epitomizes that and then some. No unwanted pregnancies and no unwanted scandals. It kept things clean and uncomplicated which was exactly the way he preferred his life. It is what I expect from the author and she delivered him perfectly, as you can guess there is a pretty big main event that starts the personality tide to turning away from complete and utter douchedom, pulling Dante back to being a relatively charming guy, and in this instance it's an unplanned pregnancy, with his supposed 'Tokyo Fling' and on/off again executive assistant Cleo Knight. She was there, he was horny, and they were good together... when they weren't forced to make conversation. I did enjoy A Ruthless Proposition, but I have to say the things that made the previous books I have read by the author really enjoyable, were a little unbalanced for me this time. In the past I have felt real sympathy for the female characters, they are dealt a raw deal, so when the guy decides to turn over and new leaf and try to make amends for past wrongs, I understood the long, hard and bitch-filled journey that they went on to get back into their women's good books. "I don't like doing things by half measure." Cleo was a bit of a struggle for me in parts of this book in that I really didn't sympathize with her a lot of the time, the author brings her best friend Cal into this story line quite a bit for the first half of the tale, and I found a lot of the internal monologue towards him just plain nasty. I don't dispute Dante was an utter tool to her for a lot of the book, but then she didn't really do herself any favors either. This is just my opinion and I am sure there are a lot of readers out there who are a lot less picky than me. But the author sets high standards with her previous offerings, and with that my expectations are at that level as well. This book was easy to read, the latter stages bought a few tears to the eye, and in general a good time was had by all. I will certainly be eagerly awaiting for the next lovable asshole that this author decides to give us the pleasure of getting to know next! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His for Christmas: A Dark Billionaire Romance; Author: Skye Warren; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "We can't all be Willy Wonka." Stars! Quick, dirty and sexy pretty much sums up this little Christmas novella from Skye Warren. I picked it up free from Amazon, but to be honest I enjoyed it enough I would have been happy to pay for it. "Don't make the mistake of thinking I'm a good man." Rich Alpha Male / Down-on-her-luck, inexperienced female... Nothing really new or original about the trope, but it was well written and I quite liked Gage and Angel, and the two weeks they spend together in this novella.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hunted by Darkness (Darkness #4); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I'd know your eyes anywhere." Stars! Katie Reus is without doubt one of the best Paranormal Romance authors around in my opinion, I have read quite a few of her offerings now including books released under her pseudonym Savannah Stuart, and I can honestly say there hasn't been one I haven't really enjoyed, whatever the genre. I have a particular soft spot for the Darkness series, as it is the first set of books that I read by this author, and I have pretty much read everything I could get my hands on by her since then! Bo and Nyx featured pretty heavily as secondary characters in the last book Beyond the Darkness and it was apparent as the story progressed that there was more to Bo's feelings for Nyx than just employer/employee, but Nyx's true heritage wasn't initially known and when it is revealed towards the end of the book, you just know that any sort of relationship between a demigod and a half-demon, is not going to be smooth sailing. She was his, even if she didn't know it yet. The other thing I loved is that Katie took this couples story in parts, to a completely different realm, it made the story a little different from its predecessors, it also introduced a few new characters into the mix, and I am hopeful that Katie has books in the works for Rory and Ian in the future. "You're coming back to me." Once again the author has delivered a sweet, sassy, sexy couple, Bo is all-sorts of alpha, and I absolutely loved his internal monologues as he worked he way through his unexpected feelings for Nyx. Innocence against experience and in all the best ways. I won't give much more of the story away as the beauty of it, is in its reading, but it was great to catch up with a few members of the Stavros Pack as the book progressed as well. I cannot wait too see what books Katie has in store for her readers for the rest of 2016, and hopefully we will have more from the Darkness series, at some point in the future as well. ARC generously provided by the author, via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Suddenly Last Summer (O'Neil Brothers, #2); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: ...Everything was perfect...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleigh Bells in the Snow; Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "There is nowhere I'd rather be than Snow Crystal at Christmas." Stars! Sarah Morgan + Christmas = Cracking read. Well for me it does anyway, and Sleigh Bells in the Snow was no exception. The first book in the O'Neil Brothers Series was as enjoyable as all the other Christmas romances I have read by this author. "You make me smile." Jackson was the perfect mix of sweet, open and dominant. Kayla; being closed off and emotionally unavailable and the one who struggled with Christmas worked perfectly with him because of it. No Christmas. No Santa. No memories. Loved the O'Neil family and their friends as well. This book was a great start to the series, I have already read Tyler O'Neil's story Maybe This Christmas (the third and final book), but immediately one-clicked Suddenly Last Summer so I can finish the series off with Sean and Elise's story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Once upon a Christmas; Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I've got you and there's no way I'm letting you go." Stars! Sarah Morgan has officially become my go-to Christmas author. Once Upon a Christmas, is actually two of her earlier releases - The Doctor's Christmas Bride & The Nurse's Wedding Rescue, published together as a duology. "It's Christmas... It's supposed to snow." Although the second book isn't strictly a Christmas story it does run along from the end of the first book, and the first three books in the Lakeside Mountain Rescue series give each of the Hunter siblings their happily ever afters, I enjoyed Bryony and Oliver Hunter's books so much I have their brother Tom's book already lined up on my Kindle to read next. Books 4 - 7 all do seem to be set on or around Christmas, so I am mainlining-Morgan for the rest of the year!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wish Upon a Star; Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - Miffed Stars. I never thought I would ever be rating a duology by this author with such a low rating. In short I disliked the couple in the first book; The Christmas Marriage Rescue, and I was so bored I gave up on book two; The Midwife's Christmas Miracle. The writing was the authors usual standard, but with not liking the characterisations in the first and the tropes used in both of them, books five and six in the Lakeside Mountain Rescue Series, were a huge disappointment for me. Thankfully this author's back catalogue is many an varied so onwards and upwards!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mistletoe and Snow; Author: Nora Roberts; Genres: romance; Review: Yet another book wrapped up and marketed for Christmas, yet the two stories contained within it's pages actually spend more time on the rest of the year than in the season they are being advertised as being set in. Three stars for the authors usual stellar writing. No stars for Mills & Boon ripping their readers off by tweaking the blurbs and adding a Christmassy cover.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Progress (Progress, #1); Author: Amalie Silver; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "We waited too long." Stars! I think Progress is going to possibly be a book that readers either love or hate to some extent, due to its story line and characterizations. I think the main thing that struck a chord with me whilst reading Progress is that a huge amount of the things Charlie went through are also experiences I have dealt with and lived through myself. This association is probably why the book resonated so strongly. I wanted to be somebody. I wanted to be somebody to him. This is the first book I have read by Amalie Silver, although she has been highly recommended to me in the past. So I went in with no expectations. And the first thing that strikes you very quickly as you are reading is that the story isn't your standard, boy-meets-girl-and-they-fall-in-love one. "Some things you just can't come back from. Not when you've gotten a glimpse of how great things could be." Its complex, dark, a little uncomfortable to read in places, I got a upset a couple of times for the things Charlie went through, and being in Jesse's head is definitely not all unicorns and rainbows. But that is the nature of this book, and although at some points it gets a little repetitive, for me that was one of the things that kept me reading, to see if Charlie could pull herself out of the cycle that she had gotten herself into with Jesse. Knowing my own fragility didn't make me any stronger. Because although Jesse, was on a perpetual hamster wheel dealing with his own recurring issues again and again, as well as expecting those around him to deal with the fall-out each time, it was the story from Charlie's perspective and her interactions with him at the different stages of his mind-set and her own life changes, that held me in its grip. It's hard to put this book in the category of romance at the moment, because there is very little in the way of romance in it. There are a few situations and conversations where it is undoubtedly obvious that this is a couple that feel deeply for each other, but that said they both seem to offer up everything that the other person least needs in their life at any given moment in the book. "When we're together, it's just you and me... No one else matters, do they?" This is definitely the beginning of Jesse and Charlie's story. Progress: Interrupted is noted as due for release in February at the end of the book, (which I hope is the case). I am interested to see if the author can give this couple the peace and comfort together that they both deserve, or whether their paths end up going in different directions and separately. Our story isn't over yet... ARC generously provided by the author, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hearts in Darkness (Hearts in Darkness, #1); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You say the sweetest things, Caden Grayson." Stars! Every time I read Hearts in Darkness, (and I have honestly lost count of how many times that is now) I fall a little more in love with Caden and Mackenna. For such a simple story to become one of the books that I read time and time again, and never tire of, I think just highlights why Laura Kaye is one of my go-to authors in the romance genre, because she never disappoints. "I'm sorry. I couldn't let you go." And now we get more of this couple, with Love in the Light, due in the New Year. So, so happy about that! <3; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kill Without Mercy (ARES Security, #1); Author: Alexandra Ivy; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "This is what we do." Stars! Kill Without Mercy is the first book in Alexandra Ivy's new ARES Security Series. I have previously only read novella length books by this author, and have to say that after first impressions I had high expectations for this book. "It's not easy to live with a secret." So let me introduce you to the ARES guys, all ex-military, all battling their own demons and with their own specific skill sets that make them all an integral part of the team. Rafe, Max, Teagan, Hauk and Lucas. We pretty much meet all of them in this book, but the story focusses on Rafe Vargas, and the shit storm he finds himself in the middle of, when he returns to his Grandfathers house to clear it out after his death. "Never challenge a soldier, sweetheart." Its been fifteen years since the capture and suicide of the Newton Slayer, who during his time prior to being caught managed to kidnap and brutally murder seven women. But for Annie White, he was just her father, a man that left her milk and cookies out when she returned from school, and read bedtime stories at night... As you would expect, all is not as it seems with Annie's memories, or her return to Newton, especially when women start going missing again. "You're safe in my arms." I really enjoyed this story, Rafe's easy going cheekiness, in the face of Annie's almost innocence and vulnerability built really well into a sexy relationship against the back drop of a superbly crafted suspense/thriller. The author threw a lot of things into the plot, but at no point did the story feel crowded of overdone, and I found myself ploughing through the story with complete enjoyment. I only discovered this Alexandra Ivy in 2015, and I know for sure that I will be early looking to read more from her in 2016 on the strength of the books I have read so far. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hold Me Until Forever (Grayson Brothers, #3); Author: Christina Phillips; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "I don't do forever." Stars. The third and final book in the Grayson Brothers series, was what I would call a steady read, it started out well, Alex and Ella have been circling each other for much of the previous two books so it was good to finally get their story, but it left me feeling a little short-changed if I am being honest. He was her first crush when she'd been twelve. Her first kiss at sixteen. As such, and due to their history, I was expecting this couple to have an emotional depth between them that the previous two brothers didn't have with the respective women they ended up with. Not so for me, and the connection between them a lot of the time was tenuous at best. I was just expecting them both to know more about the other, bearing in mind they had been as close as family for years. But it seemed that everything they discovered was as much of a revelation to them as it was to me the reader. "I like what you're into." Another thing that's starting to lose its impact is the whole, 'He's elusive and has a dark past, so let's make him a Dom, with a hint of BDSM,' thrown in theme. I have no issues with men being dominant or into BDSM, but it always seems to stem from the same reasoning's and back stories nowadays, and has become very anti climatic because of it. "My hand has a date with your ass." This was an okay read, nothing blew me away, I liked Alex, it was good to finally get the full story on his childhood, but the further the book went the more I disliked Ella and her treatment of him. "No one could take your place." This series on the whole has been very up and down for me, I really enjoyed the first book, I really didn't enjoy the second book, and Hold Me Until Forever fell somewhere in between the two extremes. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fractured Heart (Second Circle Tattoos, #2); Author: Scarlett Cole; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 2.5 - "Bitter, without a hint of sugar." Stars. Unfortunately the second book in the Second Circles Tattoos series fell a little short for me. I really liked that the author managed to pitch the drama and angst of the first book The Strongest Steel just right in that it was relevant to the story between Trent and Harper that was developing, but didn't overtake everything or weigh it down. I really struggled with Brody and Drea's story from the offset to be honest. The drama and angst tipped the scales into 'overdose' territory for me, and if I am honest there were just too many things about and people in this story that I didn't really like. Scarlett's writing is as good as it was in the previous book, I just didn't warm to the characters or the story-line on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Never Let You Go (Never, #2); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - We're victims of our own circumstances... Stars. What started as a heart-breakingly emotional and focused, almost brutally at times, love story between the most unlikely couple, considering the background of their initial meeting in the first book, sadly develops into a bit of a soap opera for me in this the final part of their story. I cry for what I've lost. I cry for what I've found. I know I am in the minority with my feelings on this one but I just found the completely Ill-advised TV interviews, asshole reporters, familial drama, and so many unnecessary side plots added around the relationship rebuilding between Katie and Will/Ethan, too much. So much so that that aspect of their story almost became a secondary factor at points. It is such a shame, as Never Tear Us Apart in my opinion is probably one of the best books that Monica Murphy has written, and the ending to that book left me hoping that Never Let You Go would be as emotive and heart-wrenching as it was. He gave me light, when all I felt was darkness. Katie and Will together were up and down like a roller-coaster which was a lot like the first book, but it was for relevant reasons then and it didn't feel that way for a lot of the issues they went through this time. We can come together so beautifully and less than twenty-four hours later, it completely falls apart. But pretty much every falling out they then have is due to lack of communication, or one or the other of them listening to other people's opinions or interference. For someone so wary of everything and everyone in the first book Katie almost about faced in Never Let You Go and went head first into what felt like one stupid decision after another, often dragging a reluctant Will/Ethan along behind her, to try and pick up the pieces and repair the damage done. "Your pain is my pain." The last 20%... I can't lie I am disappointed that the author took the route she did to bring this couple to their happily ever after, the only word that I can come up with is cliche, it felt like I was reading the script of a made-for-TV movie. We can't control the monsters. For all my issues, I did still in the main enjoy most of the book, I have high expectations of Monica, after the first book, maybe they were unreasonable. I don't know, I just don't think the route that was taken was in keeping with the gritty, dark, sometimes upsetting Never Tear Us Apart but for all its darker points the author managed to bring light to the story with the relationship aspect between Katie and Ethan. Now back mainly as Will in Never Let You Go the book just didn't have the impact, or take the direction I was expecting. I made it. I survived. I am a huge fan of this authors work, I wish I had loved this book as much; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Call Me, Maybe; Author: Ellie Cahill; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "I don't think you have anything to say that I would want to hear right now." Stars. I am not a stranger to Ellie Cahill's writing, When Joss Met Matt was a very pleasant read for me back in 2015. Call Me, Maybe started off in a similarly enjoyable vein, I am a huge fan of a romance building and playing out with the inclusion of texts and emails in to its mix, but Call Me, Maybe seemed to lose its momentum in the second half of the book, once the couple got together. "You can tell me anything." I have two main issues with this one and they are what surmounted to the book dropping from a 4 star read to 2.5 stars in the time it took for me to get from about mid-way through the story to its finish. Firstly, I really, and I mean really struggled with the double standard in relation to lying through your teeth in that, Clementine felt it was absolutely fine to keep leading Justin along with half-truths and distraction to defer from him getting to the truth, especially when the guy had been nothing but honest with her from the beginning. To then think that he was lying to her and possibly leading her along for nefarious reasons, due to a past relationship ending that way (which was mentioned and covered in about two paragraphs, so hardly indicative of an earth shattering life event). I think I could have empathized with her a bit more if it hadn't taken until the 80% mark for her lies to catch up with her, and then it wasn't because she had come clean, more that she had been caught out, and couldn't dig herself any deeper into the hole, by telling more lies. "How had is all gone so wrong so quickly." The other thing that really pissed me off was the repetitive mentioning of how Clementine was rich, lived rent free, in a building owned by her (also) rich family, she didn't need to work, was happy to sit around reading books and writing reviews on her blog each day whilst spending her trust fund, and really wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life. I mean this is a girl with such a hard life, you can understand why it was a struggle to feel any sympathy for her when the shit finally hit the fan, and to top it all off, she turns into an uber bitch when Justin dares to be a bit of a dick to her when she initially makes the effort to apologize to him. I could go on, but I think you get the gist... Not a winner for me on this occasion, I will still look for more work from the author in the future though as her writing is still stellar, it's just when you intensely dislike one of the main characters in a story due to them being completely non-relatable, its always going to be a struggle to pull much enjoyment; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Millionaire Makeover (Bachelor Auction, #2); Author: Naima Simone; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I'd rather have a Brazilian than go on a date with him!" Stars! I only discovered Naima Simone's writing last year, and I have to say she has delivered absolutely stellar books on both occasions. The Millionaire Makeover is the second book in The Bachelor Auction series, but I haven't read the first and it had absolutely no impact on my enjoyment of this one. Older Brothers best friend, is a winning trope for me, and Naima took the story between Niall and Khloe a little bit further in that her big brother Michael had died three years previously, and both of them were struggling with their grief over his loss, as well as their feelings for each other. I loved the prologue to this one as it highlighted just how deep their feelings go, even though Niall did cut all contact between them after one hot night together. Three years later, and one unexpected meeting and this couple are back on each others radar. "We were close once... Friends. I want that back. I want you back." Throw in the 'Cinderella' aspect, and that Niall was sexy as sexy can be with his Irish brogue, dirty talking and sweet but Alpha tendencies and the reconnection between this couple, even if it was to aid Khloe in her mission to snag a different guy was a really enjoyable read. "If we're supposed to be convincing Mr. Perfect that we're lovers, then burning a hole in my head is counterproductive." Neither of them were afraid to speak their minds and the sparks flew on more than one occasion, and with sometimes funny, oftentimes sexy consequences. "Don't even think about arguing with me. Fair warning, baby. I'm in the mood for a fight, and I wouldn't play fair or nice." I really enjoyed this story, I pretty much read the book in one sitting, and if you are looking for a couple of hours entertaining escapism, then you cannot go far wrong with The Millionaire Makeover. I hope we get more books from this author and series in the future. Fun, flirty, and fabulous. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taking the Score (Tall, Dark, and Texan, #2); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Keep your socks on, Mr. Kane." Stars! Book Two in Kate Meader's Tall, Dark and Texan series provides a sexy and entertaining few hours of reading, whilst giving the 'rich man/poor woman' trope a slightly different spin. One thing that you always get from Kate's writing is stellar banter and internal monologues, and that can certainly be said for Brody and Emma. The uptight, strapped down assistant is hiding a lot more underneath her frumpy suits than Brody ever imagined, even in his fantasies! PA by day, T & A by night. Throw in plenty of diverse and dirty talking sexy-times and Taking the Score is probably one of the best Brazen releases I have read for a while. A nice easy-going story-line, likeable characters and the familial drama was kept on the down-low, although relevant it wasn't overplayed to the extent that it got on my nerves. "Stop thinking so hard... and let this beast be in charge for once." I have to admit the other thing that takes this book from mediocre to marvellous, is the verbal sparring between Brody, Flynn and Hunter. "I'm just here for immoral support." And I am interested too see where the author takes Flynn's book seeing as he was dumped by his fiancee in this one, and has a 'fremeny' situation going on with the sister of one of his best friends. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Turning Point; Author: Marie Meyer; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Live a little." Stars! This is one of those books that you love and hate in equal quantities. I loved the story line, the writing and plot development was extremely well executed. The main issues I had unfortunately were with the lead characters Sophia and Lucas... Sophia was 22 going on 12, I struggled big time with her for the first part of the book Pre-Italy as I just found her attitude to be so childish and spoilt, but once she arrived in Italy and shook off the daddy issues and the 'woe is me' attitude a bit, the reading got a lot easier. "Misery loves company." On the whole I quite liked Lucas, he was a little more easy-going and took Sophia out of her head, which really helped with the immaturity issues I experienced with her at the beginning of the story. And due to this the middle 60% of The Turning Point book isn't too bad at all, you get to experience the sights and sounds of Italy through their adventures all the while the relationship and attraction between them is building. "I've been in a dark place for a while, and all I want to do is step into your light." But you are lead to understand that Lucas is in Italy, due to something upsetting happening to him back in the US, and when it is revealed, I kind of felt like a deflated balloon, because it all just seemed a little overblown to me... I don't know, I think the easy-going 25 year old guy versus the issues he was apparently in Italy to get away from didn't really correlate to me, in the grand scheme of the story. Happily-ever-after might not be in the cards for me, but that didn't mean I couldn't have a happily-right-now. Especially if you take into account Sophia's reasons for being in Italy, and the little they were actually referred to for the bulk of the book. In fact it's only really the beginning and the end they were rolled out as an excuse for her to act out like a petulant child, with a side of cowardly-martyrdom thrown in just for good measure, as I said I really did struggle with her and he theatrics at points. "I'm sorry jumped to conclusions." This isn't a bad book, if you want something light and not too heavy going to read. Which considering the subject matter, is a little contrived, but I suppose it highlights that the author kept the angst and drama to a minimum (for the most part). I just found myself frustrated at times, I really did enjoy the middle part, I just found the beginning and end a little too hormonally charged, and I kind of expect twenty-somethings to have gotten over that sort of behaviour. ARC generously provided via the New Adult Book Club in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Better Off Undead (Blood and Moonlight, #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - A new dead body, a new night... Stars! I really enjoyed Better Off Undead, being book two in the Blood and Moonlight trilogy, you definitely need to read its predecessor, as questions from the first book are answered in this one, as well as new ones posed, which I expect to be answered in the final book. Jane and Aidan are trying to come to terms with their new normal, being the lead police Officer on all crimes of a paranormal nature Jane is still coming into contact with some pretty sketchy characters, Aidan as you would expect is being all wolfy Alpha about it and is trying to keep her safe without her knowing it. "... your fangs are showing." "The better to bite you with, my dear." I like these two together as a couple though, Jane although only human and therefore of the more fragile in constitution is not afraid to get right in with the bad guys whatever the risks to herself, and Aidan with all of his over-protective brusqueness is happy to jump right in beside her, although he is not so happy that she's managed to get herself in the situation to begin with. "When you say sweet shit it makes me want to jump your bones..." New threats against Jane are looming though, and as is usual with Cyntiha's books, everything is revealed at a steady pace around some pretty stellar banter, sexy-times and the general flow of the story. "Some bonds are stronger than pack. Time for everyone to start realizing that." As I said a lot of questions from the first book are answered in this one, but with everything that occurs as the story progresses in Better Off Undead, as well as a whole new bunch of revelations around Jane, her family and the paranormal scene in New Orleans in general, Bitter Blood is sure to be an action-packed finale. It's not over. Not yet...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reason to Believe (White Lace, #2); Author: Gina Gordon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - "The games not over." Stars. Gina Gordon novels of late for me have either hit outstanding highs or underwhelming levels of low, being that Reason to Believe is the follow-up to Rush which fell into the outstanding category for me, I had pretty high expectations for this one. Sadly Ben and Grace's book ended up planted firmly on the underwhelming shelf for me. I am not sure what happened between this book and the last, I really liked them both as secondary characters in Rush, Ben was cocky but likeable, and Grace was prickly but relatable, but we get to their story and the ex-porn-star and the ex-escort just came across as pretty undesirable for the bulk of the book. The secondary characters sort of kept me reading this one and I loved Cory, it was also good to see more of Max and Everly, but the emotion, connection and character development that was offered up so well in their book just seemed to be missing from Ben and Grace's, which seemed to be more about sex, lack of it, having it, not having it, when they were going to have it, why they weren't going to have it, why they shouldn't have it again... You can see where I am going with this I am sure. "What's one more time." Not a winner for me on this occasion, maybe my expectations were unreasonably high, I just feel this couple were a little short-changed in the telling of their story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dolce (Love at Center Court, #2); Author: Rachel Blaufeld; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - I've rendered Little Miss Big Mouth speechless... Stars! IT'S LIVE! I think the main thing that stood out about Dolce for me was not the fact that I massively enjoyed it, because that was a given, it was the fact that Rachel Blaufeld gave me a story I was totally not expecting, and it was absolutely unputdownable. Dolce takes place four years after the events of Verite so although the locations have stayed the same, all of the Hafton State University Basketball players have changed. Blane Steele is the big bad baller around campus, and has quite the reputation as the ladies' man. Well he did until one unfortunate radio interview leaves him stuck with a season of celibacy and a promise to win the championship for the year... I was stolen by the Stealer, and pretty sure I was unable to be rescued. The problems really start to occur when he finds himself initially intrigued by radio intern and fellow student Catie, and what starts off as an unlikely friendship, quickly develops into more for both of them. I had to keep my feet on the floor, my heart in check, and my head in the real world, not in this fantasy I was building. The only problem being that Catie doesn't think she is worthy of a relationship with Hafton's Golden Boy, not to mention the fact that she is nursing the mother of all secrets... A secret that could have massive repercussions for both of them if ever revealed. "I'm not running, just finding a better place." I don't really want to give much more away than that, I think the beauty in this book is the total and utter shock that you experience when you work out what is going on. As usual the author has put together a stellar cast of characters to carry along the storyline beautifully. I loved Blane unequivocally, the guy was an absolute sweetheart from start to finish, and I think that is one of the things that makes the Love at Centre Court series so easy to read, the guys although alpha sportsmen, mouthy and full of confidence, all have a little bit of vulnerability in them that you as readers get to see, because of the fact the author provides a dual POV, that is absolutely stellar from both sides. Catie, was a character I felt a lot of empathy for, body confidence is a massive thing that women struggle with nowadays because of the constraints and expectations of society in regards to what is the norm and how we think we should look, and reading of her struggle with herself and believing that she was worthy of a man like Blane were balanced perfectly in that she didn't come across as whiny, but more unsure and nervous. Having it brow beaten into you all of the live long day by the people that should love you unreservedly didn't help her situation, but I loved the fact she took matters into her own hands, and with shocking consequences. This; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hard to Serve (Hard Ink #4.7; Blasphemy 0.5; 1001 Dark Nights #43); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - This one was trouble. Of the best and worst kind... Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... Laura Kaye, starts another new series that is an off-shoot of her original Hard Ink books with, Hard to Serve. We met and got to know Kyler Vance through that story as he was the Police Detective involved with the case that the boys at the Hard Ink Tattoo Studio were working on themselves, and you do get to spend a little more time with Jeremy, Nick and the rest of those characters in this one as well, which was nice. Although listed as a Hard Ink novella, this is also book one of the Blasphemy series. Blasphemy is a club, a BDSM club, and pretty well summed up below aEUR" "There are twelve masters at Blasphemy. We founded the club six years ago and we own it jointly." So essentially you can guess that this series is going to pretty much focus on relationships built on or around the club, and is going to be and exploration of the many and varied types of sex, kink, fetishes and BDSM, an A-Z if you will, as each novella progresses. Although written in the authors usual engaging style, I kind of expect more from Laura Kaye if I am being honest, both this series and her MC series that have come to fruition off the back of the original Hard Ink one seem to be just jumping on the bandwagon of popular tropes of the day rather than looking to offer up something new or a little different from the norm. "Whose pussy is this?" "Yours, Sir." Kyler and Mia were alright together as a couple, but it was a struggle to feel any real connection between them as everything pretty much played out around the 'scenes' they partake in while at Blasphemy, they do take a step towards a more conventional dating pattern in the second half of the novella, but it is quickly quashed due to their discovery that MiaaEUR(tm)s father is KyleraEUR(tm)s boss. "My father has no say in what I do in my personal lifeaEUR|" "But he has a big say in what happens in my professional one." Mia has certain specific tastes when it comes to how she likes her sex, and Kyler is more than happy to be the one to fulfil her fantasies on that front. Die hard Kaye fans are going to love this I am sure, I consider myself one of those fans and although I didnaEUR(tm)t dislike it, I find myself a little over the whole sex club, BDSM tropes now, and there wasnaEUR(tm)t really anything new or original about the story between Mia and Kyler that made it particularly stand out from all the others I have read. Why did this woman get to him this way. This author has such a great writing voice I would love to see her offer up something a little different to what everyone else is currently doling out at the moment. ARC; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shadow Falling (The Scorpius Syndrome, #2); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "I'm Vanguard now." Stars! The second full length book in Rebecca Zanetti's Scorpius Syndrome series gives us the elusive and brooding Raze Shadow's story. You know who his leading lady will be after the events at the end of Mercury Rising, and the author didn't disappoint in that regard. But I do have to say that for me this book was approaching the 70% mark before anything of real note actually happened in relation to the story-line as a whole, and there were parts of the book especially when it came to interactions between Raze and Vinnie that felt eerily similar to Lynne and Jax from the previous book. "It isn't safe out there..." "It isn't safe anywhere" I suppose you have to give the author respect in that I got that far and didn't feel bored, but the action definitely played out in the latter stages of the story, for me it almost felt like she was setting up the series again in the early stages of Shadow Falling in that there was another injection of new characters and plot twists that going forwards in future books I am expecting to play out and then develop into more pivotal story-lines. "Sometimes the end justifies the means." Raze Shadow has joined Jax and the Vanguard team for more than he initially reveals, Jax knows that Mr. Shadow is in camp for reasons that are his own, and it means that the lines between them are more than a little blurred, Jax needs capable men, and Raze is that and more, but if he cannot trust the man at his back there is only so far their allegiance will ever go, add into the fact that Raze is rapidly falling into a relationship with Dr. Vinnie Wellington, a woman that also offers up added value in her position in camp, and he is stuck with keeping the man around for his strengths, but not trusting him because of his secrets. "Don't trust me, and for gods sake, don't give yourself to me." This makes for quite the game of cat and mouse between the two men for most of the book, and it's not until the truth is fully revealed between them, that I actually felt much of an emotional connection between Raze and the rest of the Vanguard crew. "I can't hurt you..." "Not true. You're the most dangerous woman I've ever met." The same can be said a little for his relationship with Vinnie, Rebecca always offers up determined and resourceful alpha males, and they are always on the dominating side, but at points for me he came over a little brutish more than anything. The push and pull between him and Vinnie was also very reflective of the relationship arc between Jax and Lynne as previously mentioned, but to the more extreme of the spectrum. A lot goes on in this book, even though the main tropes played out in the latter stages, as readers we aren't left on a cliffy per se, I'd say it's more of; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tricked (Dark Protectors #7.75; 1001 Dark Nights #48); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "I'm the only one who can really bite, baby... Don't forget it." Stars! I have an addiction, its one I am proud of, and that is that I absolutely cannot stop reading the books that Rebecca Zanetti releases, that in any way take me back to the Dark Protectors world. Tricked picks up where the previous 1001 Dark Nights novella Teased left off and this time it is Jared Reese who is struck by the love bug! A predator... harder to catch that the wind. These novellas are in essence quick reads, there is a long running story playing out through them which I like as it keeps things tied together plot-wise, and although every character has the authors usual darkly sexy dominance for the men, and sassy, snarky confidence for the women, don't expect massive amounts of depth or development with the relationship building, because they basically go - * "You're mine..." * "But I don't want to be with you." * "You're mine. I will take you now" * "Don't tell me what to do. Okay, take me." * "You're mine. You will do as I say." * "Okay, I love you." * "You're still mine, and I love you too." This is a relationship path that generally works for this author, and seeing as we are looking at a bunch of alpha-vampires, it fits the brief pretty well. "Listen here, woman. I'm wild. I'm the crazy one. You will not turn me in to the voice of reason. I won't allow it." Jared, ticked all of those expected boxes, and Ronni pretty much did as well, so it wasn't a struggle to pass a few hours with this couple. "I'm not the right woman for you..." "...You could be." Rebecca also sets up the next novella pretty well in that Theo Reece and the woman he is inevitably going to end up with are both part of this story, and I am looking forward to more Dark Protectors updates when Tangled releases in May 2017. "I'm alive!" ARC generously provided by the publisher, via InkSlinger PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Second Love of My Life; Author: Victoria Walters; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: ***5*** Stars! I won't lie this story was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me, but for all that it was so worth reading, because while going on Rose's journey through and beyond her grief, it was such a refreshing and uplifting book as well. I lost myself and, without him, I have no idea how to get me back. Rose Walker lost her husband Lucas two years ago, in a wholly preventable accident, the love of her life taken from her in the blink of an eye. The intervening two years have passed in a blur of grief, getting through the day, and wondering if she will ever be able to find the spark that ignited her passion for painting again, because at this point it seems as it died with Lucas. I wish I had treasured the moments more at the time. Prompted to try and move on with her life in the town they grew up in and fell in love around, Rose decides to try and make a fresh start by selling all of the art she painted while Lucas was alive at the Tatling Summer Fair. The news makes the local paper, and also brings tall, dark and elusive Robert Green to town looking to make a purchase. "There are things you don't know about me..." Robert's arrival and personal interest pushes Rose to start thinking about the future, and whether she wants to accept another man into her life, can she deal with the feelings Robert evokes and is it ok to feel something for someone else after losing the love of her life so tragically. But there is more to Robert than Rose initially believes, and just as she starts to think they may have a future together the fragile connection they have built between them is broken, and possibly irrevocably. The Second Love of My Life is such a beautifully written story, I cannot to profess to have lost my soul mate, or have ever dealt with the levels of grief that Rose has and does through the process of the story, but I felt everything she went through anyway. Victoria Walters somehow kept things from getting depressing and maudlin, especially considering the subject matter, I liked that the story wasn't cut and dried in relation to the love aspect, and that it wasn't rushed to the finish for Robert and Rose as it wouldn't have worked with the large amount of baggage both of them are carrying in relation to their pasts. Robert and Lucas. Two sides of my heart. Victoria Walters is a new author to me, I love her writing style, this book was such a winner in part due to the secondary characters and the setting that the story takes place in as well, as the reader you almost feel like you are their going through everything with the townsfolk and rooting for Rose with them and it just made it all the more of an emotive read because of it. I cannot wait to read more from this; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fallen (Crow City, #1.5); Author: Cole McCade; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "No one is beyond saving." Stars. The Fallen gives you a deeper look into the state of mind and background of Gabriel Hart, a man who goes through some extremely tough times in The Lost, the first book in Cole McCade's Crow City series. Anyone who has read The Lost, will know that this isn't a series all about unicorns, rainbows and fluffy romance. It's dark, gritty, uncomfortable and sometimes a little bit shocking in its reading. Cole doesn't glamorize, or dumb down the story that he is telling, and Gabe is a character trying to battle his internal demons, whilst facing some serious struggles with other aspects of his life at the same time. There was nothing left to fight but himself... Grief; the stages of and moving on from. Survivors-guilt; the reliving of the incident, and a whole host of internal debate as to why he made it through while others died, are the basis for The Fallen and if I am being honest, the themes contained within Gabe's story are not things I actively look for in my reading material. But the author took me on a journey in The Lost albeit one that was and still is totally out of my comfort zone. I don't profess to understand or have any knowledge of a lot of the things that Gabe is going through or what he and Leigh experienced together in The Lost, but I knew I wanted to carry on with Gabe's story to try and get some insight into the broken man behind all of the issues and addictions that you initially see him as. It's not pretty, it makes you think, and it gives you a different perspective on what is a pivotal character from the Crow City series, and the some of the reasonings behind his state of mind, body and soul. Even when you felt like the other half of my heart. I couldn't always read you. Note the trigger warnings they are there for a reason.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fade Into You (Shaken Dirty, #3); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Addiction's a bitch." Stars! It's been a while since I have had the opportunity to spend a little time with the boys of Shaken Dirty, but it was well worth the wait, I think we all knew that Wyatt's story was going to be a hum-dinger, and Tracy Wolff certainly delivered on it. If you have read the previous books in the series, you'll know that Wyatt was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction from the beginning. Now, having just left rehab, daily-life in all its forms and nuances is a constant struggle, and a running reminder of the way things were for him prior to getting clean. He was going to fuck up. He was going to fail. He wasn't strong enough to stay sober. Poppy Germaine pretty much walks in (or out into the alley, if you take their first meeting into account) and offers something else for Wyatt to focus his attentions on. To say he then happily spends a lot of the book on his knees would be understating the fact that this is a guy that has a predilection for giving head! Hadn't he learned his lesson yet? Trust him to kick heroin only to turn around and get hooked on a whole different Poppy. I think one of the main things that Tracy nailed with this book was Wyatt's continual battle and recovery from addition, she didn't glamourize it, and you knew it was an integral part of the story for him and with Poppy the whole way through. It didn't just get pushed to the back burner as soon as the sexy-times started. It's also the unbreakable bond between the band, and I found some of the interaction between him and the guys pretty emotive. The banter is there as well, but when you see a guy at his lowest, and his friends pull him back up because of unbending, and unshakable loyalty and faith, well it tugs on all the right strings. This is a little longer than the usual Brazen title and I am glad Tracy was given the scope to allow Wyatt's story flow as it did. There is a lot of internal monologue, its appropriate with the themes running through the story. Wyatt is not a man who has had an easy life, his addictions cover even deeper and longstanding past issues, and his head space is crowded because of it. "I've never written a song for a woman before." I could go on, I loved getting to spend more time with Jared, Quinn and Ryder, but I really hope that we don't have to wait as long for the next book in the series though! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fool (Games We Play, #0.5); Author: Liz Meldon; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "You look bored." Stars! I am a bit of a fan of Liz Meldon's stories, mainly because they are so different from anything else I usually read. I love me some paranormal, and the stories that she writes tick all my required boxes for this genre. The Fool is a quick sexy introduction to some of the characters that will potentially be featuring in the authors new Games We Play series. "I don't mind a little danger." A Masked Ball at the exclusive Banesview Hotel, the opportunity to kill an elusive head Vampire in the aim of furthering her career, and an alluring man hiding behind a Jester mask, going by the name of The Fool are just a few of the things that you see through the eyes of huntress Delia, in this quick and sexy novella. "You're mine... Whether you like it or not unfortunately." This is in essence a teaser to the first book in the series The King which is due for release sometime this year, and after finishing it, I am dying to know where Liz is going to take Delia, after everything that has happened to her so far, because there are certainly more than a few loose ends looking to be explored, let alone tied up. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Can't Forget Her (Hope Falls; River Bend #4.5); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Some things are just meant to be." Stars! I LOVE Molly McLains books, her set up for the River Bend series is absolutely brilliant, and the story-lines and characters that were generated because of it gives you as a reader an absolutely outstanding series to get your teeth into. So imagine my excitement when I found out that Molly had a crossover novella up her sleeve, set in the town of Hope Falls, part of author Melanie Shawns' long running series named appropriately Hope Falls! Can't Forget Her ties up the two communities perfectly in that Ryan Croft still lives in River Bend and Rosie Shaw originated from there, but now lives in Hope Falls. Second chance love is and will always be one of my favorite romance tropes, and Molly delivered Ryan and Rosie's' reconnection story with style. "Do I make you nervous, princess." Because of their past together, the instant connection between them didn't feel 'insta' and I loved that the chemistry bubbled from the get-go it made for all sorts of delicious dirtiness between them. "You were my first love. To say I'll always be a little overprotective of you would be an understatement." Molly kept the story focused on their blossoming romance whilst dropping in some sizeable twists to keep things moving along nicely. As you would expect Rosie's reasons for leaving River Bend all those years ago were not as cut and dried as Ryan initially assumed, and it wasn't just his broken heart she left behind. Her heart recognized him just as easily as her body remembered him... I have a massive soft spot for Molly and her books, and once again she didn't disappoint. I want to thank her for providing me with and ARC copy, as always it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review. "Some things are just meant to be."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Emergency Engagement (Love Emergency, #1); Author: Samanthe Beck; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You've got yourself a keeper." Stars! Emergency Engagement is the first book in Samanthe Beck's new Love Emergency series. For the most part is was pretty enjoyable, I do however have to question whether it is being marketed under the correct Entangled imprint, in that I expect a Brazen read to be sexy-hot from the get go, and this was very much a sweet-simmer for most of the first half of the story. "You're the catch. I'm the lost cause..." "Nobody's caught and nobody's lost. We're both works in progress." That said, I liked the story that the author gave Savannah and Beau, I think it's a book I would term as 'Predictably Enjoyable' because as soon as Beau pointed out exactly what it was he definitely wasn't looking for due to past hurts, you just knew that is exactly what is going to end up happening between himself and Savannah. "No need to dress up on my account." As a couple were easy to get along with, the author offered up some great secondary characters as well, that I can only hope will have their stores told in future books, and the drama wasn't overplayed which is always a big plus for me. The sexy-times (when they got going) were Sam's usual stellar quality, and it wasn't a struggle to read, but you knew what was coming, how it was going to happen and what the resolution would be from very early on in the book. "I give my best whenever I'm inside you. Nothing but my best... Or I find another way to make you come." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mixing Temptation (Second Shot, #3); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "This is so much better than pie." Stars! The third book in Sara Jane Stone's Second Shot series, takes us back to Forever, Oregon and gives us Caroline Andrews and Josh Summers' Story. The beginnings of their story has very much played out through the previous two books in the series, in that both characters have featured quite heavily in both books in a secondary capacity. But Josh, well Josh has had my heart since the beginning of the authors Independence Falls series, so this book, although pretty short in length, was such a sweet treat for me, in that Josh finally gets his girl. "She's not just my second chance after all the shit I've been through... the accident, the coma... She's my everything." It's been a bumpy ride for Caroline and Josh to get to the point that they can look towards thinking about pursuing a relationship together, and the author has used that time through the previous books really well, in giving their connection depth and to develop a friendship to the point that they are both now comfortable being in each others company. She'd blown past impossible, pushed failure aside, and claimed her second chance. And now she didn't want to let go. She wanted to hold on to him with all her heart. Caroline isn't a character, especially if you take into account her past, that you could see stepping into anything with a man without a large amount of time passing, while the trust is established between them. And Josh with his easy-going charm, and laid back manner, was the perfect complement in relation to those requirements. "I don't know what to wish for anymore... Every time I think about the future, the tension seeps in. I feel it lodge between my shoulder blades like a physical reminder that I'm tethered to my past actions." In the beginning she reminded me very much of a scared injured animal, one that you have to coax out of the most uncomfortable of hiding places to treat, and then give them time, distance and above all understanding to let them work through everything, and decide that you are deserving of their trust, before they finally allow you near them in any capacity. Things have built slowly, and steadily between them, and all around the provision of Josh's newly acquired baking habits. "If not now, when?" Add in an unexpected road trip, facing up to your past, helping someone acknowledge that they deserve a better future, sweet, poignant and smoking hot sexy-times and more fun and games with all the characters that you have come to know and enjoy through the previous books in this and the Independence Falls series, and this is a book I read in one sitting. "I don't want to hold you back from your dreams, I want to be a part of your happy-ever-after." I hope this isn't the last from this series, there are certainly a couple of people that figure in this book that I think may have stories to be; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stirring Attraction (Second Shot, #2); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "I'll be out there, watching over you..." Stars! ITs LIVE Amazon US - www.amazon.com/Stirring-Attraction-Se... Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/Stirring-Attraction-... B&N - www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stirring-att... Its no secret that I am a huge fan of Sara Jane Stone's books, I have pretty much devoured everything that I can lay my hands on by her in the last year or so, and Stirring Attraction continues my high quality reading run with this authors work. We initially met Dominic Fairmore and Lily Greene in the prequel novella Running Wilde which was a quick and sexy introduction to the Second Shot series, Dom is Josie's older brother and Noah's best friend, whose story we were given in that novella, and in the previous book Serving Trouble. Dominic figured in the latter stages of that book, in that he was injured whilst still in service, whilst Josie and Noah's story played out. Stirring Attraction takes off a year or so on from that, Noah and Josie are now settled, and Dom is now out of the Armed Forces on medical grounds. He however is far from settled, and is struggling to find a direction or any motivation to move forwards with his life. One thing is for sure returning to Forever, Oregon as he is... Injured and unemployable is not something he even wants to consider. The problem is the woman he loved and left behind is in trouble, and it would appear he may be the only one who truly believes that the threat she is feeling is real. This couple have history, and though they both initially try to deny that their feelings for each other are still there, it doesn't take long for them both to realize that nothing between them on that front has changed. But Dom doesn't think he really has anything to offer Lily, he is not planning on staying in town, and Lily is looking for someone that can offer her the whole package. He knew how to find home. And Lily was his. Sara Jane, once again managed to intersperse the suspense aspect into the rebuilding of the relationship between this couple, Dom is grumbly, grouchy an oh so sweet, sexy-alpha, with all the right words, he just forgets to put them together in the right way on occasion. Lily was no shy retiring violet either, and the chemistry between them, rekindled as fast as dry wood on a hot day. "I'll watch over you. And you can watch over me..." My only niggle, is that I really wish the books were longer, I am a fast reader and I have literally inhaled the books in this series in a few hours, it is totally the author's fault though, for writing such stellar couples and stories. "Lying in your arms-that's the safest place in the world." I cannot wait for more, Mixing Temptation, is due for release in September, and I am hoping against hope that Caroline and Josh finally get their story told in this book. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flawed; Author: Cecelia Ahern; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - Black and white. Star. DNF @ 28% It has been a while since I have read anything by Cecelia Ahern, being her first foray into YA Dystopia I was interested too see how she would spin it. For me at over a quarter of the book read, I kind of feel something of note needed to have happened, but I was so disconnected from the story, and so little had been absorbed I can't even remember the names of the main characters. The only thing that really sticks in the mind is that a lot of the traits, rules, regulations and punishments meted out by The Guild just reminded me of Nazism and their own particular brand of law, order and punishment. A bold statement you might think, and I can certainly see that the author isn't using it in a glamourised way, but more of a this could happen again, kind of theme, but it just didn't sit well considering the slow moving storyline and lack of anything memorable in the way of characters, to give the plot more body. Not a win for me on this occasion, which is a shame as there is a huge gap in the YA Dystopian reading market at the moment. ARC generously provided via Netgalley and I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The One Real Thing (Hart's Boardwalk, #1); Author: Samantha Young; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "If you're destined for true love, you'll find it on the boardwalk..." Stars. The first book in Samantha Young's new Hart's Boardwalk series offers an interesting introduction to the seaside town and its residents through the telling of Jessica and Cooper's story. It's been a while since I have read anything by Samantha Young, in fact it is approaching the three years mark, so to say that my reading tastes may have changed in the interim is most definitely true, but I also wonder if the author's writing style has in that time as well. "Only time will tell." The One Real Thing is one of those books that from the synopsis I expected to fall into hook, line and Kindle, I am a reader that is all about the series trope of being set in a small town, and covering a different couple in each progressive book, and although the author set things up perfectly in that sense, I actually found the main story between Jess and Coop to be a little lacking... in everything really. "It's never too late to change the road that you're on." Both had backgrounds that implied a lot of drama, but to be honest as secrets were revealed and reaction to situations were clarified, I just struggled to find much depth in their reasoning for things. The sex was plentiful once it got going, but lacked for me any connection, and the selective communication about certain things from both sides as things progressed between them got a little frustrating. "Communication is the key." The secondary drama with exes seemed superfluous, and the side drama with the Devlin family at this point does show promise, especially when you add the elusive millionaire Vaughn Tremaine into the picture, and the rest of the business owners along the boardwalk. I liked this side of the book a lot more to be honest, with the set up and introduction of a handful of characters that I hope will have their own stories told as the series progresses. "I don't know your secrets... But from your reaction, I know you have them." The One Real Thing wasn't by any stretch a struggle too read, but for me I just found it lacked a lot of emotional depth, the first half more-so than the second. I'm my head everything was coming across in monotone, as if the writing and characters voices had lost their color. The author has skills at weaving a story together with many aspects and components in the mix, I just wanted a little more depth and feeling between the lead characters in this one. "I'm not too big on drama." Bailey Hartwell is up next, with her story coming to the fore in Every Little Thing, due for release in March 2017. She figured quite a bit in this book, but there were more questions raised than answers given for her, so I am interested to see where the author takes her story. There are also a few secondary characters whose side-stories were running concurrently; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Close to You (Fusion, #2); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I couldn't have pictured it any better than this." Stars! Its LIVE Amazon US - www.amazon.com/Close-You-Fusion-Krist... Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/Close-You-Fusion-Kri... B&N - [url]... If like me you have been an avid reader of Kristen Proby books since the early days of the With Me in Seattle series, then you will know that the one thing this author excels at is setting up is a group of people, whether it be familial or friend, and giving them their own separate books whilst building up a diverse and engrossing series around their stories. Close to You is the second book in the Fusion series, and I am ashamed to say I haven't as yet read the first book Listen to Me although obvious this is a series, this book was easily read as a standalone. "I've watched you from a distance for years, caring for you, worrying about you, thinking of you... I've felt pulled to you my entire life... I couldn't explain it, and I couldn't wish it away even when I tried. You've never left me. I've carried you with me always." Another thing Kristen excels at is taking the tried and tested tropes and giving her characters well written, easy-going stories with bearable levels of drama and angst, and Landon and Cami's story certainly hit those points perfectly. Best friends older brother, is one of my favorite tropes, and the reconnection between them after almost ten years without any meaningful contact was sweet to start, sexy through the middle and then an emotional roller-coaster towards the end. "I promise to go easy on you." Nothing really new or predictable about the plot with this one, but Landon was a sweetheart, and Cami for the most part was the kind of woman you would want to call 'friend'. The secondary characters, and the other women involved in Fusion Restaurant gave great depth to their story-line, and offered up enough detail about themselves so you are going to know who's who when it comes to the forthcoming books in the series. I do need to now go back and read Listen to Me, so I am up to speed with Jake and Addie's story, and well just because I know it will be another outstanding read, like this one was. Another winner for me, from this author, and I cannot wait to get my hands on Blush for Me Kat's book, Which is due for release March 2017. ARC generously provided via Edelweiss, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Break My Fall (Falling, #2); Author: Jessica Scott; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "Don't talk about my friend that way." Stars! I am a huge fan of Jessica Scott's books, you can feel the knowledge and authenticity of experience of the Armed Forces lifestyle and ethos, in every (ex) Service Personnel character that she gives you. The same can certainly be said for Josh, this is a guy who is definitely struggling to integrate himself back into regular society, and day-to-day life, while suffering from severe bouts of anxiety, and mood-swings triggered by the littlest and often most inconsequential of things, the beginnings of what could develop into a serious drink problem and an undeniable attraction to a woman, who seems as battle scarred as he is, just not for the same reasons. "I'm nobody's hero." I'm not a huge fan of erroneous angst, but Jessica really gave Josh and Abby's story a great balance, in that the drama that plays out as the book progresses is well paced, and the revelations into each of their pasts is well placed as well. Josh is hauling around a boat load of guilt over his time spent in Afghanistan, and the loss of some of his closest brothers in Arms whilst over there. My first reaction is always violence. Violence is easy. Violence is simple. Abby's distrust of men and relationships in general also has connections with the Armed Services, but I found her revelations to Josh in relation to the way people treated her due to her color and the pre-judgement that comes with that in certain social circles, was really well integrated into everything they were dealing with, in an effort to try to become a functioning couple. For a big man covered in tattoo's, he surprises me with the vulnerability I see looking back. For all the darkness contained in this story, it also has a lot of light, as a couple Abby and Josh could never be stuck in the pre-conceived 'normal' category, but I loved reading of the many down as well as ups that they went through to get to a 'normal' that worked for them. "You're like a good dream. And I don't want to wake up." I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book in the Falling Series, If I Fall is Eli's book, also ex Armed Forces, he has featured quite a bit in the previous two books due to the fact he owns the bar where all the College Vets go to drink, the author has managed to keep him somewhat elusive in relation to his past though, so I am itching to read his story. If you are looking for authentic military romance, whatever the age of the characters, Jessica Scott delivers every time! I cannot change the past. But I don't have to live in it anymore. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Against the Wall; Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: DNF @ 18% I have stopped and started this book three times in as many weeks. I think it's safe to say that it's not working for me, when I have read the same chapter several times and nothing is really being absorbed. To be honest it's not any one thing that has reduced my reading enjoyment to nil, but a whole host of them. Meghan and Eric didn't really inspire any real feelings for them either way, and I really, really struggled to find or pull any connection with them from the portion of the novel that I managed to read. I can deal with 'downtrodden' and 'down on your luck' characterizations, but I need to at least feel a modicum of empathy or sympathy for the people experiencing those things... If you check out the blurb, its leads the reader to believe that they are going to be getting a dark and gritty read, with lots of tension and forbidden feelings, a guy trying to make a new start and a girl looking to get started, and it just all felt really under-developed and superficial from the beginning, from the build up of the story-line to the filling out of the actual characters. I don't know if there was a long end game on this one, but it just took too long to get going, I still wasn't sure what was really happening and why by the time I gave up. Not for me on this occasion, there were just too many negative factors to keep me interested or invested in the story. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Healing Love (Love to the Extreme #4); Author: Abby Niles; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You're one badass bitch!" Stars! Book four in the Love to the Extreme series gives us Lance Black's story. He featured quite heavily in the previous book so I was interested to see where Abby would take this slightly elusive characters journey. Add in a woman with more than a few secrets of her own, and it was a pretty agreeable read. I think it shows clear reading enjoyment when you manage to start a book and finish it on the same day. Abby has a way of dealing with somewhat heavy subjects in a light and un-angsty way. Ella/Kelsey is looking to beef up her training with the potential reappearance of her less than loving ex, and Lance is tasked with training her. "You do your thing. I'll do mine." What becomes obvious pretty much from the beginning of the book, is that Lance is in some serious trouble himself in relation to the local criminal scene, of which his involvement then pulls Ella in as well. As I said I read this book in an afternoon/evening, it was easy to get into and not a struggle to stay engaged in this couples story. It felt a lot shorter than the previous books though, which I am not really complaining about as if my memory serves me correctly, at points all of them felt a little drawn out. The end to this one was a little 'cut & dried' for me, with all potential threats just seeming to step back and go on their merry ways, in the way of easy resolution. But I liked Ella and although super stubborn Lance was easy to empathize with as well. Together they were unbreakable. It was great to read that Abby has at least another three books to come from this series, the Coolier Mixed Martial Arts Gym and its staff and members are certainly somewhere I am happy to keep visiting. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Little Lies (Heartbreaker Bay, #1); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars. Still enjoyed it, but a relationship built around a lie or the omittance of truth because it's easier than being honest never sits well with me. Loved Finn, and the overall set up for the series looks better than promising. Jill kept me entertained as always, just wish Pru had come clean earlier.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Have and to Hold (Returning Home #3); Author: Serena Bell; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I know my feelings, and they're not going to change..." Stars! The third novel in Serena Bell's Returning Home series, offers up a trope that we don't see used as much as it once was, and is, when done well, definitely still one of my favorites, but this time the author has served it up with a modern twist. In that Hunter Cross is suffering from amnesia after returning from being injured whist on tour with his unit in Afghanistan, his external injuries are on the mend, but he has lost the last year of memories. Something that only comes to light at the airport when he is greeted by his daughter; Clara, her friend Phoebe and Phoebe's mother Trina. "It's different this time..." "Everything's different." It soon becomes apparent that Trina is or was more than just the mother of his daughters best-friend that he thought he had secretly lusted after prior to going on deployment. And as their story develops on his return, you are given the background of their initial coming together when he was last home on eight weeks leave. "I won't let you give up your life waiting for it to happen again." It becomes apparent very quickly that although Hunter cannot remember them taking the step with Trina to get together into a relationship, that on a subliminal level, he still remembers all and everything that Trina had become to him. But is it enough to keep them together as a couple, and to keep Trina and Phoebe, in his and Clara's life in the long term. "She remembers for you... When you forget." Adding children to a story always adds an extra dimension for me, and the author used Clara and Phoebe really well in this story. Hunter and Trina as a couple were sexy/hot even when he was struggling with his memory, and reluctant to commit to her because of it, in-spite of his feelings. "I lose my breath when you get close to me." Serena always manages to add a little twist of her own to her books, and I loved that we got to see the guys and girls from the previous two books in the telling of this story. I also hope we get to see more from this series, as I believe there is plenty of scope to keep adding to it going forwards. Another winner for me from this author, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next. ARC generously provided, via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Always Enough (River Bend, #2.5); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'm never gonna be done with you." Stars! Perfect little epilogue for Tony and Nicole. Can't wait for the next book in the series Can't Let Go, due this year!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Risking It All (Naked Men, #1); Author: Christi Barth; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "The Truths always the way to go." Star. DNF @ 33% Great prologue, and opening chapters, I was thinking along the lines of one of my favourite films with Griffin's profession as a Coast Guard, and the quirky blog Naked men that he co-writes with his four closest friends, added to the unique edge the author had going on. "Not like you to give up so easily." Chloe was ok, she has more in common with Griff than initially thought, but didn't actually know it up to where I called it a day, in that they are both survivors, from wholly different circumstances, but none the less the connection for that should have been there, but well I didn't really feel anything between them if I am honest, and we were well into the twenty percent's before they actually spent any real time together. I decided to stick with it though as I still thought the premise was good, and wanted to see if things picked up, they did but not in a direction I really wanted to explore any further. I think there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and for the most part Griff fell into the latter for me, get him with his friends and they all came over even douchier, but to completely over react to Chloe's revelation of still being a virgin and to then think that it would be an ideal subject for you and said friends to discuss as a PodCast to add to your blog, kind to tipped me over the edge. The final nail was the below sentence - "Virgins are extra work. Takes all the fun out of it." Took all the fun out of my reading too unfortunately. Great premise, but the author needs to really look at the characterizations of her men, this is my first book by Christi Barth though, so maybe it's just that, the characterization, but when you dislike the main guy, and find him and his friends who also appear in the book with regularity the absolute opposite of what most women would want, its always going to be a struggle as a reader to want to see where the story is going to go. I hope that at some point in the 67% I didn't read Chloe kicks him in the nuts, for his behavior. Although I have a feeling that won't be the case. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Jackson's Trust (Fourth Down, #1); Author: Violet Duke; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Kindred spirits and all." Stars! Jackson's Trust is the first book I have read by this author, it is also the first book in the Fourth Down series. I love me some sports romance, and this one was a little different in that it was set around the people that report on it, and not the players or their teams. This book was in the realms of a five star read for me, until the last 25% or so, but the author stepped into WTF overload territory with both feet by throwing a kitchen sink worth of erroneous tropes into the mix, and everything that then occurred just took the book from a really enjoyable romance between a couple with a huge amount in common, but a few obstacles, not to mention some whopping great secrets in their path to completely over the top, and a bit crowded. "I want to be just like you when I grow up." It didn't detract from my enjoyment per se, but I just don't think that as a couple they needed all the added baggage from the issues that played out in the latter stages of the book, because by that point everything they were already dealing with was enough, and I didn't feel that they really needed anymore. "You make me want things I shouldn't hope for, shouldn't even imagine I can keep." There was a pretty spectacular amount of build up between Jackson and Leila as well, the author gave them a chance to get to know each other first with lots of flirting and banter as work colleagues, but the sexy times when they did occur were stellar, there is absolutely no doubt that Violet can bring the chemistry, sizzle and show-down between her couples when it comes to the before, during and after getting down and dirty. "I think I pulled a muscle." Bennett's Chance is the next book due in the series, Bennett being one of Jackson's close friends figured quite a bit in this book, and along with Donovan, Owen and Shane share an apartment building. The banter between them was great although Donovan is the only other one of them you are introduced to at this point, I am looking forward to seeing what sort of book the author gives him as he was pretty funny in this one. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage:; Author: Cathy Woodman; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I'm not one of the lads now." Stars! I have been reading the Talyton St. George books by Cathy Woodman, since the beginning of the series and it's always a great way to escape to the country for a few hours of reading pleasure. I like that although each book features around a new couple, you get to revisit all the past characters and places in the town and surrounding areas, Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage was no exception and on this occasion the story was built around newly qualified Farrier Felicity and Horse Stunt Rider Robbie, both have their own set of commitment issues, and it made the story in parts a little heavier going than most of the previous books have been. Dating only leads to disappointment. Flick is new in town and as such is trying to keep her head down, and work on the round she has agreed to cover for the local Farrier, due to him needing an operation. Getting to know the locals poses its own set of challenges in that, being a woman in what is generally considered a man's' job raises quite a few eyebrows, and wherever she goes disaster seems to follow. Robbie for the most part seems to be with her when a lot of the unplanned occurrences happen as well, but whereas everyone else judges her, he tries to offer support and the hand of friendship (initially anyway). "Tell me I've got this right... I thought... I can stop. I mean I don't want to wreck our friendship." I really liked the build-up between the two of them, Robbie has his own interesting life and unique livelihood, and in bringing Flick into it gives her an extended family and friends that makes starting out somewhere new a little bit more bearable. What I really struggled with was Flick's attitude and behavior once they stepped out of the Friend-zone. Robbie as a single father makes it very clear to her that his daughter takes priority and that he would rather keep their relationship separate until they decide they are serious about pursuing it, and as you would expect, that on occasion did put a bit of a dent in their time together, the subsequent internal moaning monologues about their plans going awry, and whinging about Robbie leaving her to her own devices in favor to care for his daughter really did get a little grating on the nerves after a while. "If you're trying to say I have no balls, then you're wrong." My other issue is the fact Flick blew so hot and cold with him, I understood that she had been burnt in the past, but you cannot whinge one minute that the guy you are seeing wants to keep things quiet because you both aren't sure where the relationship is going, to then turn round and profess that you think you may be better off going back to 'just friends'. "You're behaving like a stroppy mare." Still an enjoyable read, but it lacked the normal all round; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: At the Edge (Alpha Crew, #1); Author: Laura Griffin; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I said don't call me ma'am." Stars! At the Edge is the first in Laura Griffin's new Alpha Crew series. Part one of two this novella explores the budding relationship between SEAL, Ryan Owen and Emma Wright, the woman he initially rescues from the Philippine Jungle, after she survives a plane crash. This is my first book by this author, and to say she packs an awful lot in to a somewhat low page count would be an understatement, be warned though that this is only the beginning, although luckily you only have to wait a few weeks for the finale. "They sent me to rescue you." Five weeks after their somewhat unconventional meeting Emma looks up Ryan, wanting to thank him for what he did for her but to also see if he knows why, everyone is trying to cover up the real facts of the plane crash. It is also pretty apparent that the chemistry that simmered between them in the jungle is still present and ready to combust now that they are back on US soil. But someone is not happy that Emma is digging for the truth, and Ryan once again ends up protecting her, but this time from an unknown entity. This novella ends on a cliffy, be warned, but as previously stated the second part Edge of Surrender releases 28th March. This is a romantic suspense series with huge potential, and I hope that the author has a few ideas up her sleeve for some of Ryan's SEAL Team Colleagues with future books. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Bargain; Author: Jessa McAdams; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: This book was originally released in June 2015, and not under the authors pseudonym - Jessa McAdams. You can find my review here - [url]...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Stripped Down (Lonesome Cowboys, #1); Author: Anne Marsh; Genres: graphic, comics, romance; Review: DNF @ 22% This may be a case of 'its not you, its me', but I sort of expected the H and h to have actually spent a little time with each other by the twenty plus percent point, but apart from a brief interlude at the local creek the author is still setting everything up. Very obvious this is the beginning of a series with the introduction of the Mendoza brothers. But apart from repetitive references to Rose being sixteen when Angel first met her which therefore made her off limits, and now that she's legal he is planning to tap it next time the opportunity arises, nada. To be honest I was expecting a little more from an author of this calibre. I was expecting a quick to get going sexy read, unfortunately I'm not really feeling it. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Sutherlands: One Family Saga: 10 Sexy Stories; Author: Robin Covington; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "It's amazing what you can find on the internet these days." Stars! If you are looking for a great collection of books and novellas then this selection, at the price it is being offered for a limited time, is certainly worth considering. Half the authors I have read in this anthology, the other half are new to me, and it was great to try out a few new styles and see what stories they had to offer. "I remember everything you ever told me." All of the common and favorite tropes and themes are explored through the series of stories, and every taste and flavor is catered for. And although based around one family I don't really think that you need to worry about reading them in any specific order, as there isn't really any interconnection going on apart from the name for the most part. "You're not just anyone." One bug bear for me, and I know this is nit picking on what is essentially a charity box-set, but in a collection of this length it was hard to ignore that there were a large number of misused and completely wrong words (the curse of auto-correct) throughout and to such an extent at points it was pretty distracting as the reader - 'responding in a primal way to the vision of a viral, living man...' I think that may be Virile... Other than that, this is selection is well worth the investment, whether you like one, two or all of the stories told, you are still getting a real bargain from some extremely talented authors. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. *Twenty percent of the royalties earned from each copy of The Sutherlands sold will go to help Reach Out and Read, which gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together. Although provided with and ARC I have also pre-ordered the book to show my support.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Matt & Zoe; Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Maybe we need to start over." Stars! I am a big fan of Charles Sheehan-Miles' books, he always manages to take standard tropes and make them uniquely his own. Matt & Zoe definitely sits in that category, in that it's a romance, but for me that wasn't the main focus of the story. Grief is a funny thing, it shapes how we behave, who we are, and what we choose to become in the aftermath of the loss we experience. For Zoe Welch that grief and loss is very much at the forefront of her life in this story, having lost her parents, her career and her life path in the space of one accident. She is thrust into the civilian world without any real plans of what she now wants to do, where to start in relation to dealing with the legacy her parents left behind or the fact that she is now also responsible for her eight year old sister, a child she barely knows and who is struggling in her own way to work through the loss of her parents. It never crossed my mind that they wouldn't be there today, tomorrow, next week, next year... Matt Paladino is dealing with his grief in a completely different way, after losing his father years ago to a freak circus accident that he blames himself for, he has completely removed himself from that part of his life, now settled as a teacher in South Hadley, and his days revolve around routine, structure and following a lesson pre-approved plan. But teaching is pretty much the only thing he has in his life, until one fender bender changes the course of everything. Without my even realizing it, Zoe and Jasmine have broken me out of my isolation. I think the other main theme of Matt & Zoe is trust, because both of them have massive issues with it, Zoe jumps to conclusions, and Matt evades talking about anything that remotely touches on his past, which makes for a few crossed wires and rash judgements between them. Jasmine is the initial connection due to Matt being her teacher, and as such he takes a very active role in helping her overcome her grief, while building a relationship with Zoe. She needs me right now. And I'm determined not to fail her. This story is a little different from the past books I have read by this author previously, there are a lot of side stories playing out around the whole Matt/Zoe/Jasmine situation which kept things moving along, but it also kind of detracted a little from the relationship that you were expecting to grow between the main two characters as the story developed. For the most part, it felt like a secondary aspect for a large portion of the book and lacked a little depth because of it, then in the last 10% everything works itself out and I kind of questioned how both of them could come together in such a way after spending so much time not talking about what; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: F*ck of the Irish (The Hard and Dirty Holidays, #4); Author: Celia Aaron; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - "You're in trouble." Stars! I don't think there is a huge amount I need to say about this one. The title pretty much gives you a good indicator as to what it's about. But if you are looking for some quick and sexy smut then Celia Aaron certainly knows how to deliver it. Eamon was dirty/sweet and Claudia sweet/submissive, together and once past Claudia's initial reluctance they just went at it like bunnies! Add a little drama from the cray-cray roomie, and a super sweet epilogue, and this one was well worth an hour of reading time. ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Welcome Home, Cowboy (Hero's Welcome, #2); Author: Annie Rains; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You look good on a horse." Stars! I loved the first book in Annie Rains' Hero's Welcome series, the introduction to the town of Seaside, North Carolina and the characters that live and work there was a really easy to get along with read. The second book Welcome Home, Cowboy takes you right back there and it was a great to revisit previous characters and get to know some new ones with the telling of Julie and Lawson's story. "Ladies choice." This is essentially a good old fashioned love story, as you would expect both characters are dealing with separate sets of issues, and although they are both under no illusions that starting a relationship with each other at this point in their lives is probably not the best idea, the chemistry between them, and the fact they seem to get each other in every way pretty much pushes their reservations into the background. Marines didn't do yoga. They trained. They fought. They swore to serve their country. They shouted "Oo-rah!". They didn't chant "Om". Lawson was charming, even when acting like an idiot, and I liked that although still feeling pretty raw and vulnerable from her previous relationship, Julie didn't massively let it affect her blossoming connection with him. There is the inevitable drama from both sides, but it wasn't dragged out or overplayed. "I've liked you since the moment I met you. And I'm starting to think that's not such a bad thing after all." This series is definitely shaping up to be an absolute keeper, the author's writing style engages you into the story-line and the couples they are written around are likeable, and although dealing with their own various issues, nothing is too dragged out or overdone. I love a series, where each book builds on the last, but features a different H/h, and Welcome Home, Cowboy is another great addition to Annie's Hero's Welcome series. "Just don't forget about me..." "I couldn't if I tried." Tattooed good guy Griffin Black is up next, and seeing as his love interest is preacher's daughter, Valerie Hunt, I am expecting another absolutely stellar read from this series when it releases in August. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edge of Surrender (Alpha Crew, #2); Author: Laura Griffin; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "You hesitate, you die." Stars! Emma and Ryan return, in Edge of Surrender the second part of Laura Griffins' really enjoyable Alpha Crew series. The action picks up right where book one left off, and we hit the ground running with Ryan searching for the missing Emma. This is one of those books that answers many questions, but also brings a load of new ones about as it progresses, although at the end of this installment we know the who, why's and wherefores in relation to Emma's situation and the cover up behind it. "Don't you dare doubt me. Not for a minute. I don't give up on things... we can do this." But you are left asking questions about other players in the game as it develops, who they are and what is their motivation. Ryan's associate Jake springs to mind as does slightly sketchy FBI Agent Alexa, there was a pretty hefty dose of chemistry bubbling between this pair as well, and I am hoping that it is a pre-cursor to the author providing them with their own book(s). "I've never been good at sharing." I will admit I found the ending a little rushed, and it fell into the 'cut & dried' box for me a little bit as well, but all in all the first two books in what I hope will be a continuing series were a really enjoyable read. Laura Griffin has certainly added herself to my auto-buy list with Emma and Ryan's story, it had the right amount of action and suspense, combined with plenty of sexy and a really good emotional connection between them. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rescuing Rayne (Delta Force Heroes, #1); Author: Susan Stoker; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "What are the odds." Stars. This is the first book I have read by Susan Stoker. Rescuing Rayne is also the first book in the authors new Delta Force Heroes, series, and while I found it in the main enjoyable, there was one point that I didn't 100% feel needed to be played upon as much as it was. Things were going really well up to around the halfway point. I knew when I started reading that the book partially would focus on the capture and then rescue of Rayne, that really wasn't the problem, I was also expecting violence and a bit of bloodshed in relation to the whole hostage situation as well, what really turned my enjoyment down a huge notch was the fact that the author thought it necessary to then give a full blown description of something, that then never happened. I really don't think it needed to be as graphic, and it added nothing to the story for me. Proposed Rape - "First, Moshe will take you on your back, so he can look at your face. This is step one, and will most likely be quick. Most boys are quick to release their first time they get inside a woman. The second and third times will be from behind, so you can understand he has all the power, and you are like a dog. Worthless, good for only taking what he gives you. The fourth time he will release inside your dark hole. This is the transition time. If he cannot hold out for one hundred strokes, he will be seen as less than a man in the eyes of his father, uncles, and holy men who are here to witness his transition to manhood." Rayne whimpered, thinking about how badly a hundred thrusts into her untried back hole would hurt. "Then you will take him down your throat for the fifth time. The sixth will be against the wall, and the seventh will be again with you on your back. By the time the seventh time comes, you will be slick with his release and your blood, and will be ready for him and will take him easily and without fight. The goal is for him to make you find your womanly release that last time. If he can hold on and not release until you do, he will have succeeded and will be a man. If he cannot make you release, he will have failed. And will have to start again on another day." Understandable that the author would use it as a trope in the story-line bearing in mind the circumstances, but as I said does something that isn't actually going to happen need to be that graphically described, especially as it's almost occurrence is one of the main issues for Rayne to get over in the second half of the book. I don't know it just didn't sit right with the rest of the story for me, I also think a trigger warning at the beginning of the book might; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: After the Hurt; Author: Shana Gray; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 1 - "Did I offend?" Star. DNF @ 23% I tried I really did, but as a reader I personally enjoy a bit of story development with my inner monologue. By the point I stopped reading Pepper and Tank had said about 30 sentences to each other, most of them no more than a few words long, and I was still struggling to understand what was going on apart from the fact she's returned unexpectedly to Toronto from a six month trip to Bali after the untimely death of her mother. Add in another completely random woman by the name of Olivia, who may or may not be stalking Tank after only three dates, and this is a story for me that needs to give out more pointers in its early stages as to what its actually about. It was the stuff that romance novels were made of... Notsomuch, told from dual POV, or should I say dual inner-monologue you really see a lot of the inner working of this pairs minds, and I can't really say anything coming from either of them really endeared me in anyway either, and I think this is the main problem, if you want to fill a book with lengthy inner monologues you need to progress the story within them as well as develop the reasonings the characters are at the point they are with each other, you don't really get that and because of it I had absolutely no investment or interest in seeing whether he lets her back in his bed or not. Not a winner for me on this occasion, the author is new to me as well, in all honesty I am not sure I would look too read more after reading this one, if this is her usual writing style I am pretty sure it wouldn't work for me in future books either. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ramping Up (Mavrick Allstars, #1); Author: Zoe Dawson; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I'll try to resist if you will." Stars! Zoe Dawson grabbed me straight away with the first book in her new Mavrick Allstars series. Ramping Up is a story that grips you from the beginning, and keeps you engaged until the end. Gunner Smith's story had to potential to head into the OTT category with the familial drama he is dealing with but the author balanced it perfectly for me, in that it was relevant and not overplayed and was resolved without being dragged out too much. Bearing in mind the plethora of sports themed romances out there at the moment another positive with Ramping Up is that it didn't feel like I was reading a re-hash of another story, it was vibrant and unique, Zoe really has excelled in offering up a slightly different story in what is a flooded market right now. "You're Darth Vader in Chanel." The other massive positive about the book for me was Helena Mavrick, low-drama, high sass, and plenty of confidence. This is a young woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Even if ultimately her attraction to Gunner may cause epic problems down the line. The sexual tension between these two was - Off. The. Charts. And the verbal sparring between them gave me more than a few giggles. "The way you're looking at me is giving me ideas... Who the hell am I kidding I've already come up with a library of ideas, a dirty forbidden library." This was a relatively quick read for me, but it was a fully filled out story with lots going on to keep it moving along. Plenty of set-up for the future books with the introduction of Helena's friends and colleagues from the Mavrick Allstars Agency, as well as other sports-men and friends of Gunners, the little tid-bits that the author dropping in at points about them made me eager to read the rest of the books in the series. "You're an athlete... The physical defines us. Competing is in our blood." Impact Zone, is due for release in December, so a bit of a wait, but I am pretty sure it will be worth it. Zoe Dawson is quickly becoming a go-to author for me, I really get along with her writing style and characterizations and cannot wait to read more from her in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swerve (Boosted Hearts, #1); Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "I'm in your bed, or you're in mine. Nothing more." Stars! The first book in Sherillee Gray's Boosted Heart's series, was an absolute treat to read. I have really enjoyed previous books by this author, but I have to say that Swerve is the best book I have read by her to date. I think there is a massive trend with authors nowadays in that their main man is a dirty talker, some do it well, while some fail abysmally, and where intending to come across sexy and attractive, a lot of them come over as cheesy wannabe porn-stars. The author nailed it with Hugh in that he is a dirty, dirty mouthed man, but rather than leaving me a little green about the gills, which seems to have been the norm of late, I was pleasantly hot under the collar, and jealous that Shay was the recipient of all that, blunt, growly alpha goodness. The woman was a mystery. Talked like class, dressed up like Poison Ivy, and lived in a goddamned pink trailer. Shay was the other positive for me in this book, because if I am honest, every trope that was added to her story-line is pretty much a pet peeve of mine, douche-ex, crappy parent, and at points a little too overly trusting, especially when it came to letting past mistakes repeat themselves. But again the author managed to give her the story I would normally be grinding my teeth at, but make it so I wasn't. "It's... It's hard for me to trust... not just you but myself... after everything I've been through. I don't know... I just don't know." Mainly, I think because none of the aforementioned were dragged out or overplayed, so rather than be annoyed with the things that occurred as the story between her and Hugh progressed, they were dealt with progressively, but overall added to the relationship that was building between them. "I want you. You want me. It's as simple and as complicated as that." So you have a sexy, sexy car-booster, a woman who has been dealt with more than a few life-setbacks of late, and a really well rounded story-line, there isn't any one thing that made this book stellar, but everything culminating together as a whole. I ploughed through it, and told from both POV's you really do get an understanding as to what is happening to them outside of their relationship as everything progresses. Joe Colton is up next, with Spin book two in the series, due for release in June. You are given a little idea as to where his story is likely to go in the resolution of Hugh and Shay's story, and I am eager to read his story, more from this series, and the author in general in the forthcoming months. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirty (Dive Bar, #1); Author: Kylie Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I will not be falling slave to your devil dick and demon tongue. No matter how good they are." Stars! It's been a while since I have read anything by Kylie Scott, and I have to say I am regretting that I have left it so long to pick up another book by her. Dirty was such an enjoyable book, and although everything happens a little on the 'insta' side of the spectrum, you can't help but fall for the charms of Vaughan, and the witty inner-monologues of Lydia as their story progresses. There was dick as far as the eye could see... After a pretty unique initial introduction, the sparks between the pair of them pretty much set off from the get go. Most men would be running in the other direction when presented with the vision of a woman in her wedding dress hiding in their bath-tub, especially after discovering her while you a bare ass naked and still half asleep, but Vaughan pretty much takes it in his stride. "Do you believe in crazy at first sight?" Then dealing with the douche former husband-to-be, and his vitriolic family shortly after doesn't really shake his foundations either, and I just found his stoicism really attractive. Add to that the sweet, but blunt flirting and he had a unique charm all of his own. "Nothing wrong with a man admiring a fine female chest. but if you disagree, feel free to hold it against me." ... "When you get worked up your tits start heaving up and down with each breath. Magnificent. Honestly, I can't get enough of it... I'm tempted just to say shit to get you started, I love it so much." There is a little bit of drama added into the mix, not just from Lydia's cancelled nuptials and the fall-out from that, but with a great cast of secondary characters, mostly from and around The Dive Bar, the author really did a great job of giving each of them their own page time and relevant plot inclusions to establish a bit of a connection with the reader to them (especially considering this is the start of a series), but it didn't detract from the fact this was Vaughan and Lydia's story, even with all the secondary stories playing out around them, it just gave me more interest in reading further books in the series and learning more about them. "I want better for you. I can do better." I think the one thing I really loved was that although they were both really different characters on the personality spectrum, Vaughan, for instance was rough and ready, and blunt talking but when it came to his friends and family, even if they weren't getting on he would have happily stood in front of a speeding car for them. Lydia a little introvert, but bubbly to cover up her insecurities, pushed him to look deeper into the things that had kept him away from his family, friends and The Dive Bar for so many years. "To bullshit; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Her Fantasy Husband (Things to do Before You Die…, #2); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I've spent the last five years fantasizing about you." Stars! Nina Croft continues the Things To Do Before You Die series with Josh Slater's story. Being stuck on a raft with his two friends after the cruise ship they were traveling on sinks, brings on a few confessions, and life decisions. Josh it turns out is married, to a woman he has never spent any time with... Lexi, uses her marriage to Josh to keep her abhorrent money grabbing family at a distance, as long as she stays married she controls her inheritance, but when Josh turns up looking for an annulment prior to their previously agreed divorce date, things start to go awry. He was here to get away from her, not get turned on every time she got near him. After an unexpected kiss reveals a 'straight to boil' chemistry between the pair of them, Josh is left questioning whether he still wants an annulment, especially when all of his Alpha over-protective instincts kick in around her family. Lexi is desperate, she only needs Josh to stay married to her for another six months for the risk to be removed, but with her Grandmothers unexpected arrival and a whole host of hangers on poking their noses in on her behalf, Josh's decision to end things earlier than agreed could not come at a worse time. "You can't fix someone who doesn't want to be fixed." I am not a huge fan of overblown familial drama, and the tropes used in Her Fantasy Husband were knee-deep into that territory for me, but Nina managed one thing that some authors struggle with in that although they were seriously annoying, and hugely dislikeable, Gran and the gang did not take over the story as a whole. There was a huge amount of potential for this to happen, especially in the latter stages of the story, but it was well balanced between the relationship developing with Lexi and Josh, and Lexi's dealings with them did come second to that. "I think maybe I might be lovable after all." My one moan is that the ending was super speedy, and the resolution to everything although expected, didn't offer any real fireworks or retribution to the situation as a whole. Still enjoyable, but I would have liked Gran to have gotten more of her comeuppance that she actually did. Vito is up next, I am looking forward to seeing what story Nina, gives him. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A River Bend Wedding; Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Your love is the only real thing I need." Stars! I have a bit of a soft spot for Josh and Carissa, you see the first book in the River Bend series Can't Shake You, was also my first introduction to the awesomeness that is Molly McLain's writing. I think the title and the blurb gives you the details as to what this novella is about, but in her usual inimitable style Molly manages to squeeze so much more into the story than you would expect of a book of this size. A lot has happened in the intervening five and a half years for this couple and for everyone else in River Bend and I loved that Molly also managed to integrate a large number of previous characters as well as a little catch-up with Dan and Maddie into this story-line as well. "Show me what forever feels like." They may be married, but I really do think that this is just the start of the next stage of the journey for Josh and Carissa, and I cannot wait to see more of them in future books in the series. Can't Let Go is hopefully due for release at some point in the next few months, and I am looking forwards to seeing what story Molly gives Reed and Mia. Be happy, baby. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was as it always is my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2); Author: Lucinda Riley; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - The moment is all we have. Stars! The Storm Sister is the second book in Lucinda Riley's The Seven Sisters series. Having read and enjoyed the first book, I have to say I was eagerly awaiting Ally's story. But be warned this isn't a book you pick up and read in a couple of hours, it's one of those stories that demands you pay attention but at the same time you get lost in its pages. In moments of weakness you will find your greatest strength. We begin in 2007 with Ally discovering the death of her beloved adoptive father, Pa Salt and with her five other adoptive sisters, she returns to their family home, a castle called Atlantis on the shores of Lake Geneva, each of the sisters is due to have their story told, and although the books are all due to start at the same point, each sisters journey to discover more about their true self, and biological family takes them back in time. For Ally's story we step back to Norway 1875, and the story of young mountain girl Anna Landvik, and how from being plucked from obscurity she becomes one of Europe's most renowned classical singers. As you would expect, the innocence of the inexperienced woman causes more than a few bumps in Anna's road to singing success, and her life journey takes her across Europe to Leipzig and living in the world of famous composer Edvard Grieg. "Whatever I am now, I am." As I said this is a story you get lost in, Ally was a bit of a struggle to get along with at the beginning of the book, but as the story progressed, in the past and in her present you get to understand a little more about her and her motivations, and to say it doesn't just rain but it pours in relation to the things she has to deal with would be an understatement, Lucinda really did push this character to her limits in relation to her losses and gains in this story. "No more hiding." The story from the past then picks up again in Leipzig 1936, with Ally traveling herself to Noway and learning about her grandfather Jens Horst Halvorsen who was studying at the Landeskonservatorium der Musik zu Leipzig at that time, anyone with an ounce of historical knowledge will know, just how unpredictable the thirties were in Germany, and especially for people considered a little different. Eventually Jens, also known as Pip, returns to Norway with three Jewish friends believing that they will be safe from the spreading threat of the Reich and more specifically Nazism. You go through a whole gamut of emotions in reading this story, it is so richly built, and vividly described that the characters all feel so very real to you as you are reading of their journeys, although set in very different times everything is weaved together so beautifully that it was just a real pleasure to read, three couples, three love stories, set in three very different times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Specimen; Author: Shay Savage; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "What do you remember?" Stars! Shay Savage has mad skills when it comes to planting the seeds of romance in a totally inhospitable environments, and then nurturing them into absolutely outstanding love stories. Specimen is all that and more, and like so many of her previous books, is a story that you probably aren't going to read the likes of again. I think the synopsis gives you enough of a clue as to the basis of the relationship between Sten and Riley, and how it was initially formed, but the speed of the development of that relationship, coupled with Sten's recollection past memories really gave their time together a kind of double-edge. Sten in knowing that not everything (in fact pretty much all of it) was as it seemed, and the internal conflict that was bought about because of it. The desire to please her is a strong one. The unknown factor in that he is unsure as to whether Riley has knowledge of the full picture, and as the plot progresses who he can actually trust. "I thought you were hurt... I thought I might fail." This is one of those books you start with high expectations, its Shay Savage right! The woman doesn't do average, but once again they were exceeded for me. As I said it seems the more extreme the circumstances between the couple in question, the more she seems to pull it out of the bag for them. The scenario that they find themselves in, the course the plot takes as they both begin to realize that the truth may not be what they were lead to believe, and the resolution are all extremely well crafted, and explored. I have no doubt there will be a few expletives thrown around by readers in the way the author ended this story, but I kind of liked it because again, she didn't close it out in the way you would generally expect. "I may not have chosen this life you gave me... but other than my memories, I didn't have a lot to lose." Another absolutely stellar book by this author, I hope that we revisit these characters at some point in the future, but if we don't I can live with the ending that we were given. "You were never a lab rat to me." ARC generously provided via TRSOR Promotions, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wrapped In You (The Monroes, #1); Author: Jules Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm trying to stay away from you and you're not helping." Stars! Wrapped in You offered the perfect beginning to Jules Bennett's new The Monroes series. Three adopted brothers, with three very different personalities trying to work together to realize their recently lost sisters dream. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than discovering an author I haven't read before, and even better when it is the beginning of a series. Zach Monroe is your quintessential grouch. Having spent years trying to atone for one teenage mistake, he has managed to pretty much push everyone and everything he ever cared for away from him. "You've not exactly been easy to be around." Sophie Allen, is the woman he has never stopped caring about, although that one mistake ten years ago cost her more than Zach could ever imagine, he has tried to stay out of her way ever since, believing that she deserves more than he can ever offer or be for her. That is until the death of her best friend, his sister brings them into close proximity in the rebuilding of the plantation house she envisaged turning into a Women's-Only Spa resort. She wanted him to look at her and not see the night of the accident, not see the mistake he made or the year he spent in prison. She wanted him to look at her and see a woman. There is a lot going on in this book, what with the building of the Monroe brother characters, Braxton and Liam are both very different men from Zach, and I am interested to see how their stories play out in the future books, and although this is the beginning of the series, the author did a great job of keeping the focus on Zach and Sophie as she built everything else around their blossoming relationship. "Next time we're alone, if you still want this, you better be ready." "You better keep that promise, because I've been ready for you for years." Plenty of chemistry, a wealth of likeable secondary characters, a little intrigue, and a dash of suspense, this book had it all, and I am looking forward to seeing more of these characters as the series progresses. "You're sweet talking and dinners. I'm rough and one-night stands." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: PS... You're Mine; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "You're beautiful everywhere, baby." Stars! A hairy chest and a happy ending. I call that a win! My first read from this now infamous duo, pretty sure it won't be the last.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Claiming Her SEAL (ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights Book 1); Author: Kat Cantrell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Thanks for the memories." Stars! Claiming Her SEAL, is the first book I have read by Kat Cantrell, it is also the first book in the new multi-Author ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights series, with Zoe York and Anne Marsh contributing to the series going forwards. So you are basically getting hot SEALs, on hot Caribbean Islands, I cannot find anything wrong with that equation. This book focuses on James 'Dexter' Riley, and the hot and sexy fling he has with vacationing Emma Richardson. You are also introduced to the rest of Dex's ex SEAL brothers, and the reasons they are all in the Caribbean as the novel progresses. Aqueous Adventures is a company set up by six of them post military, and you soon work out that Dex isn't the only one who bought back more than a few demons from their time in the Military, and I hope that as the series progresses we are given Charlie, Evan, Jace, Miles and Jack's stories. His demons didn't mix well with polite company. I really liked the dynamic with this one, although Emma has a few issues of her own that she is dealing with, the story was more about her pushing Dex to open up about the darker parts of his life, and how having been burnt by a woman in the past, that not everyone is going to judge his actions whilst in the Military the same way as his ex did. "The only way to break free from the darkness is too kick your way to the surface." But at the same time, Dex really helped Emma deal with the reasons she had traveled to Duchess island, the drama is there for them, but it doesn't take over the story between this couple. I just found it really easy to get into and read, with plenty of sweet and sexy moments to keep it moving along. I wouldn't say the plot holds many surprises but it's really, well written and has set up the series perfectly, and I cannot wait to read more from this, and the other authors involved. With books due for release from February until July, this series is going to be the perfect way to get yourself a bit of Caribbean sun, before the summer arrives! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reclaim (Recovered Innocence, #3); Author: Beth Yarnall; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "This wasn't supposed to happen." Stars. Probably my least favorite book of the Recovered Innocence series, if I am being honest. Nolan Perry and Lila Garcia together were an absolute hot mess, for most of the book and the romantic suspense aspect, which for me played a major part in my enjoyment of the first two books took a complete back seat to this couples somewhat odd drama. "Am I really that harsh?" Odd, in that we start on the 'insta' highway with them from the get-go, but feelings and emotions play very little part in the sexathon that then plays out between them for almost the rest of the book. "You can give me the intimacy of your body, but not your mind." I struggled massively in the way their coming together played out, because there really was very little basis for how they behave towards each other. Lila has secrets, and uses sex as a distraction to stop Nolan from asking her questions about them. They then enter into a weird sort of arrangement where they have lot's of sex and not a lot else happens apart from the odd bit of evidence popping up in relation to the investigation they are working together on. This girl is going to lead me around by the dick until she gets bored and let's go and I'm going to let her. Then everything comes to a head, and you are given Lila's back-story, but I didn't really get the reasonings behind the way she is in the present after what happened to her in the past, it wasn't really developed or expanded upon to really feel like a plausible reaction to everything. "I'm out of my depth here." We then go warp speed to the end where everything involving the suspense side of the story pretty much plays out in the last chapter, it just felt rushed and underdeveloped after the long slog through all the sex in the first 80% of the book. For me it felt like the author ran out of steam with this one, and substituted sexy times with actual story and character development. I never really felt a connection between Nolan and Lila, and the suspense aspect got lost completely for a lot of the book. Whereas in the two previous books the connection between the couple was built around them working together to solve the case they were working on, it was all a little cold and emotionless with Reclaim. I still like the authors writing style though, and look forward to seeing what she has in store for her readers in the future. ARC generously provided via Negalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous to Know (Unbroken Heroes, #1); Author: Dawn Ryder; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "This runs deep... Better make sure your ass is covered." Stars! My first book by this author, and I am glad I took the step into the unknown with this one. I love me some romantic suspense and Dawn Ryder, definitely knows how to deliver that with a certain style. Initially I wasn't sure I was going to get on with the authors writing process, because there are a lot of POVs in this book, and they pretty much chop and change from the offset, you need to have your wits about you and a decent memory for names and I did find myself having to go back a couple of times in the early stages of the book to clarify who it was talking and what their position in the overall scheme of the story was. "I want to see what kind of fire you have in your belly." But once you have all the characters down, the switching between the many POVs is alright, it also gives a great depth to this story-line, and massive scope for the series as a whole going forwards. If she was hiding a black heart, she was a master of deception. I will also be honest and say it felt like Mercer and Zoe already knew each other at the start of the story, their meeting at the bar felt far too familiar in its progression, but again once the book got going, they turned out to be a pretty great couple, the sex was plentiful, their verbal sparring absolutely stellar, neither one of them was willing to give an inch initially and it made for some great angry sex. I liked that although they couldn't deny their growing feelings for each other, they were both also very aware that the other was not being fully upfront about everything, the push and pull because of it kept everything pretty between them all tense and simmering. "I can complement you all day with pretty words, but feeling how hard my cock is tells you I find you attractive more than a thousand polished comments." This is a very complex story, being the first book in the Unbroken Heroes series there is a huge amount of set-up going on along the way, with plenty of characters (good and bad) and back-story being provided. Saxon Hale's team as a whole have a story to be told, but I like that there are characters outside of that who also have a lot of potential, and will likely have a lot of involvement in the future books. Dare You to Run is due at the end of August, and I am interested to see what sort of story Dawn gives Vitus Hale, as Saxons brother, he featured in this book, and you are given the background that will play a part in the forthcoming book, but with so many irons still in the fire the story has the potential to go absolutely anywhere. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Into the Darkness (Darkness #5); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "I go where you go no matter what." Stars! Nothing makes me happier than having a new book by Katie Reus to read. Into the Darkness is the fifth book in the Darkness series, and once again the author delivered an absolutely outstanding story. Well it was actually two stories in that the book focusses on two separate couples, within the same timeline and their involvement in the events that happen. Rhea; wolf shifter and lead tracker of the Stavros Pack and Conal; Alpha Dragon and leader of the Petronella Clan have been circling each other for the last couple of books, but being in separate states and having large amounts of responsibilities involving their separate packs/clans makes it difficult to take their relationship beyond the friends who text and call category, there is certainly more there to be explored, just not the time available to take to investigate thoroughly, that is until an enemy from Rhea's past emerges from the shadows, and puts her and all she holds dear very much at risk. Conal and his 'Alpha' tendencies dragon or otherwise go firmly into protector mode. In the supernatural world things were savage, brutal. Meanwhile, newly freed human Liberty and demon/wolf-shifter Rory are exploring more with each other, after his freeing her from the Hell realm in the latter half of the last book. We are eight months on from that now, and Liberty has worked hard to get past what she was subjected to whilst in captivity, all the while Rory has been by her side offering unwavering support, whether it be as a man during the day, and as a guard wolf, by her bed at nights. Liberty wants more than friendship now, and sets about making Rory understand that she is no longer the fragile broken woman he rescued. "I feel like my life started the moment I met you." I loved both these stories, and how Katie managed to interweave them with the bigger picture of the attacks on the Stavros Pack around the week long celebrations building up to Bo and Nyx's wedding. There is a lot going on, with quite a few POV's thrown into the mix, and at no time was I confused or struggled to move from one character to another's POV. I think that is one of the big things that draws me to Katie's writing and books in general, in that no matter how many characters are having their say in any one story, you never not know whose head you are in and what is going on at any point. It takes skill to keep the reader in the loop, and to keep the lines between characters clear. The author always manages to keep the bigger picture of the story-line very much in the fore as swell, even though on this occasion it is actually playing out around two separate and very different couples. Finn and Lyra play a part in this one as well, and it was great to catch up with them on a closer level,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heartbreaker (Unbreakable, #1); Author: Kat Bastion; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - 'Just friends...' Stars! Heartbreaker is the first book that I have read by Kat & Stone Bastion, I really liked the premise of this one, in that wanting more than one night from a guy immediately puts them in the Just friends zone, and dealing with the rampant sexual tension that develops between you because of it afterwards. I think the main thing that kept the story between Kiki and Darren moving along nicely was that fact that although the tropes that the authors used are common, they added their own unique twists to them, as well as giving Darren and Kiki their own definitive attributes as well. The girl I hadn't seen coming tugged at my heart - even though it couldn't belong to her. The build-up is a big thing for this couple, both of them have issues with commitment, and for wholly different reasons. This part of the story had the chance to dip into drama overload territory, but it was handled really well. "Don't fight it. Don't be afraid of us. If we are meant to happen... just let it." Darren's family situation plays a huge part in how he lives his life, and I liked that it wasn't just used as a page filler, it really had a great impact on the friendship between him and Kiki at the beginning, it also highlighted that although shy of commitment in her relationships, Kiki wasn't afraid to take on responsibility when it mattered. "You let your guard down." Heartbreaker also introduces you to the rest of Kiki siblings, (some single, some attached) and as the story progresses you get to see quite a bit of them as more of Kiki's own problems are revealed. "Don't let yourself fall." I found everything was pretty well paced and balanced out in this book, what with their developing friendship, mutual interests and the building sexual tension between them that makes up a large portion of the story, it really worked, as it also gave you a chance to understand more about them as individuals prior to them jumping into bed together, and there was certainly more than met the eye revealed with them both as things moved along. The dual POV worked well in this one, as both characters have a lot going on in their lives, and their heads, reading their internal thoughts as they both worked their way through everything offered up a great perspective on things. A great start to the Unbreakable series, Mason 'mase' Price is due to have his story told next in Rule Breaker and I look forwarded to seeing what the authors do with him. ARC generously provided by the authors via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Without Borders (Wanderlove, #1); Author: Amanda Heger; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "You are trouble, Americana." Stars. Nothing gets my readerly antenna humming more than a romance story told in an unusual and unique setting, and Amanda Heger certainly did that by taking me into the rainforests of Nicaragua in the telling of Annie and Felipe's story. There is a sort of a second chance love theme in Without Borders, in that Annie and Felipe have a past back when they were teens with unrequited crushes on each other, while he and his family spent time in the US. Felipe's sister, Marisol is also Annie's best friend, so she has kept track of him over the years, and vice versa. For the most part I really enjoyed the story, their blossoming relationship grows whilst traveling through the rain-forest to remote towns and villages offering medical care to those that need it the most. The location was interesting to explore as were the people they came into contact with, and I found myself devouring the first half of the book with great enjoyment. The main issue that I had with the story in general was the fact that I really struggled to see Annie as an adult for a lot of the second half of the story, her actions and behavior in a few instances were akin to a petulant teenager having a tantrum, and it normally occurred at the worst of times in relation to the safety and security of the people she was traveling with. It just seemed to go against the general levity of the circumstances of why she was there in the first place, and didn't really work in with the fact that she was supposedly a grown woman, out of her comfort zone in a foreign and sometimes hostile environment. "I miss you already." It did detract a little from my enjoyment overall, but all-in-all if you are looking for an interesting premise, set in an unusual location, with a few entertaining secondary characters, that for me were what kept things moving along and entertaining, this is a read I would say is worth a look at. My issues were definitely more character related than the authors actual writing style, so I would be interested to read more from her, and from what hopefully will become a series in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Full Tilt (Full Tilt, #1); Author: Emma Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You go all the way up to eleven." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... B&N - [url]... It's always hard to adequately or concisely put into words my feelings after I have finished a book by Emma Scott, because each and every time she pretty much just blows me away, and leaves me an emotional mess. I am pretty sure there isn't an emotion left on the spectrum for her to wring out of me now, but with each new book, there is a new story that brings them about and always for different reasons to its predecessor. "I'm a bad influence on you..." There is one sentence that stood out to me from the blurb for Full Tilt - Jonah Fletcher is running out of time. I immediately knew just from those seven words that Emma was going to rip my heart out and leave it in a bloody puddle at my feet, I have come to understand that in telling her stories it is intrinsically what she does, but in a good way. Her stories are harsh, but in a realistic way, through characters dealing with situations, conditions and just life in general, that most of us would struggle to even comprehend. Jonah and Kacey's relationship sort of takes a back-seat in the first half of the book, the chemistry is sizzling between them, but the author takes the time to build them up as individual characters, before moving towards being a couple. "This is a good moment..." "One of the best." I think this is what made the second half all the more emotional for me, because you get to see who Kacey is and how much she changes in herself through the adjustments she makes in her life to understand that how she deals with her life and with being Jonah's girlfriend is such a massive advance for her. But it's not just that you also you see Jonah for everything he is as a man, an artist and a lover, and not just the situation that he is being defined by in the present. I don't want to say a huge amount about the story-line as a whole, this is Emma Scott writing, so you know it's going to be a little different from the norm, everything that happens is for a reason it may not be apparent straight away, but everything has a clarity to it as the story progresses, I have a feeling that potentially a few things that happened in this book with what are currently secondary characters may have a bearing on the second book, but I may be wrong with that one, it's just a couple of things stood out to me, and I am interested to see if my thoughts bear fruit when I get too read All In later this year. "I'm more afraid of not being with you than I am of being with you." The plot pacing is kept at a level that for me personally I pretty much read most; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dare You to Run (Unbroken Heroes, #2); Author: Dawn Ryder; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm coming for you..." Stars! Vitus Hale, played a small but important part in the previous book to Dare You to Run in that he was Saxon Hale's Brother. Although not massively involved in Dangerous to Know from the offset, it becomes apparent in the latter stages of the book that his previous association with Damascus Ryland, has more than a little to do with the situation the his brother and the rest of his Special Ops Team find themselves currently in. I would say that this book can be read as a standalone, that-said though having read the previous book, I think as a reader you miss out on a lot of the background if you do dip into Dare You to Run prior to reading Dangerous to Know because there is a bigger story-line running alongside each of the characters getting their women/men. That was what he was to her, freedom, in its purest form. The book starts three years previously when Vitus, Saxon and their team are tasked with rescuing kidnapped Senators Daughter; Damascus Ryland, the retrieval goes to planned, but in the interim, Vitus and Damascus fall in love, a proposal is made and accepted, but as soon as they are back on US soil, Damascus suddenly changes her mind and all communication lines are abruptly cut between them. "You wanted my attention?" Three years on Vitus is a man of the shadows now, but is pulled back into the light when summonsed to the White House to receive a medal in relation to his part in Damascus' rescue, a medal presented to him by the lady herself, and feelings they both thought were long buried, rise to the surface again and quickly, which is not good news for certain people that are connected to them both, but for very different reasons. "I'm a bastard for it. you've been through hell and all I can think about is how much it works in my favor because it's driving us back together..." Their reconnection, sets off a chain of events that neither of them could have initially foreseen, especially when it comes to lights that Damascus' rejection of him three years previously had more to it, than her just changing her mind. "I want to get inside you, drive everything out of your mind except the feel of me." Tyler Martin and Jeb Ryland's involvement behind the scenes takes an even darker turn, especially when the elusive Raven and his men are bought into play, and a new player is added into the mix with Presidential hopeful, Carl Davis taking an active part in trying to bring down the Hale Brothers as well. There is a huge amount going on in this book, which wasn't a surprise as the first book was set out pretty much the same way, you are given a large number of POVs to contend with as well as the fact that there is more than one story playing out as the book progresses, and although Vitus and Damascus get their resolution in; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Curvy; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm not interested, and I'm already taken." Stars! Another sexy, sweet insta-treat from Alexa Riley. I am still relatively new to this pairings writing, but I have to say that I really enjoy the hugely cliche, but wholly satisfying stories that they offer up for an hours or two's reading titillation. Inexperienced curvy model, versus dominant alpha billionaire! I think we can all work out how that is going to go, and boy did it go. I loved Flynn's over the top protectiveness, and Cali wasn't your standard shy retiring type, she had curves an attitude and rocked them both! I've never had this instant attraction to someone before, and my body doesn't know what to do about it. Told in dual POV, you get the story development through both characters, Flynn's endearing overbearingness in all things Cali, and Cali's extreme confidence in all things curvy, made for a really entertaining and sexy read. "I want to keep you." I love that this author duo are exploring standard tropes, but adding a little unique twist of their own too them, curvy girls deserve to have their stories put on the page as well, and if that includes the odd billionaire, soldier, fireman, pilot, whatever being thrown into the mix, I am happy to go along for the ride! Beauty comes in different shapes... ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snowbound Seduction; Author: Melissa Schroeder; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "There is a thin line between love and hate." Stars. Snowbound Seduction was a quick, easy read. Nothing new or particularly different in the 'frenemies' to lover trope, but Trevor and Elaine were easy to get along with, and the novella was only an hour or so of reading. "We work together." And they have basically done nothing but argue since the opening of the restaurant they work in. At his wits end with the atmosphere their arguing is causing, their partner packs them both off to a snowy cabin retreat in Canada, neither of them actually knowing the other is there until it's too late. "Don't think... Just go with it." It doesn't take too long for Trev and Lainey to admit that their frustrations with each other in the kitchen may have something to do with the sexual frustrations they are nursing for each other the rest of the time. As I said quick, easy and predictable, but it kept me entertained for the time I was reading it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Friends with Benefits; Author: Candy Sloane; Genres: romance; Review: 1 - "You don't have to prove anything to me." Star. DNF @ 57% Although being honest, I read to 31% and skimmed the rest. There are so many things that didn't work for me with this one I don't really know where to begin. 0% chemistry between the H/h. 100% cheese with the over the top dirty talking, to the extent my eyes all most rolled out of my head. 40+ uses of the term 'Dirty Girl'. 39 + times too many for my taste. 1 use of the phrase 'musky juices' 1000% sure I never want to read that used to describe a wet pussy in a book ever again. The sad thing is that hidden between all that was actually a couple and a story that could have potentially been pretty good bearing in mind the issues they had between them in their pasts, and the obstacles they would have had to have dealt with to have a future. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Blown Away; Author: Brenda Rothert; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "We're supposed to chase our dreams together." Stars. Take a healthy dose of this - Add in some of this - And that pretty much sums up Blown Away by Brenda Rothert. This is my first book by the author, and I enjoyed it well enough. I have to admit I was expecting a little more depth and emotion in relation to the reasonings that Drew and Aiden are initially connected, and the grief that both of them are inevitably working through, but it was all kept on the down-low for the most part. I was like a ship rolling along in the sea with no course. I am not a huge fan of drama-llamas so it worked for me in that aspect, but I can't help but think that maybe Colby's death was dealt with and moved along from pretty quickly in the first few chapters. Yes it is referenced and used along the way as part of the story-line in relation to why Aiden thinks he and Drew should not be together, being as the guy was his best friend, but it was never given any great depth. "I'm torn between wanting to move on and feeling guilty about it." Great premise for this one, Stormchasers aren't known for playing a large part in the romantic story-line arena, and I liked that it offered up a different take on what would have been your bog standard; girl-gets-over-dead-fiance-with-his-best-friend trope. I've got no fear of anything but feelings. I can't go there. I can't say the book blew me away, but the authors writing style and characterisations weren't difficult to get along with and it offered up a couple of hours reading entertainment. I'll be interested to see if off the strength of Blown Away the author develops it into a series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Summer We Danced; Author: Fiona Harper; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "If you've got it, flaunt it!" Stars! I really enjoyed this novel, it's kind of a cross between one of my favorite films Stepping Out in that it's set around a small town dance school, run by the inimitable Miss Mimi D'Angelo, and the TV Show Strictly Come Dancing, in that it includes a whole host of different characters all bought together by their love of Miss Mimi, Dance and the friendships that it forges. Told from Philippa Hayes point of view, having returned to her hometown of Elmhurst in Kent, divorced and publicly humiliated by her Musician ex-husband, she spends her first few months in town trying to disappear into the cracks in the pavement. But after a little pushing from her sister she decides to take a tap class in the hopes of getting herself out a little. "This was supposed to be my fresh start." As you would expect with a small village, there are a huge amount of characters that are a part of this story, and I really liked that they all had their own attributes, personalities, and involvement with St. Christopher's Hall and trying to save Miss Mimi's dance school, it really rounded out the story well as a whole. "Once you're in, you're in for life." Of course there is the love interest in Tom Boyd, single father, and someone with his own set of challenges that he is dealing with. Through the course of the story you learn more about Flip and Tom's friendship as children, and in a quick flashback to May 1996, you are given the reasonings into Philippa's decision to quit dancing and Tom's involvement in that, although he isn't aware of that fact until later on in the book. Embracing your curves is all well and good until somebody is embracing them. I think the main thing that I really enjoyed about The Summer We Danced is the gradual rebuilding of Philippa's confidence and awareness of self-worth as she got back into the rhythm of living her life, the more she takes on and the more involved she gets with everything was like reading of another layer of doubt and insecurity that she was clinging to slipping away. Let's face it as women we all struggle with body confidence, and feelings of insecurity and the author put a really positive spin on it and what can happen when you push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone, and stick up your finger to the rut you were previously in, that you have pulled yourself out of. This is the first book I have read by this Fiona Harper, it certainly won't be the last, as I absolutely loved reading every second of it, perfectly enjoyable light and entertaining reading. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: She's Got a Way (Echo Lake, #3); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You're in paradise... The fun never ends." Stars. The third book in Maggie McGuiniss' Echo Lake series serves up a little wilderness fun, with four pampered private school princesses being banished to the wilds of Vermont, for the summer, as a result of being caught out misbehaving whilst at Briarwood Academy. Little do Sam, Eve, Madison and Waverly realize that the summer they spend at Camp Echo with their housemother Gabriela O'Brien, will have far reaching effects on them as friends, and on Gabi, in pretty much every conceivable way possible. "I want the rom-com ending... I wasn't to take the journey and earn my happy ending, but I want that happy ending." Enter Luke Magellan, he has made Camp Echo home, but having been purchased by the board of Briarwood Academy, massive changes are afoot, and what was once a place dedicated to the care and development of troubled teens, now looks like it's going to be turned into a resort for the pampered few, something Luke isn't best pleased about, and the arrival of Gabi and her girls rubs additional salt into the wounds. "You need to work with me, not against me." I loved the outside/wilderness aspect of this book, and I loved the way Luke managed to push the girls so far out of their comfort zones, that in doing so they became genuine friends, and shirked off the Mean-Girl persona's that they originally arrived with. The growth for them, and the story with Luke and them was what kept me reading for the most part. Once again it was the author's characterization of her female lead that left me a little dissatisfied, and what was bearable in the first half of the book, became a little annoying as the story progressed through to its finish, and that issue is the fact that Gabi was the most self-centred person of all the females in the story and a bit of a whiner at times. And seeing as she was responsible for four teenage girls that is not what I was expecting. It started with small things, but with almost each and every situation she found herself involved in or dealing with as the book progressed she pretty much managed to make it about her, and I really struggled to understand why Luke was wasting his time with her over and above the responsibility he felt in helping her with the girls. "I like you just the way you are..." The relationship developing between them was more friends to me really, and the constant bolstering Luke had to do, as well as dealing with her non-stop questioning of everything he did took away any emotion that may have potentially been building between them, particularly in the latter stages of the story. "Do you want me? Because I have to tell you, there is nothing in the world I want more than you right now." I have read a large number of books by this author, and for the most part She's Got a Way was of the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chic Boutique on Baker Street; Author: Rachel Dove; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "These women of Westfield, they can do anything they put their minds to." Stars! For the first book I have read by this author, Rachel Dove exceeded my expectations with The Chic Boutique on Baker Street, I didn't want to put it down, it was such an enjoyable read. Amanda Perry has upped sticks from the big city after a massive life changing decision and moved to the quiet town of Westfield, in Yorkshire where she plans to open her own upcycling and crafts shop A New Lease of Life. This quiet, sleepy town is the absolute opposite of everything she has known living in the city and working for an influential company, but she is determined to make a go of things, especially after pouring a rather sizeable chunk of her life savings into the venture. Her first meeting with local bachelor, Vet and Dog Grooming Parlour owner Ben Evans, goes down a less than friendly path much to the dismay of the many and varied retires of the village, who then set about some serious scheming and various matchmaking ploys in an attempt to try and bring them together. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, poodle primper. This was such an entertaining and easy-going wholly British read, the author took the time to give the relevant parts of Amanda and Ben's pasts to enable you to understand why they are both reluctant to risk themselves again in a relationship together, I liked that you are also given the 'real-time' occurrence of events back in London, post Amanda's leaving her job. And I absolutely loved the various secondary characters that made up their story, the ladies of Westfield certainly have mad skills in the way they repeatedly put Ben and Amanda in situations that would then hopefully help to build on the mutual attraction the pair felt for each other and I really liked that the author included several of their POV's in the telling of the story as a whole. "This is my home now." I can't say they was anything massively new or different about the plot, you can pretty much see where everything is going and how everyone is going to end up from pretty early on in the book, but it was extremely well written, I loved the feeling of community with the townsfolk all playing their part in the story-line. Ben and Amanda were both characters that you cannot help but like and root for, and it was just a really warm and comforting read, a few laughs a little drama, and plenty of smiles along the way. I hope that the author is given the opportunity to add to this book, and make it a series. Elaine and Simon, both singletons and new to the village of Westfield are introduced into the plot at the very end, and I am sure that there is a story there desperate to be told. I will certainly be keeping an eye on this authors updates in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sunset in Central Park (From Manhattan With Love, #2); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "It doesn't get any more perfect." Stars! There is just something about Sarah Morgan's writing and characterisations that draws me in as a reader. I think we all connect more with certain authors, and this is an author that works for me in every way. Being the second full book in the author's From Manhattan With Love series, if you have read the predecessor, as a reader you are already well introduced to Matt Walker and Frankie Cole, this series is based around three women making it in the Big Apple, and as such their lives as well as their careers are very much intertwined. I think this is one of the main things that the author excels at with her books, although they can all be read as standalones if you put them together and read any of her series in sequence, you are given a story that is just perfectly balanced in relation to character growth, emotional connection and plot development. "One day when you least expect it, you're going to fall in love." Urban Genie was born in the last book after the girls were unceremoniously made redundant from their old event planners company, and now a few months down the line Paige, Eva and Frankie are making quite the name for themselves as the company to go-to for any and all of your needs. Be it dog walking, cake baking or flower arranging, to the big corporate events and weddings they were used to handling at their old employers. But for Frankie it's all about the plants, and roof garden design in particular. Something she hasn't had a lot of chance to do since starting up the new business, but Matt, being a close friend, and Paige's brother is short a designer on his latest project and Frankie is the woman he wants for the job. "I've never been afraid of complicated... I've never been the kind of guy who thinks something worth having has to be easy to get." Oh my WOW, Sarah literally blew the ball out of Battery Park and into the hemisphere with this book, I love a romance where it isn't rushed, this is a couple that have known each other for years and years, Matt thinks he knows all there is to know about Frankie, but as he delves deeper and tries to get to know her more as a woman he is and has always been attracted to, he starts to realize just how much there is that he doesn't know, mainly because this is a woman who over the years has managed to throw up barriers and road-blocks to keep herself distanced and emotionally unavailable to anybody but her two closest girl-friends. The reasons for that become apparent as the book progresses, and if like me you are a girl/woman who has struggled with confidence for any reason in the past/present or the future you are going to feel a little kinship with this character. We get to go back to Puffin Island through the progress of this; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miracle On 5th Avenue (From Manhattan with Love, Book 3); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Be the sunshine.. Not the rain. Stars! We return for what I thought was the final time to Sarah Morgan's; From Manhattan with Love Series, and Eva Jordan finally has her story told in Miracle on 5th Avenue, apparently (according to a trusted source) there are three more books coming next year, which I am 100% happy about. We do finally get to meet the elusive Lucas Blade, someone the author has been tempting us with since the first book of the series. He was troubled and complicated. Not a man she should be looking twice at. There is just something about a Sarah Morgan book that takes me to my happy place. I can't 100% put my finger on why, but it doesn't hurt that her writing, characterisations and story-lines are always incomparable in quality and substance, so much so the familiarity of feeling I get when I pick up her books is almost like coming home. "Everyone knows you never find love when you go looking for it. You have to wait for it to find you." I have loved Eva through this series, happy-go-lucky and bubbly as a bottle of freshly opened Prosecco, she is the sort of woman you want to have in your corner, friends and family mean everything to her, so having lost the last of her family, Eva makes her own in the form of her friends; Paige and Frankie, and the business they run together Urban Genie. "You want true love... and I'm not Prince Charming." As I said Sarah, has teased readers with Lucas Blade for a while in that Eva helps his grandmother out on a regular basis, but it isn't until this book that we actually get too met the elusive author himself, and I loved the fact that Ms. Morgan, pretty much made him the polar opposite of Eva in almost every aspect of his personality and beliefs. It made for some great banter, a few laughs and some off the charts chemistry between them. This is matchmaking 1:01 and Lucas' grandmother is the professor at the helm of getting these two together. "Is that my condom..?" "No, but don't worry, we'll get to that one later." The commitment-phobe and the romantic, as you would expect the sparks fly and lines of agreement become blurred very quickly, and you cannot help but fall in love with Eva and Lucas, as they are falling for each other in this story, and set around Christmas, what more can you ask for in a book! "I'm not scared of feelings... That's the difference between us. Feelings are part of life. Feelings are how we know we're alive." I loved this book, I have adored each and every story from this series, and i am glad that there are more to come, Sarah Morgan is an author that ticks every box for me when it comes to my romantic reading requirements, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers in 2017. ARC generously provided via Netgalley,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From This Day Forward (The Wedding Belles, #0.5); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're a runner." Stars! Lauren Layne, introduces us to her new Wedding Belles series with a really enjoyable novella. Second chance love is a tried and tested favourite, and with Laurens inimitable style, Leah and Jason's reconnection was a couple of hours of pure reading pleasure. Having split from Jason twelve months previously, the last thing Leah wants to do is spend three days in close quarters with him photographing the society wedding of the year. But this is an opportunity that she just can't pass up, and its only three days she can keep her head around him for that long surely! He was the helpless moth to her curvy, prickly hot-as-sin flame... It was too bad the feeling was not mutual. There was huge potential for this to go too far too fast in respect of the push and pull between these two. Leah is hurt by what she perceived as Jason's infidelity back when they were together, and every time he thinks he is getting close to her again, she pushes him away. I think the tag word for this one is 'appearances can and often are deceiving' in that everything Leah thinks she knows is completely wrong and it ultimately boils down to lack of communication on both their parts. But the chemistry between them is palpable and it keeps everything moving along at a steady pace in respect of the relationship and the overall story-line. "Give me tonight." From This Day Forward was the perfect introduction to this series for me, we get to meet the people responsible for the running of Wedding Belles around a really enjoyable reconnecting love story. I hope to see more from Leah and Jason as the rest of the books progress. Looks like Lauren Layne may be onto another winning formula with this series, and I cannot wait to get my hands on To Have and To Hold when it releases in July! "I never wanted to be every woman's fantasy... Just yours." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Love and to Cherish (The Wedding Belles, #3); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - The couple who wasn't a couple... Stars! Lauren Layne returns with the third book in the Wedding Belles series, I have to say that this series has been one of my absolute highlights of 2016, in relation to my reading winners, and I am sad to be saying goodbye, with the final release from it. I have to admit that I was a little nervous to begin To Love and To Cherish, reason being that as a Brit, I have read so many books written by American authors where the lack of checking and confirming the correct phraseology of the Anglicisation of a British characters language has been so poor it has literally ruined the reading experience for me. Also, taking into account I have been eagerly anticipating Logan and Alexis' story, my already high expectations of Lauren Layne, went even higher on this occasion. And apart from one very minor error, she absolutely nailed Logan's 'Britishness' in this Brits opinion! He wanted everything. And she wasn't offering. One thing Lauren does really well is build the anticipation for a characters story through the books that come previous to it, and she had me intrigued about Alexis and Logan from the very beginning, and although you get to know them on a superficial level through the telling of the previous couples stories, you weren't really given anything of depth to make you feel like you really knew anything about them. That casual intrigue she builds for them as the series grew hit pull-your-hair-out levels in the last book, and I found myself devouring To Love and To Cherish like I would a bumper bar of my favorite chocolate. She was missing something in her life but didn't know what. Over the course of its telling you realize that there is an awful lot more going on between Logan and Alexis that you initially thought, this is a pair of people that have been living in the others orbit for many years, without ever really coming into contact, apart from on a business and friendship level. But things change with the revelation that Alexis now feels that its time to get her life back on track and not all about business, and step into the dating pool again. Logan is happy in that this means she's looking to open hear heart and mind to new possibilities, he isn't as happy when he finds out that he isn't someone she has thought of putting on her shortlist. Everywhere she looked these days, lines were blurring. So much love for this book and this couple, their path to happiness doesn't run smooth, but Lauren kept the drama relevant and moved it along at a pace so it wasn't overdone. The inclusion of all the characters from the previous books just added an extra dimension for me, because I have spent so much time with them all it felt like catching up with family, I liked that everyone in the book, also learns the facts about Logan and Alexis at pretty much the same; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bad Boy's Guilt (The Bad Boys of Regret Hollow #2); Author: Sara Daniel; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - Fool me twice... Stars. The Bad Boys Guilt is the second book in Sara Daniel's The Bad Boy's of Regret Hollow series of novellas. Wyatt Truman came over as a bit of a tool in the first story of the series, so I was interested to see how Sara would redeem him in this one. "We've come full circle." And redeem him she did, bearing in mind the reasoning for Nicole Demonde's dislike of him, her return fifteen years later for her brother's wedding is the perfect time to set some ghosts to rest with Wyatt. She'd face all her demons this weekend and put them behind her. This is where it went off the rails a bit for me, because to be honest Nicole was a hot mess for most of the story. As a reader, I feel I should have been firmly in her camp throughout the most of this book due to her past issues with Wyatt he took her virginity, and dumped her as revenge against her brother for going out with his sister, but I lost all sympathy with her pretty quickly due to her stroppy behaviour. She was a mass of contradictions for most of the book. "I was a bitch." So much so, that I actually felt sorry for Wyatt, I honestly think if I had been the guy I would have jumped in my Police Cruiser, hit the lights and hightailed it out of town until she had left again. "I'm trying to make up for the past, not repeat it." It was readable enough, and being only novella length, you are finished before you have a chance to get completely miffed with things, but after a decent start, the second book in this series left a little to be desired for me. ARC generously provided by Barclay Publicity via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bad Boy's Gift (The Bad Boys of Regret Hollow #1); Author: Sara Daniel; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "We don't need a light to find each other." Stars! The Bad Boys Gift is the first book from Sara Daniel's, new The Bad Boys of Regret Hollow Series of novellas, and it was a pretty good introduction for me to the town, people and the authors writing style. Zane DeMonde returns to Regret Hollow, under extreme duress fifteen years after leaving everything he knew and loved behind. Everything has changed in that time, apart from his feelings for Julianne Truman, and the passion and chemistry that ran turbulently between them as teenagers still has the same impact as he discovers upon his return. The vulnerable, lonely outsider who'd been head over heels for the most popular, sweetest girl in school. Forced into a corner by budget cuts in the school district, in order to keep her job and her art program running at the local school, Julianne is forced to sell artwork that Zane gifted to her prior to his leaving town, his return to stop her from doing so, causes more than friction between them, and even more problems for her in relation to pulling together the money she needs to keep her classroom open if she can't sell the pictures, even though if she is honest she doesn't really want to. If she was a canvas he intended to paint, he already made her feel like a masterpiece. This was a quick and sexy, second-chance reconnection, no massive surprises with the plot, but it was really well written, with plenty of background and story between Zane and Julianne to make it feel fully developed. You are introduced to a few other Regret Hollow residents in its telling, some of whom I am looking to read stories of from forthcoming books in the series. One peeve (and it is a very small one), Zane referring to himself as a Bad Boy kind of took away from the badness for me, because let's face it no self-respecting bad boy would ever acknowledge that fact that he is one! The Bad Boys Guilt is next up, and this is Wyatt Truman and Nicole DeMonde's story, you meet Wyatt in this installment, and I am interested to see if he comes across as more agreeable when he has his own happily ever after told. ARC generously provided by Barclay Publicity via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Canada Square (Love in London, #3); Author: Carrie Elks; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I always want what I can't have." Stars! ITs LIVE Amazon UK - [url]... Amazon US - [url]... I have been a huge fan of Carrie's Love in London series, since its beginnings, for me each book has been better than its predecessor, and I have loved them all, but I have to be honest and say that Canada Square stands as my absolute favorite (so far). If you are looking for your romance to have a little of the forbidden aspect to it then Canada Square will also be right up your street. Callum and Amy's story isn't a new one in that sense, boss falls for intern, or vice-versa but I think it's the added side plots and the actual couple themselves that make their story such a treat too read. Get a degree, get a job and get the hell out of here. Amy Cartwright has ambition, fed up of her dead end job and going nowhere life, she takes the step to re-educate herself, and as part of getting her degree she is sent to Richards and Morgan, a Management Consultancy company to gain experience in the workplace and assist with project management in line with her course requirements. The first day on the job doesn't quite go as planned when she inadvertently shouts at her new boss in the lift on the way up to her induction. Callum Ferguson has spent so long living to work, that the introduction of sassy, snarky Amy as his stand-in P.A. causes more than a few sparks to fly, initially in irritation, but they quickly morph into attraction. There is just one big problem... the Non-Fraternization policy that all employees sign upon joining the company. But Amy is like a breath of fresh air through his otherwise stale life and it isn't long before they are spending time together outside of the office. He's both annoying and horribly attractive. This is the second time I have read this book, that in itself shows just how good I think it is, because to be frank I just don't have time nowadays to go back and re-read things, but when I initially Beta-read it for the author, I knew then that this story was something very, very special, and my happy glow did not dim one iota on my second reading. There is just something special about this story, Carrie has managed to interject the right levels of drama, twists, mean-girls, silly-boys, sexy-times and snarky asides and two really likeable and relatable characters that just keep you turning the pages. "For the first time in years I feel as if I can actually fucking breathe again." Even if you haven't read the previous two books in the series I urge you to pick Canada Square up, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Another unmitigated winner for me, and I cannot wait to see what Carrie has in store for her readers next! ARC generously provided by the Author, and it was, as it always is my absolute pleasure to; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I, Porn Star (Dark Desires, #1); Author: Zara Cox; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - ...Surrender to the journey... Stars! Zara Cox is a new author to me, the tropes used in I, Porn Star aren't though, let's face it the tortured billionaire with issues, is a pretty tired and overused trope nowadays, but when done well (and this one is) it's still one I love reading. I think one of the main things that kept me gripped to this book is the fact that even though you think you know what is coming, you are generally wrong, and the author manages to reveal a little but then add a heap more suspense and intrigue to the storyline at the same time. I want to take a scalpel to all her secrets, bleed them and soil my hands with the viscera. Quinn Blackwood, is pretty much two different guys through a lot of this story, and it really keeps you on your toes as to which guy you are going to get at any point in its telling, because he can change on the flip of a coin, one thing that is apparent throughout though, is that he like to be in control... of everything. "Small fact you should know about me. Everything I own is precious to me. Everything I own is unequivocally mine, until such time as I choose to dispose of it. Everything I own I maintain in pristine condition. Do I own you...?" Elyse Gilbert, comes along with her own set of baggage, and although completely different it rivals the massive truck load Quinn himself is carrying around, but she also challenged him in all the right ways, generally submissive in nature when it came to the sexy times between them, she really pushed his buttons about everything else, at points not even realizing she was doing it, and I liked the combustibility it bought to their relationship as it developed. Selling my body to buy my life is an exchange I can live with. Quinn isn't used to being challenged about anything, he demands and it's usually done, with no questions asked. So when Elyse does it makes him stop and think, the dual POV worked really well because of this especially when it came to clarifying the motivation behind some of Quinn's actions and reactions to things, I think I would have struggled to understand him otherwise, and although the author did a stellar job at making him a disagreeable guy, I didn't really dislike him especially as you start to understand why he is motivated to be as he is, and do what he does. "Does it amuse you... To know how much I'm becoming addicted to your touch." I really enjoyed I, Porn Star as I said, some of the tropes in this one are pretty well used, but the authors writing style, character development and overall plot line really did keep me entertained. Some of it stepped in to the realms of 'you've got to be kidding me' but it was more amusing than annoying. The drama and angst in this one are really well balanced; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forever in Ocala; Author: Connie Y. Harris; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 2.5 - Talk about turning the tables. Stars. Firstly I want to point out that my lower rating for this book wasn't due to it being terrible, there were parts of it I really enjoyed, but they were unfortunately outweighed the issues I had with the plot and characterizations. I'm not going to write a massive essay full of points, let's face it this is supposed to be a review for the book and not a Beta-read feedback document, so I'll bullet point my main issues. * There are far too many side plots going on in the story for my liking, so much so that the important tropes are left underdeveloped, and the relationship between Ariel and Gavin felt rushed and without any depth. Case in point, we went swiftly to the mantra of 'Never date Military Men' to within the space of hours them kissing, to days before they slept together. This turnaround considering the separate issues that they were both dealing with outside of their attraction to each other really did work for me. * The 'insta' in this one goes at light speed, take into account Ariel's above mantra, and the fact they are virtually inseparable after only days again felt contradictory to the personalities the author had set out. The same can be said for Gavin, and the speed in which he decided Ariel was he one, after several times declaring he wasn't looking for long-term whilst still in the SEALs. * As I said, the story for me suffered because the author tried to cram far too much into such a small amount of book, I wanted to see more time taken with the building of the relationship between Gavin and Ariel, rather than the headlong rush into a full blown coupledom, there were factors that this couple had against them that were just skated over or not really developed upon and dealt with. * One thing that I felt 100% needed more time spent on was the plot development of and treatment for Gavin's PTSD, I do not profess to have any first-hand knowledge of this condition, but let's face it, it is a trope that is very popular at the moment, and as such the resolution not to mention the actual exploration of his condition on this occasion again just felt rushed for me. Both of these somewhat integral aspects were overshadowed by the stalker ex, and a pointless flirtation with Ariel's' brothers doctor among other things. * Lastly, the language used in this one at points felt very stilted and tight, almost lacking in any real emotion. We are looking at two modern adults at the end of the day, so the words 'manhood & member' really didn't sit right, and immediately make me think of historical fiction. I have also highlighted a few sentences below, that I don't believe you would ever hear coming out of a SEALs mouth, it just needed to be looser and less like it had been pulled straight out of a Thesaurus - "I deem this face; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Obsession; Author: Nora Roberts; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Nobody stays your friend when they find out who you are." Stars! It has been a good couple of years since I have read a book by Nora Roberts, and I feel in a way I have let myself down. This is the author who introduced me to romance, suspense, classily written sexy-times, where what isn't said is as important as what is described, and just simply incomparably good writing. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many books or series I have actually read by her, and to say The Obsession lived up to every expectation I have for her writing would be underselling this book a little. There are few authors that grip you from the first paragraph, there are even fewer who keep that grip, and completely so, throughout the whole story, but Nora manages it, time and time again. "You saved a life before your twelfth birthday. Don't ever forget that." Staring back in 1998, this is a book that spans are large part of Naomi Carson's life, discovering your father is a serial killer, brings its own set of challenges growing up especially when your mother is beyond flaky, and your father is determined to stay in the limelight even while behind bars by giving the police information on further bodies every few years. "It's easier to keep moving than to root... For someone like me." New York 2002 gives the pivotal latter teenage years, and Naomi and her brother Mason manage to carve out a relatively normal college existence, as well as make a few friends under their new identities. It doesn't last for long though, with the release of a bestselling book, and then hit movie about their father's crimes. Present day see's Naomi trying to put down a few roots in Sunrise Cove, a quaint little town in Washington State, now an established and respected photographer, Naomi finds the perfect house, and the solitude she has grown used to. But living in a small town in a house that requires a massive amount of work on it, is not something she is used to and she quickly realizes that the last thing you will ever be in a community such as Sunrise Cove is lonely. Add in a sexy singer/mechanic, and displaced mongrel dog, and a whole host of likeable and relatable characters, and it was an absolute treat too read of Naomi's journey to understanding that maybe, just maybe, she doesn't have to keep running and hiding from the past, and the shadows and nightmares it brings with it. "You should always wear sunlight." But a more sinister story is playing out alongside Naomi's and as the book progresses it would seem that the connections between women that are currently going missing in Sunrise Cove, have more than a few clues that point to a potential copy-cat killer, and his ultimate goal is to do to the daughter what the father did to all those women so many years before. "Leave the light on." I loved this book,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Starfish Moon (The Brides of Blueberry Cove Series); Author: Donna Kauffman; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Feel free to pillage away." Stars! I seem to be having a brilliant run on books from the Kensington Publishing line recently, I think pretty much every ARC I have read and reviewed for them in the past couple of months has been a four or five star read for me, and Starfish Moon by Donna Kauffman is no exception. This is not the first book in the authors Brides of Blueberry Cove series, but it is my first read from this author. I didn't struggle to read Kerry and Cooper's story, but you do get the feeling that this book is not the first book due to all the characters and couples that crop up in its telling, and upon checking there are a whole plethora of books and series set in this town, which makes me happy because it's a place I certainly want to visit again. "We've talked about it to death. Maybe it's time to try action." I was sold on this book as soon as I learned that Cooper Jax was from Northern Australia. Because as soon as the word 'Drover' is mentioned, I had this not-so-unpleasant image rolling around my head the whole time I was reading. Although the author does describe him as blond, I am sticking with my imagination on this one! A year after her leaving Cameroo Downs, he travels to Blueberry Cove, Maine to track down Kerry McCrae, the woman who hasn't left his head or heart since. I loved their first meeting, clumsy and a bit uncomfortable, Cooper lays all his cards on the table from the get-go, and in front of the customers of the local bar The Rusty Puffin, a place owned by Kerry's Uncle, and full to capacity at the time of his declaration being made. "I want both... The friendship and the hunger." What commences is a somewhat unconventional month, in which time Cooper does his best to convince Kerry that they have a future together, and not just in a quick-fling sort of way. I liked that the author span the 'commitment-phobe' trope on its head here, and made Kerry the reluctant party, being a bit of a nomad it fitted her character well and gave a great depth to the development of their relationship as a whole, especially as her main concern going into their relationship is that her wanderlust would eventually mean her up and leaving him. She was every bit of everything he remembered about her, all at once and all at the same time... This was such a great book, with a large cast of characters added to its telling, the author has put together a town, and a large and diverse group of people that Kerry and Cooper's relationship built around. I loved that everyone could see what Kerry initially couldn't and their efforts to encourage them both together at any and all opportunity. They are a sexy couple in that both aren't afraid of going after what they wanted, but I liked the Cooper pulled back before doing; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All In (Full Tilt, #2); Author: Emma Scott; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - Instead of feeling bad that it ended... I'm just happy it happened. Stars! Emma Scott, comes full circle with the second part of the Full Tilt duology, with All In, this is probably one of the books I have anticipated the most this year, and if you have read Full Tilt I am certain you would understand why. If you haven't the below review does contain spoilers, and to be blunt, you need to read it first, to understand just how awesome-sauce this book actually is. ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon Universal: myBook.to/EmmaScottAllIn I think it takes a brave author to stick to a story arc that may not necessarily promise lots of sexy-times and the traditional elements that we as readers of romance have come to expect. All In although still a love story, focuses on a lot more than just that. Grief, and understanding how it affects you, coming to terms with the fact that you will never stop loving someone, but accepting that it is okay to love again, as well as learning to embrace all of these elements that make you up, and being able to accept, adapt and acknowledge them in ways that work for you and those around you, in your day-to-day life. "It was easy to feel like I suffered the most. To believe the bulk of the pain was mine to choke down - an enormous mouthful, while everyone else only had to chew little bites. But everyone who'd known Jonah had a plate of pain to swallow..." We pick up briefly in Jonah's hospital room at the beginning of the book, and Emma had me in tears from the off-set, I had to put my Kindle down for a few minute to pull myself back together again, as it just bought back all of the emotions I felt at the end of the first book. But it was a good nod to a pivotal character, someone although who has now passed, plays a massive role in this story. "You hurt as much as I do." We then pick up roughly six months on, and its glaringly apparent that those who loved and cared for Jonah are still struggling massively to deal with his loss in their lives, and hearts. Theo and Kacey go through so much in this story, and I think again, that as a reader you could get a sense at the end of Full Tilt as to where this book would go, but prepare yourself, this is one of those stories that just grabs on and doesn't let go. "I can wait..." I finished it a few days ago, and I still find myself drifting off for moments here and there thinking about it. And I think that's one of the great things about this authors writing, she's not traditional in her story telling, but she's refreshing, exceptional and unabashed in making sure that she gives her readers a full HD, no-holds-barred reading experience, and it is just that, an experience. I am not going to touch; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lassoing the Virgin Mail-Order Bride; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "You're big all over... But I think we're gonna be just fine." Stars! One thing that has become apparent since I recently started reading Alexa Rileys novellas is that the authors know exactly how to deliver any given trope to the absolute extreme, but with really great results. Lassoing the Virgin Mail Order Bride tells you exactly what this one is about, and it was an absolute joy to read. Alpha Cowboy Cash McAllister hasn't really had time to go out and meet women, due to running the family ranch full-time, being around men all day brings on the type of loneliness at night that only a good woman can help ease, so he signs up to the Cowboy Mail Order Bride Program, in anticipation of meeting someone to cook his meals during the day and hopefully warm his bed during the night. I want to keep her. Clare Stevens, has lost everything, her only chance at a fresh start, is to agree to become the bride Cash is looking for, she uses the last of her money to travel to McAllister Ranch... "What am I going to do with her." Clare is everything Cash isn't small, dainty, and full of sass, the verbal sparring between these two was priceless, and I absolutely loved how Cash turned into a virtual caveman as soon as he set eyes on her. The dual POV once again worked really well in this novella, because while Clare puzzles about Cash's' unusual and somewhat unreasonably cute dominant behaviour towards her, Cash is just trying to stop himself from poking the eyes out of any guy that looks at her whilst walking round with a perma-boner. "I get lost when you kiss me." Add in a little intrigue and suspense, a decent back-story for them both and you have a pretty well rounded plot-line. I am still relatively new to the phenomenon that is Alexa Riley, but I have really enjoyed everything that I have read so far. These are novellas that put quite simply 'do what it says on the tin' it's a fail-safe recipe, and it's really, really working. ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heart Breaker (Nashville Nights, #1); Author: Erin McCarthy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "I don't want to fake it... I want to write what I really feel." Star. DNF @ 31% I don't really know what to say about Heart Breaker even when I am posting a negative review, I try and keep it respectful and positive. But I've got nothing good to say this time. Erin McCarthy is not a new author to me, granted I haven't read loads of her books but the few I have I really enjoyed; they made me laugh and had likeable characters with engaging story-lines. Jolene and Chance... I can find nothing good to say about either of them, they are the most dislikeable characters I have read in a while; I didn't feel any connection between them, or any emotional attachment over and above winding each other up, and generally acting like stroppy teenagers. From what I can gather their big 'split' that originally caused all the animosity and general douchery from both parties stems from him hugging a fan... Yep that's it folks he hugged a fan. They were very different people who had some serious communication issues. True story that. And I think they would have been better off not attempting to get back together for the sake of their careers or any other reason. For me this is a couple and story that may have been better in the authors head, than it actually has transferred onto the page as, and has subsequently been written into. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Return to Silver Bay (Silver Bay, #1); Author: Lara Van Hulzen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I'm always here for you." Stars. Return to Silver Bay was an easy-going read for me, I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, but I enjoyed it well enough while I was reading it. Maggie has returned to Silver Bay to clear out and sell her parents' house, having lost her mother a few years previous, and not being close to her recently deceased father, there isn't a huge amount of reason for her to keep the house. The same cannot be said for other people from her past though and when she sees Josh again, the guy who held her heart all those years ago, well it seems like no time has passed at all. Too many secrets and no answers whatsoever. This story had potential, there is a little bit of mystery thrown into the story-line, with Maggie and Josh's reconnection rolling along with it, and although all the characters we are introduced to are pretty likeable and inoffensive, nothing really stood out about the book as a whole for me. It was enjoyably average. One look from the man and she was lost. Or found... The connection that I expected to be deep and true between the lead characters due to their pasts didn't really feel that close for me, and some of their conversations and interactions came across as awkward and a little stilted, not the way you would expect two people that were that close to be around each other even if they have been apart for a few years, I just found the emotional aspect and feelings that I expected them to have between them, especially due to the way they parted to lacking any depth until the latter stages of the book. "I think we've known each other way too long to worry about impressions." The author does really set up the town and people of Silver Bay though, and I am interested to see where she takes us with Kate and then Drew's book in the future. ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Hot Summer; Author: Kat French; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Welcome to Borne, Cowboy." Stars! ItS LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... Kat French absolutely bowls it out of the park again with her latest offering, One Hot Summer, I have adored each and every one of this authors 'Chick-Lit' offerings and Alice McBride's story is no exception. Once again Kat has managed to pull together an endearing cast of eclectic secondary characters, as well as two extremely likeable main ones. "Naked painters and porn star neighbors. And there was I thinking this place was going to be dull." Alice having been publicly humiliated by her toad of an actor husband, finds herself in dire straits when she realizes that she is at risk of losing her beloved Borne Manor to the bank, in an effort to alleviate some of the financial strain she rents the property out for the summer. And takes to living in an old Airstream trailer in the garden. Initially she has no idea that Robinson Duff, is more than just your run-of-the-mill cowboy, but it doesn't take long for the rest of her quirky tenants to fill her in on exactly who he is. After a rocky start a strong attraction builds between them. This story had so many layers to it, and around the building of Robinson and Alice's relationship, you get to meet and to know the rest of the people that Alice has in her life, Niamh; best-friend and local artist, Stewie; ex-porn star and wig aficionado, and practicing with Hazel to name but a few. It was almost like reading a Richard Curtis movie in that everything is quite light-hearted, but when the feels come they are for the right things and at the right points in the story. I think this author excels in books of this genre, I wish there were more of them and that they were released at more regular intervals, but I suppose the wait is worthwhile, because you get such a high quality, classy read every time, and I think this is probably because of the time and care that has been taken into getting everything 'just right'. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Paper Princess (The Royals, #1); Author: Erin Watt; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You're not alone anymore... You're a Royal now." Stars! ITs LIVE! US: [url]-... UK: [url] This is one of those books where although I absolutely loved it I don't really want to say too much about the actual storyline, because I think it's one of those books best enjoyed through your own reading experience. Elle and Jen have certainly come together to bring an almost soap opera feel to this story in that it very much reminded me of TV shows like Mean Girls, The O.C, 90210 in that it's set in around the rich and unscrupulous world of the Royal family. Callum Royal throws a complete spanner in the works in adding Ella Harper to the mix. In that she spent most of her life living at the other end of the financial spectrum. This place is like the Garden of Eden. Beautiful but full of danger. Gideon, Reed, Easton, Sawyer & Sebastian Royal are the quintessential rich playboys, the world is their oyster, woman fall at their feet and they have money to literally burn. Left to run amuck by their father for various reasons these guys run the social circles they move in and rule the school they study at, if you get a 'no' vote from the Royals, your life is surely going to be made hell. I liked that this first installment is told from Ella's point of view, essentially she's gone from a life of poverty and struggle, to land in the epicenter of all that is rich and glamorous, but as is usual with these types of things, it doesn't take much chipping away at that gilt coating everything to see the desperation, deception and dirt that it hides. Not only is she trying to adjust to the drastic change to her fortunes but she's also struggling to integrate herself into a family that in no uncertain terms let her know that she's not welcome. A clean knife still makes a painful wound. But Ella is a fighter, and I think this is what grips you when you are reading, because for everything that she experiences, she never gives up fighting for herself, and her goals. "You just had to come and screw everything up, didn't you?". The Royals are a whole other story, secrets, lies and deception among themselves and against their father, some things are revealed as this book progresses, I suspect that a whole heap more will be revealed as the series moves along. No good can come from thinking about Reed Royal. You will devour this book, its one that you pick up, read in one sitting and then sit there wondering how the hell the authors managed to put such a twisted plot together and how on earth they are going to top it in the future books. Broken Prince is due for release in July, and I hope that it is told from Reed's POV, or at least dual with Ella, a lot goes on between them in Paper Princess and I am dying to know what; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brave Enough (Tall, Dark, and Dangerous, #3); Author: M. Leighton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Tell me all your secrets..." Stars! Michelle Leighton did a bit of a 180 with Brave Enough in that the first two books in the series fell fully into the 'Romantic Suspense' category, whereas for me, this one was very much all about the romance. Nothing wrong with that as my rating attests, but if you are expecting heavy drama and lots of bad guys then Tag and Weatherly's story may come as a bit of a surprise to you. The author has taken a well-used trope in the Rich Heiress falling for a Member of the Staff, and done what she does best, and that is offer up a couple of likeable characters with plenty of chemistry, lots of diverse sexy times and a little bit of side drama to keep things rolling along. You can tell pretty quickly that both Tag and Weatherly have more going on than you are initially led to believe, the nature of Tags background, and the glimpses you see of him in the previous books attest that this isn't a guy that just grows grapes, but I loved the setting for their coming together, Chiara Vinyard and the surrounding areas were a really great backdrop to their romance. Prepare yourself for a little 'insta' as everything moves pretty quickly between them, but it's set up that way as a precursor for the drama that unfolds in the second half of the book. The villain of the piece was pretty much obvious from the get-go, but the author managed to tie everything up really well, and as I previously said although this book wasn't completely what I was expecting in relation to the rest of the Tall, Dark and Dangerous series, I still really, really enjoyed it. "You're worth the risk. I'd be willing to bet my life on it." Michelle Leighton is an author that can pretty much turn her hand to any genre, I think it's her ability to take her characters and not matter what walk of life they come from, or personality traits they have, whether likeable or disagreeable, you always find something in or about that makes you empathise with them, and get involved with the story they are experiencing. Another winner for me, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The One-in-a-Million Boy; Author: Monica Wood; Genres: fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Start counting." Stars. I will be honest and say that after reading the prequel novella to this book A Woman in a Million, I wasn't 100% certain that I was going to get on with the authors writing style. But The One-in-a-Million Boy was a really unusual and intriguing read. Miss Ona Vitkus has lead a long and varied life, the book is basically the retelling of it through different mediums. You are given her early years and mid life adventures through the tape recordings of the Boy. And what begins as a child doing good deeds for an elderly woman, develops into so much more as an unlikely friendship grows between them on his weekly visits, flashbacks of her memories, and her retelling certain incidents in the course of her interactions with other characters in the story. She's no twinkly old gal in a gingham apron. But those visits come to an abrupt halt, and Ona is left wondering if the boy is as flaky as all of the other children who have been tasked with giving her assistance in the past. That is until two weeks after his last visit, the boy's father; Quinn turns up at the allotted time, and on the required day to fulfill his son's obligations over the forthcoming weeks, something he can no longer do himself. "He was made of magic." What follows is a journey of grief and self-discovery, guilt and acceptance, letting the past go, and making plans for the future. Mainly told from Ona and Quinn's points of view, this is a tale of an unexpected allegiance that grows from a mutual and wholly unexpected loss. Both are quite complex characters, the Ona of now, is a different Ona to the one you discover over the course of the book as her hundred odd years of living are covered, this is a woman that has lived through all of the important world events of the last century, and you get her own take on a lot of them and their impact on her life in general as the story progresses. "People don't write their own endings." Quinn also spends a large amount of time through the book reflecting on his past as well, mistakes he made with Belle, his son's mother, the lack of any meaningful time that he feels he felt with his son. Acknowledging that in truth he really didn't understand him as a little boy, due to his unique personality and interests being so much different from his own. "I did fall in love with him... But not until after he was gone." This was such an unusual and diverse story. Each character you come into contact with through Ona and Quinn, very much has a part to play in it the overall flow, the timeline does move back and forwards somewhat but it wasn't a struggle to keep up with what was going on in the plot at any point. I really liked the characters, and the writer has a very engaging writing style in that; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Training the Temp; Author: Melinda Di Lorenzo; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "There's a first time for everything." Stars! Occasionally you pick up a book, not really sure what to expect, and be really pleasantly surprised with its contents. Training the Temp was definitely in that category for me in that the synopsis sounded right up my street, but let's face it the arrogant Billionaire is a trope that has been done to death now. But Melinda Di Lorenzo delivered an absolutely outstanding romance, between two really likeable characters, it was just a pleasure to read from start to finish. I think the main thing that kept this book moving along was the banter between Parker and Beth, both of them had very strong opinions (often opposing) and personalities which when added to the bubbling sexual chemistry between them throughout the story development, kept everything moving along at a great pace. "I'd rather hear a hard truth than an easy lie." The drama was relevant and well thought out, and nothing was overplayed, you learn a little more about each of them as their connection deepens, and I really liked that although strongly attracted to each other they both kept challenging each other as their relationship grew. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I am hoping it won't be my last, Training the Temp slots perfectly into the Contemporary Romance bracket and with really enjoyable reading results. ARC generously provided by the publisher, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ruined by the SEAL; Author: Zoe York; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Life is short and love is precious." Stars! Another great addition to the ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights series, with Zoe York's first offering Ruined by the SEAL. This time we are taken to Miralinda Island, and are given Mick Frasier and Cara Levasseur's story. 'Frenemies' to lovers is always a good trope to sink your teeth into, and ex-SEAL, Mick's arrival on the Island and at Villa Sucre in particular does more than ruffle a few of Cara's feathers. He didn't want to be done with life at thirty-five. He wanted a new career. a second chance. Both of them believe that they have the right to be on the property; Cara as the Villa was bequeathed to the Local Historical Society for whom she works for. Mick, is there representing one of his friends, whose family owned the Villa and now believe it was willed to them. Chaos, a few arguments and a lot of sexual chemistry ensues as everyone tries to work out who the correct owner is. "Hell of a first kiss." The author hit the ground running with the Villa aspect of the story, but I found although plenty of tension and chemistry between Mick and Cara, the romantic aspect of the book took a little longer to get going. Nothing that massively detracted from my enjoyment as the story is in essence a quick read, but there was definitely more story building in this one versus its predecessor Claiming Her SEAL by Kat Cantrell. I am really enjoying this series, although loosely connected you can definitely read these books out of order and they are definite standalones so there is no worry about things getting confusing if you don't read them all. Anne Marsh is up next with her first inclusion to the series Sweet for a SEAL due for release on 6th April. With Kats next book Revealing Her SEAL following along on the 26th. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dragons Among Them (Kingdoms of Fire and Ice, #1); Author: Kyra Jacobs; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - A life for a life. Stars! Sometimes a book comes out of left-field, slaps you round the head, and leaves you with an unexpected book hangover. Dragons Among Them is a book I wholeheartedly put into that category, and I cannot wait to read more from this series. Not really sitting in any one genre, the story has element of PNR and Fantasy about it, moving between modern day Britain and the Kingdoms of Edana and Forath. Dragons, wizards and magic are abound, and when Adelaide Miller suddenly stumbles through a portal into the realm whilst out jogging one morning, she gets more than a few shocks and surprises. "There are things lurking in the neighboring woods far more dangerous than I." Immediately cornered by a pack of wolves Addie is then rescued by a dragon, not your normal everyday occurrence when out for a jog in leafy Watford. Little does she know that the Dragon is actually Prince Zayne Godfrey, heir to the throne of Edana, and that they are both part of a much bigger and more elaborate plan. "I'm nothing in your world..." "You're everything in my world." Told from various points of view, this is a story that pulls you in, there is more than just the forbidden love aspect building between Zayne and Addie, being promised to a Princess from the neighboring kingdom of Forath, puts a little bit of a spanner in the relationship growing between him and Addie. But treachery is also afoot, with other enemies trying to bring about his downfall, and possibly war between the kingdoms. Add in a meddlesome mother, a mysterious wizard and a whole host of interesting plot twists and Kyra Jacobs managed to keep me on my toes pretty much up until the end of the book. "You have a pure heart... 'Tis a rare and beautiful quality, and not one I often encounter." The beauty of this story is in the reading and discovering it for yourself, I don't want to say much more for fear of giving away anything important. But if you are looking for something a little different, really entertaining, with plenty of sexy-times and a bit of intrigue and mystery, then Dragons Among Them certainly ticks all of those boxes. "You had to go and pick yourself a meek one." There is a huge amount of scope with this series, and I am interested to see where the author takes us next with the next book in the Kingdoms of Fire and Ice series; Dragons Against Them is due in August, and I am really looking forward to continuing the adventure. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Return of the Bad Boy (Second Chance, #4); Author: Jessica Lemmon; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "No more whiskey for me..." Stars! This is the second book I have read by this author, the first one didn't really blow me away, and Return of the Bad Boy definitely falls into the 'didn't love it, didn't hate it' category. I think my main issues were the on/off relationship between Ash and Glo, in that it was all over the place for most of the book. But you can tell that Jessica has built a great world of characters and stories around the town of Evergreen Cove, Ohio, and I wonder if I would have been better off starting my reading experience of the series at book one, and not diving straight in at this the fourth book. Women came easy for him. Except for one woman in particular. The one woman he wanted. Mainly because I think that reading the previous three novels would have given the depth to this couple and the past between them, and how they got to the point they are at, and in getting their story told, because a lot of the time I struggled to understand why either of them were really looking to try and build a relationship with each other. But you can tell from the get-go that this isn't the start of the relationship between them moving from colleagues to partners, and it would appear that events two years previously, as well as in the prologue for this book, have had a massive impact in the way their relationship currently stands, and especially Gloria who, abandonment issues aside, is reluctant to go back down the road to romance with Asher. Getting her into his bed was one thing. Getting her to stay was another. I liked Ash, sweetly persistent, he didn't really hit the 'Bad-Boy' category for me, more mis-understood and in the wrong place at the wrong time, I hated the whole 'Baby-momma' drama, but that isn't a surprise as I always hate drama with ex's in my books, especially as this woman could barely be classed as an ex, and is everything abhorrent any self-respecting woman would consider likeable. "Not letting you go, so you may as well stop fighting me." I find myself on the fence again, as I was with my previous read from this author in that although I sort of enjoyed Return of the Bad Boy I had enough niggles with it that I can't say it really made me want to look into reading more from her at this point. I know I am in the minority (again) with my feelings, but hey you cannot please all the people all the time. I certainly wouldn't discourage others from reading Ash and Glo's story; it just didn't do a whole lot for me. ARC generously provided through RockStar PR, via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Growling For Mine; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "Something magical might be just what I needed." Stars! My first foray into 'Alexa Riley does PNR' was a winner. My face the whole time I was reading - There was also a little bit of this going on as well - And a few instances of this - This was a quick, sexy, smutty treat. I loved Bleu, blunt and to the point he pretty much said whatever was going through his head, it was sweet, cute and extremely funny at points. "I've never touched a woman before, but I'll practice a lot and be perfect for my mate." ... She's so small I could just carry her around with me everywhere. No one would even dare look at her. One thing that is becoming more apparent with each book I read by this duo, is that they manage to make their novellas feel like full length books by offering kick-ass epilogues, this one was no exception, and it again made a 40 odd page novella feel that much longer because of it. "I like the life I see with you." ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: More Than a Feeling (Heart of the Rockies, #3); Author: Sara Richardson; Genres: thriller, children, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "The past doesn't matter. Because I know what I see now." Stars. More Than a Feeling is one of those books I didn't love, but I didn't hate it either. This is the first book I have read from the series so you can certainly read it as a standalone. There is no doubt Sara Richardson can write a great story, but I personally had a few niggles with her characterizations in this one. The big one for me, and the main clincher for the whole story was Ruby James. This is a complex and complicated woman, rightly so in one sense as she certainly hasn't had the best time of life up to reaching the Walker Mountain Ranch and settling in Aspen, Colorado. The story started off so, so well in that I was laughing my socks off, when mistakenly taking Sawyer James as an intruder Ruby clocks him in the nuts with a rolling pin, the problem I then had though was her metaphorically and repetitively clocking him in the nuts for pretty much the rest of the book, it got old real quick when for a large portion of the story it went - * Kiss * I can't do this * Kiss * I can't tell you why * Kiss * We can't get involved... Now there are reasons for Ruby's reluctance, but it just felt far to dragged out for me, especially if you take into account the resolution to those issues was pretty much resolved in the last two chapters of the book. Sawyer was working through his own set of problems as well, but I liked that fact he wasn't afraid to give parts of himself to Ruby that very few others had seen in the hope of gaining her trust, the fact she still didn't and the resulting omissions and distractions from the truth just made me that little bit more frustrated for them together. "You don't know anything about me..." "That's because you won't let me." On the positive side, this was an easy going read, it just got a little frustrating in its reading as things were dragged out in certain areas a little too long for my liking. But, you can feel the depth to this series with the wealth of other characters that are involved with Ruby and Sawyers story, I will definitely at some point look to make the time to read No Better Man; Avery & Bryce's book, and Something Like Love; Ben and Paige's book as both couples featured pretty heavily in this one and I would like to read of their beginnings as couples. The conclusion to Sara's Heart of the Rockies series is due in a couple of weeks with Rocky Mountain Wedding, and it looks like Sawyer and Ruby's story may not quite have been told in full yet! "I want to know you. I want to hear your stories - the hard ones, the good ones. But I won't force my way into your life. I won't make you tell me; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Broken Prince (The Royals, #2); Author: Erin Watt; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "When did my life become such a soap opera..." Stars. Broken Prince pretty much picks up where Paper Princess left off, and because of that we get quite a bit of Reed Royal's point of view at the beginning of this the second book in The Royals series. And don't get me wrong although this one wasn't a 100% winner for me, I still really enjoyed most of the story, being the middle book in a trilogy there is always a concern that it will feel like a filler, and that definitely wasn't the case with this one. A lot of questions left hanging from the first book were answered, while a whole slew of new ones were raised in relation to the Royal's as a whole, and with certain individual characters as this portion of the drama progressed. "We're nothing... We're smoke-insubstantial and meaningless. We aren't even a tragedy. We're less than nothing." I loved that the author's kept the pace of the plot moving at a rapid clip, nothing is left to linger for too long before you are moving onto the next shock or revelation. Reed and Easton are still my two favorite Royal's at this point, both of them have that little-boy-lost vibe to them that I cannot help but have a huge soft spot for. "I never claimed to be a saint, I made a whole lot of mistakes before I met you..." And Ella really comes into her own in Broken Prince as well, you saw glimpses of the spark in her in the first book, but she literally takes the bull by the horns in this one, and anyone who gets in her path had better watch out, and I absolutely loved the way she dealt with certain characters in relation to this. The relationship between her and Reed is tenuous at best after the events of the first book, and I loved just how hard he worked for her forgiveness, this isn't a girl that forgives or forgets lightly and it really, really worked because to the issues that they were going through. Okay so why 3.5 stars. Well to be honest there were a couple of parts of this book that made me cringe, I have to say that one thing the authors have done is keep the drama and angst moving along so quickly that I haven't had the chance to get peeved at anything being overdone so far. But for me there were a couple of instances in Broken Prince that had me asking myself if they really needed to throw a certain something into the mix, I am guessing that aforementioned things will show their relevance in the last book, well I hope they do anyway. "You can't change anything. The most you can do is keep your head down and survive." As expected, we are left on another massive cliffy, can't say this one was as much of a surprise as the one at the end of Paper Princess, but I am interested to see where the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One More Taste (One and Only Texas, #2); Author: Melissa Cutler; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Keep my secret..." "... Yes. Forever." Stars! We return to the Briscoe Ranch Resort for the second book in Melissa Cutler's One and Only Texas Series, and this time the story focuses on the relatively unknown Knox Briscoe and Resort Chef Emily Ford. So much happens in this book it's hard to know where to start without giving anything important away. I have been a fan of this author for a while so I know how well she can weave a story together, and this one certainly has more than a few layers to it. The actual relationship between Knox and Emily, although pivotal runs concurrently alongside the rest of the bigger story with the Briscoe family as a whole playing out. Some things just wouldn't stay buried forever... The author took me by surprise in relation to how events played out in the second half of the book if I am honest, and it was one of those moments where you sit there with a smile on your face while thinking 'I did not see that coming' there are some massive changes afoot at the Resort as the story plays out and I loved that Granny June and the rest of the clan were heavily involved in this aspect, as well as with the development of the relationship between Knox and Emily as well, which starts out a little tenuous to say the least. "Food and sex have so much in common. Both are decadent when done right. A feast for the senses. People hunger for both on an elemental level." Plenty of sexual tension in the beginning, a few giggles with a haunted truck and a fish that just won't let itself be caught, and then the chemistry between them, then just ignites. They both admit that they have a deep connection, but they are both struggling to trust each other fully, due to past issues and the situation with the Resort in general. "Could we wait until later to regret this? Please? I feel like I can breathe for the first time in weeks..." This becomes even more apparent as the reader and Knox learn more about Emily, and why she is cooking at the Resort. But that's not the only part of the story steeped in secrets and lies, and the author really does keep you on your toes in its telling, some things you can see coming, others are straight out of left-field. So much so that I stayed up well past my bedtime with this one just to see what was going to happen next. "You are the only thing that isn't a lie or a waste. You, and the way I feel about you." With all that has happened in this book, and all of the changes that occur, it's good to know there are at least another two more visits planned to the Resort in the near future, with the Christmas Novella; If Santa Were a Cowboy and then in March 2017, another full book; One Wild Night due for release, and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just a Girl; Author: Ellie Cahill; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "It'll get better." Stars! Just a Girl isn't my first read by Ellie Cahill, and although I enjoyed it more than her previous Loveswept offering; Call Me Maybe I was still left with the feeling that something was missing from the overall story. I think the main problem I have is that nothing and no-one really stood out for me, the story between Presley and Paul had a really good base, but I just don't think the author really offered enough expansion on anything. The first 90% was very Shades of Grey a little monotonous and lacking in any real depth of emotion from either of them really, being such a short read it wasn't a struggle in that I got to that point in relative quick time, but I would attribute to that the fact that a large part of the book also takes place in the form of texts and tweets, so the page turnover was pretty quick. "If you can get on that stage, so can I." Presley is kicked out of her up and coming band; Luminous 6 basically because they think she gets too much attention and they would be better off without her, which is even more of a kick in the teeth, when you take into account her on-again, off-again boyfriend is still very much a part of the group. This compels her to return home from the bright lights of LA, and move back in with her parents as well as start back to work in their music shop The Continental. Apart from the obvious peeve at being dumped by her band so unceremoniously, I had to question her actions because it was mentioned more than once that she had been offered several solo deals, in my head I am asking 'why not take one up' seeing as she didn't particularly want to be back home either. "Don't you hate it when that happens?" My other gripe is her whole relationship with Paul, they literally seem to fall on each other like a couple of rabid dogs without any time taken to get to know the other. The efforts throughout the book to get to know them further as individuals were pretty slim as well over and above the issues Paul have with performance anxiety (playing guitar, and not sexy times wise) and Presley pretty much dry humping him like a dog when they aren't actually humping. You are given very little depth or emotional attachment between them until it all falls apart in the latter stages. "I'm not just here for you to snap your fingers and decide it's okay now." As I said Just a Girl wasn't a struggle, but I know it won't be one I remember too clearly a few months down the road. This author has skill and can put a decent story together, with this one I think more development and added page count into this couple actually getting to know each other rather than all the drama that surrounds them from the off would have; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Line of Fire (Hot Desert Heroes, #1); Author: Jett Munroe; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "I don't like this... Can't someone else do it?" Star. DNF @ 38%. I'm not sure if this a case of 'its not you, it's me', with the fact I have been having an extremely high quality reading run recently, or Into the Line of Fire just completely missing the mark on several important aspects for me. Sometimes people sucked. I will say that the bones of the story are solid and the author has a decent set-up in place with the rest of the men of the Red Eagle Group, to offer more stories going forwards, that I would probably consider reading further books in the series. The main reasons that Into the Line of Fire didn't grab me are basically characterisation (Delaney in the main), and excessive description and back-story for people, places and sometimes objects that just didn't seem all that relevant. I think with the characterisation aspect, I could 100% see where Delaney was coming from with the low self-esteem and confidence issues, but her reactions to things a lot of the time were more stroppy immature teenager, than divorced, grown woman in her thirties. "You deserve to be with someone who'll mess up your lipstick instead of your mascara." Throwing a strop because Beck has to go away for work, and getting angry at some of the situations he finds himself in as part of his job, it was just a little over the top, and for me quickly extinguished the sweet connection that was initially building between them albeit mainly through Beck's good old fashioned charm. They went from an uncomfortable dinner, to him going away for work, to maybe one or two phone calls while he was away, to him turning up on her doorstep at midnight on his return, to going straight to bed... which would have been fine, but this is a man in his forties, and half of the time it felt like he was smoothing the ruffled feathers of a child, and not the woman he had been lusting after for a year. There is potential here, I just think the main themes need to be stuck to a little closer, the erroneous background and descriptions pared down, and the characterisations polished up a bit. ARC generously provided, sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Order Box Set; Author: Nina Croft; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "I've decided I quite like the Monsters..." Stars! For 800+ pages of PNR goodness, spread over three books, a Novella and a cast of really great characters, the price of this one alone makes it worth snapping up. 99c/99p currently. Amazon UK - [url]... Amazon US - [url]... B&N - [url]... But the other reason is that the books in this box-set are just a really great story, you are given the getting together of a different couple in each book, but the main story-theme continues throughout and plays out alongside each of them getting it together. Relationships with humans never worked. Vampire, Demons, Shifters, Weres, Fae, Seekers, Witches & Warlocks all feature in the storyline, about a potential war brewing between the supernatural factions due to a different reason in each story. I love the way Nina carefully tied off one issue, and then threw another one into the plot to keep the story moving along from book to book. Add in the usual Alpha, sex-on-a-stick males (well Vampires, Demons etc) and the author's penchant for putting them in leather and long hair! As well as her sassy, take-no-shit females (well seekers, witches etc..) plenty of banter, sexy-times and a great cast of secondary characters, and this is a series that will keep you entertained for many, many hours of reading. "A woman cannot live by vibrators alone." No-one does PNR quite like Nina Croft, and this series proves once again that you just cannot go wrong with adding her books to your reader. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Enemy Mine; Author: Katie Reus; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "I go where she goes." Stars! Whether it be a novella, or a full length book Katie Reus delivers every time for me. I have a huge soft spot for anything PNR from this author and Enemy Mine was a couple of hours entertaining reading. Vampires and wolf-shifters aren't what you would call the best of friends, so when Melina Rodriguez had a one night stand with Kiernan Doyle a little over a year ago, not realizing who he actually was has more than a few repercussions for her. "All these rejections have me thinking you don't care." Having snuck out before he awoke, Melina wasn't really expecting to ever see the sexy Vampire again, but Kiernan has other ideas, and it's not too long before he has tracked her down, and right into Rodriguez Pack territory. To say that things between the pack and the Doyle Vampire Clan are less than amicable would be an understatement due to past issues, so when he finally gets Melina to agree to go to dinner with him, Kiernan knows he needs to play it cool. He had a feeling tonight might be his only chance with her, and he wasn't going to fuck it up. To say the date doesn't go as planned would be an understatement, and what follows is Kiernan trying to protect the woman he considers his mate, while fighting off her families attempts to keep them apart, as well as an unknown enemy trying to kidnap her at the same time. "I'm not leaving you again. No matter what." Loved it, Love the author, and I can't wait to read whatever she releases next. ARC generously provided via, Netgalley and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Seduce a SEAL (Sin City Seals, #3); Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "As long as you take off your shirt and wear a cowboy hat, we can do it any way you want, Mr. SEAL." Stars! Take the film The Bodyguard and add a dash of the TV Series Nashville and that's kind of the vibe Sara Jane Stone has given us for Dante and Chrissie's story in To Seduce a SEAL. I really enjoyed this one, nothing was too heavy or overly dramatised, it was more about the unconventional relationship between a man acting as a reluctant Bodyguard and a singer who is reluctant to have a Bodyguard. All the while they are both pretty much in agreement, in that they have an almost instantaneous attraction to each other. "I strive for perfection... and not just when it comes to kissing." They both believe that their careers are the one thing holding them back from getting involved in a full-blown relationship, Dante has been burnt before, and Chrissie is working and earning for more than just herself, which brings on added responsibilities. He was done playing fast and loose with his heart. I like that Sara made this part of their story important but the drama wasn't overplayed, it built up in small additions to their story around the romance blossoming between them while Chrissie is on the road. "I want you, not the show you put on for the rest of the world." To Seduce a SEAL is a nice, easy-going read, it takes a look at two people who both believe they can't put love first due to their careers and the responsibilities they have for others. And over the course of the building of their relationship shows them both that it shouldn't be that way, and that love should never be sacrificed between two people for the sake of others. "If we do this, you'll walk out of this room satisfied." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bachelor for Hire (Bachelor Auction Returns #1); Author: Charlene Sands; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "You flirting with me, cowboy?" Stars. Charlene Sands kicks off Tule Publishing's 2016 Bachelor Auction series in enjoyable style, with Cody Matthew's story. One of four previous Marietta Grizzlies football players that agree to take part in the auction, in order to help their old Coach raise funds for a helipad to be added to Marietta Hospital in the hope of saving future lives, after the loss of his grandson. Nick Palotay, Gavin Clark and Colt Ewing are due to have their stores told in the future novellas. With Cody, we get the tried and tested 'Second-Chance' trope, with the return to town of now famous actress Haley Dawn O'Malley. One failed attempt at intimacy back in their teens found him leaving town for the Army, and her for Hollywood. "Opposites attract." Hayley is back in Marietta hoping to take a break from the limelight, but to also clear her recently deceased Grandmothers house out, but shortly after arriving odd things start happening, and Hayley wonders if she is being stalked. Cody initially refuses to let her hire him, and the only way she can guarantee he sticks around is to buy him for the weekend at the Auction. Sparks fly between them from the get-go, and the suspense element keeps the plot moving along. The previous connection between the couple as well as the past feelings they harbour for each other keeps everything moving along swiftly without feeling under-developed. "I like the way you experiment." I liked that Hayley was the confident one out of the two of them, she wasn't afraid to tell Cody what she wanted from him, his reasonings for being commitment shy whilst protecting her were valid, and all-in-all this was an easy going novella to read. I am looking forward to reading Robin Bielman's offering next with Falling for Her Bachelor did someone say Firefighter! ARC generously provided by the publisher, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Forgetting August (Lost & Found, #1); Author: J.L. Berg; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "There's always a choice." Stars! I am not a huge fan of the 'Love-Triangle' trope, it's just a theme I do not enjoy, I think I can count on one hand the number of books I have read in this genre, I usually have a nasty reaction to all of the lying and deceit akin to the below. But I saw a few reviews about Forgetting August being a little different from the norm in relation to the whole 'Love-Triangle' scenario, and add to the fact one of my favorite tropes in the form of one of the leads having amnesia is included I thought I would give it a go. Secrets have a way of revealing themselves over time. I think the triangle aspect of this one falls very much into a grey, blurred line sort of area, for me upon finishing the story I don't personally think any actual cheating took place, J. L. Berg managed to build anticipation between August and Everly at the beginning, whilst she was still with Ryan, without anything inappropriate actually taking place. I think the first time it does could be looked at from two sides, but for me, and taking into account Ryan's decision at that point I could live with it. Especially as he then had virtually no involvement in the time Everly was then with August. So many lies... So many secrets. But I think what kept me reading with this one was more the story-line than the characters for the most part, I can't say I particularly felt anything positive or negative towards either August or Everly, but the author did really well to craft a story around his amnesia, and her trying to come to terms with the man he is after waking up. "What kind of man was I?" In particular the complete change in personality from the guy she ran from, and the fact that there are large chunks of his past that neither of them know about him for obvious reasons and her because of the way they lived as a couple before the mugging took place, that as the story progresses you just know are going to become massive issues at some point. And boy do they, I kind of saw both twists coming from a mile off, but again it wasn't a problem as it is a very well put together story. My one issue if I am being truthful was Ryan, I'll be honest and say I don't really ever envisage a man being as easy going and as accepting of things as he was, it just didn't sit right with me, but then this is book one of two, so maybe the author gives him a back-bone in Remembering Everly. "It was you. It was always you." This part of their story does end on a massive cliffy, everything that you think you know about August is literally turned on its head, and possibly not in a positive way. Everly is also not the person you are initially lead to; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Always for You: Jack (Sergeant Joe's Boys, #1); Author: Alexis Morgan; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Don't be afraid to let a little happy into your life." Stars. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Always For You: Jack, is one of those books that wasn't a huge struggle to read, but as it progressed I found myself asking a few questions with regards to the writing style, characterization and the path the story took. "You're a nice man..." I think my main issue is that I had real problems trying to see Caitlyn and Jack as people in their thirties, firstly the language and conversation between them is pretty stilted and lacking emotion, but also I just really struggled to see people of the age they are meant to be portrayed as behaving and conversing they way they did. Old fashioned writing, not fitting with the younger characters it is being attributed too. You could almost put Jack back in the fifties and sixties he was that much of an old-school gentleman, which there is absolutely nothing wrong with, but if you are setting your book in the modern day it's just not going to sit right with today's societal norms. "Let's enjoy every moment we can." I liked the inclusion of Ricky into the story, a troubled child always adds an extra and usually emotive factor to a book, and although it did produce a little readerly feels at points, I really struggled to get any emotion from anyone for most of this book. There was a little bit right at the very end where everyone loosens their corsets a bit... Sorry I meant belts, but for want of a better word it was all very superficial in its telling and delivery. I never really felt we really got into the heads of any of the characters that much more than a cursory glance. "We might not have been born family, but we've become one anyway." This may be the authors normal writing style, I can't compare as it is the first book I have read by Alexis Morgan, it had the potential to be a five star read for me, but I just wanted more, depth, feelings, emotional attachments to the characters, everyone involved is grieving the loss of something, or someone, or both and it just didn't feel like the brevity of the situation and the story-line was given what it needed to carry the weight and impact the tropes used could and would normally have. Three adoptive brothers, all very different in looks, personalities and the demons they carry due to their past experiences. Jack has had his story told, Tino is up next in Always Be True, due for release in October, and although I am interested to get to know him, I am not sure whether the authors writing style and I are going to get along with each other as a prolonged relationship, or whether I should stick to one-and-done right now. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How to Save a Life; Author: Kristin Harmel; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "This was worth every minute." Stars! Sometimes a book comes along, that you know when you read it, you are going to end up a snotty whimpering mess. How to Save a Life is definitely in that category for me. And although it had me sobbing into a tissue while reading the latter part of it and for a little while after finishing, it is the kind of book that also leaves to with a good feeling inside as well. Kristin Harmel is a new author to me, the blurb was what immediately grabbed me, as Jills' situation is one that no-one ever wants to find themselves in, and its one of those questions that no-one ever wants to really answer - What would you do when you if given a short amount of time to live? One day more... There are so many things Jill could have done, I loved that the main role of her life was as a carer to often terminally sick children in that she was a Oncology nurse at Atlanta Children's Hospital, this is a woman who is quite intimately acquainted with death, so when her own is diagnosed and the number of days she has left are confirmed as few her immediate focus is still on the children that she cares for on a day-to-day basis. "Time is never a guarantee." But Logan and a few other children on her floor are doing more than just marking the days until their clock runs down, and with the help of a tree, they show her that you can make right and repair what you thought was broken in your life, before you say your final goodbyes. "True love only takes a moment. And then your heart belongs to someone else forever." I like that the love aspect in the book wasn't the main focus, but Jill's budding relationship with Jamie as she understood what the time she was given was for did add another layer to the emotional roller-coaster that you are on as a reader. But I think it was her relationship with Logan, the terminally ill, orphan that really grabbed my heart and squeezed hard. "Some things just are. Some things you just have to believe in." I suppose some people would think reading about someone who is dying would be depressing, but for me the book wasn't massively about that until the last few chapters, it was more about Jill having the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a woman whose clock is counting down, and what she chose to do with those precious minutes she had left. My only niggle, was the end was a little easy-way-out in its direction, and I don't mean Jill's dying, you know that is going to happen anyway, it was the resolution of certain other aspects of the story. One thing that I did like was Logan's ending, I sort of hope that the author has a story for him, because dead, isn't always the end. I look forward to reading; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr and Mrs (Alexa Riley Promises, #1); Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "We'll never be apart again." Stars! I am so excited about this new series from Alexa Riley, taking the old tropes and giving them a new and sexy twist in their own incomparable style is right up this reader's street, especially as someone who used to be a humongous Harlequin reader back in her teens. Molly and Phillip have been married a year, to say he is obsessed with her would be an understatement, Alpha male gone mad, but in such a sweet and sexy way. She's my addiction. In my every thought and every action. Phillip is working towards being able to live the life he wants with Molly, but in order to do that he has had to spend more hours in the office than he would like of late, something Molly has been worrying about especially after she sees his sexy new assistant... Molly sees more than she was planning to the night she decides to surprise Phillip in the office and what follows is a predictably over-the-top (in every way you want it to be), but absolutely outstanding read from this duo, and every trope used was explored fully for maximum effect and in such an entertaining way, and again we are given a kick-ass epilogue to round things off all sweet and cuddly. She woke up my whole world the moment I laid eyes on her. I cannot get enough of the novellas this duo put together, and I cannot wait to see what is up next in the 'An Alexa Riley Promise' series. ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling for Her Bachelor (Bachelor Auction Returns #2); Author: Robin Bielman; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: 5 - "It was perfect. Every Minute." Stars! I absolutely adored Robin Bielman's addition to the Bachelor Auction series. Perfect romantic escapism, and anything that gives me more time in Marietta, Montana is always a plus, but something just clicked with Cassidy and Nick's story, and I simply couldn't put it down. The author took one of my favourite tropes, in Best-Friends Big Brother and crafted a well-developed, sexy coming together. Sid and Nick have been a part of each others lives from childhood, but he only really ever saw her as a surrogate little sister, but now both back in town, after more than a few years passing, seeing Sid again doesn't bring out anything brotherly in him. "Sometimes nothing is everything." What starts as a weekend of no strings adrenaline fueled fun, after winning Nick in the Bachelor Auction, progresses to a few weeks of illicit sex as both Nick and Cassidy realize that their connection goes a little more deeper than 'No-Strings', but they are both due to leave town and go back to their respective lives in completely different states, so the possibility of a future seems to be out of reach. "I want to breathe you in, every inch of you... Kiss you, taste you, and know what it feels like to be buried inside you." Nick is dealing with a few demons from his past, and as the story progresses Cassidy is the one he turns to, to help work through them with him, and I absolutely adored the development of their relationship around this. The drama is well paced and not overplayed, and Robin just gives her readers a couple that you cannot help falling in love with, as they fall in love with each other. "I'm not ready to let this go yet..." An absolute winner for me, the second book in the series delivered on all counts. I really hope at some point the author gets the opportunity to give Rowan Palotay her story, as Nicks single little sister, and Cassidy's best friend she featured quite a bit in Falling For Her Bachelor and I really liked her, so would love to see her have her own 'Happily Ever After' at some point. I cannot wait for the next book, Sinclair Jayne is a new author to me, and I am looking forward to seeing what sort of story she gives her Bachelor. ARC generously provided by the publisher, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bitter Blood (Blood and Moonlight, #3); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - Another day... Another nightmare. Stars! The final book in Cynthia Eden's Blood and Moonlight trilogy, does a pretty good job of tying up all the loose ends that were hanging from the previous two books. Jane and Aidan have gone through some massive changes since the start of the series, and this book sees them both start to work through and deal with everything that has happened to them so far. "Together, we will always be stronger." As you would expect the author wasn't content to leave it a Jane being a Vampire, and the rest of the plot plays out around Aidan trying to deal with the changes that are happening to him, and his second in command Paris, whist trying to work out who the villain is. When it came to the paranormal world, there was always more at work than met the eye. Nobody does PNR quite like Cynthia Eden, and this was another series full of twists and turns, red herrings aplenty and lots and lots of sexy Alpha goodness. What more can you ask for! "I'd go over the edge with you any day."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His Undercover Princess (Tempt Me, #1); Author: Avery Flynn; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "I will always come for you." Stars! There is nothing I like more than a healthy dose of fiction with my fiction. And Avery Flynn delivered that perfectly with His Undercover Princess. Fictional country, Fictional Monarchy, and fictional everything else! The one thing that always draws me into this authors stories is that she always gives good character. Elle and Dom were both really likeable, and although one a Royal and the other a Commoner (albeit a Billionaire one), they both gave each other as good as they got. Elle was sassy, snarky and confident in herself, and Dom took all of that from her and still managed to turn her into a quivering, turned-on mess, and I loved the author's telling of their story. "If you had been on my hit list... you'd have been dead before you even got to ask my inseam." Elle has been living incognito in the US for the last decade, a coup in her home country of Elskov killed all of her family, and her only chance of survival was to flee. Now the threat has returned and resistance fighter in private and Billionaire Bachelor in public Dom Rasmussen is her kidnapper/bodyguard for the foreseeable, while a workable solution to getting her back on the throne is planned out. Being a queen wasn't a choice, it was her destiny, her duty, but it wasn't all she was. Dominant and dirty mouthed Dom, was exactly the right balance of sexy alpha that I like, he took Elle's strengths and used them to get her exactly where he wanted her, in the bedroom and pretty much elsewhere too. And when the bad-guys stepped into the picture, he turned into a gun-toting, fighting-dirty-to-get-back-his-girl-badass! Never trust anyone... His Undercover Princess, is pure romantic escapism, with a little excitement thrown in for good reading measure. Avery has also set up the series well, in that the Epilogue gave us a look into the mind of Major Lucas Bendtsen, head of Elskov's Silver Knights, the Elite Royal protection guard, and a little look into the potential story we will hopefully get for him next, in that it involves the mob, a possible threat to the throne and an elusive jewellery designer/thief. Bring it on! The first book in the Tempt Me series was a temptation I couldn't refuse, I am expecting following titles to be just as enticing. ARC generously provided via Barclay Publicity, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Remembering Everly (Lost & Found, #2); Author: J.L. Berg; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - Secrets never die... Stars. I was expecting big things from Remembering Everly after the cliffy that J.L. Berg left readers with at the end of Forgetting August, but in all honesty I was left feeling a little... Personally, I felt this was a classic case of stretching out one book into two. Although well written and for the most part not a struggle too read, I found I had passed the 60% mark without anything of real note actually happening, in fact most of it was almost the first book on repeat, massively long internal monologues from the pair of them that bordered on repetitive and definitely reminded me of the whole situation from the beginning of the first book as well. A lot of it could have easily been paired down, and just put together in one, albeit slightly longer book. Mild spoilers ahead if you haven't read the first book. Everly now back with Ryan (Again) is in full steam ahead wedding planning mode(Again), whilst constantly thinking about August, (sounds familiar right) without going into the nitty-gritty, things happen between Everly/August & Everly/Ryan prior to her walking down the aisle and once again Everly finds herself un-engaged and this time sleeping in her best friends spare room. However, to mix things up a bit the author does send her and her best friend to Paris on her non-Honeymoon. "I feel like I'm living a life everyone expects of me..." "Then live the life meant for you." After the way things were left at the end of Forgetting August I have to admit I was expecting much more of a bang with this book, even the synopsys alludes to it. But I just felt the whole Trent situation was barely developed on for a large portion of the story and then seemed to be thrown in at the end as a way to finish the book off. A lot of questions were raised and not really answered in full, all the while Everly and August once again worked through all their feelings for each other. The other issue I had is that a lot of the twists thrown into the rest of the book just seemed unnecessary and more for padding and page count than adding any value or any depth to the story. "We made it back to each other eventually." I kind of just feel ambivalent to the book and characters as a whole. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, nothing really stood out about it, I think my expectations were high, and just weren't fulfilled on this occasion. This definitely wouldn't stop me reading more from the author though, she certainly has a writing style that I didn't struggle to read, I just wanted a lot more story to go with the lengthy page count. "We don't work when we're apart." ARC generously provided by RockStar PR via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Worth It All (The McKinney Brothers, #3); Author: Claudia Connor; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You're kind of impossible to resist." Stars! Claudia Connor returns with Jake 'JT' McKinney's story, the elusive brother that we have heard a little about in the previous two books, and have seen even less of over the telling of his older brothers stories. Worth It All is probably my least favorite of the McKinney Brothers series so far, not really because I didn't enjoy it, the author has a really engaging writing style that makes her stories and characters pretty easy to get along with. But more due to the fact that the characters, their back-stories and the plot-lines as a whole seemed to lack the depth and emotional connection that the books predecessors did. Just seeing a woman he had no intention of ever making a move on was the highlight of his week. To be honest I was just expecting more, the authors previous efforts with the McKinney brothers have always held so much emotional investment for me as the reader, and between the characters as their pasts were worked through, and the futures between them were worked out, but I just didn't feel that connection between Jake and Paige as much. Casey; Paige's daughter was the glue to this story, and was the one thing that kept the budding relationship between the pair of them more than a low fizzle. "I want to make your life a fairy tale." My other whinge was the whole side story between their friends Jenny & Simon in the second half of the book, I would have much rather seen this as an additional novella to the series if I am honest, as it just felt like added filler to this one and didn't really bring much in the way of anything relevant to the story playing out between Jake and Paige. As I said I still didn't struggle to read Worth It All, I just feel like there was something lacking from it compared to the other two books in the series. It won't stop me looking too read more from Claudia in the future, and I hope that this isn't the end of this series. "Looks like I have the magic touch." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twist (Dive Bar, #2); Author: Kylie Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Worst internet friend ever..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url]... Amazon UK: [url]... Amazon Aus: [url]-... Amazon CA: [url]... iBooks: [url]...... B&N: [url]...... Kobo: [url]... All back to the Dive Bar for the second book from the series of the same name. Twist gives us a deeper look into bartender Joe Collins, and wowza did Kylie Scott deliver a great story for him. I absolutely adored Joe, and I loved this book. Alexandra Parks turning up at the bar for his brothers Birthday party, the brother she thought she had been emailing online for the last six months, throws all sorts of unexpected spanners in the works for him. But rather than act like an absolute tool with being caught out pretending to be someone else, in front of all his friends Joe does everything in his power to make it up to her. The bearded one was a true gentleman, despite all the hair, tats, and savage looks... Having her stuck in town when she is struck down with a monumental case of the flu helps, and he proceeds to play nursemaid to her in her hotel room until she is better. By the time Alex has started to feel relatively normal again, she has also started to see past Joe's duplicity to the man he actually is. Alone was safe and oh so comfortable... I always like to see an author turn things around and make the female character the commitment-phobe in the budding relationship you are reading about, and Alex was the epitome of that. Anything other than a quick in-out-and-off-you-go leaves her feeling out of sorts and all of a jitter, so when Joe pushes those boundaries each and every time they get together, you see her struggles with the newfound feelings and emotions his attentiveness and overall sweetness bring out in her. This is a guy who doesn't give up though, and I absolutely adored the bearded one. "All the way... I'm going all the way with you." You go through the emotional wringer through the telling of this story with laughs a-plenty as well as a few tears just to even up the proceedings, and I think that the secondary characters take up just as much page space in the second half of the book as our main H/h, but it worked. The drama that played out with them, gave our couple the answers that they needed for their own internal battles, and I really, really would have like to have seen Joe's POV in this one too see what was going on in his head at certain pivotal points in the story. I loved Alex's BFF Val, and Eric Collins; Joe's brother came off as an absolute tool for most of the book, so I am interested in seeing exactly how Kylie is planning to redeem him in the next book from the series Chaser, which is due for release in November. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragons Against Them (Kingdoms of Fire and Ice, #2); Author: Kyra Jacobs; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Welcome to the new normal... Stars! Kyra Jacobs returns with the second book in her Kingdoms of Fire and Ice series; Dragons Against Them. this is very much a series with a story running through it, and as such should be read in order to avoid confusion. A huge amount happened in the first book, and if you haven't read it I would say that my review is likely to offer spoilers in relation to my talking about this installment in the series and general development of the plot, so if you haven't read it yet you have been warned. Secrecy and lies were often the ways of royals... And that was very much the case with the end of the last book Princess Rosalind of Forath, had high-tailed it into the forest when it was exposed that she had been keeping Addie Miller in the dungeons under the palace. After being rescued by Prince Zayne of Edana, who is also Addie's lover, all manner of secrets and lies were exposed, the biggest one being that Addie was actually Rosalind's long-lost elder step-sister. "It pains me to be away from you, my lady." So we take up in this book with Princess Addie now a virtual prisoner in her father's Castle, which bearing in mind she has been a modern, independent woman for many years is something of a struggle for her to deal with. Zayne back in Edana dealing with the pressures of being the successor to the throne, and covering his father's duties while he recuperates from illness means that their time together pre-wedding is limited and often not alone. "Take good care of my beloved." Where to start, there was so much going on in this book, with a lot of POV's coming into play as it progressed, the author held my attention from the offset, and even though it has been a while since I read the first book of the series; Dragons Among Them it took me no time at all to get my head back into the realms of Forath, Edana and all of the characters associated with them. "Life... is always a gift." I can't really liken this series to anything else I have read previously, and that for me is a huge compliment for the author, because it is not often I am able to say that about a book or series that I am reading. The plot just kept throwing up one surprise after another, and I loved that I literally did not know where the story was going to take me next. The series while still about Addie and Zayne and their love for each other, takes in so many other characters and plots involving them, that at this point and at the stage where Dragons Against Them ended I really couldn't tell you how the author is going to proceed, and finish the story. "May our allegiances indeed be enough to save us all..." Whilst questions were answered, even more questions were raised and stories/characters were developed, in the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Problem with Forever; Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 5 - "Use your words..." Stars! I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I personally find Jennifer Armentrout's NA/YA works some of the best out there, she excels in this genre, whereas I find her adult offerings a little on the mediocre side, she always delivers, and with her own unique style when it comes to her younger characters. Mallory and Rider, are kids of the system, both had horrendous beginnings to their lives, yet after one horrifying night, one got lucky, the other got absorbed into a broken system. That said at the point we pick up their story again, four years on, both of them are making the best of the hand that life has dealt them. "Hoping never really got us anywhere did it." This is one of those books that pulls you in from its first paragraph, it also keeps you in its grip as you discover more about the Mallory and Rider from the past, versus the Mallory and Rider of the now. The direction their story took wasn't a massive surprise, but I still could not put it down, its one you become emotionally invested in very quickly. "You're not the same girl I knew four years ago." One the protector, and you can tell straight off who, but I liked that as the story took shape you could see the underlying strength pushing through from the other as well. Especially as events overtook them, and Rider's perceived control of the situation he found himself in was completely blown away. Mallory steps up, but also as events unfold realizes that under the devil-may-care facade Rider puts across, is a guy dealing with more than a few feelings of insecurity himself. Parts of the book are understandably hard to read, but everything is so beautifully put forth that even the unhappy bits were worth reading, the author took two damaged souls, and rebuilt their connection until they were whole again. I like that Mallory's issues weren't rushed through to a perfect resolution, she is a work in progress, and you can see that progress as the story moves along. "We don't have the same lives anymore, do we?" Going back to school is a big thing for her, and the author imparted that, and the feelings and reactions towards those first few weeks really put you there with her. There is scope with this book in my opinion to be developed into a series, what with the events of this story having an irrevocable effect on some of the secondary characters, there are also a plethora of students at Lands High School that could potentially have their own issues that they are dealing with as well. Notably for me though are Ainsley and Hector, best friends of Mallory and Rider, in the latter stages of this book I found myself as interested in what was going on with them as I was with the main couple. In her eyes, he took up her entire world. This is just a beautifully written book,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Under The Surface (Alpha Ops, #4); Author: Anne Calhoun; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "Your bar, your rules." Stars! I have spent the last week or two, working my way through the first three novellas in Anne's Alpha Op's series. As an author new to me, the completion of each story gave me a bigger and bigger smile. I started at good, moved onto really good, then great with the third installment, but Under The Surface the first full length book stepped firmly, and with both feet into the stellar category. I love a good old fashioned romantic suspense, and the author delivered it in spades with Eve and Matt's story. Plenty of twists and turns in the plot, but the slow-burn sizzle between the two of them was what kept me reading well past my bedtime initially. Some authors drag out the build-up to a couple doing the deed, and it feels just that, dragged out but holy hotness, the push and pull between these two... I was as frustrated as they were! "You're hot as hell, but business comes first." But Matt has his reasons for holding back, and he does try admirably, but in Eve we are given a really strong female lead, she wasn't afraid to push for what she wanted, and eventually managed to coax the sparks between them into a fully burning blaze. Add in a few giggles, a really great cast of secondary characters, and an edge of your seat finale, and I can without doubt say I am a fan for life of this author now. The next book of the series Going Deep, is due in November, and I am looking forward to seeing what the author offers up next. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweet for a SEAL; Author: Anne Marsh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Making memories... Stars! I am not a huge fan of stories told in first person POV, in fact if I know a story is told that way, chances are I will give it a miss. But Anne Marsh managed to deliver an entertaining and quirky read, in-spite of the first person POV story-telling. Sweet for a SEAL is a really sweet story. I loved Finn and Vali, both of them endeared themselves to me pretty much from the get go, which is why I didn't find reading the book as much of a struggle as I thought I would. I'm no hero, but I'm happy to pretend to be one for her. Commitment-phobe, makes a bet, but then falls for the woman he is supposed to be having a mutually agreed pretend relationship with, to enable him to have sex, within the parameters set out by the bet, basically sums this one up in a nutshell, but the author really gave good internal monologue for both of them. I'm tired of pretending that everything's fine, that nothing's changed... I loved the vulnerability that both of them revealed as their back stories were told, and Finn was an absolute sweetheart, even when he was acting like a tool. The ending felt a bit rushed but other than that a really enjoyable read. Orgasms trump nightmares. I look forward to Vann's book Her One Best SEAL which is due Mid June. ARC generously provided, and it was a pleasure to offer the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Revealing Her SEAL (ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights #4); Author: Kat Cantrell; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Still waters ran deep... Stars! Kat Cantrell returns with her second offering to the ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights, series. Book four overall, we return to the Duchess Island Resort and the ex-SEALs now running Aqueous Adventures. This is Evan and Rachel's story, both of which you are introduced to in Kat's first book Claiming Her SEAL. I think one of the main things that stands out about this story, and the reason that I rated it so highly, is that there is so much more to Evan and Rachel than initially meets the eye, and although not the longest book, Kat took the time to build their relationship, on the mutual discovery of each others pasts, rather than just jump into the bedroom with them. If you didn't talk, people lost interest and moved on. Except this one. Evan not being much of a talker at the beginning of the story, is also not something the author rushes through, and the building of their relationship is almost an aftereffect of the emotions they bring out in each other as they gradually realize that they have more in common with each other than they initially assumed. "You say more with your face than most people can in a hundred words." Silence is Evan's shield, Sass is Rachel's. "You have a unique way of making me... comfortable. I appreciate that." This was a quick, and pretty emotive read. As a couple you pull for them from the get-go, but Evan... Gah! there was just something about his complete self-belief that he wasn't worthy that gave this reader more than a little soft spot for him. The banter between the guys is as entertaining as in the previous book, and the story, one you will devour. "You weren't supposed to be so forgiving." I am so pleased that Kat is adding more books to this series, especially as she is giving us Charlie's story next; Commanding Her SEAL is due for release in July, and I am really excited to read it. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The CEO's Little Surprise (Love and Lipstick #1); Author: Kat Cantrell; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I fully intend to use every scrap of information I learn to seduce you..." Stars! The CEO's Little Surprise is the first book in Kat Cantrell's new Love and Lipstick series, set in the world of Fyra Cosmetics run by four female friends, each of them dealing with their own separate issues. In this book we are given CEO Cass Claremont's story, and there is nothing I enjoy more than a second-chance reconnection. I found the first half of the book pretty easy to read, you are given a bit of an introduction to the women involved with FYRA, and whose books will follow on from this one, in Trinity, Harper and Alex. All of them have pivotal roles within the company and when faced with an in-house leak of extremely valuable and potentially world changing information all four women find their friendship tested to the limits in trying to find the source. Best Face Forward. In walks Gage Branson, CEO of rival company GB Skin, after hearing of the new formula his competitors have potentially got in the works, his one goal is to buy it, and keep his products at the top of the pile. The one major problem is that Cass and he go back, waaaaaay back, and the parting between them that he thought was amicable, left more of a lasting impression on our starchy CEO. "Business... then pleasure." I liked the push and pull between Gage and Cass, their mutual pasts and current professions allowed for plenty of verbal sparring, and Cass, still nursing her hurt from their time together ten years previously, had him blowing hot and cold with her mood-swings from the get-go. No broken hearts this time. Things got a a little too busy in the second half, although seeing as the title has surprise in it, I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was, and although I was expecting their to be resolution to the whole leak aspect of the story, that was also left up in the air, I am assuming it will be a trope that is played out over the course of the rest of the books in the series. "Together. Like old times." An easy, uncomplicated read. As you would expect with a book released under the Harlequin umbrella, The CEO's Little Surprise offers up a little stress-free romantic escapism. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Empty Jar; Author: M. Leighton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Beauty and tragedy... Stars. ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]-... B&N - [url]... I am quite an emotional reader, a big softy if you will, and sometimes a story, its characters, or just the way something has been written leaves more of a mark than normal. Lena and Nate Grant's story did that, it left a mark, provoked a reaction, made me think. I can honestly say there is only one other book that has had such an emotional impact on me, and that was Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I am not in the habit of comparing books, and The Empty Jar is in a completely different stratosphere in relation to the storyline, but the reaction it bought out of me isn't. We share the kind of love that picks you up when you stumble, the kind of love that catches you when you fall, the kind of love that rescues you when you need saving. The real kind of love. Which to be blunt was a total emotional melt-down, I won't forget this story, because for all the upset I experienced in reading it, it is also one of the most positive books I have ever read as well. The knowledge that your death is imminent is something that a lot of us are going to struggle to ever understand until we actually go through it. But the knowledge that someone you love is facing the end is something that everyone is going to have some level of experience. The end is still coming. It's always out there, hovering, like clouds on the horizon. Whether it be a peaceful passing from old age and a life well lived, or from an abhorrent disease that burrows its way in, spreads its roots and refuses to let go, it's heart-breaking all the same. And the author encapsulated that from both sides, which means you are given the experience from both perspectives, the person still living, while watching the other one dying and vice-versa, and that in itself is why it is such an emotional read. We've been together for what feels like a lifetime, but now it's beginning to seem like the blink of an eye. I think The Empty Jar will touch everyone in some way, some more profoundly than others for certain. But the subject matter of the story is one that you cannot, not feel something for, but there is so much hope and positivity in running through it as well though. "We have today. Now. Let's make this count. Let's love enough for the rest of my life..." "No let's love enough for the rest of mine." Lena and Nate make the most out of every opportunity, every experience, tomorrow is a day where they do more, never letting the grass grow under their feet, yesterday is a memory to be treasured, and catalogued. To be remembered when times are darker, and they do get darker, but you know that from the beginning, and although you think you have prepared yourself; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Searching for Harmony; Author: Kelly Elliott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "You just made this so much easier." Star. DNF @ 22% Quick sum up, this book in the 22% I read pretty much had every trope I despise in my love stories - * At the start Preston has a girlfriend (Sherry), who is a bitch, but he is still happy to sleep with her to forget... * Harmony has shitty parents, on finding out shes pregnant she's given the following options; abortion or disownment, feel the love. * She then finds out after her husband and son's deaths that his was slipping the light fantastic with his receptionist for the previous six months, who also as luck would have it was his High School crush prior to knocking up Harmony. * Sherry upon the big break up, then confesses to cheating on Preston six months into their relationship. That is just the cliff notes, but what I was expecting to get from the blurb (recovery from grief, slow-burn romance, and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster) basically morphed into erroneous drama overload pretty much from the end of the prologue. "Everything happens for a reason." That may be so, but in twenty years Harmony has experienced more than a normal family would go through in a lifetime (and this is just in the first 20% of the book) let alone one person. I can live with drama and angst if its relevant and provokes a reaction, but the main points of the story were lost because of the above spoilers as well as a total lack of emotional development between the H/h, they have a connection apparently according to Preston, which in one aspect is true he is the fire-fighter that worked on, but was unable to save her son but that is as far as it went for me. This is my first book by this author, an author I have seen a massive amount over my GR and Facebook feeds over the last couple of years. I knew her stories were emotionally charged and high on angst levels, so I had pretty high expectations. Unfortunately, Searching for Harmony to be frank, left me a little cold in the blase nature of its telling. ARC generously provided, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Spin (Boosted Hearts, #2); Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "You gonna put that beast to good use or just stand there all night feeling yourself up?" Stars! The second novel in Sherilee Gray's Boosted Hearts series gives us Joe Colton's story. You got to know him quite well in the previous novel as he is Hugh's younger brother, and towards the end of that book you were given a sense that there is more going on with him than his brother is aware of. And the author did really well with keeping things ticking over with this aspect of the story. If you haven't read the first book this next bit is a bit of a spoiler, but essentially Joe has taken over the debt his bother Hugh was trying to clear in their errant fathers name, problem being the mobsters they are indebted too don't particularly want to end their lucrative business arrangement and they are literally throwing obstacles in the way of the Colton's in order for them to fail the terms of their agreement. "Besides working on cars, fucking is the only joy I have left in my shitty life. I figure I need to screw as often as I can while I can." This is where Darcey Connors enters the picture, indebted to the same people, but for wholly different reasons, her skill set puts her directly in Joe's path as the proverbial spanner in the work that he is trying to carry out for them. They are meant to be enemies, but the chemistry and connection between them sparks off from the beginning, only problem being that Joe doesn't realize exactly who she is after their initial sexy alleyway meeting. This woman was fast becoming an obsession. I liked the push and pull between these two, the author hit the fine line between not overplaying Darcey's reluctance to commit to Joe in any meaningful way, and the big tattooed softy, basically dirty talked and joked his way into her affections. Feelings that grow for the both of them as Darcey opens up more to Joe and starts to believe that he isn't like all the other guys that have flitted through her life like tumbleweed in the past. "Want you with me tonight... In my bed, where I know you're safe... Where I can protect you from all the shit that's weighing you down." Some things are resolved in this book, and some new doors are opened in relation to Adam's forthcoming book in Spin, and the author is going in a direction with his story and with the woman he is likely to get his happily ever after that makes me happy, as it is one of my favorite tropes. "You don't need to hide from me... Don't you know I'd never hurt you?" If you are looking for an easy to read, dirty-sexy story, with a bit of intrigue, some well-balanced drama and angst and plenty of banter between really likeable characters, then this series is certainly one you will want to add to your TBR. Sherilee Gray has created a group; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Slide (Boosted Hearts Book 3); Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "I always knew it was meant to be you." Stars! The third book in Sherilee Gray's Boosted Hearts series, did not disappoint. Lucy and Adam have been intermittently circling around each other through the previous two books, so it was good to see them finally have their story told. ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url] iBooks: [url] B&N: [url] Kobo: [url] Amazon AU: [url] Amazon CA: [url] Amazon UK: [url] Taking into account that Adam is co-worker and best friends with Lucy's older brothers Hugh and Joe, and they are uber protective of their little sister, this book had all the makings of a really great read. The dynamic between the guys in the previous books has always given good banter, but the undertone through that has always been that they stood together, and protected what was theirs, so self-confessed man whore Adam getting it on with Lucy was always going to be a tricky situation. "Do you plan this shit out, or are you just naturally gifted?" I loved that the author took the couple away from that environment to give their coming together a chance by sticking them in a car for a cross country road trip. "For the next three days... I want everything." That journey in itself had enough thrills and spills to keep me entertained, but the aftermath, and Adams reaction to his changing feelings for Lucy kept me reading well after my bedtime. She needed to focus on getting her life back on track, not lust after the surly, unattainable bastard downstairs... But Lucy is dealing with her own set of issues, issues that she has kept to herself, her reason for returning home after dropping out of college for one, and Adam's constant hot and cold treatment is not something she has the strength to keep dealing with, that is until he goes all out hot, and she finally thinks that they may actually have a chance together. "No matter how hard I try... I can't keep away from you." I really enjoy Sherilee's books, she gets the banter between the guys (and girls) just right, the connection between her couples is always smoking hot as are the sexy-times, and the drama is balanced out and thankfully never takes over the story, which for me makes a huge difference. "I don't want anything from you that doesn't involve an orgasm." This series has sort of come to its natural end what with all three Colton siblings paired off, I wonder if the author has any idea for some sort of off-shoot series though as it would be nice to get the odd update on how they are all getting on, and having now read six different books by the author set in and around a garage I think she has found a niche that she excels in (not that I think she should just stick to that trope), and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Max (Cold Fury Hockey, #6); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Suck it up, buttercup." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon: [url] B&N: [url] iBooks: [url] Google Play: [url] Kobo: [url] Audible: [url] Sawyer Bennett returns with the sixth book in her popular Cold Fury Hockey series. This time it's Max Fournier's time to hit the limelight, and hopefully find his happily ever after. I have to admit that I was getting ready to call time on the Caroline Cold Fury Hockey Team, to be blunt, the previous two books relied far too much on erroneous drama for me, and I found both of them a huge struggle to read. But having devoured and really enjoyed the authors Sugar Rush series over the last couple of months, I decided to give Max the chance, and it was a chance worth taking as I really enjoyed his story. I like commitment and monogamy. Maybe, I'm a romantic at heart... I think the above statement adequately sums up one of the big reasons I liked this book, Max was an absolute sweetheart. I loved this guy, low drama, full disclosure, and not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. It was a refreshing change from the drama overload of the previous two books, and although Jules' situation was drama personified, it wasn't overdone, but blended well into the story as their relationship developed. "There's something about you that makes me believe anything is possible." Not the most surprising of plots to be honest, but this is a couple that you root for, the dash of Cinderella style romance to the proceedings really added to the sweet-factor as well, but it was nice to have a couple in this series' story really be about them becoming a couple, and not overloaded with drama from secondary sources, the way the first couple of books were. ... He's got me hooked. I am now renewing my membership to the Cold Fury Fan-club after this little gem, and I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for Roman; due for release in February 2017. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blackmailing the Virgin (Alexa Riley Promises, #2); Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'll always be here to catch you." Stars! LIVE! Amazon US -[url]... Amazon UK - [url]... Alexa Riley returns with the second novella in the Promises series, once again and as I have come to expect, I devoured this book in one sitting. The taking of well used tropes and giving them a smuttier spin, with the addition of an all-sorts of over-the-top alpha male just works, Calder was akin to a dog marking his territory as soon as he came across Felicity, and I absolutely loved that he was a little bit of an asshole in the beginning. I have a thing for assholes, especially when they then spend the latter portions of a book trying to repair the damage their ass-holiness has caused within their relationships. I am all kinds of out of sorts when I'm around him. Innocent kitten Felicity, soon turns into a bit of a lioness when Calder puts his proverbial foot in it and in a big jump-to-conclusions kind of way, and I loved that the authors took this relationships arc over the course of months, even though it was still all-sorts of insta everything, being on different continents for some of the first half meant that everything developed steadily. "You and I have something that can't be so easily broken." Again, the whole predictably perfect story-line was finished off with an absolutely stellar epilogue, and a good time was had by all! I wish we had got to read some of the mentioned emails from Calder to Felicity though, nothing pleases me more than a few grovelly, sexy, sweet emails in my romance. However, I cannot wait to see what the Promises series offers up next. ARC generously provided by ArdentPRose PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Snow (Fairytale Shifter, #4); Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "You're mine now." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] Amazon CA - [url] Finding Snow is the first novella I have read from the Fairytale Shifter series, seeing as it's the fourth title and I had no trouble reading it, I think it's safe to say the stories can be read as standalone's. Koda and Snow, are pretty much insta-everything (as you would expect!). As soon as he scents her he knows she is his mate, and Snow is not looking to put up much of a fight when he carries her back to his cabin. I liked the backstory to this one though, in that both of them are connected by something that at their initial meeting, neither of them are aware of. The over-the-top alpha in Koda, was all-sorts of sweet, and I loved that Snow was an old fashioned kind of girl in that she was happy to keep house. Another Gold-medal Epilogue finished this story off in stellar style, and I will certainly be looking to read the previous, and any forthcoming novellas from the series. ARC generously provided by ArdentPRose PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Welcoming the Bad Boy (Hero's Welcome, #3); Author: Annie Rains; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - Fiction is so much better than reality. Stars! I just adore this series, Annie Rains has hit every one of my happy places with each new book from the Hero's Welcome stories. Supposed bad-boy, and the assumed good-girl preachers daughter, this is a trope that I always enjoy and the author gave this couple a really good story. There is a lot going on with secondary characters, and the back-stories to both the main characters, and it just gave everything added depth for me, as you would expect, appearances are certainly deceiving with Val and Griffin. "I'm taking a break from good guys... Bad is exactly what I need this summer. The badder the better." Val being Seaside High's school secretary is just getting herself into the summer holiday groove, having the summer to herself seeing that her closest friends are all away with their significant others isn't such a bad thing, as she's on deadline, and seeing as no-one knows that she's and author on the side, them not being around gives her the perfect opportunity to kick back and get some writing done. Only problem being is she's lost all inspiration, and when in the past words just flowed onto the page, she's struggling to get even the opening sentence out this time. But then, an unplanned run in, and almost run over with Griffin Black and his motorbike, due to the yappy Pomeranian she's babysitting turns things on in her head (as well as other parts) and a summer of casual, no-strings sexy fun, with the Tattooed, K-9 Officer gives her all-sorts of inspiration writing and otherwise. "I fell for you, hard and fast this summer, and there's no going back now." What started out as fun turns into more for one of them over the course of the summer as they spend more time with each other, but the other is under the misapprehension that they will go their separate ways at the end of the holidays, even though their feelings run deeper as well... I devoured Welcoming the Bad Boy pretty much in one sitting, and I am hoping that a few titbits dropped in this one in relation to several of the single secondary characters, that there are potentially at least a couple more books to come, especially as I really don't want to leave the town of Seaside or its residents just yet. Annie has created such a great set up that I really hope we get to visit again and again. I must also highlight one of the best quotes I have ever read, not majorly pertinent to the story, but Annie sums up perfectly how I feel about reading, why I read and books in general - Hope to read more from this author soon. ARC generously provided, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Welcome to Forever - Starting Today (Hero's Welcome, #1.5); Author: Annie Rains; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'm getting married today." Stars! A short, sweet and deserved epilogue for Kat, Micah & Ben. Would have served just as well at the end of the actual book (seeing as it's only thirteen pages), but it was a nice little 'pit-stop' between books one and two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Secret Obsession (Red Stone Security, #12); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Then... I met you." Stars! Raegan and Ford warmed up my Kindle from the beginning to the end of their story, in book twelve of Katie Reus' hugely enjoyable Red Stone Security Series. Both have been attracted to the other from afar since Raegan came to town to work at Red Stone but Ford, being older didn't think she would be interested in him in that way. However, after saving her from almost being taken from a club after having her drink spiked while out with her friends, it becomes obvious very quickly that she is as attracted to him, as he is to her. She bought out all his protective, possessive instincts... He was the one taking care of her, he would keep her safe. Once again the author kept the suspense aspect of the story moving alongside the sexy-times between them at a steady pace, and I really liked Raegan and Ford together as a couple, this was a book I pretty much read in one sitting I enjoyed it so much. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love Thy Enemy (Red Stone Security #13); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "You don't have to be afraid of me." Stars! Book thirteen in Katie Reus' Red Stone Security series offers up another stellar romantic suspense treat. I like these books as they are always a quick read, but never leave you disappointed or expecting more. The author really excels at delivering a fully developed story without a massive page count. The dual POV always helps as well, and I loved that we got too see into Viktor Ivanov's head in this one, he has played a secondary part in some of the previous books, so it was nice to finally get into the cold, hard, blue-eyed Russians head. Dominique as you would expect with one of Katie's heroines, is a strong sassy woman in her own right. And I loved that her initial assumptions about the man she hates (and for good reason) are proved wrong as the book progresses. He'd learned that the world operated in shades of grey... Love Thy Enemy is almost a twofer in that the story between Abram and Lucy (Viktor's bother and assistant) also plays out through this book as well. Both brothers have one main thing in common when it comes to women, and that is that they both believe they are incapable of having a functioning relationship with one. "You really are big all over." Lucy and Dominique prove them both wrong on that assumption, and as their connections deepen the sexy-times between both couples are stellar. As you would expect though, trouble looms on the horizon for the Ivanov brothers... Walking away from her was something he just couldn't do. And having significant others that both men have deep feelings for, proves more than tempting for one of their enemies. With the inevitable action and suspense taking over the latter stages of the book. "I want to keep you safe..." Another great addition to the series, I cannot wait to see what adventure the author takes us on with the next book due for release soon. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hero (Sons of Texas, #1); Author: Donna Grant; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Looks like we're going on a mission..." Stars! Donna Grant's first foray in to the romantic suspense genre was for me in the main a success, The Sons of Texas series, offers up some well-loved tropes around the Loughman brothers and the woman who will eventually tame them, and I am interested to see where the story goes for this family. The only two issues I had with this book were the beginning, in that you are bombarded with an awful lot of characters from the off, and it takes a little time to get used to who is who, and the actions of Natalie, towards the end grinding down on ones enemy to get information, while the man you love watched on... Cringey to say the least for me . This is a story firmly set in the escapist fiction category as well, who knew that such a hotbed of espionage and villainy existed in the heart of Texas. "This is a shit storm of epic proportions." There is no denying that this is an author that can pull any sort of story-line together, this is a family that has pretty much had everything thrown at them, and murder by their enemies seems to be the main theme of how most of the Loughman family tree in recent years has been whittled down. But that doesn't stop Owen, Wyatt and Cullen all congregating at the family ranch, after being pulled back to the US from their various branches of the Armed Forces, to investigate the capturing of their father, after he had successfully fled from Russia with a potential world changing bio-weapon prototype. The Loughman men were a brand all their own. They were as rugged as the Texas countryside, as fierce as the Texas weather, and as constant as the sun rising in the east. There is a huge amount going on with the plot around their father, but each brother has his own issues going on at the same time, Owen's is that he has come home to the woman he left behind fourteen years ago, it doesn't take long for Natalie to realize that the feelings she had for Owen are still there, and Owen isn't slow on deciding that he isn't leaving her behind a second time. She belonged with him. Always had. Always would. Unfortunately, Natalie's translating work at the Russian Embassy, also makes her a target in relation to the last mission Owens father was on, and the threat against her is as much of a situation for him and his brothers to deal with as the search for their missing father. And that is just the tip of the iceberg of the plot for this one, as a series with a long running story-line, it is good to see that the next book, The Protector is due for release in January, because with so much going on it is certainly a story that as a reader you want to keep fresh in your mind as it develops, and I am looking to; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Playing Fast (New York Saints, #5); Author: Melanie Scott; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "It's my life." Stars! Playing Fast is the fifth book in Melanie Scott's New York Saint's series, but we take a little sojourn from New York in this one and follow Finn Castro back down to the minors in the form of the Saratoga Preachers. These are books that can be read as standalones, but if you have read the previous books you know just how much of a tool Finn was in behavior and attitude, and why he has been bumped from the top team, so I was interested to see how the author turned that around with his story. He wasn't Mr. Right but he was the perfect Mr. Wrong. And with regards to Finn she pitched him perfectly, a guy knowing he has messed up, and trying to atone for it is always one that I am going to have a soft spot for especially as I had read of his decent to where he currently is in the previous books, it gave the depth of his actions and his behavior in Playing Fast even more gravity, because he is a man that knows just how much he has messed up and he is trying to make things right again. She didn't want to like him but she did. Older woman younger man is a trope that I don't think is used enough in contempory romance, so it was great to see that Eve Harlow fell into that category, it was also nice that the author chose to give her the commitment issues instead of Finn, and for the most part I enjoyed the relationship between them. Eve from the offset is a woman that you know has sacrificed a lot for her sisters, having lost their parents young she was tasked with raising them. Now all grown up and off doing their own things she's taking her life back and doing things for herself finally. "We have until the end of the season. That's the deal... Take it or leave it." Eve has plans that do not involve staying in Saratoga, and Finn has plans to get him back to the New York Saints, as such they both know that giving into the chemistry between them and starting a relationship will be one that will essentially have an expiry date to it, but boy they so did not let that get in the way of anything, they were sexy hot together and Finn was an absolute sweetheart in trying to make Eve see they could be more without scaring her off because of it, but as you can expect the inevitable spanner gets shoved in the machinery and all bets are off in the latter stages of the book. "I'd rather have you some of the time than none of the time." You can see where the wheels are going to fall off of the relationship between this couple from a mile off, and I have to admit that is the part of the story that disappointed me, especially after enjoying the rest of it because; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Her One Best SEAL (ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights Book 6); Author: Anne Marsh; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Do you see the hamburger?" Stars! Anne Marsh is one of a very short list of authors whose first person POV writing I get along with. And considering Vann O'Reilly is a man of few words, it was entertaining to be in his head for the whole of this novella. I really liked Vann and Marlee together in this one, whereas he has little to say, she doesn't stop talking, so balances them out as a (non)couple perfectly. "Tell me what you want and it's yours..." "Give me a baby." The plot was a little on the predictable side, but I found myself giggling on more than one occasion with their antics together, Vann's internal monologue about some of the situations he gets himself into with Marlee, and all in the quest for the one thing she wants more than anything in the world. "You have any questions for me before we get started?" This addition to the ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights series was a quick and enjoyable read, and I hope to see the author adding more titles to it in the future. "For a man who doesn't like talking, you don't do too badly." ARC generously provided, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Trouble with Mistletoe (Heartbreaker Bay, #2); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Best present ever." Stars! There is always one thing that you can guarantee when you pick up a Jill Shalvis book, and that is you will be entertained from start to finish. Its LIVE! Amazon US - www.amazon.com/Trouble-Mistletoe-Hear... Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/Trouble-Mistletoe-He... B&N - [url]... We met Willa Davis as a secondary character in the first book from the Heartbreaker Bay series; Sweet Little Lies and it was apparent from her interactions with the rest of the characters that she was a woman more interested in her furry clients at the South Bark Mutt Shop as well as her close friends, over any type of relationship with a member of the opposite sex. "I don't get attached... There's no place for it in my world." That is until she meets Keane Winters, thing is this is a guy who let her down before, he just doesn't remember it, so when she comes across at their initial meeting as a little 'frosty', Keane doesn't understand why. "Just because I don't plan on finding The One, doesn't mean I'm not interested in The One For Now..." Both the H and h in this one have issues with commitment, but as with the first book, the author twisted the norm a bit and gave Willa the biggest reluctance in this area, as their relationship progresses Keane is the one that steps out of his comfort zone to put himself out there to show Willa that they can be more than their initial 'friends with benefits' agreement. "I really am all sorts of messed up..." "Well you're not alone there." The general set up for this series is of Jill's usual stellar standards, a group of people from all walks of life, friends and some of them potentially lovers, living and for the most part working in the same buildings, they come together as a group a lot through this book, as they did with its predecessor, and I loved the banter and the things they got up to. "Friends stick." Keane and Willa were pretty likeable characters as well, and the inclusions of plenty of animals into the mix gave lots of giggles with their antics, the sexy times were of the author's usual hot and steamy levels as well so everything moved along nicely. I really enjoyed this one, but again as with the first book, there was just a little fire missing from the story-line overall that prevented me 100% falling in love, with it. It was still a really easy read though, and the perfect stress-free story to settle in with over the Christmas period, or to pick up beforehand to get you in the festive spirit! "You're the most unforgettable person I've ever met." The author has been kind to her readers with this series in that there is another festive treat coming in the form of the novella One Snowy Night, due for release early November, this is Rory and Max's story, which you are given the basis for their story in this book, and let's face it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Lover's Lament; Author: K.L. Grayson; Genres: romance; Review: Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Some parts were interminably slow, and the h was a struggle to like for most of the book. Prize for two of the most funny wanks I have ever read goes to Devin though :); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wilde Fire; Author: Kat Austen; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Be safe..." Stars! Wilde Fire was a quick, sweet, sexy-smutty novella. Brother's best friend is a trope that I have a bit of a soft spot for, and Kat Austen delivered a decent story-line for Jake and Bree's step from friends to lovers. It has been more than a few years since Jake has seen Bree, in fact it was prior to her brother's death, the best friend he promised her he would bring back from Afghanistan after their tour. But fate had other ideas, and after leaving the armed forces Jake heads to Alaska to take up a job as a smoke-jumper. Seven years later and Bree comes a-calling, looking to do an interview about his job and what it entails, the only problem being the Bree he left behind, the teenager he still sees in his head, is not the woman that knocks on his door. I still thought about him every single day. Staying six weeks to conduct her research, results in Jake, basically walking round with a perma-boner, and trying not to punch any and all guys in the face that even so much as look in her direction, whilst Bree is a continually damp hormonal mess, and I found it all quite amusing in its own, slightly OTT way. He'd been my friend and family growing up. He'd had my back and looked after me. A girl just didn't get over a guy like that. It was sweet to read how he battled with his newfound feelings for her, whilst fighting the guilt he still feels for not fulfilling the promise he made to her. And again it bought a smile to my face when he realized that not only did Bree share the attraction, but had been attracted to him for quite some time. This is essentially a lunch-time special read, in that I got through to the last chapters in an hour, the plot is sweetly predictable, the sexy-times when they get going cheesily enjoyable, the dirty talking erred on the side of cringe a couple of times, but I still really enjoyed the reading experience, and would definitely look too read more from this author in the future. ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Could've Said Yes (Thistle Bend, #3); Author: Tracy March; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "...Where I want to be." Stars! I am sad to be saying goodbye to the characters from the Thistle Bend series, Tracy March took me to a town, and offered up some really likeable characters over the course of the three books. I can't say there was anything new or particularly unusual about the tropes used with Collin and Ellie's story. But the author gave me an easy to get along with couple, in a setting I am already familiar with that included couples from the previous books. "When I find something good, I keep going back for more." Both of them have been hurt by previous relationships, and aren't really looking to step onto the path towards something serious together initially, but the connection between them flourishes as the weeks they spend together mount up, the only problem being, that they both know Collin's time in town was only ever meant to be temporary, and when he finishes the job he came to do he will be leaving again. But when a situation with a local disused mine, causes major water pollution for the areas surrounding Thistle Bend Collin is front and center when the blame for it is being handed out, Ellie however stands by him... "Our relationship was nothing about the mine or the breach, or even your art... It was about us. The way you made me feel. Like I could be myself, and relax, but still be on fire to take you to bed every night." Something that makes him reassess his stance towards relationships, especially when he looks closer at his feelings as well. But everything isn't as it was initially assumed with the situation at the mine, and revelations inevitably come between them. Could've Said Yes wasn't a struggle to read, I didn't dislike it, I just didn't find I connected to the characters or their story quite as much as the previous two books. That-said this series has still been one of my favorites of the past year or so. I also think that if the author/publisher were so inclined, there is massive scope to keep going back to Thistle Bend, in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Chance Season (Plum Harbor, #1); Author: Brenna Mills; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - ... just you... Stars. Second chance love is a trope I generally enjoy, and for the most part Brenna Mills fulfilled that part of the brief with Last Chance Season. I wouldn't class the book as a one hundred percent winner though, but it showed a lot of potential. I would firstly say if you aren't a fan of stories where the author flashes back to the couple in previous years, this may not be the book for you as there is a lot of jumping around in that respect. I must admit I did like the looks back at Ash and Zachs past, how they met and the trials and tribulations they went through as teens, especially as a lot of their relationship was spent being apart, being that Zach generally only spent weeks/months in Plum Harbor visiting his aunt and uncle. "I love a good challenge." There are three things that I feel could have done with a bit more work on them, to make this book into a five star read for me. The plot although a little predictable was pretty easy to get along with, but for most of the book I didn't feel a huge amount of an emotional connection between Ashleigh and Zach, he generally would push her away, she would always forgive him and let him back in her life, and there was never much work or comeback involved on any occasion. It all felt a little under-developed and rushed in regards to their various reconciliations, he messes up, and she forgives him, voila! Back together again. Eight years without a word between them... Although there are a lot of flashbacks, there is still a lot of their pasts that wasn't looked at or expanded upon enough when they were, for me if you are going to offer a story up with the time-frame covering over a decade you need to cover it all, especially when it may have helped with adding depth to the story overall, and built more of a noticeable emotional connection between the main couple it is involved with, there is also a lot of erroneous rambling that could do with editing out in favor of adding depth to the emotional aspect of their story. She always felt... warm was the only word that fit, talking to Zach. My last issue is the fact that the second half of the book is sort of split with the additional POVs and the 'insta' relationship that develops between Trish & Mateo (BFFs if Zach and Ash). As a reader at the stage it was added it felt like erroneous padding and for me would have been better off written separately maybe as an additional novella or something, this relationship as much as the Zach and Ash's, who the book I thought was supposed to be about, again lacked any depth and development. There is definite potential in Brenna Mills' writing, I didn't dislike this book, but for me it sort of skated over the surface of everything important without going too; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Devil in Disguise (Bad Things, #1); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Even in the dark, a little light can shine..." Stars! Cynthia Eden certainly knows how to start off a new series with a bang, and I have to admit that after reading The Devil in Disguise looks set to be another absolute winner for me. Packed with action, plot twists and a great new cast of paranormal characters, the author delivered everything that I expect and more from one of her books. "You are not nearly as big and bad as people say..." "Oh, I am. Never doubt that." Luke Thorne lives a very carefree existence on earth, being leader of all dark forms he pretty much does whatever, and whoever he wants, wherever and whenever he wants. That is until Mina James walks into his life, and nothing is quite the same thereafter. "I'm the kind of woman who should be savored." It's clear from the beginning that Mina is not just your bog standard human, and Luke for all his carefree ways can't seem to shake his inclination to be with her. Their attraction burns hot, but as to be expected full of pit-falls, unexpected enemies and more than one or two surprises to ensure the path to the bedroom is not just laid with carpeting, but bodies, explosions and more than a few unexpected discoveries. "I want you rough, I want you wild, and I want you dark." One thing the author excels at is introducing secondary characters at a rapid clip without it ever becoming confusing for the reader, there is a lot going on with this story, being the opener to a new series you have the backgrounds of several secondary characters being developed alongside Luke and Mina's relationship, add in the suspense aspect and it's a fast paced plot that keeps you engaged. Luke's right-hand-men/shifters; Rayce and Julian play pivotal parts in this one as well as his brother Leo coming into play in the second half. "You need to let the fear go... I'm in control. Nothing bad will happen with me." All of them offer lots of potential for future stories especially with the way this one ended, the ONS a covert group hunting and experimenting on paranormals is still very much at large so I predict we will have a good few more books to sink our fangs, claws etc into in the future. "The time for watching is over." Julian is actually up in the next book in the series On The Prowl is due for release in September, and I cannot wait to see what sort of story the author give this sexy British shifter. "I'm keeping you." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The SEAL's Rebel Librarian (Alpha Ops, #2); Author: Anne Calhoun; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "With you I'm not ordinary." Stars! I am really enjoying the novellas in this series. The author is new to me, and she hasn't disappointed with the characters, story-lines or more importantly the sexy-times so far. Onto the next!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Barely Breathing (Colorado High Country, #1); Author: Pamela Clare; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "We care about our own in this town." Stars! Barely Breathing was a book of firsts for me in that it's the start of a new series, and it was also the first book I have read by Pamela Clare. Hugely impressed are the first words that come to mind. I have seen a lot of positive feedback for this author over the years, so it was nice to read what all the fuss has been about, and I was not disappointed. Lexi Jewell and Austin Taylor are your perfect couple for a second-chance romance. As teens, they were inseparable, but college came a-calling and one left town with a view of permanence to pursue a future in the city, while the other came home and lived the life they had envisaged them both sharing. Harsh words were spoken, and young hearts were broken. But it's pretty clear from their first meeting that that old burn of attraction is still glowing strong between them. But Lexi is only planning on being in town for a couple of months, and although Austin wants her to stay, he will take whatever he can get while she's in town, and work on trying to keep her around for as long as possible. "Let's just enjoy each others company-no expectations, no strings." There is a lot going on in this book, new town, new characters and a lot of back stories and past to be interspersed within the relationship rebuilding between the main pair and I think the author did really well, nothing was confusing and everyone was bought in at a pace that you remembered who they were and what their place in the story was as it progressed. "You give head with that dirty mouth?" The banter between the Search & Rescue guys was absolutely spot on, and I just loved the locale and descriptions that the author gave, it was easy to picture and I really did travel to Scarlet Springs, Colorado in my head for the time I was reading. The sexy-times between Autin and Lexi were imaginative, plentiful and at times funny and the suspense aspect played out really well too, it was just really good all-round reading for me. As I said this book was a first for me, it definitely won't be my last. I will be waiting (im) patiently for Pamela to deliver up more books from the Colorado High Country Series, and looking to familiarize myself with some of her already published work as well. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Handmaid (Unexpected Circumstances, #1); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I will always keep you safe..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01F3Q9TT8 Amazon CA: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01F3Q9TT8 Amazon AU:www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B01F3Q9TT8 Kobo: [url]... ibooks: [url]... Nook: [url]... It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Shay Savage's writing, it doesn't matter what trope, genre or theme she is writing about and exploring, you can always guarantee that she will always put her own unique twist on things. I believe that the Unexpected Circumstances series, is not her first foray into the Historical fiction arena, but it is my first time reading anything from her from the genre, and once again I wasn't disappointed. If you are not a fan of serialised novellas then be prepared because this one comes in seven parts, but the good thing is they are all due to be released in relatively close proximity to each other, so things aren't left up in the air for too long between releases. This is definitely the start of the story between, Bran and Alexandra, and I absolutely adored that the author hasn't rushed anything with them as a couple, in the area of the bedroom. "I promise you will tremble underneath my touch. I promise you will find ecstasy like you never imagined. I promise you will call out my name when I lie on top of you, And I will fill you over and over again until you simply cannot take any more pleasure..." After being chosen as his Bride, Alexandra is all of a tizz, especially considering on a social level she is an absolute nobody a Handmaiden, so having the heir to the throne of the neighboring kingdom pick her causes more than a stir, especially as it was expected for him to choose the Princess that Alexandra essentially works for. But Sir Brandford Sterling, doesn't like doing what is expected of him, especially if it means he is going to be stuck married to a woman he cannot abhor. The story doesn't progress too far in The Handmaiden this is very much a setting-the-scene installment with character introductions aplenty, that-said one thing that can be felt from the get-go is the sizzling chemistry between the innocent maiden and the weary nobleman. This novella is just the beginning of their story, and I am absolutely dying to find out where the author takes this couple as their relationship progresses, not to mention the rest of the larger story, as it starts to play out around them. Not too long to wait as The Seduction, is due for release 14th June, and I think you can guess which direction Bran and Alexandra's story is heading! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To See You; Author: Rachel Blaufeld; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - The nice guy and the bitch... Stars! I don't think it is a secret that I am a huge fan of Rachel Blaufeld's writing, everything I have read by her has left me surprised, a bit emotionally drained, but happy at the same time, because she always manages to give a fresh spin on every story she writes. You go in expecting one thing, and usually end up coming away having a completely different set of expectations met as well. ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] To See You pretty much did the same thing. I got what I was expecting from Charli and Layton's story, but Rachel added so many more layers to it. I think what bought the story home even more for me is the fact that I have been in Layton's shoes on more than one occasion in relation to a lot of the situations he finds himself in when it comes to his attempts to try and get to know Charli, his nerves at taking the plunge, and ultimately masking a lot of what he is really feeling with jokes and carefree smiles. Corresponding with her had become my favourite pastime, an addiction I wasn't willing to admit to having... Both characters are on the cusp of making changes in their lives, I think with Charli it's kind of a long-time-coming situation, this is a woman that looking in from the outside you would class as having it all, but for Charli, appearances are most certainly deceiving. I'm a twenty-eight-year-old editor in the Big Apple with everything going for me. I'm a catch, right? With Layton, his appearance is everything that anyone first notices about him, and when it comes to Charli initially her assessment of him, leaves a lot to be desired. I was an outcast... She was a perfectionist. But as the book progresses, and you read of Lay's repeated attempts to crack the shell, and break through the Bitch-wall she has so skilfully built around herself, you start to realize the vulnerability and insecurity comes in more than just the obvious forms. She tried to hide behind the bitchy attitude, the New York snobbery, but for a minute or five, I broke her down. I saw behind her pissy shell and couture armor, and I wanted that. All of that. I loved this story, I think mainly because the author took a character that essentially she knew most readers would initially dislike intensely due to her attitude and actions, and ran with it, it wasn't overdone, but as a reader it was elaborate enough to leave me with that uncomfortable clench in my stomach for a lot of the first half of the book. But as the story between this couple progresses and you learn of the motivations behind the character that Charli is you understand that while Layton's flaws are perceived as external issues, Charli is the one that goes on the bigger journey out of the two of them for me. I stared at her eyes; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The SEAL's Second Chance (Alpha Ops, #3); Author: Anne Calhoun; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - I've loved you since I was seventeen... Stars! I have enjoyed every novella in this series so far. Anne Calhoun was an author new to me prior to starting the first novella, and what started out as a good read with the first story, went to really good with the second, and great with The SEALs Second Chance. All three novellas have been relatively quick reads, but Jamie and Charlie's reconnection after so many years apart was my favourite, but not by much. But everything seemed to just come together perfectly for them in their story. The first full length book of the Alpha Ops series is up next, with Under The Surface, you a briefly introduced to Eve Webber in this novella but not so much as to know what kind of woman she is or what story she has to tell, so I am looking forward to getting my teeth into her story next.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cowboy Valentine (Cowboy Cocktail, #1); Author: Mia Hopkins; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You wanna go for a ride with me?" Stars! There are times when as a reader, I just want a quick easy read that's sexy from the get go, with a dirty sweet hero, and a strong sassy heroine, not too much drama, and plenty of sex to keep things moving along nicely. Mia Hopkins fulfilled all of those requirements for me, with Cowboy Valentine, and really well. This is an A-Z kind of read, in that you can pretty much see each and every point of the story coming before you reach it. Nothing wrong with that when you are reading a novella, let's face it no-one is expecting to get something of Pulitzer standards over 85 odd pages. "Aint nothing like riding a cowboy... all night long." I wanted a quick smutty read, and that's what I got. College focused virgin, meets a sexy hot young cowboy on Valentines night, while working in the local Ice Cream parlour, he has been stood up, and she offers him more than just the cherry that goes on the top of his Sundae. Caleb was down and dirty in the sack, truck bed, barn etc, but also absolutely adorable with it, Cora was the one with no interest in commitment, it made for a nice mix and a really enjoyable couple of hours reading. A great start to the Cowboy Cocktail series, I cannot wait too read more from the McKinnon brothers in future books. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Fairytale Bride; Author: Hope Ramsay; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Guess I picked the wrong day to go commando." Stars! If you are looking for a quick, cute and sometimes funny read to while away a couple of hours, then A Fairytale Bride fits really well into that category. This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed getting to know Melissa, Jeff and the people of Shenandoah Falls. Jeff is incognito, hiding out in his father's cabin after a spectacularly large fall from grace in Washington circles when one of his published articles, rubs up the noses of the wrong people. Problem is he has family living close to the town, an in an act of avoidance, stumbles into Secondhand Prose one day, and inadvertently the owner Meilssa Portman. "What are you, some kind of cat whisperer?" Struggling to deal with everything after her Grandmothers recent death, she can't help but fall a little bit for the odd-guy who offers to help her out in the shop voluntarily, inadvertently makes friends with two of the most unfriendly cats, and ends up losing his trousers in an unfortunate ladder accident! But as you would expect, Jeff's secrets, if exposed could easily break the fragile connection that is growing between them. Money could buy a lot, but it couldn't buy trust and it couldn't buy love. A great start to the author's new Chapel of Love series, Melissa and Jeff's story continues in the next book A Christmas Bride, due for release in September, in that the wedding planner the story is based around is organising their wedding! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sugar Rush (Sugar Bowl, #2); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Let's keep our eyes on the prize..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon: [url] B&N: [url] iBooks: [url] Google Play: [url] Kobo: [url] There is always a risk when you are writing a trilogy about the same characters that the middle book is going to feel a little bit like a filler if you do not adequately fill out and extend the story-line so that it feels that what you have read is relevant to everything going on in the long term. Sawyer definitely made sure that the plot kept moving along in Sugar Rush, and there was certainly no filler in it. If you haven't read book one the rest of this review will be a bit spoilery so probably best to look away now! We do literally pick up with Sela on the floor outside of Beck's apartment, he has kicked her to the kerb after discovering her in his office, and not giving her a chance to offer a full explanation. But Beck being the intelligent fellow that he is doesn't take too long to work out he has majorly fucked up. It may be the worst mistake I've ever made, and I hope to god I can fix it... What progresses is the rebuilding of a relationship, that as readers you thought was possibly, irrevocably broken at the end of Sugar Daddy but let's not forget the factors that pushed this couple together initially, they are still very much a part of the story, and as Beck digs deeper you start to see just how dirty and depraved certain individuals are. "Operation fuck over JT is now in progress." Sela grows in strength in this one, the fact that she is in a healthy (somewhat) and committed relationship with a guy who knows her past and loves her all the more for moving on from it seems to give her the confidence to face up to the future and what she ultimately wants to do about the situation that she is no longer on her own in dealing with. "Don't treat me like I'm breakable. I couldn't stand it if you did that to me. I need you to show me that you believe I'm strong, and beautiful, and as tough as bricks. If you don't believe that about me I won't believe it about myself." I can understand why the series has been split into three, the first two books have stopped at very exciting and important cliffies, but with the length of the books themselves being on the short side, I kind of wish that there had maybe been a way to make this a duo instead. Be warned, you are left hanging yet again at the end of Sugar Rush and I have to admit the wait for the final book in the Sugar Bowl series feels a little like forever at the moment, with Sugar Free not due for release until October, GAH! Sawyer has moved back onto my auto-buy list with this series, and I am dying to know how Sela and Beck's; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tangled; Author: Kate Douglas; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - With wine all things are better. Stars! I really enjoyed Tangled by Kate Douglas, being a novella and the first work I have read by this author it was the perfect length to 'test the waters', so to speak. As you would expect with a novella of this length the relationship between Nate and Cassie moves at light speed, in fact they are in bed with each other within hours of their first meeting, but I liked that this insta-love played out around a romantic suspense element. She felt so comfortable with him, as if they'd known each other for years rather than hours... Nate is new to Tangled Vines vineyard, and it doesn't take him long to work out that the vineyard holds more than a few memories and emotional entanglements for Cassie, it used to belong to her parents, but her father's ailing health, coupled with a few risky business decisions have meant that Cassie has had to sell her legacy to pay off debts. Staying on to keep making wines keeps the memories alive, but it's difficult being answerable to someone else, and at this point that's Nate. But the main issue the pair face initially is the unwelcome attention of someone looking for something. What, why and where are unanswered questions, but the dual POV gives you the insight needed to understand what is going on when Nate and Cassie actually have no idea. "You can trust me to watch over you." As I said this was a quick, easy read, and I shed a few tears at the end, the author may have made it short, but it still packed an emotional punch. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Awakened; Author: Kate Douglas; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Things have changed over the past couple weeks or so..." Stars. Awakened isn't the first book I have read by this author, but it is the first full book in the Intimate Relations series that I have read. It's advertised as a standalone, and yes on the whole I would agree with that, I don't think missing the previous two was detrimental to my reading experience with this one, but I do think it may have been beneficial in the overall scheme of things. "I'm much better with software than I am with women." My main reason for saying that is that the relationship between Marc and Mandy is light-speed-insta, one minute they are friends that are attracted to each other, the next in love, talking about babies and marriage. Marc is most certainly in touch with his softer side, I honestly cannot recall another male fictional character that I have read previously that shed as many tears as he did. "Unrequited lust isn't all it's cracked up to be." I wonder if it felt like this because I missed out on seeing their attraction build through the first two books. Again not a massive problem, but for all the 'insta' I struggled to actually see much of a connection between them, to such a point that apart from the sexy-times, Mandy came over almost 'motherly' in her behavior and interactions towards Marc. The suspense aspect of the story-line was pretty enjoyable for the first half, a little bit of action and intrigue was thrown into the mix at regular intervals, and the rapid developments and explanations of Marc's nightmares/visions through hypnosis to discover the truth were dropped into the plot very quickly. But it all seemed to lose steam in the second half, for me. "You're the most important thing I don't have." The author did a really good job of tying everything up with the previous couples and the other newly formed couple in this book, at the end, but I have to admit after such an action filled beginning I felt a little underwhelmed with the way everything was tied up. I would definitely look to read more from Kate Douglas, I am just not sure I will jump into a series without reading the preceding books first, next time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Summer at Skylark Farm; Author: Heidi Swain; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "I have a proposition for you..." Stars. This was the first book I have read by Heidi Swain, and on the whole it was a pretty decent introduction. I love an easy going romance/drama that is set in the country, and the author hit the nail on the head with that part of the story. Amber upping sticks from the big city to move to Skylark Farm with her boyfriend Jake, had a bit of a Bridget Jones, hits the countryside feel about it initially, and more than a few snickers were to be found with some of the predicaments that she found herself in. "I see good things on our horizon." I loved the great cast of secondary characters as well, what with Harriet, and Jessica, as well as the whole reason Jake and Amber make the permanent move to the farm Aunt Annie. All these elements worked really well in the overall story, and of course you have the villains, and this is the main part that kind of took the sparkle out of the plot as a whole for me. Usually I am the last one to work out who is the villain of a piece, but I knew who/what was going to happen pretty much from the get-go, this isn't really what annoyed me though as the writing was engaging and the characters likeable enough to keep me reading on happily, what annoyed me was there was no real comeuppance for said villains at the end of the book, and everything was just sort of let's just forgive and forget, and that didn't really work for me, in relation to everything that had happened because of them. Jake was another struggle for me if I am honest, in that he seemed to be a secondary character for much of the book, and when he did get involved in Amber's story as a whole, it was usually for detrimental reasons, I can't say that I would willingly pack up my life and move to the countryside for the guy, their relationship seemed extremely lackluster in the scheme of things, and again his behavior towards her at the end of the book, which again produced no real repercussions just felt a bit of a cop-out after what Amber had dealt with throughout the story. "I don't want to see you pulled back into the life you had before." I am all for happily ever afters in my chick-lit offerings, but the end of this one just let it down for me in that it seemed to run out of steam. I would happily read more from this author though as the base of the book was sound, I just felt the main characters were a little lacking at points. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blind Side; Author: K.B. Nelson; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2 - "Is it cheating if he cheated first?" Stars. This book was a three and a half to four right up to the last 5%, then it went right down the crapper. Seriously, that's probably the worst 'cop-out' ending, I have ever read. The author has a really unique writing skill, and I will be honest the tropes in this book are usually my Kryptonite, but I picked this up off Netgalley and ploughed through it, I can't lie and say I had an ending in my head, but the author took three very troubled people, two of whom were in positions of responsibility, and then dumped on the only person I actually gave a damn about at the end of the book. "It's wrong... but he feels so right." As the story progresses you realize that Stassi Hamilton and her husband are both pretty messed up individuals, and rather than deal with the issues already rolling around in their massive cargo-hold of joint baggage, they argue, wind each other up and generally avoid the issues. But there was something about the story as a whole that kept me gripped. I'll admit I felt very little empathy for Stassi, even after what she had been through, but that's mainly because she acted like a vapid, immature mean-girl, for nearly the entire story. "You're damaged, and I'm okay with being your distraction." Add into the mix an 18 year old boy with enough baggage of his own, who although at the beginning has his own motivations actually then falls in love with this woman... I just cannot put into words how pissed I am at the ending the author gave us. Round of applause for the author really, for initially pulling me into a story I would never normally read, and for pulling such as vicious reaction from me at its end. I do not mean to be derogatory at all, my rating is based on the feelings and reactions the story as a whole provoked, although I will be honest and say it kind of felt like the author wrapped it all up as he did, as he now plans to give Kemp a book. Great! I liked Kemper, I'd like to know how his future pans out, I just think he was dealt a really crappy hand in Blind Side., while everyone else carries on as if nothing happened. Not sure what else to say really, 95% of this book kept me hooked, although there were a lot of plot points thrown about that I don't consider were addressed in full, or really necessary in parts, it's just the last 5% evoked reader-rage! ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cowboy Resurrection (Cowboy Cocktail, #2); Author: Mia Hopkins; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "That one's a keeper." Stars! I really enjoyed the first book in Mia Hopkins' Cowboy Cocktail series, but I have to say Cowboy Resurrection was even better! This is another quick and dirty read, but I found that the author took a little more time to develop the backgrounds of Dean and Monica. I liked them as a couple and I liked them as individuals, neither was afraid to say exactly what they wanted, and the confidence they both had around each other just took their insta-connection and made it sizzle. "Why so lonely, Princess?" But they both know it's not a forever kind of thing they are sharing, what with Monica's familial obligations, and Dean's lack of interest in settling down. "Let's not say goodbye... The song will end. I'll go my way, and you'll go yours. And maybe no matter where we go, no matter where we end up, there will always be some part of us on this dance floor..." Short, a little kinky and pretty sweet at the end, I look forward to reading the next novella in the series Cowboy Player when it releases at the end of June.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Only For A Night (The Lick Series); Author: Naima Simone; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Don't try to force my hand, baby. I'm not the boy you knew..." Stars! Naima Simone joins several other well known Entangled authors to offer up a quick read, and the beginning of her new Lick series, as part of the launch of the publishers new Scorched line. I like this authors writing style, I have pretty much enjoyed everything that I have read by her previously, but be warned, books from the Scorched line are not your run-of-the-mill romances as such so if you are looking for easy erotica, or sexy romance Only For A Night, and I suspect the following books from this series may be a little out of your comfort zone Lick is a sex club, in this we are introduced to Voyeurism, and the main couple take part in Menage, not my personal cup of tea, so a warning at the beginning of the book would have been nice on that front. "What I do isn't gentle, clean or quick. You have no idea what I call sex, and you don't want to know. You're not ready to know." Widow Harper, turns up at Lick, looking for her former best friend and crush Rion Ward, one third owner of the club, he left her behind to her perfect life a few years before, never expecting to see her again after she married her straight as a die husband, to live her cookie cutter life. But things changed for Harper and the woman he thought he had left behind with everything her heart desired, now has nothing, and isn't even sure if her heart is actually functioning anymore. "You have no idea what I need. How can you when I'm trying to figure it out myself." What follows is one night of sexual discovery for one, and the rediscovery of long dormant feelings for the other. This was the part of the story-line I really got stuck into, as Naima really gave them both a decent back-story to move the reconnection on from at a quick pace. Lust looked gorgeous on her. She was meant to wear it. Nothing hugely original about the plot or tropes used, but the sweet moments at the end made it a worthwhile read for me even if the middle left me a little miffed from lack of disclosure. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kick, Push (Kick Push, #1); Author: Jay McLean; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You're my drug, and I'm your poison..." Stars! I started Kick, Push on the commute to work yesterday morning... I finished Kick, Push on the commute home from work yesterday afternoon. I literally couldn't put it down. Needless to say not a lot of work was actually undertaken! Jay McLean isn't a new author to me, but I will confess I haven't read a huge number of her books, but one thing that has stood out from my reading experience with her work so far, is that although she does lay on the angst, she does it in such a way that it doesn't feel overdone, or erroneous. That can definitely be said for Josh and Becca's story. As a couple they are both carrying more than their fair share of emotional baggage between them but it is for hugely different reasons. A single father from a very young age, Josh works and pretty much lives to provide the best life that he can for his son, Tommy. Abandoned, disowned and overlooked by pretty much everyone, that should have essentially had his back when times got tough, this is a guy that has pretty much given up everything he loves, for the one thing he is most proud of. That all changes the day Becca comes to stay with her grandmother, living in the apartment over the garage Josh initially sees a young woman with issues, but cannot ignore the spark of attraction he feels when she is around. Especially as his son loves her, and in effect is the force that keeps pulling them together, until they admit they are more than just friends. "It's scary. But it's mutual... So that kind of makes it okay." Becca's story is the one that the author holds back on revealing fully, and it isn't until the latter stages of the book that you understand why she is the woman she has become, and what the catalysts were for that, tough reading for sure, but it gave credence to a lot of Becca's actions early on in the story. "I want to learn everything about you." Again, plenty of angst, but not to the point you are eye-rolling over it, as a couple they have more than a few challenges and hurdles thrown at them, and you really do wonder if the feelings they share for each other are strong enough to ultimately hold them together. "You were my Band-Aid. I need a cure." There are parts of Kick, Push where I giggled uncontrollably, there were a few parts where I sobbed a little as well, you cannot help but fall for Josh and Tommy, whether together or apart they are just perfect. Becca even in weakness is a strong character as well, I felt for her, I grew to like her, I don't profess to fully understand her motivations for everything as yet, but luckily the second part of their story Coast, is due for release in a few days' time. I see you... After everything that occurred, was resolved and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shanahan's Revenge; Author: Julie Mac; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "It seemed like a good idea at the time." Stars. I don't have a huge amount to say about Shanahan's Revenge to be honest. The synopsis pretty much sums up the storyline, what it doesn't disclose is that most of said story actually plays out in the last 25% of the book. The author is new to me, and the one thing I really liked about the first 75%, and what ultimately kept me reading wasn't the almost snail-pace developing relationship between the H/h but the vivid and easy to visualise descriptions of rural New Zealand. "You can't argue with nature." The relationship between Sam and Kate was really difficult to picture for most of the book to be honest, Kate spent most of the time over-reacting and acting like a spoiled little heiress, while we are given snippets of Sam's past and what ultimately leads to his supposed need for revenge, but I never really felt any emotional connection between them, or much in the way of chemistry or that a man as Sam is described would actually find someone of Kate's temperament (high-maintenance) attractive. "You're a grown woman... will you stop behaving like a - a naughty little kid.! We then have a severe euwwww, cringe! moment towards the end of the book just when you think all has been revealed, but the author managed to pull me back from dry-heaving realms with then more revelations. "What a mess." Didn't love it, didn't hate it. But the romance, or lack there-of definitely played second fiddle to lovely descriptions of New Zealand and its wildlife. Would I read more from the author... Yes, if it was another book of this length, not sure I would take a chance on anything longer though. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ultimate Courage (True Heroes, #2); Author: Piper J. Drake; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "This is a place made for second chances." Stars! Ultimate Courage is the second book in Piper J. Drakes', True Heroes series. This is my first read by the author and of this series, so it can absolutely be read as a standalone. To be honest, the thing that immediately drew me to this one was the cover, the guy looks a lot like Jamie Dornan, the blurb intrigued as well, so I was happy to dip into it with Dornan firmly front and center in my mind's eye. This place, these people, there were stories here. I really enjoyed most of this story, both Elisa and Alex are dealing with some pretty hefty demons, Alex as a single father is trying to function normally on a daily basis well enough to be able to work competently training service dogs at Hopes Crossing Kennels, and raise his ten year old daughter, whilst also dealing with severely debilitating PTSD. Elisa is essentially on the run from her ex, unwittingly she has turned herself into the key to all he holds important and as such he is not prepared to let her go without a fight. Because they are both struggling with things that most people wouldn't understand it helps them to feel a sort of affinity to the other, add to it a strong case of instant attraction and it isn't long before Alex is looking to make more of their association, but he leaves the ball firmly in Elise's court as to how far, and fast they move forwards.. "This isn't anything we need to rush... I can stop if you want..." "No... No, I don't want you to stop. I just... need to find my way through every step as we go. And this thing between us is new and complicated, and I don't want it to get twisted up in the process..." "We can take it slow." This was extremely easy reading, and I didn't struggle at all to stay invested in the story-line, Alex, Elise and all of the secondary characters were really great to get to know as the book progressed, you can feel the kinship between them all, and even though not blood related they have built their own family, that supports and understands each other. But I do have a couple of gripes in that, I feel more depth and scope could have been used in relation to Alex's issues, I loved the inclusion of Souze the dog in relation to this, and how through the story's arc he became more than just a dog-in-training, but at points his struggles almost seemed to be an afterthought, or in the latter stages used as a way to bring on the action. The second thing, and what dropped a full star for me was the last 15%, everything seemed to be thrown into it in a mad rush to get across the finish line, what with throwing in random 'friends' who really weren't friends, and Alex doing a complete one-eighty against his personality for the previous; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shameless (Playboys in Love, #1); Author: Gina L. Maxwell; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - I need to cut down on the porn... Stars! Gina Maxwell returns after a pretty long hiatus between releases, to be one of the authors launching Entangled Publishing's, new Scorched imprint, with the start of her new series; Playboys in Love. Those of you that have read books from the publishers Brazen imprint, will probably understand what I mean when I say that from reading Shameless it would appear they have gone one step further along the erotica path with this branch, by stepping into the unadulterated smut category. Now that's not be being judgey or a put-down, I am all for a bit of smut on occasion. And Jane and Chase's story fell 100% into that category for me. "With great cock comes great responsibility." To clarify further, reading romance for me, even on an erotic level is still carried along by a story and not just by the sex the couple has, but moving into the smut category usually tips the balance firmly to more sex over story-line for the bulk of the book. You then generally find one or both of the characters have some sort of come to Jesus moment in the latter stages to then make it more about the story and their relationship. Again, Shameless, sits firmly in that folder for me too. I'd never had such dirty sex with such a clean girl before. Shameless is definitely an exploration of every possible position, available entry and the dirtier aspects of sex between a fully consenting couple. dominance and humiliation is also an aspect, so if it doesn't float your boat be warned And for the first 70% or so that is pretty much the mainstay of this book, as I said not a bad thing if that is what you have a yearning to read. Chase and Jane meet under unusual circumstances, and rather than fall for his charms Jane intrigues him with her initial lack of interest. My cock must be on the fritz because her blatant disregard for my presence makes it twitch with interest. What ensues is of the no-strings variety, with Jane exploring her sexuality with a man who certainly knows what buttons to push and how hard to push them. The last 20% is where the story really plays out, and I have to say that I actually started to like the man that the author portrayed as a bit of a tool for most of the book. Chase Danvers is your A-typical cocky-boy, and being told from dual 1st person POV you really get to see just how big his ego is. "I'm thinking that maybe it doesn't have to be only about the sex." I'm not going to lie, in all honesty I would probably say this erred on the side of not being my cup-of-tea, particularly with a few baser aspects of this storyline, but the blurb was promising, as I said I like my smut, but Shameless was literally a buffet of the stuff, and that is what I have sort of based my; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Must Love Wieners (A Rescue Dog Romance #1); Author: Casey Griffin; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "You were memorable." Stars. This is one of those books I didn't love, but I didn't hate it either. I think my main issues stem from the characterization of Piper Summers, in that I am a reader that struggles to understand when a supposedly intelligent woman (she's training to be a vet) keeps acting like an idiot. "You're not one for rules are you?" I suppose there could be an argument that she is a little scatty and eccentric, and I wouldn't disagree with that, but it was just everything else in-between that just became too much, especially when you take into the account that the author has a knack of blowing pretty much every situation, scenario and plot point completely out of proportion. "I will take great care of your wiener." Again not an issue on its own, but this is a busy, busy story-line, and Piper literally just blundered from one disaster to the next. I didn't really feel any connection with Aiden either, and the constant 'interruptions' in relation to them hitting a 'Home-Run' together lost their endearing quality very quickly. There is a bit of a whodunit going on in this one as well, with the potential list of villains building as the book progresses, and I think if that and the relationship between them had been the main focus Must Love Wieners could have possibly been a book I loved. There is potential in this as a series, and I love any books that feature animals as part of their make-up, the author gave Colin the Dachshund a great voice, even though he didn't talk. Not a total winner for me, but I would happily try something else from this author in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deadly Silence (Blood Brothers, #1); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I ain't easy, I know... but I'll be worth it." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - www.amazon.com/Deadly-Silence-Blood-B... Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/Deadly-Silence-Blood... B&N - [url]... Rebecca Zanetti excels at delivering up a romantic suspense story-line, especially when built around a series, and including recurring characters in each book, and her new Blood Brothers series delivered on every expectation that I have of her in this regard. Although an off-shoot from the previously published Sin Brothers series, Deadly Silence can absolutely be read as a standalone. There is character crossover from that series to this, but for me that just made it all the more special in its reading... Ahem, Dean Brothers anyone ;) Life, not genetics, had made them family... Ryker Jones and his brothers Heath and Denver have set up base in Cisco, Wyoming, after spending many years on the move. Investigators of a sort, they specialise in finding those that are lost. Each brother has his own particular skill set, Ryker being the muscle, if you will, although as the book progresses you quickly find out that none of them are what you would call shabby in their efforts at fighting the bad guys, it's just that Heath is more their public face, and Denver with little interest in talking, their behind the scenes tech guy. But together they are an unbreakable team, family and most importantly for each of them for their own specific reasons brothers. Zara and Ryker are together at the start of the book, so there is no relationship building as such, but what began as Ryker, rolling in for some fun between the sheets with her whenever his is in town has developed into a little more for Zara as the months have passed. Things are a little up in the air between them though, as now that he is based in town Zara isn't too sure whether she wants to move their causal relationship onto a more firmer footing. "You scare me" "I'd never hurt you..." "You'd never mean to hurt me... But you're all or nothing. Pure trust or none at all..." Ryker in typical Zanetti fashion, goes all Alpha on her, and pretty much takes that decision from her hands. Especially when it turns out she is in the cross hairs, and Ryker isn't certain who it is that is after her, his has enemies, and Zara is not lacking in that area either due to the nature of the work she is doing. "You want everything..." "I'll get it too." If you have read anything by this author before, you know you are in for a deliciously dirty alpha male, they usually aren't shy at handing out the odd spanking if they feel it is due, and sex is often used as a way of pulling the sassy female into line. I don't mind this, it's what I expect from the authors heroes, and Ryker Jones is the epitome of all that is good about the men she writes. The story-line keeps you on your toes, with new villains coming; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The One With The Engagement Party; Author: Erin Lawless; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - One Bride and four bridesmaids, from proposal to altar... Stars! Erin Lawless is an author new to me, and what better way to make an acquaintance than with a wedding! Told over four parts, The One With The Engagement Party introduces you to the large cast of characters that will ultimately be taking part in the wedding of Nora Dervan to Harry Clarke. Four bridesmaids and four groomsmen, some single, some married, and some are not a 100% what they want or where they should be going. This, the first instalment in the Bridesmaids series, is really more of a scene setter than anything, there are hints that Bridesmaid Bea, may have a soft spot for groomsman Eli, and that Sarah and Cole Norris' marriage may not be sitting on the solid foundations everyone thinks it is, but for me at this point, I am itching to know more about Cleo, also part of the bridal party, and her friend/colleague Gray, who isn't, and the attraction that is bubbling between them. "Eat. Drink. Be merry. Dance!" There are a lot of POV's, plot points and general introductions in this novella, at this point I have no idea the direction it may take, or where all the characters will end up, but it all looks very promising, and I am looking forward to seeing what occurs in the next episode The One With The Wedding Dress due for release mid-July. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His Fantasy Bride (Things to Do Before You Die..., #3); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - You reap what you sow... Stars. I am a huge fan of Nina Croft, I pretty much love all of her books and series, and this is the first time I can honestly say that I have finished a book by her and been left, less than satisfied. My two main issues with His Fantasy Bride were the length, in that at under 150 pages long there was very little chance for much development on anything. And the fact that the bulk of the story is based around dishonesty and the person telling the lie not having the courage to own up to the fact. She couldn't have him. And she certainly didn't deserve him. I think I could have dealt with the shorter length of the book if the lying had been dealt with early on, and they then spent the remainder rebuilding their trust and a relationship around that, but one thing that is guaranteed to wind me up is when someone makes lame excuses rather than owning up to their deceit. I already had a soft spot for Vito before going into this book, and he was still pretty likeable throughout the telling of the story, Nina has mad-skillz when it comes to writing heroes of the Mediterranean persuasion and Mr. D'Ascensio didn't disappoint in that respect. We are now three weeks on from the ship sinking and the decision he made to reconnect with Gabrielle Harper, and discover why she ran out on the eve of their wedding, Vito is in London looking for answers. "When it seemed I might die, you were the one thing I thought about." Gabby was a pretty confident woman in most areas, and I think this is why I struggled with the lying so much, she owned her confidence and sass, yet when it came to standing up and owning the fact that everything about their initial getting together was totally false, she just kept dragging her heels until she is basically forced to come clean. He was her prince, even if she had been the wicked witch in disguise rather than the princess. It's a shame the series ended on a bit of downer, the writing was the authors usual stellar standard, the tropes just didn't do it for me on this occasion. You are however introduced to Luca and Theresa Scarlesi, in that they are part of Gabby's extended family, I hope at some point Nina has the opportunity to tell their stories as this brother and sister left me more than a little intrigued. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Pregnancy Scandal; Author: Kat Cantrell; Genres: romance; Review: 2.5 - "Too little, too late." Stars. The second book in Kat Cantrell's Love and Lipstick series, deals with a much loved and well-thumbed theme. The title A Pregnancy Scandal pretty much tells you everything you need to know, and I think in this part of the story the author delivered really well. "Fancy meeting you here..." Let's face it the unplanned/surprise pregnancy trope is one of the mainstays for the traditional Harlequin story-line stable. And for the most part I really enjoy reading books of this nature. What knocked this one down in the ratings for me was purely the characterizations of Alexandra and Philip. "I'm not a member of the cult of love and romance." Which pretty much sums up them both but for different reasons. Alex due to her parents messy divorce when she was younger, and Philip due to the unexpected loss of his first wife. No emotions meant no pain. So after a one night stand surprisingly leads to pregnancy, Alex and Philip decide to enter into a marriage of convenience for want of a better word, I am still A-okay with this, I love a story when it starts out emotionless and emotions then come into play. No second chances. But what pretty much killed it for me was Philip's constant references to his deceased wife. I got that she had died, I understood she was his soul mate and the love of his life, and that he never believed he would meet another woman like her, what I didn't really need was to have it mentioned pretty much in every internal monologue our staid and appearances-are-everything Senator had. "You can't tell me how I feel. Nor can you lie away your own feelings." Alex was the character I liked in this one up until the latter stages of the book, pregnancy hormones really took hold at this point and she turned into a bit of a stroppy teen, but to be honest they were both as bad as each other by this point and it was just a little too much. "Why not explore all the options." As you would expect the ending is sweet, but a lot of the surrounding story-line with the Fyra Cosmetics leak and FDA approval is still to be played out in the forthcoming books. Not a total winner for me on this occasion, but I am a fan of this authors writing, so it won't stop me looking to read more from her in the future. ARC generously provided by the Author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Seduction (Unexpected Circumstances, #2); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You have some teeth, woman." Stars! Shay Savage hits the ground running with the second book in the Unexpected Circumstances series in that The Seduction picks up immediately after The Handmaid Left off. Sir Brandford and Alexandra are still circling each other somewhat at the beginning of this installment, Brandford is desperate to get to know his new wife better, but Alexandra is still struggling to come to terms with the massive change in her circumstances. "I find you so difficult to read, and you're not very forthcoming with information..." But after trusting the wrong people leads Alexandra to unwittingly embarrass him again in front of the court and his peers, Alexandra fears she will be cast aside, when Brandford's rage at her error reaches new heights. "You are going to remain my wife and I will remain your husband. No one can change that." I really fell into this part of their story, Shay is building the sexual tension between them something chronic, pretty much to the point I am as frustrated as they are. But I love that this isn't being rushed between them, due to Alexandra's elevation in station and innocence in all things sexy I don't think it would have worked as well if it had been swiftly resolved in that area between her and Brandford. The players are still very much being introduced, and their roles in the overall story as yet to be fully divulged, but one thing is for sure, I am really looking forwards to seeing where the author takes this series and the couple it is written around, the anticipation for each new installment is extremely high for me, especially as this point I still don't have any idea where the story is going to go. "I do have enemies... and sometimes they know exactly where to strike me." I cannot wait for part three; The Consummation the end of June feels like a long, long way away right now! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Into the Whirlwind (BOSS, Inc. #2); Author: Kat Martin; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I never knew you were such a trouble magnet." Stars! Ill openly admit that curiosity was 100% the reason I requested the ARC of Into the Whirlwind having seen so many positive reviews on-line for it, and having a little gap in my schedule, I thought 'what the hell' and decided to give Kat Martin a whirl. And I am so glad I did, this book was an absolute roller-coaster from start to finish, some of the twists expected, some not-so-much, but all really enjoyable and relevant additions to the story-line overall. "I've been in this from the start. I'm going to finish it." I have to say that one constant source of gigglement throughout the book was the author's description of our uber alpha hero Dirk Reynolds, because whenever his horseshoe mustache was mentioned (and it's quite frequent), I got the following image in my head... And also there was a bit of this - All joking aside though, this was a really, really good book. I haven't read anything by the author before, and this is the second book from her BOSS, Inc. series, so can absolutely be read as a standalone. He was the lover she had missed every night since she had sent him away... Meg O'Brien and Dirk Reynolds have history, being her Bodyguard whilst she was on the road modelling, five months previously ended up with them having a relationship at that time. Upon returning home, Meg ended things... Only over those intervening months she realises what a monumental mistake that was, especially now, her young son, Charlie has been kidnapped, and only Dirk and his colleagues from Brodie Operations Security Services, Inc. can help. "I wasn't fair to you... I assumed things about you I shouldn't have." Dirk agrees to help, especially as the ransom note, specifically stipulates no police involvement, and together with another team member from BOSS, Inc. Luke Brodie, they go on the hunt for the kidnappers, Charlie, and the person involved behind the scenes. It's not long before the feelings he thought were well buried rise to the fore, and Meg makes it her mission to make him understand that she want's him back in her life, as he is, horseshoe mustache and all. This is romantic suspense at its best, just when you think you know what is going on, the author throws another spanner in the works, she also wasn't shy about adding a little brutality at points, although the people being brutalized deserved everything they got. I read Into the Whirlwind in a day, it just grabbed me from the off, and kept me entertained until its finish. I found the end a little 'cut & dried', but still cannot fault the story as a whole. Luke is up next! Into the Firestorm is due for release February 2017, *sigh... I'm looking forward to seeing what sort of story the author gives him. I am also lucky in that as an author new to me Kat Martin has an impressive back catalogue that I can get; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coast (Kick Push, #2); Author: Jay McLean; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Anything is possible... Stars! Coast picks up Josh and Becca's story a year or so along from Kick, Push you need to have read this book to understand the depth of everything that this couple went through in that half of their story, to get why a lot of what happens in Coast is necessary to their coming together again as a couple as the book progresses. That Said although I enjoyed Coast it felt a lot more dragged out compared to its predecessor. I read that in one sitting, it took me a few days to get through this one. Plenty of drama and angst as to be expected with how things were left after Kick, Push and again the author kept it pretty well balanced so it didn't err over into over-the-top territory, but there were points where it just felt a little like walking through molasses. Still a great ending for this couple, especially after everything they have already been though, and what they go through as the story progresses through this book, and I loved seeing Tommy grown up through their story as well. If I am the land, And Josh is the sea, Tommy is the shore that completes us.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cowboy Player (Cowboy Cocktail, #3); Author: Mia Hopkins; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "One night's not forever..." Stars! The third novella; Cowboy Player, in Mia Hopkins Cowboy Cocktail series was as enjoyable as its predecessors. I really liked Clark and Melody's, best-friends-to-lovers romance, it was a sweet and sexy read. Melody Santos has returned to Oleander, after spending ten years in the city. Grieving the loss of her mother, her eight year relationship, and trying to keep her younger sister on the straight and narrow are the main constants in her life at the moment, that and work. Work to pay bills, her sister's tuition expenses and pretty much everything else. "We're friends... I don't want to throw that away." Clark MacKinnon, her best friend throughout her child-hood has helped with the work part, but Mel is struggling to deal with the long buried feelings she had for him the more time they spend together on the road. What she doesn't initially realize is that Clark feels the same way. "I think about you day and night. I can't stop." Both shy of commitment, for different reasons, this was a sweet coming together for me. Although a quick read the author didn't skimp on the chemistry between them and the sexy-times were original and well placed. I did find myself wishing this one was a little longer though. "I want you so bad it hurts." That-said all of the novellas in this series, have been really entertaining reads, perfect to slot into a few hours of free time, or if you are looking for a quick and sexy break from your longer books. "I think it's the cowboy hat." I will certainly be keeping a look-out for more books from the author in future. ARC generously provided from Barclay Publicity via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Untouched; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - This can't be real... I feel like I've fallen into one of my books. Stars! Untouched is probably the top of the smut scale in the expanding list of novellas I have read by AR, this novella hit the ground cumming and didn't really stop 'til the very end. Think Beauty and The Beast, with a side of Rapunzel with oodles of sex and you are about there with this one. So in the first page or two Alexander gives us an insight into who he is - I live alone and I've never met a woman who tempted me to change that... A couple of pages later Alexander meets the reclusive and innocent Liliana, and his thoughts shift a tad - Mine. From about page seven until the very end we pretty much have a fuckathon, with the main words out of Alexanders mouth generally being - "I'll have you now..." "and now." "And again, let's try it this way..." I'll teach her everything she'll ever know about sex. Every kiss, touch, orgasm will be at my hands... Although Liliana, was more than willing, a grade A student! I have to say I spent a lot time giggling at this one, you have stepped beyond the realms of Alpha with Alexander and Liliana's story and as usual it was still a pretty enjoyable and extremely quick read. Felt a little short-changed on the epilogue this time though, in that normally the ladies offer up a stellar finish to their novellas, and this one was a little lacking for me. "Let's rest for a few minutes before I take you again." Can't wait to see what the ladies have in store for their readers next! ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Where the Road Takes Me (The Road, #1); Author: Jay McLean; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 1 - "I just wanted one night..." Star. DNF @23% I put this book on the back burner a while ago after seeing many, many less than positive reviews for it from my Goodreads peers around its release. Teen angst and drama are things I get pissed off with really quickly if they are overplayed, or added for erroneous reasons, without any reasonable explanations to them. But after finishing Kick, Push (it's successor) in a day earlier this week, I thought I'd put on my big girl panties and give it a go as Chloe and Blake Hunter actually came across as a well adjusted couple in it, despite their previous issues. "You're like Superman..." "Does that make you my kryptonite?" I started getting annoyed at around 8% and it didn't really abate after that, Jay is an author that deals in teen angst, I know this, but I have to say the other books I have read by her have dealt it out in a way that makes it relevant and not overplayed. Notsomuch this time, and it all stems from the insta-connection that they apparently had. I didn't see it, I still don't see it up to the point I stopped reading. I will be honest and say I am also struggling to find (at this point) anything I like about either of the lead characters. "I know I'm safe with you." Add in a vapid, cheerleader girlfriend, and a whole host of familial drama, and I am going to part ways now before my review turns into a rant-fest. If you love this author (and I am on that path, despite this book) you will probably enjoy the story. It may get better, and I could have pulled myself through it, but I am trying to read for pleasure nowadays, and this book and the characters therein are just getting on my nerves, so I am going to put it down to a reader/character personality clash and move on. ARC generously provided, sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Tailored for Trouble (Happy Pants, #1); Author: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Only you, Ms. Reed. Only you." Stars! The first book I have read by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff started out as a bit of a mixed-bag for me, but as it progressed, grabbed me and pulled me in, I think mainly because I didn't foresee at any point the directions in which the author took the characters and the story in. I think the first thing that highlights just how well-crafted this story is that fact that as the reader in the early stages of the book, you jump to the same conclusions about Bennet Wade as Taylor Reed does. "People like you are what makes this world a shitty place." But whereas I started to realize as the book progressed was that there was more to this guy than meets the eye, Taylor took an awful lot longer to see past her own blinkered opinions, self-righteous assumptions and information she had picked up from less than stellar sources to then twist and turn to view it in a way that suited her and her own opinions of him. "Every time you've assumed something about this man, you've been wrong. Really, really wrong." Initial assumptions are that our Mr. Wade is a bit of an asshole, and some of the things that come out of his mouth would certainly ascribe to that initial assessment, both as Taylor and the reader, but the author does a great job of dropping lots of subtle hints in the progression of their story, that at first you don't pick up on, but they kind of click quicker the more that you read. "Train me... And trust me." I'll admit I am surprised I liked this one as much as I did, because Taylor has the sort of personality that normally would rub me totally up the wrong way, but there are points that even after epicly messing up, she then goes out of her way to make things right again, even if it does more often than not, end up making her look like an idiot, and then with her eating huge doses of humble pie, that made me feel for her, and the situations she found herself in. "I thought of you leaving, and then I panicked. Because no one has ever looked at me like you do, like they truly get me, the real me... And I sent you home because every time you look at me, I want more. More of you, more of those lips, more of your sassy little mouth. And it scares the hell out of me." I am glad I stuck with Tailored for Trouble, this is certainly a series, and author that I will be looking to read more from in the future. Because to be able to take a character I would normally hate and make me like her, and then put her in a story that I didn't know where it was going to go from one chapter to the next, whether it be due to plot twists or character revelations, and keep me entertained,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Prime Minister (Frisky Beavers, #1); Author: Ainsley Booth; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Oddly, Sir never did it for me until I met you. I like it... A lot." Stars! Prime Minister is one of those books that pretty much does what it says on the tin. You know what I mean, you know what you are going to get from the beginning, and the authors went large on delivering everything on offer to its fullest most outlandish best. To be honest this was a bit of a 'Mix & Match' read, the authors took a bunch of popular current and well-used tropes, and spun them differently by making the story revolve around a man, that on the surface has to be whiter than white. "She's a scandal I just can't afford." I didn't mind that, even if a lot of it felt like de-ja-vu from other books I have read from this genre, it was well written and both the main characters were easy to get along with and pretty likeable. "I spend a lot of time with a hard-on around you." Prime Minister was essentially a sexed up version of The West Wing, which to this day is still one of my favorite TV Shows, the cast of secondary characters is again on the likeable scale, and it was great to read a book where I didn't actually want to punch anyone in the face for being or acting like a tool. "You're definitely more than just an intern." The slow burn between them at the beginning was great, plenty of tension and sexual frustration for them both, add to the fact the PM, and Ellie are both worried about the potential scandal involved with him being caught boffing one of his interns, but lust eventually wins out, and once uglies are bumped there is literally no stopping them. I must admit I have realized from reading this that I absolutely prefer my politics with a large side order of sex, and once it got going there was literally no stopping them. "This is just the start... I never want to stop fucking you." I don't really class a bit of spanking and a couple of instances of tying up BDSM, to be honest we were looking at a man that may have dabbled in that arena in his college days but now is just a bit on the dominant side. The one thing that miffed me hugely is the addition of menage, and for me it was a tad on the cheesy side as well. "Am I in trouble offi-Sir?" This was one step too far for me, especially as it took place after they had spent a relatively short time together as a couple. I know its fiction, but firstly it just seemed all sorts of stupid for a Prime Minister to engage in something like that with a woman he has spent hardly any time getting to know, and secondly it just felt like the authors had thrown it in for good measure after pulling it from the roulette wheel of usable tropes, and it really didn't add; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Knew You Were Trouble (Texas Kings, #3); Author: Soraya Lane; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Once you've fallen for a King you never go back." Stars! Sadly the Texas Kings series draws to a close, with the infamous ladies' man, Nate King finally getting his story in I Knew You Were Trouble. Soraya Lane ended the series on a real high for me, especially as we are given one of my favourite tropes in Best-Friends-Little-Sister, with the addition of Faith Mendes to the King Ranch. Faith has always had a soft spot for Nate, but her brother Sam warning him off her at an early age has meant he has always kept things strictly friendly. "You come off as a tough guy... like you wouldn't give a damn about anything other than yourself or your family, but it's not who you are, is it? I've always seen past the bravado." Down-on-her-luck, and carrying the visible bruises from the end of her last relationship, She applies for the job of Housekeeper at King Ranch. Nate is the only King now left living in the main house, and although initially reluctant agrees to let her stay for the time being when he finds out why she's there. "Be careful little wolf..." "Said the big bad one." Problem is, although he has always kept things strictly on the up and up with Faith in the past, he knows she sees more of him than anyone usually does, and there is also the little problem of the fact he wants her, badly. And definitely not in a pseudo big brother kind of way. "I've admired you from afar for years, so when I tell you that you're the most beautiful woman, believe me when I say I've had a lot of time to think about it." Nate's upbringing, has played a huge part in the shaping the man he is today, being dumped on his grandparents with his younger brothers after his mother's untimely death by his father for cold hard cash, has essentially pushed him to ensure that he works hard and makes sure that his family will never face any sort of struggle in the future. He'd been the oldest brother, the one who'd had to be strong and keep it all together. King Ranch is flourishing under the management of his brothers Chase and Ryder, and together with the women they love they are growing the King legacy with each new addition to their families. Nate is happy to be the uncle, and run the rest of the King families business interests, but marriage, commitment and babies for his future... Hell No! But with Faith being in his house, and then quickly moving into his bed on a no-strings basis, he starts to re-assess his feelings on those things, even though he is still very vocal about not looking for commitment, his actions start telling a different story. "I want you now. Tomorrow. Yesterday." It was great to catch up with the rest of the King Clan in this one, and with sadness that we say goodbye to someone as well. If you have read the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Consummation (Unexpected Circumstances, #3); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You are so different from every woman I have ever known..." Stars! ITs LIVE! - Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url]... The Consummation which is part three of this seven part series, really gives focus on the relationship that is now slowly building between Sir Brandford and Alexandra. What was initially thought of as a business arrangement is turning into so much more for our couple. The trust that was so fragile for them at the beginning is starting to grow as the attraction between them flourishes. I like that we are starting to see a little more mettle from Alexandra in this one, I am not talking about a massive personality change or anything as she is still very unsure and nervous a lot of the time, but her back-bone is starting to show in certain situations, and her thirst for knowledge in all things to do with her new station in life, and in looking for ways to endear her more to Branford made some of their interactions pretty entertaining. The sexy-times finally arrive between husband and wife as well, as I am sure you can guess from the title, and as usual the author didn't disappoint. I like that we also saw a more softer side to Brandford too, you see that he is starting to realize that there is more to being a husband than bedding his wife and producing heirs, but have no fear the warrior with a heart of stone is still very much apparent as well. "I am a violent and brutal man... It is in my nature, when I am angered it is how I have always resolved the issue at hand... I do not wish to be violent toward you again. I wish to trust you and have you trust me, but this is how I have always been. I want to be different toward you-for you." The Shortcoming is due for release mid-July, going on the blurb it looks like things are about to get a bit more stressful for our couple with a potential war with the neighbouring kingdom of Hadebrand brewing. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Always Be True: Tino (Sergeant Joe's Boys, #2); Author: Alexis Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You've got some skills for an old man..." Stars! I really enjoyed the second book in Alexis Morgan's Sergeant Joe's Boys series. Both stories so far deal with likeable and honorable men who do not feel worthy of the woman who inevitably falls in love with them, through the telling of their story. Tino had the edge for me against the first book, and that mainly stems from the fact that the writing was a little more relaxed this time. I found Jack's story to be a little to starchy and not really written to reflect the age of the characters, but the author seemed to have lost that with this story. Always Be True, was an easy to read story in relation to the tropes used, but I liked Natalie, Tino was huggable, and the secondary characters once again played a pivotal role in the progression of the story. The drama when it came was light and not overplayed, and the author did a really good job of offering up a well-crafted albeit well used story-line with an easy to get along with cast. "Two down, one to go." Mikhail's book, Love, Always and Forever is due in March, and I am interested in seeing who the author partners him up with. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Home at Last (Sanctuary Island, #6); Author: Lily Everett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Only with you..." Stars. Lily Everett takes her readers back to Sanctuary Island for the sixth book in the series Home at Last. This is Marcus and Quinn's book and I was eagerly looking forward to reading their story. Unfortunately, the story the author delivered fell way short of the expectations I had, especially after the way this couple were with each other in the previous book from the series Close to Home, it was made very clear that Marcus is a man with a number of personal demons that he wasn't really dealing with, and Quinn was the woman that helped calm, stormy waters. So to have everything that was implied in the small amount you see of them in the previous book almost brushed under the carpet in this one left me really disappointed. "Face it. You're in a pickle." The other thing that really bugs me is when an author gives you a secondary character in a book, and you get to know them, then when they get their own book, completely acts out of the character that you have already got a general impression of. That was 100% the case with this one, and the things Marcus agreed to in an effort to help Quinn out with her family issues were totally out of character for the guy I had previously got to know. "I may be an optimistic idiot when it comes to romance, but even I have my limits...! And that is where we hit the motherlode of my issues, the whole ridiculous situation with Quinn's parents, and Dastardly Doctor Ron, the marriage guru/con-man. It was beyond ridiculous, and took what could have been a sweet, poignant second chance romance between her and Marcus, and turned it into a bit of a farce. "What a mess." I'll be honest, I had high expectations for this book, the author gave me them and they were built on the couple and their budding relationship that she teased me with in the previous book, so to take that story-line make it secondary, and to put everything Quinn's flaky mother, and spineless father were bumbling through in the forefront felt like a huge let-down to the story that this couple could have had if the author had kept the focus on them. The parts when they were together (and there weren't a huge amount, sadly) took me to the place I wanted to be with them, but it just kept being overshadowed by the unnecessary familial drama between her parents. "You're my hero..." "I'm nobody's hero." "If you want me to buy that... You're going to have to stop being there for me when I need you the most." I love visiting Sanctuary Island, and my disappointment on this occasion won't stop me visiting again in the future, I just wish the author had stayed true to the couple that deserved to have the focus on them and their story in this one, rather than being put on the back burner for what quite frankly was a ridiculous; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Close to Home (Sanctuary Island, #5); Author: Lily Everett; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Give us a month." Stars! Close to Home takes me back to one of my most favorite places; Sanctuary Island, this is the fifth book in Lily Everett's captivating series. I absolutely adored Johnny and Tessa Alexander's story, a couple who have been man and wife for years, but have never really lived as man & wife so much so that Tessa decides it's time to up-sticks and make a fresh start for herself on Sanctuary while Johnny is deep undercover and knows nothing about it. "I'm not the meek, mousy weakling you married." This isn't your standard romance in the respect that this is a married couple. But I liked that the author took their situation and ran with it. Tessa's early life plays a huge part in the reasonings as to why they were married in the first place, and Johnny with the ghosts in his past and a massive hero complex, just cannot accept that she has moved on and no longer needs his protection, as such it takes him the length of the journey to arrive on the Island to decide he is going to win her back, but she's not the girl he left behind, she's a woman, and one who has been managing on her own very well, thank you very much. "I want to live. I want to love, and be loved." Their reconnection was sweet and poignant, both of them have secretly been lusting after the other the whole time they have been married, but it takes the threat of divorce for Johnny to step up and admit to his feelings. "You're every fantasy I've had for years. Give me a chance to prove what kind of husband I can be..." There is a little suspense running through the plot as well as great inclusion from Marcus and Quinn, this is the couple who the next book in the series focuses on, and from what you see of their coming together in Close to Home and subsequent separation, I am expecting great things from their story Home at Last, which is due for release early March. "Sanctuary Island is pretty wonderful. I can't imagine ever wanting to live anywhere else." I love this series, the Island, it's inhabitants, it's like taking a holiday in your mind while sitting on the periphery and watching a really good love story unfold. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Somebody Like You (Darling, VT #1); Author: Donna Alward; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I'll see you at the Kissing Bridge..." Stars! Somebody Like You; the first book in Donna Alward's new series take the reader to the town and residents of Darling, Vermont. I really enjoyed the second-chance romance between Laurel and Aiden, both of them have grown and changed in the nine years that she has been away from town, that her return brings to the fore feelings that both of them had thought were long extinguished, but while one of them tentatively embraces those re-emerging feelings, the other is wary of getting burnt again. Memories were powerful things. Sometimes the body remembered what the heart would rather forget... Laurel's reasons for returning to Darling and opening The Ladybug Garden Centre are gossip fodder for the town in general, and Aiden soon works out that he is going to have to take things slowly with her if he wants to progress from the no-strings fun she is insistent on, to something deeper, especially as they were more enemies than friends when she moved away due to a silly bet he agreed to be a part of as a teenager. "It's starting to become a personal mission to win you over." This sort of story, series, characters and general reading experience is something I have found myself gravitating to much more lately, I like a bit of drama and angst, and the author skilfully interweaves it into this couples reconnection, but it doesn't detract from the overall feeling of enjoyment that I take away from my reading experience, because it isn't the main focus of the story. "I said the wrong things last time... Did all the wrong things." The secondary characters make a big impact too, and the author utilizes their input to great effect. The Gallagher family look to be the main focus of the forthcoming books, but you are introduced to a couple of the other forthcoming main characters as well, that you just know the longer you read the deeper the connection as a reader you are going to feel to the series. "You're smitten... It was true ten years ago and its true now." I have to say that I am absolutely loving all these 'small town / big impact' contempory romances that St. Martins Press and its authors seem to be getting right time and time again lately, and I am glad that I am being given the opportunity to read so many of them. The storylines offer up easy to get along with tropes and characters, everything is kept moving at a steady place and the set-ups and locations just pull you in and keep you happily entertained until you finish the last page. "You should dream... You should always have dreams." I have already lined up the next book in the series Somebody to Love on my Kindle, and I am so happy to see that after its release in March, we are getting to revisit again in April for the release of Somebody's Baby, I have certainly started 2017 with a smile on my; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meant to Be (Whisper Creek, #5); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I've got you." Stars! We return to Whisper Creek, Montana for the fifth book in the series of the same name; Meant to Be, is probably the best book I have read by Maggie McGinnis in the last couple of years. This has certainly been a series of peak and troughs for me, and Cooper and Shelby's story was definitely a peak. Disgraced Cop and a grieving pop-star on the wane, make an unlikely pair. But that's the beauty of putting the characters in the Dude Ranch setting, it gives the author an opportunity to mix and match characters romantically that you wouldn't necessarily see in another location. "Maybe after I've known you longer than a day..." Shelby is escaping from her life, Cooper is hiding from his, both of them reluctant to talk to the other about the reasons as to why. But as the story progresses and they spend more time together you start to learn more about them as individuals and what has made them into the people they are today. "Whats your favorite thing so far...?" ...You... I think when you are writing closed door romance you need to make sure that the story and the characters are fully developed, and Maggie is an author that does that really well, don't get me wrong, sure I want a bit more descriptive sexy-action for her couples, but in the terms of the story, I certainly don't feel like I need it when reading her books. He was totally falling for her. And he didn't even know who she was. Another great plus for the story was the interaction with past characters from the series, it was great to catch up with everyone while Cooper and Shelby's story played out. "We're a team here. We take care of each other..." Maggie seems to lean towards writing wholly submissive females, I don't mean that in a sexual sense more in a character and personality way, this in the past has been a bug bear for me, as I struggle to empathize with a door-mat, Shelby was very much directed by those around her, but I liked in the latter stages she started to take back control for herself. "Everybody has a choice." I have to say I was a little surprised at how the story played out towards the end, the direction the author took surprised me, but I actually enjoyed that, it kept things a little off center, and less predictable in general. "Thank you... for looking for me... for finding me." I am pleased to see that we get to visit Whisper Creek again later on this year, Taking a Chance, is due for release in November and I look forward to reading it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fearless (Rescue Squad #2); Author: Kimberly Kincaid; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "I'm here to train your ass, not kiss it." Stars. Having absolutely devoured the first book in Kimberley Kinkaid's Rescue Squad series a few months ago, I was eager to dip back in with Fearless. And while the author deals with certain workplace equality issues admirably, there were other aspects of this story that didn't quite gel for me. The story that plays out around Cole and Savannah's relationship reminded me a little of one of my favorite films Backdraft in that we have an unknown arsonist at work, and this is discovered by our two Firefighters in the process of Cole, training newly recruited Savannah to take his place on Engine Eight, in preparation for his move to the Rescue Squad. Although whereas it took me a while to work out who the villain was in regards to the film, the author made it pretty obvious exactly who the villain was in this one from the beginning. But that wasn't as much of an issue for me in relation to the story as a whole. "This attraction between us didn't just pop up overnight, and you've never treated me differently... When we're at work, we work. Period." Which pretty much sums up where my main issue is, apart from a slow as molasses start to actually get the story going, I felt absolutely no connection between Cole and Savannah as a romantic couple, yes they worked quite well together when she finally shut up and stopped giving him attitude, and the author didn't skimp on the sexy times once they finally hit any available flat surface going, but there was no spark between them for me, and there definitely wasn't a raging inferno of lust. To be honest it was more of a damp match that you can't get to light more than anything. "Welcome to eight, Tough Stuff." But the author tackles sexism in the workplace in this one as well, and although I can appreciate that she gave Savannah a take-no-prisoners attitude in relation to it and the treatment she received from a certain few, I really struggled to understand her reactions to a few things that happened. As rather than try and fit in she choose to go in the opposite direction, by giving attitude and rubbing up people the wrong way in her behavior. It kind of detracted from the message that the author was trying to purvey because I found her a struggle to like or empathize with.. "You need to stop arguing and start fucking listening." I still enjoyed the team aspect of the book and the secondary characters kept things entertaining in relation to banter and laughs, but in general something was missing for me this time with the author's characterizations of Cole and Savannah and emotional growth between them. I would still happily read more from Kimberly Kincaid, and I hope that we get more stories from the men and women of her Rescue Squad series at some point in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Week to Score (Tall, Dark, and Texan, #3); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "My eyes can barely process the full range of awesome." Stars! Kate Meader has excelled herself with the final book in the Tall, Dark and Texan series, although to be honest I think this is probably the best complete Brazen series I have read in a long while. Everything about Olivia and Flynn's story just clicked for me, plenty of banter, a few giggles, lots of sexy-times, and some incredibly sweet and heart felt moments for this pair as they work towards their happily ever after. "A knight in beat-up armor is still a fucking knight..." Which seeing as Livvy has just been left standing at the altar the author gave the situation gravitas, but kept it quite light reading at the same time. He had waited over ten years for the privilege of exploring that beautiful body, and no one else would touch her as long as it was within his power to stop it. Brothers-best-friend with a dash of 'frenemies' thrown in for good measure meant that this couple were going at it verbally from the get-go and then physically pretty quickly thereafter. I can't say that the plot offered up a huge amount of surprises, but the author always manages to make her characters a little bit vulnerable, even if they come across externally as having balls of steel. "You slay me... Into little pieces. Always have." Both Flynn and Livvy were of this mix, and as the reasonings for Flynns sudden disappearance from her life seven years previous start to come to light you see that Livvy is not the only one nursing a few emotional scars. It started as a school boy crush and morphed into something forbidden... but through all the worst times of his life, she'd been there. Loved this book, adored the series, stellar epilogue. I hope to see more from this author through this publisher in the future, they have definitely got the recipe right for the Brazen imprint, so I hope they use it again with another series at some point. "Cocktacular." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Witches of Westwick College (Lovers and Liars, #3); Author: Liz Meldon; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Something more powerful than you think resides in Westwick..." Stars! I always get a little excited when a book from Liz Meldon lands on my Kindle. Main reason being is I know it will be such a unique story that it will pull me in and keep my attention until its end. This is an author whose books do not really compare to any others, and I like that whilst reading, you aren't thinking that it reminds you of anything else you have read by another author previously. Loki and Aphrodite head off to Westwick College, Idaho in this latest instalment in their adventures. Still feeling a little fragile after their previous tussle in Vancouver, both of them are looking for something a little less stressful to investigate. The rumours of Witches on campus, and strange unexplained occurrences, cause Loki's old friend; Professor Martin Ludwick to turn to him for assistance. But all is not as it seems, and after an unexpected tussle with said witches produces results that neither Aphrodite or Loki expected, Aphrodite finds herself on her own, and looking for a way to rectify the balance of power. They'd underestimated their enemies and had paid the price for it each time... Once again the author manages to deliver a story, that was surprising in its direction and engrossing in it's telling, I love the pull and push between this pair as a investigative duo as well as a couple, while Loki always seems to be the one in charge at the beginning, it really is Aphrodite that's steering the ship to the destination they eventually reach. "You know... I'm not sure you're worth all this expensive underwear..." Their relationship seems to solidify in this one as events unfold and I just loved the addition of college outcast Rowan into the mix, as Aphrodite's unlikely sidekick in the second half of the book. All in all, a bloody good read, and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Meldon takes this duo in the future. From the looks of it Papua New Guinea is on the GPS, in particular a little place called Tuskin Island... ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Educating Emma; Author: Kat Austen; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Romance with a kinky twist..." Stars! Kat Austen delivers up another deliciously sweet and smutty, quick read with Educating Emma. This one picks up fast and doesn't really slow down until its sweet epilogue. Professor Luke Faraday has a secret, one that he doesn't think anyone else knows... he has dirty, dirty thoughts about one is his students, Emma. Emma also has a secret, a secret she's fed up of hiding, and has decided to take some action on it. She has a mad crush on her Professor... Luke Faraday. It's him or no one for me... This is alpha male, dirty girl smut pure and simple. You know pretty much from the off what you are getting and the author delivered it in one well written compact package. If a person doesn't obsess and crave and long for the one they want to the point where dying seems better than living if they can't be together, then fuck that. I don't want the mediocre alternative... I really liked the little twist at the end, and the epilogue was exceptionally sugary sweet. Another great read from this author! "You are insatiable, Professor Faraday." ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Billionaire and His Castaway (Alexa Riley Promises, #3); Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "I always dream of you." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]-... Another sweet and sexy addition to the Alexa Riley Promises series that I absolutely devoured. The Billionaire's Castaway is a firm tongue-in-cheek modern day take on some of the Harlequin Specials of the past, and the duo delivered it brilliantly. I loved Kenton, obsessed to the nth degree with Madeline, he literally ends up stranding them on a deserted island so he can have some one-on-one time with her. All I needed was a week. I could make her fall for me in that amount of time. Right? Having frozen up on their initial introduction a few months previously due to the strength of feelings he has for her Kenton was more than a little aloof due to his nerves, and because of that Madeline has always believed that he disliked her. When she couldn't be more further from the truth. I've belonged to her since the moment I first saw her. There was never a second when I wasn't completely hers, and I'd not so much as had a thought of anyone else since then... You know what you are getting with these books, and they are the perfect couple of hours of reading escapism in my opinion. I would almost go as far as to say that The Billionaire's Castaway is my favorite of the series so far, and they have all been pretty stellar. My cock has taken on a life of its own. People would run in fear if they saw this monster approaching their village. Another kick-ass epilogue, well three actually but they really do finish off these stories to perfection. ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deep Into Trouble (Unbroken Heroes #3); Author: Dawn Ryder; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "Bring it." Stars! The third book in Dawn Ryder's Unbroken Heroes series, finally gives us Saxon Hale's Story. If you haven't read the previous two books I would highly recommend you do before you start Deep Into Trouble as this isn't a book you will understand otherwise. Just like the previous books, there is a huge amount of story going on with numerous POV's, as well as dozens of characters some known and some new additions in the telling of this particular part of the story. He couldn't get personal with her, she was his witness... Although enjoyable this is my least favourite of the series so far, but I only have one gripe really, in that I never really felt any connection between Saxon and Ginger until the very latter stages of the book, yes the sexy-times between them were hot, Dawn writes that really well, but together outside of that I really didn't feel anything from them as a couple, they sort of went from zero to sixty without any real reasoning as to why initially. "Think before you lie to me, Saxon Hale... No man crosses that line in my book." Saxon has been a dark, secretive and brooding character throughout the story so far, and with the case against the elusive Raven and presidential nominee Carl Davis becoming more twisted, the last thing he is really looking to deal with is a witness that was in the wrong place, albeit at the right time in relation to his investigation, especially if said witness pulls all-sorts of emotions from him that he in the past has never really felt. "I'm not a nice guy... There isn't anything for you in my world except danger. You believe in happy-ever-afters, honey. They don't exist in my world... I'm no good for you." Ginger wasn't afraid to stand up to our alpha hero in this respect, and I liked her sass with him on that front, Mr. Hale isn't one used to anyone, especially women answering him back and questioning his actions. And around their fleeing the bad guys, things get more complex between Carl, turncoat Tyler Martin and Saxon's boss, Kagan. Again I reiterate, you really need to read the previous books to understand what happens in this installment. "You bring out the best in me." As with all great Romantic Suspense series, while some questions are answered, others are raised, and more revelations are tossed into the mix, and I am looking forward to seeing which direction the fourth book; Take to the Limit (due for release in August) goes in relation to things that were revealed in the end stages of this story. I also hope that the finished book is fully edited/spell-checked before publication as well, because there were a number of wrongly used words in the ARC, one had me chuckling for quite a while, when instead of resting her weight on her elbows, she used her eyebrows if true I think Ginger has huge potential as a circus performer in future books! ARC generously; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Wild Night; Author: Melissa Cutler; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "You can't win em' all." Stars. One Wild Night takes readers back to the Briscoe Ranch Resort and its recurring characters for another visit. And although the third book in the authors One and Only Texas Series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Two reckless, hungry souls looking for escape... I have read a number of books by Melissa Cutler now, and I am going to blunt and say this book is the least favorite I have read by her, and by a long way. There were numerous things I noted that didn't work for me, but you know you are on a hiding to nothing when you cannot bring yourself to really like or empathize with the lead characters or find any other words for the story-line apart from 'ridiculous' and 'overcooked'. All of the previous books in the series revolve around the Resort as does Skye and Gentry's story in part, but the author seemed to step away from the path that she has followed with the previous couples in that these two didn't really make sense together, the chemistry between them was non-existent, and there were parts of the story that just seemed to be added for effect rather than having any real relevance to the plot. I won't go into detail but there is a scenario in the first half that takes place in a Nashville night club between our lovers that just left me cringing, then the second half just got even more extreme. Granny June, kept me entertained in parts, but I can't say this is a book I am going to remember with any fondness. I hope the author reverts back to the formula that was working so well with the previous books, if this series has any further additions, because it worked 100% better than the set-up in this one did. ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Protector (Sons of Texas, #2); Author: Donna Grant; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - Things weren't looking good for the Loughmans... Stars! Book two of Donna Grant's Sons of Texas Series, proceeds with the theme of the story in general in that the Loughman brothers are searching for their kidnapped father, whilst trying to deal with the Russians their father stole the bio-weapon from and a group called The Saints, who also want it. "Are all you Texas boys so chivalrous?" "Afraid so, darlin'. It's in the water." But The Protector specifically gives us Cullen Loughman's story, as everything in the bigger picture plays out and develops further. Cullen the youngest of the Loughman brothers, has always felt himself separate from his brothers Wyatt and Owen, because of the fact they were the ones who found their mother murdered, but kept him away from it, the rift that murder caused in the Loughman family went deep and has been growing for years. The brothers coming together to search for their father opens a lot of old wounds and I found it really poignant when Cullen went through everything with Mia in relation to that time. Because although he knows deep down that his brothers were doing what was best for him, it also made him feel terribly isolated and alone at the same time. He wasn't nearly finished with her. And he was beginning to suspect that he never would be... The story as before is told from several points of view, I like that Donna included Orrin in this because you get to see how everything is playing out from that perspective of the story as well, the only thing I found a little odd was the fact that most of Cullen's book runs concurrently with Owens, but Orrins seems to pick up from where it finished in book one... Wyatt and Callie are up next so hopefully everything will run together again from that point on. "We get just enough information to tease us, but never more... Every layer we pull back exposes dozens more." This is by no means a filler book, but I did find it a little slower to get moving than the first book, in saying that though I enjoyed it a little more than book one, as we are given more information on Ragnarok, and what it can do, as well as more of an in depth look at some of the villains in the story. "I want to know all your secrets..." "We all have secrets." Mia and Cullens relationship goes from eye-fucking to actual fucking pretty quickly once they admit they are attracted to each other, but I think seeing the vulnerable side of Cullen and the trust the grew between them as they each gave up bits of their pasts and the secrets they were keeping, stopped it from feeling too 'insta'. "You're the type of woman a man looks for to spend his life with." Wyatt's up next in The Legend, due for release in late June, seeing as I have no idea how the author intends to finish this series, and everything; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dex (Kinky Shine Book 1); Author: Stephanie Witter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "Shit Happens." Star. DNF @ 31% This may be a case of me not getting on with an author's writing style, and being written in 1st person didn't help, but this book just got so repetitive, I found myself skimming without even realizing I was doing it. Paragraphs like the below - I walked to the table and took the chair opposite her at the round table. I took off my sunglasses and put them on the table... Where the table is the focal point and then descriptive as follows, where the same sentence starter is used repetitively seemed to be reoccurring themes, and it just dragged everything out interminably for me. For the first time in years, a woman had my complete and undivided attention. For the first time in years, a woman fascinated me. For me this book could just use a really good dose of ninja editing, to cut out a lot of the random and regularly overly flowery stuff to move up the pace of plot development a bit, and repetitive information sharing (I get that two of Kinky Shine have pierced eyebrows, it didn't need to be bought up so much, and yes I got that Dex likes Aviator sunglasses) overload pared down, most readers have decent memories so don't need to have something revealed or reiterated more than a couple of times, to remember it as the story progresses. "We don't need to like each other to work together." I liked some of the banter between Dex and Harley, but again it all got a bit lost with the lengthy internal monologues from both of them about how the other was making them feel, their growing attraction to each other etc... Sadly not a winner for me on this occasion. ARC provided via Netgalley, and I wish I could provide a more positive review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Her Survivor (Black Eagle Ops, #1); Author: Vonnie Davis; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 2.5 - "This SEAL protects what's his." Stars. Her Survivor is the first book in Vonnie Davis' new Black Eagle Ops, series. This isn't the first book I have read by the author so I was aware of her writing style going in, and initially the going was good. "Whatever scars you've got, you earned them honorably. Wear them with pride." This book is all-sorts of insta, Dustin Franks (our injured SEAL in question) meets and pisses off Kelcee Tood within minutes, and sparks fly. But in the space of one phone call and apology shortly after they settle into life as an old married couple... Well not quite, but the relationship gave me whip-lash it took off so quickly, and that's where things went downhill for me. "I feel like me when I'm with you or talking to you over the phone. You're helping me find myself again." I think mainly because there is just so much going on for them together and separately that the constant falling out, getting back together got a bit overplayed for me. Kelcee got more annoying as the book wore on as well, in that her overreactions about everything reminded me of a teen-diva. Dustin was the inherent gentleman a lot of the time, and I think that was also something that I struggled with this is a couple that a lot of the time came across as a whole heap older than they actually were. The secondary characters in this one were pretty decent to the point that I actually preferred them to the main H/h for most of the book, and I like a small town feel to my romances so that was a plus as well. You have ZQ, Ex-SEAL and the owner Of Eagle Ridge Ranch taking in SEALs that have been injured severely whilst in service to their country and offering them a place to recuperate and decide on what their next steps will be, his mother June aka Junebug, and JJ and his dog Nance(both also ex-military), so a good basis for the rest of the series for sure. I also found the authors knowledge and respectful way of including Dustin's PTSD and other issues into the story really well handled. But the suspense aspect of the story went straight off into ridiculous territory at the end of the book and it felt a bit rushed for me, no spoilers, but who ups and goes to bed in the middle of a gun-fight... That had me rolling my eyes and I skimmed to the end from that point. "I wasn't looking for someone when I came to stay. Then I walked into your book store..." The story has merit, as I said the author handled Dustin's PTSD and other injuries and how he dealt with them with great respect, and in knowledgeable fashion, but the rest of it just went down-hill, and gained momentum to car crash proportions in the latter stages. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Skeletons of Scarborough House (The Chapelwick Mysteries #1); Author: Kitty French; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "My name is Melody Bittersweet, and I see dead people." Stars! Kitty French has literally taken all the best bits from the films Ghostbusters and Ghost added a little of Richard Curtis's charm when it comes to characters and quirks and delivered an absolute hilarious, and heartfelt romp through the world of paranormal occurrences. There is so much going on in this book, what with a cast of dozens; human, ghost and in pet form, a plot that offers up romance, suspense, comedy and some absolute corking escapades, I could not put Melody Bittersweet down, in fact I pretty much devoured it in one sitting. I think what I love about Kitty's less erotic offerings is that the story isn't strongly based around any one thing, everything that is thrown in seems to enhance the main plot points to just make everything brighter and more complex because of it, sort of like a painting, that as the artist adds more and more layers becomes clearer and yet more detailed at the same time. This agency is mine. I made it happen from spun-sugar dreams and superhero hopes and the luck of the Magic 8 Ball. This story had so many things about it to like, I loved the Bittersweet women, all a little kooky but endearing in their own ways. Best friend Marina and trainee Ghostbuster Artie were the perfect sidekicks to Melody. The scoundrel of the piece in Leo Dark and his personal Fembots, being Melody's ex, and competition in the ghost hunting world there was more than a bit of chemistry going on, on that front. "Don't tell me we have incompatible brains, because from the neck down we are best fucking friends." Dastardly reporter, and paranormal disbeliever, Fletcher Gunn, who as it turns out isn't as dastardly as one initially thinks, and is actually a bit of a dirty mouthed sweetie when riled up. The love-hate between the two of them was great and I am expecting things to heat up more as Kitty releases further books in the series. "You're tough as nails and I'm irritating as hell. I still think we should lay our hostilities aside for the evening and have wild sex, because I can still taste you on my lips and you're delicious." And I cannot, not mention Lestat the one eared pug, who pretty much stole the spotlight in every paragraph he was in! "Your dog is humping my leg." This is one of those stories that you go into not quite knowing what to fully expect. And the author keeps you on your toes all the way through it. I will reiterate I couldn't put it down, there have been few books that have done this to me of late and it was a refreshing change to feel excitement at what I was reading. I'm twenty-seven, single and so damn lonely that I'm slowly going crazy. But for all the comedy and derring-do, there are some extremely poignant moments in this one as well, Kitty literally took me from laughing to; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: This One Moment (Pushing Limits, #1); Author: Stina Lindenblatt; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 1 - Sometimes it was better to just accept defeat and move on... Star. DNF @ 36% I have picked up and put this book down a couple of times in the last three months, and I have decided to call time. I don't have a huge amount to say because at 36%, apart from some lengthy internal monologues about very little, and many overly elaborate descriptions of things that have no relevance to the actual story, nothing of real note has actually happened. Add to that I am feeling zero connection between the H/h and don't really get why Nolan/Tyler has just dropped everything to come back to town five years after leaving. Hailey's coma seemed to be quick to clear as soon as he arrived at her bedside, but after such a long absence of her best friend and secret crush, who upped and left without a backwards glance all those years ago I was just expecting a little more on the feels front, its also really hard to age this couple, I'm assuming mid-twenties, but the language and interactions is more middle-aged-couple than anything. I didn't struggle with the authors writing per-se, I just found it lacking in important developmental areas, and overly flowery where it wasn't really warranted. Bits and pieces have been dropped into the story in relation to why Nolan left, but the whole attack on Hailey situation is still very much untouched and up-in-the-air, I think the erroneous monologues/descriptions could have done with paring down in favour of moving the story along at a slightly faster pace. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Bookshop on Rosemary Lane; Author: Ellen Berry; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Recipes are for sharing." Stars! I am a big fan of Fiona Gibson/Ellen Berry's books. She always manages to take average day-to-day life and add a little something special to it. The Bookshop on Rosemary Lane did just that, it put me right in the middle of a Yorkshire family and told me their story. I would say that if you are expecting a book about a shop, then this isn't really the case, the story mainly focuses on Della, her husband Mark and their teenage daughter Sophie, and the lives they are living. The story starts with Della rushing to her ailing mothers beside, and then pretty much proceeds to go through everything that Della has to deal with in the aftermath of her death. Her brother and sister are less than useless when it comes to sorting anything out, and the funeral, clearance and subsequent sale of their mother's house is all pretty much left up to her. All the sparkle in her had been dimmed down so low as to be barely noticeable anymore. The first thing that becomes glaringly apparent it that Della, is pretty much taken advantage of by everyone in her life who is important to her, life has become a series of tasks and routines and nothing she does or is involved in really offers her much joy anymore, a husband more interested in golf, and a daughter on the verge of leaving for college, Della is at a crossroads. That crossroads comes in the form of her mothers' 962 Cookbooks, they rekindle her passion for cookery, and the few happy memories she has of her childhood. And what starts out as a whimsical idea very soon becomes reality when she signs a lease for an empty shop on Rosemary Lane. Support for this decision is hugely lacking from those who should be offering her encouragement, and just as Della looks to start out on a new chapter in her life, the walls of the current chapter start crashing down. To be honest I struggle hugely with my lead female characters being downtrodden and taken advantage of, especially when they then sit back and keep letting it continue, and to a point this was Della for a lot of the book, but what I liked is that she didn't give up, she fought for her dream, and did what she wanted rather than was expected by those who were meant to be her support network, even when other parts of her life were in free-fall. As a reader the author gives you enough information to work out what is going to happen with certain characters pretty early on, but the story arc in around the development of the Bookshop for Cook Books was strong enough to keep all the secondary drama in context and not take over the story in general. All-in-all, add in a few unexpected surprises along the way and this was a book I really enjoyed. Another thing that made me happy is that this is the start of a; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deceived (Dark Alliance, #1); Author: Kate SeRine; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "It'll all work out like its supposed to in the end." Stars! New author to me + New romantic suspense series + Really enjoyable story = Happy Claire! Kate SeRine certainly started her new Dark Alliance series with a catchy storyline. I am a sucker for anything with any that is related however loosely to the Knights Templar, so after reading the blurb for this book I was happy to jump right in. "When it comes to one of our own we don't fuck around." Luke Rogan, works for Temple Knight & Associates his role is varied, but often includes the use of guns, and going places and dealing with people that most people would shy away from. Tasked with picking up the daughter and young son of one of the higher ups in the organisation after a massive security breech when an unsanctioned operation goes drastically wrong, initially sounds like a walk in the park, that is until he is given the full information as to why he is picking them up and that fact that he is not the only person looking for them. "She was the kind of woman a guy could fall in love with before he even knew what was happening." Sarah Scoffield's introduction to Luke is not your run-of-the-mill handshake, after a little flirty banter turns into more of a run-and-duck type of scenario, Luke is literally playing protector to her and her son Eli from the get-go. Their chemistry is hot, add to it the stressful situation they find themselves in and it doesn't take long for a deep bond over and above attraction to form between them. "I like the way you see me even if it's untrue." This is a plot that jumps around a lot, there are quite a few POVs in play, and in the ARC version it isn't clearly defined all the time when you have moved from one character to the other, so I did find myself going back a few times to differentiate where one person stopped and the next had started, I am sure this will have been sorted for the release version though. That-said, once I had all the players straight in my head (and you are introduced to a large number of characters in this one), I devoured this book pretty quickly. The plot moves along at a rapid clip and being given the POV of the good, and the baddies in it the author gave the story a full 360 feel. "This one's personal." My one niggle, and what dropped it from a five to four star read for me was the actions and behavior of Sarah in a few of the situations she found herself in. Being a mother I just don't know if I would have acted as recklessly as she did a couple of times. However, this is a woman dealing with a huge change in circumstances, as well as learning that a large chunk of her life may not have necessarily come about as she thought it had,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Slow Grind (Men of Mornington #1); Author: Eva Spencer; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "We got this." Stars. This is one of those classic 'didn't love it, didn't hate it' books, I think Slow Grind actually had the potential to be more than it was, in that there is so much erroneous drama going on in it that it actually detracted from what would have been a really great story if the time had been taken to give the important tropes more depth and emotion. "You're pushing buttons you don't want to push..." The premise for Slow Grind was really good, who doesn't love a hot guy, and add in some stripping to the mix then you are golden, the admirable reasons why it is being done added an emotional secondary element to proceedings. Five best mates since primary school, and we're all so uniquely different. But for me Max's illness and the guys stripping took a back seat to everything else going on a lot of the time. What with the sex starved neighbour, the horny mother, the desperate ex, and lack of communication between Drew and Aubrey, and whatever other little dramas the authors could think to throw in it was a busy story, but it lacked any real flow for me, for a lot of it's telling by jumping all over the place. "What's the point of being sexy if you're not going to use it?" You are also introduced to a plethora of characters with Nash, Sam and Cam, stripping with Drew, as well as his sister Emma, who is also Aubrey's old BFF, someone she's hasn't spoken to for years, but in a matter of moments is described as having an unbreakable connection with... The new BFF Jacey arrives from America towards the end as well, and then things just went from moderately entertaining to just a little on the silly side. "All I've thought of since you got back was how fucking sexy you are... I want everything with you." This ends on a cliffy in more than one way, so be warned, although I struggled with the first 30% or so, and for all the above gripes I would consider reading following books from the Men of Mornington series, just to see if this author duo can pare back some of the excess and deliver a deeper and more emotive story going forwards. ARC generously provided in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Always and Forever; Author: Soraya Lane; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Was it worth everything?" Stars! I am no stranger to Soraya Lanes' writing, but I think Always and Forever is probably the most heartfelt and emotive story read I have read from her. At the beginning of the book, Matt and Lisa are a couple that on the surface appear to have the perfect, life, marriage and relationship. But it all quickly unravels, and what the author does at the point of implosion is take this couple apart by degrees until you really don't know if that they can actually come back from it and be a cohesive loving unit again. "Let's go away and just be us again." I think the other thing that becomes apparent in this one as well, and you get to see it really well due to dual POV, and flashbacks to them as a younger couple is the dynamic change between them, whereas Lisa is the strong, organized and in-control character at the beginning, and Matt the more carefree, laid-back one, after everything that happens their roles are sort of reversed. And it is a reversal that leaves Matt floundering initially. Lisa was the bright light that had kept shining when he needed it most. The author also manages to pull you in different directions in relation to where your empathy and emotions lie in regards to the characters and what they are going through as the story progresses as well, this certainly isn't a cut and dried tale of a couple who hit a rough patch, Matt has things in his past that he still beats himself up over and really needs to deal with. And Lisa has always perceived her future would be a certain way, and now that, that picture can no longer be completed as she has always envisioned it they are both left floundering and trying to deal with their new reality. What they had been through had tested them, hurt them both, but she was ready to fight, to start over as best she could. I at points disliked one or the other of them for their behavior, but you also know it is their emotional reactions to the issues they are dealing with that are pulling the feelings from you as a reader. The author doesn't pull any punches when it comes to them both venting and although the words they share are sometimes ugly, the place they come from is heartbreak over their current situation, and the dam breaking on things that they have avoiding discussing in the past. "We both lost a lot this year, but one thing I don't want to lose is you..." This isn't your hearts and flowers love story, but it is a love story nonetheless, a love that is strong in the beginning, cracks and almost shatters in the middle, and then you see how each of them deals with their joint and singular issues in an effort to re-forge and strengthen their connection in the latter stages of the book. Not an easy read by any means, but definitely; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Playing By Her Rules (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #1); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Sorry... Did I make you wet..?" Stars! A steady start for Amy Andrews new Sydney Smoke series. We have a team of rugby players, and I would imagine as the series progress each woman to cross their paths will have the potential to make her respective player have a little less control of his balls than normal! I really enjoyed Matilda and Tanners', second chance reconnection, but as a reader of many, many books in the Brazen imprint and from Entangled Publishing in general, this story sat more in the Indulgence category for me. The romance is slow-burn, and rightly so, as this is a couple with eight years of hurt and mis-interpretation to work through. I have no problem with that at all, but if you, like me expect the sex to get going pretty shaprish in your Brazen reading, then you need to stick with Playing by Her Rules for that, and it's worth it, if you do. The girl he'd once known had disappeared behind a wall that had been laid by him - or started by him anyway. I liked Tanner and Tilly together, plenty of banter, the chemistry took a little while to get going, mainly because Tilly had a serious case of revenge-hate going on for him in the first half of the book. Understandable, if you take into account the position her boss has put her in, in that in order to get ahead at work, she has to spend the time getting to know someone who essentially broke her heart all those years ago, and because of that has shaped all of her relationships with men in the intervening years, and is literally given no choice about it. She had a goal here - revenge. And she couldn't lose sight of it. But what she initially thinks will be a series of six articles that will expose to the masses just how much of a dislikeable tool Tanner Stone really is, flips on its head when she learns that there is so much more behind the perceived Playboy facade, than she was expecting, he is still in essence the boy she fell in love with all those years ago, and that brings about a resurgence of feelings that she's not quite sure what to do with, or how to handle. #mightbelove Tanner was an absolute sweetheart in his attempts to woo Tilly, even after every attempt is rebuffed, he carries on trying to make her see that he is more than the one mistake that he made when they were kids. "Time to let go of the past." This is a pretty standard A-Z romance, but Amy has written this couple well, and given them the time to redevelop their relationship, before jumping fully into the bedroom again. "You were always the best part of me...Always." I enjoyed it, it wasn't a struggle to read, and let's face it, hot football players, yes please! Plenty of scope for the rest of the books for this series, and if the banter between the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shortcoming (Unexpected Circumstances, #4); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I will return to you... I swear it." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01H3W9AVM It's taken three novellas, but I finally fell for Brandford in The Shortcoming, don't get me wrong he was ringing my lady-bells in the previous instalments, but the connection between him and Alexandra solidifies in this episode of the Unexpected Circumstances series and just like her, my remaining defences completely crumbled. A lot happens between our couple in this one, what with wars and baby-making, neither of which really going according to plan, the cast of secondary characters extends with the addition of slave turned serf/handmaid Janet, a woman Brandford rescues, in an effort to show Alexandra just how much her being in his life is having on his respect for his subjects, and subsequent treatment of them. Her different perspective and fresh insight makes him want to do and be better, and because of it becoming a man that will one day be a worthy King. "I would be lost without you now..." A long separation ensues due to war, and we cover several of years in the span of this novella, the couple's feelings for each other deepen through their separation and subsequent reconnection, and the bond between them is now rock solid. Well you would think it is anyway, but I have a feeling that there are more than a few spanners going to be thrown in the works in the next novella at least, with it being titled The Concubine I think you can guess which direction the angst and drama is going to come from going forwards. "You are precious to me..." Due for release on the 26th July, the author has me hooked completely to this couples adventure now, I just hope they can overcome the next set of obstacles that Shay has in store for them. ARC generously provided by the author, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sugar Free (Sugar Bowl, #3); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect whats mine..." Stars! The final book in Sawyer Bennett's Sugar Bowl series, picks up, right where Sugar Rush left off. If you have not read the previous two installments, be warned the review below does contain spoilers in relation to the story so far. I think it's safe to say that Sela's actions towards the end of Sugar Rush were the height of stupidity, bearing in mind everything that had played out with JT previously and her initial reasons that started the story originally, especially if you take into account how her relationship with Beck has developed since, and the plans he was in the process of putting into place, in relation to their future. "You came along and the pieces started falling into place... You gave me all the pieces that were missing." And I have to admit that as a reader on a practical and unemotional level I could see the authors reasons for going in that direction. On an emotional level, and as a reader that was totally invested in the story it without doubt totally pissed me off. But then you have to look at the fact that if she hadn't gone to see him on her own, where would the author have taken the final part of the book... So although annoyed I got over it and read on. As you would expect the plot for the final installment in the trilogy is all about Beck and Sela overcoming all the obstacles that have plagued their relationship since the beginning, as well as dealing with the aftermath of the whole JT situation... I am not honestly sure what I was really expecting from the author in relation to tying up their story, I can't say I was wowed, but I didn't dislike it, the book was again a really quick and easy read, the sex seemed to outweigh the story a bit in this one for me, but overall it was still for the most part pretty enjoyable. One thing that did pique my interest was the hints of a relationship that developed between Beck's sister; Caroline and his PI; Dennis in the latter stages of the book. I hope that at some point there is a story coming from that direction as they were both characters that deserve their own happily ever afters. Loved the epilogues in this one as well. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Destined for a King (The Bastard Brotherhood, #1); Author: Ashlyn Macnamara; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5 - "Let me prove my worth to you..." Stars! I love the feeling I get when I read a book that is the beginning of a series, and it exceeds all and any expectations I had for it prior to starting reading. Destined for a King definitely falls into that category, because apart from an intriguing synopsis I really didn't know what to expect. And Ashlyn Macnamara can put one hell of a story together. Having not read/seen anything of the Game of Thrones series I cannot really compare it to that with any real factual basis, but the descriptions that the author used for the places and people involved in this story, made me think of it nonetheless. "I've never yet forced a woman, and I do not intend to begin with you... But I will have my heir." So what's a girl to do, when her home is stormed and overrun by a group of men known as The Bastard Brotherhood... Well if you are Calista Thorne, you shoot their leader; Torch, with a poisoned arrow, and then subsequently spend your days nursing him back to health, because the rest of his men are holding your father and your home under their control. But as the book progresses, their relationship changes from one of enemies, to more of a begrudging respect for each other. And as Calista gets to know the rather rugged Torch, she realizes there is more to this man's story than the legends and rumors have told. Especially when he announces that he intends to take her for his wife, in lieu of the King, whom she has already been promised too. "You know me truly. And I've left too many things unsaid... I don't know what bought you to me; I've not met your match in bravery, in fortitude, in strength. Every day, I will thank the gods for this gift..." It is only a matter of time before the King's forces arrive at Blackbriar Keep to exact revenge for Torch's taking of Calista and the Keep, but in the interim the growing attraction between them deepens, and the story gives you a more in depth look at a few of the secondary characters. It doesn't take long to work out that there is an awful lot more to Torch and his men than, looting and pillaging everything in their path, and as secrets are revealed a complex and intricate plot emerges from it. "You are all that is beautiful." I loved this pair together, bearing in mind their beginnings, the struggle to trust each other bears a heavy relevance on their relationship as the book develops, but I really liked that the author made Torch the more vulnerable of the pair, even with all the obstacles in their way, they came together as a team really well, the sexy-times were well written, and the emotional connection between them built sweetly, and steadily with Torch's happy-go-lucky charm, and Calista's independent attitude. I hope that there isn't too long of a wait for the next book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Summer in Good Hope (Good Hope #2); Author: Cindy Kirk; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I want it all..." Stars! Cindy Kirk is an author new to me, but after reading the blurb for Summer in Good Hope I was sold. A series set in a small town, focusing on one family but offering up a different member and generalized story along the way, in each new book is literally heaven for me, it gives you a chance to get stuck in and feel part of the family with each new release and experience everyone's highs, and lows along the way. This isn't the first book in the Good Hope series, and although I am dying to now go back and read Christmas in Good Hope you can definitely read them as standalones, if my experience with this one is any indication. "You're family. Always have been. Always will be." This was just a sweet easy-going read. Primrose Bloom has moved back to Good Hope with her young twin sons after becoming a widow at a young age, her family are a large part of the town so she is pretty much welcomed back with open arms. "You, Primrose Bloom, are a rare blossom." Max Brody, who as luck would have it turns out to be her next door neighbor when she moves into her new house, has always had a soft spot for Prim, and its clear from very early on that being two years widowed, and making a vow to give up dating until her six year old sons go to college is not going to put a stop to the growing feelings they have for each other or the attraction that feels like it never went away. The fire that once burned for this man still smouldered. You can tell right off who the town heroes and villains are, and I won't lie and say the story-line offered up anything new in the way of romance, but I loved getting to know the Bloom family in general, the secondary characters in the towns folk of Good Hope and add in two young boys in Prims son's Callum and Connor, and it was just a lovely, feelgood, engaging read. I really hope the author has more stories for this series available in the near future, there are still single and available Bloom sisters to match up, and the town Mayor and interim Chief of Police, look like potential suitors! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Accidentally on Purpose (Heartbreaker Bay, #3); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "We're never done." Stars! We return to the Heartbreaker Bay series for book three; Accidentally on Purpose. I am not ashamed to admit I did a little happy dance when I found out this was Elle and Archer's book. Jill has tempted and teased her readers with the undeniable chemistry between this pair throughout the previous books in the series, and going in you know that this is a couple that has a past, and it's a past that the rest of the gang only know the bare essentials of. "I just don't want you to..." "What?" "Be reminded of the girl that I used to be..." And it's a past that is actually a refreshing change in comparison to the previous books in the series, all of which I have enjoyed, but the depth and emotion between Elle and Archer, because of their mutually shared experiences in the past just took this book to a little level of its own. He made it hard for a girl to not fall head over heels. This is a couple that have had the unmistakable sizzle of attraction buzzing between them for a long time, but the relationship has almost moved to the frenemies bracket because Archer doesn't believe that he is good enough for Elle, but there are lapses on both sides, especially as it becomes obvious that someone from Elle's past may just be looking to cause trouble for her again, but it just causes more confusion on Elle's part so she decides to draw a line under Archer Hunt, and start dating again. "I deserve more. I mean I understand I do. Once you've protected someone the way you protected me, you get... well, protective. But I'm no longer that sixteen-year-old girl, Archer. I'm a grown woman." Elle's sister is also introduced in the story that plays out, and I am interested to see if the author has plans to use her as the lead in one of the future books, because there is definitely a guy within the group that I think she has potential with. "What is it with us?" This is a book that I devoured, the author delivered the drama and intrigue really well around the emotion and sexy-times that build between this couple, I loved Archer for all of his bravado and hero-complexity, there was also an extremely endearing and vulnerable man that you get to see, especially when it came to Elle; again on the surface you see the confident ball-buster, but when it got down to the heart-to-heart between them you could see that they were perfect for each other because of those traits. "Whatever you need... Always." I am glad that we didn't have to wait any longer for Archer and Elle to have their story told, weirdly it made them feel more human to me in regards to the series as a whole, and I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses though the future books in the series, for which I cannot find any concrete information, although; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SEALs of Summer 3: Military Romance Superbundle~Navy SEAL Style; Author: Lynn Raye Harris; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - If only... Stars! This review is for Kat Cantrell's Commanding Her SEAL, for which an ARC was provided by the author and for The Trouble with SEALs by Anne Marsh from the personally purchased anthology. If you have read any of the authors ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights books, you will know who Charlie St. Croix is, and this novella gives you the information behind his decision to leave the SEALs, and start up Aqueous Adventures, with a few of his SEAL brothers. This prequel novella takes place roughly a year before the first full length novel from Kat's titles in the series. "I'm on leave, and in two weeks, I'm going to disappear into my job again. There's not much room in my life for a woman who needs a man underfoot..." The thing is Audra Reed, doesn't need a man underfoot, on vacation herself, she's only looking for a few weeks of no-strings, scorching hot sex, and that's exactly what she gets with Charlie. "If you think I am the kind of guy who likes a woman to talk dirty to him... You're absolutely right." But over those two weeks, sex deepens into something else for both of them, and all of a sudden saying goodbye without talking about a possibility of a future seems oh, so wrong. "I want your hands on me." This is a quick read, but the author packed a lot into it, now knowing why Charlie chose to take the life path he did and his reasoning's for it, makes me all the more eager for his book; Redeeming Her SEAL. After finishing this little interlude into his and Audra's first meeting and subsequent weeks together, I cannot wait to see what type of reconnection and romance the author gives them. The Trouble with SEALs by Anne Marsh This story like Kat Cantrell's offering in the anthology is a prequel novella to a future release from the author's combined ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights series, in that this one gives you the initial meeting and coming together of Rohan MacCarthy and Hindi Alvarez. "You're trouble..." "The best kind." There full novel Still Her SEAL is due 10th September, and I cannot wait to see how this couple reconnect. "If I can't have the island, I want you." Ro and Hindi are literally polar opposites in every way, and although the end of this one felt a little unrealistic, in a rushed sense, the way things were left are going to make for an interesting read come September. "We're not done here." ~~~ Both novellas that I have read from this anthology have made it worth the purchase price alone. I cannot recommend it highly enough, I hope at some point I have the time to dip-in and read more of the offerings contained.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Steadfast (True North, #2); Author: Sarina Bowen; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Not all the things we want are good for us..." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... B&N - [url]... Being the first full book I have read by this author I have to say I was mightily impressed with Jude and Sophie's story. You are introduced to Jude in Bittersweet, the first book of this series, one which sadly I didn't actually manage to finish. But all the good things I have heard about this author were front and center in Steadfast and I could not put this book down. I wore the memory of Sophie like and imprint on my soul. You know from the start that this is going to be a heavy and emotional read, Jude is a recovering drug addict, and although five months clean at the start of the story, you quickly realize that his cravings are still strong and very much a part of his daily struggle. I must admit stories of this nature aren't things that I usually gravitate to on a regular basis, I like a bit of angst now and again, but my reading tastes seem to have moved along from the all-out angst-fests that I used to devour. "I know I screwed up badly... But if you ever needed my help, there's really nothing I wouldn't do for you." The author pitched the angst and drama perfectly in this one, in that yes there is a lot of it, but Jude was such a self-depreciating character I just took him into my heart and spent most of the book wanting to give him a hug. No trying to blame others for his past transgressions with this character, he owned the fact that he had messed up, and was trying to move forwards and become a better person because of it, his humility in the wake of everything that happened and his determination to stay clean were so, so admirable. It was impossible not to root and root hard for him. I thought Jude was sent to me from heaven. When I was eighteen, I let him take me there. When I was nineteen he broke both my heart and my family. I wondered if Sophie was going to be a challenge for me to get along with initially, but it becomes quickly apparent as the story unfolds that there is a huge amount that happened prior to Jude's incarceration both between them and outside of their relationship that played a part in the bigger picture, and as such Sophie is very much someone looking for answers, not just between her and Jude, but also in relation to her family and home life, stuck in the past, lacking any real purpose and barely living because of it. This is a woman who has given up everything for people that seem to just alternately take advantage of or ignore her. Majorly lonely, and literally just existing day-to-day, Jude's return to town pretty much jump-starts hear heart again. I liked the flashbacks you are given to when they; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love Story; Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 "We're in trouble here..." Stars! The third book in Lauren Layne's Love Unexpectedly series offers up a road-trip of sorts between two childhood friends, turned lovers, turned enemies. Lauren is an author whose writing I never struggle to read, and for the most part all of the books I have read by her have been enjoyable, Love Story wasn't a struggle, I pretty much read it in one sitting, but for me the connection between Reece and Lucy lacked a little of the spark that I have come to expect from this authors couples now. "let's get this nightmare on the road." This is a couple that have been through the wringer together from a very early age, and told from dual POV as well as dipping back to their younger years at points, you pretty much take that journey from childhood to adult with them both to the present, as they drive across the country in a beat up truck called... Horny. "We may hate each other, but we're a part of each other." As I said I didn't struggle to read this book at all, but I generally read a book by this author in a perpetual state of excitement, and that kind of fizzled out quickly for me with this one, the constant merry-go-round with them battling with each other over every little thing on the journey, coupled with the odd gesture of kindness lacked any real backbone for me, and it felt more like they were behaving that way because the author thought they should rather than their personalities dictated. Damn but I want her. Always her. Maybe only her. I know what you are saying, the author gave them their personalities so how can I be saying they were acting out of character? But for me they just both seemed too nice in general to be acting as they were towards each other. The reason for the conflict again seemed a tad flimsy for the level of dislike, especially from Reece's perspective, but again I will reiterate, I did not struggle to read the book. Not my favorite book by Lauren Layne, but then I have had such a long and illustrious line of winners from this author in the last couple of years it stands to reason that at some point something isn't going to quite hit the high level of expectation I have from her now. I'd still recommend it if you are looking for a quick and easy read to get you through a few hours of inactivity. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Kiss (Realm Enforcers, #4); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "You've fallen for the big bad witch, haven't you?" Stars! The fourth book in Rebecca Zanetti's Realm Enforcers series finally gives us Adam Dunne's story. ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]... Although the alphas in this series have started to feel a little samey in their personalities and actions, this was still a pretty enjoyable read. "By the end of this night, I'll fucking own you..." I am always happy to go back to the Dark Protectors universe and Wicked Kiss included a little Kayrs involvement which bought a smile to my face. I love the Dunne boys, I suppose my gripes about them all being pretty much the same in personality and behavior could be explained in the fact that they are brothers, but then the Kayrs brothers didn't feel like carbon copies of each other so my thoughts do still have merit. "Family is a pain in the ass." Griping aside this series is probably the best that Zanetti has produced since DP was wound up, but once again I find myself struggling to like the female lead, Tori Monzelle was a struggle to get along with pretty much from the get-go. Rebecca has a habit of making her heroines sassy, mouthy and over-the-top independent in her novels, nothing I have a complaint about, but sometimes it just errs into the column of stupidity instead of confidence, and arrogance over sassy. And funnily enough this is exactly the same problem I had with her sister Lex in the first book from this series; Wicked Ride. "You're in danger so take this seriously." That said this was a rip-roaring ride from the start, the Dunne family have all pretty much been banished from the Coven Nine as enforcers and in their roles on the council, now being run by Peter Gallagher, there is something sketchy about the guy, and his motivations for the decisions he is making in the councils name, and finding the evidence against him is firmly Adam's plan, especially as his brothers have both been removed from their roles as Enforcers alongside him. "You're kind of an all-in or all-out kind of guy." There is a lot going on in this book, the repercussions from its predecessor still very much playing out with Simone in hiding, the brothers have gone to ground, and Adam has been tasked with keeping Tori safe. Whats starts out as dislike soon morphs to attraction and off-the-charts chemistry, something which both of them try to ignore initially, but then as is usual with this authors males Adam uses it in his attempts to bring Tori to heel. "Your taming has begun." The bigger part of the story playing out was what kept me entertained the most, again this is a series, that because of its origins from the Dark Protectors that I know most of the characters from really well now, so it's basically like catching up with old friends. We step a little closer into working out who is responsible for the production; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holding His Forever; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "You're my forever..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]-... Another fabulous little novella from the dynamic duo, and this time we get to see a fireman, go all alpha, growly and possessive over his Lightning bolt, love at first sight. Fia Clover, innocent and unassuming, suddenly finds herself homeless and without possessions after a fire destroys her home, being saved and protected by a big, burly and somewhat attractive fireman manages to take a little of the sting out of her predicament. Being in her presence has taken away all the cold inside and bought light and warmth to me. Especially as he seems happy to hang around at the hospital to ensure that she is okay, and goes above and beyond the lines of duty to find her somewhere to stay, clothing to wear, and keep her sleazy boss out of her way. "I thought I dreamed you up." All the 'insta' goodness you can hope for ensues, with a little suspense thrown in to keep things moving along, and as you would expect all of Derek Phoenix's alpha tendencies go on 'full throttle' when it comes to protecting his woman. "You make me feel safe..." "You make me feel whole again." Another great epilogue rounds off Holding His Forever perfectly. ARC generously provided via ArdentProse PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Protector (Red Stone Security, #14); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I'm not going anywhere..." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url]... Amazon UK - [url]... B&N - [url]... Another quick and sexy addition to the Red Stone Security series, in the form of Tegan O'Kelly and Aaron Fitzpatrick's story. Katie mixed it up with this couple in that Aaron is a single father, and Dillon was a welcome addition to the story. The action kicks off pretty quickly in Dangerous Protector, and just as Tegan thought she was finally safe enough to settle down in Miami after being on the run for two years, all her hopes come to nothing the day her car explodes. She'd woken up something inside him and he wasn't going to run from it. Aaron sees the explosion as it happens, and having the fear of losing Tegan put front and center, finally pushes him to acknowledge that the woman from the coffee shop who he has tried to keep at arm's length, means more to him than he originally wanted to admit to. Their chemistry burns hot and the connection between them grows quickly, especially as she ends up moving into his house for her protection, and the pressure of the circumstances that put her there in the first place means the feelings developing between them blossom very quickly. Katie, seems to grab her readers with her stories straight from the first chapter, I think that is why all of her books are so easy to read. Dangerous Protector was pretty much read in one sitting, due to the fact it was relatively short, but once you are on the ride of one of her stories, it's always pretty hard to get off again until to have reached the conclusion. "You're the best thing to happen to us." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas in Good Hope (Good Hope #1); Author: Cindy Kirk; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "A star says you're home." Stars! Loved this one, have been saving it so I could get maximum Christmas satisfaction from it, after falling in love with the people and town of Good Hope while reviewing the second book in the series earlier on this year. "Good Hope is it's own world." The Bloom sisters are just an absolute treat to get to know, and I cannot wait for the next book, which is thankfully due in January.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Run to You (Risking It All, #1); Author: Rachel Lacey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "That was even better than I thought it would be..." Stars! Run to You is the first full length novel in Rachel Lacey's new, Risking It All series. Having read and really enjoyed the prequel novella, Rock With You I was expecting to be impressed and I was not disappointed. Ethan and Gabby gelled really well together for me, in that both of them were not looking for commitment for their own particular reasons, but also both knowing that the connection growing between them as their 'fake' relationship progresses is more than they have ever felt for someone previously. "If this were a real date, you would so be getting luck tonight." But whereas Gabby starts to embrace those feelings and emotions as time progresses, Ethan very much tries to stick to their agreement, even though he steps outside of their boundaries with more and more frequency as the story moves along. This man... He was so wrong for her yet so completely right. And right now, she never, ever wanted to let him go... There is a lot going on in this story, what with the introduction of Ethan's partners and long-time friends; Ryan and Mark (who will have their own stories told in future books). The struggles they face with the town Council for the development of their new business Off-The-Grid Adventures, as Adrenalin sports are considered out of keeping with Haven's relaxing atmosphere. As well as Dixie, Ethan's much loved and spunky Grandmother, and her medical issues and issues with Gabby's ex popping up intermittently. "Baby, you have caused me more blue balls than you will ever know." And for the most part all those aspects really worked in relation to the development of the story-line as a whole, I think the whole ex situation was a bit superfluous in the overall scheme of things, but it didn't figure too much in the story as a whole so much as to detract from the growing relationship between Ethan and Gabby. "I feel like I've spent my whole life running away from my past, but I could never get away from it..." I love me a series, set in a small town, with recurring characters, and add in a diverse mix of leading ladies and men, with a different story for each of them as the series progresses and I am generally a happy reader. Rachel ticked all my required boxes in that respect, and I cannot wait to read more of this series, and more from this author in general in the future. Crazy For You; Ryan and Emma's book is due early 2017, and I cannot wait to see what story the author gives them. But I have to admit Can't Forget You; is the one I am itching for, there was something about Mark Dalton in this book that intrigued me, but it's not due til October 17, so I will have to try and wait as patiently as possible for it. Rachel is a new author to me with this series, so I have; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Body of Work (Very Personal Training, #1); Author: Karla Doyle; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Secrets... they always come back to bit you in the ass." Stars! I am a fan of Karla Doyles books, her characters are always entertaining in their interactions, and sexy hot in their coming togethers, and her story-lines are always a little bit different from your normal romance. Brian and Cassie are certainly no exception, one is a Personal Trainer at Iron Works gym, with aspirations of more in his future, and the other is a member, with a sexy photography business in her basement. Both of them are lusting after the other though, and the chemistry between them sizzles, lots of innuendo and banter ensues between lashings of sexy-times. Cassie isn't shy in going after what she wants, and her confidence in Brian, gives him the courage to show her exactly how he likes things in the bedroom, luckily his particular tastes, match up pretty well with hers. She wanted him. Daytime, night time, as much as she could get. Both have secrets, and are keeping things from the other as they work towards a more meaningful relationship, and the path to true love is definitely not smooth for them, in fact I would go as far as to say the Sat-Nav malfunctioned pretty early on. More than a few wrong turns are taken, and a couple of dead ends hit before their co-ordinates match up completely and they are heading in the same direction again. I love me some alpha male, add in wood chopping, kilts and a huge side order of sweet, and Brian was absolutely adorable, even when he goes about things in the wrong way you can tell that his heart is 100% in the right place. Cassie has been burned by love in the past so is wary of fully committing and giving her heart away again, and initially tries to keep things light between them, but it's not long before she realizes that this might be a guy to hold onto. As you would expect there is more than a dash of drama in this one, some of it a little over the top, but all-in-all, I really enjoyed this couples story, and the calories I burned reading of all the workouts (sexual or otherwise) that they partook together. ARC generously provided, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Family Tree; Author: Susan Wiggs; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "There's before, and then after." Stars! Family Tree is the first book I have read by Susan Wiggs, it deals with the story of Annie Rush and in a really entertaining way. Told in the main from Annie's POV, the story gives you her life pretty much from teen to present day, but sort of in a then & now time-frame, basically because the story pretty much begins with Annie making two shocking discoveries, one good and one bad, but then before being able to act on either, she is involved in an accident that leaves her in a coma for a year. Upon waking, she literally has to relearn how to function, and things that we as adults take for granted, like walking, writing and just being generally independent take a long time to become everyday normalcy for her again. "It's time to let go of the person you were. Try to recognize the new person emerging from all this." In flashbacks you learn of how Annie's life had come to be at the point of her accident, how her family shaped her and how the adventures she went on while studying, turned into opportunities beyond her wildest dreams, opportunities that take her far, far away from her hometown of Switchback, Vermont. So it is a little disconcerting to discover when she wakes that is exactly where she has returned to. This is one of those all-enveloping books that draws you in, there is so much that goes on over the course of Annie's story, it would be silly to try and cover it all in a review, but you get a whole heap of family, plenty of love, romance and heart break, and the journey of a woman trying to come to terms with her new reality after a life altering injury, and the repercussions of it. "Timing was never our strong suit." Annie's story where Fletcher Wyndham is involved just had me rooting for the pair of them, even when every time they seemed to be getting it together, life in general, or a twist of fate pulled them apart again, it made for riveting reading. She fit against him like the missing piece to a puzzle he'd been trying for years to complete. This won't be my last book by this author, I cannot recommend Family tree highly enough, it was just an absolute joy to read. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Moon Shines Red (Heart of Darkness #1); Author: Pamela Sparkman; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: 5 - "Dathuil." Stars!! Pamela Sparkman outdoes herself with the first book in her new fantasy Heart of Darkness series. ITs FREE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url] The Moon Shines Red was all that and a box of chocolates, and although I cannot really say much about the story for fear of posting inadvertent spoilers, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The author hit pay dirt with everything in this book, her writing style fits it perfectly and the vividly descriptive prose worked so well in giving the reader such clarity on the people and places that were being described. "You should expect the unexpected." Words, I have so many words in my head about what I want to say, but to put everything together coherently and without giving anything away, the story between Elin and Lochlan, held me in its grip as each new revelation added to the plot. "There is more to you than meets the eye..." There is a lot going on in this one, and you won't get bored, the multiple POV's are added at just the right points, that they are are confusing because you are given the opportunity to get to know each and every character with such clarity, even though most of them aren't necessarily what they initially seem, I was transfixed, transported and totally enthralled with it all. I have been an avid fan on Pamela's books and writing since her first release, and each and every subsequent release improves on the last, I can honestly say that this is some of the best story-telling I have read in a long time, and I am dying to get back to the Kaelmor Kingdom, with the release of A Monster like Me at some point in the future. I hope that we don't have to wait too long, but this isn't a story that will leave me anytime soon, and I think you will be saying the same if you pick it up and let your imagination enjoy the ride the author takes it on with the telling of The Moon Shines Red. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange. **Dathuil means - A pleasure for the eyes. This review will also appear on Staright Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]/; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scarlet; Author: Aria Cole; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, children, romance; Review: 3 - "Until next time, petite rouge..." Stars. Another quick and sexy fairy-tale retelling this time in the form of Little Red Riding Hood, and re-imagined by author Aria Cole. This was my first book from this author, and it was a pretty enjoyable read. Beau Loup, sees Scarlet Fair and that's pretty much it, he has met the one, he just has to convince out innocent little red head that she's as in love as he is and is happy for him to be the first, last and only man to ever share her bed, her life and all of the significant moments in her life from here on out. She'd fallen asleep in my arms and stolen every beat of my heart. Returning home to spend time with her ailing Grandmother kind of takes a swerve into a different lane when Scarlet runs into Beau for the first time, intense, intriguing and oh so sexy, she's not really sure what to do with the reactions and feelings being in this big, bearded and growly man's presence evokes. She may have spent time studying in the big city, but our girl is still Miss Innocence when it comes to the ways of men and women when attraction as strong as theirs is in play. "I want to know that you need me, because if I don't have you soon, I will go out of my mind." A fairly quick read, predictable in its telling read, but no less enjoyable for it. ARC generously provided via ArentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Emerald Fire (Jewel Intrigue, #2); Author: Monica McCabe; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - The man from NorthStar will be your guide. Stars! Emerald Fire, is the first book I have read by this author, totally can be read as a standalone even though it is book two in the Jewel Intrigue Series. There was a distinctive whiff of the Indiana Jones' about Chloe and Finn's story, and if you like your romance with a large dose of action and intrigue, Monica McCabe delivered it in spades. You get to visit a few exotic locations in the search for what initially is a stolen Super-Yacht, battle with pirates, but then the adventure morphs into the unravelling of a mystery involving the disappearance of a large cache of Royal Prussian Emeralds. A two-hundred year tale of love and loyalty had finally come full circle. Chloe was sassy, Finn snarky and together they made a great team, whether it be in the heat of battle or the heat of the bedroom. Their goals are different in that there main reasons for being in the same place at the same time initially are for their own specific gains, but as the story develops their goals sort of re-align into the same thing. He shouldn't have to give up his heritage just so she could save hers... This is one of those books that keeps you on your toes, as you literally don't know what is going to happen from one page to the next, I liked that it gave this couple and emotional intensity due to the extreme situations they found themselves in, Chloe being quick to over-react to some things due to her fiery nature was balanced out by Finn's calm take-stock approach. "Kiss me like you mean it." I will definitely be looking to read more from this author, the blurb for the first book in the series sounds just as exciting, and I hope to get to read it at some point in the future. "Together... Good, bad or in between." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Serenade; Author: Alli Sinclair; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Tango is the journey of the soul." Stars! Midnight Serenade is a beautifully written tale spanning three generations of women, crossing continents, and wholly different lifestyles. If you like your romance a little different than I think you will love this one. Told in several points of view and in different decades you are given the love story of Louise Gilchrist in fifties Buenos Aires, having arrived there after being orphaned during World War Two, after a life of poverty she has fallen on her feet somewhat as the muse to famous and beloved composer Pascual Canziani, although she loves him it is only in a friendly way, much to his dismay. Little does he know that her heart belongs to someone else... "The moon always bought her back into my heart." This part of the story is discovered and then expanded upon by Dani McKenna, newly fledged feature writer, whilst putting together a series of articles on the infamous tango, for Tourism Argentina during her information gathering in Buenos Aires she meets Carlos Escudero, famed tango dancer, now tutor due to a horrific car crash. Dani and Carlos's chemistry is palpable from their first meeting, but Carlos has been burnt by the press before and is more than a little cautious when it comes to their connection, as well as providing her with any information on the dance and its heritage, that made him famous. "I'm following my heart..." As I said this is a story that spans decades, Louisa is linked to Dani, and as the story progresses the clues are gradually revealed. This is my first book by this author, but her beautifully descriptive prose really took me on the journey that these women were experiencing. From Argentina to Brazil and Australia as well, it was all really easy to envisage. "That dance is a curse on our family." My only struggle with this story, was Dani's behavior in the latter stages of the book, she seemed to degenerate back to a teenager in her behavior and reactions when it came to facing facts and dealing with the truth, her relationship with Carlos suffered because of it, and I could wholly understand why he pulled back. The end was all a bit abrupt as well, but not enough to leave me frustrated. However this is a beautifully complex story, love and loss, secrets and lies, death and life are all looked at through its telling, and I will certainly be looking to read more from Alli Sinclair in the future. "I thought we would have forever." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Keepsake (True North, #3); Author: Sarina Bowen; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You're my happy thought..." Stars! We return to Vermont and the Shipley Farm for the third book in Sarina Bowen's True North series. This is Zach's book, and although he features in the previous two, it was great to finally get in this guy's head. Spending the first nineteen years of your life living in commune type conditions under a cult style dictatorship gives Zach Holtz a slightly different outlook in life in comparison to his peers on the farm, this is a quietly spoken, stay in the background kind of guy, who on an average day, learns something new about the world he is living in, or of himself, that those around him just take for granted, and for some reason this innocent naivety made Zach feel even more approachable, in the reading of his story, where you would expect others to judge he was just kind of there with quiet support and stoicism. It was rare for me to be truly useful to anyone. Sure, I was a good worker. If you needed a half ton of apples crated. I was your man. But I wasn't close to many people, and nobody counted on me for support... Probably the definition of lonely. The books in this series, have had varying degrees of success for me, and although I don't think Keepsake quite had the emotional depth to it of its predecessor Steadfast, it wasn't a struggle to read. I have to admit to a certain amount of wariness in returning to the farm, as I found the first book of the series was far too overbalanced in the facts over the fictional story aspect, but the author hit the scale between those things perfectly in Keepsake. "I've always been that kid who practiced making everyone worry. This year I turned pro." So what happens when you take the world weary but experienced woman, struggling to come to terms with escaping from an extreme situation, and the terrors and nightmares that follow it, with a man that is virtually innocent in the ways of love and relationships, and on how best to help her. "You can be my problem anytime." The author explores this dynamic really well through the telling of Zach and Lark's story. This is slow burn romance at the beginning, and the sexy times are left in favour of building the friendship aspect between these two for most of the first half of the book. I think if you take into account the subject matter the author was right to build the connection between them before adding in that aspect of the romance. They are polar opposites on so many things, that as they get to know each other and learn of the others pasts, the differences between them are what ultimately pull them together as a couple. "Sometimes you have to take a step back before you can move forward." I am assuming that there are likely to be more books due from the True North series at some point in the future, Sarina has; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Romancing the Alpha 2; Author: Zara Keane; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Live dangerously with me." Stars! Review of Rescuing Her SEAL by Kat Cantrell Only. Another absolutely outstanding addition to the ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights series for Kat Cantrell. I absolutely loved Fitz and Lilah's quick, but sweet and sexy story. Unexpectedly stuck deserted island for the night after their boat runs adrift while participating in a treasure hunt, Fitz and Lilah make use of the time by exploring some of Lilah's personal fantasies. Normally, painfully shy and introverted Lilah finds the confidence to tell sexy SEAL Fitz, exactly what she wants. Being stranded on a deserted island with him had been the highlight of her life... Unfortunately, there private time together comes to a close all too quickly, when rescue arrives, and Fitz and Lilah are left questioning whether one night on a deserted island is enough for them... "Normal is overrated. I like you the way you are." Quick and entertaining, I loved Fitz in his one, his confidence and swagger pushed Lilah to step out of her comfort zone, and go for what she wanted. To be honest the ridiculously cheap price of this box set makes it worth buying for this novella alone, but I have purchased it because the rest of the authors involved aren't too shabby either! ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bachelor's Promise (Bachelor Auction, #3); Author: Naima Simone; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You're here, so I am home." Stars! Naima Simone managed to leave scorch marks on my Kindle with the third book in her Bachelor Auction Series. The chemistry between Aiden Kent and Noelle Rana was that hot! There story was a kind of mix of second-chance, with a bit of step-brother, and a side order of familial drama thrown in for good measure. And the author got the balance just right for me, I am not a huge fan of secondary drama coming from abhorrent family members, and although it was a part of the story between Aiden and Noelle, it didn't detract from the chemistry or the reconnection between them. "We're not finished, don't you walk out that door." Six years have passed since they have seen each other, their parting due to Noelle's father and brother was not on a good note, and in the intervening years Aiden has become a little bitter in relation to the Rana surname, and what is represents. So when Noelle unexpectedly shows up at the Bachelor Auction he is a part of, he is quick to dismiss her as out to con him, when in fact she has come to ask him to fulfill a promise his mother extracted from him on her deathbed. The past was a living, screaming thing between them. He couldn't look at her without remembering... Without hating... Without burning. Naima gave me a strong, confident female in Noelle, but she also had her vulnerabilities, living the life she had, and with the family she was still trying in her own way stay loyal to puts this woman in an extremely difficult position, especially as her feelings for Aiden start to grow, and she starts to realize that this is a man she wants to know on a deeper and more elemental level. Problem is his actions are saying one thing, but his voice is offering another. The women he took to bed... He gave them his attention, his cock, and orgasms, but not his heart. The dual POV in this one really worked with this one, because you got to see the thought process from both of them as they worked through minefield of their pasts, can Aiden get over his issues and can Noelle let another man into her heart, when from past experience all that seems to happen is it gets used, abused and left in the gutter... "I haven't forgotten anything." I am a huge fan of this authors writing, once again she took a pretty standard romance trope and pulled me right into the story, I read The Bachelor's Promise in once sitting, the sexy-times were diverse and well written, Noelle and Aiden as a couple were electric and it was just an all-round great read from start to finish. "You were my happiness when I didn't know I wanted it, when I didn't know I was missing it." I hope we get to see more Bachelors Auctioned off and finding their happily ever afters in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seducing the Boss (Pulse Series, #2); Author: Mari Carr; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "Never say never." Stars! Being the first book I have read by this author, I have to say I was mightily impressed by Seducing the Boss, it may have been short, but it was perfectly formed. I think the main thing that stood out for me, is the fact that Mari Carr took me back to the days where you were pretty much guaranteed to know that the Brazen book you were picking up would contain two things; plenty of sex, and an easy to get along with story-line, she did this in spades and I really hope to see more books from her through this imprint very soon. "Careful, Scrubs. I bite back." I absolutely loved this book, Kellan was sweet, dirty and sexy, and Sara, sassy, confident and perfectly happy to take the lead. Both of them aren't looking for any serious commitment, and being friends agree to scratch each other's sexual itches for one weekend only. "You're going to have to stop doing that..." "Doing What?" "Rolling your eyes at me. For some strange reason, it's started turning me on. You roll your eyes, and I get hard..." As you would expect one weekend turns out to not be enough, and I loved that the author made Kellan the vulnerable party of the duo. "You're the king of casual affairs. I was kind of planning on following your lead when it came to walking away. You're fucking this all up." The drama when it comes is relevant and not played out, and the ending and epilogue perfect. "I'm not easy and I'm never going to be a sure thing." I really hope to see more from this author through Entangled Publishing in the near future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Justice Ascending (The Scorpius Syndrome, #3); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "You don't belong in darkness." Stars! Rebecca Zanetti returns to Vanguard Territory and its people, with the third book in the Scorpius Syndrome Series. Tace Justice and Sami Steel are in the forefront this time, and it's fair to say they have more than a few obstacles in their path to happiness. I am a huge fan of Rebecca Zanetti's writing (my reviews for this series, and everything else she has written attest to that) but I am going to be honest and say that this is a series that is on the verge of getting a little stale. To clarify my feelings as to why, is pretty simple, all three books that have released so far have pretty much run on the same pattern in that the first 75% or so is our couple fighting, fucking and gradually understanding that despite the Zombies and everything else that is going on they love each other. "Someday you're gonna be honest with me, darlin'. And it's gonna be sooner rather than later..." You get the odd inclusion of a little drama from other sources whether it be the Mercs, the President and his team, the Pure etc, but it has pretty much been the same pattern all the way through each book with very little movement in the story-arc. You then hit the last 25% and the action kicks in which skilfully pulls you back in again, which I would expect from an author of this calibre, but for me the plot has not moved along enough in the scheme of things. "Now is all any of us has." The scene has been well set, and the many and various characters introduced, now I really want to start seeing exactly what the author had in mind for the series story-wise start to develop at a faster pace in the future books. Even now at his darkest, Justice was all about law and order. If you have read the previous books in the series, and you really need to, to be able to understand what is going on here, you'll know that Tace has only recently been infected with the Scorpius bacterium, having fought the fever and survived, he is balanced on a knife edge of possible sociopathy or returning back to somewhat normality. Having his POV for this was really good, because you got to see his inner workings through the changes to his personality post fever, and how things started to change the longer he dealt with it. Another Alpha to the core, he is not a man that likes to admit to any type of weakness, physically or mentally, but it doesn't take long for him to realize that the feelings he kept at bay for Sami, are now bordering on obsessive. "You're in my head all the time, in my chest, in my damn skin. I breathe you, damn it." Sami, has been keeping secrets the whole time she has been a part of the Vanguard family, fearful of what will happen to her if anyone finds out,; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lay Me Down (Reveler, #2); Author: Erin Kellison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "This is trouble..." "...Big time." Stars! I can honestly say I have never read a series like this one, in that l cannot think of any other books or stories where a large chunk of the plot actually plays out while people are asleep and dreaming... Erin Kellison has certainly hit pay-dirt with this one, because as a reader I literally have no clue where her imagination is going to take mine next, and for a reader I think that's such a good kind of rush. Her predicament was the most fun he'd had in a long time. We pick up the story literally from where it left off in the previous novella, but this time the story is told from mainly Steve Coll, and Maisie Lane's POV's. Both were important characters in book one, but they both come into their own in this installment. Maisie is in pretty deep trouble, when it turns out the packages she has been illicitly delivering through dreams have more than just your standard illegal fare in them. What started out as an easy way to make a bit of cash by using her unique skills has turned literally into her worst nightmare. She'd messed up, but she was still worth something... Steve is the agent that has been tasked with recruiting Maisie into Chimera the organization that in effect Polices, people's behavior and movements through the Dreamscape, to say she is reluctant would be an understatement, and following rules is definitely something she would on a normal day avoid. But as the discovery of what is actually in the parcels rocks her to her core, and new information comes to light, they both know that she needs his particular skill set to try and work out why she has been delivering what she has, and the reasons for it. Her predicament also brings out all of Steve's alpha instincts as well, which shocks them both, because they are sooo not each other's type... or are they? Pink is rapidly becoming one of my favorite colors. There is no time for dreaming when reading this series that is for sure, the author offers up lots of new and unusual plot points as the story moves along, you are also given a few looks into the minds of the supposed villains along the way as well. New characters were also introduced in the telling of this part of the overall story, and although Jordan, Rook, and now Steve and Maisie have had the focus on them, it would appear that while still involved in the story as a whole the focus move along to another couple in the next book in the Reveler series, as Steve's boss Harlen Fawkes takes center stage in Darksider, I have to say I am on pins to see where the plot goes next. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Son of Thunder; Author: Libby Bishop; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Let's hunt." Stars! Libby Bishop, offered up a new and unique twist on the Murder-Mystery trope with Son of Thunder in that we have a sexy God of Asgard (Thor's Grandson, no less), helping a human FBI agent solve a murder case from six years ago. And what a refreshing and enjoyable read it was. I really loved Rune and Liv together, even though things were a little of the 'insta' variety, they worked on this occasion for me. Liv lost her best friend to an unexplained and unsolved murder six years previously, and every year since that she has taken two weeks off work around the anniversary to re-look at the case and try to come up with some answers, unfortunately so far, nothing new has come to light to enable her to catch the killer. "I'm told you gods have quite the appetite..." That is until Rune unceremoniously lands in her bed one night after being banished from Asgard for fighting with his brother. What follows is a really enjoyable romantic suspense tale, with plenty of chemistry between our couple, a little action and a whole lot of entertaining reading. "I do love to be a woman's first." This was a quick read, and I really liked the way the author tied things up, with Liv and Rune. There is certainly scope for a full length series here as well, and I hope the powers that be at Entangled Publishing give the author the opportunity to explore the world and characters that she has created in Sone of Thunder more in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Concubine (Unexpected Circumstances, #5); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Always yours..." Stars! Book five in Shay Savage's Unexpected Circumstances series takes Alexandra and Brandford's story in a direction which I am expecting a few readers are going to be less than happy with. It's Live! - Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01HS3GOEM B&N - [url]... I can understand why, and the title gives you the lowdown as to what this installment is about, but for me this was still a stellar read, even if the subject matter would usually bring me out in hives, it is definitely in keeping with the time and is an integral part to the story for a few reasons that become more apparent as it unfolds. And to be honest although important Shay didn't dirty up the love growing between Alexandra and Brandford by offering the Concubine aspect in a graphic way, it was there, but wasn't massively detailed. "Regardless of the muscles in my body... you are so much stronger than I" The situation as a whole again brings out the worst in Brandford and the best in Alexandra, I loved that once again this (not-so)common Handmaid, displayed just how noble she really was. Our King-in-waiting is now so in love with his wife that the pressure of producing an heir by any means literally makes him sick to his stomach, and the closeness they share is threatened as he starts to pull away from her. "What if I fail this test?" And once again its Alexandra that bolsters him up. I am not sure I could necessarily be as agreeable as she was about the whole situation, but the one thing that stays true even during this new bump in their road is the strength of their love for each other. Being his was worth the difficulties that came with being his wife." The big reveal in this one was as I had expected it to be, after a few hints dropped a couple of books ago, but once again the author left me hanging right at the good point! Things are definitely heating up in the Kingdom of Silverhelm, and I cannot wait to see how Brandford reacts to the revelations at the end of this episode. The Apprehension is due for release 9th August, and although I am eager to read it, I am a little sad that this series is drawing to a close, the best is definitely yet to come! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is, a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Point of Origin (Legacy, #0.5); Author: Rebecca Yarros; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You were my wildest dream, and for a while, you came true." Stars! A new series by Rebecca Yarros, about men who fight fire... SIGN. ME. UP! And although Point of Origin is only novella length, it didn't disappoint with Emerson and Bash's second chance reconnection. Sebastian Vargas left town six years ago, to take his place on a Hotshot team in another state. Problem is the night before he took the virginity of the girl he loved, and then left her in his bed the following morning without telling her where he was going. He'd been formidable in high school, intimidating in college, but no he was just... massive. As you would expect Emerson Kendrick, was less than impressed with his departure especially as it necessitated her having to sneak out of not only his bed, but his mother's house, and he has made absolutely no effort to make contact with her in the intervening years. "You're asking this town to bleed when there's almost nothing left to give." "I'm asking this town to breathe, to live again." But change is afoot in the town of Legacy and not all of it is being well received by it's residents and council members. Especially, after it has taken eleven years for it to finally get back on it's feet after an uncontrollable wild fire burnt it to the ground, with the financial support of unknown company Legacy LLC, many of the towns shops and residences have been rebuilt. A fire that also took the lives of pretty much the whole team of Legacies Hotshots. Two of those men being Bash and Emmy's fathers. "I always knew where you were." Sexy hot between Bash and Emmy, and a great introduction to the town and people of Legacy I really enjoyed this novella. Rebecca has laid a solid foundation to build and expand a series that has huge potential going forwards.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ignite (Legacy, #0.75); Author: Rebecca Yarros; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I've never looked into my future and not seen you in it." Stars! The second novella in Rebecca Yarros' Legacy series, offers up another well-loved and personal favorite with the trope; best-friends-to-lovers. Amazon US - www.amazon.com/Ignite-Legacy-Rebecca-... Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/Ignite-Legacy-Rebecc... Seven years of being friends with secret crushes on each other suddenly turns into something when River Maldonado decides to relocate from Alaska back to his hometown of Legacy to be on the reformed Hotshot crew, thing is he wants to take his best friend Avery Claire with him. "I want to explore these mountains with you, talk to you, laugh with you, make love to you..." But things get sticky pretty quickly when it becomes apparent that Avery's familial responsibilities are not going to make it easy for her to just up sticks and relocate to Colorado, and the drama plays out kind of as you would expect in that regard. "I remember everything when it comes to you." I really enjoyed Ignite, the author took a trope that I on the whole enjoy and delivered up a sexy and extremely sweet story about two people, both with responsibilities that could essentially take them away from each other. I have to admit I am not a fan of familial drama particularly asshole parents , and the basis of Avery's issues was deeply rooted in this area, but Rebecca kept it steady, and just managed to keep it from being over-the-top, towards the end. "From now on no head, just heart." We get to see a little more of the other characters from Legacy, that were introduced in the first novella in the series as well, and I can't lie, so far these two tasty treats have left me pretty satisfied, in relation to characterizations and general plot development. I am pretty certain that when the full length books start rolling out I am going to be absolutely blown away (as usual) by this authors stellar story-telling skills when it comes to her men and women and the relationships they are building between them, and I cannot wait! ARC generously provided, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Redeeming Her SEAL (ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights, #9); Author: Kat Cantrell; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - I'm here with a proposal..." Stars. ITs LIVE! Amazon: [url] iBooks: [url] Nook: [url] Kobo: [url] I am a huge fan of Kat Cantrell's previous additions to the ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights series, and I had such high hopes for Charlie and Audra's novel after enjoying their prequel novella so much. Sadly Redeeming her SEAL fell a little way under my expectations, in regards to the story that this couple were given. "Stop running away from the hard parts of us." To understand my disappointment, I think I need to again reiterate just how brilliant this couples prequel novella was, and Kat set the scene beautifully for their reconnection in Redeeming Her SEAL. Especially after two years apart, and dealing with the obstacles that each of them had faced as individuals in that time. Sex was always a good answer to their problems. The above statement in a roundabout way sums up my main issue with the story, in that the author seemed to fall back on sex overload to keep things moving along for a large part of the book, granted what was offered was well written, but I wanted more for Charlie and Audra working through their separation and coming back together as a couple. Unfortunately there were a several added aspects that for me, made this story a little busier than it needed to be - We start with the fact Audra's ex, is still very much in the picture and messing with her and Charlies excursions company all for revenge, don't get me wrong this is relevant to the story arc, but it just went into overdrive, and although Jared Anderson is the 'ex' she is still happy to accept a hotel suite free of charge from him for her and her sisters to stay in while she's seeing Charlie. This didn't sit comfortably with me to be honest. Add in 'oops the condom broke', and there were a lot of things detracting from the main points in this couple's story. I think there was a huge missed opportunity in the fact that in the previous books Kat has dealt with the men's mental and physical scars after leaving the Military in such a heartfelt and compassionate way in relation to the connection they are forging with their women, and Charlie's issues were just as deep and encompassing, but rather than incorporating them into the story in a meaningful way I felt that they were overlooked until the latter stages of the book with everything else that was going on, and after everything he had been through I was expecting it to play a massive part in the rebuilding of his relationship with Audra going forwards. "We're starting over... I can't be here at Duchess Island and forget everything that happened before. Can you." "Not one single second." I have to say the latter stages of the book picked up immensely for me, because that's when the story I was hoping for came into the light, maybe I had unreasonably high expectations for this book, but then; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Cad and the Co-Ed (Rugby, #3); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "We have a lot to talk about... you and me." Stars! Penny Reid and L. H. Cosway return with the third book in their really enjoyable Rugby series; The Cad and the Co-Ed. **Its LIVE!** Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url] iBooks: [url]...... Nook: [url] Kobo: [url] I have to admit I was interested to see how they would redeem Bryan Leech after his less than stellar performance in the previous two books... Move the series along five years is how. "You're sort of unexpected, do you know that?" We are given a harsh refresher as to how much of a dick Bryan was in the opening of this book and how he came to meet Eilish Cassidy, but the rest of the story plays out five years on, and the Bryan Leech you are introduced to now, is a guy who prefers his slippers, bird-watching book and a herbal mint tea of a Friday night over an evening of drink, drugs and debauchery. This was a slow burn romance in the strongest of terms, and understandably so when you take into account all of the personal baggage Bryan has, add to it Eilish's, and then carefully balance on top of all that their joint baggage, and they had more than a few issues that needed to be worked through. And rightly so, it took a while for this couple to get to their happy place. There are a lot of outside factors poking their noses in as well which added the inevitable drama in the story-line, some of whom I feel deserved more comeback to their actions than actually happened. But all in all this was a pretty sweet, and in parts funny read. "We've been through a lot together. So we should kiss each other until its all better." Second-chance romance, with a cute kid, plenty of banter from the rest of the guys, and the introduction of another player whom I hope to see have a book in the future (Will Moore), The Cad and the Co-Ed was an easy-going and entertaining read from start to finish. I hope to see more from Penny and Lorraine in the future, their writing styles really work well together. ARC generously provided via SocialButterfly PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Apprehension (Unexpected Circumstances, #6); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Only you... Ever..." Stars! Part six The Apprehension, of Shay Savages' Unexpected Circumstances series, deals with the aftermath of the revelations at the end of the previous novella. And to say Brandford is not happy would be a huge understatement. ITs LIVE! - Amazon US - [url] Amazon Uk - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01IHY87HI We are at the stage in the proceedings now, where talking to much about the plot is likely to give away spoilers of things that have occurred in the previous instalments, so I am going to keep that part of my review a little vague. What stuck out most to me in this episode is the strength and confidence that Alexandra has now found within herself to take up the role of Brandford's wife and her royal position. The situation with King Edgar, Princess Whitney and the potential war with Hadebrand is hanging in the balance in this one, especially in view of what came to light last time. Revenge and retribution are the name of the game for Brandford, but what surprised me is that Alexandra was by his side each and every step of the way. Their love is now as strong as their bond, and as a couple they have just grown so much over the course of this series, Alexandra in strength and self-belief, and Brandford in humility and in opening himself up to emotions again. "Seeing you like this... is all I really want in life. Just to see you smile-to be this... happy." The cliffy to end all cliffies rounds this penultimate novella off, and Shay has literally left everything hanging in the balance. I cannot wait to see how this adventure ends with The Devastation due for release on 23rd August. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wilder (The Renegades, #1); Author: Rebecca Yarros; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "You had me from the first moment." Stars! Rebecca Yarros starts her new The Renegades series in outstanding form. I couldn't put this book down, and I pretty much fell in love with every character that you are introduced to, Renegades specifically. There is a little amount of set-up going on in Wilder you are introduced to the Renegades team and their hangers-on as a whole, and their particular brand of crazy that comes in the form of adrenaline fueled stunts, tricks and high jinx. Each member of the team has their own particular skill-set, as well as their own set of personal demons that they are battling with. "I've never been a relationship guy... but I'm ready to take that risk." Paxton Wilder, will have your thong elastic twanging from the first page, and it doesn't take Leah Baxter long to realize that her panties are edging in the same direction as many, many women before her. Difference being, she's not ready willing and able initially, and as such proves to be a bit of a challenge to the front man of the Renegades. The sweet and sexy relationship that develops between them as he tries to prove to her he isn't just looking to add her as another notch to his bedpost was wholly engrossing especially as the story being told is set against such a new and unusual backdrop, and that they are also dealing with their own personal relationship demons they they are both initially reluctant to talk about. It was time to step out of the comfort zone I'd walled myself into the last two years. Study at Sea allows the Renegades to travel around Europe, whilst performing their most daring stunts in various capital cities, and Leah is tasked with keeping Wilder's grades up as his tutor, and interested in his education otherwise her place on the ship is forfeit, as well as fighting off her attraction to him, and dealing with the possibility that there may be someone in their midst who is trying to cause potentially life threatening accidents by tampering with equipment. There is a massive amount going on in this book that plays out around Wilder and Leah's developing relationship, and I am amazed at how the author pulled everything together cohesively to be honest with you, this is a story you need to pay attention to as I think that a lot of what was revealed in relation to the other team members will bear importance in the future books, but a lot of what happens in the first half of Wilder then has even more relevance in the latter stages of this story. I was literally on the edge of my seat as the author threw each new piece of the puzzle at me, and pretty much all of them came out of left-field because I was so engrossed in the reading of it, to sit back and try to figure out the relevance of things as they cropped up. "Are you ready for an adventure?" Buckle up; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Resisting the Rebel; Author: Lisa Brown Roberts; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - Let's stop pretending... Stars! Resisting the Rebel is one of those books that came along just when I needed to read it. Having had a week or two of drama filled angsty reads, it was the perfect, light and easy-to-read, story-line that I needed break things up a bit. Mandy Pennington and Caleb Torrs are polar opposites when it comes to interests, personalities and their general outlooks on life, but for some reason they get along with each other in ways, which comes as more of a shock to Caleb as he is you're A-typical brooding, solitary teenager, with a Bad-Boy reputation. "There's a decent guy hiding behind all that attitude." A reputation it turns out is not necessarily as cut and dried as initially assumed as Mandy learns more about him, whilst they keep up their Fake relationship ruse. "I've got a stalker ex I need to get off my case... You've got a dork you're trying to seduce. It's a win-win." Mandy blows into his life like and exploding disco ball (she's all about seventies style, you know) and turns pretty much all of his well laid leave-me-alone vibes on their head. And for some reason Caleb finds himself agreeing to do and be involved with things that normally he wouldn't be seen willingly within a hundred miles of. Jackass Caleb was sort of turning into sometimes-nice-guy Caleb. I liked this couple together, the romance was kept at a PG-13 level, and the secondary characters were involved enough to make the story nicely diverse and well rounded, with heroes and villains a-plenty. This was a sweetly predictable read, I had to take my serious reader head off and switch to my light and fluffy one, and in that genre Lisa Brown Roberts delivered perfectly. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lure of Obsession (Muse Chronicles #1); Author: Lisa Kessler; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "The gods were kind to me when they made me your muse..." Stars! Lisa Kessler is an author who has been on my radar for quite some time, but every release I have seen for her lately has been a book that is part of a long running series, and I am one of those readers who has to start a series from the beginning. As such when I saw Lure of Obsession was the first book in the authors new Muse Chronicles series, I did a small, but very rhythmic happy dance, at finally being able to see what this author was all about. "Inspiration before intercourse." I really enjoyed this story, it is definitely the start of a series that I think is going to need to be read in order, and potentially eight books long. Seeing as there are nine sisters (Daughters of Zeus). Unfortunately this book starts with the murder of one of them, and through its course you are introduced to the rest of the women all of whom have their own very diverse personalities and differing talents, with Melanie Jacoby; Muse of Tragic Poetry being the lead sister of the story. He was like Superman with a gun. After finding her flatmate dead, it falls to Detective Nate Malone and his partner to investigate the crime. With no evidence of forced entry, or clues as to why anyone would want her dead, Nate is struggling to rule the death as anything other than accidental. Apart from Mel's insistence that it was murder there is very little to indicate that it was anything other than a tragedy. That is until he starts having unusual, and unexplained visions... "I lost someone I should have been protecting. I'll never let that happen again." I won't lie the relationship aspect between Nate and Mel goes at warp speed in this one. Even though Nate has issues with commitment, it seems the lure of being Mel's Guardian is strong enough to make him step out of his comfort zone very quickly in order to offer her the protection she needs. This was a sweet read, plenty of secondary characters and POV's to keep the plot moving, and plenty of scope for the rest of the books with the villains still at large and the sisters still intent on getting their theater up and running, and I look forward to reading more books as they are released, and hopefully have the time to start some of the authors more established series at some point too. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Law; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - "I heard once, if you save someone's life that you're responsible for that person... Does that make me yours?" Stars! The girls deliver up the perfect smut filled Lunchtime-Special with Tempting the Law. Its LIVE Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] Eden and Coen are a couple that meet in an unusual way, and we jump two years after that before their relationship really starts, reason being Eden is sixteen when Coen initially rescues her from a kidnapper. I would have walked fire for her As you would expect the invitation to her graduation, brings all of Coen's protective instincts back to the fore, as now all grown up, Eden is no longer off limits, and colour me alpha, as soon as Coen is introduced to Step-Daddy dearest, his only thought is of making her his, and taking her home. "Once I have you, I won't be able to let you go... You'll be mine, and there'll be no escaping. Ever." "That's exactly what I want. For you to take me from here and keep me by your side. You're all I've ever wanted." Quick, dirty, sexy and sweet, add in a pretty decent epilogue, and the authors have pretty much nailed it (literally) again! ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Knocked Out By Love (Love to the Extreme, #5); Author: Abby Niles; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Why can't love be simple..?" Stars! The fifth book in the Love to the Extreme series, offers up Brody Minton's Story, and I absolutely adored him as a secondary character in Fighting Love so it was great to see him finally get his happily ever after, especially as it is with a woman he has loved from afar for a long, long time. This was so nearly a five star read for me, and then the story went the meddling family, and couple not communicating verbally like adults route and it pretty much knocked out a lot of the enjoyment I had experienced in the first 75% or so of the book. "Don't let haters get into your head. Once you do, it's hard to get them out. Trust me, I know. You have to believe in yourself. No one else's opinion matters." I think this couple had enough going for them already and the addition of the above rather than adding more depth to their relationship in general was a wrong move for their story-line. Scarlett was coming along nicely in renewing her confidence after her marital woes, and Brody was being the absolute sweetheart that I expected him to be, in helping her re-discover herself, and in pushing her boundaries in a good way when it came to sex and relationships. I just wish the story had stayed focused on them as a pair working through those aspects and the issue that caused Scarlett's marriage in part to fail, rather than adding in drama from secondary sources, that really wasn't needed. On the positive, their best friends Blake and Delaney have had their story set up nicely by the author in the latter stages of this book, and I am interested to see how it will go considering the situation Delaney finds herself in. Knocked Out by Love was still well written, and for the most part and enjoyably easy read, and I look forward to seeing what the author has up her sleeve for the next book. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rebel's Return (Red River, #4); Author: Victoria James; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "It meant everything." Stars! The Rebel's Return, is the fourth book in Victoria James' Red River series. Having not read the previous three books, I found it could easily be read as a standalone. I am not a stranger to this authors books, so I knew that this story would offer up three things, and that is great characters, a really well developed and multi directional plot, and lots of emotions, and she delivered up every point perfectly. "I never got over you. No woman I've ever met has come close to being anything like you." There is so much going on in Natalia and Aiden's story, that as a reader you are not just dealing with a second-chance reconnection between them, but also with Aiden and his estranged father as well (and boy did this pull on a few of the heart-strings). I think the part of the book between him and his father is as pivotal to the story-line as a whole as is the rebuilding of his relationship and trust with Nat was, and as everything starts to play out he realizes that staying in town for eight weeks and then leaving again without a by-your-leave may not be as easy as he was hoping it would be. Focus on the end game and then get the hell out of town. But it doesn't end there, Nat is also having a sort late-twenties life assessment of herself, due to the fact her vapid cousin is getting married, and is not shy in making it known how little she thinks of the fact that Nat is still single and on the shelf, so having the love of her life, who then broke her heart come back to town ten years later to stir up all those old feelings is literally the icing on her cake. "I thought about you every single day I was gone." This is one of those books that doesn't hugely stray off the map from A to B, but it is well written, the author pulls the emotions out of you as a reader for Aiden in particular, because he is a guy that is a whole lot of closed off when he first returns to town, but as things progress with Nat and then the situation with his father starts to develop, you see the vulnerability and feelings of inadequacy that he has tried to keep hidden for such a long time come to the surface. Bad-boy in others eyes, but as you go deeper you see he is more of a lost-boy than anything. "You have no idea how far I would go to have a night with you." I now feel the need to binge read the previous three books in the Red River Series. The author has great skills in setting up a town and its people, for her main characters stories to then play out around, and The Rebel's Return is no exception. It was also good to see Victoria setting up other secondary characters to have their stories; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Devastation (Unexpected Circumstances, #7); Author: Shay Savage; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5 - ...My wife... My life... Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url]-... Kobo: [url]... ibooks: [url]... Nook: [url]... I cannot believe that we have reached the end of this epic adventure. Shay Savage has kept me on the edge of my seat over the last few months with the Unexpected Circumstances series, and I am going to miss spending time with Brandford and Alexandra. And joy of joys, we are finally given Brandfords POV, the previous six novellas have all been told from Alexandra's POV and I think it was needed in relation to the storyline mainly developing around her and what she was experiencing, but with her kidnapping at the end of the previous novella, and the resulting melt down Brandford inevitably has because of it, there was only one head I wanted to be in as a reader to see how this story ends. I just wanted her here-with me- no matter what had happened. I wanted her in my arms where I knew she was safe and no one could touch her. I wanted to run my hands through her hair and inhale her scent and tell her I was here, holding her and protecting her... but I could not. She. Was. Gone. What a ride this series has been, from start to finish the author has pushed boundaries, explored tropes that not everyone is agreeable too, and at points, turned me a little green at the gills from her descriptions of battle and torture synonymous with the times. But through it all has been the building of a truly great love story, this isn't a couple that did anything by the easy route and the author gave everything a chance to develop between them at a really steady pace rather than rushing to the finish line, all the while building the bigger story between the kingdoms of Silverhelm and Hadebrand around them. It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to read this series from start to finish, and I hope that Shay delves into the world of Historical Romantic Fiction again, at some point in the future. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On the Prowl (Bad Things, #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "You are the nightmare now." Stars! Cynthia Eden hits the ground running with the second book in her Bad Things series. We met Panther shifter Julian Craig in the first book in the series, and On The Prowl, gives you his story. As with all of Cynthia's books, that are a running series, the bigger story is playing out around Julian and Rose's reconnection. As a couple they have a few challenges to get past as things move along especially after Julian's initial revelations in the prologue, as well as the life altering accident that causes him to make a decision that turns Rose into something she never actually believed existed beforehand. "I'm one of the monsters, love." The battle between dark and light is playing out between Luke Thorne and his brother Leo, as Julian and Rose realize that there is more than one enemy out there, and a game as simple as Simon says... has far more dangerous results and repercussions than they originally expected. "Even the most powerful beings have weaknesses." This book almost in a way felt like the author was setting up the series again, with the continuation of the original story, there are also a few introductions of new characters in On The Prowl as well, that look likely to have their own books in the future if the authors note at the end of the book is anything to go by. As usual, I cannot say much about the actual story line as it would give too much away in relation to the overall plot, but if you are a fan of this author you pretty much know that you are in for a thrill-a-minute, rip roaring adventure, with an alpha male, a sassy heroine and plenty of action along the way. She doesn't disappoint on any level, and has opened plenty of avenues to explore further in future books. He was as far from a white knight as it was possible. He was death. He was the monster that she should have feared from the very beginning... Rayce Lovell, another sexy alpha shifter is up next in, Broken Angel which is due for release in December, he has played quite a big part in the first two books, but we don't know much about him as yet, so I am looking forward to seeing how his story with Lila plays out. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Best Friend Bargain; Author: Robin Bielman; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "We're in this together." Stars! I have started the Kisses in the Sand series at the wrong end, by reading book three The Best Friend Bargain first, but it was an absolute joy from start to finish, and can absolutely be read as a standalone. This isn't the first book I have read by Robin Bielman, but it is certainly the best book I have read by her (to date), so much so that I need to go back and read the previous two books in this series immediately! "See something you like..?" Everything just clicked into place with Olivia and Danny's story, and the author took one of my favorite tropes, in Best-Friends-to-Lovers added a few special twists to the tale to make it unique to them and ran with it, and with such great consequences. The highs made me smile and the lows made me tear up, but the balance was perfect. One wrong more could ruin his friendship with the one person he couldn't live without... Both characters are dealing with some pretty big life-changes, but the one thing they are adamant about keeping, in tact is their friendship. Liv's turning up in White Strand Cove, initially shakes Danny's foundations to the core, especially as some of the first words out of her mouth pronounce to his gossip loving neighbor that they are getting married. Marriage isn't something Danny has figured to be in his future, but after spending a short time together under the same roof with Liv, he realizes that he may have been a little hasty in his decision making, and looking in the wrong places for the answers. "I've got you, you know that right? I've always got you." I love it when a strong man has a soft and vulnerable side, you get to see a lot of that from Danny through the telling of this story, and although he initially makes the wrong decisions, his heart is most definitely in the right place. The email communications between them made me smile, the banter between the guys made me chuckle and the author gave this couple an absolutely stellar ending and epilogue. I really hope that this isn't the last book from the series now that I have discovered the people and town of White Strand Cove, there was a certain single and attractive Doctor in this one that piqued my interest, and I hope that Robin has plans for telling his story in the future. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Untamed Vampire (Last True Vampire series); Author: Kate Baxter; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4 - "Bite me..." Stars! The fourth book in Kate Baxter's Last True Vampire series; The Untamed Vampire puts readers right back into the thick of that action between the various paranormal factions, covens and packs, and the Sortiari's perceived weakened position within that world. This time the story plays out a little first mainly from Chelle Daly (Ronan's twin sister), newly changed vampire and Gunnar Falk, Alpha of the Forkbeard pack. Their connection at meeting is instant, the problems that will arise from their souls tethering as 'mates' are many. Change was on the wind... This is a series you need to have read from the beginning, there are a lot of POV's in play now, what with input from characters that were the focus of previous books, as well as the villains of the piece adding their input to the story-line as well, and the depth of the story telling shows because of it, getting the plot development from many voices adds to everything going on overall, but it also lets you see that each and every one of them has their own agenda playing out at the same time. She'd be damned if she let him get the upper hand. She had a reputation as a badass to uphold, damn it! Gunnar is dealing with discontent in the pack, a merger with the Berserkers is being pushed upon him by his second in command, Chelle is battling to understand who she is after the way she was turned gives her some unusual powers, some that make her much stronger than a normal vampire. Her quest for the truth certainly made her dead-strong in her focus, some may even call her selfish in her pursuit, and I believe the line between the two was crossed in both directions at points. "No one but you." The pair of them are facing the difficulties of trying to integrate a wolf/vampire tethering, in a world where such a thing has never been known before, while dealing with all of the outside issues that have been steadily building through the previous books. And I like that the author has kept things moving along, rather than sacrificing the bigger picture for the individual couples having their stories told. A little more is revealed in this regards, but again even more questions are left unanswered, which just leaves me itching for the next book The Lost Vampire; Saeed's POV was included in this book and it will be interesting to see where the story goes with him as one of the main focuses of the book, I hope we don't have to wait too long for its release. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just Friends (Friends, #1); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 - "How messed up are we..?" Stars! Monica Murphy begins a new series about a group of teens living it large, I have to give her, her due in regards to this as she really did hit the nail on the head in relation to the personality, actions and reactions of this group of characters and the age group they were representing. Pre-Order Amazon US: [url] Barnes & Noble: [url]-... Amazon CA: [url] Amazon UK: [url] Amazon AU: [url] iBooks: [url] "What do you want..?" I think this book pretty much tops the list when it comes to the mix of some of the most abhorrent characters I have ever come across in my reading travels. Told from Olivia's point of view, the story starts with her returning home from a summer spent with her father, his new wife and her younger step-siblings. Her Mum has moved on with a creepy new boyfriend and everything seems to have changed in her absence. Over the summer her best friends Em and Dustin have been having 'fun' without her, so much so that its extremely obvious from their first meeting on her return that a lot of the changes may not be for the better, Em is wild out of control and looking to share the love with whomever it seems is in the vicinity at the time, and Dustin is looking to take things beyond the friend-zone with Livvy, something that she's really not sure about, add into the mix the new-guy in town professing to have an interest in her, even though he has been messing with Em while she was away, and you are looking at a whole lot of blow-ups, back-stabbing, bitching and drama. Is it always going to be like this? Me stuck between the two of them having to choose... Secrets and lies, are basically what keep this story moving along, and with each new revelation or discovery that something isn't necessarily as it initially seemed I found myself disliking the characters involved more and more. I have to say that the themes of the plot and the characterizations of most of the main players in this book would on a normal day end with me DNF-ing, but rather than getting frustrated at everything that was going on, I just found myself getting more and more disgusted and at points a little uncomfortable with things, but I couldn't stop reading, I suppose in a way I was hoping that at some point the author would add in something redeemable about each of them, just so I could feel something other than dislike for them all. Livvy and her friends epitomize everything I hated about my teen years, with their selfish, self-absorbed, whiplash attitudes towards themselves and each other, and to sound like an old lady here, the one thing that always stands out about these types of stories are the lack of any meaningful parental involvement with the teens in question, it never quite sits right with me. At this point I am not 100% sure whether; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Keeping Mr. Right Now (Kisses in the Sand, #1); Author: Robin Bielman; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Live a little... Stars! The first book in the Kisses in the Sand series offers up a perfect balance of romance between a couple that on the surface couldn't be more different. I loved introverted Sophie and extrovert Zane, together they seemed to push the other to move from their comfort zones to push their boundaries in an effort to experience and be more. Zane has deeply ingrained issues with self-esteem, and because of that believes he is unworthy of having someone as smart and knowledgeable as Sophie in his life as a long term thing. "I'm starting to think I can't keep anything from you..." But although Sophie has educative smarts, she's a little less experienced in the ways of boys and girls, and just in cutting back and letting loose in general, and Zane shows her there is so much more to life than the black and navy shades she's been living in. There was nothing harmless about Zane Hollander. He oozed heartbreaker. The romance takes a while to kick off, while the relationship between the pair organically develops, and I liked that the author gave this couple time to build towards the bedroom, it gave it more gravitas when it did happen, and also a lot more emotion when everything fell apart for them. She'd made him better this week, made him see things with new, fresh eyes. Loved it, this series has pulled me in hook, line and surf-board. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blame it on the Kiss (Kisses in the Sand, #2); Author: Robin Bielman; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "We've come this far..." Stars! The second book in the Kisses in the Sand series focuses on a couple whose connection causes more than a few feelings of guilt as they also try to navigate their grief for the loss of a loved one. I think the subject matter in Blame it on the Kiss is one that any author is going to struggle to get the right balance with, in that Honor's best friend was also Bryce's ex-girlfriend, and she died. Honor cannot deny her feelings for Bryce after running into him months after it happened, and trying to avoid him for the most part, but feels like she is betraying her best-friends memory because of it. "Like what you see..?" "I don't know what you're talking about." "I could show you." Bryce sees things a little differently, not in a callous or unfeeling way, but seeing as Payton had dumped him prior to her death, the feelings of grief and guilt are for slightly different reasons, especially as he comes to realize that his feelings for Honor are completely different and a whole lot stronger than the ones he had for her best friend. "I may be clean cut on the outside, but make no mistake... I like to get very, very dirty when nobody's looking." There were parts of this book I loved; the banter between the guys when they were together, the progression of the series as a whole, and there were parts where Bryce and Honor were together that were really emotive and heartfelt. But for me the balance I previously mentioned was a little bit off in relation to the inclusion and use of the deceased but not forgotten best friend, and the reactions Honor had to some of her interactions with Bryce, especially in the first half of the book. There were points where I struggled to understand Honor's motivations, she was a little inconsistent in her direction, and guilt seemed to be used as an excuse more than the truth in explanation to more than one scenario when she wanted to back away from dealing with her feelings for Bryce. "No one has ever thought about me the way you do." This was still a pretty easy read, and for the most part enjoyable, tropes used more than writing played a part in the lower rating, and on the whole this series has been a really enjoyable reading adventure. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forever in the Light (Hearts in Darkness, #2.5); Author: Laura Kaye; Genres: young-adult, poetry, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I still love that elevator". Stars! Perfect epilogue, made me want to read the books again; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Angel Knights-Prequel (The Angel Knights, #0.5); Author: Mary Ting; Genres: history, young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "Something is coming... Can you feel it?" Stars! This is the perfect little prequel novella to set up Mary Tings new Angel Knights series. If you are a fan of angels, demons and the battle between good and evil then this will most likely be a series you will enjoy. Danger followed us because of who we were- Demon Hunters. Lucia and Zach (brother & Sister) are Venators, which to you and me means Demon-hunters, they work as part of a team with their Uncle Davin leading them ridding earth and everything in-between of the dark beings. Of late there has been a big increase of demons on the Earth, and more and more Demon Hunters are being pulled into the fight to keep them at bay. "The master is coming. Hell will finally be free." This was a really quick read, and it's really just an introduction to the main characters that are going to figure in the rest of the books, it also gives you the low-down as to why Lucia, Zach and Davin find themselves in Hawaii, in the first full length book The Chosen Knights. Good would conquer evil in the long run... I absolutely love the covers for the books in this series, they are unique, eye-catching and really do give you an indicator as to what the books are about. The third book of the series The Blessed Knights is due for release at the end of October, and I am pleased to reveal the cover and synopsis below - Eli, Lucia's half-demon love interest, has been stabbed with a true-cross dagger and captured by Cyrus, master of the possessor demons. The Chosen Knights must work together once again not only to save Eli, but also to decipher a clue to find the second missing page of Jacques de Molay's journal. Meanwhile, Uncle Davin informs Crossroads Divine Elders of the danger ahead and learns there is much more to fear. Countless children are being taken from all over the world to be turned into demons. Michael, one of the Divine Elders, has no choice but to intervene. The Chosen Knights track down Mortem, the demon who is the key to finding Cyrus, and learn they must travel deep into the pit of a Hawaiian volcano. When they astral travel to the past in search of a clue and follow Jacques de Moley to Roselyn Chapel in medieval Scotland, what they find will rewrite history. Out October 28, 2016 - Pre-Order this title at these online retailers: Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] Amazon AU - [url] Amazon CAM - [url] ARC of the novella generously provided via Barclay Publicity in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blush for Me (Fusion, #3); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "It's the journey, not the destination..." Stars! Kristen Proby, is one of my go-to authors when it comes to contemporary romance, this is an author that for me has delivered again and again when it comes to her couples, series development and the story-lines she gives them. Blush for Me delivered on all three counts as expected, and the Fusion series just goes from strength to strength as each of the Seduction girls meets and falls in love with their matches, and quirky Bar Manager Kat's coming together with Ryan 'Mac' Mackenzie was as good as the preceding books. "Do you spit?" All stemming from a sexcation on a wine tasting trip, Kat was expecting the connection that she found with Mac to fizzle and die once she returned home, but Mac has other ideas, especially when he realizes that their proximity to each other is not a million miles. I liked that the relationship between these two was built away from the rest of the girls and Seduction, Kat has played an active role in the previous books, but she was really given a chance to shine in this one, and as a reader I feel like I got to know her better as a character in those first few chapters when she is on her own with Mac. "You pay attention, and that means a lot..." "You mean a lot." There is a little familial drama on Mac's side, but it wasn't overplayed, it added to the story 'just right', and we are also introduced to his brother as well (also single), so hopefully there will be a book there at some point in the future. "It's the journey, not the destination." I am loving this series, this is an author who knows how to build something exceptional book by book, and although each story is about a different character, everybody who has already been, and is still to come is kept involved in general as the series develops, everyone included in it does as well. you almost feel like part of the family the more books you read as its like visiting with old and very much cared for friends. Book four in the Fusion series; The Beauty of Us, is due for release in August, and I am really looking forward to seeing 'unlucky in love' Riley, finally get her own happily ever after. ARC provided through Edelweiss via InkSlingerPR in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: She's My Kind of Girl (Something New #4.5); Author: Jennifer Dawson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You've come home." Stars! Nothing makes me happier than discovering an author who I haven't read before and absolutely falling in love with their writing and characterizations, from the first paragraph. She's My Kind of Girl is the first book I have read by Jennifer Dawson, and as book 4.5 in the Something New series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Something about Darcy Miller had always reached inside of him and Squeezed. Second-chance, with a side of frenemies is a really good mix for romance, and Darcy and Griffin's story fulfilled every requirement I have in relation to it. Both kids from the wrong side of the tracks from a small town in Illinois, who fell in love with each other at a young age. But whereas one got out and pursued a life in the Big Apple, the other stuck around, cleaned up their act, and is now the town's Mayor. She was wild and he was reformed. In fact it is Griff's capacity as town Mayor that has caused Darcy to have to return to Revival, as his plans for vitalizing the town include running a bulldozer straight through her mother's house, something she vows to fight against with any means she can. He'd had more fun with her in the last five minutes than he had in the last year of dates. I loved this novella, it was a really quick read, but it didn't feel underdeveloped, the introduction to the town of Revival and its characters was broad, and you are also given updates on characters from the previous four books, none of which I have read, but am desperate to sink my teeth into now. "Did you grow up? Or give up?" The chemistry between Griff and Darcy sizzled from the beginning, this is a couple with a past and you can feel it from all of their interactions, add in a little bit of sexy, ad dash of Christmas sparkle, and I finished this novella with a smile on my face, my Amazon account credit is also a little lighter as well, as I ended up one-clicking all four previous books in the series. "I'm breaking all my rules for you." Jennifer Dawson is an author I have added to my auto-buy list after this novella, and I recommend that you check it out. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bedmates (American Royalty, #1); Author: Nichole Chase; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "No one else matters..." Stars! Bedmates is the first book I have read by Nichole Chase, and also is the first book in her new American Royalty series, and I have to say I was mightily impressed with what I read. I have to be honest and say I am not a huge lover of having a side of politics with my romantic reading, but the good thing about Bedmates is that you pretty much leave the realms of believably at the first chapter, what with fictional state visits from made-up countries and Princes and Princesses as part of the book, the relationship between Jake and Maddie was definitely the main focus of the story, and not the politics. Jake wasn't the perfect, pristine boy anymore. He had grown and matured. As you can imagine, America's first daughter and the Vice Presidents war veteran son having any sort of relationship brings about complications, but at the beginning they are sort of 'frenemies', but as they are tasked to work together on a project to build homes for ex-soldiers with disabilities, it becomes obvious very early on that the chemistry between this couple is more than just snark, sarcasm and dislike. "Your cheeks are red, Madlibs..." "You just try to keep up Golden Boy." Maddie has secretly been attracted to Jake for years, but she realizes that the guy she once knew is definitely not the one who returned from war, the external scars are not the only ones he is carrying, and as the story progresses and their relationship builds its apparent that he is not being open and honest about how everything is affecting him. "I'm not perfect. I'm broken on the outside and the inside, but I'm getting better." There are so many layers to Bedmates, yes there is a political aspect in that Jake's mother plays a relevant part in their story, but I loved that this book focussed on them as a couple and how they dealt with the issues that got in the way of developing a meaningful relationship, in-spite of outside influence to their detriment. "It would be nice to have a friend to relate to." The other thing I loved about this book is the fact that the author didn't rush Jake's processing of things in the second half of the book, time is given and the dual POV from him and Maddie gave great depth to the times they are apart. "You're a little mean to me, but that's okay, because you're fucking awesome in bed." Definitely an author I will be looking too read more from in the future, Bedmates was an outstanding introduction for me to Nichole Chase's writing, and I cannot wait for more from this series. "You've ruined me..." ARC generously provided via Edelweiss, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Into the Firestorm (BOSS, Inc., #3); Author: Kat Martin; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "You're mine till we're finished." Stars! Into the Firestorm takes the reader back to the BOSS, Inc team, the third book in the series focuses on bounty hunter Luke Brodie, who has a penchant for knee high moccasins... "It's different with you." Although I enjoyed this book I must admit that it felt twice as long as the page count in it's reading. The story between Luke and Emma was well crafted, but there were parts that seemed to just drag on a little longer than were warranted. I loved the bounty hunter aspect between the pair of them, especially as they were both looking for the same guy, but for completely different reasons. Emma's are purely personal, you are given the crux of that in the prologue, and Rudy Vance (the villain of the piece) is certainly given the most abhorrent of crimes and tastes as part of his backstory. I am glad the author didn't delve to deeply into his psyche on that front when telling parts of the story from his POV. "You okay, baby?" "Better now." Plenty of thrills and spills in this one, you can see where the plot is going and the author used the secondary characters well in building up the story development and progression. I like the BOSS, Inc guys anyway, and the banter between them at points lightened the drama a bit. Luke and Emma together were hot and sweet, and I love nothing more than a battle scarred veteran getting his happily ever after, even if it does include getting shot, blown up and almost killed in the route he takes to get there. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: That Mistletoe Moment; Author: Cat Johnson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "You had me at Bourbon." Stars. That Mistletoe Moment is a collection of three Christmas novellas, all linked together by the Build-a-Boyfirend App. I have read Cat Johnson previously, so her opening inclusion of A Boyfriend For Christmas was as expected in the extremely enjoyable to read stakes. "Only you could sign up for a fake boyfriend and end up with a real one." In fact I would go as far as to say that Noelle and Nathan's story was the one that I enjoyed the most. Kate Angell and Allyson Charles are both authors new to myself, and their inclusions - All I Want for Christmas... and Her Favorite Present were Christmas cute, and easily readable but didn't quite keep my attention as the first novella. Time was one thing that was too precious to waste. This is the perfect selection for you to dip into over the seasonal period, low-drama, easy to read story-lines and likeable characters, all getting their Christmas Happily Ever Afters. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rock with You; Author: Rachel Lacey; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I don't usually flirt with rock stars..." Stars! Rock with You was a really great introduction to Rachel Lacey's new Risking It All series, it was also my first read from this author and I really clicked with her writing style. If you like a series set around a small town, featuring recurring secondary characters, but with each book focusing on one particular couple than this is definitely a series you may want to check out. For me series like this are like catnip, so to find an established author that I haven't read anything from previously whose writing style mixes well with my tastes makes me a very happy reader. "To ice storms." The rock-star hiding out getting iced in with the towns bakery owner and what starts as a one night agreement, then morphs into so much more as they get to know each other. This is a story that doesn't really offer anything up in the way of tropes, but I liked Carly and Sam, the story was extremely easy to get on with and the set-up of the town of Haven and its residents gives the reader a taste of things to come in relation to future books in the series. Great start and introduction for me to this authors books, I cannot wait to start Run to You, due for release later this month.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Branding the Virgin (Cowboys & Virgins, #1); Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - I didn't know I wasn't smiling until she walked into my life... Stars! I think Branding The Virgin may actually be my favorite Alexa Riley novella so far. ITs LIVE! Amazon US : [url] Amazon UK : [url] Amazon CA : [url] Amazon AU : [url] Ty was the right amount of adorably grouchy, growly alpha, Mary-Jane the perfect blend of alluring and innocence and their coming together was quick, and sweet. "Don't be leaving my ranch." The synopsis gives you the run-down of the novella, and I was left with a smile on my face at the end of it. "Those big bastards fall hard." I hope Ty's brothers and, sister get their own novellas at some point, as I really liked the dynamic between them all. The banter was hilarious at points. "Only you carry my babies." The sweet, and sexy times were perfectly balanced, and the epilogues were the perfect ending. Another absolute winner for me. ARC generously provided via AredntPRose PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Knew You Were Trouble (Oxford, #4); Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "You could do better..." Stars. Lauren Layne and I seem to have had a bit of a falling out so far in 2017. After book three in the Oxford series; Someone Like You being some of the authors best writing I have experienced, everything else I have read since that was released back in December 2016 has been decidedly lackluster. "Some days I think I'll figure out just what the hell made you so damn bitchy, but then I remember I don't give a shit." I think the main problem is that the author is churning out so many books now, on an almost bi-monthly basis, that quality is being forsaken for quantity. All well, and good if the books you are producing are of the high quality that your loyal readers are used to, but I am not really getting that feeling with the last couple I have read. Crying made you weak, feelings left you vulnerable, and the only person you could count on was yourself... Can't really say I was a fan of Taylor, she came across as an unfeeling, overly defensive shrew for most of the book, and Nick's motivation for being with her didn't really endear him to me much either. The old frenemy-to-lovers trope is usually one of my favorites, but I just didn't see these two as a functioning couple for most of the story. The second half hits the predictable slope, and my high point for the whole thing was getting to catch up on past characters from the series. "Someone will love you... I promise it." I am in the minority with my feelings on this one, but this is an author who has been on my go-to list for a few years now, and there is very little she has released that I haven't read and totally enjoyed. Because of that I have high expectations, and so far in 2017, they have in no way been met. I don't doubt that we will see more from this series/characters in the future, I just hope that the author can get back to the quality story-telling she delivered in the earlier books, and the Stiletto series, when she does. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Red Stone Security Series Box Set: Volume 4 (Red Stone Security, #10-12); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Box Set four of the Red Stone Security Series features the below titles (Books 10, 11 & 12), and you can find my full reviews for each book by hitting the links. Deadly Fallout. [url]... Sworn to Protect. [url]... Secret Obsession. [url]... All can be read as standalones, and do not have to be read in any particular order. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Commanding Her SEAL; Author: Kat Cantrell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - If only... Stars! If you have read any of the authors ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights books, you will know who Charlie St. Croix is, and this novella gives you the information behind his decision to leave the SEALs, and start up Aqueous Adventures, with a few of his SEAL brothers. This prequel novella takes place roughly a year before the first full length novel from Kat's titles in the series. "I'm on leave, and in two weeks, I'm going to disappear into my job again. There's not much room in my life for a woman who needs a man underfoot..." The thing is Audra Reed, doesn't need a man underfoot, on vacation herself, she's only looking for a few weeks of no-strings, scorching hot sex, and that's exactly what she gets with Charlie. "If you think I am the kind of guy who likes a woman to talk dirty to him... You're absolutely right." But over those two weeks, sex deepens into something else for both of them, and all of a sudden saying goodbye without talking about a possibility of a future seems oh, so wrong. "I want your hands on me." This is a quick read, but the author packed a lot into it, now knowing why Charlie chose to take the life path he did and his reasoning's for it, makes me all the more eager for his book; Redeeming Her SEAL. After finishing this little interlude into his and Audra's first meeting and subsequent weeks together, I cannot wait to see what type of reconnection and romance the author gives them. ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review. This novella was originally reviewed as part of the SEALs of Summer 3 Box Set.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Lies (Blood Brothers, #2); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: 3 - "Blood brothers for life." Stars. Rebecca Zanetti returns to the Blood Brothers series, with book two; Lethal Lies giving us Heath Jones' story. He was more than aware of his trigger points, and she hit them all. This story literally picked up where its predecessor Deadly Silence left off, and as with this series and its predecessor (Sin Brothers) there are always two stories playing out, the bigger one regarding the boys upbringing, and the people involved in that, and the individual brother meeting and then getting together with his woman, around a secondary plot. For me this book is the weakest I have ever read from this author in all aspects(and I have read everything). "You and me, it was real, and I'm not letting you be another fuckin' failure in my life." I will be honest, if this hadn't been written by Rebecca, I would have likely DNF'd it around the halfway mark. Reason being absolutely nothing of note or real relevance had happened in the bigger picture or between Heath and Anya by that point. The focus on the serial killer and Heath's mommy issues pretty much killed the extremely tenuous connection between them, and whereas I expect growly, alpha male versus confident, sassy female, both characters seemed to be lacking in all of those attributes in this one. "I'll do this with or without you." The book in general felt too long, especially when you take into account that the bigger part of the story with Cobb and Madison has pretty much not moved at all by the end of it, what is a 400 page book for me could have easily been edited down to 250 pages without losing what was going on, but making the pace a little more digestible. "It's time to stop running. We're ready." Another gripe, was the lack of sexy-times, this is an author who excels at building the heat and tension between her couples, but nothing really happened until the second half, and I think due to the lack of any real chemistry between the pair, what did occur just felt a little pedestrian to me and almost disconnected to the rest of the story between them. "Somethings coming and soon." On the plus, the banter between the brothers seemed to be the only thing that was of the usual high standard, but the author needs to make sure that Denver's book Twisted Truths, when it's released in November finally ties up everything that has been going on since the beginning of the Sin Brothers series, and tie off everything that has been happening with all the characters that have hitched onto the wagon along the way. I don't think this is a series that has the legs to carry it on for as long as the authors Dark Protectors books (best series ever!). I am at that point where, as much as I love these characters (despite my disappointment this time) that they have all earned a well-earned rest, once Madison and Cobb have had their arses royally; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Breaking Him; Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "The sweetest ache I've ever felt." Stars! One thing you can guarantee that Sherilee Gray will deliver on is the dirty in her books, and boy did she with Breaking Him. Although a quick read it was packed full of naughty, delicious sexy times, and a great story-line as well. The innocent hero trope is one that isn't used enough for me, but there is a fine line in getting it right when it is, and in that respect I would say that Elijah took to being with a woman, like a duck takes to water. "Making you feel good, it's all I want to do. I never want to stop." In that the innocence in regards to his inexperience with women didn't last very long at all before he was in full-on-alpha mode with Abigail. I didn't mind it though, because the story of small town prejudice against a man that as a child should have been offered support and care, not judgement carried everything else along nicely. "Don't pity me, darlin'. I can't take that, not from you..." Abi, as a strong woman has managed on her own for a while now, but her connection with Elijah and the need to submit to him fills a gap in her life she never really realized was there. The emotions and feelings between them develop quickly as soon as they step outside of the employer/employee relationship, and I liked that the dynamic between them shifted as their connection deepened. "I don't know what this is, but I know I want it with you... Only with you." As you can tell I really liked this book, the story doesn't really offer up anything now or outstanding in relation to its contents, but the author as always kept things moving along steadily, with a likeable couple, the sexy times were plentiful, diverse and nicely dirtied up as it to be expected with the Scorched imprint, but it didn't denigrate to cheesy-smut, which for me has been a sticking point with other releases from this line. "I am the only man with the right to touch you, hold you, comfort you. Me. Only me" Great beach read, holiday read, couple of hours in the evening read, and as always I will be eagerly awaiting to read whatever the author has in store for her readers next. "Trust your instincts... That's all you have to do." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is, my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Candy Cane Christmas (Cottonbloom #3.5); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Come on in out of the cold." Stars! I have absolutely adored everything 'Cottonbloom' that Laura Trentham has released this year, so being given an added treat for Christmas, just rounded off this series perfectly for me. Jeremy Whitehurst is a character that I have known since the Falcon Football series, and he has come a long way since those books, it was great to see him on occasion through the course of the Cottonbloom stories, and I am happy that Laura was given the opportunity to give him and Kayla their own happily ever after. My one gripe - (and it's a small one) I really think this story had the legs in it to be a bit longer. It had been years since he'd felt carefree. But being around her made him feel... alive. This was a quick read, but it delivered on the emotions and feelings really well. If you have read the previous books you will remember Kayla as she featured quite a bit in Kiss Me That Way as a young woman with a few personal demons. Things have changed for her since, and we are now looking at a woman on the cusp of independence, dealing with feelings for a man who is more closed off to the prospect of a relationship than she is... initially anyway. Kayla was the hair pin curve in his straight and narrow path. I have a huge soft spot for any guy that rolls over and shows his belly in the course of a developing relationship with a woman, especially when he is perceived to be a bad boy, to then show a side of sweet and vulnerable, just grabs me by the heartstrings, and Jeremy was all that, described in a very tasty package. "I know you. I know this is going to work out." Love it, have loved this series, Laura Trentham was my Summer 2016 hit this year with the books releasing over those few short warm months, Cottonbloom feels a little like home now. I cannot wait too read more from her in 2017! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Leave The Night On (Cottonbloom, #4); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 -"Come on and take a chance on me..." Stars! Book four in Laura Trentham's Cottonbloom series sees the introduction of the Abbott Brothers, and their Garage & Restoration business. I am a huge fan of all things Trentham, from the Falcon Football days, and all the way through the Cottonbloom series, Leave The Night On although a decent read, fell a little short on my expectations. She was Southern femininity and grace. And he was a grease monkey... I think my main issue was the fact that Sutton and Wyatt's relationship wasn't as well balanced as previous couples in this series have been. I don't mean because of their difference in social stature in the Cottombloom hierarchy so much, as the fact that what starts out as a 'fauxmance' and then develops into more, seemed to be all on Wyatt's part, bearing in mind Sutton is the one who lied, and expects him to play along with the charade, the way she treated him at points thereafter really grated on my nerves. I think this was exacerbated more by the fact, that Wyatt is a classic Laura Trentham male, sweet, caring, and willing to do anything for his woman. Sutton abused that amicability several times, and pretty much every time I started to warm a little to her she went and did it again. I'll be honest I thought it would be the ex-drama that would be a problem for me with this one, and it actually turned out to be the characterization. "I knew going into this I would never be more than her rebound." That-said I still pretty much read the book in one sitting, the brothers all get a little page time, so you know who's, who and what they are about as well. The little teases for Willa and Jackson were there to keep me invested in the series as a whole too, and I cannot wait to get my hands on their book; When the Stars Come Out which sadly isn't due for release until January 2018. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rookie Move (Brooklyn Bruisers #1); Author: Sarina Bowen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "There's a real spark between us..." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk/Rookie-Move-Brooklyn... Amazon US - www.amazon.com/Rookie-Move-Brooklyn-B... B&N - www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rookie-move-... The first book in Sarina Bowen's' new Brooklyn Bruisers series, opened with a bang, and kept up a steady story pace until its end. The author gave a great introduction to Georgia Worthington and Leo Trevi with an unfortunate microphone incident, and the story kept me entertained up until its end. "Welcome to Brooklyn." Second-chance-romance is always a favorite trope for me, and the five year separation for this pair, and the reasons for it, gave their reconnection a great depth, especially as the reasons for Gigi's splitting up from Leo are bought to the fore, with the more time they spend together. "Breaking up with him was something I did because I had to. Not because I didn't love him." I loved Leo, strong in stature and personality, he was also incredibly sweet and endearing when it came to getting it right with Georgia. "You can run, but you can't hide... Even if you give me the cold shoulder... Even if you go all shy on me. It's on." And like all good sports heroes, he was dirty perfection in the bedroom, sweet and sincere when the chips were down, but an absolute animal when it came to playing Ice-Hockey and being there on the ice for his Team-Mates. I loved that all through everything they were dealing with together and with the team, his love and loyalty to her was paramount. The move to the Bruisers is a pretty big step up for him, and the struggle to prove his worth whilst trying to deal with the re-emergence of Georgia into his life, and the repercussions from it to the bigger picture gave this story lots of different side plots to keep it moving along. Nobody had ever mattered to him the way Georgia did... There were also more than a few moments that bought on the giggles, when he managed to inadvertently put his foot in things on a spectacular level, when trying to be honorable and do the right thing. Just an absolutely adorable guy for me. "It's been too long... I like having you beside me." Rookie Move was a comprehensive introduction to the team and characters, lots of scope for many, many future books what with a whole host of sexy single Hockey Players for the author to work through, not to mention an intriguing young and relatively elusive team owner as well. "Our time is now." Hard Hitter is up next, due for release early 2017, Bruisers Team Captain; Patrick O'Doul featured quite a bit in this one, but the author did a great job of leaving you wanting in relation to getting to know him, so I am looking forward to seeing what story she has in store for him. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: By Firelight; Author: Janice Maynard; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - In snow and ice and cold I came to you... Stars. If you are looking for a book that you can pick up and put down over the Christmas period, that isn't too heavy on drama and full of Seasonal-Insta-Love, then By Firelight may just fit the bill. "You're here. I'm here. We can't leave. Why not enjoy it." The author offers up two novellas, that I believe were originally released in separate anthologies, which are connected by the Christmas theme. I have to admit that I liked the first Novella By Firelight a lot more than I did the second book, but both were pretty out there in regards to the speed in which both couples fall for each other. But hey! Its Christmas, so I suppose anything can happen. The snow storm bought him an unexpected Christmas gift, and he was prepared to unwrap it a bit at a time. I struggled to believe the ages these characters were given for a lot of their stories, as they either veered off in to stilted and blunt conversation at points making them seem older, to then acting out like teenagers, but these are quick reads so getting any real depth to any of them isn't really on the cards. "I'm glad I found you." Enjoyable enough reads, but they didn't really light a fire under me to want to see what else the author has on offer on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Snowy Night (Heartbreaker Bay, #2.5); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Merry Christmas... You deserve it." Stars! One Snowy Night is a novella that I have been itching too read since we were introduced to Rory in the last book of the Heartbreaker Bay series. Jill teased readers that this was a woman with as past, and this little Christmas treat gives you the answers. This is a really quick, and I mean really, really quick novella. If memory serves the story actually finished around the 70% mark, and it is a shame really because it did make the story for Rory and Max feel a little on the rushed side for me. I also found that using almost the identical trope in relation to their connection as was used in The Trouble with Mistletoe made the novella feel a little repetitive in story-telling. "Use the past to fix the now... You make your mistakes - which is allowed, by the way. After all, you're only human, but you learn from them. Grow from them. Things can't always be forgotten, but they can be forgiven." As my rating attests, I still really enjoyed this novella, Jill's writing style just pulls me in, and I cannot help but connect with the characters, and I absolutely fell in love with Carl the dog, but I was just hoping for a little more of everything with and for this couple. "Take a chance... Take the risk." As with every series that I read from this author, Heartbreaker Bay and its inhabitants have definitely got a story or two left to tell. Accidentally on Purpose is due, January 2017, Elle and Archer have also been simmering through the previous books in the series too, so I am itching to see what sort of story Jill has in store for them. "So... where were we?" ARC generously provided by the publisher, via InkSlinger PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crazy for You (Risking It All, #2); Author: Rachel Lacey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "No one but you." Stars! The Risking It All series goes from strength to strength with the second full length novel; Crazy For You. Its LIVE! Amazon US -[url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]... Not only do we get one of my favorite tropes - Older brothers best friend, but we also get to go back to the town and residents of Haven, Georgia. Emma Rush has had a crush on Ryan Blake for a looooong time, being her brothers best friend growing up she saw and spent more than enough time with him to know that he was a guy with more going on than the bad-boy facade he let most people see. Her little crush on Ryan Blake had just exploded into something a whole lot more... and she had no idea what would happen next... But up until now, things had never stepped out of the friend-zone, with the loss of her brother, her decision to live on the wild side and to move away to study, the pair find themselves at an unexpected crossroads... Act on the attraction that has been simmering between them for a while, or stick to purely friendship. "You drive me absolutely crazy, you know that?" Ryan is reluctant initially, but it doesn't take long for Emma to start pushing all the right buttons to bring the alpha protectiveness out in Ryan, and the sexy times take off at a rapid clip thereafter. She's leaving, he doesn't do commitment, so a friends-with-benefits arrangement is agreed upon. "Just how bad do you want to be?" I discovered Rachel's writing through the prequel novella in this series and I haven't looked back since, I love whole small town feel that she has got going on in that the characters are now established well enough you feel like you are catching up with old friends with each new story. The whole Off-the-Grid adventures aspect keeps things fresh, and all the secondary characters keep everything really well filled out when it comes to the plots. "Sometimes dreams change... Sometimes once you start chasing them, you realize those dreams represented who you were ten years ago... not who you are today." Nothing massively new about the story between Ryan and Emma, but it's so well written you just fall in love with them as they are unwittingly falling in love with each other, it was one of those books you read and feel every emotion the H/h are experiencing, and go through with them. "Nothing feels right when we're not together." Jess and Mark are up next, and I am more than a little excited for the release of Can't Forget You in October. This is a couple that have a huge amount of history between them, but the author has been very careful in what she has revealed about it in that we still don't 100% know what actually happened, so I am eager to get their full story. ARC generously provided by TastyBookTours via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Welcome Home for Christmas (Hero's Welcome, #4); Author: Annie Rains; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "There's no fighting Christmas." Stars! I am sad to be saying goodbye to the residents of Seaside, the entire Hero's Welcome series holds so many fond memories for me with the couples I have met and the story-lines they have been given. It also made me fall irrevocably in love with the superb writing of Annie Rains, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next. "There's no fighting Christmas." I am so glad that for the final book Allison Carmichael gets her happily ever after, as the manager of the Veterans Center, she has played a secondary role in pretty much every previous book. Troy Matthews, the MP who inevitably turns into Allison's very own VIP is also not a totally new character, and they worked really well together. "What you resist persists." Both are a bit commitment shy for their own reasons, but I liked that this wasn't the only focus of the story, there is a little suspense thrown in as well as some seasonal magic to keep things moving along. "I love the holidays... Everything is bright and merry." We also get to catch up with all the previous couples in the series as well, so this was a great Christmassy ending to a really, really enjoyable series. "This is my favorite Christmas. Because of you." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Until We Collide; Author: Charlotte Fallowfield; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 5 - "I'm game if you are." Stars! Until We Collide is definitely a book that needs to come with a disclaimer, as reading it is likely to bring about, long and often uncontrollable bursts of the giggles, so it's a book that is difficult to read illicitly at your desk! Told from Paige's POV, this is a book of love found, love lost, love spurned, and I loved, loved, loved it. Paige has known Alec Wright since their teens, but circumstances, relationships and life in general has conspired to ensure that over the years whenever one is available to potentially pursue a relationship, the other isn't. Every single time I thought I was over him, I saw him again and it just reminded me how much I wasn't. Paige is without doubt the clumsiest, unluckiest woman I have ever had the pleasure of reading about, if there is a cow-pat near she will get covered in it, a fence in the way, she will fall over it, or a roof in the vicinity she's likely to fall off of it. Her luck with men is just as bad and the adventures she had, and the situations she managed to get herself into, in the telling of her and Alec's story and eventual getting together was just unapologetically down-to-earth in characterization, heart-wrenching in emotion and there were parts of the book where the authors writing offered up moments of pure comedy genius. "I see a promising future for you." This is a story that I could easily see Richard Curtis wanting to make into a film, with likeable characters, laugh out loud antics, and a superbly told story-line that offers up more than a few surprises along the way, it was just a thrill and giggle a minute read from start to finish. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Savage; Author: Kat Austen; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "My mind I'll keep civilized when it comes to you... but don't expect the same from my body." Stars! Kat Austen delivers up another, quick and smutty offering, and if I ever find myself stuck on a deserted island in Micronesia I definitely want my own Grant aka Tarzan as named by our intrepid heroine Jane. As you can guess this is the authors erotic take on the Loin clothed lovely, and for the most part it was a pretty enjoyable read. It was odd how silence could be so telling. How quiet could be so revealing... What starts off with a bearded savage with no voice, soon turns into an explanation of man who has been marooned for years on an island, and as soon as Jane washes up, his baser instincts start to reawaken... The ending was a tad abrupt with this one for me, one minute they were going at it like two island natives, and the next we were on the epilogue, but apart from that the author delivered up exactly what I was expecting her too, so a good time was had all round! "My first. My only. My last. My forever... My everything." ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Winning It All (Hometown Players #4); Author: Victoria Denault; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You're the exception... not the rule." Stars! The fourth book in Victoria Denaults' Hometown Players series, gives us Sebastian Deveau's story. He figured a little in the previous book in the series and I liked his happy-go-lucky charm, so I was interested to see who the author was going to pair him up with. One thing Victoria manages to do in spades is deliver up a swoon-worthy hero. All three previous books have offered up a sexy hockey player, that although may be a little messed up for various reasons, have big hearts and their actions always come from well-intentioned motivations, they may not always get it right first time, but they always make sure they make amends and usually in sexy-hot ways, Sebastian Deveau definitely sits in this definition for me. "who are you..?" "I'm many things, but the one thing that should matter to you is that I'm the man who is crazy about you." But as with the previous book The Final Move, it was the author's characterisation of her female lead that lowered my enjoyment level a little. Thankfully Shayne Beckford wasn't quite as frustrating as Callie Caplan was, it was more of a first half meh, second half maybe in relation to personality for me. In that her actions seemed to completely contradict her head, in the beginnings of the book, whereas when she finally engaged brain in the second half, she still allowed her pre-conceived, and for me, weak assumptions and notions for all hockey players to inevitably, make life unnecessarily hard between her and Sebastian, and the relationship that they were forging. "You've been looking for a way to talk yourself out of this since I talked you into it. And you know what? I'm going to let you this time..." This is a woman with a whole boat load of daddy issues, and rightly so, the author portrayed him as a sexist, adulterous tool for the whole of the book, but my problem with Shay's behaviour in relation to it, seemed extremely disproportionate if you take in to account the lack of reasons Seb gave her to judge him badly by, and her critical attitude of a few of the other women she becomes friendly with as the book progresses, just because they are in some way involved with Ice Hockey. "There's just something about you that makes me... happy every time I see you." She does eventually pull herself together and I wasn't massively frustrated in the scheme of things as with the previous book so all-in-all it was a book I enjoyed more than I disliked. "I'm not just in your head... I'm deeper than that. I'm in your veins. I'm in your blood. You can fight against it all you want, but I know you know it's a losing battle." Winning It All was still a relatively easy read, it was great to immerse myself back into the guys of the Seattle Winterhawks Ice Hockey team, catch up with Jordan and Jessie and the rest of the team dynamic; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Playing It Cool (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #2); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "White wine makes me mouthy." Stars! Amy Andrews delivers again with the second book in her Sydney Smoke Rugby series. Dex and Harper left their own set of scorch marks on my kindle, with the chemistry that blazed hot and hard between them pretty much from the get-go. I think the author took a look at female body confidence (or lack of) in a really great way with this story, in that it figured in the relationship between the two of them, but it didn't detract from it in an over-the-top level. "Best damn ten seconds of my life..." Harper has long borne the brunt of her step-brothers put-downs in relation to her weight and her curves, in relation to the model thin representations we are bombarded with nowadays, and as such isn't much for putting herself out there when it comes to guys. Well that is until the day he does it within Dexter Blake's earshot, Dex is all about booty and curves on his women, and dons his Knight-in-shining-football-boots cape to show Chuck-the-tool, that not all men think alike. Harper, although a little wary of his attentions, is a whole lot smitten from their first introduction. She was the kind of girl a guy loved. Got into a relationship with. The kind he married. Made babies with... Initially, neither are looking for commitment, it's just a ruse to wind up dear old Chuck, but it doesn't take long for them both to realize that the attraction and chemistry between them, is not going to be denied, and what follows if a series of sexy-hot encounters, but what was once classed as and agreed upon non-committal arrangement also starts to change for both of them, but whereas one is happy to embrace the change and try for something more, the other is all for trying to bring things back to how they were before. "I think you may just be the perfect woman..." I really enjoyed this one, Amy took two characters and gave them a story that although had a little drama in it, wasn't overshadowed by it. Dex was sexy-go-lucky, and Harper, had enough sass and self-worth, to step up and say what she wanted, and then refuse to settle for less than she deserved. The story line was standard, but the writing lifted it up to stellar levels as it was extremely well executed. A quick read, with indications as to where the next love/hate story-line is potentially going to come from for the Sydney Smoke Rugby Players and the women involved as secondary characters. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Rivals (The League of Rogues, #4); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I own you...in all but name." Stars! Lauren Smith returns to The League of Rogues with another absolutely outstanding addition to the series. Book four; Wicked Rivals gives us Lord Ashton Lennox's story, and once again it was a thrill-a-minute adventure. I absolutely love this series, every book offers up a different couple's story, whilst still expanding and developing on the secondary longer running plot-line involving Hugo Waverly and his obsession with getting rid of the League members and their loved ones, as well as the reasonings to why. Control was his foremost weapon, and his first line of defence. Where other men lost their bodies to passions, their minds to obsessions and their hearts to love, he always stayed in control of himself... As with all the previous couples, Ashton and Rosalind both have their own agendas at the beginning of the book, some of the issues between them are actually tied to the nefarious Waverly, but neither of them know the full story or back ground of the other completely. So when Ashton steps in and takes control of Rosalind's debts from the bank, which in essence means he holds the control of all of her business interests as well, he is taking more from Rosalind than he initially realizes. That control he is so certain of though, seems to have a habit of slipping somewhat when they are in close proximity to each other, and with sensual and sexy results more often than not. "Everything is business with you. Details, facts, figures. All of it so cold and emotionless." Once again the author manages to weave so much into the fabric of this story that you are literally kept on your toes for its whole telling. New characters are introduced (three burly Scots, whom I hope against hope will at some point get their own books) and although a few questions are answered, a lot of new ones are raised. The plot moves along at a really steady pace, and once again I just couldn't stop reading for all of the excitement and surprises that are delivered through its telling. "Even when you drive me mad, I still want you." I loved Rosalind Melbourne, Lauren always manages to keep her female characters in this series, in keeping with the period, whilst giving them really strong and sassy personalities. They are intelligent women who know what they want and are not afraid to step up and say exactly what they feel and go after what they desire, usually one of the Rogues, and always with unexpected results. "You can't run away every time. Some day you will have to talk to me." I am so happy that Lauren has carried on with the Rogues series, even with the partial demise of Samhain (its original publisher)this is a series that has got the legs to carry itself through indie publishing and onwards in my opinion, and although things develop further for the League and their enemies in Wicked Rivals the story as a whole is nowhere near being finished,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Skin Deep (Station Seventeen, #1); Author: Kimberly Kincaid; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I'm going to take my time with you..." Stars! Kimberley Kincaid start off her new Station Seventeen series with a really enjoyable romance between to battered souls, with a hefty dose of romantic suspense on the side to keep you on your toes. It took me a little while to get into Skin Deep, not because the writing and story-line weren't appealing but more of the fact that the opening chapters felt very similar to the last book I read by the author, also funnily enough set around a Fire House, also about one of the crew members with a few personal demons, as well as having a large dose of romantic suspense delivered through the plot. "Being a cop isn't just about you. It's about solving cases as part of a team." But once Isabella and Kellan started to get to know each other and the story progresses, although there were still a large number of glaring similarities, the story itself was just different enough to keep me from feeling that I was reading exactly the same book again. "You're working without backup, and sooner or later, no matter how brave you are, that's going to blow up in your face if you don't let someone help you." After putting out a fire at a derelict house, Kellan comes across a lock box full of photographs, pictures that indicate the house may not have been as disused as initially thought, and that the activities taking place there were probably not on the right side of legal. Calling in the RPD, Kellan and Isabella are forced to work together again, not something either of them are particularly happy about after the last time, which resulted in Kellan nearly losing someone close to him, due to a dodgy cop. It goes one step further when the local FBI rule that the pictures do not warrant enough evidence to open a case, which pushes Isabella to take matters into her own hands. It doesn't take Kellan long to work out what she is doing, and he unwittingly becomes her unofficial partner in the out-of-hours investigation she starts conducting. Her motivations stem from personal incidents in her past, something Kellan doesn't know about at the start, but Isabella is taking this potential crime a whole lot personally, which if not careful could lead her down the pathway marked 'trouble'. There is a lot going on in this book, the set-up of the Remington FD characters as well as the RPD team that Isabella is a part of. Both of them have heart-breaking pasts, and both of them struggle on a daily basis to live with this. Kellan mentally boxes everything up to the nth degree, while Isabella just blocks out the things she doesn't want to think about, but as things progress with the (non)case, they both see something in the other that allows those personal demons to fade into the background while they are together, the sexy-times are hot between them and nicely diverse, and Isabella is a woman who is not; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: If Santa Were a Cowboy (One and Only Texas, #2.5); Author: Melissa Cutler; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - Once a Santa... Always a Santa Stars! It was an absolute treat to return to the Briscoe Ranch Resort again, and this time with the added sparkle of Christmas as well. I have been a fan of this series since its beginning, and Melissa Cutler did a great job of giving her readers the highlights of what the resort is all about over the Christmas Season, as well as adding in a sexy Santa, and the woman that he has crushed on since his nerdy days back in school, where she kept him firmly in the Friend-zone. "I've wanted you since forever." And I absolutely loved Paul, he is the guy that's gone from Zero to Hero, in pretty much every aspect of his life, and is doing really well because of the new found confidence he has in himself. Working at the resort, brings him into contact with all sorts of people from all walks of life, but the best part of the year for him is where he has the chance to don a certain red suit, white beard and padded belly, and give the Children that visit the Resort a chance to tell him their hope, dreams and wishes for the Christmas season. I loved this aspect of the book, and there is a certain little boy that he meets in that time, the particularly touched this readers heart-strings. "Sometimes love is like Santa on Christmas Eve. You know I'm out there. You can feel the magic in the air, even if you never see me coming down the chimney. Even if you can't hear my reindeer on the roof. You know Santa is real because of your faith in the magic of Christmas. Even if you can't hear the actual words... that doesn't mean the love isn't real. You just have to have a little faith." So that's the good covered, but for me the author such a good job in making Kelly Sawyer (Paul's crush and supposed friend) a dislikeable, selfish outright liar for a large part of the book, I struggled to really find any kind of empathy for the situation she is in, or understanding for her methods and reasoning's as to why she then proceeds to do what she does, without telling him the truth. "I've never made out with an elf before." I just can't see a relationship being built on such a shaky foundation of lies, ever having any longevity. I know its fiction, but it was just a little bit too dishonest and mercenary for my tastes. I think the fact this is a novella also played a part as well, because the author literally ran out of pages in which she could expand, explain, and generally give this couple the time they needed, Kelly especially, to make the necessary changes and deal with her problems, before it had ended. "You saw past my image in a way no one else did." If Santa Were a Cowboy still does a pretty good job of bringing the seasonal spirit to; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quick Trick (Rough Riders Hockey, #1); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Real trouble just blew in." Stars! I actually read Quick Trick back when it was called Home Advantage and was part of the 2015, All He Wants For Christmas Anthology. I loved it then, and to say the Skye 'souped' up the sexy in Grant and Faith's story in this extended version would be an understatement. Grant Saber upped and left the small town of Holly firmly in his wing mirrors when he became a professional Ice Hockey player, now back in town for an extended visit after a shoulder injury puts him out of the game to recover, nothing seems to have really changed in the eight years he has been away. His family is still dysfunctional, his brothers pretty aloof to his existence, the town still as small and close-knit as it ever was. "I know a good thing when I see it." One thing that has changed and that's the management of St. Nicholas Hardware so when he turns up just before the stores supposed closing time one evening to collect the family Christmas tree, the last thing he expects to find is that Faith Nicholas is still in Holly, and has now taken over the running of the store after her father's death the previous year. "When you're ready... call me. For a drink, dinner, dessert. Call me for... anything... you need." The banter and chemistry between this pair was snow-meltingly hot from the get-go, one of them is stuck in town, while the other can't wait to get away again, the situation between them less than ideal, and although Faith is a tad on the reluctant side to explore their connection, it doesn't take long for Grant to dirty-talk his way into her underwear. "Getting this tiny glimpse of your sexy side makes me want all kinds of other things. Things I haven't wanted in years... things I may never have wanted. Things that turn me inside out." There is a little drama with the interference of a few secondary characters as the story progresses, but nothing that reached any level of annoyance. I loved the mini introduction we are given to a few of Grant's other Rough Riders team members in the latter stages of the book as well, it teases the reader in relation to getting to know them all better in the future books. Another bonus about the series is that the author is set to release a new book monthly upto the end of the year - Quick Trick -- September 12, 2016 Hot Puck -- October 3, 2016 Dirty Score -- November 7, 2016 Wild Zone -- December 5, 2016 So as a reader, I know I am going to get a little sexy Hockey Player action to keep me warm until Christmas! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hot Puck (Rough Riders Hockey, #2); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: children, romance; Review: 4.5 - "Just when I don't think you could impress me anymore, you do." Stars! Book two in Skye Jordan's Rough Riders Hockey series, serves up another deliciously dirty talking ice hockey player; Beckett Croft, and be warned ladies, you may just need icing down while reading the team Captains book! I am really enjoying this series, which isn't much of a surprise as I have loved pretty much every book I have read by this author, but Skye has definitely turned up the dirty-meter with the guys on the team, Beckett was such a sweetheart, but boy when he got going with the dirty talk there was no stopping him. "About dessert... Are you still off the menu? 'Cause I've got a craving that won't quit." I really liked Eden, as a woman with her own set of issues, I just adored the way she and Beck were together. Both of them are not totally sure of commitment with each other, due to other aspects of their lives, but the connection between them prevents either one from stepping away. I loved Beck's pursuit of her as well, it was sweet and the little bit of vulnerability you see in this otherwise quite alpha male, just made him all the more endearing for it. "Violence is a way of life for him." You can see where the drama is going to come from in this one, pretty much from the start, and thankfully the author didn't drag it out, so much so that it was almost here and gone in the matter of a couple of paragraphs. Now I am not one for long, drawn out, over-the-top drama, but I think I would have liked to see the villain get a little bit more in the way of their just-desserts in this one. "Aren't you one surprise after another." I am so excited for the forthcoming books in the series, and the fact that we don't have to wait too long for them; Dirty Score is due in November, and Wild Zone early December. The author is giving enough secondary character integration and development in the books that it just makes you eager for the rest of the Rough Riders guys to have their stories told. "I think your sexy just blew my circuit." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All That Glisters; Author: C.J. Fallowfield; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "You were so worth the hard work..." Stars! OMG I LOVED and I mean the full on 'hearts, flowers, chocolates, tattooing of names on important body parts, forgiving leaving up the toilet seat, not minding drinking from the carton, scratching your balls for fifteen minutes and farting under the duvet, but its ok because I Love you.' That's how much I loved this book! Two books read by this author in as many weeks, and two five star reviews resulting from those reads says something to me, and that is I have a bit of a ladyboner for C. J Fallowfield's writing style, story-lines and characterisations. She is an author that quite frankly keeps you on your toes, as you literally do not know where the story path is going to take you from one chapter to the next. "First impressions tend to last, Mr. Donovan." The basics of the romance are there in All That Glisters, with commitment-shy, secretive alpha-male; Hunter Donovan, crossing swords, words and all-sorts of other appendages with feisty, quirky, curvy, courageous Coco Barrella from their first meeting. "In your dreams..." "You'd be amazed how often you are." They are both people that as the story progresses you want to slap and hug in equal amounts, and if one thing goes wrong to cause something to pull them apart, then a hundred more do just to make sure of it, and the path to true love, is long, winding, diverse, surprising, funny emotive and totally unputdownable with this pair. "You'd better be ready... as I'm about to make you revise your definition of a great fuck." There is a lot of merry-go-round to this story, in that they take one step forwards in working towards being a couple, but then the proverbial spanner gets hurled into the works and we end up two of three steps back from where they originally were, also the slow burn to the big event between this two is pulled out deliciously, the author kept everything bubbling between them and in a story as jam-packed as this one there is no chance you will get bored, as there is just too much going on. "I'm really not a casual sex kind of girl..." "And I'm not a relationship or feelings kind of guy." I could gush and go on about this book forever, there was just so much that happened through the course of the story. The authors imagination in regards to the locales she sets her characters up in, and the plot-twists they experience are some of the most unique and unusual I have had the pleasure of reading for quite some time, this isn't a book that as you are reading reminds you of anything else you have read in the past. The ending and epilogue had me happy sighing and wiping a few stray tears away from laughing as well getting a bit emotional, and the secondary characters are worth reading the book alone they were so entertaining. So if you are looking for something to read this; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Getting Inside (Seattle Grizzlies, #1); Author: Serena Bell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "No hard feelings." Stars. I think the fact that I have zero quotes etc, highlighted in this ARC apart from the above and the H/h's names coincides with my thoughts that nothing really stood out for me in relation to Ty and Iona's story. It wasn't bad, but if I was to sum it up; it is a book that you read, and forget. Which in itself is what surprises me the most. Serena Bell is an author who I have come to expect a certain type of reading experience from, and that is an emotional one, with character depth and well thought out plot development, and Getting Inside didn't really give me that, this felt like a really short book, and I wonder if a little added 'flesh' and word count to Ty and Iona's backgrounds and the plot in general may have helped in this case, because it just felt a little light in all aspects. It does set up the Seattle Grizzlies series really well as everyone that is introduced is likely to be in future books going forwards, and there were a couple of other players I would be interested in seeing have their stories told. Maybe my expectations are unreasonably high, I just expected a little more and it wasn't there on this occasion. I would happily read more from this author and the series though. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Royal Christmas (Palotays of Montana Book 2); Author: Robin Bielman; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Magic happens at Christmas time." Stars! I have been patiently waiting for Rowan Palotay to have her story told since we met her in her brothers book Falling for Her Bachelor earlier this year, and Robin Bielman gave me a story that was soooo worth waiting for. Once Upon A Royal Christmas was just perfect romantic reading escapism. I am always happy to return to the town of Marietta, Montana, and it would appear that it now has Royal connection as well, and with the Kingdom of Montanique no less. "I'm here for your pants and shoes." Rowan and Theo were such a great couple, the contrasts between their personalities and upbringing made for a great connection between them and for a sexy simmer on the chemistry front, as they got to know each other on a more personal level. "I'm not most women..." "...I'm getting that." Both of them know that their time together is limited to Theo's time in Marietta, his responsibilities as heir to the throne mean he cannot just up sticks and settle down wherever he wants, the problem with that though it that he wants to be wherever Rowan is. Leaving Marietta would be harder than he'd imagined. Add in a fairy-tale ball, a bit of Cinderella magic and a lot of seasonal cheer, and Once Upon A Royal Christmas, was just a joy to read from start to finish. "When I hold you against me, I don't plan on letting you go." I really hope that Robin has the opportunity to return to Marietta and provide more stories in the future, I love going back there myself, and this author always offers up such great additions to the books and stories that are set there. ARC generously provided, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Win Some, Lose Some; Author: Shay Savage; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You aren't alone..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: www.amazon.com/dp/B01MCU752A Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MCU752A B&N: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/win-some-los... It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Shay Savage's writing, I think the one thing you know to expect with her stories is that they are never going to be what you are completely expecting, and she never writes the same thing twice, so everything is always new, fresh, thoughtful and totally addictive. Win Some, Lose Some is Shay writing at her best in my opinion, dealing with a tricky subject, and doing it in a respectful but really effective manner. I can only really recall reading a book of any similarity to Matthew and Mayra's story, in that the H struggled with day-to-day life the way Matthew does due to Asperger's Syndrome, and it wasn't a good reading experience for me, in the way that particular author handled it. But Shay absolutely nailed the balance between the facts of Matthews's condition and the fiction of the story she has given him as far as my reading experience is concerned. My mind rarely went in the direction I commanded. There is a certain understated charm to this story, and I loved the positive influence that Mayra bought to it, there were moments of sweetness between them as a pair, that just bought tears to my eyes, and the steady development of their relationship from tentative friendship to something more, moved at a pace that felt believable and perfectly paced with the way Matthew generally processed change and alteration to any type of routine in his head. "Sometimes I just say random shit." I think it was the inherent loneliness that you can feel from Matthew in the beginning was what struck me the most about this story initially, and although I don't believe there is such a thing as 'normal' nowadays, I think the author highlighted perfectly that it is not necessarily all about the visible reactions and actions that make up any one person's condition that are the important factors, but the fact that he was a young man dealing with so, so much and with a personality that makes it difficult to be anything other than a solitary being for a large part of the time, sharing the burden was not something he manages to do easily. The development of those traits, things that we generally just take as a given, through gentle coaxing and just general support, belief and acceptance from Mayra was just beautiful. "I get lost in my head." Shay isn't afraid to deal with the darker aspects of human nature either, and the addition of the drama to the story, was at points hard to read, but also something that you can 100% see happening in the world we live in today. Again though it was dealt with in such a way that it didn't feel glamorized, it happened, it was important to the story as a whole, but the general flow kept moving along. "She makes me feel calm..." This is a book that makes you; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shielding Lily; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4.5 - "Is there always an empty seat next to you..?""...Not anymore." Stars! Awwwwww, I absolutely adored this sweet and sexy offering from the dynamic duo, is there no trope that they cannot take to their imaginations and deliver an outstanding story from. Our story started out a little shaky, but there's so much ahead of us... I personally haven't discovered one as yet, and the younger couple in Shielding Lily offered up just the right amount of innocence before going Mach 4 on the horny teen scale. Ren the loner football jock takes to Lily from first sight and over the course of a couple of day's falls desperately in love with her. With loving parents and his life for the next few years mapped out, the nervous and shy Lily coming into his life comes as something of a shock. I've never felt so strongly about someone so instantly, but the need is overwhelming. Lily falls as hard for Ren and soon they are spending all of their spare time together, but Ren senses that Lily is holding back something, and he wants to know everything about his girl... When I'm close to him, I feel safe. Loved this one, the balance was perfect, the sexy times when they got going were sweet and everything had the slight innocence of youth for the first part of the book. I loved the multiple epilogues in this one as well, it finished off everything for Ren and Lily's story really well. "You're mine and I'm yours... Nothing will ever change that." ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Temptress; Author: C.J. Fallowfield; Genres: young-adult, children, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You're so... wow." Stars! Sometimes you just know, you know that with a certain author, the book they have written, their style, the characters, and the story line... everything just clicks, and you lose yourself, it's not just reading a book, it's a whole emotional and involved experience... You go on the journey that the author gives the characters, become so connected with them through its telling that you feel everything they are feeling, hurt when they hurt, hope for them, get frustrated and angry with and for them, you will them on, and you cross everything that they will get all that they deserve, and more. And that is what this author excels at, the stories she writes and the attention to detail that she provides in their telling are incomparable for me. I am not in general a gushy reviewer, I have been called a 'picky bitch' on occasion, and I am happy with that moniker, I have high expectations, and I think that happens when you read a lot, because you get to know quality, and when you are presented with it, you appreciate it all the more. Charlotte Fallowfield is Quality, and on every level there is in relation to writing books. You didn't run far enough... Wherever you hide. I will find you again. Luc and Lulu's story is in essence quite a simple one, in regards to the basis of it, being a couple that have lost touch after one monumental night and day together, and then reconnecting under unique circumstances six years later. But what the author does is build its depth by adding layer upon layer to the story as it develops, and makes it unique with the secondary characters and their involvement (Coco and Dom are BFF's I would kill to have), the concurrently running plots and the overall vision that you are presented with in the narration. It's just an All-you-can-eat buffet of reading immersion. Two nights and a day with my enigmatic Frenchman and I missed him like I'd miss oxygen... I loved Lulu, she was soft, loving and likeable but with a core of steel, a woman not afraid to fight for those she loves, her way of life, and for her happily ever after. The road to her and Luc's reconnection is not a smooth one, the obstacles in their way are not easy ones to bypass, and the way they worked together to defeat them, all the while scorching up the pages with their combustible chemistry, and imaginative sexy-times. Luc, was your A-typical alpha male, with the additional French flavouring to add a little difference to the mix. I love a guy who isn't afraid to show his woman in actions as well as words just how much he wants her, and the depth of his feelings for her, together they worked as a team when it came to business, but very much as a couple when it came to everything else. There were points in the second half of the book that the author actually; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Red Hot Christmas Paris; Author: C.J. Fallowfield; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I hate that I just can't get enough of you..." Stars! ITs LIVE! USA - [url] UK - [url] I love this author, I love her way with words, the way she builds up her characters and the relationships they have around deeply emotive and wholly encompassing story-lines. Red Hot Christmas in Paris is all those things, but mainly because everything was already in place from reading the books that the characters originally featured in The Temptress & All That Glisters. I loved Luc and Lulu, and Hunter and Coco already, and this little Christmas novella was the perfect way for the author to give her readers a little update on how everyone is doing. Every time I locked eyes with her stunning green ones, I felt something inside me tighten. Like she was a vine wrapping herself around my essential organs, clinging on so tightly I knew she was becoming a part of me. A little of the expected banter between the couples bought a smile to my face, plenty of sexy-times bought a blush to my cheeks, and a great Christmas story-line bought warmth to my heart. "Donovan tower beats the Eiffel Tower any day..." "Plus... you get to ride it!" I am glad that Charlotte has revisited the couples and their families from two of my top reads of 2016, and I hope to see more of them in 2017 and onwards. Red Hot Christmas in Hong Kong is already one of my most anticipated reads of 2017, I just hate that I have to wait a year for it! "How can you make me so frustrated one minute, then melt the next..?" "It's a skill." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love, Always and Forever (Sergeant Joe's Boys, #3); Author: Alexis Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "We're at a crossroads right now... with a decision to make." Stars! The third book in Alexis Morgan's really enjoyable Sergeant Joe's Boys, series finally brings us Mikhail Wanjek's story. I have to say this book just pipped Tino's story to be my favourite, and in its entirety, this is a series that has gotten better with each new release. Every book has had a little twist on your standard boy meets girl type romance, and the author has hit the right level when it comes to balancing romance with drama and character backgrounds for me perfectly. "You're sweet and funny and so damn beautiful. You deserve better than a messed up vet fighting to keep his head above water..." Both Mikhail and Amy have pasts that they are trying to move on from, for wholly different reasons, and seeing the strong but emotionally vulnerable warrior falling for the innocent yet independent and feisty heroine made Love, Always & Forever a book I read in one sitting. The last thing a woman with such innocent eyes needed was to tangle up her life with a man who had seen and done so many ugly things... You also get plenty of interaction from all the previous characters and I loved the banter between Mikhail, Tino and Jack, not brothers by blood, but brothers nonetheless. Add in two cute dogs, and it was a joy to read start to finish. "Nothing's going to happen that you don't want to happen. Not now. Not ever." I hope the little hint that was dropped towards the end of the book about the guy's mutual acquaintance Jay comes to fruition and the author is given the opportunity to match-make and give him a story as well. I also think there is spin off potential here with Amy having three single brothers all perfect for more books too. Whatever the outcome I will definitely looking to read more by Alexis Morgan in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His Best Mistake (Shillings Agency, #6); Author: Diane Alberts; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Sleeping with you was the best mistake I ever made." Stars! The sixth book in Diane Alberts Shillings Agency series ticked all the right reading boxes for this reader. Two commitment-phobes, both for different, but in a way similar reasons come together incognito initially, but then as the people they really are, after they are unwittingly pushed together at a mutual friend's wedding. "I'm here... and you can do whatever you need to do to me, with me, and no one will ever give a damn. Whether we drink until we both forget our names, or I just sit here beside you, shut up, and hold your hand, or... whatever. Anything. I'll give it to you. I'm yours tonight." I think what I liked most about Mark and Daisy's story, is the fact that although the author is dealing with some pretty heavy issues in both of them as characters, and she deals with that aspect of the story really well, it didn't overtake the sexy connection that this couple forge between them from the start. It made their actions and reactions to things relevant and not over-played, and it gave me as a reader and emotional connection to them both as the book progressed. "It's hard for me to believe people when they say they like me, or they want to be with me..." Plenty of updates on the rest of the Shillings team in this one as well, I enjoyed it so much I read it in one sitting. This is the type of book I expect from the Brazen imprint. Plenty of sex, a meaningful connection and a little drama to keep things moving along, His Best Mistake was a perfect balance of all those things for me. "I want to be yours, and I want you to be mine." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Experienced (A Real Man, #4); Author: Jenika Snow; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Age is just a number." Stars! Experienced, is the first book/novella I have read by Jenika Snow, and if you like your romance very light, with a side of Silver-Fox, then this high-speed novella will be right up your street. Staying away for all these years had been the hardest damn thing I'd ever done in my life... It's hard to write a long and comprehensive review about something that was so short and without much development to it to be honest with you. Hugo at 50 is the oldest H that I think I have ever read about, especially when you take into account he has had the hots for Sabine since she was 17. This 'chapter' in their story sets off on her graduation, and she is now 21. Having not seen each other in the four intervening years, both are now ready to admit their attraction/desire for each other, Hugo especially now that Sabine is 'legal'. "It's always been you, and I'm tired of waiting... I'm ready to make you mine." This was an easy enough read, but even for a novella certain things felt a little lacking, in relation to Sabine's parents reaction, or lack thereof to their decades older friend pursing a relationship with their daughter. And let's be honest here, if you are bringing a ten inch cock to a virgin pussy, it's going to take more than a kiss and a thrust to be granted full entry... Even in fiction, that baby ain't going in without a bit of preparation, of which there didn't seem to be much of! ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Slow Burn (Colorado High Country #2); Author: Pamela Clare; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Until you..." Stars! I fell in love with Pamela Clare's writing after I read the first book in the Colorado High Country series, and Slow Burn lived up to the high standards of its predecessor Barely Breathing, in every way. Eric and Victoria's story, sort of began towards the end of the first book, with them getting off on completely the wrong foot after Eric, basically puts both of his right in it, when picking up Victoria from the airport. Slow Burn apart from the prologue sets off roughly a year after their initial meeting, with Vic returning to town to take up Maid of Honor duties for her best friend Lexi's wedding. Eric also happens to be the Best Man, so this is a couple that are expected to spend a considerable amount of time together over the week of planned wedding celebrations. She'd come to Scarlet hoping to get away from the past year. But somehow she'd bought it all with her. A lot has changed for Victoria over the intervening year, and taking a break from her life back in Chicago is what she needs. The chemistry between her and Eric, is an inconvenience that she initially tries to avoid, but it doesn't take long for his caring actions, and her getting to know him better for her walls to start crumbling down. "You're a good man." Loved this story, the romance was well paced, the sexy-times between Eric and Vic were hot and sometimes sweetly emotional, and the background stories for the rest of the Scarlet Townsfolk as well as the rest of the Search and Rescue volunteers that continue to play out and expand keep everything developing nicely. "Firemen are my favorite color." Another positive for me is the fact that there are so many secondary characters, and all of them seem to have stories that are waiting to be told, the author has scope to keep this series running for a long time to come, what with the locale, the people and the town in general, Scarlet is somewhere that I look forward visiting more and hopefully regularly in the future. "This is the closest I've come to paradise." Two books read, two five star reviews written, Pamela Clare is an author that I have no qualms about reading anything and everything by in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: When Snowflakes Fall (The Graysons, #1); Author: Tara Wyatt; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Here's to... trying new things." Stars! I wasn't expecting to be as entertained as I was with When Snowflakes Fall, in fact I enjoyed it so much, I went straight onto read the second novella in the duology Like Fresh Fallen Snow, and I enjoyed them so much, I read them both in the same afternoon! This is a dual review for both novellas. These are the first books I have read by Tara Wyatt, and I was mightily impressed, especially if you take into account that these are both very short novellas. Because I got a full and really engaging reading experience from both Luke and Matt Grayson's stories. "I'm not a guy. I'm a man... Given the chance, I'd love to show you the difference." Twin brothers, one a cop the other a carpenter, both divorced and Luke also has the added cuteness of his son Ethan, for women to contend with. Both stories offered up exactly what I am looking for in a Christmas quickie, in that they were all sorts of insta, a whole lot of sexy, with a little sweet, and a dash of drama thrown in just to keep things interesting, as both men fall for their respective women. "Let's just... not think, okay? Let's just enjoy this for what it is." They were also a great introduction to this authors writing style for me, and I will absolutely be looking out for more releases from Tara in the future. "Things happened fast, but it's been a long time since I've felt about anyone the way I feel about you." ARC(s) generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Like Fresh Fallen Snow (The Graysons, #2); Author: Tara Wyatt; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "It can't be over yet." Stars! I wasn't expecting to be as entertained as I was with When Snowflakes Fall, in fact I enjoyed it so much, I went straight onto read the second novella in the duology Like Fresh Fallen Snow, and I enjoyed them so much, I read them both in the same afternoon! This is a dual review for both novellas. These are the first books I have read by Tara Wyatt, and I was mightily impressed, especially if you take into account that these are both very short novellas. Because I got a full and really engaging reading experience from both Luke and Matt Grayson's stories. "I'm not a guy. I'm a man... Given the chance, I'd love to show you the difference." Twin brothers, one a cop the other a carpenter, both divorced and Luke also has the added cuteness of his son Ethan, for women to contend with. Both stories offered up exactly what I am looking for in a Christmas quickie, in that they were all sorts of insta, a whole lot of sexy, with a little sweet, and a dash of drama thrown in just to keep things interesting, as both men fall for their respective women. "Let's just... not think, okay? Let's just enjoy this for what it is." They were also a great introduction to this authors writing style for me, and I will absolutely be looking out for more releases from Tara in the future. "Things happened fast, but it's been a long time since I've felt about anyone the way I feel about you." ARC(s) generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Take Me Deeper (Texas Bounty, #1); Author: Jackie Ashenden; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I showed you mine... and now it's time for you to show me yours..." Stars! It has been a while since I have read anything by Jackie Ashenden, but after reading the synopsis for Take Me Deeper, and seeing as it is the first book in the new Texas Bounty series, I thought it was time to dip my toe back in the water. This was a quick and relatively enjoyable read, I liked the Bounty Hunter aspect and that Lone Star Bounty is run by three brothers, this book deals with Zane Redmond, and I hope that his brothers Rush and Quinn get their books soon as well. "I was right. You're the fucking Terminator." It's never going to be an easy start to a relationship when you find yourself attracted to the Bail-Jumper, that you are meant to be taking back to Texas for arrest. Zane isn't that happy to be doing the job in the first place, seeing as he was only due to come back into town to pay his last respects to his father. Things have changed a lot for him and his brothers in the years they have spent apart, and this is very much a part of the story, alongside his relationship with Iris. "I'm a soldier... Protecting people is what I do." Iris isn't too keen on being taken back to face the music, and I loved her sass in relation to trying to give Zane the slip. As the book progresses Zane discovers that there is more to Iris's evading arrest than he was initially told, and what started out as a quick capture and delivery turns into protection and planning to take down the bad guys. "You don't ever have to be afraid... You're secrets are safe with me. All of them." There is a lot going on in this book, you can tell that the author is setting the scene for a series, and quite a few characters are introduced in its telling. But I really enjoyed it, my relationship with Jackie's writing in the past has been a little hit and miss, but Take Me Deeper was definitely a hit. One thing she doesn't skimp on is sexual tension, sexy times and alpha males that you can't help but have a bit of a soft spot for, and she delivered all those aspects for me really well on this occasion. I am in a bit of a quandary now though, as the next book in the series Make It Hurt has MC leanings, and that is a genre I really do not connect with... Do I take the risk? Or do I miss it and wait for the book after it to release... ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Roping The Virgin (Cowboys & Virgins, #2); Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - This has been a whirlwind. Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US : [url] Amazon UK : [url] Amazon CA : [url] Amazon AU : [url] I am so glad the ladies decided to give each of the Jennings siblings their own novellas and turn it into the Cowboys & Virgins series. The first novella Branding the Virgin is probably one of my most favorite of the stories I have read by this pair, and Blake Jennings getting his happily ever after in Roping the Virgin was another enjoyable insta-romp as well. One look and I knew she'd be mine. I felt it bone deep, something I'd never felt before in my life. You know what you are getting with an AR novella, whatever its length, the love and attraction comes instantly, the men are alpha, demanding and oh so sweetly over the top, and the heroine is usually innocent and demure as was the case with Luciana on this occasion. I'm done waiting. I'm taking what I want. With The Wanted Virgin and The Virgin Cowboy due over the next couple of weeks, the cowboy loving, just keeps on coming, and I for one cannot wait! ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, and it was, as it always is, and absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wanted Virgin (Cowboys & Virgins, #3); Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Keep me..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US : [url] Amazon UK : [url] Amazon CA : [url] Amazon AU : [url] The third novella in the Cowboys and Virgins series, gives us Tyler Jennings story. It's timeline runs alongside the previous novella for the most part, and you were given hints as to the fact that Ty was keeping something secret, in his interactions with his brothers in that novella. "Don't let them find me." Whilst still relatively enjoyable, and as always a pretty quick read, I have to admit this one is my least favourite of the series so far. It's no surprise that everything happens with whip-lash speed, that is something that the ladies excel at normally, but for some reason it all felt a little rushed for me with this one. The relationship between Ty and Addison didn't quite gel as well as his brothers have previously. "I want to be the first everything with you..." This is the second time in as many weeks that I have added the below gif to a review, because again if you are bringing a 'twelve inch beast' to a virgin pussy, even in fiction I would have expected a little more preparation for entry than is given. Still enjoyable, but not my favourite. The Virgin Cowboy is due shortly and I look forward to reading the final Jennings sibling getting their happily ever after. "Don't leave me..." "...Never." ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Virgin Cowboy (Cowboys & Virgins, #4); Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Nobody fucks with what's mine" Stars! The last novella in the Cowboys & Virgins series finally gives us Dolly Jennings story. The only female sibling, we have seen her in all three previous novellas, so it was good to finally see her get her man. This is a novella of two halves for me, if I am being honest. I absolutely adored the push and pull between Brandon and Dolly, this is a relationship that started with a childhood crush, and has grown over the years into a woman desperate for the man she has always loved to show her the right kind of attention. Brandon has started in every fantasy I've ever had... I named my vibrator after him. Dolly literally tries everything she can to garner a reaction from him, and in this novella Brandon finally cracks, and takes the woman he has secretly been lusting after for years, he may not be good enough for her, but he isn't prepared to let anyone else have her either, so her looking elsewhere for a little lovin' puts his nose right out of joint. I want Brandon to treat me like a queen, fuck me like he owns me, and love me like a goddess. I loved all these aspects of the story, my one peeve, and it is a personal one, so I haven't detracted from my rating because of it is the use of 'Daddy' in a sexual context, I know a lot of readers have no issue with it, but for me it leaves me cold. "The only direction I've ever been headed towards is you." But other than that The Virgin Cowboy was a really great ending to what has been a totally charming, but 100% dirty and enjoyable series. ARC generously provided via Ardent Prose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe (Comfort Food Cafe #2); Author: Debbie Johnson; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - It's definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Stars! Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe is the second successful seasonal read for me from Debbie Johnson, after absolutely loving Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper last year, I was quick to request this title when I saw it on Netgalley. Becca and Sam's story wasn't massively new or unusual in the tropes used, but it was well written, bolstered up by a host of likeable secondary characters, and hit just the right note in drama levels for a book set around the Christmas period. I am used to solitude and it is used to me. I think Becca is definitely a character you will either empathize with or struggle to understand, for me it was a bit of both, but the more of her that was revealed as the book progressed, the more I sort of understood her as well. Dislikeable as she was a points due to reactions and behavior, I actually saw a little of myself in her, which kind of made it difficult to out and out be put off by her personality. He's a bit of a clown, a quality I find highly attractive in a human being. I loved Sam, in that he tried to be what Becca needed him to be, even if you as the reader can tell that he had fallen hopelessly in love with her during the time they spend together, nice guy that he was, he knew that any pressure would send her running, and adjusted his actions accordingly. "When I do kiss you... it'll be because we both want it, and we're both ready. And it will be an absolute cracker of a kiss, I promise." Another great, easy to read Christmas treat from this author, I look forward to reading more from her in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts; Author: Laura Barnard; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "I don't mean to be a judging bitch... it's just in my nature." Stars. This is the first book I have read by Laura Barnard, and I hate that I didn't love it. This is one of those reviews, that I don't really want to write, because I have heard so many good things about her books that I was expecting to absolutely fall in love with her writing and stories as well. I am in the minority with my thoughts and feelings though, so please do not let my review deter you from giving this book a go, this is after all only my opinion, and as readers we all take very different things from the same story. Firstly, there are some truly funny moments in Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts the first half in particular had me giggling to myself on several occasions, it's just everything that happened around those occurrences became more and more of a struggle the further I read. My main issues were in the fact that the story just jumps all over the place, there are a lot of random people and things that happen in the book that for me seemed to have no real relevance to the story, they would pop in for a few paragraphs, put their two pennies worth in about something completely irrelevant, and then never be heard of again afterwards, and because there was so much going on nothing really had any real depth of development to it. The secondary characters in this one (and there are many of them) again seemed to be added in more to fill space than actually have any real benefit to the plot a lot of the time, there were parts where it felt like the author had so many ideas in her head to get onto the page that things were thrown in to make sure they weren't forgotten and then moved on from when the next idea hit without any further expansion. There is a point in the first half of the story where a pair of handcuffs are introduced into the story (one of the bits that made me laugh a lot) but through the course of their inclusion, the parents they were meant to originally belong too changed three times. My final issue and this was the biggie for me, relates to the above point about things not being expanded on, in that there are instances of attempted rape and an assault by a parent on a teenager in this book, the latter happened in the first half, and what I struggled with was the fact that there was hardly any reaction to it, and the character apart from a paragraph shortly after, was then never mentioned or heard of again. The attempted rape happened in the latter stages of the book, and I'll be honest and say this would have been a DNF if it hadn't been so near the end. This is a serious thing to put in a book, in any book and if you; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Unthinkable (Beyond Human, #1); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Beta read - Loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Broken Angel (Bad Things, #4); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "Didn't I tell you... you'll always be my angel." Stars! Cynthia Eden's books always take me to my reading happy place, Broken Angel is the fourth book in her fast-paced, paranormal Bad Things Series. Shifter Rayce Lovell has figured in the series from the beginning, being one of the Lord of the Darks enforcers, he has been by Luke's side at most of the pivotal plot points that have occurred across the previous three books so far, but the author was quick to highlight Rayce's overprotective stance for Lila from pretty much the first time she takes up page space, and this book, finally gives you their coming together, around the development of the bigger plot-lines. "Did you miss me?" Lila has been on the run since Luke and Leo released her from the prison she had been held in, Rayce due to the immediate connection between them, picked up her sent from the beginning, and has been pursuing her at Luke's request ever since. Once a werewolf got his prey's scent, he didn't lose it... And his reaching her comes as a pretty opportune point, as Rayce isn't the only one who has been looking for her. "I kill. I hunt. I fucking repeat. That's my life." The fight between good and evil heats up in this one, but the lines between those characteristics are getting very blurred, Luke and his brother Leo's story is still developing , and while Leo is seen as the Light, his motives so far for the things he has done, intimate he is actually darker than Luke. "Another bastard taught you about pain, but I'll be the one to teach you about pleasure..." This is still very much a story in development in regards to the bigger plot playing out, and I love that as one character finds their partner, the author introduces more into the plot, giving scope for plenty more books to be released over the coming months. "You were always too good for me." Loved this book, plenty of action, twists and turns, and as you would expect with this author, outstanding sexy-times mixed in with everything else going on, to keep things nice and spicy. "She is mine... and I am hers." A copy was generously gifted by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The King (Games We Play, #1); Author: Liz Meldon; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - "Thanks for the ride... And breakfast... And for smashing that guys face in." Stars! Liz Meldon follows up the hugely enjoyable The Fool with the second book in the Games We Play series; The King in this instalment we are given more insight into Delia and Claude and how the ramifications of their first meeting effect their lives going forwards. I would firstly say that I am a huge fan of Liz's work, my previous reviews attest to that, my three star rating for The King is not due to lack of enjoyment and more to do with the fact I felt that the first 70% of the book for me, was far to drawn out, so much so that it then made the last 30% feel rushed. "I like you... despite all your bark and bite. I don't know why, but I haven't enjoyed someone as I've enjoyed you in some time. It also felt like that the bulk of the story seemed to happen in the latter stages of the book as well, with the main theme for the first half and some of the second being focussed on the on/off again nature of Delia and Claude's relationship, and Delia generally being dumped on by various people within the Hunter League. The parts I liked the best were when Claude and Delia were together, just as a couple getting to know each other, Claude was an absolute gentleman especially if you take into account the challenging position his is in. Delia was a lot of bark with very little bite, in all areas of her life to be honest, and I did struggle to understand her desperate attempts to make herself more accepted in the League, when she for the most part was treated so shoddily. "This isn't a war for you to fight alone..." The writing is Liz's usual high standards, but I just didn't think that the story had enough going on in it to warrant it being the length it was. For me this almost felt like another prologue to the next book in the series The Queen which is due for release next year, now although The King wasn't a 100% winner for me, I am still excited to see where the author takes things in the next book, because the way everything was left at the end of this one leaves a huge number of avenues open for the story in both Claude and Delia's perspectives... "You are worth the chase." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire; Author: Nina Croft; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "It seemed like a good idea at the time." Stars! Nina Croft has certainly developed her own inimitable style when it comes to writing contempory romance, and for me Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire pretty much exemplifies what I am looking for from her with this kind of story. ~Sex. ~Alpha male. ~Chemistry. ~Sassy, but slightly naive female. ~More sex. ~A decently developed story-line, with minimal erroneous drama. All of the above attributes were achieved and offered up a quick, enjoyable and easy to get along-with reading experience. All these years she had thought herself immune to men. Why did he have to be the one to prove her wrong. Lia was likeable, and Luc was lickable, perfect combination for this reader! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: At Last (The Brooklyn Brotherhood #1); Author: Addison Fox; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - "It was a bad call..." Stars. The first book in Addison Fox's new The Brooklyn Brotherhood series certainly introduced a wealth of characters and plot-lines. For me too many, so much so that the main story between Emma and Nick kind of gets lost in everything that is going on around and without them. "Are you sure about this..?" It's hard to write a lot about this book to be honest with you, on a positive level the writing was sound, but there is just so much happening within the chapters that nothing really feels like it is being given any depth. By the 50% mark you are contending with five different POV's all with their own story arc vying for the reader's attention. I can understand why Louise Mills' was included, as Nicks adoptive mother and with the prologue being from her standpoint, her inclusions into the past, and how it has now come back to try and make her future difficult were valid, but the whole Becky and Hector story being included as well was just a little bit too much for me in the scheme of things. I personally thought their whole story could have worked as a novella alongside this book much better, with more depth then being given to their developing relationship and the obstacles they are facing, and the main book focusing more on Emma and Nick's situation with the Brewery and the undeniable chemistry between them, chemistry which again failed to really spark through lack of expansion due to the amount of other stuff going on. "Just the two of us." There are a wealth of characters included in this as well, it felt like the author was trying to introduce you to everyone that may at some point no matter how small their part have any involvement in the rest of the series, Landon and Fender were understandable as Louisa's other adopted sons, I am assuming future books will be about them, and to some extent so was everyone else, I just question whether the distribution points were correct for their dispersion into the story. So there was definite potential here, I just wanted more depth and development into the H/h and less involvement from secondary aspects. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Reaper's Mate; Author: Celia Aaron; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "I'll die before I let you go." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US : [url] Amazon UK : [url] Amazon CA : [url] Amazon AU : [url] Reapers Mate is only the second novella I have read by Celia Aaron, but like it's predecessor it was a really enjoyable, albeit quick read. Annabelle Lyric, aspiring party planner, is a little shocked at the connection that immediately pulls her towards Mathieu Scythian, dressed as a Grim Reaper at the Halloween Party she is overseeing means he blends right in with the guests, but still... there is just something about the tall, sexy man with the intriguing eyes, that gets her girly-parts all of a quiver from their first meeting. My cock demands I throw her down and claim her. Matt is in a bit of a predicament, in that meeting his mate is all well and good, but not-so-much, when he is meant to be escorting her soul to the afterlife in a matter of hours. What's a Reaper to do! "We're bound. I'm your fated mate." As I said this was a quick read, but it was so sweet and sexy that I loved every minute of it. Matt with his dirty mouth, and massive... Scythe, wasn't shy about taking Annabelle as quickly as he could get her horizontal, and I liked that the author shifted the balance of power between them, in the latter stages of their story. "You are mine. I am yours." Perfect Halloween reading, but don't limit it to those parameters, Reapers Mate was the perfect treat, no tricks at all. ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Quiet Kind of Thunder; Author: Sara Barnard; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - Bronze & Gold Stars! I am going to be honest and say that the blurb was 100% the reason why I chose to read A Quiet Kind of Thunder. Steffi doesn't talk. Rhys can't hear... Anything that offers up a different take on your usual relationship is something that I am going to be interested in reading, and Sara Barnard absolutely pulls you into Steffi's story from the very first page. Sometimes, I just get tired of being me. This isn't a fast paced read, and the relationship that develops between Ryan and Steffi is very much a slow burn friends to experimentation situation, Steffi is seventeen at the end of the day, and has very much led a sheltered life, so if you are looking for a teen sex-fest, this is not the book for you. But the organic pace in the way things moved along and developed between them worked, Steffi with all her challenges isn't a character that you can envisage rushing into anything, especially a full blown relationship with a boy. Meekness is my camouflage, Silence is my force field... Add in a little family intervention, a few set-backs, and in essence two teenagers, going through life with even more challenges to deal with than your average youth, and it was just refreshing to sit back and read of more innocent times. I loved Steffi's best friend Tem, she added colour to the story as a whole, and weird as it sounds it was nice to step back and read of love blossoming in a more innocent and less drama and angst filled way. This is my first book by this author, and I would happily read more from her in the future. She hit the teen voice and emotions of her characters believably, without using the usual lack of respect, crass language, sexperts and general disagreeability as characteristics that seem to be the normal portrayal of young-adults nowadays. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Cotswold Christmas; Author: Kate Hewitt; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "This is a much better Christmas than I ever envisioned having." Stars! Kate Hewitt, starts her new Willoughby Close series with a Christmas Cracker, in the telling of Anna and Colin's story. This was a relatively quick novella to read, but it wasn't lacking in story or development for me. Anna Vere has traveled from New York to spend two weeks in the peaceful surroundings of a B&B in the Cotswolds, unfortunately those plans go awry from the moment she arrives in that her room at the B&B has been flooded out, so she ends up spending the night in a partially completed, furniture free converted stables... It wasn't the holiday she'd anticipated, but maybe, she thought as she snuggled into the sleeping bag, just maybe it would all work out after all... Not the best start to your Christmas break, but it does bring her into contact with Colin Heath, general nice guy, and contractor responsible for the work being undertaken on the conversion of the stables at Willoughby Close. He wanted her. She felt right here, in his life... in his arms. Two weeks spent together over the course of the Christmas season, bring this couple together and expand their feelings for each other very quickly, but how do they look to start a long term committed relationship when they live on opposite sides of the Atlantic ocean... It was scary, really... how quickly she could see herself slotting into his life. I really enjoyed A Cotswold Christmas, I can't really say there is anything massively different with the tropes used, but Kate Hewitt's writing is extremely agreeable, her characters are easy to get along with, and the drama was well paced and not overdone. A great little opener to what looks like will be at least another four books in the series to come over the coming months. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas with the Sheriff (Shadow Creek, Montana, #1); Author: Victoria James; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "...You came home for Christmas." Stars! Victoria James starts a new Shadow Creek, Montana series, with an emotive and heartfelt, Christmas read, and be warned, Christmas with the Sheriff is a book that you are going to need a healthy stock of tissues to cry into whilst reading. Grief, unexpected loss and dealing with the aftermath of those things, are not something I would traditionally want to read in a Christmas romance. But I think when you take into the other aspects of Christmas that include, family, love, remembrance, and letting go of the past, when done well it can be a special sort of mix. Victoria James certainly hit the right note with Julia and Chase's story, and for all of those aspects. "You'll be happy again... I promise." I needed tissues right from the prologue with this story, and although after that point the book picks up five years on, you can very much tell straight away, that Julia is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her husband and child, especially with the revelations that come to light afterwards. But she has forged on and made a life for herself, a very successful one in the city. Returning to Shadow Creek for Christmas brings back to the fore all of those long buried memories, but it also opens up the doors to new possibilities as well. "I'm not a guy who wastes time wishing for things, but if I were, I wish you'd stay." Chase; now a single father, and although being Julia's deceased husband's best friend, with her return to town he can't deny that the feelings he buried for her all those years ago, are very much still there. But Julia isn't planning on staying past the Christmas period, and he has his daughter Maggie's feelings to take into account as well, getting attached to her may not be the best thing for either of them, but it's hard to deny his feelings when he sees just how well she fits with him, and with Maggie. "Now that you're here, he doesn't seem alone anymore..." That extra dimension you get when adding a child into the mix is explored with great result's in this book, and once again the author managed to pull more tears from me when Maggie's vulnerable side came into play, I think it was all the more poignant, as she is such a sparky kid through most of the book. There is a lot going on in this story, you can tell that the author is setting the scene for the series, with the introduction of a few characters, as well as giving a little back ground on a lot of them through the stories progression. But its done really well, the tidbits you are given are pertinent to the plots progression, and it leaves you intrigued to find out more about these characters as more books are released from the series. Probably one of the best books I have read by this author so far, and I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost In You (The Monroes, #3); Author: Jules Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Stop running..." Stars. I have been a huge fan of this series from the beginning, The Monroe siblings just pulled me in from the get-go, mainly because of the less-than-friendly dynamic the existed between them in the beginning that has gradually changed into a more amenable connection over the course of the three books because of the way things have transpired, particularly with the building and running of Bella Vous. This is a story that I have been itching too read since pretty much the introduction of Liam Monroe and Macy Hayward, one closed off from everyone and everything due to the terrible car accident he was in that caused permanent scarring to his face as a teenager. While the other is open and bubbly and honest about her attraction for him, thing is Macy isn't all sunshine and rainbows when you look past the facade she projects, this is a woman with a few scars of her own. Scars that Liam is one of the few people to know about. She might wear her scars on the outside, but she had plenty on the inside... I really wish I could have given this story a higher rating, but the truth is that the author did so well in teasing us with this couple through the previous two books that the first half of Lost in You just felt like a long and drawn out repeat of Liam wanting her, denying himself, caving in, insisting he was moving away and then going back to the beginning of the cycle again. I wanted more for the pair of them, and it got to the point that Macy actually started coming across a little desperate in her attempts to get him to admit his attraction and feelings for her. "You have to know why this is a bad idea..." "Do I? Because moments ago you had your hands all over me and everything felt like a great idea." The second half is better and things do pick up, and I love that the whole Monroe clan plays such a big part in this book, but it took so long to get to the good stuff, I had lost a little of my excitement by that point. One thing I do know for certain is that Jules Bennett is an author I look forward to reading again in the future. Although this series didn't quite end with the bang I was hoping for, the book was still well written, and I will remember the Monroe boys with great affection. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rendezvous (Renegades, #5); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Damn, I've missed you." Stars! We return to the Renegades series with the fifth book; Rendezvous. I have been reading this series since the start and I absolutely love these guys. The relationship between Keaton and Brooke, started out in the previous book, in that it is when they initially meet and both of them were very much a part of the story that played out between Troy and Ellie, I really liked them as secondary characters in that book, so it was good to see them finally get their happily ever after, although as you would expect there were more than a few obstacles along the way to them getting there. "I've never, you know, done this before, so I'm probably not going to be very good at it for a while... I absolutely adored this story. Skye jumped straight in with the chemistry and sexy times, and Keaton was an absolute sweetheart to Brooke. "You're built like a tank, but you move like a fucking panther." After initially parting due to Brooke's unexpected familial commitments coming up a year ago, it takes them both by surprise when they bump into each other again. The one kiss they shared back then, promised all sorts of potential sexy-goodness between them, and Keaton doesn't waste any time getting right back to where he wanted to originally be with Brooke - naked, sweaty and in every position conceivably imaginable. "Some men say... that there's nothing like a good girl with a dirty mind. Where you're concerned, my mind is good and dirty..." I loved that Brooke was equally as confident as Keaton when it came to their bedroom antics, and that although in a really crappy position due to her familial commitments, she wasn't afraid to explore the connection between them as well. The drama when it comes isn't unexpected, but the author played it out well and it wasn't overdone. "There's nothing temporary about my feelings for you." I absolutely loved the epilogue to this one as well, you get to catch up with the rest of the guys and girls from the previous books as well. All in all, another excellent addition to the Renegades series, and I hope that the author takes her readers back there again very soon. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Never The Bride (Dilbury Village #1); Author: Charlotte Fallowfield; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I do." Stars! I was introduced to this author's awesomeness through her first chick-lit type story; Until We Collide, I knew after about two pages I would forever be a fan of anything Charlotte/ C. J. Fallowfield going forwards, and since that happy day she has not disappointed. ITs LIVE! UK - [url]-... USA - [url]... In fact the latter half of 2016, was all about this author and her books for me, so much so I threw the schedule out at points just so I could binge read her stories. Never The Bride is delivered in the same fashion as Until We Collide was, and that is fast paced, funny, emotive and beautifully written. Being the first book in the authors new Dilbury Village series makes me all-sorts of happy, because this is a place, with a wealth of characters that I want to revisit again and again. "So, Abbie Carter, is that how you usually make an entrance?" Abbie is our slightly accident prone heroine, although sometimes she is helped along in her endeavors by villainous factions, and her little 'oopsies' usually seem to occur at the weddings of her friends. Not always a bad thing though, because while wearing a rainbow bridesmaid dress she actually meets American Miller Davis. A man that makes her heart a-flutter and her girly bits a-tingle, although what's a girl to do when a guy that lives in the US passes her his contact information... Throw it in the bin, although it doesn't take her too long to realize the mistake she has made. What follows is a bit of 'right place, right time', 'right place, wrong time' and on occasion 'wrong place, wrong time' for this couple and as the book progresses you just fall in love with Abbie and Miller as a pair and as individuals. So much happens to them, not to mention the wealth of characters that join them on their exploits along the way, but this is where the author excels for me, because everything is developed and described so well you just fall into the story alongside the characters and enjoy the ride that they are on. I was on the emotional rollercoaster of my life this year... You are going to laugh, cry and feel everything in-between when reading this book. Notable mention has to go to Mr. Sumo the dog, who bought his own special and fragrant presence to the story, as well as the rest of the residents of Dilbury Village. the author set the scene so well, while telling this story, and I cannot wait to visit again and again in the future. The Great Escape, is the next book due for tentative release in Summer this year, and I am eager to see what adventures and giggles, Charlotte has up her sleeve for this next instalment. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pull Me Close (The Panic, #1); Author: Sidney Halston; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You're my kind of crazy." Stars! Sidney Halston, starts her new Panic series by tackling a tricky topic, in an unusual setting and with really enjoyable results. I have to admit I was not sure whether this was going to be the book for me prior to picking it up as my last attempt at reading this authors work ended up with a DNF, but oh my wow! Pull Me Close grabbed me from its beginning and didn't let me go until the full story between Katherine and Nico had played out. "It's nice having company... Even if the company isn't very nice." There was just something about this book, which kept me engaged, the author did such a great job at grabbing me from the beginning that I just fell into this story completely. Katherine Wilson isn't your average thirty-something woman, having had an extremely traumatic event taint her past, she spends most of her days stuck in her home, and frightened to venture outdoors. So finding herself in a crowded noisy Nightclub at the beginning of the story is completely out of character for her. I am basically afraid of everything. Being rescued after having a massive panic attack and then taken home by one of said clubs owners, wasn't really in her plans for the evening. Especially when he judges her wrongly and treats her appallingly because of it. But there is something about sweet Katherine that keeps drawing Nico back to her, and as he starts to understand more about her and her condition you see that behind the man-bun and beard is a guy with an absolute heart of gold. "I'm a fucking idiot..." "I won't hold it against you." I don't want to say a huge amount more about the plot in this one, because I think that discovering Katherine's' background, as well as reading about her gradual improvement, with Nico's help and encouragement is a story you want to take in yourself. But it had me hooked, and I found that authors way of linking things together with true world events really imaginative. "I can't erase the past for you. It's always going to be there. But if you'd just let me, I could help make the future better." I loved Nico, he was the perfect mix of dirty, sexy and extremely sweet. He pushed Katherine when she needed it, but he also wasn't afraid to deal with the darker side of her condition, I think that the author made both these characters so much more than you initially think they are, and as the story progressed each new thing about them that you learn just made them more and more likeable. "Pulling you close and holding you tightly." I am so happy to see that Matt, Nico's twin brother is up next with Make Me Stay due for release in Summer 2017, the author dangled a few hints about this guy in this book and it makes me eager to see how his story with April White plays out. "You're not at; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Only You (Second Chance, #1); Author: Luxx Monroe; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3 - "Your vibrator only goes so far in life." Stars! If you are looking for a quick smutty, sweet read then Only You by Luxx Monroe fits that bill perfectly, add in that we are looking at an older woman getting it on with a younger man, and this was a quick read that I found pretty enjoyable. Lena has been going through a dry spell since her divorce from her cheating husband, enter Dax... Her best friends nephew, tasked with sorting out her garden over the summer... what starts out as a bit of hedge trimming and lawn mowing soon develops into Dax, making sure that Lena's own bush and lady garden are equally well tended. "You're kinky in the morning." Quick read, plenty of sex, predictable albeit enjoyable plot. It's one of those novellas that does what it says on the tin, and if you are looking for a couple of hours escapism then it's well worth a try. "There is no better feeling." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tangled (Dark Protectors, #7.8); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "No more lying..." Stars! Rebecca Zanetti takes readers back to the Dark Protectors universe with her third 1001 Nights novella. Theo Reese finally gets his HEA, and as you would expect from this series, the path too true love is filled with explosions, fights and the odd sexy interlude. This series holds a very special place in my heart, escaping into each book helped me through a very hard time in my life a few years ago, so it always makes me happy to get to return to it, in whatever small measure, because Rebecca has created such a depth of story, that contains a wealth of unforgettable characters, who after all this time feel like catching up with old friends, that I always have a smile on my face with every extension to the adventure. He was too smart, too strong... too male. Ginny O'Toole has been a bit of a villain in the scope of the three novellas that the author has provided to give us the Reese brothers their women, so to get the insider information as to why she has acted as she has in the past and her motivations for that gave good depth to the developing relationship between her and Theo, a relationship that started to develop many years before when she unceremoniously dumped his brother to mate with somebody else. To say tensions between her and the Reese brothers are high would be an understatement, not helped by the fact she stole the hard copy of the families holdings, financials and deep, dark secrets in the previous novella. "Things are about to get interesting." Theo is on the hunt for her, and the information, and as you would expect with Rebecca's story-lines, all is not as it initially seems, well apart from the fact these two have crazy chemistry, which Theo is not afraid to use in order to extract information from our wiley witch. "I'm not good with mushy words... but I want this. I want you." I won't say much else about the plot, this isn't a long read, and I would like to leave the element of surprise for the reader, but I cannot finish this review without adding my total elation in knowing that the author is returning next year with more 1001 Nights stories and still set in the Dark Protectors universe. Which stands to reason really seeing as the Planekite problem is still very much unresolved. "Peace ain't gonna last. Somethings coming..." ARC generously provided by the publisher, via InkSlingerPR in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flawed (Ethan Frost, #4); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "I'm going to fix myself." Stars. Tracy Wolff, returns to the world of the Ethan Frost series, with book four; Flawed. Although this book gives us Miles Girard and Tori Reed's story, with Ethan and Chloe as secondary characters. I have had mixed success with this series, and this book falls somewhere near the middle. It doesn't quite match the emotion and surprises of the first book; Ruined but it was heaps better than the middle two books, which if I am being truthful were just all over the place and too full of drama and angst. But the nosey-bird in me was interested to see what sort of story the author would give this couple, as there has been a healthy mutual dislike and animosity between them from their first meeting way back when, and straight through to the first couple of chapters in this book. I'm not even sure I like the woman- and I know she doesn't like me- but that hasn't stopped me from having any number of fantasies about that drop-dead-sexy mouth of hers. But then the unthinkable happens to Tori and the chips are down, she quickly discovers that Miles is actually a guy worth having in your corner. The resentments and dislike Tori holds for Miles and vice-versa, are all explained in the previous three books, as Chloe (his sister & her best friend) is the woman that Ethan Frost falls in love with. I'm not going to go in depth on the reasonings why here because of the massive spoilers it would give away if you haven't read those books, but to say that their dislike for each other is in certain aspects reasonable, but in others wholly unreasonable, gives you an indication just how difficult bringing this couple together should be, but Tracy handled it for the most part well. And I think the dual POV helped with that greatly. It's hard to hate a guy when he already hates himself. One thing this author has always succeeded in doing no matter how bad or good the rest of the story, is give good sex for her couples, and although the sexy times between this pair were spicy, I also found the two main occasions to be very similar in their writing, lots of lip-licking and begging throughout each session, and at points it felt like I was reading a repeat of the same scene again. The drama in this one, although full blown is actually pretty light compared to all the crap that Ethan and Chloe waded through which is another reason why I probably enjoyed the book more, because in comparison too the middle two books, this story is a winner for me. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it, I was glad to see Miles in a better light, and also see Tori get a happy ending, I would have however liked to see Tori's father get his just desserts, after acting like such a tool at the point in her life when she needed him the; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flying Through Fire (Dark Desires, #6); Author: Nina Croft; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "There's always a way." Stars! I love this series, every time the author takes her readers back to the crew of the Blood Hunter and sends them off into space on another adventure, is like catching up with family for me. Flying Through Fire is the sixth book in the Dark Desires series. Nina Croft has managed to mix space exploration, post-Earth being the main place for humans to inhabit, with a varied cast of paranormal characters, around a story line, that just when you think has nothing left to give, goes off on another completely different tangent. Think of all the good things that you like in the films from the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises, as well as some of your favorite romance tropes, and mix them all together, and that is generally where this series sits. I have to admit that with the large gaps between releases of this series now, it is always with a bit of a foggy brain that I start reading, but the author always manages to recap the past while moving along with the story at hand so that you quickly get absorbed back into what is going on. He'd been deep inside her head. And now she wanted him deep inside her body. A hefty dose of unrequited lust flows through the early parts of this book, but as things move it becomes readily apparent that Candy's feelings for Thorne are more than reciprocated, Thorne though is still struggling with the age difference, that is until Candy is struck down with Meridian sickness, and all bets are off. you are literally taken on a rip-roaring adventure across the galaxy as their story plays out. She wanted someone to love her, and she knew exactly who that someone was and had always been. There'd never been another choice for her... As I have come to expect with this series, there is a huge amount going on with the plot, what with all the recurring characters from the Blood Hunter crew, and involvement from the vastly reduced in numbers Church of the Everlasting Life, some long running story lines are finally tied up, while the author opens up new ones along the way. "I won't vanish. I'm here to stay." I don't personally believe this is a series where you can read each book as a standalone, as there is simply too much going on, but if you are a newbie to the genre then you have an absolute nugget to sink your teeth into with the five books that are currently available (with this one due for release shortly), you will literally get lost in the Trakis System with the rest of the characters on the Blood Hunter. "You need to go on. The world needs you, because you'll always do the right thing." Pretty sure this won't be the author's last visit to this series, as I said some things were tied up with Candy and Thorne's story, but there are so many other avenues left to explore, and when; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The 24 Days of Christmas; Author: Linda Lael Miller; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Secondhand dreams... With a little creativity, they can be good as new." Stars! This was my first read by Linda Lael-Miller, and although it was a really quick read, it was still very enjoyable. Second-chance love at Christmas, what could be better, especially when you add a couple of children and plenty of seasonal magic into the mix. "I wasn't really planning on Christmas." Frank and Addie were once engaged to be married, but rather than returning home to Pine Crossing after graduating college, Addie returns Frank's ring instead. Something had changed between her and Frank, a subtle, indefinable shift that gave her an odd thrill, a feeling both festive and frightening... In the intervening years both have loved, and lost. But Addie's permanent return to town brings back all of the feelings that they both thought had long since passed, and both of them are now in a position to do something about it. "This feels like almost being family." This was a great introduction to the authors writing style. I found it easy to get along with and the story-line was nice and light, without any heavy drama to it, which is exactly what I am looking for in a Christmas novella. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Game (Red Stone Security, #15); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "I'm not giving up on us." Stars! Katie Reus returns with the fifteenth and final (for now anyway) instalment in the Red Stone Security Series. This one reminded me in a good way, a little of the first Die Hard film. Lethal Game is a book that gives two more couples their happily ever afters while dealing with a little corporate theft and investigation, as well as a game of cat & mouse with some terrorists in an office block. She had to forgive him. He couldn't live with anything less. Graysen and Isa are trying to stay alive whilst hiding out in an office building they are working undercover in. It's not the best time for reconciling as a couple, but Graysen is determined to have Isa back in his life again, after she left him twelve months previously for not being the person she thought he was. If it was the last thing he did, he was going to make things right between them. Meanwhile Emerson and Carlito finally take the step from best friends to lovers after six months of pretending they aren't attracted to each other, whilst trying to help them out. "We've got a lot of time to make up for." It's getting hard to come up with new ways to say that I love this author's work, and that everything she writes is just awesome-sauce! We all have writers that hit the spot time and time again, and Katie is definitely that for me. This may be a series, but I have read most of the books from it out of sequence and not once did I struggle to work out what was going on and who was who, they are all pretty quick reads as well with a bit of action and suspense thrown in around the romantic aspect, so a great way to spend a couple of hours reading. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above review in thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Mate for Christmas (Moon Shifter, #7); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - Talk about the best Christmas present ever... Stars! Katie Reus returns to the Moon Shifter series for the final time, with a Christmas novella, that pretty much gives you a little something from each and every couple from the previous books in the series. This isn't a series that I have read in its entirety, so jumping from one couple to another took me a little time to get used to, but the running theme through the story was Noel and Nathan's coming together, after a pretty traumatic year has left Noel closed off and feeling a little lonely after seeing a lot of her friends and pack members finding and falling in love with their mates. "Life's too short to close yourself off forever." Although it wasn't a struggle to read, I think there would be more benefit gained if you have read all of the previous books/novellas in the series. I definitely count myself in that group, as it just made me want to read the books for the couples I didn't really know. I loved Nathan, he went about wooing Noel, even though she insists on friends initially, it didn't take her long to realize that he was offering so much more. "I want to feel you under me, want to be skin to skin." And there were inclusions from couples that I do remember from the titles I have read in the series, and it was really great to catch up with them and see everything tied up for them and the series as a whole. That-said Katie definitely left a few of the younger members from the pack with potential stories to be told at some point in the future and I hope that she does decide to revisit the series to tell their stories at some stage. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Protector (Moon Shifter, #6); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "I love it when you use that 'fuck with me and die' voice..." Stars! Book six in Katie Reus' Moon Shifter series see's shifters Aldric Kazan and Natalia Cordona, finally become a couple. This is the first book I have read in this series, and I had no struggle with the storyline or the characters, so it can absolutely be read as a standalone. "No going back..." Katie Reus, excels at romantic suspense, whether it be in the normal or paranormal world, and the investigation that has Aldric and Natalia coming back together after Aldric's sudden disappearance from her life months previously, highlights to him pretty much as soon as they are in the same room together again, just how big of a mistake he made in leaving her. She already owned him, even if she didn't realize it. The second chance aspect to their coming back together really added extra depth to the suspense playing out around them, because as they pursue the leads to try and apprehend the killer, they both start to realize that their attraction has not faded at all, and the instinct to claim the other as their mate just gets stronger the more time they spend with each other during the course of the investigation. "You've got to let go of the past." This is another series by this author that I have joined in its latter stages, the book was no problem to read because of it though, but you can tell with the inclusion of other couples and little mentions of how they came together, that there are plenty of stories to go back and read at some point. I think that's one of the things that makes this author's work so readable, is that although a lot of her releases are series based, most of the books can be read as standalones without causing any confusion. Cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next. ARC generously provided by the author, as always, is was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr. President (White House, #1); Author: Katy Evans; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "America's playboy and America's sweetheart." Stars! ITs LIVE: Amazon [url] Nook [url] iBooks [url] Kobo [url] Katy Evans, latest release offers up a time appropriate theme in that Matthew Hamilton, is working his way towards the White House. And what makes it even more entertaining is he has all his own hair, and isn't orange. There are quite a few, political romances out in the market right now, and with things as they stand in the US at the moment, it's not a huge surprise that, this is the case. I have read a few books of this story persuasion now, and I would say that Mr. President sits in the Classy category, it's not smutty, but sexy, there is a definite story arc involved, rather than the political hoopla just being thrown in to break up the sex scenes. There's just something about him that draws the eyes - his height, his strong but unnervingly warm gaze, the polished ruggedness that only makes him look more male... And I think what made it easy to get along with was the fact that the author used the political aspect as the secondary factor to the actual relationship building between Matt and Charlotte. "I want you to be my eyes and my heart, to keep me in touch with the real people out there, the one my whole life I've never gotten to meet." The other thing that I really liked about it was the lack of irrelevant drama, Katy did really well at keeping this story about the main couple, and although there is secondary character involvement, as you would expect, it's for reasons pertinent to the story-line, and not just thrown in as added filler. "Don't give these lips to just anyone. They're too pretty. And too rare. And they're mine." The main thing though is that they are as individuals and together really likeable, you root for them, the behind-closed-doors nature of their relationship, makes things extremely intimate between them really quickly. The only guy I've ever wanted... Add in to it that the fact that Charlotte has had a crush on Matt since she was a young girl there was poignancy to her finally getting a chance to be with the one man she's never quite got out of her head. Unfortunately for them both though, it's at totally the wrong time. We're a perfect couple in an imperfect situation. I must admit I am not quite up there with the masses on this one in feeling that it was a five star read. I did enjoy it, but for me the pacing and sexual tension were a little off, that at points I felt things moved too fast when they could have done with being pulled out a little further, and then others seemed to be moved through a little quicker than I would have liked, lacking a little deeper exploration if you will. It was still a pretty good read though; and if you like this author's writing (and I do) then you are likely; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Undead Or Alive (Bad Things, #3); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "If you think you're bad enough..." Stars! Cynthia Eden, once again strikes PNR gold with the Bad Things series, as usual Undead or Alive was a book I picked up and pretty much didn't put down again until I had finished it. This book kind of diverted off the original storyline of the series a little in that Cass Garvan wasn't the character I was expecting to be up next, in fact book four Broken Angel I think was originally up as the third book, so I am guessing inspiration struck the author and she went with it. "What can I say? I have talent." And I am so glad she did as Cass and Ambers' book was a real treat to read, it included a bit of page time for Luke and Leo as well, so the development of their relationship as brothers/enemies is given more depth, as well as a decent suspense aspect to Amber's character it kept the story rolling along at a steady clip. "I've finally got something worth fighting for." Add in a bit of insta-love, plenty of twists and turns on the plot, and this was another Cynthia Eden book that I did not struggle to read. "The world can't keep going unless you're in it... Not my world." Great continuation to the series, I am still excited for Rayce's book though, so hurry up December! Copy gifted by the author, and it was a pleasure to say thanks with a review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Paid For; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Just you... Always you." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US : [url] Amazon UK : [url] Amazon CA : [url] Amazon AU : [url] Alexa Riley, I am discovering has various levels of smut when it comes to her novella writing, and Paid For, for me was on the higher levels of the smut-o-meter. Mason Foster, super grumpy, excessively alpha, uber dirty, pretty much falls for Kennedy Myers from their first meeting, even though he thinks she is something she isn't. I knew what she was from the moment she stepped into my office. Mine. I felt it all the way down to the bones, and the past few days have shown nothing but that. Kennedy is a girl stuck in an untenable position, so has no choice but to bow to her bosses demands, which at points means she is literally on her knees... This has to work. I have no other options. As I said this quick read is super smutty and offered up all the usual Riley treats, in relation to plot, characterization and just how quickly they fall for each other, an as always a couple of hours enjoyably spent reading it. "I just feel very protective of you." ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snowbound at Christmas; Author: Jennifer Ryan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You kiss Santa with that mouth..?" Stars! Three Christmas novellas, by three different authors, all three extremely enjoyable reads. This compilation for me was the epitome of what I want from my Christmas reading; sweet, seasonal, emotive, with low drama, likeable characters and really easy to get along with writing. "Santa sent me a snowstorm." But what mainly drew me to it, was the fact that all three authors are ones I have heard a lot about but never actually read before, so it was a great way to dip my toe in with each one and see whether their writing styles agreed with my tastes, and I have to say all three authors are now ones I will be looking to read more from in the future. "We're family. One hurts we all bleed." The offerings are as follows - Close to Perfect ~ Jennifer Ryan. Snowed in at Copper Ridge ~ Maisey Yates. How Winters Night ~ Lia Riley The other positive is that all three of these novellas are offered up, as installments in currently running series that the authors have published, and you can tell from the descriptions that they have been running for a while with the well developed locations and secondary characters included in each story, and the added depth their input gives to them. "You missed me too... I can feel it. Second chance and best friends older brother, are the main tropes used across the three stories, and I have to reiterate that each and every one of them was as enjoyable as its predecessor. I usually find with compilations like this that there is usually one story that doesn't quite hit the spot, but not on this occasion, absolute reading bliss. "It's you... It's always been you." Whether you are looking for a little something to fit in for a few chapters here or there over the busy Christmas period, you are thinking about trying out some new authors, or you are literally just looking for some well written Christmas themed romances, then this selection really is a offering that would tick any or all of those requirements, and I will certainly look to read more from each of the authors involved in the future off of the strength of their inclusions to Snowbound at Christmas. ARC generously provided by the publisher, via Tasty Book Tours, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Christmas Project; Author: Maxine Morrey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're not alone any more." Stars! If you are looking for a little Scrooge in your seasonal reading, then I don't think you can go far wrong in giving The Christmas Project by Maxine Morrey a go. And Michael O'Farrell was a pretty likeable Scrooge at the end of the day, even when being a grump, you can sense that there is a caring and considerate man hiding behind the scruffy clothes and Irish brogue. "I know the I'm difficult and impatient and impossible to deal with - God knows I've been told it enough times over the past few years. I'm also aware that I've given you a hard time this evening and you've taken it all in your stride and pushed back when you needed to. I need someone prepared to do that. Otherwise I'll take the piss and never get anything done and it really will be a waste of time." This was my first read by Maxine Morrey, what drew me to the story was the premise, and the unusual nature in how Michael and Kate come together. Kate came across as a strong and independent woman, although like Michael she is nursing past hurts, which they gradually reveal to each other as the story progresses, with the more time they spend together organizing Michael's house. "It doesn't matter what I think..." "It does to me..." The meaning of Christmas at the beginning of the book has vastly different connotations for Michael and Kate, one coming from a large family the other an only child with a single parent, but I liked that as the story moved along each of their impressions for the season changed, especially as the connection between them deepened. There isn't a rush into romance with this one, it's more a building of a friendship that morphs into more as they get to know each other better. "I've never once lost my cool with a client and then you come along and ruin my perfect score." I have to admit that one of my favourite things about reading Christmas stories set in the UK, is that the authors always have carte blanch on the weather, so you usually get snow, nothing beats snow at Christmas for me, and seeing as it's not something we see with any regularity at any time in this country now, it's nice to be able to lose myself in the white stuff without being cold and wet because it's whilst reading a really great story, and The Christmas project really was that for me. "You're kind of bossy sometimes. You know that, don't you?" Nothing hugely new about the tropes used, but the writing was good, pets and secondary familial characters were added into the story as well, so it was just a really well rounded, superbly written read. "It's always the quiet ones they say." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling for Kate: An Angel's Lake Novella; Author: Jody Holford; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Christmas is magic and miracles!" Stars! Falling for Kate offers up some of my most favorite tropes; Single Daddy, with the Nanny and at Christmas, what more can you ask for, I have to say this is a book that left me pretty happy. My one gripe, and it's actually nothing to do with the story. Is the cover, for me when you slap the naked chest/abs combo on the front of a book, as a reader I have certain expectations that the story I am going to be reading is going to be sexy, hot, maybe a little dirty and probably containing erotically described sexy-times. Falling for Kate is sweet, cute, and totally closed door when it comes to the sexy-times. Not a problem for me because I loved it anyway, but this cover does not offer the correct interpretation of the story its advertising, in my humble opinion. There had to be something in the water in Angel's Lake because it was home to some seriously fine looking men... This was my first read from Jody Holford, and she ticked all of my reading boxes with Kate and Elliot's story, I loved the premise, the addition of Elliot's twin girls Grace and Beth, and the fact that the author kept the drama relevant, but it wasn't overplayed. This is one of those Christmas stories I can see myself going back to read again year after year, because it gave plenty of feels, lots of Christmas sparkle, all wrapped up in a really great and easy-going story line. "You're in my bed. And it feels like it's exactly where you belong." I am definitely going to look to read more from this author in the future, and I hope she makes a Christmas release something of a regular occurrence, as I would love to see her give a few more of the favorite tropes a Christmas spin. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Roman (Cold Fury Hockey, #7); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - The next chapter in my life is starting... Stars! We return to the Cold Fury Hockey team for the seventh book in Sawyer Bennett's ever popular series. "I admire honesty." This is one of those books that I didn't struggle to read, but at the end of it didn't really have any overwhelming feelings for it either way. Gray Brannon was the only person who actually pulled any sort of reaction from me, and that was utter dislike, which if I am honest wasn't a huge surprise as I disliked her intensely in Ryker. Roman and Lexi were pretty cute as a couple but nothing really stood out as new or unique about their story. "Your secret is safe with me." Bad boy, nah not-so-much. Yeah he slept around in the past, but what's unusual about a young, attractive, famous hockey player tearing it up between the sheets... Nothing. And he was totally devoted to Lexi from the get-go. Brawler on the ice for sure, but I just found him an all-round nice guy. Lexi was the same, nice... "I'm glad someone sees me for what I am." And I think that's my overall phrase for the book, because take out the whole Gray situation, everything else was just nice. You get three POV's in this book, sixty-one year old Bryan Brannon being the third, I suppose it added a little to the story, but for me there wasn't any real depth or emotion to any of it from any of them. "You can drool on me anytime." Luc Fournier (Max's brother) is up next, due in September 17, and I am hoping are given a story that I can sink my teeth into. I have had a bit of a giggle over the cover for his book, as he is apparently the younger of the Fournier brothers, but he looks about a decade older than Max, if you go by his current cover. Although to be honest the covers from this series kind of lost their impact after Ryker, as has the series in general really... ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: More Than Friends (Kendrick Place, #1); Author: Jody Holford; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "The holidays are for family." Stars. Jody Holford, begins her new Kendrick Place series with a romance built between best-friends, that initially starts out as a complete ruse. This isn't the first book I have read by this author, and although the elements that I found enjoyable from my previous read from here were present, in relation to characters, story-line and writing style, I found the balance a little off with Owen and Gabby's story in respect to the amount of page time they were given versus all the secondary characters and their, what sometimes seemed overly descriptive back stories and character development. He was the smartest man she knew and so bloody stupid she wanted to smack him. The positives for me were certainly the likeability of them both as individuals and although totally opposite in character, the author did a really great job of highlighting this as a reason they were actually really compatible. Owen came over a little blunt and OCD in his behaviours particularly in the first half of the book, but I liked Gabby, being more arty and free with her feelings and emotions she embraced those things about him, and loved him anyway. Owen's family was a big plus as well, this was something I have to say I was expecting, as family played a big part in the previous book I read by Jody. Their inclusion in More Than Friends bought out the best in Owen, and gave the best Christmas to Gabby at the same time. You're the best fake girlfriend a guy could ever ask for." It was just everything else that went on in the background that I then found to be overly detracting from this couple in general. I understand that the introduction of a couple of characters were needed as the future books are likely to be about them, but I think a lot of the added information for them could possibly have been left for their books, enabling the author to deepen the backgrounds for Owen and Gabby as well as broaden the emotional connection for them as they moved from friends to lovers. This isn't a bad book, there is still a pretty decent story line going on here, I just think a few elements could have been removed to give more focus to the main couple. But it was sweet, Christmassy, and offered up a few hours of escapism. I am hoping that now the author has set the scene, and introduced the cast in this book, that future ones from the series will have more emphasis on the H/h in question than the secondary aspects of the plot. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dashing through the Snow: A Sexy, Snowy Christmas Tale; Author: M. Leighton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Spend Christmas with me always..." Stars! Nothing makes me happier than a new book by Michelle Leighton on my Kindle, add into that joy, that this is a Christmassy one, and Dashing Through the Snow was the perfect read for this time of the year. It was also nice and quick to get through, which means it's the perfect read for an afternoon or evening of escapism over the busy festive period. I run from no man. I only run from Christmas. I really liked Dash and Dilyn together, Dilyn isn't a fan of the season, so being stuck in a remote cabin during a blizzard brings about all sorts of feelings she doesn't really want to examine to closely. Dash finding the journalist sent to interview him insanely attractive, goes all out charm offensive, to see if she may feel the connection as deeply as he does. What ensues is an evening of really imaginative marshmallow usage! "This night can be whatever you want it to be... Just stay." The path of true love never did run smooth though, and with the inclusions of a few crossed-wires, exes that may or may not want to get back together, and a general lack of communication, it takes our couple a few detours before they finally reach destination; Happily Ever After. "Stop looking back. Stop letting yesterday define tomorrow and do what makes you happy today." As is to be expected in a book by this author, you get a well crafted story, with likeable characters, lots of sweet, plenty of sexy, as well as a liberal dash of Christmas sparkle and magic just to finish things off nicely. "I'm here... with you." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forbidden Kisses (Blushing Bay, #1); Author: Annie Rains; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - "I hate secrets. No good ever comes from them." Stars. I am usually a huge fan of this authors work, but for quite a few reasons Forbidden Kisses hit all the wrong notes with me. I was expecting to be on the fence about the whole ex step-sibling aspect of the story but to be honest it didn't even figure because of everything else that was going on. But, what I disliked the most was all the lies that Grace told, and expected others to as well, in trying to keep her relationship with Jack a secret from those that they were both supposed to care about. I found myself disliking her and her actions more and more as the story progressed. "I've missed you over the years..." Jack went from sweetly endearing to a bit of a wimp with the way he let her push him around and keep things from his family. Sad day for me as I was expecting to love this book as much as I did the books in the author's Hero's Welcome series but nothing between these two characters really gelled or felt relevant enough to be connected to their sneaky behaviour. On the plus it was still well written, I just didn't enjoy the story-line. The author as expected set up the other Sawyer brothers well enough that I am interested in reading Sam and Noah's books when they are available. Don't let my review deter you, I just found it all drama, with no real depth or feeling of importance to the plot especially in relation to the bits that caused the drama, and the secrets and lies just went on far too long for me to have any real sympathy for the people I feel I should have. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Break Point; Author: Rachel Blaufeld; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - Be with you... Stars! Rachel Blaufeld takes us back to Hafton University albeit briefly, for a tale of forbidden love, second-chances, and untold secrets. I am going to be honest and say that although I read Break Point in pretty much one sitting, and didn't struggle with it one bit, for me this isn't the best book I have read by the author. I am a huge fan of her work, and everything prior to this that I have read has been five stars, but there was just a little something off with the pacing and plot progression on this one. I am also a huge stick in the mud when it comes to people acting the martyr, when the situation they find themselves in is of their own making, and Jules Smith in that respect is certainly her own worst enemy. I'd fallen for the man in charge. It is my understanding that Break Point initially started out as a novella and the author, after reader demand expanded on it, understandable as the bones of the story-line are solid, but there were parts, especially at the start that I would have liked a bit more expansion on. Jules reasons for going to Hafton for one, and also the beginnings of her relationship with Coach King at the time, both could have done with a little more depth and development nothing massive but they were dealt with at novella speed, whereas the rest of the book wasn't and it didn't quite fit. "You're going to have a second chance, and I'm going to make it happen." Small niggles aside though, I did in general enjoy the reconnection between Drew and Jules, so much has happened to them in the seven years they were apart, that their coming back together is down a path with many obstacles on it. "I want what's best for you and this isn't it." "You don't get to decide that." Jules is independent to the nth degree, understandable really as she has had to be, acting responsibly and making her own way in the world were things she had to take control of after Drew left her at Hafton and they are things that are now ingrained in her whole being, and day-to-day living. "You're everything, and I want it." But Drew is a man on a mission second time around, and I absolutely adored his total steam-rollering into Jules' life and sweet manipulation of things to get her to be where he wanted her. The inevitable wobble comes towards the end and it was kind of expected, but I loved that this is a guy who only ever makes a mistake once, and he did everything in his power to make amends for it. "I was scared once, and I ran away from the best thing that ever happened to me." This is a story that's a little lighter than the previous work I have read by the author, still pretty enjoyable and easy to get along with, and I look forward to reading more; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love Rehab; Author: Louise Bay; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Find your truth..." Stars! I really enjoyed Love Rehab, Louise Bay delivered up a fresh take on a romance between a couple that find themselves connecting with each other in the most unusual of circumstances. Its LIVE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url] iBooks: [url] Kobo: [url] Nook: [url] I have to say this was a story with characters that kind of grow on you as it progresses, Mackenzie was a little frustrating in the first half of the book, with her internal rationalizations about love and relationships coming across as slightly old-fashioned and her external reactions to some occurrences a little juvenile, but you get to understand more about her actions and reactions as she reveals more of herself and her background to Blake. What do you do when the guy you are meant to only be having a one night stand with then turns out to be the brother of the woman who is running the retreat that you and your friends have traveled to Oklahoma to take part in, a guy who is also helping out his sister with the retreat, while you and your friends spend five days camping in the wilderness while working through your relationship hang-ups? Well if you are Mackenzie, you deal with the relationship issues during the days, and you spend your nights having hot sex with a non-cowboy while everyone else is asleep! I would lock these Oklahoma nights away in my memory, and only bring them out occasionally to remind me of the woman I wanted to be... I think Mackenzie is a character a lot of people will either love or hate, I would say I came to understand her more as the story progressed, and I liked her more as I came to understand more about her. Blake was an absolute sweetheart, a guy with a few decisions of his own to make, still struggling to understand and believe in his own self-worth, they bought out the best in each other. She seemed to fit here with me - both of us just passing through, lost and looking for something. I really liked the dynamic Mackenzie's friends bought to the book as well, Rose and Kennedy were both very different in personalities, and also both dealing with their own relationship demons, I hope that at some point the author looks to give them their own stories as well. "You look good in the wild." All-in-all a really enjoyable read, and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Bay has in store for her readers in 2017. ARC generously provided by the author, via SocialButterfly PR in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Contract (The Contract, #1); Author: Melanie Moreland; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Go fuck yourself, VanRyan." Stars! The Contract is not the first book I have read by Melanie Moreland, but it is definitely the best book I have read by her to date. There is nothing I love more than an asshole who over the course of the story reforms into something else. Richard VanRyan is the epitomy of that description, because at the beginning of this story, he can only be described as a total douche, but what I liked is that the author through using his POV for the bulk of the story really gave you an insight into his head, how he was thinking, and how those assumptions he initially made about Kate unravelled and the effect that has on him, the more he gets to know her. She was perfection. I couldn't fucking stand her. There is a chance when an author tells a story such as this that the heroine ends up being a bit of a doormat in part because of the situation she has found herself in, not so with Katharine Elliott, she may have understood that Mr VanRyan's actions ultimately put her in an untenable position, but she in no way took things lying down. Her POV is included at pertinent points in the story, and getting in her head when certain things are playing out really gave depth to them both as characters. I loved the back and forth between these two, as the level of their deception to everyone else grows, the actual connection between them forges stronger. You can also see that Richard starts to realize as things move along, that what he thought would be a small white lie to get him into a new job, and a couple of months inconvenience with having Miss Elliott in his life, gradually grows in proportion as he settles into the new job and his relationship with Katy morphs into more than just a business transaction. "I'm trying to be better." Loved this story, loved them as individuals, and as a couple, the backgrounds that the author gave them both gave gravitas to how they are characterized at the beginning of the book, and as the story develops you see how both of them change as people and towards each other as they learn more about themselves and the other, because of the situation they are in. I got lost in this story, literally not moving off the sofa until the last paragraph. "I'm not scared of loving you anymore... I'm only scared of losing you." I am a little late to the party with reading it obviously, but if like me you have dragged your heels, take my advice and make this the next book you pick up to read, I don't think you'll come away disappointed at its end. Copy generously gifted by the author, and it is my absolute pleasure to provide the above review as thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Walk of Shame; Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Perfectly ridiculous..." Stars! Lauren Layne returns with the fourth book in her Love Unexpectedly series, as with the previous stories Georgie and Andrew's enemies-to-lovers tale, is a standalone and you do not have to have read its predecessors. This was one of those reads where I had to leave reality at the start of chapter one, as a New York socialite Georgie isn't a character that I would generally have any sort of connection with, I am not fortunate enough to be able to spend my days primping, pampering, doing a bit of fund-raising for those less fortunate than myself when the urge takes, before partying the night away, to return home by five the following morning, in an effort to drive her hot, but extremely stuffy neighbor to distraction as he is leaving home for a day in the office. The socialite in apartment 86A against the uptight esquire in apartment 79B. But it was an easy enough story to get into, the chapters were pretty short and Lauren has a way about her writing that draws you in, and luckily things progressed between our H/h at a pretty rapid clip to keep the story moving along albeit in a quite predicable manner, although I did find jumping from 1st for Georgie to third person for Andrew's POV a little distracting. "When it comes to you, I seem to make a mess of everything. Because saying nothing at all seemed better than saying the wrong thing..." Andrew was adorably blunt and uptight, and as the story progresses you get to understand why he appears as stuffy as he is, Georgie was the opposite of that and her effervescence did bounce really well off his dryness, especially as they became more emotionally involved with each other. "Being in my orbit can get messy." This was a quick easy read, I won't lie and say it was some of the authors best work because it wasn't, but it was entertaining enough to keep me interested, the dual POV although more in Georgie's favor helped keep both characters accessible, and although I could see where things were going from very early on, I was interested enough to want to see how Georgie and Andrew worked through everything to get their Happily Ever After. ARC provided by the publisher via Tasty Book Tours, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drakon's Promise (Blood of the Drakon, #1); Author: N.J. Walters; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Watch... And don't be afraid." Stars! Drakon Promise is the first book I have read by this author, it is also the first book in Blood of the Drakon series, and I have to say I was mightily impressed. A drakon always protected what was his... My love of the PNR genre has grown exponentially over the last year or two, I think that is largely to do with the fact that I have discovered a few authors along my reading travels that have written books in this genre that have turned out to be absolute favourites, and I know that they are stories and series that I will revisit again and again in the future. N. J. Walters gave me that feeling with Darius and Sarah's story. "You have nothing to fear from me." I only hope that the author/publisher keep the momentum going with the series, and don't wait an absolute age to release the next titles from it, (sadly, this is something Entangled and some of their authors seem to excel at, and it quite frankly kills a series dead for me if I then have to wait 12 months or more for further books) reason being in the main is that there is a lot going on in the plot, and although I have a feeling the next two books will feature a different Drakon, there is a bigger story going on around them each finding their mates, which when there are great swathes of time between releases muddies the memory of the story that has already been told. Their fates were tied together, whether they wanted them to be or not... The dual POV from the Darius and Sarah as well as the villains of the story really gave added depth as well, you saw the plot from all sides as it played out, and once things got going it was full steam ahead. Another thing I liked was the fact this book really didn't feel or read like anything else I have read previously, and I have to say I do have a bit of a soft spot for anything involving a fire breathing hero. There was plenty of chemistry between them as well, and the sexy-times were well written and diverse. Darius verbal sparring with his brother Tarrant was hilarious at points, and I am looking forward to him, Ezra and Nicodemus getting their women, and the general story arc playing out around that in the rest of the series. "You stay with me..." So to sum up, great start to what could be an absolutely outstanding series, as long as I am not waiting forever and a day for the rest of the books to be released. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Score (Rough Riders Hockey #3); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Where have you been all my life?" Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon - [url] Skye Jordan turns up the heat with the third book in her Rough Riders Hockey series. We are given Rafe Savage's story, and who doesn't love a guy that falls for his best friend's sister. The problem with that though, is that Mia Leighton's brother Tate, is also a Rough Rider and if he gets wind of the fact that the relationship between his best friend and her has stepped into the 'Down & Dirty' category, it could have ramifications for the whole team dynamic, as well as affect their chances of winning the cup this season. "Does it turn you on to hear me say I want you to fuck me..?" The story between Rafe and Mia wasn't a struggle too read, the guy realizing his growing feelings for her, had all but pulled back a year ago, avoiding family gatherings and such, but she coincidentally (not-so-much) ends up at the same hotel as him, with the biggest douche on the Rough Riders team, and after the red mist clears from Rafe's vision all bets are off in keeping things platonic, once he has divested her of said douche. "I love that I can make your breath catch like that." I do feel that the plot was a bit of a merry-go-round for the most part though, and although I could understand Rafe's reluctance to come clean to Tate about his feelings for Mia, I kind of think the behind-closed-doors nature of their relationship was dragged out for far too long, in that by the time the big blow-out occurred, Mia had almost been reduced to his dirty little secret, for the sake of the Rough Riders playing well. Let's say that for me, the balance between sex and story was a little off in this one, the previous two books had an emotionally deep story-line going on around the plentiful sexy times occurred around it, and this one erred into the sex over story category for me. "Touching you is like coming home." Still a pretty decent read in the scheme of things though, and I am looking forward to seeing who is up next and what sort of story they are given in Wild Zone which is due for release in December. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caught Up In You (The Monroes, #2); Author: Jules Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Tell me what you see..." Stars! We return to Haven, Georgia for the second book in Jules Bennett's The Monroes series, and I have to say Braxton Monroe stole the show for me in Caught Up in You. Pretty standard tropes used in this one if I am being honest, but the author gave me a heroine I liked and a hero I would happily take home to meet my mother. Heiress looking for a somewhat self-sufficient low-key life, turns up in a small town to take up the job of resort masseuse, while keeping the fact she's minted to herself, attracts the eye of one of said resorts owners from their first meeting. Starting fresh was the only way she was going to have a happy life. To mix things up a tad, Cora is also blind, and after having spent the last three years being treated like and invalid at best and an inconvenience by her family at worst, she's looking to reassert her independence and rebuild her confidence. Things that being around the Monroe family and being accepted into their unique dynamic don't seem so unattainable anymore. "I know it's a natural reaction for you to want to help, but I'm not your responsibility." This is why I loved Braxton so much, because he stepped back (for the most part) and did leave Cora to work her way through things, but in the same breath, he also made sure that she started to experience things that she had been missing out on since the loss of her sight. He didn't do seconds and he didn't do sleepovers. Both of them aren't looking for relationships initially, but it doesn't take long for feelings to develop and for them both to start reassessing their stances on love and romance, especially when it comes to the other. The drama levels in this were apparent, but low level, which for me was a huge plus because the author used to of my least favorite plot bunnies with troublesome-ex and disagreeable family situations both being used, but they weren't played out, and only given enough page time to move on the story between Braxton and Cora, rather than take it over. "You get me. For reasons I can't explain, I'm comfortable with you and I haven't experienced that with anyone since I lost my sight..." This series is definitely looking to be a keeper for me, my one niggle and it is a very small one, is that the sexy times between this couple could have done with a little more expansion and depth, at the risk of coming across sounding like a total perve (#sorrynotsorry) the main event seemed to be reached and then over and done with extremely quickly with little or no foreplay, and I just wanted more of them getting down and dirty together. "This is a mistake..." "Won't be the last one I make." Liam Monroe is up next, the grumpy chef has had only a small part in proceedings so far, although the author has done; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BEND (Vegas Heat, #1); Author: Molly McLain; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "You're trouble with a capital T." Stars! Molly McLain, turns up the dirty in the first book in her new Vegas Heat series. Bend offered up a couple of likeable characters, who start out as frenemies, but soon realize that the chemistry between them may have other plans. The Hardass and The Princess are certainly more than those initial descriptives as you get further into the story you start understand more, why they are both the way they are, and Kinsey Malloy and Trent Clark were the perfect blend of soft and hard together. The woman's either got a serious stick up her ass or she's never been fucked properly. Both of them have a point to prove; Kinsey that she is a strong independent woman who doesn't need her Police Chief fathers constant protection and interference in her life, and Trent as one of his officers, is looking to prove that he is a good choice for promotion, so sleeping with his bosses daughter, whilst in the midst of an investigation involving her is probably not the best step to take in that regard. "I think I like you better without the badge." I liked this pairing, the author took her writing down a grittier route in comparison to her River Bend series, but it worked well in relation to Trent's character, and the story-line that played out between him and Kinsey. I am looking forward to reading more from the series in the future. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Worth the Wait (McKinney/Walker, #1); Author: Claudia Connor; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Be happy... It's time." Stars! Worth The Wait was just that, absolutely and totally worth the wait. Claudia Connor took me back to a group of people that I have already fallen in love with, in the McKinney clan, and gave her readers a totally new perspective by introducing the Walker family in full as well. This is a book that takes you back to a time when the Walker family suffered its most devastating loss, and follows through the aftermath and changes to all of their lives from it. Nick Walker as the eldest brother feels the most pressure when it comes to taking responsibility, especially when it comes to the care of his much younger sister Hannah. "I don't know what I'm doing... I hate that... you were always the one that made me feel like I was doing okay." This is where the author excelled for me, because Hannah is a character we know as an adult, her book Worth The Risk was my favorite of The McKinney Brothers series. So to get her story told from her older brother's perspective, while his life unfolds around it as well was particularly poignant for me. Some of the also book runs along concurrently with Worth The Risk, and it just gave extra background to that story for me as well as added emotional impact to everything that Nick and Mia were going through as well. "My heart is yours... You stole it, remember?" This is one of those books where you ask yourself if there was ever an unluckier couple, through the past you see the strong bond that built between Nick and Mia in their late teens and twenties as Nick struggles to raise Hannah and keep his brothers on the straight and narrow while trying to become an FBI Agent himself, Mia is training to be a Doctor at the same time, so their lives and and the love they feel towards each other is not always shared in the same state, but they make it work because of that love and the depth of feelings they have for each other. Hannah's abduction and the months and years following on from that then show how a love that strong, sometimes is still not enough to hold a couple together. "You don't have the right to know everything anymore." Nick a man with an inherent controlling personality (but with the best interests) is more than a little shocked to learn that Hannah has turned to Mia for help with counseling ten years on from his and Mia's split. The surprise at seeing her again coupled with the fact he had no knowledge of her helping Hannah doesn't make for a great reconnection initially, but as he calms down, and they both talk more about themselves and how their lives have been shaped in the past decade, he realizes that Mia (just like himself), has not really moved on with her life since their separation, and the reasons for that as they are revealed to him and the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raw Deal (Larson Brothers, #1); Author: Cherrie Lynn; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Just keep holding me..." Stars! Raw Deal marks the beginning of Cherrie Lynn's new Larson Brothers Series, and if Mike Larson's story is a taste of things to come, her readers are in for a treat. It has been a while since I have read a book by this author, and I forgot just how agreeable her writing is, from the story-line in general to the characters involved, there wasn't one bit of this book I didn't enjoy. "You want to be with a fighter, you gotta learn how to fight." Falling for the guy who kills your brother, albeit accidentally in the ring, comes with a whole host of complications, including the obvious familial anger and disbelief, to the internal guilt over the loss of your sibling, and the feelings you have for the person who took him away growing into something you never expected. He was supposed to be a monster, or at least her family thought so. He wasn't supposed to be the knight... Although to be honest Savannah never really stood a chance, Mike was an absolute sweetheart from their first meeting, and it doesn't take long for her to realize that the perceived cold-hearted blue-eyed fighter, actually doesn't have a heart of stone, and is dealing with some hefty feelings of guilt himself, so its no surprise that their friendly relationship takes a turn into romance pretty quickly. "You caught me from the moment I first saw you. I thought about you from that day on." The second half of the book pretty much played out as I was expecting it to, but that isn't a bad thing, and one thing that made me really happy is although the subject matter contained and the tropes used in the story were pretty heavy with drama and angst, the author didn't overplay it, and nothing was overly dragged out either which kept the flow of the plot moving along at a great pace. "Words hit harder than fists ever will." I hope we don't have to wait too long for Damien and Zane Larson to have their stories told, the professional gambler and the rock star were certainly set up really well in this book, in that although they were introduced, you are left wondering exactly what is going on with them at the same time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review. **Review also appears on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]/; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All I Want for Christmas is You (Risking It All, #1.1); Author: Rachel Lacey; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "To a perfectly imperfect Christmas." Stars! A great free-to-read, little revisit to Ethan, Gabby and the gang at Christmas. Looking forward to Crazy For You Ryan and Emma's book due in March 2017. "To new Christmas traditions."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Womanizer (Manwhore, #4); Author: Katy Evans; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3.5 - Sleeping with the boss is sexy. Stars! The fourth book in Katy Evans' Manwhore series brings us Callan Carmichael and Olivia Roth's story, both likeable characters, entertaining as a couple, and the author used one of my favourite tropes in that Callan is a close friend of Olivia's older brother Tahoe. It's LIVE! - Amazon: [url] iBooks: [url] BN: [url] Kobo: [url] Audible: [url] Amazon Paperback: [url] Having not read any of the previous books in the series, Womanizer can absolutely be read as a standalone, and characters from the previous books are included but not in a confusing way. "I'm not the Devil... I just choose to allow some people to believe that I am." The only thing I wonder would have enhanced my reading experience of this book would be to have gotten more of a look at Callan pre-Olivia, because for me he didn't really live up to the moniker of Womanizer in this story. He was actually really sweet, considerate, a little snarky, plenty sexy and just a generally likeable guy. I liked Olivia as well, she came across as pretty sheltered and a little naive, and although it seemed pretty obvious to me who Hot Smoker Guy was from the offset, it took our guileless heroine a little longer to work out to that it wasn't the mail-room guy she was crushing on unashamedly. I'm ready. I've got a lot to prove, especially to myself. And I'm here to learn how to play with the big guys in the big leagues. But I also found it pretty charming in that their first meeting and interactions all took place of the sharing of a cigarette, something that nowadays is quite an old fashioned, and also unfashionable concept. However, it did get a little irksome as the story progressed, in relation to the amount of page time and writing devotion that is given to the act of smoking a cigarette, whether it be one or both of them doing it. You can see the direction the story is going to go pretty much from the offset, but for all that it was still a pretty enjoyable read, with a few funny moments, and relationship built around a genuinely likeable couple, and a healthy dose of added flavour from the secondary characters involved as well. "A guy like you wouldn't go by without leaving marks along the way..." "How would you know?" "Because you already did." ARC generously provided by the Author, via SocialButterfly PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stealing Christmas; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Say you'll be mine, Christmas." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US : [url] Amazon UK : [url] Amazon CA : [url] Amazon AU : [url] I think it's safe to say that if you are a fan of Alexa Riley you know what to expect when it comes to reading Stealing Christmas, the girls delivered again, with the added bonus of a little seasonal sparkle. Sweet, innocent, inexperienced Christmas heads to her bosses mansion at his request for a Christmas party, little does she know but Nicholas Light is more than familiar with her having spent the last few weeks lusting after her over his company security cameras. I'd never heard her speak a word, and yet I knew she was kind. I'd never felt her touch, yet I knew she was tender and sweet. I'd never kissed her lips, yet I knew that she was the one... After they meet, all bets are off and as you would expect full steam ahead, for our insta-in-love couple. "It's like a Christmas fairy tale come to life." Probably my favorite of the last couple of novellas I have read by this duo, the smut and sexiness was there, but the story although quick, was there to carry it along as well, the epilogues rounded everything off nicely as I have come to expect too. Definitely something to add to your Christmas TBR, if you are looking for a quick, yet satisfying read. "We'll find our way. Together." ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Zone (Rough Riders Hockey #4); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Tonight... I'm yours." Stars! Skye Jordan returns with the fourth book in the really enjoyable Rough Riders Hockey series. I was interested to see how she pitched Tate Donovan's story, because he didn't come over that well in the previous book of the series. And on the whole it was really enjoyable, you definitely get to see why Tate behaved so negatively towards his sister and Rafe's relationship when it was made public in Dirty Score, and I really liked the emotional and sexual vulnerability that Skye added to his character due to the way his past relationship had completely imploded. "I've been out of the game a while. I'm... still getting used to the feel of things." Olivia was definitely the confident one when it came to the base for their relationship, and although the 'one and done' ethos was her usual modus operandi prior to Tate, there is something between them that's different, and that keeps drawing them back together. "Sometimes you just know when you've found someone who clicks." One of my peeves in a romance is OTT drama from family members, and Olivia's mother and sister erred very close to this territory for me, the author just, and I mean just managed to keep all of the drama their inclusion added to the mix in the territory of non-annoying, although I won't lie, her mother deserved a slap upside the head for acting like an Ostrich for so much of the book. "I don't want messy... I just want you." I have really enjoyed the books from this series so far, I hope that the author has more stories to tell for the rest of the single team members, I also think that Olivia's sister; Quinn would be a prime candidate to pair off with one of them at some point as well. "You're a nice surprise in my day." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: It Started with a Kiss; Author: Melanie Moreland; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Who knew the day I walked into the studio... we'd end up here." Stars! My last read from Melanie Moreland was the enjoyable The Contract to say that It Started With a Kiss is almost the polar opposite to that book would almost be an understatement. ~~PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW~~ AMAZON - [url] That is in no way meant disrespectfully, because I enjoyed the story that the author gave Daniel and Avery, but it is a book that falls into the sugary-sweet, light-speed-insta-love, virtually no drama or conflict category. "I feel so much and it's so solid, so real, and I'm worried it's too fast." If you are looking for angst and an alpha a-hole then book is definitely not the one for you. But I was in the mood for romance, and that's exactly what I got. There isn't a huge amount to really give away plot wise, I am sure a lot of you remember the You-tube video that was popular last year of couples who had never met kissing each other for the first time, I would say it's a pretty good guess that this story derived from that video, because it is exactly how Avery and Daniel meet, fall in love, and have lots and lots of happy times together. Short of one minor disagreement and a little car trouble towards the end of the book, I could almost see rainbows, glitter and unicorns flitting in my peripheral vision as the story progressed. "Can I keep you... Will you be mine?" Well worth a read if you are looking for something light and fluffy, plenty of sex to keep the potential sugar coma in check, and lots of likeable secondary characters to give the story-line some depth as well. ARC generously provided, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Christmas Wish (Heart of the Rockies, #2.5); Author: Sara Richardson; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "You got me through..." Stars! One Christmas Wish takes us back to Walker Mountain Ranch for Julia Noble and Isaac Nash's story. I actually met this couple in the book that released after this novella More Than a Feeling, and the hints at their story left me all-sorts of intrigued, so it was great to get to read of how they came together, especially after you learn early on in this novella that theirs is a love story twelve years in the making. He'd smiled more since seeing Julia again than he had in twelve years. Isaac is one of Julia's older brothers best friends, and initially just back in town for his wedding, it takes them both a little by surprise after reconnecting at the rehearsal dinner, just how much their feelings for each other have not changed for each other. "Everyone's damaged... It might be more visible on you, but everyone has something to overcome." The intervening years have changed them both though, Julia now used to living with the limitations that her wheel-chair brings about, is looking to start living her life independently and away from her family, doesn't initially realize just how much of an impact Isaac's time in the Armed Forces has had on him mentally. "I didn't know how you felt." A road trip, and being stuck in a cabin together overnight, brings about a lot of revelations, and forces them both start talking about the past, face up to their own personal demons and to realize that their futures may well belong together. "I want to be with you... I've waited so long." A really enjoyable read, once Julia shook off the martyr cloak she had on in the first half, and let Isaac in, it was full steam ahead, the drama was still on manageable levels, and this is a novella that can absolutely be read as a standalone, independently of the Heart of the Rockies series. ARC generously provided by InkSlinger PR via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moonshadow (Moonshadow, #1); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4.5 - "Stay the course." Stars! To say that I was impressed with this book would be an understatement. Thea Harrison, is a new author for me, and Moonshadow gave me everything I am looking for in a story from this genre. The author set the scene extremely well, and being the start of the Moonshadow series there were introductions aplenty through the first few chapters, I think it highlights the quality of the writing and storytelling in that I wasn't confused at any point about who everyone was. For decades now, they had been searching and fighting, and dying... I loved Sophie and Nikolas together, the former a partial Djinn her magic and knowledge offers something up to the Knight of the Dark Court and his small band of Brothers that are left on Earth that is sorely needed, an opportunity to travel back to their own realm Lyonesse, to bring back to Earth more warriors and supplies in an effort to defeat the Queen of the Light Court. "You might be the key." As I said I haven't read anything by this author before, but the imagination, colour and depth of development that she gave this story just kept me gripped to its pages right up to its end, I just hope that the release of the next novel in the series; Spellbound is in early rather than latter summer 2017, because I literally cannot wait to get my hands on it. "I've lost so many people. So many... I thought I didn't have it in me to care about anyone else again. But now I do, and yes, I'm struggling, because I don't think I could take losing you too." Nic and Sophie together were a force to be reckoned with, this is a couple that literally look to have a disagreement just so they can spend time making up with each other, Nic is old school chivalry, commandeering, controlling and when he tells you to do something he expects it to be done. Sophie a woman of modern day is all about making her own decisions, and not being told what to do, so the rub between them caused some really great friction burns in regards to the verbal sparring, and sexy times as the book progressed. "You're still insufferable... Just saying." "And you're the same mouthy broad you were last night." This series I think is essentially going to be a battle of good versus Evil, I am sure as it develops there will be triumphs as well as losses, I am not sure whether the author will continue the series from this couples point of view, or bring new and/or secondary characters to the fore with each installment, but I know I am looking forward to seeing how things develop as the story-line progresses. Its safe to say that Moonshadow is most definitely just the beginning of what I expect to be an absolutely outstanding series, and I cannot wait. "I didn't know I was looking for you, but I was." ARC generously provided via Netgalley,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Be Mine in Good Hope (Good Hope, #3); Author: Cindy Kirk; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You and me..." Stars! The third book in the Good Hope series brings Marigold Bloom back to town, and I love nothing more than a couple who have a one night stand in their history reconnecting. If you read the previous book in the series, there were hints that all was not well with Marigold's high flying life in Chicago, as hair stylist to the rich and famous, turns out a few weeks on, and the only thing Marigold is styling when she returns to Good Hope with a car full of possessions, is her responses to why she is back in town. One thing she tries to make very, very clear from the start though is that it's not permanent. After five successful years, she found herself now back at square one... This gives her and Police Chief Cade Rallis the perfect opportunity to explore further the mad chemistry that developed between them the one night they did spend together, and because their time together has an expiry date they agree to keep things on the fun side. Thing is one of them is not completely sure that 'fun' is all they want, and the longer Marigold is in town the deeper those feelings grow. "I won't ask for more than you are willing to give." Cindy Kirk has such an easy to get along with writing style it was no problem to fall right into this story, my one gripe was the repetition on which Marigold went on about her time in town not being permanent, it seemed to be thrown in almost every other paragraph at points and got a little wearing, it also made her look a little selfish as well. But for all that it was only a mild gripe, because I loved getting back into the Good Hope community, catching up with recurring characters, and finally seeing others get their just-desserts, all the while enjoying Cade gently wooing Marigold with his many and varied charms. In Good Hope you were never alone. Someone always had your back. This is a series that has massive scope and although there is only one Bloom sibling left to have their story told now, and the author dropped enough hints about Delphinium Blooms current circumstances to know that her and Jeremy are going to be the focus of the next book, I hope that the series extends beyond that. Forever in Good Hope looks to be set for release August 17, I cannot wait to go back again! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love Me at Midnight; Author: Linda Morris; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I knew your mouth was talented... I had no idea you were so good with your hands, too." Stars! Robin Bielman writes Christmas romance so well, that it is always a treat to get something new to read from her. Although Love Me at Midnight is a compilation of three previously released Novellas from the Lovestruck imprint, this review does concentrate mainly on her offering. I have previously read and reviewed One Night in Vegas by C. M. Stone, and you can find the review here for that one - [url]... But back to Yours at Midnight, for me there is nothing better than a little second chance reconnection over the Christmas period, and Lyric and Quinn had more of a connection between them after not seeing each other for four years than Quinn initially expected. "Why can't you just go home..?" "Because I have unfinished business here." Having returned home to make amends for leaving so abruptly after his brother's death, Quinn is hoping that Lyric will give him a second chance, one night spent together before his departure has haunted him over the past four years, and he is looking for more than a few nights together while he is back in town for Christmas and the New Year, with a woman who means more to him than he has ever admitted out loud or too himself for a very long time. "I've missed you. Not a day has passed that I haven't thought about you." Lyric's family and his have always been close, so it takes no time for him to be pulled back into the fold, even though he is initially reluctant to be there it doesn't take long for the memories of better times to make being home feel better than he was expecting it to be. Especially when he sees how the family has grown over the intervening years... I really enjoyed this novella, Robin added a little Christmas sparkle to a well used trope and offered a really enjoyable story from it. This compilation offers a couple of really entertaining reads and I would recommend it if you are looking for a bit of a break over the festive period, and want to get lost in a good story that won't demand too much of your time. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Millionaire at Midnight (Bachelor Auction, #4); Author: Naima Simone; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Bring me in from the cold..." Stars! Naima Simone returns with the fourth book in her Bachelor Auction Series; A Millionaire at Midnight, and if there was a couple that got off on the wrong foot, it is Morgan and Alexander. I really like this series, the author isn't shy about giving her heroines balls as big as her heroes in the attitude and confidence department, and it makes for some great verbal sparring and sexy-times. The woman was a walking, snark-wielding danger sign. Both of them are nursing their own hurts and carrying baggage from their pasts, something neither of them are particularly interested in talking about when they first come together, but as they look past their initial assumptions of the other, they start to realize that maybe they have more in common than they originally thought. "We're a pair aren't we? Two people left disillusioned by those who were supposed to love us." Nothing new or particularly different about the plot, but it's the authors characterizations and story-telling that always keep me entertained and reading, and A Millionaire at Midnight certainly fits that bill with ease. Morgan and Alex together were spicy hot and I liked that the author took a little time to give them a chance to get to know each other before taking the turn to sexy-times. "I wanted what I haven't seen you give anyone else." Still plenty of scope for more books from this series, in fact my one gripe is the fact that we didn't actually get to read of the weekend that Alexander was supposed to take Morgan on as part of the prize from being the highest bidder for him at the auction. Hopefully Merri, sister of Morgan will get a book herself at some point in the future too. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Trouble with SEALs; Author: Anne Marsh; Genres: romance; Review: Originally reviewed in the Seals of Summer 3 Anthology. Review can be found here - [url]...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Light Up the Night (Cottonbloom #3.75); Author: Laura Trentham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Keep you safe." Stars!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dear Jane (Animal Attraction, #1); Author: Marissa Clarke; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Lawyers Suck." Stars! Book one in Marissa Clarke's new Animal Attraction series, was a quick and really enjoyable read. I really liked Eric and Jane's story, and you get the added bonus of a little Anderson brother's interaction as well. No lawyers. I will never date one. Ever. I'd rather stay single the rest of my life... Jane Dixon doesn't have much luck with men in fact, she never seems to get past the first date with any of them. Colleague and secret-crush Eric Blackwell one day makes the mistake of telling her he has dozens of friends he can set her up with, whilst privately wanting her for himself. Problem is, she's sworn off Lawyers (of which he is one) and they work at the same firm, with an ironclad non-fraternization policy. It had grown from a schoolgirl crush to heavy-duty full-grown-woman crush with all the requisite heated body parts and inappropriate thoughts... Marissa has an easy writing style, and her characters are likeable as well. Nothing massively new or different with the tropes used in Dear Jane but it kept me entertained for a couple of hours, and also set up the rest of the Animal Attraction series beautifully. "If it can be screwed up, I'll screw it." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Merry Christmas, Baby (O'Connor Family #1); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Best Christmas present ever." Stars! I originally read Merry Christmas, Baby this time last year when it was released in the Anthology; All He Wants For Christmas... It hit the Christmas spot then in fact the whole Anthology did, and I was happy to re-read Jackson and Nora's second-chance at Christmas novella again. He'd never failed a mission yet and he wasn't going to start now. This is a small, but perfectly formed story about a couple who know how they feel about each other, their love has grown from friendship, but the speed and depth of the feelings that have developed causes one of them to pull back, and at a pretty pivotal point in the step from just-friends to more. "...You fight dirty." "I play to win..." It doesn't take Jackson long to realize that his fear of the unknown is holding him back from a pretty spectacular woman's love, and he goes all out to rectify his mistake. 2016 has been a year of Katie Reus hits for me, and this novella topped off a pretty impressive pile of great reads perfectly. This is an author whose work I will happily drop everything else for, too read, and I am looking forward to more reading adventures with her and her characters in 2017. **Copy generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Midwife's Marriage Proposal; Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I've stayed away long enough..." Stars! That's all three Hunter siblings paired off with their partners. I'll even go as far as to say that Tom and Sally's story just edged the previous two books in being my favorite. "Don't pretend it's gone... What we have is so powerful that it's going to exist whatever we do. It's always existed..." Onto the next book in the Lakeside Mountain Rescue, series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Butterfly Project; Author: Emma Scott; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Let's just be you and me, and no one else..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] One thing I always know when I start a book by Emma Scott is that I am going to be in for an enjoyable, albeit likely and emotional read. And The Butterfly Effect was certainly that. Once again we are given a love story, but not quite as we know it. This is something the author excels at for me, in delivering a couple that although appear down-to-earth on the surface, are wholly unique once you get to know them individually, and as a couple. There is a loose connection to the Full Tilt series in the fact that Zelda used to work in Theo's Vegas Tattoo Studio, although her story with Beckett plays out on New York City, a place she has travelled to with the aim of getting her graphic novel published. Things don't go according to plan, and after the worst couple of days spent in the Big Apple, the only kindness she has experienced is from a bus-boy in the Italian restaurant where she stops for food. This is a couple that have completely different pasts and upbringings, but find out as they get to know each other on a deeper level that they are both holding onto a lot of grief and guilt in their hearts for things that in their heads they know were not really their fault. I think that the other thing that stood out for me is that they were both lonely people as well, and that lessened the more they opened up to each other. Once again I laughed, cried and experienced every emotion in-between while reading this book, and as expected I picked it up and didn't put it down until I had finished it. I love this author, I love her books, and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for her readers in 2017. "I never want to be anywhere else." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review. **This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]/; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meet Me at Willoughby Close (Willoughby Close #2); Author: Kate Hewitt; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF @ 50% I'll be brief. I am all for setting up a story, but by the halfway mark, I am expecting things to have moved along a lot more than they have (in that almost nothing has happened), as well as having my interest held with the odd occurence, and revelation here and there... My mind is wandering and my interest waning, sadly there is just not enough I can find in a positive vein to encourage me to carry on reading. It's a shame as I quite enjoyed the first book of the series. ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Finding Kyle; Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "I'll take my chances." Stars! ITs LIVE! Purchase links: Amazon: [url] Paperback: [url] B&N: [url] iBooks: [url] Google Play: [url] Kobo: [url] Sawyer Bennett has a lot of skill when it comes to writing her heroes with a little bit of darkness in them. Kyle was no exception to this, add in that he is a bit of a grump too, and I fell for him pretty much from the first chapter. The ease of the writing and the way the story flows in this book made it one that I didn't put down until I had finished it. She has the ability to make me feel okay in this strange world. Kitty-corner to Kyles dirty-mind, grumpiness and general anti-social personality, was Jane's positive, friendly, happy-go-lucky character, and it was just a really enjoyable read, watching these two opposite characters gradually coming together as a whole, whilst discovering more about themselves and each other as the story progressed. Kyle Harding presents more than just excitement and intrigue into my ordered world. He is an absolute puzzle, and I'm enjoying the process of figuring him out. Another thing the author excels at is writing diverse and plentiful sexy times, and this couple was no exception, once Kyle decides it's on with Jane, the girl doesn't stand a chance, and I loved the vulnerability that Kyle displayed in this area in that although he knows his way around a woman and in more ways than your average guy, he is not used to navigating a woman as sweet and amenable as Jane, although it was down and dirty at times, he was also sweet and sincere in the same breath. "This isn't like you..." "What's that?" "Being vulnerable." It doesn't take long for the secrets of Kyle's past to come to the fore, and I think the fact that the author didn't wrap the final stages up of the book in a big bow of immediate "I forgive you's", and gave both characters a chance to work through everything, made the outstanding epilogue even better, because their happily ever after takes a little while to come, but it's so much better because of it. Great start to my 2017 Sawyer Bennett reads, I have high expectations for the rest of the year and her releases from it, if the standard is as high as Finding Kyle is, it's going to be a great twelve months. "I can't get enough of you." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kill Without Shame (ARES Security, #2); Author: Alexandra Ivy; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - The one that got away... Stars! The second book in Alexandra Ivy's ARES Security Series offers up as much, second chance romance, suspense , twists and turns as it's predecessor did. I really enjoyed Lucas and Mia's rollercoaster-ride of a reconnection. One thing that I am really liking about this series is the fact that although there is a small story running though the books that includes all the ARES guys to some level, each of the books so far has really concentrated on one particular guy and the woman he falls for. The author does a really good job of bringing you up to speed on things very quickly, which for me is a good thing when there is a big gap between releases. It had been fifteen years since she'd last seen him in the flesh, but nothing had changed. Lucas St. Clair and his family are classed as town royalty, so back in his teens, falling in love with the gardener's daughter was very much something that his family were un-supportive of. As their love deepened he also saw that it was starting to have an effect on Mia in her dress and actions, so to prevent her trying to change herself any further to please his family and therefore lose herself in the process, he ups and leaves, thinking he was doing the best thing for them both. Not so much in Mia's opinion, so when he strolls back into her life fifteen years on, after a picture of her is found on the body of a mutual friend, she is less than happy to see him. He wanted her bothered. And hot. And aching. And willing... But it doesn't take long for them both to come to the conclusion that the time apart and years between them have done absolutely nothing to quell the feelings and chemistry between them. Problem is that someone is out to kill Mia, and Lucas and his brothers from ARES are determined to get to the bottom of the reasons why and the who is behind the threat. Which, let's face it, isn't the most conducive situation for a man to try and woo back the woman he let down so badly previously. "If you get yourself hurt I'm not going to be happy..." "I love you too." I really liked these two, Mia is no shy retiring wall-flower, and she stood with Lucas when it came to investigating everything that was going on around her. The fireworks that inevitably crackle when an Uber Alpha male and a sassy, independent woman collide were very much apparent, but I loved the softer center you get to see from Lucas, as he tries to repair the damage his leaving did to their relationship. "I need to protect you." "I've been taking care of myself for a long time..." "Too long. I want it to be my turn." Another great addition to the series, everything is tied off for Lucas and Mia's story. The situation with Hauk and his stalker is still very; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All I Ask (Man Enough, #1); Author: Nicole McLaughlin; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - Live a little... Stars! All I Ask is the first book in Nicole McLaughlin's new Man Enough Series. I loved the authors previous series; Hearts & Crafts published under the name Nicole Michaels, so I knew I was in for a treat when I started Reeve and Emily's book. Nicole is a writer who manages to take the standard romance tropes and turn them into a fresh and vibrant story. "There's more to me than just a good time." All I Ask is in essence a rich girl, bad boy romance, although if I am honest there wasn't much bad to be found when it came to yummy Reeve. The guy had his secrets but he shot from the hip from his first meeting with Emily, while she kept the major information as to who she really was from him, pretty much until she was caught out. "How many opportunities did you have to tell me about yourself." I will admit that omitting the truth on Emily's part for such a large part of a story-line is something that generally grates on me after a while, and I did start to find Emily's constant internal 'now's not the right time to tell him' mantra towards the end a little cowardly (hence the .5 star deduction, but in general I really liked this couple together. "Want you with me, on top of me, inside me..." That-said, I pretty much devoured this book in one sitting, you have to be enjoying what you are reading for that to happen, so my niggles aside this was an absolutely stellar start to what I expect to be another extremely enjoyable series from this author. Even better news is that book two; Along Came Us, is due for release in June, so not long to wait at all. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maybe I Do (Whiskey and Weddings, #1); Author: Nicole McLaughlin; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 2.5 - A man was never going to be her everything... Nicole Mclaughlin starts her Whiskey and Weddings series with two commitment-phobes who are attracted to each other and not sure what to do about it. So I am going to keep this review brief, because while I generally enjoy this authors work Maybe I Do didn't really work for me for several important reasons. Mainly, I found the chemistry between Dean and Charlotte almost non-existent. The lengthy rambling inner monologues on their pasts and personal insecurities, and their feelings on pretty much everything just bogged down the flow of the story in general. Which in itself also took far too long to actually get going with any real development for a large part of the first half, which was surprise because this is something this author usually pitches perfectly. Unfortunately, I also struggle with irrelevant/over-the-top ex drama in my books, and it comes from both sides in this one, for me it was too much and really didn't add much to the plot or help with my already waning enjoyment of the story. I liked Charlotte and Dean separately but they were pretty bland together, even the flirting came across a little stilted, and the constant internal references to their past relationship woes became extremely repetitive. Great set-up though with the Stag Brewery being the main location for a lot of the book, but I just found everything reminiscent of other romances I have read based around weddings/wedding planning, but for all the wrong reasons. That won't stop me wanting to read the next book Maybe This Time due for release early 2018, I just hope that it is pared back a bit to reduce the internal rambling and overly lengthy explanations for things I didn't really need in depth knowledge on, oh and 100% less ex drama would be a great plus as well. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Bite (Realm Enforcers, #5); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "It's time to end this..." Stars! The fifth and final book in Rebecca ZanettiaEUR(tm)s Realm Enforcers series, finally gives us Beauregard aEUR~BearaEUR(tm) McDunphyaEUR(tm)s story. I was really eager to start this book after the events of the previous two, but it was also tinged with a little sadness as it is the last book in this series, as a spin-off from the original (and the best) Dark Protectors series, the author has more than delivered in the romance, suspense, action and sexy-times departments. And although I havenaEUR(tm)t gotten along with every Heroine that has been introduced in this series, it has still in general been another absolutely stellar reading experience. "ThereaEUR(tm)s no need for such languageaEUR|" "Baby, you definitely picked the wrong shifter." Wicked Bite is probably my favorite of the five, and that is mainly because we finally get to know who is behind the Planekite and Apollo, production and distribution, and because of the absolutely adorable Bear himself. "I didnaEUR(tm)t become alpha of the Grizzly Nation because of my roar." Not a huge amount I can say about the story-line of this one, you need to have read this series from the beginning to get the full impact of everything that is going on, and a massive plus for me is the inclusion of a whole host of previous characters from the Realm and the Coven Nine. Her scent. Her mind. Her spirit. She called to him, and he was tired of denying itaEUR| The love story between Bear and Nessa is played out in RebeccaaEUR(tm)s typical way. With a sassy, independent female, eventually submitting to the big, bad, growly (literally in this instance) alpha male. But I have to say Bear was something just a little bit special, and he took me back to the feelings I have with my never-ending Kayrs love affair. "I need to tell youaEUR| IaEUR(tm)m fine with a couple of secrets or a little intrigue, but you lie to me and youaEUR(tm)ll be sorry. Tell me you get me." Loved this series, absolutely adored this book. I hope the author has other ideas to keep returning to the Dark Protectors & Realm Enforcers universe in the future, because I am really, really not ready to say goodbye to these characters. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saved by Darkness (Darkness, #6); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Will you fly with me..?" Stars! The sixth book in Katie Reus' Darkness series, finally gives us dragon/demon shifter Ian McCabe's story. I have been dying to find out more about this guy since we were introduced to him a couple of books ago. ITs LIVE! #kindle [url] #Nook [url] #iBooks [url] #Kobo [url] And as expected, Katie didn't disappoint, Saved by Darkness was as enjoyably roller-coaster as its predecessors, and the reconnection after fifty years apart between Ian and Fiona was played out around another really good suspenseful story-line. "I made a promise..." As you would expect if you have read the previous books from the series, a lot is going on in this book, with quite a few POVs thrown into the mix to make sure you are given the story from all sides. I liked that Ophelia the Stavros Pack's healer and young wolf shifter Gray played a little part in its telling as well as getting lots of involvement from all of the usual characters that I have come to love from reading the previous books. She couldn't walk away from him again. Her heart couldn't take it and she didn't think his could either... There were reasons for Ian and Fiona's original separation, and as they start to talk to each other more about the intervening years, they both realize that a lot of what they believed to be true of the other is actually down to the manipulation of the truth from Fiona's family. We travel to another Hell Realm in this one as well, and I love that although from the authors imagination I never struggle to visualize the places she takes her readers too. I adore this series, I have adored every book that has come from it so far, and I cannot wait for more, and hopefully soon! ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Walk of Shame (Love & Other Disasters, #1); Author: Jennifer Dawson; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Maybe it's fate..." Stars! Walk of Shame is the second novella by Jennifer Dawson I have had the pleasure of reading, and I have to say I am starting to get a little author crush! I really liked Ashley and Christopher's coming together, older woman and younger man is usually a trope I enjoy and the author used that aspect of their relationship perfectly. It wasn't overplayed, but had a relevance to Ashley's initial reluctance to see anything more than a one night stand as a possibility with Christopher. Since men are my drug of choice, and the source of all my poor decisions, there's really only one place to start. I'll need to take a vow of celibacy... As luck would have it though, they both unexpectedly end up at the same hotel in Belize, him for a conference, and her to make a few decisions about her life, and the vow of celibacy she took prior to getting settled soon becomes a bit of a problem, when Christopher starts to show her exactly what kind of guy he is, and that he definitely isn't just looking for one night with her. I could love this girl someday. And I think she could love me back. Quick, sexy, a little funny and a whole bunch of enjoyable, I devoured this novella, being the first in the author's new Love & Other Disasters series makes me all sorts of happy too, and I cannot wait for more books to be released. Jennifer Dawson gives great voice to her characters and this novella just highlighted that for me again. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Legend (Sons of Texas, #3); Author: Donna Grant; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "One fight at a time." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US aEUR" [url] Amazon UK aEUR" [url] B&N - [url]... The third book in Donna GrantaEUR(tm)s Sons of Texas series, finally gives us Wyatt LoughmanaEUR(tm)s story. The Legend, picks up where its predecessor left off in that, Owen and Natalie are still holed up on the family ranch, and Orrin, Owen and Mia are all out trying to track down the Scientist involved in the production of Ragnarok the bio weapon that could literally change the face of civilization, while trying to stay one step ahead of The Saints and all of their affiliated villains. "The odds are stacked against us." "ThataEUR(tm)s just how I like it." Wyatt and Callie have been simmering away together since the Loughman brothers returned to Texas to search for their father, this is a couple with history, in that two months spent they together pre Wyatt leaving the ranch for a Military career have left indelible marks on the both of them. "When you left I was still a kid. IaEUR(tm)m a woman now." Something Wyatt tries to ignore and Callie wants to forget, being stuck in close quarters with each other though, Callie starts to realize that Wyatt isnaEUR(tm)t as ambivalent towards her as he would like her to believe. For years heaEUR(tm)d keep the memory of a girl alive, but now, the woman was in his arms. A woman who stole his heart with a smile. A woman with a fiery spirit who laughed in the face of overwhelming oddsaEUR| There are lots of POVs in this one, and it is so worth it, because you get too see everything that is going on from all sides of the coin. I have to say I think this is the best book of the series so far, Donna has now set the scene, all of the characters are now well ingrained into the readers brain that you just get stuck into the story as soon as you start reading. The action picks up in this one as well, more so in the second half of the book, but I actually felt like the plot was finally moving along whereas it felt a little stationary in the last book. This wouldnaEUR(tm)t be a quick battle, but a long waraEUR| Although Wyatt and Callie have a lot of fences to mend between them, the book was definitely more focused on the bigger picture this time, a lot of questions were answered, vengeance was served to a few of the villains as well, and we also finally get the family reunion that I have been hoping for since the beginning of book one. But, there is no way that this can be the last of the series, there are still huge questions left unanswered, Orrin and his sons have a massive score to still settle with The Saints as well, and although I cannot find any information on-line about further books, I hope that they are not long in coming, if this is the last book, then; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spring Beginnings (Millie Vanilla's Cupcake Cafe, #1); Author: Georgia Hill; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Everything I need is here." Stars! Spring Beginnings is the first book in Georgia Hill's new Millie Vanilla's Cupcake Cafe trilogy. Told entirely from Emilia 'Millie' Fudge's perspective, the first part gives you are great introduction to the seaside town of Berecombe and its inhabitants, mainly Millie's friends and Cafe customers. "You are delightfully and gorgeously old-fashioned." Easy to read, low on drama, I had a few giggles with the antics of secondary characters; OAPs, Biddy & Arthur and the author covers all age demographics well, with teens Zoe & Sean taking an active part in the plot too. The heart of the story being Millie, her blossoming relationship with the dashing if elusive Jed, and her fears over possibly losing her cafe when a national chain opens up a coffee shop in town. "You'll always mean home to me." The plot was a little predictable, not that it bothered me, the author gave me a wealth of likeable characters to enjoy, and the sweet simmer of romance between Jed and Millie, the story finishes not on a 'cliffy' as such but more of a pause in the proceedings. The stage has been set, the players introduced really well, and I am looking forward to seeing where Millie (and Jed's) story goes in the following novellas. Summer Loves the next instalment, is due in early June, so a bit of a wait, but this isn't a story that is going to be difficult to pick up again a few months down the line. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Concealed (Dark Alliance, #2); Author: Kate SeRine; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "How did we manage to get ourselves in this position..?" Stars! The second book in Kate SeRine's Dark Alliance series, picks up where its predecessor left off, it's very much full steam ahead for Will Asher's Alliance operatives, and this time we get Jack Grayson and Maddie Blake's' story. "I have never regretted anything that's ever happened between us... My only regret is letting it all fall apart." Jack and Maddie are both characters that appeared in the previous book, Maddie's sister Sarah and her son were the main focus of that story, although approximately a year on from that adventure, Maddie is now an Alliance operative having left the FBI. Jack has been with the Alliance for years, being Will Asher's best friend also means he is higher up the food chain than Maddie as well. This is a couple with a past, one they are trying to deal with as well as investigate the constant threat of an Illuminati uprising. "I will try to be what you need me to be... if you give me the chance." Jacob Stone, and his nefarious connections are still playing fast and loose in the name of the Illuminati as well, and although Will is still struggling to get the higher ups in the Alliance to take the threat seriously, both he and Jacob are on the hunt for a memory stick which provides vital information on both groups. The Russian Mob are involved, and more than a few body bags are used along the way, as well as a little tease of a woman that potentially may have more importance especially to Will in future books. "There's only so much damage a relationship can take before it's beyond repair." I really enjoyed this one, Jack was deliciously alpha and domineering, and although I liked Maddie more than her sister, she seemed to have a little of her impetuousness as well, although it was not as annoyingly disregarding as Sarah's was at point's. This is a couple trying to salvage a relationship whilst fighting for their lives, as well as the bigger story playing out and expanding around them. "Don't let me go..." "...Never." This series is definitely one that has got legs to run for a while, there are still a few operatives within the Alliance that we know little about who could feature as leads in future books. The threat from the Illuminati has just stepped up as well, so lots and lots of potential in my opinion. I cannot find any information about a next book or its release date but I hope its sooner rather than later. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wild Kisses (Wildwood, #2); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I have no doubt I'm exactly where I am supposed to be." Stars! The second book of Skye Jordan's Wildwood series, gives the second Hart sister her HEA, although it takes a little time and self-discovery for Avery to get there. I won't lie, I have been itching to read Wild Kisses from the moment I discovered that the book was going to give us more of Trace Hutton. The guy flitted through the previous book, but the author set up the intrigue about his past from the offset, and had me wanting more, and did she deliver in Wild Kisses. "This is a really, really, really bad idea." Both Trace and Avery are working at their second chances in life, Avery hot off a divorce which has left her with little in the way of possessions and self-confidence and nothing but dreams and aspirations of becoming her own boss one day, that dream becomes more of a reality when her sister gives her the family bar to renovate and turn into a Cafe & Bakery. Sometimes it felt like she'd spent her entire life alone. Trace having been to prison is working hard on getting his contracting business off the ground, in a town as small as Wildwood memories are long, judgement harsh, and rumours rife, so getting involved with Avery, who is also essentially his boss is not his best move, or in either of their interests, but the friendly banter between them soon morphs into sexy flirting, and off the charts chemistry. "I think we have a problem..." "Yeah. I guess we do." Skye blew it out of the ball-park for me with Wild Kisses this book was sexy, Trace was sexy, the sexy when they were together was mega sexy, and I really liked the story-line that the author had running alongside all the sexy. Both the H/h have a lot going on in their lives secondary to the relationship growing between them, and both are dealing with issues in relation to self-esteem and confidence. It was great to catch up with the rest of the residents of Wildwood again as well. I have no real idea as to when the next book in the series is due (soon hopefully), but the author gives clues that it is likely to be Trace's brother Zane, who manages to tame Chloe Hart when she finally returns back to town from her travels, and I am looking forward to seeing exactly how he goes about it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sex in the Sticks (Love Hurts, #1); Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Why is a girl like you in a roughneck place like this?" Stars! Sawyer Bennett opens a new series, with a socialite blogger literally upping sticks to try out life in a remote Alaskan town, where the male to female ratio is about 15:1. This was an easy-going read, Sawyer took a self-confessed townie and put her in a location that you would expect her to struggle with on every level, and Valentine French did that, but with funny and sometimes unexpected consequences. "There aren't a lot of women in these parts..." Police Chief and Town Mayor Logan Burke, seems to be there each and every time she crashes and burns, sometimes spectacularly so, and what started out as an experiment to date as many Au-naturel Alaskan men in an attempt to compare them to the well-coiffed metro-sexual New York male, swiftly turns into an exercise of monogamy with the sexy, Well-hung (and wowza did he know how to use it) un-groomed Alaskan male. "I love you... But I don't deserve you." Sweetly predictable, I liked that although their initial coming together was quite 'insta' the author gave them time to reconnect after the inevitable fall out when the subjects of Valentine's blog are discovered. Quick, well-written and relatively low-drama, this was a story that I read in one sitting and didn't struggle with at all, although the books in the Love Hurts series are non-connected standalones, I hope that the author returns to the small Alaskan town again at some point as I really enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters interaction in this one. The next book; Jilted is due for release in the summer, let's hope it's as entertaining as this one was. On a side note the original cover for this one was so much better than its current one, and I have no clue as to why the guy is holding a bit of wood, when Logan is in no way a carpenter... The author seems to have a penchant for male head shots on her covers which is fine, but at least try to get them resembling the character described therein. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A New York Christmas Fairy Tale; Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Kissmass." Stars! Free on the HQN website - [url].... Love this author, James and Roxy's story although short, was beautifully sweet and tender as well. "I'm giving you my heart... If you want it." A perfect little interlude while we wait for the next book in the series to be released later this month.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New York, Actually (From Manhattan with Love, #4); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're not an easy woman to forget." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon UK - [url] I am so pleased that the From Manhattan with Love series continues into 2017, and Sarah Morgan has moved on from giving the Urban Genie girls their happily ever afters, by introducing us to the siblings behind The Bark Rangers, in the coming books. Although if we are being picky, Daniel isn't part of Bark Rangers, it is run by his sisters Fliss and Harry, that-said he isn't averse to borrowing the odd foster-dog as a part of his attempts to start a conversation with a fellow jogger, he sees in Central Park most mornings and finds exceedingly attractive. "This is New York City. There is no normal, that's why I love it." Molly who spends most of her time working at home, uses her daily jog with her dog Valentine in the park as a way to decompress and get herself out of her flat, does she notice the guy running with his unruly dog most days? Yes... But for Molly relationships are a big no-no, so when Daniel starts making inroads on getting to know her, fall-back and regroup is her default setting after each meeting. It doesn't take her long to realise, that there is something about the enigmatic lawyer and his dog Brutus that keeps her coming back to the same part of the park, and their same bench day after day. "Do you ever take no for an answer..." "Only when no is the answer I want." As their meetings move from the park into regular dating, Molly's private life and reluctance to step away from their agreed friends-with-benefits type arrangement starts to pique Daniel's interest more and more, especially as he is the one opening his heart (something he has never done with a woman previously) and letting her see everything he is and has too offer, it's clear to him that Molly isn't quite as willing to divulge all the details about herself as easily, but with his feelings growing he is prepared to take as much as she is willing to give. "Who hurt you..?" "What makes you think someone hurt me?" "You live alone, your best friend is your dog and you avoid relationships. Those are the actions of someone who has been hurt. Badly hurt. And now you protect yourself. You do whatever it takes to make sure your heart doesn't get broken again." New York, Actually would have been a five star read for me, but the one gripe I had was the massive double-standard when it came to telling untruths/withholding important aspects of yourself. This is something that I usually struggle with anyway, so it didn't really detract from my enjoyment, I am just someone who prefers the truth to come out and the couple to deal with that as they build their relationship, rather than keep the truth withheld until everyone is emotionally invested and then wonder why it all went wrong. Sarah does a great job of teasing you with Fliss and; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moonlight Over Manhattan (From Manhattan with Love, #6); Author: Sarah Morgan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I live my life in my comfort zone..." Stars! The sixth book in Sarah Morgan's From Manhattan with love series finally beings us Harriet Knight's story. I started this book with some trepidation, having not managed to finish its predecessor; Holiday in the Hamptons, and finding brother Daniel's book New York, Actually a tad lackluster compared to the first three books in this series, Moonlight Over Manhattan finally returned to the stellar quality of writing and story-line that I have come to expect from this author. "Relationships are complicated..." Harriet and Ethan's book reminded me a little of Eva and Lucas's book; Miracle on 5th Avenue in that they are a couple thrown together over the seasonal period, and are both a little lost when it comes to their personal life and connections. She was the sort of woman men wanted to help. Not the sort they wanted to help themselves too... Sarah gave me the slow build, the simmering chemistry, and the burning emotional connection that I have come to expect from her writing with this couple, and things progress between them at a steady pace, all played out around the care of a highly strung dog, meddling colleagues, friends and family. Hot he might be, but he wasn't her type at all... We get to return to Snow Crystal Resort for a catch up which I loved, and as usual the author delivered a story, brimming with seasonal magic, romance and sparkle. But I do think this series has run its course now in all honesty, and stopping with Moonlight Over Manhattan would certainly close it out on a high point. I am sure we will get to catch up with the characters we have met through the books in future stories and series' as the author always manages to crossover at points, I hope that the author has something fresh and new up her sleeve for her readers in 2018, with a different locale and lots of new characters to get to know. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: For the Night Complete Box Set (For the Night #1-8); Author: C.J. Fallowfield; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You won't regret it. That's a guarantee." Stars! I adore C. J. Fallowfield's writing, I think that is already apparent from the fact I have given five stars to each and every book I have read by her. Whether it be erotica or her more humorous lighter endeavors I am always drawn in hook, line and sinker. The For the Night box-set follows the (mis)adventures of one Logan Steel, man about town, man of your dreams, and more importantly man for-hire. Male escort I hear you say, ohhhhh but he is so much more than just that title. I won't lie I wasn't 100% sure whether Mr Steel and myself were going to get on initially, but having met him in the authors 31 Days series I was eager to get to know him on a more personal level. "You're worth the risk." Now I will be honest, I am not a huge fan of menage or multiple partners, and there is action of that nature in the process of the telling of Logan and Summer's story, and a certain amount of skimming was done through those two novellas, notsomuch that I lost the flow of what was going on with Logan, but just enough that I wasn't totally in the know as to what occurred between him, and the rest of the participants in those scenes. It didn't detract from my overall enjoyment, and I ultimately understand why the author needed to put them into the story, to show that this is a man who ultimately needs to make changes in his life, and those events were in part a catalyst for him to start reassessing his life. "You own my heart." Summer was a strong and sassy woman, even for all of her vulnerabilities and inexperience, she still kept her head when it came to the blossoming relationship between her and Logan, and her expectations of him in order for it to progress, even with his irresistible charm and charisma, she managed to stick to her guns (for the most part). This is a story that develops over years, and not in the blink of an eye, and the author excels in giving her storylines the depth and development needed for her couples to come together in a believable way, and although the attraction and emotional connection between them is 'insta' the actual building of their connection grows at a more organic rate, an awful lot happens to them singularly, and as a couple but you never have a chance to get bored because C. J. fills the page with entertaining banter, likeable characters and richly developed plots. "I'll wait for you as long as it takes." Loved it, this is an author who I would literally read anything from, she puts her heart and soul into her stories, and characters, and it shows in the stellar quality of the writing and the your overall reading experience. I think what attests to those points the most is the fact that I don't rush through her books, but even; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Safe Bet (The Rules, #4); Author: Monica Murphy; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - "Forget the expiration date." Stars! Monica Murphy returns with the fourth book in The Rules series, this is Wade Knox's story, this pleased me alot as I remember him well from the Drew & Fable days as Owen Maguire's Best friend. Most people would be insulted if you used the term nice about something, but that is exactly how I would sum up Safe Bet and I really don't mean it as an insult. Monica gave me a sweet book, with an easy-going low drama, minimal angst story-line, some great characters, and the highlight for me was getting to spend a little more time with Drew and Fable. This is the couple that I discovered this authors writing through and the One Week Girlfriend series is one I remember with great fondness. Wade Knox is a distraction I absolutely do not need. There are a huge number of film franchises out there that are having a reboot at the moment, so why not have it happen in the book world as well. Safe Bet is essentially a reboot of One Week Girlfriend granted the story is different in that Wade and Sydney's fake relationship is for publicity purposes, but the bones of what happens between them while they are faking it are pretty much the same, however it's a lot lighter on the drama content to what Drew and Fable went through (no complaint on that front from me!). This girl has come out of nowhere and rocked my world with a few choice words, a handful of touches and a kiss that's making me re-evaluate every other kiss I've ever experienced... It doesn't take long for both of them to realize that they want more than week pretending to be together, and I loved that Fable really got involved with the match-making between them both. "Don't say our relationship is phony. Not right now. This, what we're sharing right now, it's real... You can't deny it. I won't deny it either." Loved this book, it was a little different to the authors previous books in the fact it was a lot lighter in its themes, but it was just great to catch up with everyone from the other series, and get a little easy-going romance thrown in for good measure along the way. ARC generously provided by the author via SocialButterfly PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Playing the Player (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #3); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You have a lot of balls" Stars! Amy Andrews, returns to the Sydney Smoke Rugby series with book three, and the affable Lincoln Quinn's story. If you have read the previous two books, you will know that Linc is known as being somewhat the ladies' man, a label he wears with quite a bit of pride, and I must admit I do have a particular soft spot for the reformed bad-boy trope. "There aint' nothing that can keep this groin down." For the most part Amy delivered up a story that worked in that regard. The opening chapter left me with a little concern as to how the story would play out with Em because a relationship built on a bet is one that starts on a slippery slope in my opinion. "I believe in rugby and money and sex. There's honesty in those things. They're not things that involve feelings and airy fairy promises. They're things you can control, and they don't pretend to be something they're not." But as the book progresses, you quickly start to see that, that part of the story has very little relevance to the relationship that grows between Linc and Em, and is used more as a catalyst to jump-start their story. And when it is bought to the fore, the author turned it on its head rather than turn it into unnecessary drama, which I really liked too. "Guys like you don't stay." As they get to know each other on a deeper level (as well as having plenty of dirty-hawt sexy-times), you also see that there are a lot of similarities between them and their upbringings that they keep away from the public eye with their larger than life personalities. It doesn't take long for them both too see past the facade the other projects to the true person they are with though, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story as well. He'd opened up to her, shown her his hurts and his scars, and the beliefs that sprung from them. After the inevitable clash of wills, everything was wrapped up pretty quickly in this one, no huge drama's played out and nothing was overdone, which for me is a massive plus, so much so that at this point in the series, this is my favourite book from it (so far), and I cannot wait to see which Sydney Smoke player is next to meet his romantic match! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Legally Charming (Ever After #1); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 3 - "We have all night..." Stars! Lauren Smith is one of my favorite authors, her historical romances are some of the best I have ever read of that genre. Legally Charming is the first in her new Ever After series, and I suppose you would class them as modern day fairy tales, as for me Jared and Felicity's story had definite leanings towards the Cinderella theme. "You don't walk away from chemistry we have. When I touch you? It makes my entire body burn. I've never felt that way about anybody else..." I would put this story in the easy reading category, in that there was nothing to majorly dislike about it, but for me it wasn't the best I have read by this author. Everything flowed well, but the drama was minimal, even when I expected more of an impact everything just moved along nicely, and everyone was just... nice. Jared for an alpha male, was incredibly sweet, patient and understanding. Whilst Felicity was naive, innocent, and a little bit of a martyr at times. "I like you... You made me... feel. It's been a long time since anyone's done that. But if you aren't ready, I'm not going to push you." A predictably sweet, and completely 'insta' read in every respect in relation to romance and relationships, the first book in the Ever After series, offered up an uncomplicated and easy to read romance. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bossed; Author: Sloane Howell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You were definitely a surprise." Stars! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than in the discovery of an author whose writing I really gel with. Sloane Howell hit the spot for me on every level with Bossed and I am eager to read more from him in the future. Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]... You know you are onto a winner, when you are snort laughing from the first chapter of a book onwards, and the spark and snark between Jenny and Ethan, kept me entertained for the whole book. "Are we finished here..?" "I bet you hear that a lot fro the ladies." Both very strong personalities, it took milliseconds for Ethan to rub Jenny up the wrong way, and that was pretty much the theme of the story from then on in. It also doesn't take them long to realize that along with their insane verbal chemistry there is a large amount of attraction as well, an attraction that Ethan is initially reluctant to explore. A woman I was attracted to had no business working at my agency. That would only end up with one outcome... a disaster. This is one of those books that does what it says on the tin, you can work out pretty early on what the potential pit-falls are going to be for this couple in a relationship sense, but it was so well written, with whip-smart dialogue that it really didn't bother me. "We can't keep doing this. This cycle of running hot and cold. I need warm. Constant warmth..." "I can do warm." Ethan was your typical cocky and arrogant businessman, but he had the goods to back up that arrogance. Whilst Jenny stood up to him and fought her corner rather than back off and let him have the upper hand all the time, even though her needs for the pay packet her job bought in were bigger than just her own. "I can't fuck this up. I need this job..." I am so pleased to see that Kelsey and Matt (Ethan & Jenny's BFFs) are going to get a book, both were strong secondary characters in Bossed, and I am looking forward to seeing what sort of story Sloane gives them when Scored releases in May. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rakehell's Seduction (Seduction #2); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "There's no place I wish to be... but here." Stars! Lauren Smith steps back in time again for the second book in her Seduction series. I adored The Duellist's Seduction so couldn't wait too read the next story from the series. I am not a huge Historical Romance reader, but I always get a little excited when it comes to a Lauren Smith release, because although as a reader you are taken back to a day where it was improper for a real lady to get down and dirty with a gent pre-marriage, the author always delivers up a refreshing story with a feisty female lead, and a charmingly cheeky rogue ready to tame her, although the roles are generally reversed relation to whom it is that's been tamed by the end of the book. You've set the rules for our game, and I intend to win... Ambrose and Alexandra's budding relationship offered up both those character traits really well. Ambrose is known about town as a notorious ladies-man, but when he sees the name of the daughter of one of his father's closest friends in a book of wagers, he feels bound to step up and take on the bet to save Alex from a potentially worse fate. "I don't know what the future holds, but let's take it one day, one kiss at a time." Alex is no shy retiring violet though and when Ambrose turns up at her father's country estate with the intent to stay several weeks, she takes it upon herself to let him know that although her father has welcomed him with open arms, she most certainly hasn't, and with some quite funny results. I loved the little nod to the authors other series The League of Rogues, and the lengths Ambrose went to (particularly in the books latter stages), in his efforts to win Alex's heart. "You came into my life like a shooting star. That night we met... it changed me. I wasn't whole, not until I met you." I look forward to reading more inclusions to the series, they are always a great way to take a break from modern day stresses and strains. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wingman; Author: Natasha Anders; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "What do you see?" Stars! Natasha Anders isn't an author new to me, and I have been a fan of every book of hers that I have so far read, but I can without doubt say The Wingman, is my favorite. We are looking at a bit of an Ugly Duckling story with Daisy McGregor, in that she is the youngest of three, and the one that people think of last. "The pretty one, the cute on, and the other one..." Every previous book I have read by this author has featured a male lead that has been a struggle to like in the beginning, and in the main the story has been built around him redeeming himself with the lady in his life. "You're the wingman. I'm the ugly girl." This one is different in that I adored Mason Carlisle from the offset, this is a guy who comes across as a Prince (trying to be) Charming, but a lot of his efforts just fall a little shy of being perceived in the right vein. His heart is definitely in the right place, he just struggles to show it without making himself look like an idiot to Daisy a lot of the time. "Guys like you don't go out with girls like me." But the one thing that stood out for me and resonated so deeply is that this is a guy who takes absolutely no-one putting down or belittling Daisy in his presence, and there are a lot of nasty people in this book looking to do just that. In truth this is a book that on reflection I could have quite easily hated because of the mean-girl and douche-bag quota it contained, but because Mason effectively and swiftly cut every negative person off and with such great style I just loved this couple's story. "I've been the butt of someone's joke too many times to count." I basically want my own Mason, alright I won't have the expectation of him being an Ex-SAS, bodyguard/underwear model, but a guy with his personality and beliefs in relation who you treat a woman would be alright by me. "I'm not allowing you to un-invite me from that wedding. We're going. Together. Got that?" Nothing new or hugely unusual about the fake relationship story-line, but the writing was superb, the story well executed and the characterizations for Mason and Daisy made them both people that you rooted for. Both were more than their initial descriptions and their story was one I read pretty much in one sitting. He made her want to throw caution to the wind and just be very, very bad... I hope that the author has plans to give Daisy's sister Daffodil a book at some point, and I hope that Mason's brother Spencer is the man that the author pairs her with. Both of them didn't come out of this story looking particularly good and I would like to see them both given the opportunity to redeem themselves in the telling of their own story. ARC generously; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Playing With Trouble (Desire Bay #1); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: graphic, comics, romance; Review: 3 - "I can't make everyone happy." Stars. Playing With Trouble, marks the beginning of Joya Ryan's new Desire Bay series, and although well written as I have come to expect from this author. The story and characters definitely fell in the didn't love it, didn't hate it category... A decade may have passed but they were still in different leagues. This is pretty much your typical story of young woman heading off to find a better life in the big city, only to then return home with her tail between her legs some years (ten in this instance) later, when it all falls apart. Only to find that her small town community aren't really on-board in letting her back in with open arms and all past indiscretions forgotten. Top of that list being Jake Lock, the man who has essentially revived her father's business, and made it profitable. Boughman Home Goods is something that Laura believe is her birth right, and she is determined to take control, even if she actually has no idea what she is doing and risks the business and the livelihoods of the staff in doing it. They may hate each other, but deep down, she wanted him... Just like he wanted her... To be honest I found the story line for this one pretty weak, the author seemed to skim over both characters back stories and instead concentrate on sex. And there is a lot of sex in this book, not a bad thing if you are backing it up with a bit of substance in between but this couple pretty much had a loop and they stuck to it religiously - * Sex * Argue * Sex * Argue * Sex And so on, until the big fall out in the last few pages when everything was then resolved without too much fuss. My other gripe is the fact that while I loved Jake, I abhorred Laura, there was absolutely no point in this story where I felt any empathy for her or the situation she was in, she just came across as selfish, self-centered and didn't really seem to grasp that after ten years away she wasn't really qualified to just step back in and take over, after Jake was the one that had done all the hard work to keep the business viable in the first place. "I can't make up for the mistakes of the past..." And to be honest, she never really tried, which is why I think I disliked her so much, she was so focused on resurrecting her mother's Flower Shop, consideration for everyone else pretty much went out of the window. She wanted to get lost. In him. With him. For all the issues, Playing With Trouble wasn't a struggle to read, but then it's a relatively short book, but there were several secondary characters that offered up potential in relation to further books so I will be interested to see where the author goes next and whose story she decides to tell. ARC generously provided via Netgalley,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Someone to Love (Darling, VT #2); Author: Donna Alward; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Have you wondered if we're both just too damaged to do this?" Stars! The second book in Donna Alwards Darling, VT series gives us widower Ethan Gallagher's story. Oh and I forgot to mention, he's a single Daddy too! This is definitely an opposites attract sort of romance, Ethan is pretty uptight and staid, especially at the beginning of the book, and I wasn't sure whether I was going to warm to him initially as he came across as a bit of a judgey ass in the first couple of interactions with Willow. On the opposite side we have a woman who is all about calm, Zen and staying firmly in her happy bubble. Its difficult to see where they are going to find any common ground that will kick-start a potential relationship between them. "You're the first person to treat me like I am nothing special in months." Ethans little boys Ronan and Connor were a huge part of the catalyst and I loved their inclusion into the story, but you also see as the story builds, that this is a couple that have more in common than you would initially assume, it also highlights that grief comes in many shapes and forms and it is something that we all deal with in different ways. When a person stepped out of the dark and into the sun, it took a while for the eyes to adjust. I think Somebody to Love has the potential to be a book that readers will either love or hate, the second half of the story errs into an area that I think will resonate strongly with some people and probably not in a good way, it resonated with me, but I was kind of expecting it to happen very early on after a few things were revealed by Ethan and Willow, so it wasn't as much of a shock for me as it possibly could have been. That said I can see both sides of the coin, and therefore understand the different reactions that different readers will have to it. "Are we becoming friends do you think?" "I guess we probably are. Kind of an odd combo, but there's nothing wrong with that." I would call the authors choice of story direction a bit of a grey area, especially when you take into account both Ethan and Willow's pasts, but it wasn't dragged out too long, and the resolution was quick and pretty sweet in general. I am really enjoying this series, the final Gallagher brother is up next in Somebody's Baby and I just know it's going to be another winner (probably because I have already read it!). ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Little Teashop of Broken Hearts; Author: Jennifer Joyce; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Speed dating... with cake!" Stars! I seem to be gravitating to the world of chick-lit a lot in my reading preferences lately, and in doing so am noticing the trend for the heroine of the story to be the owner of a coffee shop or cafe type establishment, The Little Teashop of Broken Hearts sticks wholly to that trend, and like many of its predecessors, it was a really enjoyable read. Maddie Lamingon is our heroine in question this time, and while she loves her little eatery, being on the outskirts of Manchester and tucked down a little known side street, attracting enough custom is proving to be the main problem in keeping her lifelong dream a reality. "I'm not sure speed dating and teashops go together..." Desperate measures call for even more desperate ideas, but as it turns out the dating with cake idea seems to have a lot of merit, especially when the local press get a sniff of the story, our Maddie goes from almost on the uppers to baking sensation in the time it takes to cook and ice a batch of cupcakes. "You'll laugh about this one day." Add in a great cast of diverse secondary characters, a little sprinkle of romance, a few laughs, crossed wires and lots and lots of yummy cakes (I have been hunting out Raspberry cheesecake brownie recipes all afternoon) and this was a light and enjoyable read. Low on drama and high on entertainment in its characters and the story being told. Well worth a look if you are in the market for a stress-free, low-calorie, high one the cake descriptives read! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Protecting Her SEAL (ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights Book 5); Author: Kat Cantrell; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "You're just dating me to get to my explosives..." Stars.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cross My Heart (Hearts, #5.75); Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "Got a problem with the law, little punk?" Stars! Cross My Heart is another absolutely stellar addition to L. H. Cosway's Hearts Series. Once again the author took two polar-opposite characters and bring them together flawlessly. ~~~ LIVE on AMAZON - Kindle US: [url] Kindle UK: [url] Kindle DE: [url] Kindle CA: [url] Kindle AU: [url] ~~~ Pre-Order Links: Nook: [url]... Kobo: [url]-... Smashwords: [url]... Cross My heart will be published separately on iBooks on January 31st ~~~ Liam and Iris's story is a sweet romance, and once again a Cross, just like the rest of his brothers stole a little piece of my heart. The Cross family as a whole comes across a little 'rough & ready' but you see again that their hearts are in the right place, when homeless Iris is bought into the family fold, although Liam 100% does not see her in a sisterly light! "Why are you so nice to me?" "Because I like you. And because for some reason I desperately want to make those sad eyes of yours happy." This novella is part of the Box-Set of the previous books in the series, and it was great to catch up with the rest of the Cross contingent through the telling of Liam and Iris' story. I cannot wait to read Trevor's book, Hearts on Air which is due for release in the Spring. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forever in Good Hope (Good Hope #4); Author: Cindy Kirk; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Change starts with a single step..." Stars. Cindy Kirk, returns to the town and people of Good Hope for the fourth time, to finally give us Delphinium Bloom and Jeremy Rakes's story. Forever in Good Hope has been a book, that for this reader is a long time coming, Fin and Jeremy's story of first love and loss has been teased all through the previous three books as each Bloom sister has met and fell for her man, and I was looking forward to seeing how the author would handle their reconnection. The history she and this man shared was something forever woven through the fabric of her life... I am going to be honest and say the whole faux-engagement, faux-relationship trope for me has been done to death over the last couple of years, and while occasionally I still get some enjoyment from it, on the whole it has become a bit of a struggle. This one was very much a struggle, and I think mainly because it took a supposedly intelligent woman, and man, and turned them into liars, and they didn't really need to have been. Fin's actual fiance; Xander, was an absolute tool, and I have no idea why the author decided it was a good idea to keep that charade up as well as then bring on the second charade with her then pretending to be engaged to Jeremy to some but not all of the Good Hope residents. No one, especially not some Pompous Ass Hollywood director, could love her as much as he did. Fin and Jeremy had enough skeletons in their closet to deal with, without all the added hoopla to be honest and I kind of feel a bit miffed that this was the story they got, I understand that Grandmother Ruby's involvement was some part of the reason, but it just didn't work for me as a long drawn out plot-point. "Hurts can be healed if you start off with the two most powerful words in a relationship." On the plus, it was great to go back to Good Hope the town and it's residents are firmly ingrained now, and it was good to get to know Eliza Shaw more, and the progression of the rest of the Bloom family in general. I hope that the author has more stories to tell with this town and its inhabitants in mind as I really do enjoy my visits, the writing as always was stellar, it was just the story-line that let things down for me on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: So Wrong It Must Be Right (Gallagher & Ivy #1); Author: Nicole Helm; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "This land is mine and I ain't selling." Stars. Nicole Helm begins her new Gallagher & Ivy series with a couple that are literally on opposite sides of the fence. Problem being with that is Dinah Gallagher wants to knock down the fence, as well as the house and smallholding that Carter Trask has lovingly restored since he took over his grandmothers property. "Just because you have breasts doesn't mean I'm more inclined to talk to you." Finding out that Dinah has plans to level it and turn it into a Farmers Market as you would expect isn't an idea he is onboard with... Even when it turns out she is the elusive D he has been sexmailing with for the past eight months. The blurb for this one pulled me in, as I am a sucker for a relationship that involves a lot of texting or emailing, but sadly it didn't really play much of a part of the story, what did play a huge part and which really dulled my enjoyment was the massive overdose of Gallagher family drama. I started out empathizing with Dinah, but as the story progressed she came to be a character that I felt little sympathy for. Every word that had been amazing and beautiful still managed to pale in comparison to the reality of his mouth on hers... I think it's safe to say that as a reader this was a story that had potential, but the aspects of it I wanted to see more of were sorely lacking, I am not a huge fan of erroneous family drama, especially when it takes over a story-line and pushes a couples blossoming relationship into the background, and for me that was the case on this occasion. If you like a lot of secondary drama with your romance then I would certainly not discourage you from giving this title a go, it just didn't live up to the expectations I had of it from the blurb. ARC generously provided in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 31 Days of Summer (31 Days, #2); Author: C.J. Fallowfield; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Review for the entire series posted here! [url]...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 31 Days of Winter (31 Days, #1); Author: C.J. Fallowfield; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Review for the entire series posted here - [url]...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 31 Days of Autumn (31 Days, #3); Author: C.J. Fallowfield; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: Review for the entire series posted here - [url]...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (The Embraced #1); Author: Kerrelyn Sparks; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5 - Never touch the Beast... Stars! How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days is the start of what I am expected to be a long and extremely enjoyable reading relationship between myself and Kerrelyn Sparks. I have nothing negative to say about this book, it was my first read from the author, and what a way to start, I finished Leo and Luciana's story excited too read more from her. This is a hard book to give much of an informative review on, because of the amount of story that happens in it, there is the potential to post an inadvertent spoiler. "Something about you has made me greedy as hell. I want everything. Your love. Your mind. Your secrets. Your soul..." But what I can say is that it is like nothing I have ever read before, I was hooked from the first page, this is quite a long book by today's standards, and there wasn't any part of it where I wanted to put down my Kindle, in fact the only reason I didn't finish it in one sitting was that I was falling asleep on the sofa. "There is only one thing I need to know. And I will have the truth, understand...? Do you want me as your husband?" I loved Leo, and I loved the way the relationship between him and Ana built so steadily, there is so much going on in this story, and with Leo and Ana themselves that it just added to the anticipation of everything building between them. Ghosts, witches, shifters, elf's, dragons, you name it and it was probably in the story at some point. But I loved it, a lot is going on in Aerthlan with the Five Kingdoms, and there were a large number of characters involved in the telling of this story because of it, and I think it is indicative of how hugely skilled the author is, that not once was I confused as to what was going on and who was involved. "Keep her safe." Nothing makes me happier than discovering an author that I connect with on the level I did when reading this book, and what makes me even happier that this is an author that has a huge back catalogue for me to explore while I am waiting for the second book in The Embraced series to be released. So I Married a Sorcerer is due for release in August, and you can be sure I will be at the front of the queue to read it! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tease Me, Baby (O'Connor Family #2); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "You're a perfect fit." Stars! We return to Holly, North Carolina for the second novella in Katie Reus' O'Connor Family series. Fallon O'Connor is looking to pack up her pans and go off to Catering College in a couple of weeks... Well, until sexy Sheriff Brad Fulton puts the moves on her in her mother's pantry that is. This book had steam and sexual chemistry between its leads from the get-go, and although only a novella, the story between Brad and Fallon didn't feel in anyway rushed. "Maybe I'm not the Boy Scout you think I am." Fallon is initially reluctant to get involved with Bran, mainly because she's leaving town, but also because he is exactly the type of guy she knows her mother would pick for her. But spending time with him soon highlights that behind that carefully neutral exterior, something he needs to keep intact due to his role as town Law enforcer, is a man who is not afraid to get down and dirty and show his woman exactly what she means to him. She was everything he'd ever hoped for but hadn't known existed... Another enjoyable instalment in this series of bite-size romances, I like that you get a great story, without it taking hours to go anywhere, and look forward to the next novella It's Me Again, Baby Maguire's book, due in May. ARC generously provided by the author, and as always it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heart of Stone (Bad Things, #5); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - "It's the pretty faces that hide the worst monsters..." Stars! I love me some Cynthia Eden, and the fifth book in the Bad Things Series epitomizes exactly why she is one of my top PNR favorites. Lots of characters all with their own special something, a long-running story arc that plays out while each of the leads meet and fall for their special someone's, with lots of action, twists, turns and sexy times to keep things moving along. Heart of Stone delivered on all of the above counts, and I cannot wait to finally get my hands on Leo's book; Tempted by Fate due for release in April, YAY!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spellbound (Warlocks MacGregor, #2); Author: Michelle M. Pillow; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 3.5 - "I want time to stand still... I don't want to lose this moment." Stars. Not sure if its because I read book one an age ago, but Spellbound was a bit disjointed for me, and maybe it is because I couldn't remember a lot of what had happened previously. Loved Iain and the shenanigans he and that rest of the MacGregor clan got up to, and Jane and him together for the most part were sweet and funny. Easy enough too read, plenty of insta-goodness, kilts and giggles, and I still want to see the rest of the MacGregors get their happily ever afters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hard Limits (Bowen Boys, #4.5); Author: Elle Aycart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You're the best decision I ever made..." Stars! ITs LIVE! - Amazon UK - [url] Amazon US - [url] Elle Aycart is one of only a handful of authors for whom I will literally drop everything to read a book by. So when Hard Limits hit my Kindle, you can imagine my weekend plans went slightly awry! And it was so worth it. Nico and Paige were secondary characters in the previous book Jacked Up, although Paige has popped here and there previously in that she works with Tate in the Restaurant, but if like me after finishing Jacked Up you were intrigued about the fleeting connection between these two, and hoped that the author would give them their own story, then your wait is over because this is it, and as you would expect it's a damn fine one as well. "This goes nowhere. I'm not the kind of guy who stays... I'm the kind of guy who leaves." There is a lot going on in this book, considering its novella length, and it certainly didn't feel like I was reading a novella at the time, as you would expect being a part of the Bowen Boys series, you see plenty of interaction from the Bowen's themselves and all the previous characters that have become like extended family as the series has grown. Something about him called to her... But this is a story about a couple, that really shouldn't be a couple, Goth-girl and Escobar are two very different people, dealing with two very different life situations, one covers up their vulnerabilities and scars with ever changing hair-colour and a myriad of piercings, while the other keeps himself hidden behind a facade of cold detachment and bodyguards, that is until the night the bodyguards aren't around, and the enemy strikes... Gah! This book was hot, sweet, sexy, surprising and in parts funny. The author as usual delivered a story that gives you a couple dealing with some pretty deep issues, but surrounded them with a cast of entertaining and well-loved secondary characters that kept everything moving along. I loved Nico and all his alpha dominance, Paige more than stood up to him, and the ending just kept me on pins, I am not ashamed to say a few tears were shed as well. You literally go through the wringer with them, but it is worth every second of your time. "The only way out now is in a body bag..." This is an author that delights, surprises and always keeps the reader on their toes, she writes sexy the way most authors only wish they could, and she isn't afraid to get down and dirty with her couples in all respects, and it makes the stories she gives them all the more enjoyable because of it. I spend a lot of time waiting for reading material by Elle Aycart, but she always delivers and its always worth the wait. "Never ignore your gut. Ever." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was as it always is, an; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hearts Series; Author: L.H. Cosway; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "Got a problem with the law, little punk?" Stars! Cross My Heart is another absolutely stellar addition to L. H. Cosway's Hearts Series. Once again the author took two polar-opposite characters and bring them together flawlessly. ~~~ LIVE on AMAZON - Kindle US: [url] Kindle UK: [url] Kindle DE: [url] Kindle CA: [url] Kindle AU: [url] ~~~ Pre-Order Links: Nook: [url]... Kobo: [url]-... Smashwords: [url]... Cross My heart will be published separately on iBooks on January 31st ~~~ Liam and Iris's story is a sweet romance, and once again a Cross, just like the rest of his brothers stole a little piece of my heart. The Cross family as a whole comes across a little 'rough & ready' but you see again that their hearts are in the right place, when homeless Iris is bought into the family fold, although Liam 100% does not see her in a sisterly light! "Why are you so nice to me?" "Because I like you. And because for some reason I desperately want to make those sad eyes of yours happy." This novella is part of the Box-Set of the previous books in the series, and it was great to catch up with the rest of the Cross contingent through the telling of Liam and Iris' story. I cannot wait to read Trevor's book, Hearts on Air which is due for release in the Spring. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Somebody's Baby (Darling, VT #3); Author: Donna Alward; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I'm not sure you and I will ever be just friends..." Stars! The next book in Donna Alward's Darling, VT series; Somebody's Baby gives the third and final Gallagher brother his happily ever after. Vet, Rory Gallagher, is what you would affectionately call a serial dater... That is until Oaklee Collier brings an injured dog to his clinic one evening. There is just something about this series that has just pulled me wholly into it, I think a lot of it is based in the fact that Donna has delivered characters in each book that as a reader you just cannot help but like and empathize with, even in the times they are acting against what you as a reader can see as being best for them. Rory and Oaklee's story is based around the classic and beloved 'Older brothers best friend' trope, only Oaklee's brother is no longer in town, and Rory no longer see's her as his annoying little sister. "I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be compatible..." So what starts out non-relationship with frenemy leanings, built initially around the caring of a destitute dog, gradually morphs into something more as they both admit that they are more than a little attracted to each other. "Damn, but you're beautiful when you get riled up." You gradually see through the time they spend together that both of them are inherently lonely. Rory hides a hurt from his past behind his cheeky persona, and the fact he avoids relationships may not just be because he is scared of commitment. Oaklee, has pretty much lived for work since returning to town, so the introduction of Buster the dog to her life, followed by regular interaction with Rory (someone who she has had a crush on for years) brings about all sorts of emotions and feelings that she has long kept buried. And while Buster the dog is unashamedly working his way into her heart and bed, Rory is doing the same thing but a little more cautiously. "I hate being alone. I have the loneliness and I'm so goddamned afraid to ask for anything more..." "Why?" "Because it hurts. Because it's not real. And in the end, you're left standing alone surrounded by a world made up of couples and lovers, and wondering what the hell you did that was so wrong, that made you unloveable." I think Somebody's Baby may just be my favourite of the series so far. The author in all three books has managed to bring the drama to each couples story, but keep it relevant and not overdone, but this book, gah! I was in floods of tears at points, but they were happy tears, even though my heart was breaking for them as a couple at the time. Again Oaklee and Rory are both characters you can't help but like, although at points you also want to bang their heads together as well. We have three single Gallagher sisters still waiting for their stories to be told, and I hope that the author and the publisher; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises; Author: Kellie Hailes; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "There's only enough room in this village for one coffee machine..." Stars! Another day, another enjoyable read based in and around a teashop. This time it's in the sleepy country town of Rabbits Leap, and our owner Mel, has got a bit of a problem with town Publican (and ladies' man) Tony. "There's not a girl in the world who could make me settle down." See Mel's business like Tony's is struggling, The Bullion is approaching bankruptcy and Tony is desperate. After their initial falling out, Tony feeling a bit guilty attempts to rebuild a few bridges, and ends up agreeing to pretend to be Mel's fiance, when her mother (un)affectionately known as Hurricane Val blows into town. "Think of yourself as a little mystery that I would like to solve." As you would expect manic and mayhem ensues as the pair attempt to keep up the ruse, especially as the town as a whole are just as surprised at their engagement as Mel's mother is. But our pair find that working together to resurrect the pub, as well as keep Mel's coffee shop ticking over builds a friendship, and offers revelations about their pasts that makes them both start reassessing the whole fakeness of their relationship. "Don't be angry for me. Or sad for me. Just be here for me..." Although still a relatively light read, there was a depth to these characters, both of them are trying to move on with their futures while still holding onto baggage from their pasts, and through the course of the story, each of them reveals a little more of themselves to the other, you start to see that the facade they have for the public is definitely not the full picture. And while one is ready to embrace the newfound feelings and connection between them, the other allows the past and their fears of rejection to push them firmly away. It was time to embrace a life full of colour. To not let her past darken her future. I pretty much read this book in one sitting, for me that is high praise in itself. The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises looks to be the first book by Kellie Hailes, I hope to read more from her in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling for the Bad Girl; Author: Nina Croft; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "You're the enemy. You always will be." Stars! Nina Croft begins her new Cutting Loose Series in stellar style with Falling for the Bad Girl, a copper and an ex-con were never hotter together. This story hits the ground running and doesn't really stop until the end. Regan Malloy has just been released from prison after three years inside for a crime she did commit albeit under false pretenses. Who should be part of her welcoming party when she steps outside the gates, none other than her natural enemy Detective Sergeant Nathan Carter, the officer who put her away in the first place. "You're always going to think the worst of me. Always going to believe I'm not good enough..." I think the thing that made this book one of the best Brazen titles I have read by this author is the fact that although they are burning up the sheets pretty much from the get-go, both of them have really good back stories, it gave added depth to the instant connection between them, and in the latter stages for the reasoning as to why things went the way they did. His body was telling him once was not enough. While his mind was telling him that no amount would be enough, and he should run the hell away from her before he got in any deeper. Regan's two friends and also ex-jailbirds; Summer and Darcy both look promising too with the glimpses you are given to them while her story is playing out and I look forward to reading their books. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach; Author: Kat French; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - There was something about Villa Valentina that felt... magical. Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]-... Kat French epitomizes pure reading perfection when it comes to her chick-lit-contemporary titles, I had hugely high expectations for The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach, and she delivered, and then some. Take three women, all at a crossroads in their lives, and all for different reasons, stick them on an out of the way Greek Island, and watch them flourish while getting to grips with the running of a Bed & Breakfast, while meeting and getting to know various other islanders, and this was just joyous reading escapism. "You will stay. Skelidos does that to peopleaEUR|" I loved Winnie, Stella and Frankie, one recently unemployed, the other two coming to terms with being divorced but for different reasons. All three are suffering with confidence and self-esteem issues, and the author gave them the right plot-lines to pull themselves back together again, with the aid of a lot of the Islands specialty gin, women after my own heart in that respect. "IaEUR(tm)d have had you down as a plain white girl. Hot pink lace was a shock." Nothing was overdone in this story, the drama when it occurred was necessary, the resolution usually swift and well-played out, the characters all developed at their own speeds, with some getting their stride back faster than the others. Winne was the mainstay in this story though and her relationship with ornery artist Jesse, just kept me reading. Another character I just fell in love with, Kat gives good hero and Jesse, Mmm mmm just hit all the right spots! "If you ever have to run, run to meaEUR|" I could gush on, but this is one of those books that you need to read to understand just how awesome it is. Kat took three women, gave them all their own voices, and shortcomings, added in an entertaining cast of secondary characters and put them on the island of your dreams, with lots of Gin! I may have mentioned that before, but being a G&T aficionado myself, it just made me smile with how much weight everyone on the island placed on their own special version of it. "Some people, they just seem to shineaEUR| YouaEUR(tm)re one of those people." If you hadnaEUR(tm)t already guessed, I absolutely adored this book, it wouldnaEUR(tm)t be summer in the UK anymore, without a read from Kat French to bring out the sun! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kiss Marry Kill (Iron Clad Security, #1); Author: Sidney Halston; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Keep her safe..." Stars! Sydney Halston opens her new Iron-Clad Security series, with an enjoyable second-chance reconnection romance, with an added dash of stalker suspense thrown in to keep things moving along. Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]-... Megan Cruz and Jackson 'Jax' Irons, have come a long way in the five years since they last saw each other, one now a famous singer in girl-band TNT the other back in the US after two tours in the Military has left him scarred and bruised, both physically and mentally, now part owner in his own successful private security company. "I have to put myself between you and any possible danger... It's crazy but I can't fucking help it..." Not everyone is a fan of the past-flashback inclusions in a book, but I really liked that the author gave the reader the story of the four days they spent together in the odd chapter here and there, as the plot for the present day progressed through the book. It gave you a great insight into who they both were, and how they have both changed in the intervening years. "I'm not a mission... I'm a person." For me the main part of this story was the coming back together of Jax and Meg, and the way they worked through everything with each other, the five years they have been apart has made time for huge changes in both their lives, personalities and general outlook on things. Meg has become a stronger more confident woman, she's not the shy undecided woman Jax spent time with. Whereas Jax has lost the easy-going charm and smiles that Meg had fallen in love with all those years ago, something she hopes that will re-emerge with the more time they spend together. The bodyguard (essentially) and the pop-star at risk isn't a new story-line, especially when you add in a crazed stalker, and a few expected twists, but I liked the writing style, the sexy-times once they got going were hot, and the introduction to the rest of the Iron-Clad team made me interested too read Annie Clad's book Last First Kiss, which is due for release in August. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Black Lily (Vampire Blood #1); Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I'll see you at dusk..." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]... I think it says a lot about the quality of a book, when at around the halfway through point, you jump on Amazon and buy four more books that the author has written. That was me whilst reading The Black Lily. Juliette Cross, is an author I have heard great things about but this was my first experience of immersing myself in her vivid and visual writing. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a huge fan of well written PNR, there is nothing like leaving real life behind when you switch on your Kindle, and for me this genre is the absolute best form of escapism. Their arrogance would be their undoing... And this is what took Juliette's story-telling from great to outstanding, the locale and people of Varis were so meticulously described and developed that I felt like I was in the story with Arabelle and Prince Marius. Told from dual POV, the Vampire and the mortal give you a completely different outlook on the tale being told. She was golden in every way- hair, eyes, skin- the embodiment of his weakness... There is a definite Cinderella vibe running through the book, but whereas Cinders wanted the Prince to fall in love with her, Arabelle initially tries to kill Marius. But with all best laid plans things don't quite turn out as she has hoped, especially when she takes into account the insane attraction bubbling between them, how on earth can she lead The Black Lily in fighting against the oppression of Vampires, when she secretly wants to be first in line to offer herself and her veins up for the dark and dashing Prince. "Only you... More than blood, more than breath, more than life itself." Things only get better, with a well thought out and unpredictable plot, and the addition of an extremely well rounded cast of interesting secondary characters, Sienna, Deek and Nikolai all played integral parts, in the way the book progressed, and I would hope so see more inclusion from at least some of them as more books are released. It's not often I fall in love with an author's writing so much just halfway through the first book I read by them that I am compelled to buy more books, Juliette grabbed me by the imagination and kept me entertained right up until the end of this story, and while not left on a cliff hanger in any sense, this is more of a Happy For Now for our lead couple. I hope that the author and Entangled Publishing run with this series, and keep the releases flowing at a nice and regular rate, as I cannot wait too read more! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hard Knocks (Ultimate, #0.5); Author: Lori Foster; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Loving you makes sense." Stars! A quickie introduction to the authors Ultimate series, told around the reconnection of Harper and Gage after he returns from training for a fight that never happened due to picking up an injury. "It seems like I've wanted you forever..." Quick and sexy, this is a couple that doesn't waste any time letting each other know exactly what they mean to the other. Plenty of character introductions, and lots of potential for the following books in the series. I like this authors writing style, and will be looking to read the first full book in the series; No Limits very soon.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Her Touch; Author: Alexa Riley; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - One moment... and my world was forever hers. Stars! ITs LIVE! US amzn.to/2lGzNd6 UK amzn.to/2lcG6UZ CA amzn.to/2lLVHHM AU amzn.to/2kt822Q The girls go back to the strength of their writing with this little treat, in that we are given an alpha male, an inexperienced female, lots of over-protectiveness, a touch of drama, and an overdose of insta-goodness. Although the 'insta' happens pretty much straight away, the down and dirty 'goodness' happens about twelve months on... "I'm more beast than beauty." Eli is an injured and scarred Marine, given a room to recuperate in his Major's home, little does he realize that it is the Major's daughter Maggie, who will have the strongest effect on his recovery, not to mention his heart, but Maggie is only seventeen to his twenty-five, and an age difference like that it not something looked upon favorably by others. This is something that Eli realizes could cause them problems, so being a gent through and through, he removes himself from the situation, and therefore temptation. "This is a good moment for us... We've had enough crying. Smile for me. Light us up." Their reconnection is not without it's obstacles, but the girls didn't drag that part of the drama out which I always like, and you are also given the added bonus in that this book is a twofer, in that Maggie's dad, Thomas gets his own story told as well in a second little novella after their story is told. As you would expect this is a story that does what it says on the tin, the ladies have perfected their recipe for romance now and Her Touch offers up everything you would expect from an Alexa Riley book. ARC generously provided via ArdentPRose PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ready to Run; Author: Lauren Layne; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Even Jimmy Choo can't disguise your roots." Stars! Lauren Layne begins her new I Do, I Don't series with an opposites attract romance, when big city girl Jordan travels to the wilds of Montana, to try and lure fire-fighter Luke to sign up to be the lead in a new Bachelor type reality show. I'll be honest and say me and Ms. Layne have hit the skids in 2017, everything I have read by her so far this year has been underwhelming, underdeveloped and pretty mediocre, something that has come as a bit of a shock after years of being one of my go-to contemporary romance authors. Ready to Run is the first book I have read since the latter stages of 2016 that even remotely resembles the writing quality of the author I have come to expect. "You're little more than a vulture in heels." The story between Luke and Jordan could have been pretty run-of-the-mill frenemies-to-lovers, but the author keeps you on your toes through its telling by revealing in phases the reasons behind his three failed weddings, each woman that he at first assumptions (particularly by Jordan) left at the altar. A man who'd left three women at the altar wasn't the hero of the story... The more Jordan and Luke get to know, and start to then fall for each other the more each of them reveals about their pasts, and I liked that. This isn't a book that's all about the sex, it's an easy-going story-line that delivers more on story than bedroom antics, I liked that it wasn't rushed to be honest, bearing in mind they start out disliking each other the gradual move to admitting attraction and then to more kinds of builds as their personal backgrounds develop. There was no future for a TV producer from New York City and a firefighter in Montana. I still think the author is forgoing quality over quantity with the amount of books she's pumping out at the moment, but Ready to Run did give me hope that this is a series that will give readers more of the engaging story-lines, likeable characters and quality writing that I have come to expect from her. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hard Truth About Sunshine; Author: Sawyer Bennett; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Hope is a wonderful thing..." Stars! The Hard Truth About Sunshine is definitely a book where you need to leave your pre-conceived expectations of Sawyer Bennett's typical story-telling at the opening page. This book is nothing like anything I have read by her before. ITs LIVE! - Amazon: [url] Paperback: [url] B&N: [url] iBooks: [url] Google Play: [url] Kobo: [url] There is very little sex, so if that is what you are looking for I'd move onto your next selection, but what there is, is a story about four completely different individuals coming together for an unforgettable road trip, for some the last trip of their lives, for others the lure of the road gives them the opportunity to open up and look at themselves from a different viewpoint than before. I've known this group of people for a total of six weeks, since out first weekly group session. Told solely from Veteran Christopher Barlow's perspective. This is a book about an unhappy, angry man working his way through his own problems while experiencing the issues, emotions and revelations that the three others in the group also go through whilst on the trip. Sexy-Eyes, Goth Chick & Dead Kid all turn out to be more than the slightly callous names that he gives them upon first meeting and although he doesn't want to, he finds himself caring about all of them in his own way, some more than others, and all differently. "I think you're full of self-pity and anger, and that makes you feel justified to act like a jerk. I think the only small measure of relief you get from your pain is by making others feel bad or uncomfortable. I think you've all but given up on the potential for good to happen in your life so you're content to be mired in your anger..." This book weirdly reminded me a little of the film The Breakfast Club remove Emilio Estevez's character from the equation, and the rest of them were the faces floating through my head as I devoured this book. There are emotions a-plenty, a few tears, but surprisingly a lot of giggles as well, but what I pulled most from this story, is that even at your darkest moment's you are always going to find a source of light to guide you on your way, it is then a choice as to whether you want to grasp that light and hold it tight in your hand and heart and move on, or let it absorb you whether by circumstance or by choice. "You're a cup-half-full kind of girl... I'm a cup-half-empty kind of guy... You put us both together and we're full." This is certainly a book I won't forget reading for a long while, because for all of the sad and upsetting themes that run through it, I found it a pretty heart-warming and life-affirming read. ARC generously provided by the author via InkSlinger PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Easy Magic (Boudreaux, #5); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "I'm different with you." Stars! Book five was a real treat for me, big brother Beau Boudreaux finally meets his match, and it was definitely a case of 'opposites attract' for him and Mallory. I liked the 'I see dead people' theme because it really did highlight this couples differences. It got a little sketchy towards the end, but as usual with this author, I devoured this book, loved the catching up with all the previous characters, and cannot wait for Ben and Van's book, not too long thankfully!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Italian's One-Night Baby (Brides for the Taking, Book 2); Author: Lynne Graham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars! The Italians One-Night Baby is the second book in Lynne Graham's Brides for the Taking series. I haven't read the first book, which in no way affected my enjoyment of this book, although I am interested in doing so now, as the heroine ends up with a Desert King (one of my particularly favorite tropes). "Once met, never forgotten..." Rio Benedetti and Ellie Dixon's first meeting didn't end on the friendliest of terms. He in particular with a slap to the face and Ellie left feeling every inch of her inexperience with men. Two years on and their second meeting doesn't get off to the greatest starts either, when Rio initially believes that Ellie, has nefarious designs on his godfather. Rio wasn't the forgiving and forgetting sort... The title pretty much sums up the main trope of this story, and as you would expect with a typical M&B hero, Rio is dauntless in getting what he wants from Ellie. "Take a risk on me." I remember reading a lot of Lynne Graham's books before the days of the e-reader, and she sticks true to form with The Italians One-Night Baby, alpha-male, virginal-inexperienced-female, a little sexy interaction, and a bit of flowery prose. As you would expect there is the inevitable stumble in the proceedings towards the end, but I read this book in an evening, which is exactly what I expect to do when I am enjoying a title from this publisher. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystery at Maplemead Castle (The Chapelwick Mysteries #2); Author: Kitty French; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "All in a days work, ghostbuster." Stars! Kitty French takes her readers back to the marvelously mad world of Melody Bittersweet with the second book in the Chapelwick Mysteries series. Mystery at Maplemead Castle see's our intrepid investigator looking into the life and loves of long dead Britannia Lovell. Arty and Lois Letterman get more than they bargained for with the Castle after buying over the internet, its not until they move in they discover that there are more than just flesh and blood residents in the building. Having rented out the place to a film crew, they task Melody, and her arch-nemesis/ex-lover Leo Dark to rid the place before filming starts and the actors arrive. "You don't even need the ghosts to make you weird you do a great job all on your own..." We get the added bonus of plenty of interaction with Melody's partners in crime Marina and Artie, as well as learn more about new potential love interest/frenemy reporter Fletcher Gunn, and I like the way the characters stories are starting to develop around the investigations that Melody gets involved in. I seem to have come away with more questions than answers... I can sense the pieces of the puzzle hovering around my head like hornets and I know that this case isn't likely to get resolved without someone getting badly stung... I really enjoyed this book, the author manages to inject plenty of laughs but then in the next breath have you sniffling into a tissue, and the pure bawdy Brit humor is a massive plus for me because it just gives everything a really authentic comfortable feel when you are reading. The relationship that is building between Melody and Fletcher is starting to gather a little more steam as well, and I hope that the author actually lets the rabbit and the dangling carrot finally unite in the next book. "I don't know whether I'm coming or going with you..." "Coming. You'd definitely be coming." Another all-round winner for me, Kitty French on a bad day (and this definitely isn't one of them) is still better than most authors at their best, and I cannot wait to see what adventures Melody and the crew go on next. "You're the best friend I never had." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lila (Boyle Heights Book 1); Author: Elizabeth Reyes; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Everyone has a weakness..." Stars! My first foray into the writing of Elizabeth Reyes, with the first book in her new Boyle Heights series was a total success. I absolutely adored Lila and pretty much everyone that I met during its reading. This isn't an unknown author to me, in fact I have a large number of Elizabeth's books from her 5Th Street & Moreno Brothers series sitting on my Kindle waiting to be read, but as many a good reader has said before me 'so many books, so little time...' So making the time to read and review Lila is definitely one of my better decisions. I think what pulled me into this story from the start is that fact that Lila is the one with the anger management issues, and Sonny was just an absolute sweetheart when dealing with her nervousness around him, and in getting to know each other in general. The fact that the beginning of their relationship starts and progresses over the sharing of a large number of texts and emails didn't hurt my enjoyment either, because I am a sucker for that sort of thing. "I didn't even know what I wanted until I met you." Plenty of drama, and character introduction in this one too, but it was extremely well balanced and not overdone, and although I haven't read any of the 5Th Street books (yet), the characters from that series feature heavily in the story as the gym is where Lila works, and it left me itching to learn more about them all. Lila was sweet and sexy, a little different, with a bit of a Cinderella twist to it. There was plenty going on with the plot, and although I felt the ending was a little lacking in one way, it was also a great starting point for Lila's sister Allison's book; Beast the second book in the series has 2017 listed for its release, so hopefully we won't have too long to wait because I am all sorts of intrigued to see what story the author gives her. ARC generously provided by the author via New Adult Book Club, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Falling Hard (Colorado High Country, #3); Author: Pamela Clare; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "When you're ready... I'll be here." Stars! We return to the Colorado High Country Series, with the third book; Falling Hard. This is happy-go-lucky Jesse Moretti's story, and I fell... Hard. Oh my wow! I am absolutely in love with this series; every book the author has released has been an absolute treat. But I have to say this one is my favorite so far, there was just so much to love about the story that Pamela gave Jesse. It was his duty to have her back, not get her onto her back... Ellie Meeks returned Scarlet Springs a widow with twins on the way, it's taken her a couple of years to reach a happy equilibrium where she even feels she can entertain the idea of looking for adult company again, around caring for her kids. Jesse is more than a little interested and after helping her out when she has car trouble, their tentative friendship blooms. "I don't want to be the thing you regret in the morning..." The one thing that stood out about this story for me is the fact that Jesse is so much more than the character we have been given in the previous two books, the author literally grabbed my heart from the first revelation about him and kept squeezing with each following one that landed, I'm not afraid to admit there were a few tears shed on more than a couple of occasions with the reading of his story. "When I'm with you, all the bullshit falls away, and the answers to all the questions become simple." Ellie and her toddler twins Daisy and Daniel were an absolute joy to get to know as well, and bearing in mind as a woman she represented everything Jesse normally steered clear of in relation to his casual bed partners, I loved how the relationship developed between them in-spite of it, and casual got left behind for consumed, because they both were, with each other. "You certainly know how to bring the heat." I am loving this series, I cannot get enough of this authors writing, and I cannot wait to see who will have their story told next, there are so many characters that I want to get to know better, and I hope the author has stories in mind for all of them. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2); Author: Kerrelyn Sparks; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5 - "Don't ever leave me..." Stars! We return to the world of Aerthlan, and all its magic with the second book in Kerrelyn Sparks The Embraced series. I didn't think she would be able to top the first book, but So I Married a Sorcerer was even better. I definitely think this is a series that needs to be read in order and not as standalones. So much happened in the first book, that gave you the introductions to many of the characters in this story that you lose a huge amount of background if you don't read them in order. This book was an absolute thrill a minute from its beginning, and I absolutely adored every damn page of it. This man might believe all his secrets were safe, but he couldn't hide them from her... The chemistry between Pirate Rupert and Brigitta was palpable from the time of her kidnapping and only got stronger between them as they both found out more about the other. Both of them are not who everyone initially takes them to be, and again the author weaves the revelations into the story so that everything is gradually unveiled as the bigger picture plays out. "I notice everything about you..." This is a long book by today's standards, and I think one of the biggest compliments I can pay it is to say it didn't feel long, I got lost in the story, the characters and the world that the author has created to such an extent, I hated that it had to come to an end. Only a fool would lust after the enemy. The secondary characters make this book as good as it is, Brody is back in the thick of it and Sister Fallyn had me in fits of giggles at points. The multiple POVs give you the story from many different views as well, I just loved, loved, loved it. "Don't you know when you're being ravished?" I know I shouldn't with my life away, but March 2018 cannot come soon enough for me. Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon gives us Gwenmore's story, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beast (Boyle Heights, #2); Author: Elizabeth Reyes; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - "Everyone deserves a second chance." Stars! Elizabeth Reyes excels herself even more in my estimations with the second book in the Boyle Heights series. I loved Lila but Beast was so much more, un-putdownable, and apart from sleep and taking care of business I didn't put it down. Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] This story is more than your average bad boy meets good girl romance. Allison Rico has had a harder than average start in life, her one constant has been her sister Lila, a fighter in heart and life; she has always looked out and tried to protect her from the harsh realities of life. He was a mountain of muscles, tattoo's, and mystery... What starts out for Allison as a simple interview about work placement for newly released parolees, turns into an undeniable and impossible to ignore attraction. The first half of the book plays out side by side with the second half of Lila you definitely don't need to read it, but I found that having done so Beast answered a lot of questions that were raised in that book. Each time she was near him now, it became clearer that whatever rules, restrictions, or walls he'd put up when it came to her were slowly coming down... Allison is so much softer than her sister, but behind all that is a survivor, it's only as her and Leo start opening up to each other that you realize that her sister didn't actually manage to protect her as much as she would have her believe. As I said this is more than just a bad boy/good girl romance, so much happens between the two of them just to get to the romance aspect, but I devoured it, the anticipation, the tension between them as the resistance Leo tries to keep up starts to crumble, Allison's personality and persistence just keep you reading, especially when you take in the amount of obstacles and adversity they have to deal with as well, the story was so alluring I just absorbed each and every word of it. "What is it about you..? What is it about us..?" I am loving this series, the author gives such a great depth to her lead characters, the story-lines are crafted on many different levels so that there is always something going on, the secondary characters are relevant, I like that as this book develops characters from the previous book and other of the author's series are becoming more and more involved in the story-line in general. Nine and Drew play pivotal parts in this book two, and the author teases enough that I cannot wait for their book, I just wish I didn't have to wait until 2018 for it! "Just because you have a past, doesn't mean you're not deserving of a better future." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Can't Forget You (Risking it All, #3); Author: Rachel Lacey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I'd hate you if I didn't want you so damn much..." Stars! We return to Haven, North Carolina for the third book in Rachel Lacey's outstanding Risking it All series. I have a huge soft spot for this series, in that it introduced me to Rachel's wonderfully warm writing style and likeable characters, I have loved each and every book in this series, and have been dying to read Mark and Jessica's book, Can't Forget You did not disappoint in any way, and it was great to finally get into Mark's head, because although he has been very visible in the previous books, he has kept himself pretty closed off and out of the action. The spark between them had never completely faded... This is a couple with history, ten years' worth in that as high school sweethearts Jessica firmly believed that they would be together for the long haul, that was up until Mark enlisted and dumped her on his way out the door too boot-camp. "Maybe we should quit thinking about the past and just focus on the present." You start to find out more about his motivations regarding the way things ended between them as the book progresses, and I liked that the author didn't make this story just about that, Jessica has her own issues to deal with, and the addition of Bear the dog, gave them a secondary connection outside of their initial failed relationship. What would it feel like to come home to a wife, a couple of kids? The idea was so foreign that he couldn't even imagine it... This is a couple that both have their own issues and obstacles to overcome, especially in regards to having a healthy functioning relationship with each other. As you would expect there are highs and lows between them, but everything was spaced out really well, the addition of all the characters that I have come to know and love in the previous books gave great depth, and I just loved this story from start to finish. "I can't stay away from you no matter how hard I try..." "...That makes two of us." I hope this isn't the end of the series, there were a couple of teases of potential, possible future characters, and I hope the author is given the opportunity to explore those avenues, if she has the story-lines for them. ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Girl In The Mirror; Author: Elizabeth Reyes; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - Amor etorno... Stars! If you like your romantic suspense with a side of amnesia then The Girl In The Mirror will be right up your street. Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]-... This is the second book I have read by this author, but the first was more of a contempory romance without any real suspense aspects to it. You get a double dose of twists and turns with Maggie's story, in that the first part of the mystery (for me) was pretty easy to work out. "Don't give up on your past." The reasonings as to why the situation is as it is are less clear to decipher, but as the book progresses the author does a really good job of keeping you on your toes in relation to this in that I didn't work it out until the big reveal near the end. "You lost almost nineteen years of your life. Of course it's going to feel like you're missing something..." The bulk of the story takes place seven years on from the fatal car crash that killed Maggie Hellman's twin sister Maddie and her best friend, left with complete memory loss of her life prior to that, she offers little resistance, when her mother packs them and their belongings up and moves out of town as soon as she is released from the hospital. This had the potential to get so complicated... In those years Maggie has finished her education, become a nurse and forged new relationships as well as made new memories, but on a return visit to her hometown with her mother, to visit her sisters grave one birthday a flashback of a memory suddenly opens the floodgates of questions of her life pre-amnesia, and her friendships/and relationships too, especially after on a follow-up visit she meets Nicolas Cortez... her sisters supposed long-term boyfriend, and someone she never knew about. "You can't make this shit up." The rest of the story in particular the second half, becomes a little bit of a cat and mouse game with Maggie trying to chase down her memories by returning to places that were important to her and her sister, and with each new flashback/memory more question marks are raised as to who she was before the accident, and how her relationship with the Cortez brothers figures into her and Maddie's past. This is a story that I would put in the roller-coaster category, its more mystery/suspense than real romance, so if you are looking for a sex-fest then probably not the one for you to read at this point. But if you are looking for a skilfully crafted story, with lots of twists and turns to the plot then I would recommend that you give The Girl In The Mirror a go, because it more than met my expectations. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: It's Me Again, Baby (O'Connor Family #3); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "You were worth the wait." Stars! Katie Reus has nailed it with this series of short and sexy reads based around the O'Connor siblings. It's Me Again, Baby, gives the reader Maguire's story, and who doesn't love a second chance reconnection. This was a quick and easy romance, with a side of suspense thrown in for good measure. Samantha has returned to Holly, North Carolina after years away to be closer to her mother. Three years ago hadn't been the right time for them. Now certainly was. Little does she know that the week she spend in Maguire's arms all those years ago, meant as much to him as it did to her, crossed wires stopped the developing relationship in its tracks back then, but upon meeting the Realtor again when looking at properties, Maguire realizes the depth of his feelings, and is not letting her walk away so easily this time. She was always the woman he didn't want to lose... As I said there was a little suspense in this tale, it fleshed out the story between them and kept me on my toes, but I don't 100% think it was really necessary, but it gave Maguire the chance to flex his Alpha-Instincts so it wasn't totally wasted. No one was getting past him. As always Katie offers up a really likeable couple, great secondary characters, and an easy to read story-line. Here's hoping we get to return to Holly again in the future, I have really come to enjoy my time with in this town and getting to know it's residents. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down & Dirty (Lightning, #1); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I knew you'd come around..." Stars! Tracy Wolff starts a new series, with a sexy-hot tale of a couple from opposite ends of the spectrum coming together under unusual circumstances. I am going to be honest straight off and say that although I really enjoyed Down & Dirty, this book had the potential to be so much more, the author gave me a quick read with plenty of sexy times and good banter between the leads, but the back stories for both had so much potential for expansion that I felt a little bit let down for them that everything was so 'insta'. There was enough meat on the bones of this book, for it to have had a lot more depth than it was given. "Did you just take the money." Hunter and Emerson worked well together, the rich, famous, sports-man and the poor, out-spoken, artist struggling to make ends meet by working in real estate. Their initial meeting had me laughing at my kindle, and the resulting adventures in house-hunting proved to be of the smut-alicious variety. She's got a mouth on her and fuck if I don't like it... Hunter's back story proved that he wasn't just an over-sexed, over-payed jock, while Emerson's highlighted that she wasn't just looking for a rich man to pay her way life. "I don't drink with me who get me wet." This was an enjoyable albeit low substance read, the author set up things well enough that I can see more than a few books being added, with the rest of the San Diego Lightening players that were introduced in the telling of this story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost Rider (Coming Home, #1); Author: Harper Sloan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - I was lost once... Stars. Lost Rider, introduces the reader to the Davis family of Pine Oak, Texas. Town royalty if you will, and the first book gives us retired bull-rider, Maverick Austin Davis' story. "I'm not sure if everything I've been chasing-everything I've lost-is worth knowing what I've been missing..." This is the first book I have read by Harper Sloan, I have however seen a lot of positive reviews for her other books on my Goodreads feed, so I started Lost Rider, with high hopes. And I would say that in part some of those hopes were met, the first 30% of the book started with a bang, was well written and with plenty of relevant conflict. Ten years away from town, has rung an awful lot of changes for Maverick Austin Davis, as well as those he left behind, so his return is met with mixed emotions, especially those of the girl he left behind, and not in the most auspicious of ways. "I can't fix the past... I can't erase it, no matter how hard I wish I could. Hell, I can't even promise that I'll ever be able to forget it... The only thing I can do is to make sure that each day I live is worth somethin', from this day forward." Leighton Elizabeth James is not only Mav's little sister's best friend she is the woman that has loved him since they were both kids, to say she goes through the emotional wringer in this one would be an understatement, Mav's return to town opens up old wounds, and as he starts to explain his past and reasons for leaving to her in more depth, even adds to them as well. I think the main problem I had with Lost Rider, is the fact that the bulk of the story played out in the first third of the book, the rest of it basically comprised of Mav telling various people about what he went through as a child and the full story as to why he left. This is something that he went over and over again with Leigh and then his siblings Clay and Quinn. There were lengthy speeches, long paragraphs of inner monologue that were quite repetitive and didn't really offer up much more than had already been covered. It reminded me a bit of an old episode of Dallas lots of high drama, over-the-top characterisation, but very little depth or development, the author pretty much took one trope and wrung every last drop of writing from it. Once the big reveal had happened early on very little else happened, it was broken up by the odd sexy time between the main couple, and a lot of irrelevant rambling monologues. I knew she was it for me... if I admitted that, I wouldn't be able to get out... The writing was pretty decent (even if there was too much of it), but for me there were large chunks of this book that could have been cut out or pared down, I; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In Skates Trouble (Chicago Rebels, #.5); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "The guy's as hot as puck." Stars! This novella is initially being released as part of the Hot On Ice Anthology, and you can pre-order a copy here - Amazon - [url] iBooks: [url] B&N: [url] Kobo: [url] In my humble opinion, In Skates Trouble is worth the cost of purchasing this box-set alone. The story between Ford and Addison didn't really feel like a novella to me, it was well rounded the characters well developed, as well as a good set of secondary characters to flesh out the story overall. "Leaving so soon. Mr. Eavesdropper?" Older woman, younger man is always a trope I enjoy, and the author delivered it up perfectly, yes the difference in age was mentioned but it wasn't the mainstay of the story, the fact that Ford's boss was Addy's ex-husband had more of an impact on the relationship, and due to how things proceeded between them, Ford actually came across as the older person on a few occasions. "The exchange of phone numbers is the best way to prevent the further exchange of bodily fluids..." Plenty of sass, snark, and one-liners from both sides, as you would expect from this author, but once again she managed to bring emotion to the story, with the ghosts of Ford's past. "You're staring..." "...You're stunning." Another reason to grab this anthology at its crazy cheap release price, is that this sweet and sexy tale is also the prequel for Kate's new Chicago Rebels series, and on the strength of this novella I am all sorts of excited to read more from it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dark Alpha's Lover (Reaper, #4); Author: Donna Grant; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Then I met you..." Stars! The fourth book in Donna Grant's Reaper series finally gives us Fintan's story. The quiet one of the group has definitely got more about him that we have seen so far, and it was good to get into this Fae's head. And I liked that his story was very focused on him and the woman he falls for Cat Hayes; a Halfling herself, she is dealing with the loss of most of her family through Bran's Dark Army, but the reasons as to why he has directed his attention on her are less than clear at the beginning of the book. A Reaper couldn't do his job if his thoughts were on others... I liked that the story between the Reapers and Bran played out a little bit more in the telling of Fintan and Cat's coming together as well as the author giving a little bit more on the changing feelings between Erith and Cael. Although relatively shore books there is certainly a lot packed into them. "I've never seen a fae like you..." "Because there is no other like me." I am really enjoying this series, I must admit the little glimpses you get of characters from the authors Dark Kings books is making me want to delve into their stories as well, but there is definitely more to come for the Reapers and their battle with Bran, with Eoghan's capture still very much unresolved, and the unmatched men still to meet their women as the bigger picture plays out. I can't find any information as to when the next installment of this series is due for release, I hope that it isn't too long a wait as it has really got some momentum going now and I am looking forward to seeing how the author plays everything out in the last few books. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Take to the Limit (Unbroken Heroes, #4); Author: Dawn Ryder; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Honor..." Stars! The fourth book in Dawn Ryder Unbroken Heroes series; Take to the Limit finally gives us Bram Magnus's story. This is a series I have read from the beginning ,and you 100% have to have done so to understand even a small percentage of what happens in this book, to be honest I struggled in parts because the space between releases is making it a bit difficult to remember everything that has already gone on. That said a few villains finally get their just desserts in this one, and Bram finally gets his girl. She was everything pure, everything his hands were too dirty to touch. I won't lie I get a bit of an uncomfortable cringe on my face when I read a romance where one or both of the characters have previously been involved with their current lovers sibling(s) on the same basis in the past. Bram on this occasion has boffed both of the Sondors sisters, starting with in-your-face professional Cheerleader LeAnn, before deciding her more homely sister Jaelyn is the one he actually wants. "I'm not a good guy..." If you have read the previous books in the series you will know that there is so much going on with multiple POV's telling the story, and because of that the whole sleeping with sisters pretty much one after the other wasn't given much gravitas or page time to be honest which in equal parts I was glad and frustrated with. LeAnn was a tad miffed to begin with and then it all kicked off with the bad guys, and she suddenly changed character completely and decided to stop being all about herself and become more 'family' orientated. "You don't scare me... that's the problem. You make me want to throw a gauntlet down just to make sure you know how much I refuse to be scared by you." Didn't really ring true to me if I am honest, I also thought the whole handling of the withholding Bram's Letters to JaeLyn while he was overseas, was left to slide. Me personally, sister or not I would have knocked her out for doing such a thing. I also would have liked the author to have included some of the letter into the story, it would have helped deepen a somewhat weak connection between our H/h. "I came back for you." What I really liked was getting to see all of the previous couples and how their relationships have progressed since the beginning of the series, I have a huge soft spot for the Hale brothers so seeing them happy and settled made up for what I felt was a luke-warm main couple in this installment of the series. "You don't know me... Not really." That said this was still an enjoyable read. I do believe this series is on its last legs though, presidential hopeful Carl Davis is very much due his just desserts now, and I hope that the author doesn't drag it out over more than a couple more books. As previously mentioned; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drakon's Prey (Blood of the Drakon, #2); Author: N.J. Walters; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "I'm keeping you." Stars! The second book in N. J. Walters Blood of the Drakon series brings us Tech-Wizard; Tarrant Cooper's story. He featured pretty heavily in the first book so it was good to see deeper into this Drakons psyche. I really enjoyed this story, considering about 90% of it plays out in an underground bunker, it surprised me as to how well the author pulled me in. He was half human, half dragon, too. But he was all drakon... I think a lot of it was because the chemistry between Valeriya and Tarrant was combustible from the get-go, and I loved the dynamic between them considering both their backgrounds and families put them on opposite sides of the fence, with trust being a very limited commodity for most of the story. His dragon coveted her... The man wanted her. My only gripe and it is a small one is that although the relationship between Tarrant and Valeriya went off at a steady clip, the bigger story involving the Knights of the Dragon didn't really move along at all, you are given multiple POV's in this one which helped keep all of the players active in the story, and a few more of the villains were knocked off the list, but there was very little in the way of revelations, or development in that area of the plot in Drakon's Prey. She was dangerous to him. Made him weak. She also completed him and made him invincible. I loved the inclusions from Ezra and Nicodemus, and it was great to be kept up to date with Darius and Sarah, I can only hope that everything moves along a bit more in the next book. I cannot find any information as to who the book will focus on or when it is likely to be released, but I hope once again that Entangled Publishing and the author decide that sooner is better than later to keep the series momentum moving along. "This is war." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Great Escape (Dilbury Village #2); Author: Charlotte Fallowfield; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - That wasn't just perfect... It was everything. Stars! Charlotte Fallowfield returns to the village of Dilbury for the second book in her outrageously funny series, and The Great Escape didn't disappoint. Its LIVE! Amazon UK - [url] Amazon US - [url] If you haven't read the first book in the series; Never The Bride I urge you to do so, although this book can totally be read as a standalone, you are introduced to Georgie and the rest of the secondary characters in this book in it, it also gives you more back ground on her overall, and part of that book actually runs concurrently with some of this one as well. Sometimes a girl had to have her priorities right and stand up for the things that made her happy... Georgie's story much like its predecessor started off a giggle a minute and didn't let up until the end, but it also had its sweet, heartfelt and grab-your-tissues poignant moments too. After a long period of drought, I was dating and I was in lust. Life suddenly felt good again. We are once again presented with a hero that you cannot help but fall in love with in Weston Argent, won't lie his surname is one I didn't love because it reminds me of a certain UK reality star whom I am not a fan of, and for the first half of the book I had trouble shaking his image from my head whenever it was mentioned. However I digress, I still loved him, because once again the author only gives you the bare bones of his background initially to keep you guessing, and as you discover more about him you start to realize what an absolute sweetheart he is being in relation to the lengths he is prepared to go to, in order to keep his relationship with Georgie moving forwards. He was tender, caring, compassionate, and funny one moment, then withdrawn and distant the next. I kind of worked out where the conflict was going to come from in the second half pretty early on, and again I'll be honest and say that I don't 100% think the punishment fitted the crime, but that's just me and only my personal opinion. But if a man went to the lengths that Weston did to maintain a relationship with me, I think my initial reaction towards him would have been the same as Georgie's, but I don't think I would have left it the way she did after a certain pivotal moment occurred a little further along in the story. I can however understand why the author took it the direction she did, an again within the bigger picture of their story it didn't massively detract from my enjoyment of the book. "Trust me, I'm a doggie professional." I love this author's writing, even with a few minor niggles, her stories are still better than a huge amount of the traditionally published chick-lit books I read nowadays. The stories are always fresh, thoughtful, well planned and entertainingly delivered. You; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: It Happened on Love Street (Everland, Georgia #1); Author: Lia Riley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Hypothetically..." Stars. Lia Riley takes her readers to the town of Everland, Georgia, for the first book in her new series of the same name; It Happened on Love Street. Everland, Georgia wasn't your everyday sort of place... I am a huge fan of the small town romance genre, in series form this is one of my greatest joys to read because when written well you are introduced to and get to know and love a plethora of recurring characters as the stories develop while giving you individual characters their own happily ever after with each additional book. And on that front Lia nailed it, as with my review tag hypothetically this was a great story. "In theory you're a good kisser..." "Let me experiment a bit more... The initial results are promising." I liked Pepper even though she was a bit back and forth, as well as being a total martyr to her family, and I loved local vet and romantic interest Rhett Valentine, the parts when they were together were sizzling with chemistry and witty conversation. But for me and the reason for the mid-range rating was the fact that, their story at points get lost with long rambling inner monologues about unrelated things, It felt a little like the author had remembered a funny story and was desperate to add it to the story, and sometimes going off at a tangent to tell the tale worked, but at other points it just pulled me out of the book, and I lost focus on where the characters were actually at in the story itself. "I do miss... feeling." My other issues, and this isn't new, it's something that always bugs me is the whole familial issues that Pepper then deals with in the second half of the book. I am, and always have had a huge loathing for erroneous or over the top secondary familial drama especially when the family members in question, are portrayed in such a way that means they seem less than worthy of having so much time end energy spent on them by the hero or heroine of the tale. This was so the case on this occasion and it took a little sparkle away from the parts of the story I enjoyed. "You're not a fan of dogs are you?" Still, the writing is excellent, the pacing (if you take out the unnecessary rambling) was pretty good, I liked the town and people of Everland, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series; The Corner of Forever and Always, when it releases in September. ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cleat Chaser (The Cleat Chaser Duet, #1); Author: Celia Aaron; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: DNF @ 50% I have read and liked both authors separately, and know the style of writing they offer, so the smut, innuendo and over the top characters weren't a surprise, but you need to add a story into that mix to keep it entertaining. I didn't mind Easton and Kyrie, but they were totally overshadowed by the secondary characters, all of which I disliked intensely. I am all for tongue-in-cheek humor with my romance, but I just cannot find anything I like enough about the story to make it worth my time to finish it. That-said, I would happily read more by both these authors whether together or separately, this one just wasn't my cup of tea.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Taking a Chance (Whisper Creek, #6); Author: Maggie McGinnis; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: DNF @ 54% I took a chance, and sadly it was a waste of time. I have had mixed luck with this authors books of late, the last few sadly being misses, but this one was so far past the mark it wasn't even a blur on the horizon. Over halfway through the book, and absolutely nothing had happened and I really mean nothing, the author was that thin on plot she threw in kittens just to while away a chapter, where nothing apart from that happened either. It was a wasted visit to Whisper Creek sadly, because I have generally managed to find something positive in all of my past visits but I have got absolutely nothing this time. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Panty Whisperer (The Panty Whisperer, #1); Author: Sloane Howell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 2 - I want you to remember every inch of me... And you will. Stars. Short and full of cheese, not much else to say really.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Edge of Craving (Primal Instinct, #0.5); Author: Rhyannon Byrd; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: 4 - Angels don't yearn for monsters... Stars! Great prequel novella for the beginning to the Primal Instinct series. I love me some PNR and I cannot wait to start book one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Baby Bombshell (Shadow Creek Montana #2); Author: Victoria James; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I came back for you..." Stars! Victoria James for me is an author that manages to take the ever present tropes for romantic fiction and make them into something special. The second book in the Shadow Creek, Montana series again took an old and well-loved second-chance story-line and gave it a new deeply emotional and tear-stained twist. He'd almost broken her once... He'd left her alone and vulnerable, now he was back and vowing to make things right... but he couldn't. Five years is a long time, but that is how long it has taken Jack Bailey to work through his issues, and decide to return back to Shadow Creek, having left everything and everyone he loved pretty much behind after burying his twin brother and nephew, Jack has returned with more than a few bridges to build. Mainly with his family and Lily Cookson, the love of his life, and also the woman that now wants absolutely nothing to do with him, because of his desertion all those years ago. "It's my job to win your trust back. If it takes me a year or another five, I'll do it." There are a lot of layers to this story, and what initially seems as a couple trying to reconnect after a long time apart actually turns into a whole other secondary story as it develops. There is a lot going on with this couple as individuals as well as together, and with each new revelation, the author pushed me to use more tissues. This is a book that grabs your heart very early on, and if you are a bit of a softy like myself, it just keeps getting squeezed and squeezed as things progress. "He's the guy you want to hate but just can't." I really didn't though, I just wanted to hug Jack, and shake Lily, and I think it's because of the dual POV, you are in both characters heads, and it makes everything all the more emotive. There are a lot of secrets, hurts and crossed-wires that this couple have to work through, and it was a rollercoaster of a journey for them both. Another winner from this author, and I hope that Gwen Bailey gets her book next, she figured a little in this one, and the little teasers towards the end for her potential man have left me itching to see how many tissues I am going to need for sniffling into when Victoria gives her, her story. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raw Need (Larson Brothers, #2); Author: Cherrie Lynn; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Never be afraid to hope..." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US aEUR" [url] Amazon UK aEUR" [url] B&N - [url]-... The second book in Cherrie LynnaEUR(tm)s Larson Brothers series, pretty much picks up from where its predecessor left off, although now Mike and Savannah have worked through their problems the focus now switches to Zane Larson, and SavannahaEUR(tm)s sister-in-law Rowan Dugas. You donaEUR(tm)t really need to have read the first book in the series to be able to get along with Raw Need but I think it gives you more of an insight into Zane and Rowan before they step beyond just friendship. "I get the feeling you need someone else to talk to, and I would love to be that personaEUR|" Four months on from her husbandaEUR(tm)s death, Rowan is still grieving and unexpectedly pregnant. Lead singer of rock band August on Fire Zane, has been a part of Rowans life through his music for years, getting to meet the man in person gives her a break from the reality of her situation, from a life that at times has become almost unliveable, what with a mother-in-law intent on smothering her, and no real outlet for her emotions, Rowan grabs hold of the time and contact she has with Zane like a lifeline. "IaEUR(tm)m not here to hurt youaEUR| IaEUR(tm)m not here to break your heart. I only want to put it back together for youaEUR| let me try." There are a whole heap of obstacles in this couples path, which when you take into account that initially itaEUR(tm)s only been a few months since TommyaEUR(tm)s death, emotions are still understandably raw. On the whole I think the author again managed to deal with a pretty heavy story-line without making it overly angsty. That-said I struggled to get on-board with some of Rowans decisions in the second half of the book, and at points I really wanted to slap Savannah and her mother for the pressure they put on a vulnerable pregnant woman. "YouaEUR(tm)re like a little puppet dancing on the end of their strings." But the author once again gave me a man to fall in love with, in Zane; hardened rock-star with a heart of gold, pretty much like his brother Mike, what you see is definitely not all you get with him, the guy had the patience of a saint, dealing with some of the stuff thrown his way in the second half, but through all of it, Rowan was his one and only priority and I loved him to bits for it. "The last thing I want to do is hurt youaEUR| Thing is, if youaEUR(tm)re around me, IaEUR(tm)m going to push you. I want you that much, and I canaEUR(tm)t stop." I am really enjoying this series, Cherrie Lynn excels at giving her readers men to fall in love with, although the heroines are proving a little harder for me to find as agreeable, but it does just make the Larson brothers all the more sweeter for it. Damien is up next in Raw Heat; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Date Bargain (The Wedding Date #2); Author: Mira Lyn Kelly; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You with the lines..." Stars! The Wedding Date Bargain is the second book in Mira Lynn Kelly's Wedding Date Series. Max Brandt and Sarah Cole are your quintessential friends who are denying the fact that they want more. Its Live! Amazon--> [url] IBooks--> [url] Barnes & Noble--> [url] Kobo--> [url] Google Play--> [url] That is until Sarah asks Max to help her out with a little something... Eight years have passed since this couple were last in the same city, Max used to walk Sarah home from the college library, their attraction then was strong, but back then Max believed himself to not be good enough for her. Sarah is in Chicago on a work secondment until her new role opens up in New York, determined to get rid of her virginity before hitting the Big Apple, she makes Max and offer she hopes he won't refuse. "Not sure you can hold out against a little lace and a lot of skin..." It's plainly obvious he is as attracted to her as she is him, but initially he declines. Doesn't take long for him to change his mind though once the thought of another guy doing the deed with her hits his brain cells. "I've been losing my mind thinking about you with some other guy... I can do this for you. I could do this with you, and I could do it right..." Friends-to-lovers is always a trope I enjoy, Max and Sarah have the added benefit of a great cast of secondary characters to keep things entertaining. I haven't read the first book in the series; May the Best Man Win from which I am guessing they were all introduced, but it didn't affect my reading enjoyment of this one, once I had got to grips with who everyone was. "I don't want to be some box you check off your bucket list... I want it to be good." Four dates over two weeks, inevitably stretches into more, and with Sarah being offered the opportunity of a lifetime, Max's commitment issues are put firmly in the fore. I liked that the author kept the drama between them relevant but didn't drag it out, they were a great couple together, plenty of diverse sexy-times and a few teases as to who the next book is likely to be about, which I won't lie I cannot wait to get my hands on. Luckily I have the first book in the series sitting on my Kindle ready to go, and I think it will be the perfect accompaniment to my next vacation. Mira Lynn Kelly offers up the perfect contemporary romance in my opinion, with Heroes you want to be with and Heroines you want to be friends with. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hot on Ice: A Hockey Romance Anthology; Author: Avery Flynn; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "The guy's as hot as puck." Stars! ITs LIVE! - Amazon - [url] Amazon UK - [url] iBooks: [url] B&N: [url] Kobo: [url] In my humble opinion, In Skates Trouble (this review is for this novella only)is worth the cost of purchasing this box-set alone. The story between Ford and Addison didn't really feel like a novella to me, it was well rounded the characters well developed, as well as a good set of secondary characters to flesh out the story overall. "Leaving so soon. Mr. Eavesdropper?" Older woman, younger man is always a trope I enjoy, and the author delivered it up perfectly, yes the difference in age was mentioned but it wasn't the mainstay of the story, the fact that Ford's boss was Addy's ex-husband had more of an impact on the relationship, and due to how things proceeded between them, Ford actually came across as the older person on a few occasions. "The exchange of phone numbers is the best way to prevent the further exchange of bodily fluids..." Plenty of sass, snark, and one-liners from both sides, as you would expect from this author, but once again she managed to bring emotion to the story, with the ghosts of Ford's past. "You're staring..." "...You're stunning." Another reason to grab this anthology at its crazy cheap release price, is that this sweet and sexy tale is also the prequel for Kate's new Chicago Rebels series, and on the strength of this novella I am all sorts of excited to read more from it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tracking You (Redwood Ridge #2); Author: Kelly Moran; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "We all have our handicaps... You're not mine." Stars! The second book in Kelly Moran's Redwood Ridge Series, gives us Flynn O'Grady's story. I absolutely adored Tracking You, I literally could not put it down. I haven't read the first book; Puppy Love(yet), and it in no way impacted my total enjoyment of this book, so have no worries about being able to read Tracking You as a standalone. I could quite easily write a long, lengthy gushy review about how much I loved Gabby and Flynn's book, but I would rather you spent the time reading the book for yourself. He may be deaf, but the men in this town were blind... Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, Flynn being deaf was a large part of this story, and in truth the reason I wanted to read it, but I like that the author didn't make it the total focus of the book, she used it well and in the right way, but it wasn't glamorized. He was the only guy who could break her heart, the only one who had ever been in there in the first place... The main trope was the fact that this is a couple who have both secretly crushed on each other for years, but are now wanting to take it further, yet are reluctant to risk their friendship if it all goes south. Watching her, he wished, for just a moment, he could hear what she sounded like... You can see the direction the story is going to take between the two of them pretty early on, and the dual POV worked perfectly in that you were in both their heads at pertinent points. "You're the only person in my life who never made me feel weak, yet you render me powerless..." I loved Flynn's strength that hid a layer of sweet vulnerability. Although Gabby is protective of him, it wasn't in a smothering way, their friendship already gave the relationship the depth it needed, so the sexy-times just added to the chemistry bubbling between them even more. "You were there..." Loved it, so much so I grabbed the first book in the series from Amazon, and I am absolutely dying to read the next book New Tricks, which is due for release in September, this is widower Drake O'Grady's book, and it has the potential to be another out and out winner. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ain't He Precious? (Sex and Sweet Tea, #1); Author: Juliette Poe; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - My first love... My truest love. Stars. ITs LIVE! Amazon: [url] B&N: [url] iBooks: [url] Google Play: [url] Kobo: [url] Juliette Poe aka Sawyer Bennett brings readers a new series Sex and Sweet Tea; set in and around the town of Whynot, Carolina, population 3,872. First up is Trixie Mancinkus; town lawyer, and general all round good egg. Her story is very much a second-chance reconnection, when she summons her first love and high powered big city Lawyer, Ryland Powers to town to help her with her current case, the eleven years they have been apart melt away in an instant as soon as they set eyes on each other again. "Ain't you a sight for sore eyes..?" To be honest there isn't a huge amount I have to say about Aint' He Precious?, it very much falls into the 'didn't love it, didn't hate it' category, this is a couple with history which meant we got to the love and sex pretty quickly, it was very much low-drama and we were introduced to the rest of the Mancinkus family in the telling of their getting back together. I missed having him around more than I realized... Dual POV gives you the progression from both sides, and we even get a few side chapters where family matriarch Pap Mancinkus gives his octogenarian take on things... "You were born to live here. This is where you're supposed to be." Being novella length there wasn't a huge amount of depth to their story, but then their pasts were already there so it wasn't hugely needed, the rest of the Mancinkus siblings were also bought into the tale, and I am sure they will all get their own books at some point in the future. The authors writing was its usual easy to get along with style, I just missed the spark of continued interested that I usually feel when reading her books. The only man I've ever given my entire self to-heart, body and soul... It you have a couple of hours free and you are looking for a stress-free easy to get along with read, then this one fits that bill perfectly. ARC generously provided by the author via InkSlinger PR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Storm; Author: R.J. Prescott; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Defy the odds." Stars. The Storm is the first book that I have read by R. J. Prescott, although it heavily features characters from her previous two books The Hurricane and The Aftermath. Although I would agree that this is a book that can easily be read as a standalone, there were certain characters and aspects of the book that happened without much explanation or real development to them, which I think may be attributed to it being dealt with in more depth in the previous books, Liam and Albie's inclusion in the story for one, to me it came completely out of left-field without much preamble, and I just found myself wondering while reading if this was because the build-up to their revelation was played out previously to Kieran and Marie's book. Also the jump from friendship to something else between our main characters was quite 'insta', and again I got the feeling it was possibly because their beginnings had played out already. "One day something or someone, will make the sun come out, and you'll smile again." You have to love a book that has you in tears from its prologue, and I got a few odd looks while on the train I can tell you, so following on from that I had high expectations for fighter/trainer; Kieran 'The Storm' Doherty and seamstress/wedding dress designer; Marie 'Irish' Kelly's book. "Hold onto your knickers, Irish. There's a storm coming." And on the whole it was an enjoyable enough read, no arguments from me that the author can write well, and put a cohesive and easy to read story-line together, my three star rating is more to do with the fact that from the first few paragraphs I could pretty much guess exactly how their story would play out, and apart from one small twist towards the end everything played out as expected. But Kieran was sweetly attentive, and Marie likeably amenable to his considerable charms, so it wasn't a struggle to read the book. "I think I've finally met my match." I really enjoyed the interaction and inclusion of the wealth of secondary characters in this one as well, the banter between the guys was spot on and I liked the familial feel and camaraderie to it all, a few giggles were had in the telling of this story, as well as a few more tears shed in getting to its end. "My hero..." "...Always." I would certainly be happy to read more from this author in the future, I just think with the wealth of fighter type romances out there now, you need to offer up something different to the normal tropes to make the story stand out, and although there were a few twists and turns in its telling, nothing really new or unusual stood out about The Storm to take it from enjoyable to unforgettable. ARC generously provided by the author, via the New Adult Book Club in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Forbidden To The Playboy Surgeon (Mills & Boon Medical) (Paddington Children's Hospital, Book 2); Author: Fiona Lowe; Genres: romance; Review: 4 Stars! We return to Paddington Children's Hospital for the second book in this multi-author series. This time it is author; Fiona Lowe's turn, and I absolutely adored the story she gave Aussie trainee-surgeon Claire Mitchell and sexy but out-of-bounds Neurosurgeon Alistair North. The entire female staff of the castle might think the man was sex on a stick, but not her... Except that's not quite the truth, Claire finds Alistair just as hot as the rest of the staff, but as he is her boss, and she is struggling to keep her head above water in the last few months of her training the last thing she thinks she needs is to be getting involved with the man who could make or break her career. "There's a lot to be said for spontaneity..." Trouble is, Alistair finds Claire just as attractive, and after an unplanned kiss, which then follows onto an unplanned weekend together, they enter into a secret no-strings arrangement. Although the no-strings aspect seems to disintegrate pretty quickly as their feelings (although denied) deepen for each other. "Stepping out of your comfort zone every now and then makes feel alive." As it turns out Claire isn't the only one keeping secrets, and I liked that both characters were dealing with their own vulnerabilities, there is nothing I like more than reading a couple falling in love, before they even get to the point of realizing that is what has happened themselves, and the author delivered up their story perfectly. I really enjoyed this book, and the epilogue actually bought a little tear to my eye. I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in the series. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Boss's Nine-Month Negotiation; Author: Maya Blake; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars! I love a good romance with the amnesia trope thrown in, The Boss's Nine-Month Negotiation also had the added treat of an unexpected pregnancy as well, so this was a story I did not struggle to read. "When your memories return I hope you will give me a chance to offer up my better qualities and plead my case on any faults you find..." I really enjoyed Maya's writing, although initially you would assume that Sienna is the vulnerable of the two, what with being pregnant and to a man she doesn't fully remember, it is actually Emiliano who is the one that you end up seeing more vulnerability from as their story progresses. "Everything you crave, you only have to ask for and it'll be yours." There are a lot of layers to this story, not just the aforementioned, but Emiliano family and Sienna's lack of one as well. I liked them both as characters, and I loved the way the amnesia gave the reader a chance to see the other side of Emiliano, because for all his alpha-demandingness, there was also a sweet and considerate guy to be seen as well, especially in the latter stages of the story. "I'm all yours..." "Si... you are." A really enjoyable read, and I hope that we get to see more of the Castillo family, especially Emiliano's brother who I believe could also do with his own Happily ever after. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Deputy (Men of Marietta, #1); Author: Heidi Rice; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "This is your stop." Stars! Heidi Rice starts of the new Men of Marietta series in exceptional style; Tempting the Deputy gave me everything I wanted and then some, when it comes to my Contemporary Romance requirements. Logan Tate and Charlotte Foster couldn't be more opposite if you tried, one a free-spirit, go where the flow takes her and her camera, while the other a Part-time Deputy, Part-time Rancher, full-time rules and routines kinda guy. She could spend a lifetime photographing this place... From their first meeting they rub each other up the wrong way, so having her as an unexpected roomie for the following weeks after she comes up with the idea of photographing a Nekkid First Responders calendar to raise money for an important charity endeavor in town things get all-sorts of complicated, especially when they both realize that what they first though was annoyance with each other actually turns out to be crazy-hot attraction. "Your lip action is impressive..." But Charlie isn't one for sticking around, and Logan can't do anything but, so they decide a roomies-with-benefits sort of deal is the best way to go. As you would expect, things start to change when emotions come into play, but will Charlie put her commitment fears aside and stay the course when the calendar and its photographs are done... For the first time in forever, she had no desire to move on... I haven't had much luck with Tule Publishing releases of late, so have been giving them a bit of a wide berth, but when I saw a new series set in Marietta, Montana was on the schedule, and that authors like Heidi, Kate Hardy, Jeannie Moon and Kaylie Newell were involved I couldn't stop myself from giving it a try. Heidi delivered, yes this isn't a story-line that will blow your socks off with surprises, twists or turns, but it was beautifully written, and Logan still has a few unresolved issues, some of which I hope to see dealt with in his brother Lyle's book; Flirting with Fire which thankfully is up next and without a break in the reading proceedings. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sugar & Gold (Dreamcatcher, #2); Author: Emma Scott; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - Find the sunshine..." Stars! Emma Scott does it again. The second book in her Dreamcatcher series; Sugar & Gold grabs you from its prologue and keeps you in its grip until you have finished the epilogues. Once again the author gives her readers a book where your typical boy meets girl has so many more layers to it. Emma Scott doesn't do mediocre, and Fiona and Nikolai's story is special in so many of the ways in which I have come to expect from this author. I'd had the ken for as long as I could remember, and spent years going back and forth between hopeless resignation, and the raging urge to know what or if it had a purpose... Two lonely souls come together in a nightclub, pretty standard you say. What makes is special is the backgrounds they are both closely guarding. "I don't stay... It's not what I do." Two connected souls agree to a few nights of commitment free sex, nothing unusual there you say. What makes it special is the connection they forge, and the peace that each gives the other in dealing with the demons they are so fiercely trying to keep hidden. "Let's just have this time... No pressure. No promises..." A few nights of companionship has the opportunity to turn into so much more when both of them admit that they don't want it to end, I've read that before you say. What makes it special is the way the rest of their story plays out, and the authors beautiful delivery of it. I dealt portions of this book out to myself like medication, 25% increments over a four day period, Emma work is like my reading crack, and I wanted to nurse the high her books give me for as long as I possibly could, it still wasn't long enough, and the comedown as always is a total bummer. I giggled, I cried and as usual felt like I'd been on an emotional roller coaster at the end of it. The author keeps you on your toes with this one, and I loved each and every minute of it. "You keep surprising me..." "In a good way. I hope..?" "In the best way..." Now it's back to waiting, for the next release, the next adventure, the next fix, I am jonesing already! ARC generously provided by the author, it was, as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest (and somewhat gushy) review. **This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews. [url]/; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flirting with Fire (Men of Marietta, #2); Author: Kate Hardy; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "No regrets and no consequences." Stars! Book Two in the Men of Marietta series; Flirting with Fire gives us Lyle Tate's story, a man fond of calling the ladies 'Sugar' had me giggling regularly at his sweetness! Ladies man and general good-egg Lyle had me eager to read his story after his inclusion on the first book of the series, his waxing and naked photo-shoot escapades added a few laughs to the story-line his brother took the lead in. But the hints were also there that there is a lot more going on behind the smile with this guy, and I think on the whole Kate Hardy managed to do him justice. "This is just getting something out of our systems. It's not going to last. It's not even going to mean anything." The author essentially had the opposite character traits to deal with in this book as her predecessor. Emily Foster is in town to check that the man her sister has fallen in love with, is not just after her money, Logan and Charlotte were the subjects of the first book, and whereas she was free-spirited and he the buttoned up one, we reverse that trend with Lyle being the life and soul, and Emily the glass-half-empty personas this time. Their chemistry again goes from dislike to hot and heavy pretty quickly and again we are left wondering if one of the Foster sisters is going to stay the course. She wanted all of him. The strength of the firefighter, the fearlessness of the smoke jumper, the tenacity of the rancher, the sweetness of the singer... All of him. But for me it was the pasts of the Tate brothers that kept me reading because both Logan and Lyle have a lot of shared past between them, and most of it hasn't been discussed. I was itching to get to this part of the book because essentially you are looking at two alpha males both trying to deal with things that they went through as kids, and still beating themselves up for their own perceived shortcomings, I was expecting tears, but I didn't totally get there, mainly because it was dealt with a little too quickly for this readers liking, hence the fact the book was rated half a star less than it's predecessor. "I don't make promises." That-said, the first two books from this series have both been read in one sitting, and I have really enjoyed both of them, cannot wait to get my hands on the next book; Daring the Pilot, it's time for the elusive Jonah Clark to give up his secrets. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whatever You Need (The Haneys, #2); Author: Barbara Longley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "It took a fire to make it happen." Stars! Whatever you Need, is the second book in The Haney's series. This is the first book I have read by the author and it can absolutely be read as a standalone. He was six foot two and twenty-five years old, yet he blushed like a little girl over just about everything. Worse, he mostly clammed up or mumbled when anyone he didn't know spoke to him... It sucked to be him. The blurb was 100% the reason I chose to read this book, I am always looking for a character to be a little different from the standard ones you generally get in your contemporary romances nowadays and Wyatt Haney ticked that box perfectly. Shy Hoodie Guy was adorable from the start to the end of this book, and was the main attraction for me, because I struggled to warm to Kayla and her 'lead him along until I'm ready' behavior for most of the book. His mission - and he had chosen to accept it was to wear down her resistance. Don't get me wrong, I understood her issues, in fact the author went ot great lengths and on many occasions to ensure the reasons for her being gun-shy about relationships were fully covered, so much so that it got a little repetitive in the latter stages, especially when it was all then resolved by one specific outburst. This for part of the story, was a woman raising a child, whilst acting like on herself. "No more avoiding." But for all of the above gripes, I still really liked this book, the Haney family as a whole is a solid unit, Wyatt's brother Sam has already had his story told in What You Do To Me; the first book (which I have already one-clicked from Amazon too read as soon as I can). Wyatt himself stole this story and made it what it was though, and I thank the author for giving us a dual POV so we were able to get in his head, and see exactly how certain things affected him as the story progressed. "You're like chocolate which happens to be my kryptonite..." If you are looking for an easy going, predictable, sweet and PG-13 low-drama story then I think Whatever You Need sits proudly in that bracket, yes I had a few issues with Kayla's characterization, but her son Brady made up for it, and Wyatt stole my heart and the show in general. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Daring the Pilot (Men of Marietta, #3); Author: Jeannie Moon; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Just like old times..." Stars! We return to Montana for the third book in the Men of Marietta series; Daring the Pilot. Best friends little sister is a trope I love to bits, so it wasn't a struggle to settle in with Jonah Clark's story. Jeannie Moon stuck to tried and tested tropes with this book, and the story was all the stronger for it. Jonah and Keely haven't seen each other in ten years and upon her return to town and his first meeting with her after their time apart, it is clear to him that the geeky Science Girl he once knew is now all grown up, and whereas her teen crush on her brothers best friend wasn't reciprocated, the attraction is fully mutual now. She'd been a little in love with him since she was ten years old... I liked the fact that the drama was well paced and not overplayed in this one, the excuses for Jonah's reluctance to appear in the calendar seemed a little weak to me, but to be honest it was the story playing out between him and Keely that I was more interested in anyway, so it wasn't a major problem in the scheme of things. "We're in trouble aren't we..?" "...Big trouble." Another easy-read that I pretty much devoured in one sitting, this series is turning into an absolute winner from Tule. Kaylie Newell's offering Falling for the Ranger is up next and I cannot wait to read Todd Harris' story when it releases in a couple of weeks. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Summer's Lease; Author: Carrie Elks; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - The rich movie star and the impoverished writer... It would make a good story. Stars! ITs Live! Amazon US -[url] Amazon UK - [url] It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Carrie Elks' writing, so learning that there was a whole new sparkly series on the way, it's safe to say I was beyond excited. Summers Lease is the first book in the The Shakespeare Sisters series, and the author delivered the all-round enjoyable read that I have come to expect from her writing. The Shakespeare sisters were like flowers scattered in the wind... None more so than Cesca, while her sisters Kitty and Juliet are living their lives in the US and her other sibling Lucy in Scotland, she is drifting from dead end job, to unemployment, to new digs with unerring regularity. Six years roving from one dead-end opportunity to the next. She believes due to the actions of one man; Sam Carlton, now a Hollywood A-list actor. "You have the theater in your blood, yet you have been running away from it for six years..." After her fist theatrical production bombs, mainly due to the loss of its lead Actor (Carlton) Cesca has lost the inspiration for writing. Pretty much forced to travel to Lake Como to house sit for some friends of her Uncle; Cesca settles in to try and recover the creativity that has lain dormant for so long in the picturesque Italian surroundings. Little does she know that the owner of Villa Palladino is the mother of her arch nemesis. So you can guess how well their reintroduction goes when he unexpectedly turns up with his own ideas of spending some time under-the-radar at the Villa, especially when its obvious that initially he has no idea who she is. Had he done this..? Been the one to steal away her happiness, her hopes, and her big dream? The thought was like a black cloud in his mind. No wonder she hated him so much. Enemies-to-lovers, is one of my favorite tropes, and the author handled the animosity from Cesca towards Sam really well, there were a few moments where I really wanted to just shake the pair of them, especially with a few added hurdles along the way, making their path towards love and happiness less than smooth sailing. "I can't go back and make up for what I did, but I can fight for you... I'll do whatever it takes." This book was like a bag of cinema popcorn, salty in parts, sweet in others, and then at points the perfect mix of the two. Carrie set up the series well with this opener, in that you are introduced to all the Shakespeare family, but not enough that you aren't left guessing, as to where their stories may take them. With a Richard Curtis worthy ending and a really great epilogue, I cannot recommend this read highly enough to add to your summer reading list. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review. **This review will; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Falling for the Ranger (Men of Marietta Book 4); Author: Kaylie Newell; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "I'm not America's sweetheart anymore." Stars. The Men of Marietta series rolls onto the fourth book, Todd Harris is up next in Falling for the Ranger. I have devoured this series so far, in that I read each of the previous three books in one sitting they were that good. Unfortunately, I knew it wasn't going to be the same with Todd and Molly's book in that it has taken me twice as long to read as its predecessors. Sadly, fell a lot short in relation to those stories, and in almost every area. "You're not my type..." Something was off with this couple, I felt virtually no connection between them throughout the whole book, their back stories were sketchy and the author offered little depth or development in that regard. Which in turn made it difficult to find much to like about either of them especially when Todd's fall-back was judgey aloofness, and Molly's was sarcasm and to cut-and-run, there was no real empathy felt for anything they went through because of it. "Would you do it all over again?" I still think this series in general is one of the strongest I have read from Tule Publishing in a long time, but the whole purpose of the Men of Marietta series has been giving stories to the men involved in the production of the First Responders calendar to aid the renovations to Harry's House and that was very much an afterthought in this book, with Todd's photo-shoot being dealt with and cleared away in a couple of paragraphs, yes it was sort of responsible for the big falling out between our pair, but to be honest I think you could have used anything and it would have worked, because it was pretty obvious that the issue of trust was going to be the tipping point for these two right from the beginning. Author new-to-me, Patricia W. Fischer is up next with the final book of the series Burning with Desire I have been eager for Kyle Cavasos' book since book two, so I am hoping the author gives him a story that he deserves. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blue Hollow Falls (Blue Hollow Falls #1); Author: Donna Kauffman; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "I wasn't expecting you..." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US aEUR" [url] Amazon UK aEUR" [url] B&N - [url]... Donna Kauffman begins her new Blue Hollow Falls series with some serious style. Sunny and SawyeraEUR(tm)s story, grabbed me from the start, but a large part of my enjoyment also came from the introduction of so many likeable secondary characters as well. The author does it so smoothly that itaEUR(tm)s like being acquainted with and getting to know people that you grasp pretty quickly are likely to become lifelong friends, with each new book that is released. And all of this story is told around the rebuilding of a derelict Silk Mill, which in itself added even more unique qualities to the locale. But itaEUR(tm)s not just the silk mill that gets rebuilt, itaEUR(tm)s also the gradual building of a family. It was comforting to know she wasnaEUR(tm)t alone and, at the same time, made it that much harderaEUR| Sunny, discovering that she has a ten year old step-sister she didnaEUR(tm)t even know about is pretty much the catalyst that keeps the plot moving alongside the Silk MillaEUR(tm)s renovation in Blue Hollow Falls. A town that is hours away from her home, but one that becomes a second home to her when she finds out that along with her new sister Bailey, she has been bequeathed part ownership in the mill and surrounding land. Maybe even the biggest sacrifices were worth itaEUR| Initially sheaEUR(tm)s looking to off-load, cut and run back to her life in D.C. But town stalwart Addie Pearl and ex-wife of her know deceased absentee father, takes Bailey under her wing, dragging Sunny initially unwillingly along with her. But with the mill and the people of Blue Hollow Falls she finds a peace and stability that has been missing from her life, and it doesnaEUR(tm)t take long for her to start looking for excuses to spend more time there. It doesnaEUR(tm)t hurt that Sawyer Hartwell, who has been like the son Addie never had since early age, is giving good vibes, rocks a tool-belt and is a general all-round (hot and sexy) nice-guy. "YouaEUR(tm)re complicatedaEUR| Doing anything about you, much less with you, would be beyond complicated." The development of Bailey from the quiet, introverted ten year old little girl who has spent her formative years in the foster care system, into the quirky, happy child as the story progressed was also something that kept the feels on the emotional level, her and Sawyer together at points literally bought tears to my eyes. "I can make you one promise that I know I can keep" "What is that?" "That I will always be honest with you." This is really the beginning of the building of a non-blood family, it seems that most of the residents that we are introduced to in the telling of the story are transplants from elsewhere as well, and all of them definitely have their own stories just begging to be told too. Seth Brogan is up next in the Christmas novella; The Inn at; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in London; Author: Heidi Rice; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I think you're about to make my year..." Stars! Daring the Bad Boy, was another absolute treat of a read from Heidi Rice, I am starting to realize that this is an author I need to pay more attention to going forwards. What starts out as a potential, sexy one-night Valentines dare, and one time hook-up between Photographer Cal Landry and Art teacher Rosie Smith, turns into so much more, after a bit of unplanned life modelling for him, and posing for naked photographs for her takes place. I loved Cal off the bat, and Rosie's moxie even though initially Strawberry Daiquiri fuelled was a great match for him. "If he doesn't have a huge willy and know exactly what to do with it, I'll eat my tits." One night turns to two, and whereas Cal initially thinks he can keep their meetings strictly emotion free, something about Rosie and the way she sees him, has him opening up and revealing more about himself than he has ever done with a woman before. Their hookup didn't feel entirely casual anymore... This was a quick, funny, sexy read. Plenty of plot to get your teeth into, and the drama was well balanced among the sexy-times to keep things interesting. Heidi seems to excel at this sort of read, and I cannot wait to read more from her soon. "That wasn't oral sex... It was more like oral nirvana." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Weekend with Her Bachelor (Bachelor Auction Returns Book 3); Author: Jeannie Moon; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 "You've bought yourself a doctor..." Stars! Another great return to Marietta, for the final book in the Bachelor Auction Returns series. Gavin and Ally's second chance reconnection was a quick and relatively drama free read. I think what I liked most was the book mainly focussed on them and there was very little outside interaction apart from that the start and the end. He was her first crush, her first dance, her first kiss. Gavin was her first everything... One thing the story also highlighted beautifully and without getting annoying is that a relationship always works better when you are communicating with each other, but then if they had been good at that this book would have been a whole other story! It's pretty much always a pleasure to return to Marietta, Montana, and I look forward to visiting again soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Talen (Dark Protectors, #7.9); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Baby, you can bite me anytime." Stars! Talen Kayrs... just the name gets me a little bit... damp. Its Live! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]... Rebecca Zanetti hit all the right girly parts when she gave her readers the tall, dark and deadly, alpha-vampire at the beginning of the Dark Protectors series, and over the twenty-five years that the series covers to get to this novella, my love for the guy that blossomed from his first introduction in Fated has never waned, I don't think it ever will. The Realm is now supposedly at peace, and Talen and Cara decide its high time they take a little sun and relaxation in Hawaii, their journey to sun, sea and sexy-times as you would expect is anything but clear-cut, and this little novella gives the reader a further Kayrs adventure as well as giving you the opportunity to catch up with a few characters from the series. "You should never run from a Vampire..." "Why not?" "We can't help but chase..." The chemistry between Talen and Cara is still there between them in spades, and I have to say reading this novella, made me want to go back to the beginning and read the series again. "My soul is yours..." If you are a fan of this series, you will not be disappointed, and like me I am pretty sure you will be left desperate for more from the Dark Protectors series as a whole, I don't think I'll ever tire of it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Until November (Until, #1); Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: DNF Big fat no from me, by the time I gave up the dog was the only character I actually liked. Writing style is a little clunky, and it just felt like a big ole Maddox Brothers rip off to me. The amount of over-the-top drama already thrown in has pretty much killed my interest Mum sleeping with her Fiance, Shes been attacked, Asher allowing other women to hit on him because none of it has really had any decent explanation or reason for it given. Having now seen other reviews Likening it to another author's work whom I am also not a fan of, I think it's safe to say it's best we part ways now. I am in the minority though so do not let my review deter you if you are looking to read the book. Decent premise, but I need to at least like a character or two, to be invested in their story.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Shadow Sister (The Seven Sisters #3); Author: Lucinda Riley; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "It was written in the stars..." Stars! The third book in Lucinda Riley's Seven Sisters series brings the reader Star D'Apliese's story. The title sums her up pretty well actually, as so far in the previous books she has really been The Shadow Sister. This is a series that as a reader I would class as one that requires commitment, none of the books so far have been what I would call quick read, and all require a certain level of investment in time and concentration. I love that the author takes any given story and draws the reader back in time, and then mixes historical fact with pure escapist fiction. "At some point you must do what's right for you." Star's journey to understanding more about herself and her past takes the reader back to London of the early twentieth century, where her ancestor Flora MacNichol, has a series of adventures that include the likes of the then Kings Mistress Alice Keppel, to Beatrix Potter. Her story is long and involved and Star discovers it in a series of journals that she discovers in the possession of brothers Orlando and Mouse Forbes. "Change comes whether we wish for it or not." As I said there is a certain amount of investment as a reader when dipping into a book from this series, the author weaves such elegant and complex story-lines that you need to be paying attention to what is happening whether it be with the characters from the past, or the story playing out in the current. I was interested to see what Star would get up to as she had up to this point very much let her sister CeCe, steer the ship that they were on. It was good to see her step out of the Shadow that CeCe cast over her, and see her come into her own, through the telling of Flora's story and the discoveries about her own paternal family that came with it. I literally got lost in this book, it took my imagination away to London through the ages, to the farm and fields of Beatrix Potters domain, and an old but loved house in the countryside of the now as well as the secrets from the past that it is keeping. The characters were endearing and unique, as was the story told around them. The author has such skill to be able to weave everything together so seamlessly that you almost feel that everything you have been witness to be the truth. I loved seeing Star gain some confidence and step away from the loving but ultimately stifling relationship that she and CeCe had fallen into. "Whatever has been and whatever may come, I am glad that I at least spent some time with him..." Fortunately we are given a little taste of CeCe's state of mind and where her travels may take her (and the reader) in the next book The Pearl Sister, (due for release November 2017) at the end of Star's story. I cannot wait to visit; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mummy, Nurse...Duchess? (Paddington Children's Hospital #3); Author: Kate Hardy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars! Back to Paddington Children's Hospital for the third book of the series. This time, single mum and Paediatric nurse Rosie Hobbes gets her happily ever after in the form of Doctor & Italian Duke Leo Marchetti. She was a survivor, not a victim. I really enjoyed this one, Rosie and her twins Freddie and Lexi were absolutely adorable together, and I loved that Leo even with the differences in upbringings fit right into their little unit. "I'm right where I want to be, by your side." The romance was sweet and well-paced, with a few Cinderella moments for good measure Mummy, Nurse... Duchess? moved along at a steady pace, and with the little bit of suspense thrown in at the end all in all it was a really entertaining addition to the series. I am looking forward to further books from the series to be released over the coming months. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sheikh's Bought Wife (Mills & Boon Modern) (Wedlocked!, Book 86); Author: Sharon Kendrick; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 Stars! Mills & Boon Sheikh romances used to be my catnip back in the day. There was just something about the unique locale that the stories usually played out in, accompanied with the arrogance and often over-the-top entitlement of the Heroes, and their ruthless romancing of the Heroines to get exactly what they wanted, that just kept me going back time and time again. She wasn't immune to the undeniable allure of the desert Sheikh... Sharon Kendrick is one of those authors that I read on a regular basis as well, so it was really good to revisit her writing again a few years on. And she delivered on every expectation I had with Jane and Zayed's story. "Careful... You may have rejected the very obvious methods of making yourself attractive to men, but I'm assuming nobody warned you about the sexual frisson produced by verbal sparring." Plain Jane Smith, may love Shiekh Zayed Al Zawba's country, but she certainly doesn't feel the same way about its ruler, and I loved the fact that she gave him a total run for his money, this is a woman who may not have much experience with men, but that doesn't mean she is just going to lie down and think of England, when her husband (in name only) decides to change the parameters of their deal. Somewhere along the way she'd come to know the man beneath the arrogant exterior. As you would expect with a title from this publisher, it was well written, enjoyably predictable, and a great way to escape into my own imagination for a couple of hours. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tinged (The Electric Tunnel, #3); Author: Rachel Blaufeld; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "Our story isn't for the faint at heart..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url] iBooks: [url] Nook: [url] Kobo: [url] Rachel Blaufeld returns to the Electric Tunnel universe with the third book in the series; Tinged. This is the darkest and grittiest story I have read by this author, but if you take into account the subject matter it was always going to be a challenging story. I haven't read the previous two books in this series, and although I think it may have benefitted me in giving a deeper understanding to a lot of the secondary characters in this book, I don't think my reading enjoyment was impaired from not having read them first, so if you are concerned about this don't be as Tinged can absolutely be read as a standalone. I was chasing a hooker-one that I believed I was hopelessly in love with... Its hard to write a review for this one without giving too much of the plot away, I am not sure if the beginning of this couples relationship was covered in the previous books, I suspect so a Lynx and Mike's background information implies that to me, but the quote above adequately gives you the reasons for this book. Lynx's sudden disappearance from Mike's life, and his attempts to find her. "You're not tinged... Not then, not now, not ever." As you would expect the world of prostitution, pimps and strip clubs is not the stuff of fairytales and the author has definitely not portrayed it that way. Mike; although the big burly, crass and forthright strip club owner, has a certain vulnerability behind that brittle outer shell, and although operating on what some of us would class the seedier side of life, really went out of his way to take care of the underdog. As I said there isn't a massive amount I can say about the story without giving things away, but I am sure you can come up with a few ideas yourself as to what could potentially happen to a beautiful young woman, who sells her body for money, but then disappears without a trace. I'd put her back together, stitch her up inside and out, and love her until she was whole. The story is told from both POV's so you experience what Lynx is going through, as well as Mike's emotional turmoil whilst trying to find out where she went. The second part of the story is the rebuilding of that relationship after everything has happened, and again it's a bit gritty, and a little dark in places, but as with most treasures, you need to clean away the dust, dirt and grime to find the precious material beneath it. "Loved you since we first me and plan to love you forever, messy or not." I won't lie this is a story that took me out of my comfort zone, given the option between a story of this type and something a little more... let's say fluffier I would generally go for the fluff.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spring at Blueberry Bay; Author: Holly Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "My burning light in the darkness." Stars! Holly Martin took me away for an enjoyable adventure on Hope Island, with Spring at Blueberry Bay, filled with sweeping views, charming characters and more than a few giggles along the way, Bella and Isaac's story was one that I found hard to put down. It's been a while since I have read any of Holly's books and I was taken back to the joy I experienced when I read The GuestBook, and One Hundred Proposals although Spring at Blueberry Bay didn't quite reach the stratosphere of awesomeness that those two stories hit, it came a close second for me. "I rather wish the path that led me to here had never happened because it's something I can't undo..." The crux of the book is basically boy-meets-girl, but Holly manages to take the normal and turn it into the unique with the little extras she adds to the tale and the unusual situations the characters find themselves in with its telling. I loved Isaac, if ever there was a man that went out on a limb for the woman he was falling in love with it was this guy, having been hurt in the past due to who he is, made putting his heart out there to be trampled on again a real act of courage, I won't say I liked the way Holly tied up this aspect of the story between him and Bella, but she didn't drag it out so I didn't have chance to get annoyed with it. "You have me under your spell... I want to spend every single second with you." Bella was a harder sell, for the most part I did warm to her, and I understood that her childhood had a massive impact on her adult relationships, but at times I did find her actions and reactions to be bordering on the juvenile in the way they were written and how she verbalized her thoughts and feelings. That-said though there were nuggets of gold in her character, in that she was shamelessly free with her affection, not in a slutty way, but in that she wasn't scared to let Isaac know how much she felt for him, even if truth be told she didn't really understand it herself. Her escapades bought more than a few giggles to the fore as well, because if there was a chance her plans could go wrong, chances are the author made sure it was spectacularly so, and with hilarious consequences. We are also introduced to many of the Hope Island residents in the telling of this story as well as Rome and Eden, Bella's siblings, and the author did a really good job of teasing the reader with titbits about both of them and whom their potential love interest may be. Summer at Buttercup Beach is due for release at the end of June, so thankfully we won't have long to wait for Rome to have his story told. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Negotiator (Harbor City, #1); Author: Avery Flynn; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're you and I'm me..." Stars! Hang on to your knickers ladies, the Carlyle brothers are in town, and boy do they know how to endear themselves to you. Although The Negotiator gives us Sawyer's story, I was just as intrigued by Hudson, and will say straight off the bat that I hope the author has his story in the pipeline especially after the little tease she left us dangling with in the epilogue for this story. "I never would have guessed you didn't have any experience working with your hands..." This was an easy going read once things got going, I found the first half a little on the pedestrian side, but the second half really grabbed and pulled me into the story that was playing out with uptight Sawyer and go-with-the-flow Clover. I was reminded a little of the films Sabrina (Sawyer reminded me of Harrison Ford's character in that film sooo much) and Pretty Woman with certain aspects of the story, although Clover is 100% not a Hollywood Boulevard hooker! "The next six weeks are going to last forever." As you would expect with an opposites attract story, it doesn't take long for things to develop with our couple. Clover pushes Sawyer to see that there is life outside of work and the office, while Sawyer pushes her to realize that being settled and living your life in one place doesn't equal failure or settling for second best. "I'm trying to compliment you..." "...That's not exactly your strong point." The banter is great, the sexy-times diverse and the secondary characters really kept everything moving along and entertaining, this is basically your faux-mance that turns into a romance, with a few (predictable) surprises thrown in along the way. The author developed everything really well though, and I hope against hope that Hudson gets a book soon. "Attraction isn't logical." ARC provided by the publisher via SocialButterfly PR, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Rich; Author: Virna DePaul; Genres: graphic, comics, romance, fiction; Review: DNF I am not having much luck with Loveswept titles of late. Sadly I was pretty bored after the first couple of chapters, and nothing really is inspiring me to carry on with it. The writing style is a little lacking in emotion as well, it may be a case of 'it's not you it's me', so don't let my review deter you in giving this one a try, it is a relatively short read so it has that in it's favor. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters: a laugh-out-loud romcom perfect for summer!; Author: Jaimie Admans; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Opinions can change you know." Stars! The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters, is so well described that it's impossible not to want to go there yourself. There was so much to love about this book, the locale, the Chateau itself, the secondary characters and Julian McBeath to name but a few, but sadly the one thing that dulled my enjoyment the more of the book I read was Wendy Clayton, being one half of the lead characters and the person who the story is told through it became increasingly difficult to like or find any empathy for her as the book progressed. "There's never a shortage of PG Tips in London." It was understandable that she was prickly towards Julian after their initial meeting, having not known that her close friend Eulalie had any family until her death and the reading of the will, was understandably a shock, especially to then find out her closest friend was also the owner of a massive French Chateau, of which she is now part owner of. But what stuck and really got on my nerves as the book progressed and especially in the second half was just how poorly she treated Julian. "That defense mechanism of calling him names is only going to hold up for so long you know..." In Wendy's head Julian started out as 'Nephew-git McLoophole' and was called a few derivatives of that mainly in the first half, the use of 'git' was included over forty times in the whole telling of the story, and the woman started to sound like a broken record, it went from amusing to annoying very quickly. "We're in this together." Again I could understand her distrust, but the poor guy went above and beyond time and time again, only to have his efforts crapped all over by a sarcastic comment, name-calling or general indifference for most of the book. Then when you find out the reasons for her behavior towards him, and her feelings to men in general, it just felt really weak, in relation to her attitude. I started name calling myself in the end and Wendy was renamed 'Judgey McJudgerson' & 'Bitchy McBitchface'. "Since I got here, I've been feeling like I'm supposed to be here. That's something I've never felt before..." Judgey McJudgerson aside, I loved Julian, the author gave such a unique spin on your bog standard male model with muscles and looks in all the right places, and everything that went on between them initially was pretty amusing, I loved Kat the ex-pat Baker, and her story could well be worth exploring in a future book. I am hoping that the lack of an epilogue means that the author will possibly be writing further books set in this area. "You don't need to put up any fronts for me... I couldn't give a toss what you look like." This was my first book by Jaimie Admans, and the writing and story were in general sound, if Wendy's acerbic nature had been pulled back a little this would have been a; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Highlander (The MacGregor Lairds, #1); Author: Michelle McLean; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: 5 - "I thank you for the adventure." Stars! The first book in Michelle McLean's The MacGregor Lairds series; How to Lose a Highlander, was a joy to read from start to finish. I was grabbed from the first chapter of this story and pretty much read Malcolm and Sorcha's story in one sitting. There were laughs, as few tears and pretty much every emotion in between for this pairing, from the two weeks they spend on the road together travelling back to Scotland to Sorcha then integrating with the rest of the Glenlyon residents. Especially after basically being forced to marry Malcolm by King Charles II, in an attempt to reduce the ill-will and blood shed between the Campbell and MacGregor clans. "I have no intention of making your life convenient... "Nay worries, my wife. Convenient ye are not." Sorcha isn't your usual simpering, coquettish lady of the court, and she gives as much as she takes in the way of verbal sparring with the rough and ready Laird of Glenlyon, but the sexual tension and attraction that simmers between them right from their first meeting gives everything a sensual undertone, and the escapades they get up to in the telling of the story deepens the bond forming between them. "Someday you'll have to explain to me how trying to drive you away won your love." I cannot recommend this book highly enough, I don't read a huge amount of Historical Fiction, but Michelle has added herself to my auto-read list with the first book in this series, I hope that there are many more books to come, and we don't have to wait too long, as I cannot wait to read more from these characters. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Doctor's Redemption (Shadow Creek, Montana, #3); Author: Victoria James; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "What a tangled web we weave." Stars! I have been itching to read Gwen Bailey's story since I started reading the Shadow Creek series. The third book; The Doctor's Redemption, gave me my wish. I adored the first two books from this series, the author managed to turn me into an absolute blubbering mess pretty much from the prologue for each book, and kept me in an emotional spin-dryer with the telling of each of the stories for the couples that books focussed on, right to their ends. And for the most part the second half of The Doctor's Redemption did the same thing. But, If I am being honest I did find the first half a little slow to get going. I am also not a huge fan of dragging out a lie and then using that as the basis for the story-line (which this was), I am one of those people that would prefer it to come out early on and then have the rest of the book focus on rebuilding trust in the relationship, and for me it was definitely dragged out for far too long. "You've been there for everyone else, it's time to focus on your life." I have felt a certain kinship with Gwen since we were initially introduced to her, a lot of her personality traits and the way she dives in to help everyone else out often to her own detriment struck a bit of a chord with me, so it was nice to see her step into the romantic spotlight this time. You can pretty much guess where the story between her and Dr. Luke Thomson aka The Muffin Man is going to go as soon as you are given his thoughts, and the dual POV helped me understand his motivations as to why he played things out the way he did. "I'm done letting life pass me by without being who I really am or going after what I really want." This was for the most part a sweet, heartfelt read, I do think the pacing was a little off for this couple though in that as already stated the first half of the book seemed to drag in a repetitive sort of way, the 'I want you / I can't have you' from Luke got awfully tiresome, especially when you take into account the massive whopper of a revelation he was holding back as well, I did at points feel like screaming 'JUST TELL HER!' at my Kindle, but the author managed to keep me invested because I still really liked Gwen and the rest of her family and friends. "The other night was the best damn mistake I ever made." That-said, there were a lot of sweet moments in the story as well, I liked introduction of Luke's sister Haley as well, and one would hope that there is a story there for the author to tell at some point in the future. Still a pretty easy-going read, it just didn't pull me in and keep a tight; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Resurrection (Redemption Harbor #1); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "You're not dead yet." Stars! ITs LIVE!! >kindle smarturl.it/i17clu >iBooks smarturl.it/732l2d >Nook smarturl.it/41ivzh >Kobo [url] A new romantic suspense series from Katie Reus, is certainly something to get excited about, and Resurrection delivers romance, action and adventure in the author's usual inimitable style. I really enjoyed this one, Katie is one of my go-to authors if I am looking for a bit of action and suspense with my romance, and the action was definitely there with Skye and Colt's story. Not the usual dose of suspense in this one, you pretty much knew who the players were from the offset, and the author gives good dual POV so you get into everybody's heads at the right times. She didn't want to let go of him... once had been enough. The premise for this one was great as well, Colt has spent the last six months believing his partner in work as well as in life is dead, killed from an explosion, when on an undercover op, to rescue the wife of one of his closest friends who should he come face to face with. One day he'd learn all her secrets... So you have the second chance reconnection between Colt and Skye, and quite an emotive one at that, playing out around the rescue and return home of Mary Kate to her husband Mercer in Redemption Harbor, this is where we are then introduced to the rest of Colt's family/crew. And once Skye gives Colt the reasons for her faking her death, he realizes he is going to need each and every one of them to have his (and her) back trying to bring the villain to justice. "I can never get enough of you." Great start to the Redemption Harbor series, the author has basically given the origins of Redemption Harbor Consulting with this story, and set up the series nicely, while also giving you a little insight to each of the guys in Colt's close knit group of friends. Skye was sassy, smart and well able to look after herself too, so-much-so she was almost the Alpha of the two of them, well until they hit the sexy-times that is, but then she wasn't afraid to tell Colt exactly what she wanted him to do there either. "We all need this, need to have a purpose, to give back too those who need it most." You can feel the potential oozing out of your Kindle for this series, and I cannot wait for the next book Savage Rising; due for release in September. "This is going to work. I feel it." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Red Lily (Vampire Blood, #2); Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - Never fall for a vampire... There can be no future with the cursed. Stars! The second book in Juliette Cross's Vampire Blood series; The Red Lily picks up pretty much where its predecessor The Black Lily left off, only this is Sienna and Nikolai's story. ITs LIVE! - Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] This book was like an all-you-can-read emotional buffet. No lie, I went from happiness to heart-break, excitement to dread, laughing to crying. It's sexy, it's sensual, dark and brutal and all the feels in-between, Juliette literally takes you on a journey with Sienna and Nikolai, and you cannot help but feel the whole gamut of emotions with them. She was sheltered and protected within the wood. But if she ever dared to stray too far, danger and death would surely follow... I don't want to say too much about the plot twists and turns in this one, it's an high-speed adventure and you will be kept on your toes the whole time. The journey that Nikolai and Sienna take through the Commonwealth to try and drum up recruits and support for The Black Lily and the army she is building, includes stops in many towns that contain Queen Morgrid's spies, so the risk of discovery for them both is high. I was literally clenching my Kindle and on the edge of my seat with each new village they visited waiting to see if they were going to be betrayed or not, there were times I was worried my death-grip would crack the screen. "Revolutions aren't won without danger. And death. We are all risking our lives." The depth of the feeling and the relationship between Nikolai and Sienna also grows as their travelling takes them further from Sienna's home in The Silvane Forest and her beloved Hart Wolves. And although innocent Sienna isn't afraid to ask Nikolai for what she wants. "When I do take you... there will be no question in that brilliant brain of yours that you... belong to me." I loved Nikolai, an honorable Vampire dealing with his own personal demons, he doesn't believe he is good enough for Sienna, and I loved reading the dual POV because it gave you the emotions and feelings building between them from both perspectives. Her alluring scent had gotten under his skin, and he wouldn't be satisfied until he'd gotten under hers... This is a couple that go through the ringer, and the author is certainly not afraid to explore the darker side of battle with some of the things that happen to them in the telling of the story. But I loved each and every second of it, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next books release later this year. The were a long way off from victory. Some questions are answered in The Red Lily but a lot more are raised as well, we are introduced to further secondary characters, and the plot literally thickens with everything that is and has happened, I predict great things from the rest of the; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All About the D; Author: Lex Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5- "You're a cock star!" Stars! This was my first read from both authors, and I can say without doubt it won't be my last. ITs LIVE! US: [url] UK: [url] CA: [url] AU: [url] I am sure a lot of you will remember that Tumblr page that was doing rounds last year with the guy that was posting humorous pictures of his dick in different poses, settings and scenarios, I am going to go out on a limb and say that page may have offered up a little inspiration for this writing duo, and the inspiration it gave produced an outstanding romance, with a twist of forbidden about it thrown in just to keep the reader even more invested. I'm a modern day flasher in a rain-coat... I loved Josh and Evie pretty much from the get-go, plain-Jane lawyer without much of a life to speak of, gets swept off her feet by the Internets most famous cock. Their attraction is instant, but their relationship is not without its hurdles and problems. I've never seen one this size in real life. I feel like I'm paddling down the Amazon, and I just spotted my first anaconda... Not going to give away a huge amount more about the plot, as I think this is a story best served without much information going into, but if you are like me and you love to read a romance that is completely different, yet still offers up all the aspects of the traditional you need to find fulfilment in your reading then It's All About the D fits that requirement really well. This has to be the strangest scenario ever. The authors confirm at the back of the book that this isn't the end of this story, and is just the beginning and I am really happy to know that Josh and Evie's BFF's; Drew and Kendall are going to have their story told at some point in the future. Both played pretty integral parts in this book, but were definitely what you would class as less-than-friendly towards each other at its end. ARC generously provided by the authors via Give Me Books Promotions, in exchange for the above honest review. **This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]/; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Summer at Buttercup Beach; Author: Holly Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Seize the day!" Stars! We return to Hope Island for the second book in Holly Martin's series of the same name. Rome Lancaster and Freya Greene figured quite a bit in the first book being best friends, as well as co-workers, it took about two paragraphs of them together in Spring at Blueberry Bay to work out as a reader that they both unwittingly see the other as more than those terms. Although one a little more willingly than the other it has to be said. He was with his best friend and it couldn't get more perfect than that. Rome is your usual man about town, having been burnt by love in the past he tends to keep his interactions with women quick and commitment free. Freya came to the island for similar reasons and literally stumbled into her home and job with him. Both are shy of taking their relationship to the next level, but neither can deny that their feelings are not just of a friendly nature anymore. "Sex wouldn't ruin us, it would complete us." Although another easy read from the author, I didn't fall in love with Rome and Freya's story as much as I did Bella and Isaac's in the previous book. The drama is a little heavier in their story, but more due to lack of communication and drawing the wrong conclusions, and although understandable in parts a lot of it just felt over the top and a little immature, for two supposed adults. That-said I didn't struggle with the story at all, I just wish the author had pulled the angst back a bit as some of it just felt a little unnecessary. On the plus, the sexy times were emotive and diverse, and there are parts of the story with Rome's father where I was literally crying from laughing so hard. "Some things can't be fixed." If you are looking for an easy summer read, both books in this series are definitely worth a few hours of your time, and cannot wait for Eden and Dougie's book; Christmas at Mistletoe Cove is definitely eagerly anticipated by this reader. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Christmas Eve (Heartbreaker Bay, #4); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "It's the hot geek look..." Stars! A Jill Shalvis book basically takes me to my reading happy place. The Heartbreaker Bay series is definitely one that's a keeper, and each new addition to it, makes it even more so. Spence's book has been a long time coming, quite elusive in personality, he endeared himself to me pretty early on, because you know this is a guy who values his friends, so much so that they are pretty much his family as well. "I don't know why I try to resist..." Colbie Albright ends up in town because she decides to take a break from her life in New York, and a flight to San Francisco was the first one available for her to get on at the airport. After a less than perfect introduction, it doesn't take long for her and Spence to feel the chemistry sizzling between them, especially as she ends up renting one of the empty apartments in his building. "I'm only here until Christmas Eve. I don't think we've got time for games or to be coy." Spence doesn't think he is good at relationships, and Colbie is only in town for three weeks anyway, so they agree to a no-strings dalliance while she is in town, but whereas in the past Spence has put work before women, with Colbie he realizes that it's the reverse, something that shocks him as well as the rest of the crew. "Look at you... You're perfect." "Not... perfect." "Perfect to me..." The good thing about this book is it isn't majorly Christmassy, with the main bulk of the action taking place before and after the actual day, so don't feel you have to wait to read it. I loved this book as much as its predecessor, and it was great to finally get to know Spence on a more personal level. We also get to know more about old-man Eddie, the homeless guy who lIves in the alley beside the building, as well as great interaction from the rest of the characters that we have come to know and love in the previous books. "I don't know why I try to resist." I want to move in, and live in this series, I adore this author for putting it together, and giving me a group of people that with each new book feel more and more like friends, and I cannot wait for the next novella; Holiday Wishes to be released in November, and the next full length book; About That Kiss to be released in 2018. "You've turned out to be the exception to my every rule." ARC generously provided via Edelweiss, through InkSlingerPR, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost and Found Sisters (Wildstone, #1); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "We're in it together... Always." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] A new series by Jill Shalvis always gives me that excited tingle, and the first book in the Wildstone series; Lost and Found Sisters delivered in every way I would expect from this author, and exceptionally well. Quinn and Mick's story is quite simply Shalvis, writing at her best, as you would expect you are given lots of little side plots to keep the interest building, with the addition of the usual plethora of secondary characters some you love, and some you just love to hate, to flesh out the story-line, add in a few cute pets, and all the while everything is developing the author still manages to keep the focus on the main characters as the book unfolds. "I think maybe you just switched me back on." The main characters in question are Quinn Wellers, a woman approaching thirty who on the outside appears to have everything going for her, when the death of a woman she doesn't even know literally puts her whole perceived life into a tailspin. New town, new sister and new man follow on in quick succession, and you are basically along for the ride as Quinn tries to negotiate a relationship with her teenage sister Tilly, as well as try and deal with her feelings for Mick. He is back in town to help his mother deal with the aftermath of his father's death, but quickly find himself returning time and time again looking to spend more time with Quinn. "I guess a little kink never hurt anyone..." This is a pretty long book, I read it in a day, alright I will admit I stayed up until the early hours of the morning to finish it, but it was just pure reading pleasure. I loved going on the emotional journey with both Quinn and Tilly, the POV's provided by them and Mick, gives you a real opportunity to get in each of their heads at pivotal points of the story, as always Jill manages to inject humor alongside the tears, and bring a light to what could be construed as quite a heavy story-line, and I cannot wait to see what stories further visits to Wildstone will yield in the coming months/years. "Seems we're a good fit afterall..." ARC generously provided by the publisher via Edelweiss, in exchange for the above honest review **This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Her Wish (Playboy Genie #1); Author: Sophie H. Morgan; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Are you ready for your dreams to come true?" Stars! This year has so far introduced me to a few new authors and a large number of them have been ones I can see myself having a long and enjoyable reading relationship with going forwards, Her Wish, is the first book I have read by Sophie H. Morgan, and she definitely fits into the aforementioned category with this book. I absolutely loved this unique take on love and relationships, built around a Genie trying to grant a wish to a woman who has absolutely no interest in collecting. The snark and sass from Charlie, matched with the suave and smooth of Jax, just kept the smile on my face pretty much from the beginning of the book right up to the end. "I care about the ordinary girl..." There was a little of the Cinderella about this tale for me, because Charlie came across as quite the Plain-Jane at the beginning of the story, although not what I would class as an introvert, Charlie definitely preferred her own company and thoughts to spending time in the think of it. She was much happier with her book boyfriends... Jax is the polar opposite in every way, very much the center of attention, with hordes of adoring fans. Their differences on this and disagreements along the way about pretty much everything they were passionate about went from hostile initially to downright flirty. Both have more about them than initial impressions and you learn that they are not so different where it matters as the story progresses. "Sometimes we need to blame others for things that are too hard to accept." Great story, great set up for the Playboy Genie series, as well as being excellently written, and I cannot wait for the next book; , His Command to materialize in the summer, I hope that this is Charlie's BF Kate's story, she certainly deserve to have her own happily ever after. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wilde Horses (Born to Be Wilde, #4); Author: Jannine Gallant; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I'm dating a cowgirl." Stars! The fourth book in Jannine Gallant's Born to Be Wilde series; Wilde Horses gives us horse trainer Eden Wilde's story. "When two hearts collide, it makes quite an impact..." I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, and it in no way impacted my enjoyment of Eden and Blake's story, so you can absolutely read Wilde Horses as a standalone. Well written, with easily likeable characters, although the plot was a tad predictable in regards to the 'who-dunnit' part of the plot, I liked the contrast between Eden's wholesome, likeable country-girl persona and Blake; the big-time film star. He initially comes to Eden's families ranch in Wyoming to film the outside scenes for his current project, and it doesn't take long for them both to realize that they have more than a little chemistry going on between them. "I'm interested in more than a quick fling..." Eden's initial reluctance to date Blake and stay in the friend-zone dims extremely quickly and as their feelings for each other grow, it also becomes apparent that someone on the ranch is trying to harm Blake, with accidents and unplanned incidents occurring regularly, as the filming progresses. And although the author put a number of people in the frame, all with their own different reasons, for me it was pretty obvious who the villain was from their introduction. "we're missing something. The whole situation just feels off." But I enjoyed seeing that part of the story play out around the relationship Eden and Blake were building, the odds of it having any longevity initially seem slim, what with his filming schedule and her reluctance to leave the ranch but as they work through the issues, it proved all is not lost for them. "I can wait... I have a lot of patience when I want something." Easy-going, low-drama, light on the sexy-times this was an enjoyable read, I would happily go back and read the three previous books that focus on the Wilde brothers meeting their women, as well as look forward to seeing what the author has in store for her readers in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Court of the Phantom Queen (Lovers and Liars: Immortal Wars Book 1); Author: Liz Meldon; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, young-adult; Review: 4.5 "We are a funny sort, we gods..." Stars! Liz Meldon, starts her new Immortal Wars series, with an unexpected slap-in-the-face read. If you have read the original Lovers and Liars stories you will know how well the author crafts a tale, but even so this little novella took me completely by surprise. For centuries, the house of Zeus has reigned over some of the world's largest, most powerful civilizations. First with the Greeks, next with the Romans and their conquered foes. Fueled by their worship, the old Hellenic gods remained unchallenged and supreme for centuries. Now, in the fourth century of the new world order, goddess Athena has discovered a growing enemy: the fanatical Cult of One. I cannot give a more concise run down of the plot to what the author has already provided in the blurb (above), but for all that Court of the Phantom Queen still took me by surprise, and in a good way. I was meandering along reading the odd chapter here and there and if I am honest the first 50% did start to feel a little pedestrian, but then WHAM! You can sense something is coming as soon as Athena and her traveling companions get settled in the Western Isles as guests of Dagda and Morrigan, but it went from sedate fun and games to clusterfuck of epic proportions in the blink of an eye, and I couldn't stop reading, I even had a few tears in my eyes at points. The Phantom Queen had left her mark. There was no going back to the way things were. Never, ever again... I hope Liz manages to get the next installment of this series together soon, I cannot wait to see what Athena and Luge get up to next. "I predict foul things..." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lost Vampire (Last True Vampire series); Author: Kate Baxter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.5 - "This is the most alive I've felt in centuries." Stars! Book five in the Last True Vampire series, brings us newly turned vampire, Saeed Almasi's story. This is a character whose POV has been present in previous books so, it was nice to finally get fully into the guy's head. Sayeed's story has been a long time coming, it you have read the previous books in the series, you will know that the recently turned Dhampir and now Coven leader has been struggling to control his dropping out conscious reality and into The Collective since being turned. The Collective is essentially the memories of all Vampires, which as a Vampire he now has access too, only problem being he keeps seeing woman he believes to be his mate, in other Vampires memories, each and every glance of her through the years just makes him yearn to spend longer locked in his mind to find out more about her. He would find her. Because he had to. His soul, his very sanity depended on it... That it until a certain little girl, who also has the ability to see into the future gives him a hint as to where she might be and who she may be with. Saeed promptly hands the control over of his Coven over to his two seconds-in-command and heads of to Seattle to find her. "Yours is the only blood I thirst for. I will pierce no others flesh but yours..." Cery's Bain's life for the last couple of thousand years, as essentially a soul-stealing enforcer for Mage Rin, has been less than pleasant, each and every time she is forced to take a soul for a debt unpaid to the Mage, she loses a little more of herself in the process. Problem is Rin also has her soul and until she finds out where he has it stashed she has no option but to follow his orders. That is until Saeed turns up, a Vampire in her city is rare enough, but one professing to be her mate... completely inconceivable. "You offered..." "I didn't think you'd actually take me up on it!" "You absolutely did. You simply hadn't counted on enjoying it." I loved the verbal sparring between these two, Saeed was a bit stiff and staid, while Cerys was more Twenty-first century, and I will be honest it was these interactions that kept me reading the book for the most part. Again Kate put together a well-crafted story, with multiple POVs (Siobhan, Christopher & Ian Gregor to name but a few) but the story contained in within the pages I personally think could have played out just as well if it had had a good hundred pages of unnecessary rambling taken out. "Not that I've found you, I don't plan to ever leave your side." I think the other thing is that this is the first story in the series that felt like it didn't really add much to the bigger picture overall, apart from Ian Gregor and the rest of the Berserkers appearance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Riptide (Renegades, #6); Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "You light me up." Stars! Skye Jordan returns with the sixth book in the outstanding Renegades series. Riptide gives us pro-surfer/stuntman Zach Ellis' story, and I devoured it. The themes in this story, could quite well have pushed it over into the over-the-top drama category, but somehow the author managed to keep the story-line pretty easy on the eye in that although the relationship between Zach and Tessa, was full of tension due to his lack of knowledge of being baby-Daddy to a one night stand he had a few years previously, it was kind of kept on an even burn due to the sexual tension that sizzled between the two of them right from their first meeting, even if at that point she actually thought he was someone else. "You're as refreshing in my world as I am in yours..." You only have to add a cute kid into a story for it to in general lighten the mood, and Sophia did that with great effect. I loved Zach's POV as he tried to negotiate the waters of having a daughter he didn't know about and his attempts at getting to know the toddler were absolutely adorable. These two females were like riptides... They'd snuck up on him, grabbed hold, and dragged him under. Tessa is the Yin to his Yang, in that where Zach is a very laid-back and go-with-the-flow, commitment free kind of guy, everything in her life is planned with precision, her responsibilities are many and her commitments are longstanding, but they worked in-spite of all that, the sexy-times were diverse and smoking hot, and this was a book I pretty much read in one sitting. The rest of the Renegades family provides great secondary character involvement, and it was good to catch up with a few of them as this story played out. I hope that the author has a few more books in the works for this series in general, it's one that always brings a smile to my face when I get the opportunity to read more from it. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Trust; Author: Kylie Scott; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "You're a strange one... And I mean that with great affection." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url]/ Amazon Aus: [url]... Amazon UK: [url]-... B&N: [url]... Kylie Scott is not a new author to me, but her first foray into what I would call a book in the New Adult genre, was without doubt the best writing I have experienced from her. Trust is a book you pick up with one set of expectations, and although they are generally met, the author also fulfilled a completely different set, that I didnaEUR(tm)t even realize I had, or wanted to get from a book of this type. In life unless youaEUR(tm)re willing to run away and live in the woods and risk being eaten by bears, some things were just unavoidableaEUR| John and Edie, meet under the most extreme of circumstances, and what starts out as a clumsy friendship built on a bond that no-one else can understand, transforms into something else entirely, as they work through the aftermath of the robbery and the fall-out from it. "I like you bugging meaEUR| I like it a lot." This isnaEUR(tm)t your typical teen-angst ridden, high school story, bad-boy and good-girl do come together, but thataEUR(tm)s about as far as the association with books of this genre really ends. I think due to their introduction being of such an extreme nature and the subject matter that the author covers as things progress, was dealt with really well in that it wasnaEUR(tm)t over-egged their struggles were genuine and each of them dealt with them in their own way. "Whatever I have to doaEUR| However I need to prove myself to you, IaEUR(tm)ll do it." There is a change as well in that where the one perceived as the bad-influence at the beginning decides to pull their socks up and make something for themselves the other starts to take a stand against the injustices she would have normally let go by. Even though the story itself was quite heavy itaEUR(tm)s themes, I absolutely got lost in its telling. Kylie Scott hit some sort of higher elemental writing plain, with her telling of Edie and John's story in Trust and I have to reaffirm that itaEUR(tm)s the best I have read by her, and I really, really hope she dips her toe back into this genre again. Plenty of scope to give secondary characters from this book their own stories as well in this readers opinion, Anders and Hang immediately spring to mind. "YouaEUR(tm)re still my hero." Outstanding read, unique and original story-line, reading nirvana. ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange. **This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Di Marcello's Secret Son (Mills & Boon Modern) (The Secret Billionaires, Book 1); Author: Rachael Thomas; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3 Stars! This was an okay read for me, there is a great story here, but it gets lost a little in the choppy writing and unclear indications as to what is happening at points. Sadie fell pregnant with Antonio's child after one wild weekend together; he was betrothed to another, and left her after that weekend for his familial duties. "We have a past..." Four years on Antonio finds out he is a father, and after two weeks working incognito in the garage Sadie works at as a challenge from an old friend, he is now in a position to make Sadie his and Leo his son, will have a loving, present father, the total opposite of his own. Lack of communication between these two didn't help, but the author also had the penchant of having them say one thing then actually do something completely different, and although I understood Sadie's initial unhappiness, she acted like a bit of a shrew for a lot of the book. This is Mills & Boon so as you would expect Antonio was deliciously take charge with everything, but I didn't find myself warming to him like I do normally with the men in their books. Leo was cute though and held a lot of the story together to be honest. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sold For The Greek's Heir (Mills & Boon Modern) (Brides for the Taking, Book 3); Author: Lynne Graham; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 Stars! The last book in Lynne Graham's Brides for the Taking series; Sold for the Greek's Heir, gives us third and final sister; Lucy Dixon's story. "It's my turn to do the walking away..." Two years on from Jax Antonakos walking out of her life, Lucy never expected to see him again, so when he chairs the meeting she's waitressing for in the hotel she works at, her initial reaction is to get out of there as quickly as possible. She hated Jax now with the same passion she had once put into loving him... Problem is Jax goes after her and always gets what he wants, and even though he believes her to be a liar and a cheat, no woman has never affected him the way Lucy does. "I've got a hunger that one night won't come anywhere near satisfying." However, it comes as a bit of a surprise, when he discovers that Lucy has been living with a part of him since their separation, a child conceived in the six weeks they spent together, something he never knew about. "Together we make a family." This is your basic, forced to wed for the sake of the child trope, and one that Mills & Boon and its authors do really well. Jax was arrogant, formidable and dominating, and Lucy had a little sass when it came to acquiescing to his demands, the secondary familial drama on both sides padded it out nicely, and I liked that the end included all three sisters and closed off the series nicely. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Healing The Sheikh's Heart (Mills & Boon Medical) (Paddington Children's Hospital, Book 5); Author: Annie O'Neil; Genres: romance; Review: 3 Stars! Healing the Sheikh's Heart, is probably my least favorite of the books from the Paddington Children's Hospital series that I have read so far. Which pains me to say if I am honest, because a good Mills & Boon Sheikh romance has always been like catnip for me. The surgery couldn't fail. The hospitals future depended on it... My main problem is that I really didn't see Robyn and Idris as a compatible couple at any point in the book. Amira his daughter/her patient was the only real connecting point for the two of them in that they both wanted the best for her, and Robyn as her Surgeon could perform the operation that may restore her hearing. He was letting her under his skin. Too much. Too deep. The lack of any real emotion from Idris for most of the story except for where he daughter was involved, took him out of the tall, dark and arrogantly brooding category for me, and edged him more into the aloof, unfeeling dislikeable box. When the emotion did come in the latter stages it was too late for me to warm to him. On the plus the author has a pretty vibrant writing style and it bought about a few laughs especially when in Robyn's head, and her initial introductions to Sheikh Idris Al Khalil, I just missed the usual buzz of chemistry and the depth of connection between the two of them that you usually get from this sort of story. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Along Came Us (Man Enough, #2); Author: Nicole McLaughlin; Genres: children, romance; Review: 4 - "Trust goes both ways..." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US aEUR" [url] Amazon UK aEUR" [url] B&N - [url]... The second book in Nicole McLaughlinaEUR(tm)s Man Enough series; Along Came Us gives us Tyler CavalloaEUR(tm)s story. Gym owner/bad boy, ex-military Tyler spent his youth growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, gang life and death was a definite possibility until the military life called. Now out of the forces he spends his time running his Gym, offering at risk boys a chance to train for free, and being a National Guardsmen with his buddies on the weekend. Something about Lia cut through him and made him want to help her, her and her brotheraEUR| Tyler and LiaaEUR(tm)s first meeting isnaEUR(tm)t what you would call friendly. After discovering that her brother Caleb is taking self-defense classes at his Gym, Lia barrels down there all guns blazing to forbid his further attendance, especially after the call is facilitated due to the fact he has been in a fight, and is in pretty bad shape. Lia is not an advocate of violence in any shape or form so her brother actively being involved with it even in a self-defense capacity does not sit well with her. Tyler didnaEUR(tm)t strike her as the type of guy to take things slow. Whereas Lia had never taken thingsaEUR| anywhere. With anyone. Neither of them can deny the attraction between them, and after a few friendlier meetings follow up, Lia agrees to a date, and things go full steam ahead from there. And I really enjoyed the building of their relationship, both of them are dealing with some pretty grim pasts as best as they can, and I think that was part of what drew them together as well. But once again neither of them are being fully honest with the other, and this is the same issue I had with the first book, the relationship that then builds between Tyler and Lia, is essentially built on omissions of the truth and lies. This is something that can get on my nerves when played out too long, although I found myself understanding the characters reasonings initially, but as they got to know each other I began to then get a little frustrated as things moved along. "Maybe IaEUR(tm)m not used to having a man care about meaEUR| I do things on my own. I take care of myself. I donaEUR(tm)t count on peopleaEUR|" There is also a large case of double standards as well, because Lia flips her lid when she finds out that Tyler hasnaEUR(tm)t been completely upfront with her about something, but then carries on lying about a large part of her life to him, until he literally catches her in the act. That said, I still really enjoyed this book, the author keeps her readers engaged with her easy to immerse writing style, frustrations aside, I really liked Tyler and Lia, both were strong characters used to doing their own thing, and living life by their own rules, and the addition of Caleb; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Baby Clause 2.0 (The Contract, #1.5); Author: Melanie Moreland; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 Stars! Its Live! Amazon: [url] iBooks: [url] B&N: [url] Kobo: [url] If you loved Richard VanRyan in Melanie Moreland's hugely successful The Contract, you are absolutely going to love The Baby Clause. My only gripe is that I read it in an hour, and I could have happily settled into another full book of Richards and Katy's shenanigans now they are well on the way to becoming a fully-fledged family. "What do you need?" "Hold me..." "You never have to ask." Mainly told from Richard's point of view, this novella gives you little vignettes into his life with Katy, who is carrying their first child. No lie for such a short novella Melanie managed to pull a whole gamut of emotions from me, from laughing till I almost peed myself at the beginning to a few tears, and sighs in the middle, while finishing with a happy and satisfied smile at the end. "We did good." This is a novella that does what is says on the tin, beautifully written, and well worth an hour of your time. I would recommend you read The Contract before you tackle this little follow-up, because it highlights just how far Mr VanRyan has come since his initial meeting with Katy to where they are now. "Before I found you. I coped. Now I live." ARC generously provided by the author via Promo Stars Services, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Tricks; Author: Kelly Moran; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Talk to me..." Stars! Kelly Moran takes her readers back to Redwood Ridge, with New Tricks and we finally get widower Drake O'Grady's story. I won't lie, I have been itching to get my hands on Drake's story since we were introduced to him and his brothers in Puppy Love, having devoured the previous two books and absolutely adored the stories that his brothers Cade and Flynn were given I was interested to see how Kelly would play his story out. "Take this second chance with both hands and don't look back" It was intimated early on that there was more than just friendly feelings potentially emerging between him and pet groomer Zoe Hornsby, but with his reluctance to step back into the dating world after his loss, and her already packed schedule with trying to balance a full time job and her ailing mother's 24 hour care, neither seemed particularly interested in stepping out of the friend-zone. You get deeper into both their heads in the telling of this book, and I won't lie a large portion of the story left me underwhelmed. "Haven't heard you laugh much lately... I missed the sound." Maybe my expectations were too high... why is it that what we anticipate the most, often then delivers the least. The previous two books were full of heart, heat and emotional turmoil, but the pace was perfect, the developing feelings grew along with everything that was happening between the couple in question, and the secondary characters added depth to the story line in general. But for the first half of New Tricks I struggled so warm to Zoe or really understand her behavior and motivation for certain things at all, and in the second half I just wanted to give her a slap, talk about playing the martyr. "I kept thinking about how you felt pressed against me and the wild way you made my heart pound... I didn't think the organ worked anymore. Then I kissed you and now I can't shut off the switch you flipped." Yes I could understand her reluctance to move towards a relationship with Drake especially when you take into account that no other man in her life has stuck around and that his dead wife was also her best friend. "You don't play fair..." "I'm not playing at all." I think what frustrated me the most is that Drake is as vulnerable as she is when it comes to expressing his feelings, maybe even more so, and is trying to move on with his life and relationships in particular with a romantic involvement with her(and boy his attempts at wooing her were just so endearing). But rather than fumble along with him, talk things through and work the hard stuff out together, she just made everything that much more difficult by not talking and shutting him out. The balance for me was off between them because of it. There was definitely more take than give on one side of the partnership this time, whereas his brothers stories kind of; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Easy Fortune (Boudreaux, #5.5); Author: Kristen Proby; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "Just call me, Indie" Stars! This was a 4-5 star read for me, right up to the last couple of chapters. This is a really novella so the author had to get things moving really quickly, luckily the second-chance reconnection, gave the pair a ready-made background so there wasn't a huge need for the author to go into a massive amount of detail. "You don't owe me anything..." But it all went downhill a tad, when it came to the conflict towards the end, and I literally wanted to throat punch Lena for the way she behaved towards Mason. For me, upping and leaving a guy in the middle of the night, because you don't want him to be the cut and run first this time is acceptable, we all act irrationally when emotions are involved. Grabbing a perceived to be priceless necklace, that a recently deceased relative of the guy you are cutting and running on has been bequeathed, screamed pre-planned gold-digger, and left me a little out of sorts. I personally felt she would have come across better, leaving it behind. I still love this series though, and am going to pretend Easy Fortune ended how I wanted it to, rather than how the author chose too! The end of June cannot come fast enough for me, Savannah and Ben are up next in Easy Nights, I think it's safe to say this is the story most of us have been waiting for since the introduction of the two of them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Way Down Deep; Author: Charlotte Stein; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - I never expected to hear back... Stars! The blurb for Way Down Deep is what firstly sold me on reading this book, I was interested to see if the authors would be able to transfer enough emotion and depth to a story that is basically told through the medium of text messaging. Its Live! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]-... The second selling point; Cara McKenna, I have only read one other book by her, but it left such a lasting effect on me, that even three years on from reading it I still think about it on occasion, when you read as voraciously as I do, that is not something that happens often. I have a crush on someone, based on nothing but her words... Back to the book, this essentially starts with the H, sending a text of desperation to a number he never ever expected to get a reply from, here enters the h, as she now has the number that he has texted. I did wonder if developing a relationship over text would be a struggle on a longer time-frame, because there are literally no verbal words spoken in this book between the H/h, and for me in the main the authors hit the right pitch. The first 40% was great in building the anticipation, and you got to know Maya and Malcolm as they essentially got to know each other. The next 30% did drag a bit, because it morphed into one long stexting session, and I found myself getting a bit distracted from it all, the phrase 'actions speak louder than words' was pretty apt for the amount of typing about what they wanted to do to each other went on, but the authors did manage to pull it back with the end, and I found myself sniffling at my desk by the end of it. Something about you, about this, give me hope. Both characters have pretty grim back stories, and I actually think the texting helped keep from making it too angsty in its own way, because although a lot of the texts were written more of a letter length than a couple of sentences, nothing was dwelled on for too long, before they moved onto the next thing. You're the twig in my pine needle tea. If you are looking for a love story, that's a little different from the normal 'boy meets girl' theme, this is definitely one I would recommend you give a try. I have to say the end though... Gah! I so wanted an epilogue, in fact the authors could probably write another book from the ending they gave this one. Not a cliffy per-se, but I definitely wanted more. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Summer at Hope Meadows; Author: Lucy Daniels; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "It feels as if I've never been away." Stars! The first book in the Hope Meadows series, offers up a small village setting, lots of places and people to get to know, with the focal point being the Veterinary Surgery; Animal Ark. This is one of those books you pick up, and basically step into the story. The small village of Welford and its residents offered up a well-balanced and beautifully written story. Mandy Hope has returned home after qualifying as a Vet, and working in Leeds for the past year. Her parents are getting on in years, and the 24/7 nature of the business is starting to take its toll. "So many big memories... for such a pocket-sized village." What initially starts as a few months cover for Mandy, to help out until her parents can find a suitable new staff-member, turns into something else, when she starts to realize, that all of her hopes and dreams may actually be realized better by staying in the village rather than moving back to the big city. Animal Ark has always been where my heart is. You get glimpses of a lot of other village members in the setting up of Mandy's story, which makes me happy because you know that as the series develops all of them are going to have parts to play in each new release. I am a huge fan of books of this sort, the romance aspect was light, apart from the idiot boyfriend Simon, although I am glad he didn't play a massive part in the tale as a whole, but new arrival Jimmy Marsh has potential as well as a few others in the love-stakes in further books in the series. The next book in the series A Hope Meadows Christmas is due for release later on this year, and I am looking forward to getting my seasonal spirit soaring with the animals and residents of Welford. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hot Mess (Hot Aussie Knights, #1); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "I promise to fight for you..." Stars! I am a big fan of Amy Andrews writing, after reading the blurb for Hot Mess, I knew I had to read it. Amnesia isn't as fashionable a trope nowadays, but when used well it's still one I enjoy hugely, and Amy nailed it with Logan and Arabella's story. "I can handle the truth..." "...We weren't just friends." Everything happened pretty quickly with this couple, their reconnection after eight years, is slightly different than the norm, in that on first meeting Bella has no idea who Logan is, although it becomes apparent to her very quickly that this is a guy she felt a lot for, from their conversations, him sharing stories from their past, and the hot-as-hell chemistry between them. Too many it would probably seem fast. But it just felt right. Secrets and lies always have a habit of catching up with a person, and Logan's guilt at not sharing the whole truth of their past quickly becomes a problem for him, especially when it becomes obvious that the relationship between them is developing into more than just a quick fling while Arabella is working in town. She was the fire that lit his soul. I read this book in one sitting, Amy is fast becoming one of my go-to authors when it comes for a quick fix of sexy-hot, entertaining romance. And Hot Mess fits that category perfectly. Being the first book in the Hot Aussie Knights series, we have a whole lot more to come from the Knight family in the form of further books from the likes of Sinclair Jayne, Victoria Purman and Trish Morey. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Soulfire (Nightwing, #1); Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Beware of Morgon men." Stars! I'll say! The first book in the Nightwing series, introduced me to another permanent addition to the Book-boyfriend folder. A man with wings, and fire, and all the alpha tendencies that make for slightly addictive reading tendencies, well it does for me anyway, but I am an unashamed PNR junkie. My beast recognized her as his, wanted her now, yesterday, tomorrow. And always... Absolutely outstanding, read it in one sitting, couldn't put it down. Beautifully crafted world, filled with a plethora of characters, all with their own story to tell. "I imagined this moment. When I could touch you.... When you would want me to touch you. ...I never thought it would happen." Straight onto book two Windburn, Sorcha and Lorian's call is impossible to ignore!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Windburn (Nightwing, #2); Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - Be careful what you wish for... Stars! The second book in Juliette Cross' awesome Nightwing series gives us dark and broody Morgon; Lorian Nightwing's story, the author matched him perfectly with sassy, confident Sorcha Linden. The chemistry sparked between the two of them from the first page, with both of them challenging the other constantly in just about every aspect of their coming together, and held me in its grip until the last. Like the first novella, this book was read in one sitting, I kept trying to put it down, until 'one more chapter' took me to the end, and whoops, it's 4am in the morning! "When you finally fall, it's going to be such a beautiful thing." There is an element of mystery with Windburn and Juliette set it up really well in that there were plenty of characters to suspect, but it wasn't until the big reveal that I actually knew who it was. Wowza, can she tell a story, I am going straight back in and starting novella three; Nightbloom Paxton and Elle's story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nightbloom (Nightwing, #3); Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Hold on... IaEUR(tm)m taking you for a ride." Stars! The third book in the Nightwing series, gives us Paxon and ElleaEUR(tm)s story. One confident and outgoing, the other acquiescent and a little introverted. I started Nightbloom with a little trepidation, you see Elle is in a relationship with a man, and Paxon is not that man. "I will protect and care for you until my dying breath...IaEUR(tm)m going to make you mine in every way." I am not a fan of love triangles in general, but luckily the author made Clayton (the boyfriend) such an unlikable douche, it was easy to root for Paxon. Another thing I liked is although there is drama in relation to it, itaEUR(tm)s not dragged out, and just desserts are served swiftly. "Your mouth is so beautiful. Please watch what you say with it..." "Why?" "Because I only have so much self-control." Three books in one day. That is me, with the reading of this series. I started book one Soulfire yesterday afternoon, stayed up til the wee hours to finish book two; Windburn and have spent this afternoon with Nightbloom. I think that is testament enough in highlighting just how much I enjoyed reading them all. Although I have to hope that the author at some point in the future decides to return to the Gladium Province, to give us more stories from the characters and the settings she has beautifully created.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forged in Fire; Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "You'll be the death of me.." Stars! I cannot seem to get enough of Juliette Cross' writing at the moment, so when the opportunity arose to read The Vessel Trilogy, I grabbed it with both hands and went and hid with my Kindle. Now LIVE! - Amazon US - Forged in Fire - [url] Sealed in Sin - [url] Bound in Black - [url] Amazon UK - Forged in Fire - [url] Sealed in Sin - [url] Bound in Black - [url] My love affair started with all things paranormal and otherworldly when I read Bram Stoker's Dracula, but it took hold like an addiction when I read the Twilight saga, so when I say I got the same chills from reading Forged in Fire as I did when I started Twilight you can understand just how good I think the first book in this series is. Did I mention that it's about Angels and demons... Well it is and that just flipped my enjoyment levels even higher. Because Jude Delacroix; Dominus Daemonum a Master of Demons is a guy you aren't going to forget in a hurry. "I don't mind bearing a small burden of hell, since it's giving me another chance at heaven..." Genevieve Drake, took a little longer to warm too, and I think this is mainly because the author did such a good job at showing her immaturity at the beginning of the story, but you also see how much she grows through the progression of the book, and I actually liked her snarky sass once she had sorted everything out in her head. This is a twenty-year old woman who is given an awful lot to absorb and deal with in a very short space of time, and she does it pretty well. No matter his dark allure, something about him made everyone step clearly out of his way... he emanated an aura of back-the-fuck-off wherever he went... The stage has been set, lots have questions have been answered, a load more have been raised and are waiting for answers, and Gen and Jude as well as a great cast of secondary characters have also been fully introduced, I cannot wait to see where the adventure takes me in the rest of the books. "Even ageless life is too short to live halfhearted." ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sealed in Sin; Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - "You're mine now..." Stars! This is a dual review for the second and third books in The Vessel Trilogy; Sealed in Sin & Bound in Black. I decided to do it this way, because basically both books are equally awesome, and I can say very little about them for fear of giving away major spoilers. The best part though, is that all three are now LIVE! Amazon US - Forged in Fire - [url] Sealed in Sin - [url] Bound in Black - [url] Amazon UK - Forged in Fire - [url] Sealed in Sin - [url] Bound in Black - [url] So you can actually go buy them and read them for yourselves. Jude and Gen's story is unlike any other that I have read in the Paranormal or Fantasy genre, if you like Angels, Demons, the good, the bad, ones you thought were good but are bad and ones that started out bad but then become good, then this is the story for you. Juliette kept me on my toes with this series right up to the last couple of chapters, she also kept me up well past my bedtime with both books two and three because I just didn't want to stop the ride she had taken me on. "You know the more you learn about our world... the more you'll come to understand that everyone-light or dark- has their own agenda foremost in mind." If you are looking for something a little different to read, that will make you think, take you out of this world and put you in another, with a unique story-line, a great cast of unusual and interesting characters, a Hero and Heroine that together were hot, when apart heart-breaking and everything for all of the in-between addicting, then this series if one you need to be checking out. "Don't step too far into the shadows with me..." "How else am I to get close to you." I only discovered this authors writing recently, and have literally devoured each and every book I have read by her since. There are few authors that jump straight onto my auto-buy list nowadays, but Juliette Cross is 100% on it, and most likely to never leave it if she continues to produce books and series of this exemplary calibre. "You've always been my moon in the darkness..." "And you're my guiding star." ARC(s) generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure (and privilege) to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bound in Black; Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: paranormal, children, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Damn, woman. You have some serious balls." Stars! This is a dual review for the second and third books in The Vessel Trilogy; Sealed in Sin & Bound in Black. I decided to do it this way, because basically both books are equally awesome, and I can say very little about them for fear of giving away major spoilers. The best part though, is that all three are now LIVE! Amazon US aEUR" Forged in Fire aEUR" [url] Sealed in Sin - [url] Bound in Black aEUR" [url] Amazon UK aEUR" Forged in Fire aEUR" [url] Sealed in Sin - [url] Bound in Black aEUR" [url] So you can actually go buy them and read them for yourselves. Jude and GenaEUR(tm)s story is unlike any other that I have read in the Paranormal or Fantasy genre, if you like Angels, Demons, the good, the bad, ones you thought were good but are bad and ones that started out bad but then become good, then this is the story for you. Juliette kept me on my toes with this series right up to the last couple of chapters, she also kept me up well past my bedtime with both books two and three because I just didnaEUR(tm)t want to stop the ride she had taken me on. "You know the more you learn about our worldaEUR| the more youaEUR(tm)ll come to understand that everyone-light or dark- has their own agenda foremost in mind." If you are looking for something a little different to read, that will make you think, take you out of this world and put you in another, with a unique story-line, a great cast of unusual and interesting characters, a Hero and Heroine that together were hot, when apart heart-breaking and everything for all of the in-between addicting, then this series if one you need to be checking out. "DonaEUR(tm)t step too far into the shadows with meaEUR|" "How else am I to get close to you." I only discovered this authors writing recently, and have literally devoured each and every book I have read by her since. There are few authors that jump straight onto my auto-buy list nowadays, but Juliette Cross is 100% on it, and most likely to never leave it if she continues to produce books and series of this exemplary calibre. "YouaEUR(tm)ve always been my moon in the darknessaEUR|" "And youaEUR(tm)re my guiding star." ARC(s) generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure (and privilege) to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bet (Players, #1); Author: Elizabeth Hayley; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "...It bought me you." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]-... The writing duo of Elizabeth Hayley, starts their new The Players series, with The Bet all-in-all a pretty enjoyable read. I finished this book a couple of days ago, and after having a think about it I decided to lower my rating a tad. Although Aly and Jace's story was pretty easy-going, it struck me that there were an awful lot of pointless plot bunnies used in the story - ex-boyfriend, familial estrangement, childhood heart conditions, douche co-workers to name but a few . But the one thing that made me roll my eyes whilst reading, and keeps them rolling whenever I think about it was the - perfectly executed and pain-free anal sex that took place on their second date. Yes second date. "Even though you drive me completely insane, you're beautiful and smart and intriguing in a way that somehow makes me want to kiss you and kill you at the same time..." Don't get me wrong I have no problem with people taking their business to the back-door but is just seemed to be bizarre behavior if you take into account how socially awkward Alessandra is when she first starts dating Jace. "There's nothing about you I don't like." That aside there was plenty to like about the book, both the H/h are dating the other due to a bet, and both of them get more than they were initially bargaining for when it comes to how well they connect and the levels of chemistry that they have going on between them. This really is a story of opposites attract. "Will you show me your hamster?" I liked the banter between them both, as well as the camaraderie between Jace and his friends; Ben and Gabe, both high profile sportsmen like himself. The sexy-times were plentiful and the secondary characters many and varied in their levels of involvement. However, if the erroneous bits had been fine-tuned/removed this would have been a much sharper read. "It hurts to lose what we love the most." Knowing this couple initially come together due to a bet, it's pretty clear as to why there is conflict towards the end of the book between them, but I have to say this is where the authors kept the rating up there for me though as it the way they bought Aly and Jace back together was one of the cutest apologies I have read lately. A promising start to the series. This was my first book by this duo, and although a few niggles, I did genuinely enjoy the story. I hope to see Ben and Gabe have their stories told at some point in the future too. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sunrise at Butterfly Cove (Butterfly Cove #1); Author: Sarah Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "What a pair of fuck-ups we are!" Stars! The first book in Sarah Bennett's butterfly Cove series gives us the story of two broken souls looking to try and rebuild their lives. Mia and Daniel are both very different characters, one dealing with grief and the other dealing with a life in the public eye that has somehow spun out of their control. Neither of them are really looking for a relationship, but a train journey without a final destination in mind, followed by a lift from a Good Samaritan, places Daniel on Mia's doorstep. Life went on whether she was ready for it or not... I devoured Sunrise at Butterfly Cove it's a book that lived up to, and then went onto exceed my expectations. There is a large scope for angst in the story between the H/h and somehow the author managed to deal with each and every issue and situation they both find themselves in, in an emotional and heart-felt way without bringing the story down to depressing levels. "The dark should be for whispering about our hopes and dreams for the future. Let's save the tough stuff for the day time..." I think a large part of the reason the story didn't seem overly angsty is due to the fact the author factored in some pretty stellar secondary characters, things were lightened up at pertinent points with their involvement and interaction within the storyline, and I loved watching two broken-souls repair themselves and each other while performing the task of rebuilding a worn out house that is situated in a beautifully described location. "Hold our dreams fast for me... Hold them tight and keep working towards them and that will give me the strength that I need." Three sisters, all with their own stories to be told. Mia certainly gets her happily ever after in Sunrise at Butterfly Cove, let's hope Kiki manages to get hers next in Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove, released in late June.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove (Butterfly Cove #2); Author: Sarah Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Let Butterfly Cove work it's magic..." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]... The second book in the Butterfly Cove series continues Mia and Daniels story, in that it mainly takes place around the planning and taking place of their wedding, but the story is in general told through Mia's sister Kiki. I found her intriguing in the original book, because as a woman with two children in an extremely unhappy marriage, I struggled with her lack of action in relation to doing the right thing by her kids. Again the author gives you a character, well two actually because Aaron Spenser (the romantic interest in this one) is also an adult dealing with a lot of baggage, and takes the drama that their story demands and delivers it in a surprisingly low-angst story-line. Soon the little mouse would roar... I was pleased to see Kiki come to her senses quickly after her 'turn-the-other-cheek' attitude in the previous book to her husband's assholery. Butterfly Cove and its residents are as restorative to her and her children as it was to Daniel and Mia in the first book. "I just wanted one uncomplicated thing in my life, and I thought you were it." This is a story that is what I would call low level romance, the feelings do grow and deepen between Kiki and Aaron, but the story is more focused on both of them dealing with their issues, Kiki in the form of her soon-to-be ex-husband, and her parental responsibilities, and Aaron with long simmering resentments to his step-mother. "You'll leave me... Everybody does." Having read the first two books pretty much in succession, it's safe to say that Sarah Bennett has stepped firmly into my auto-buy box, and I cannot wait for the next installment in the series Christmas at Butterfly Cove, if the little glimpses of what its likely to be about from this book are indicative enough its going to be another emotional read, with the added sparkle of Christmas thrown in for good measure! "I hope Butterfly Cove can bring you as much joy as it has me." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Christmas at Butterfly Cove (Butterfly Cove, #3); Author: Sarah Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "It's been so long since we were all happy..." Stars! We return to Butterfly Cove for the final installment in a series, that has put Sarah Bennett firmly on my auto-buy list. It's no secret that I love a good Christmas book, and getting to spend time with a group of characters that have become to feel like friends over the last year made it all the more sweeter too read. Still told from various points of view, the story mainly focuses on the broken relationship between Nee and Luke, something that as a reader, as well as the rest of the characters, we didn't even know about until Mia and Dan's wedding. "There's nothing left of the woman you knew..." Boy, did this book put me through the emotional wringer, Nee and Luke (as well as pretty much everyone else in the book) are characters that you cannot help but like, if you have read the previous books (and you really, really should) you know that like her sisters her childhood wasn't what could be considered normal, with an alcoholic mother and an emotionally closed off father the girls had to fend for themselves and be each other's support network, but being the youngest meant that she was left alone for a number of years as her siblings married and moved on with their lives. Twenty-four was too damn young to feel this old. Art became her way of expressing herself, and it is ultimately what broke the budding relationship between her and Luke. Something which, as the book progresses you are given the reasons for the actions she took. Nee was his wife, and until the moment she stared him in the eye and told him it was over, he would fight with everything he had to reclaim her... Christmas is a time for family and coming together, and pretty much everyone you have come to know and love from the previous books plays a part in helping this couple work through their issues, in an attempt to resurrect their relationship, you know that they both love each other deeply, but with everything that has happened since Nee left for New York, you do wonder if their relationship can survive the fall-out. "Give me until the New Year..." I think Sarah has topped my author discovery of 2017 list with this final book in the Butterfly Cove series. Right from the get-go with Sunrise at Butterfly Cove I was drawn into the world she had created, my love was solidified with Wedding bells at Butterfly Cove in that the characters just felt real, familiar and welcoming, and with Christmas at Butterfly Cove the author has given me a series that I know I will go back and re-read again, and again in the future. I hope this isn't the last we see of these characters though, I think they are primed for a catch up Christmas novella in 2018, and I can only hope the author/publisher make my wishes come true in that respect. "We've come so far; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Talk British to Me; Author: Robin Bielman; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You run into a lot of people or am I just lucky?" Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]... Robin Bielman delivers another outstanding read, and this time it's with a new series for Entangled Publishings', Embrace imprint. Talk British to Me the first book in the new Wherever You Go series took two completely different, but ambitious twenty somethings and put them in each other's orbit in a series unexpected meetings, as well as a number of funny scenarios thrown in for good measure. Mateo is happy living his life one date at a time, whilst anonymously fronting a radio show about dating, Teague is very much the traditional dater, one-night-stands are not her MO. Just because I hit it and quit it doesn't mean I don't treat my date like she walks on water... So initially they agree to be friends, friends that flirt outrageously with each other and have off-the-charts chemistry, but friends nonetheless. The chemistry between the two of them and how Mateo constantly teased Teague about it was what carried this story for me. Robin excels at the banter, and it was stellar for everyone included in this book. He's a major heartbreak waiting to happen. And unfortunately I don't know any other way to be than to lead with my heart... I loved these two together, both were likeable, the story-line is light, agreeable and low on drama, the author introduces you to a great set of secondary characters who I expect to see more of in forthcoming books while giving Mateo and Teague, a sweet and funny story with lots going on and not a chance to get bored in its reading. "When you're ready to touch my lips... Let me know, and I promise I'll touch yours back." My only gripe and the reason it didn't get a five star is the fact it's written in first person POV. This isn't a mark against the author as it was written really well, I just personally find it harder to get the emotional connection between a couple when they are talking to the reader. The dual POV is great in giving you the story from both of their perspectives though, I just struggled at points (especially in the first half) to get out to my head and into the story because of it. That said I still absolutely loved it, it was funny, fresh and vibrant, and I cannot wait for more books to be released following on from it. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Royal Pain (His Royal Hotness, #1); Author: Tracy Wolff; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 2.5 - "You're a writer... Why don't you change the story." Stars. The first book in Tracy Wolff's His Royal Hotness series gives us Prince Kian of Wildemar's story. It's a bit of a Cinderella tale in that the woman he falls for is a lowly bartender/writer. I really like him. I shouldn't I do. This is one of those books that very much falls into the 'didn't love it/didn't hate it' category. The author knows how to craft a story well, and as expected delivered on the sexy-times, but there were several components to the story I didn't like. First being a bit of a spoiler - Savvy, we find out early on has already had a sexual relationship with Kian's twin brother. Okay it was over five years ago and only went on for a few months, but it left me feeling decidedly... icky. But I in general like this authors writing so I decided to stick with it, and try to ignore that little nugget of information, but it was almost impossible as it was pretty much referenced every other paragraph and even when they were getting down and dirty with each other. Total mood killer for this reader for sure... "As long as I get to come. I don't give a shit who I am fucking." I expected a certain amount of overconfidence and arrogance from Kian, he is a Prince after all, but I struggled to warm to him in general, that fact his twin brother has been kidnapped is the reason he is called home, from his Playboy lifestyle, but I don't know I just didn't feel like the situation was given the gravitas it needed until the second half of the book. The 'insta' connection between him and Savvy didn't seem realistic either to be honest, and together although they burned up the sheets their only real connection other than that seemed to be their bond over a mutual acquaintance (see spoiler). I've spent my life burning bridges instead of building them. I'll admit I am intrigued about Crown Prince Garrett, so it's possible I'll return to the series when his book is released in December. Just wasn't blown away on this occasion, I do have high expectations of Ms. Wolff though, having read many, many of her books I know the high quality writing she usually offers, and Royal Pain just missed the mark for me on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Playboy Prince and the Nanny; Author: Donna Alward; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I'm the nanny. You're a prince..." Stars! Donna Alward starts off her Royal Duology with a nice and easy read in The Playboy Prince and the Nanny. If you are a lover of Harlequin style romance, then this will be right up your street, itaEUR(tm)s well written, easy to get along with, low drama, pretty predictable in its telling, but I am all for a little escapism and that is exactly what Rose and DiegoaEUR(tm)s story offered. "I am just a manaEUR| The titleaEUR| thataEUR(tm)s an accident of birth. And yes, as you said today, I live a certain way. It comes with the title. But underneath all thisaEUR| IaEUR(tm)m just flesh and blood, same as you." This is a PG-13 style romance with very little in the way of visible action taking place between our couple, but it wasnaEUR(tm)t a major issue as the story in itself was sweet and didnaEUR(tm)t really require the heat factor in it, if you know what I mean. "You came in like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day." The second book The Crown PrinceaEUR(tm)s Bride is due for release in early 2018, and it would be one IaEUR(tm)d happily spend a couple of hours reading. Nothing like a single daddy/widower to get the feels going! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ruckus (SEAL Team Alpha, #1); Author: Zoe Dawson; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "This has to be one of my favorite cluster fucks ever." Stars! Zoe Dawson begins her new SEAL Team Alpha Series with a bang. Ruckus; Bowie and Dana's story was an adrenaline rush adventure from start to pretty much finish and I read it in one sitting. I just got lost in this story, Lieutenant Bowie 'Ruckus' Cooper, and his team of SEAL's are dropped into Columbia on what is expected to be a quick in and out collection of an infamous Los Piratas drug lord. Things start to go awry when the first person they come across in his house is an American reporter. Dana and her crew unbeknownst to Ruckus and his team, have been held hostage, and basically their mission becomes one of rescue, rather than retrieval. "No one is going to harm you unless I ain't breathing..." Best laid plans, as you would expect go massively awry in this one, and Ruckus finds himself separated from his team with Dana in tow, and them both on the run from the bad guys, and what follows is a couple of weeks of escape and evade capture, in the inhospitable jungles of Columbia. "You are a tough little wild cat." It doesn't take long for the sexual tension between these two too reach boiling point, and in-between dodging bullet's, jungle wildlife, and general mayhem the author managed to insert some pretty hot sexy-times between them. "If we weren't out in this jungle with all these bastards after us, a package to pick up and a mission to complete, I'd have you holed up somewhere for a freaking week..." Zoe managed to take two pretty strong personalities in Dana and Bowie, but showed their vulnerabilities and weaknesses really well even in the heat of battle. Both of them are dealing with past demons and the journey they take together although dangerous and stressful, also pushes both of them to look at the issues they have tried to bury. Outside she was strong and confident. Inside she was lost... Like him. The extreme situation also pushes the emotional connection between them to full strength and it was great to have the dual POV so you were in both their heads as things progressed. "Just so you are aware. I don't do fluffy and sunny..." "Nope. Got that, Mr. Grumpy." If you like your romance with a side of adventure, and a sexy SEAL Team of secondary characters then this one will be right up your street. I cannot wait for the next book in the series Kid Chaos to be released next month, the author has set everything and everyone up really well with Ruckus and I am looking forward to going on more adventures with the guys over the coming months/years. ARC generously provided by that Author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All I Am: Drew's Story (This Man, #3.5); Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 "You ready to get completely lost...?" Stars! Jodi Ellen Malpas returns to the This Man universe, to give us Drew Davies' story, one of Jesse Ward's friends in the original three books, it was good to catch up with this group of characters again. ITs LIVE! Amazon: [url] iBooks: [url] BN: [url] Kobo: [url] Google: [url] Nothing massively new or unusual about the plot to be honest with you, two people looking for uncomplicated sex, come together for some commitment-free sexy-times at Hux club, but after that initial meeting both of them realize that they have more of a connection than just in bed. I can do cold, emotionless, and filthy. With little effort. Actually with no effort... Although Drew being a Daddy, gave it an added emotional element, and I really liked Reya's strength of character. And the added man-chat when Jesse and Sam were involved in things added to the overall entertainment factor. "What are you scared of, Drew..?" "You." Saying to much more would pretty much give the whole novella away, so I will leave it at that. The author delivered a well written story, it was absolutely fantastic to catch up with Jesse, Ava and the rest of the Manor crew, if like me you loved the original series, you will love this little return, I certainly did. ARC generously provided by the publisher via SocialButterflyPR in exchange for the above honest review. **This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kid Chaos (SEAL Team Alpha, #2); Author: Zoe Dawson; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - Disarming her seemed to be this mans specialty... Stars! Zoe Dawson returns to the SEAL Team Alpha series, with another absolutely kick-ass story. Like its predecessor, Kid Chaos hit the ground running and didn't slow down until the epilogue. We were given great introduction to Ashe 'Kid Chaos' Wilder in the previous book, and the story initially takes the reader back to the mission in Darien Gap, with Ruckus and the rest of the SEAL Team returning to the US for some downtime. Ashe returns to an empty apartment and an ex-girlfriend who is already engaged to someone else, not as you can imagine what he was expecting. His leave turns into one long mission to get over another failed relationship. "Have you ever pulled the trigger while looking a man in the eyes..?" I really felt for him, the happy-go-lucky, baby-faced sniper you quickly learn is more than just a pretty face and looking for a bit of adrenaline fueled r-n-r in Bolivia soon brings all those skills to the fore when he inadvertently stumbles into the middle of NCIS Agent, Paige Sinclair's investigation into stolen guns and the men wanting them. "I think you really need to mind your own business." "I was never really good at that." I absolutely adored these two together, and the story that develops around them reminded me of a well-crafted Indiana Jones type adventure, only Paige was definitely not a damsel in distress, as confident as Kid is, with her own skill set when it came to dealing with the bad guys these two together were an absolute thrill a minute read. "Don't tell me what to do unless you're naked." Another thing I loved was the addition of POV from Cowboy's perspective. Another one of Kid's team members as well as his best friend, Zoe has really set things up well for the next book, which incidentally is his, and I cannot wait for its release next month. The SEAL Team Alpha series with only two books to its name, is already becoming one of my favorites. "You call the shots... I'll follow orders." ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cowboy (SEAL Team Alpha, #3); Author: Zoe Dawson; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 5 - His second chance girl had just become his number one priority. Stars! The third book in Zoe Dawson's hugely entertaining SEAL Team Alpha series gives us Wes 'Cowboy' McGraw's story. We have seen quite a bit of him in the previous two books and I was eager to finally get the full low-down on this man's past. ITS LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] Having to go back home and face his demons after a decade away from the Texas town, is something Cowboy has been putting off for a long while, the events that happened in the aftermath of his father's suicide still sit very heavy on his shoulders, but his achievements of the last ten years mean that he is now in a position to look to try and buy back the family Ranch. It also gives him a second-chance with the one woman that has never left his thoughts in all that time; Kia Silverbrook. It was time to reclaim what he had lost... Things hit the ground running pretty quickly in this one, and it isn't long before Kia and Wes find themselves fighting off the enemy. Problem being neither of them know who it is that is intent on killing Kia, and the reasons behind it. but Kia's past is less than clean cut, and she's hiding more than a few skeletons in her closet, but that doesn't stop Cowboy going into full alpha protector mode, and with the help of fellow team member; Thorn 'Tank' Hunt and service dog Echo, they form a protective ring around her. "I used to dream about you being in my bed... I never, ever in a million years thought I'd have you here." The flying sparks and sexy-times pretty much hit the ground running between the pair as well, and it doesn't take long for them both to admit that they had a thing for the other but never acted on it before Wes's departure into the SEALs. He'd thought he'd put this life firmly in the past, but being back here reminded him of everything he'd lost... As my rating attests I found this addition to the series another absolutely outstanding read, the author once again gave me a massive dose of adventure and suspense with my romance and it was all balanced out perfectly. The inclusion of Tank and Echo in this one fitted well but also gave me insight into what this guy is going to be like when he has his story next, and he was also the perfect team member to get a rise out of Cowboy, and bring some emotion out in him, something that has been kept very much on the back-burner in the previous two books. "I lost sight of home." A few laughs were also had when the rest of the guys become involved, but for me Wes and Kia together were the best part, even with the secrets and lies I just loved them together, Kia was quirky to his staid, and the odd couple; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shattered King (Lawless Kings, #1); Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: mystery, thriller, children, crime, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You're mine... I take care of what's mine." Stars! Its LIVE! Amazon US aEUR" [url] Amazon UK aEUR" [url] B&N - [url]... Sherilee Gray, begins the new Lawless Kings series; Shattered King, with Hunter KingaEUR(tm)s story, second chance love if you will, but with the added bonus of a little action and adventure. On the whole this was a pretty good read, Sherilee gives good Alpha, and Hunter offered up all the attributes that I have come to now expect from one of her heroes. Dark, broody, demanding, inked-up and always ready to throw down for his woman. The first half of this book really kept me on my toes, the author is essentially setting up the series with the introduction of King Agency and its main players, around Hunter and LuluaEUR(tm)s reconnection. You understand very quickly that Hunter is a man who is out for revenge and answers from those who played a part in sending him to prison for the last three or so years. First and foremost the woman he loved aEUR" Lulu, and followed closely by her step-father Pierce. "YouaEUR(tm)re already gone. YouaEUR(tm)re dead to me. You donaEUR(tm)t fucking exist." Lulu we discover has pretty much kept herself and her secrets hidden since HunteraEUR(tm)s incarceration, moving from one town to the next, taking jobs on a cash basis, and changing her name to avoid detection. But has now been forced to return back to town due to her motheraEUR(tm)s ailing health, the risk is high, especially as her responsibilities go further than just herself now, but she cannot let her mother pass without seeing her one last time. Not mincing words, but Hunter basically kidnaps her and holds her in a remote cabin for the next couple of days, and treats her like a caged animal. Their interactions are harsh, language hurtful, and sex is definitely what I would class as angry. But I understood the reasonings for it, betrayal by those we love is a painful motivator. IaEUR(tm)d always known heaEUR(tm)d come for meaEUR| It was only a matter of time, and IaEUR(tm)d known there sure as hell wouldnaEUR(tm)t be a happy reunion. The second half of the book is pretty much where both Hunter and Lulu start to understand more about each other and the threat they are dealing with in her step-father, but the author also goes more into the reasons why Lulu did what she did in order to send him to prison, and itaEUR(tm)s not a pretty story. She was my drug, my poison. The best, and worst thing that had ever happened to me. For me, and the reason why I have rated the book as I have, I just felt those issues werenaEUR(tm)t given the depth of development or gravity they deserved within the story, if you are going to go to the darker side of human behavior with the tropes you use for a particular character, you need to make sure they are used in a constructive way, for me they just felt like excuses at times, and; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Summer at Rose Island (White Cliff Bay #3); Author: Holly Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Don't let anyone tell you your dreams aren't good enough..." Stars! The third book in Holly Martin's White Cliff Bay series, takes us to Rose Island and the grumpy American guy living in the old lighthouse on it, and I have to say, I think Riley Eddison may be my most favorite Holly Martin Hero thus far! Add in that his love interest Darcy Davenport is the perfect level of clumsy and quirky and this was a pair whose story I pretty much devoured in one sitting. Moving from London to White Cliff Bay was the best decision she had ever made... I won't lie I started this book with a little trepidation, mainly because I really struggled with the first book from the series, Christmas at Lilac Cottage was a real disappointment for me, in that it just didn't have the happy, easygoing vibe and smooth Martin writing style I have become accustomed to, and I actually decided not to read it's follow-up because of it, but the old Holly Martin spark was back in spades in this book and it kept me entertained from beginning to end. "We can be weird together." I loved Riley and Darcy together, and once again the author pretty much pulled the whole community into the telling of their coming together, the story although pretty predictable in one sense, is made unique by all the quirks and characterisms that Holly is adept at giving her main cast as well as involving some really likeable secondary characters too. "I've done quite a few things recently that I never thought I'd do." Summer at Rose Island is Holly Martin writing at her best again, the humor and emotion reminded me of my other favorite books by her in The Guestbook & One Hundred Proposals and I am almost tempted to go back and give book two a try now. My love for this authors work has gradually started to grow again in 2017 and I cannot read more from her in the coming months. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drakon's Plunder (Blood of the Drakon, #3); Author: N.J. Walters; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "Never doubt your value." Stars! We return to the Blood of the Drakon series, with the third book; Drakon's Plunder finally giving us Ezra Easton's story. I am abso-blooming-loving, this series. N. J Walters has really hit the mother-lode with the guys/drakons that these books are telling the stories of, and just like his brothers before him, I absolutely adored Ezra. Nothing gets my girly parts zinging more than an Alpha growly male, going all possessive over the woman destined to be his mate, and Ezra was all that and a bar of chocolate. She was his. He'd found her in the ocean, plucked her from the sea. By the laws of maritime salvage, that meant she belonged to him now... Once again the author managed to give the reader a really great love story between Ezra and Sam, another strong willed, sassy woman, not afraid to speak her mind, and do what she believes is the right thing. All the while their mutual enemy the Knights of the Dragon are still looking for clues as to whether there are further Drakon in existence and for ancient spells and curses to help them capture and use the Drakon for their blood. It was rare for both sides of his nature-man and beast to be at peace. Sam gave him that." As with the last book I felt this part of the bigger story hardly moved along in the scheme of things, in fact there hasn't been a huge amount of development around Karina Azarov, Herman Temple, and the whole Knights plot since the author set it all up in book one to be honest, a few bad guys may have died along the way, but nothing else of real note(yet). But after reading this one I have a feeling I know why, not that I can say as that would be a huge spoiler! He'd bring ruin to the world before he'd let anyone take her from him... That-said I still absolutely adored this book, there is involvement from the previous characters as well, so that keeps everything cohesive and current, and some of the banter between Ezra and his brothers bought a few giggles to the fore. "I haven't known you very long, but it feels like I've known you forever." This isn't a series you can just dip into, you definitely need to read it from the beginning, I also love that the author/publisher are keeping the break between releases small, it means that I am not spending the first few chapters of each book trying to recall everything that has happened previously. On that point I really hope that we don't have to wait for the next book, Nicodemus Wilde, has been the most un-involved of the brothers up to this point in the story, so I cannot wait to get to know him better. "You're never leaving me. Not while I have blood in my body." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maybe This Summer (Colorado Ice, #2.5); Author: Jennifer Snow; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - Maybe... just maybe, she needed to be braver..." Stars! Book 2.5 in the Colorado Ice series give the reader Paige Adams and Team Mascot Owen McConnell's story. "You need a warning label on that smile." I haven't been deemed special enough by the publisher to be provided with ARC's of the previous two books, but it didn't detract from the reading experience in that you can absolutely read this novella as a standalone. "You are amazingly beautiful... I don't know how to tell you enough." This was quite a heavy story to try and deal with in a story of novella length, and for the most part I think the author did it really well. I loved Owen he was an absolute sweetheart, and although Paige took a little longer to warm to, you understand why she is as closed off as she is as the story-line progresses. That-said, I believe this story did have the potential to be a full length book, but the novella was a great little interlude. No doubt when the next full length book is due for release the publisher will decline my request for an ARC, but I would definitely be happy to read more from Jennifer Snow, as this read highlighted that she offers up the right amount of drama and angst in her romance, that ticks all of this readers boxes. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Summer At Willow Tree Farm; Author: Heidi Rice; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "You're still here then..." Stars! Summer At Willow Tree farm is not the first book I have read by Heidi Rice, it is however the first one that I have read of her more Chick-Lit type offerings. And on the whole, it was pretty enjoyable. The author set the scene well with the return of Eloise Granger to the farm from the US after years of estrangement from her mother the two have gradually been rebuilding their relationship with the aid of the internet. But Ellie's reasons for returning with her son Josh for the summer are more than just looking to reconnect with her mother. Life was so fickle and unpredictable, you needed to grab every ounce of happiness where you could... Staring down the barrel of divorce proceedings after catching her husband out again Ellie decides some time away from everyone would be best for her and Josh, spending the summer in a completely different country seems like a good idea, while the dust from his latest scandal settles. Both Ellie and Josh are pretty sorry characters when they first arrive, and you get to see both of them flourish and blossom as the story progresses. Maybe she wasn't totally immune to Art's non-charms... I really liked the first half of the book, the reconnection between Art and Ellie, is spiky and abrupt at best, with both of them trying to go out of their way to avoid the other and the inevitable confrontations that seem to happen whenever they do, you can still sense the chemistry there between them, the dual POV really helped in this regard as you got to see how they both reacted after certain events. But for me if I am honest, the secondary story with the development of the cafe and shop and all of the secondary characters was what kept me reading the second half because everything sort of fizzled a bit between them for me, with the repetitive over-reaction to things, then lack of communication afterwards, it was akin to them going back to the first summer they spent together. "I'd like to know if that stick up your backside is a permanent fixture... Or whether you just shove it up there for my benefit..?" I liked getting bits of the story from Dee's perspective (Ellie's Mum) although the author seemed to be alluding to something in the first half with her thoughts that then never materialised into anything in the second. All-in-all, a decent summer read, if you are looking to escape to a farming co-operative, with plenty of likeable and diverse characters, that's not too heavy on the drama with a little bit of everything thrown into the storyline to keep everyone happy. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raw Heat (Larson Brothers, #3); Author: Cherrie Lynn; Genres: graphic, comics, romance, fiction; Review: 2 - "It's a very tangled web." Stars. Cherrie Lynn rounds off the Larson Brothers series with dark and broody, professional gambler Damien Larson's story. "These Larson men are a handful." I am a huge fan of this authors writing, and if I am honest it is the only reason I didn't actually give up on this book around the 60% mark. "Don't hate the player, hate the game..." Plot-wise you essentially are getting a little Pretty Woman, with a large dash of Indecent Proposal with a side order of FSOG style Kinky Fuckery as well as some major familial drama thrown in for good measure. Won't lie I was all-in for the Kinky bit, because the smutty, sexy, dirty goodness in this story took me back to the halcyon days of Ghost & Brian, and if you haven't met these delicious men I recommend you check out Rock Me & Leave Me Breathless because no one writes sexy like Cherrie when she decides to go wild. And Damien and Emma's story definitely had the steam in it, but everything else was sadly a total, and utter let down. He smelled like sin... tasted like heaven... It's no secret I have major issues with over the top familial drama, and all three books in this series have had that as part of the story-line to varying degrees, but I have been able to mainly overlook it because I liked the previous characters and the rest of the story that was being told. Not so much with Emma Haskell, this is a woman I would have kicked to the curb and left to wade out of the deep and plentiful pile of shit her douche-bag brother had dropped her in by losing her in a bet to Damien. A bet that means she's essentially his for a month in lieu of paying her loving brother paying his debts. "Make me forget all this... and I'll consider this a month well spent." Something she agreed to at the time, and then proceeded to bitch, moan and generally give him grief about continually thereafter. I know this is fiction, but if you agree to something, even if you don't really want to do it, then after a certain amount of bitching about the hand you have been dealt, you need to then suck it up and get on with it. But no, immature and whiny Ms. Haskell decides against this and to act like a total child for a large portion of the book, even though she's happy to take the free clothes, luxury car, jewelled butt-plug and sexual shenanigans that Damien dishes out, although even that was usually finished off with a side order of snide for the circumstances she is in afterwards. "Spare me your fucking victim mentality... need I remind you that you chose this? You knew the stakes yet you came here anyway, and don't stand there and pretend it wasn't because you wanted something from me, too. I didn't force you, but the mistake I did make was trusting that; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Billionaire's Secret Princess (Mills & Boon Modern) (Scandalous Royal Brides, Book 2); Author: Caitlin Crews; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 Stars! I didn't love Achilles and Valentina's book quite as much as its predecessor. Mainly because it felt like the author pretty much kept every personality trait from Natalie and Rodolfo in the first book, and just transferred them over without giving them any real attributes of their own. It was as if he had never seen her before. It was as if she'd gone into the bathroom in the airport lounge and come out a completely different person... The verbal sparring which was as good as in the first book (The Princes nine-Month Scandal) it lost its impact a bit because it was all a bit de-ja-vu in places. Still it was a relatively quick read, and enjoyable enough. I think my advice would be not too read the books in succession like I did, have a break in-between, the similarities between both couples may not be as glaringly obvious then. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Until the Sun Sets (The Graysons, #3); Author: Tara Wyatt; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "Sometimes the best things in life happen in the most unexpected ways..." Stars! The third book in the Graysons series takes a step away from its predecessors in that it's set in Mexico, and not around Christmas. Dean Grayson is cousin to Luke and Matt, the twin brothers the previous novellas were about. This is basically your man-whore comes good type of scenario with a side of friends-to-lovers to keep things moving along, and I really enjoyed it. Which in itself wasn't a surprise as the previous two novellas in the series were just as agreeable. Something had shifted between them on the plane... Something was still shifting, and he wasn't sure what had triggered it. Carly and Dean together were pretty hot from the point their feet touched the Mexican beach, and I loved that while Carly was already full invested in the feels department it took Dean a little while to catch up. The dual POV gives you both sides of the story, and the end was absolutely adorable. "You want more for yourself, but you're scared to get hurt." I hope the author and the publisher work together again in the future, I'd love to see a series of full length books with similar themes, because if this set of novella's is anything to go by then we would be in for a real treat. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Christmas Cowboy Hero; Author: Donna Grant; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "Christmas has come early..." Stars! Donna Grant writing a Christmas Romantic Suspense, with an ex-SEAL cowboy... SIGN. ME. UP! Clayton East was truly a Prince Charming with a Stetson, and I loved the Cinderella aspect with the way Donna built Abby and her brother's story around them and the East family accepting them into the fold, in general. "It seems like our families are intertwined..." The suspense comes in the form of some good ole' cattle rustling, and the romance between this pair fell a little into the 'insta' category, but I loved it anyway. So much so I gave myself a headache by finishing the book in pretty much one sitting. "You've been doing things for everyone but yourself. When are you going to let someone do something for you..?" Really, really enjoyable read. The authors forays away from the PNR genre into Contemporary Romantic Suspense in the past year or two have really gotten better and better with each new release. The Heart of Texas series looks like its going to be another stellar addition to her bibliography. "Wouldn't you rather see where it takes you than to always wonder..?" ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: His Command (Playboy Genie, #2); Author: Sophie H. Morgan; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 3 - "Bring it, Genie." Stars. The second book in the Playboy Genie series; His Command brings us Ryder Wood and Hailey Lawson's story. This is one of those books that fell in to the 'didn't love - didn't hate' category. The first book grabbed me from the get-go, but for me the story this time seemed to take an awfully long time to move along, and by the 50% mark I was struggling somewhat to stay interested. "I've been thinking..." "Never a good idea for a woman." The author still managed to pull some really humorous snark between Hailey and Ryder, as well as his handler Luka and their boss Clare. And the sexy-times between them (when they started) were hot and heavy, but the pacing for everything just felt a little off for me this time around. "You think you want a man who lets you be in control. But that's not what you need. You need a man who puts you first. Pushes you to try new things, to lose that control... A man who knows what you want before you think it, who can make your breath catch, your knees weak, your heart race. A man who can make you burn..." That-said it was great to see Kate again, and I really hope she gets a Genie of her own in a future book, I also liked the insight into Ryder's twin brother Leo, his book is up next, and I am interested to see what direction the author takes his story. "You say whatever's on your mind, don't you..?" "Pretty much. Why hide what you're thinking." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Hero to Love (Changing Tides, #2); Author: Gail Chianese; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You always were too stubborn for your own good." Stars! Gail Chianese is an author new to me, and although A Hero to Love is the second book in the Changing Tides series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Jax and Risa's story was what I would call and easy-going romance. There is an aspect of suspense to it, but to be honest you would have to be blind to not pick out the villain straight off. It didn't affect my enjoyment though because I loved the whole story between the two of them, and Jax's service dog Bella. She wanted to break all sorts of rules with Jaxon Faraday... You are also given a great setting and a bunch of likeable secondary characters, which added depth to the story overall. Both commitment-phobes for their own reasons, there wasn't a massive amount new or unusual about the story, but the addition of Risa's many and varied pet's to the mix helped as did the fact that Jax was pure Southern Gentleman. "The man has a way of getting past your defenses and leaving you wanting more..." The last 15% annoyed me somewhat because Risa reverted back to a hormonal teen with her refusal to communicate with Jax, because if she had, I think the end would have been better with the villain being the main issue, and not her refusal to talk to him. It all felt a little rushed because of it. "Love and hate... they walk a fine line." That-said I enjoyed it enough to hop onto Amazon and buy book one, as well as all three books of the authors other Kensington series; West Side Romance doesn't hurt that they are all silly cheap on Amazon at the moment! Being with Jax was like coming home... It simply felt right. Disarmed by Love is due February 18, and I am looking forwards to reading Risa's BF and single-mother Fiona's story, you get to know her in this book, and I liked what I learned, and cannot wait for her to get her HEA. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Big Little Festival (Rabbit's Leap, Book 2); Author: Kellie Hailes; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "Second chances are a funny thing..." Stars! We return to the village of Rabbit's Leap and it's quirky residents with the second book in Kellie Hailes' series of the same name. The Big Little Festival takes cultured polished townie Christian Middlemore, and throws him in the path of single mother of twins Jody McArthur. I fell in Love with Rabbits Leap and it's inhabitants when I read The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises and Kellie, gives good secondary character again with this story. I really liked Christian, event planner extraordinaire, has been hired by Jody to take over the organisation of the festival and try to bring together a cohesive plan for the town's involvement. The cause it is in aid of is something that is very close to her heart as the funds raised will go to the reparation and reopening of the local swimming pool. No. Men. Allowed. Not until her boys were men... Jody was a bit of a struggle to warm too, everything started out pretty well, and she's a character that was involved in the first book so you have her basic background and know what she's about from that. My problem is that I struggled with the way she treated Christian, I understood her being wary of men and reluctant to start a relationship with him, if you took into account of the way she fell pregnant and also with the way her father treated her, but I don't think that actually justified some of her reactions towards him, the way she treated him, especially in the latter stages of the book. Why did he have to be so thoughtful... On top of good to look at. It felt like as a reader we were expected to just accept her being so unreasonable and in parts a total bitch because of her past, and it just didn't feel warranted in the levels it was dealt out. Especially as by this point Christian has put his heart and feelings on the line (who also has a pretty sad back story) then takes the brunt of everything. The division of responsibility felt awfully one-sided to me, and the reconciliation between them lost a little of its gravitas because I wasn't sure I really wanted them to finish the book as a couple. That-said it wasn't a struggle to read, Jody's twin boys Tyler and Jordan added a bit of humor and lightened up some of the drama with their inclusion, it was also good to get some involvement from Tony and Mel (The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises) as well as the town and resident of Rabbits Leap in general. The third book in the series takes us back for Christmas, with Christmas at the Second Chance Chocolate Shop due for release late on this year, and I look forward to reading it. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Inn at Blue Hollow Falls (Blue Hollow Falls, #1.5); Author: Donna Kauffman; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "It's perfect for me..." Stars! I fell in love with this series hard, with the first book; Blue Hollow Falls delivering everything I want in my contemporary romance reading, and Donna Kauffman blew my Christmas Socks off, with this sweet, seasonal novella. We met Inn-Keeper Noah and Botanist Stevie in the first book in that they were both close friends of Sunny and Sawyer, so it was great to go back to Virginia, and reconnect with everyone while the snow is falling and Christmas magic is in the air. "Christmas is just another day to me. And I'm okay with that." Being snowed in at the Inn, and thrown together by circumstance gave the romance side of their story a little 'insta' injection, but I didn't mind, the author took me too my reading happy place, with the perfect setting, likeable characters and a happily ever after that will have you sighing into your peppermint candy cane hot chocolate. "I think this is that thing worth fighting for... And I want to do it right. From the start." Short, sweet, and sooo satisfying, you will want to add this standalone novella to your Christmas reading wish-list. "You've got yourself a Christmas convert." Seth is up next with Bluestone & Vine due for release in June 18, I cannot wait to get back to this series and the characters it has given me. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: An Earl by Any Other Name; Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: 5 - "Being respectable... was going to kill him." Stars! Lauren Smith is one of a few authors who I will happily read Historical Romance by, mainly because it's so well-crafted you just get lost in the story. An Earl by Any Other Name; the first book from her new Sins and Scandals series met all of my expectations and then some. Love was a risk he would not take... I really enjoyed Leo and Ivy's story, it's a sort of old and new money collides type of tale, except Leo's old money has pretty much been used up when the death of his father uncovers just how badly he had been managing the family's finances in favour of his mistress in town, he knows he needs to step back from his gallivanting roguish ways and marry well in order to save the families estate, and love is definitely not part of the equation... I cannot be that man anymore, the carefree fool who didn't know his life was on the brink of collapse... Well until his mother starts meddling and literally throws Ivy Leighton in his path. A woman who remembers him as the hero from her childhood, someone she loved in secret, and although Leo feels something is familiar about her, he doesn't recognize her as the child he used to affectionately call Button. "Why do I have a feeling you are going to be trouble, Miss Leighton..?" "Trouble..." "Oh yes. Just when I have everything planned, you come along and remind me of why I used to be so wicked." This was just another great read, and although novella length, didn't feel like the story or character depth had been skimped on, once again the author pulled me in, kept me entertained and left me smiling with this book, as well as introducing me to Owen Hadley, the hero of the next book A Gentleman Never Surrenders due for release in September, and I for one cannot wait to read it! "I'm already damned, so what's one more scandal!" ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spellbinder (Moonshadow, #2); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "I was broken, and broken again, until I became someone else..." Stars! Thea Harrison takes her readers back to the Moonshadow series with the second book; Spellbinder giving us Morgan Le FaeaEUR(tm)s story. There are so many things I can say about this book, it literally grabs you by the eye-balls and keeps you in its spell until the end. This isnaEUR(tm)t your typical fantasy/pnr book, the author literally covers all bases and then some. "What was healed can be rebrokenaEUR|" I think the other good thing is that although part of a series you can definitely read it as a standalone, because apart from Robin the puck I donaEUR(tm)t recall any of the other characters involved having any major part of the first book. The story does follow on in the extent that The Queen of the Light Court is one of the main players this time, whereas she was sort of a secondary problem in the first book Moonshadow. You will regret doing this to me. I will make sure of itaEUR| I found it difficult initially to warm to Sidonie Martel at the start, although the situation she finds herself in, and the things she goes through after her kidnapping are quite disturbing, she still acted a little rashly at points, that-said though it was this behaviour that bought about some of the pivotal points in the story. Sooner or later all the pieces would come together and she would fifure out who he was. Her initial meeting with Morgan, and the virtual anonymity that then blossomed into a whole lot more gave this couple such a great depth, which added gravitas to everything that happened in the latter stages of the story. There was no surviving some loves. No matter what happened to the love affair, whether it flourished or failed, those loves struck mortal blows one carried for the rest of oneaEUR(tm)s life. This loveaEUR| this love was like that. This is a battle of good against evil, the dark and light, those that were initially thought of as enemies eventually become allies. The players are so seamlessly moved around on the chess-board of the story that you are poised for disaster after each and every move that is made, it was a thrill-ride where you have no clue as to what may follow up next. "The tide of war has shiftedaEUR|" And all of this played out around an absolutely captivating love story. I couldnaEUR(tm)t predict how Thea would bring this couple together in the long term, and I absolutely adored the last couple of chapters because of it. "I will come back." Outstanding read, I cannot wait for Lionheart to be released in 2018, the author has me hooked! ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crash and Burn (Stranded, #1); Author: Rachel Lacey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Around the next bend..." Stars! Rachel Lacey begins her new Stranded series with an absolutely rip-roaring adventure. I loved Isabel and Nate's book so much I read it in one sitting! PITs LIVE! Amazon: [url] B&N: [url] Crash & Burn is a pretty apt title really, because they are in a plane crash, and they then have to navigate through forest fires to get back to safety with a husky called Maya. But while all this is happening, their feelings and attraction for each other grow as well. "I'm glad we're in this together..." I really liked this couple, Isa isn't afraid to show Nate she is attracted to him, and although initially reluctant due to his past, he is a workaholic and the fact they live in totally different cities, it doesn't take long for him to realize that life is for the living, especially with the situation they are currently in and seize the moments they have together. "You turn me completely inside out just looking at you." Sweet ending and epilogue, and I cannot wait to see what adventures the author has in store for the next couple in the series. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review. **This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting Fate (Colorado High Country, #4); Author: Pamela Clare; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - You were led to her... Stars! We return to the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue team for the further book in Pamela Clare's outstanding Colorado High Country series. Tempting Fate is Chaska Belcourt's story, and I loved this book from its first paragraph to the last of the epilogue. I'm a relatively new reader of Ms. Clare's work, this series has basically been my initiation into her awesome writing style, and once again she did not disappoint. "Don't think I've gotten enough of you because I haven't." This book is a little of everything but all built around a great romance. The author took the Native American heritage that Chaska lives his life by and the beliefs he has that stem from it, and weaved it into the story, as well as the romance that built between him and Naomi from the moment of her rescue right to the point where they declared their love for one another. "What you are... is a survivor. Who you are is entirely up to you." Both characters aren't actually looking for love and romance, so it comes as a bit of a surprise when their feelings towards each other change almost immediately. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, but the sexy times weren't rushed. Naomi and Chaska's ideas about love, sex and relationships are wholly different due to their upbringings and I just adored the way Chaska went about restoring Naomi's confidence in herself sexually and as a woman in general. "May be the Great Mystery behind this world see's all you've endured, knows how brave you've been and how alone, and wants you to be happy..." This was just an all-round enjoyable read. It's like going back and catching up with friends and family now, I just adore the whole dynamic with the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue family and each book the author releases that adds to the depth of knowledge I have of the area and the characters, and it just makes each book even better. "This place, these people... Naomi could come to love this." This is a series that will hopefully run and run, the author has set up Scarlet Springs, its residents, and the Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue team in such a way that I don't think she will run out of stories to tell or characters to put in them any time soon. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Darkest Sunrise (The Darkest Sunrise, #1); Author: Aly Martinez; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "Right now, it's just me and you in the dark..." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url] Amazon CA: [url] Amazon AU: [url] My first foray into the writing of Aly Martinez, was definitely a good one. The Darkest Sunrise offered up two broken characters, trying to find their way back to the light, and although pretty heavy in its themes, the story didn't get bogged down with drama and angst. This is one of those books that you cannot say a huge amount about the actual content of the story-line, for fear of giving massive chunk of the plot away or what will ultimately turn out to be a spoiler. "Life sucks sometimes..." The author has definitely got the knack of interweaving the lives of her characters, and pulling all the plot points together seamlessly so that the journey you take with them, although emotional is a pretty smooth ride for the reader, even though for the characters is more of an out-of-control rollercoaster. Porter Reese; single dad, widower, struggling to keep his head above water and juggle all the facets of his life, while dealing with the crushing guilt of actions from his past. Hiding in plain sight... Charlotte Mills; single-woman, mother, struggling to keep herself out of the darkness, acting fine, in the hope that her friends and family think she's not as close to the edge as she is, while dealing with the crushing guilt of actions from her past. It was easier to stay in the darkness than it was to brave the sunlight... The connection between them is instant, the banter and verbal sparring sweet and funny, the issues that they are both trying to deal with, and start to share with each as they gain trust are dark, desperately sad, and it is difficult to see how either of them will every truly be happy again. When your entire world was pitch-black, even the tiniest flicker looked like a lighthouse... That dynamic between the two of them is what kept me reading, the author has set this duology up so that this is a couple, that as a reader you are desperate too see get their happily ever after (together), but ultimately and at the point the book finished, don't know if they will actually manage it, with everything that has happened, and is likely to happen in the next book. I am dying to see how this plays out though, and thankfully The Brightest Sunset is due for release on 27th July, so we don't have too long to wait. ARC generously provided by the author, via InkSlinger PR in exchange for the above honest review. **My review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Time To Learn (Believe #3); Author: Karen Ferry; Genres: romance; Review: DNF @ 20% As always I am grateful to the author for providing me with an ARC, but there are certain things I don't like in my romance, and at the point I had stopped we had already hit the mother lode of what I dislike. My expectations based on the blurb - Author's Note: While this is book #3 in The Believe Series, it can be read as a standalone novel. Includes a hot-as-sin tattoo artist, a stubborn Scottish woman, horses, and lots of swoon-worthy moments. You have been warned. The reality - Our hot-as-sin tattoo artist, after being knocked back by the stubborn Scottish woman proceeds mere minutes later to arrange a threesome with a couple of girls, he barely remembers banging previously. Said threesome was then conducted quite graphically. Before he then pops off to the pub to have a pint with his boss, and try to justify his actions, and work out why he feels a bit unfulfilled and guilty about bouncing two birds off his cock and tongue when he is attracted to another woman... I can assure you there were no swoons from this reader, a few swallows though... of distaste at his behavior. Now I am not one to judge, and I am also not one to take other peoples reviews into account, but seeing that the aforementioned is not the only occurrence, of this type although I believe it's just with one woman, and not multiple, but the h is in attendance and see's it happen (even worse) our hot-as-sin tattooist has already marked his card with me, and as such I am choosing not to continue. It is a shame because I was 100% enjoying this story and up to that point, both the H/h have things they need to work out (obviously) which is what I expected to be the basis of the plot, we have a unique setting with the horse Sanctuary and a feisty child, all plusses for this reader. I was expecting angst and drama, but the story and the synopsis don't quite match up in my opinion. However, this is only my opinion and as such I would still recommend the book, if the aforementioned isn't something that turns you off your Heroes. Again, my thanks to the author for the provision of and ARC, I am sorry I cannot be more positive on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mistletoe Me, Baby (O'Connor Family, #4); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I don't need mistletoe as an excuse to kiss you." Stars! Mistletoe Me, Baby, brings us the last of the O'Connor siblings stories, and I absolutely adored the story that Nolan was given. I have to say I have loved this series, I originally read the first book when it was released in a multi author anthology; All He Wants For Christmas a few years ago, so was really pleased when Katie decided to expand on her original offering and give the rest of the brothers and sister their own HEA's, as well as revisit the town of Holly, North Carolina because it just makes me think all things Christmas. Being with her was his own personal addiction... One he didn't plan to give up. Nolan has had the hots for Miranda ever since she came to town, but being guardian for her nephew, and making sure everything is well in his life after a less than happy upbringing with her sister, Miranda has pretty much sworn off men for the forseeable. Doesn't stop her having dirty fantasies about Nolan though, not that she would ever tell him. If he lost her because of this, it would carve him up. But he couldn't play this coward routine anymore... All bets are off however, when her parents stop by for a surprise visit, expecting to meet the fiance that she made up in an effort to get her mother off her back a few months previously, and Nolan is more than happy to step into the role to save Miranda from having to explain herself. But Nolan isn't playing, and Miranda is not sure whether his actions in front of her parents (and behind them) are strictly for show, or mean something more... something Nolan plans to set her straight on without wasting anymore time. "You're mine to take care of." This was a quick read, Katie loaded on the emotions in the second half though, when you really do understand the meaning of family, and supporting those you love through the darkest of times. As always the Christmassy setting added a little magic and sparkle, and like usual I loved the authors writing, story and characterizations. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was as it always is my pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Savage Rising (Redemption Harbor #2); Author: Katie Reus; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4.5 - She was a mission. Nothing more... Stars! We return to Redemption Harbor for the second book in Katie Reus' new Romantic Suspense series. Savage Rising gives us Olivia Carter's story, oh and let's not forget the delectably broody Zac Savage. I am pretty sure I have said it before, and I'll likely say it again, no one writes RS like Katie Reus, she equally nails it in the PNR genre as well, but as a reader I just know that when I sit down with one of her books (whatever the genre), it's going to be well written, the plot and characters engaging, the sexy-times diverse and in general it will be a wholly enjoyable reading experience. "After this job I'm not walking away from you..." Zac and Olivia's story was all that, and the added fact of Olivia being a single mother just added even more depth. I mean who doesn't love a growly alpha turning into a teddy-bear when a cute little girl is added into the story. The chemistry between them was off the charts from the get-go, and I liked the little bit of uncertainty between them as to whether their feelings were true, due to the fact they were acting as a couple in the undercover type job they were undertaking. "You don't get to keep me at a distance anymore. We've seen each other naked and I've made you come multiple times." Another thing that I am really liking is the fact these books are told from multiple POVs so you are getting to know more than just the main characters, and keeping up to date with previous couples as well. Savage Rising, could be read as a standalone, but I think to enjoy it fully, and the series in general you would be better off reading the books in succession. The author has set up a team of people, and you get to know a little about all of them as the main stories progress. She looked like the kind of woman a man wanted to protect, keep safe... Something told him it was all an illusion. Another outstanding addition to the series, the author yet again managed to weave romance, in with the action and adventure seamlessly, and I cannot wait for the next book to hit my kindle. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was as it always is an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Adrianna's Cowboy; Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You always were a randy bastard." Stars! Quick, slick and full of sexy times, pretty much sums up this little novella from Savannah Stuart/Katie Reus. "If I'd known how it would be between us, I'd have never waited this long." Second chance love is one of my favorites, Sam and Adrianna's was the perfect length to fit in on my lunch hour. This would be a really great introduction to any new readers to this author as well, so if you are, take my advice and give this hot little number a go.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troy (American Extreme Bull Riders Tour, #5); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: children, romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Sweet baby cheeses." Stars. Amy Andrews takes up the mantle for book five in the American Extreme Bull Riders Tour with Troy Jensen being the recipient of his very own happy every after! "Might as well go all the way." I am usually a huge fan of Amy's writing, her down-to-earth characters and the stories she gives them are generally just the right amount, of snarky conversation, sexy-times and likeable characters, and everything one of those points fell short with this one. Joss was complicated. And Troy didn't do complicated... OWYM is an underused trope, and at best often not used very well, and I really think that Amy missed a huge opportunity with this one. I loved Troy, and for the most part I sort of understood Joss' motivations but it was just the way she went about everything and the general treatment of troy in the latter stages of the books. He in general was good for an illicit secret fumble which took far too long to progress to full on sex, but that was as far as she seemed to be prepared to go. "We have chemistry..." True dat! But it was pretty much killed each and every time by the insertion of two of the most annoying phrases known to man; 'Sweet baby Cheeses' 12 times. 'For the love of Mike' 7 times, and just out of interest, who the fuck is Mike? Troy (27) came over as the more mature and adjusted person to Joss (34) pretty much throughout the whole book, and what could have been reading gold resembled more of a rusty old tin can by the time it was finished. "Think you can last eight seconds..?" "Eight seconds, huh? I heard you rodeo guys had a short fuse. We have pills for that you know..?" "I can go longer than eight seconds as well you know. But even if it were true, I promise you, doc, it'd be the best damn eight seconds of your life." This book can absolutely be read as a standalone, and in general the writing was still sound, although I have to admit the characters really didn't carry the authors usual voice. I just struggled with the OTT drama and reactions from a woman who was supposed to the older party in the story. "I can't have sex with you..." "Yeah you've mentioned it once or twice." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Her Wicked Longing (The League of Rogues #5); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: 4.5 - Life could be so tedious as a gently-bred lady... Stars! I love Lauren Smith's historical offerings and the two novellas contained in Her Wicked Longing were both perfect lengths for a little lunchtime treat! The first novella; His Wicked Maid gives the reader the beginnings of the relationship between ladies maid Gillian Beaumont and James Fordyce, also known as Lord Pembroke, this is a prequel to the first full length novel of the authors new series; Wicked Earls Club and The Earl of Pembroke is due for release in 2018. "Never be ashamed to show such lovely skin..." Gillian and James introduction was just enough of an appetizer for the reader that I cannot wait for the release of the full story. Lots of chemistry and a little humour made their opening story a treat to read. His Wicked Lessons brings us back to the League of Rogues series, the next book being Hid Wicked Secret telling the story of Jonathan St. Laurent and Audrey Sheridan. Audrey has figured quite a lot in the previous books and readers learned a huge secret about her towards the end of the last book released. She craved the same freedom as men... Audrey isn't your usual docile, coquettish female of the time, and her feisty nature and devil-may-care attitude equally attracts and frustrates Jonathan. The novella leaves Audrey at a bit of a crossroads and I am interested to see where Lauren takes the characters journey when the full length book is released. "I'm trying to be a gentleman... but lord you are tempting me... I fear that if you do not demand for me to step away, I will kiss you." If you are a fan of the authors writing, I think these two novellas will be right up your street, they are also a good way for a new reader to give her a go, and see if the rest of her historical romances are something that you would like to read. Both were entertaining, and just whet the appetite enough to make you desperate for more. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Brightest Sunset (The Darkest Sunrise, #2); Author: Aly Martinez; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - Out of the darkness. And into the light. Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url] Amazon CA: [url] Amazon AU: [url] The Brightest Sunset picks up Parker and Catherine's story right after the explosive conclusion of the The Darkest Sunrise. Again, for risk of posting spoilers, there isn't a huge amount I can say about where the story-line goes in this half of the duology. You 100% need to have read The Darkest Sunrise to get the full impact of the events as they play out in this, as well as the emotional depth of each and every situation that Porter and Charlotte go through. Friends to enemies, enemies to allies this book had it all... And then some. I think after what happened between them and everyone else in the first book the author set it up well enough that you can see pretty quickly which direction things are going to go. I loved that she then added a little further twist towards the end, and if you hadn't shed a tear by that point this one is guaranteed to have you sniffling into your tissue. It felt like a nightmare in the middle of the sweetest dream... This series was my first experience with the writing of this author, I'm not one for overly angsty and drama filled reads, and this story-line definitely falls into that category. But for this anti-drama-llama it really worked. I think mainly because of the fact that although the subject matter in general is heavy, the story-line was beautifully paced, and everything that happened wasn't dragged out or overplayed. "I'm starting to think I don't know how to be happy..." The dual POV played a huge part in this, and I also think that the fact that both Porter and Charlotte, even when they were acting out of character were both so deeply developed in the telling of their story that you could not help but root completely for them because you understood their motivations, and hope that they got the perfect resolution to everything that happened. You can be assured that I will definitely be looking to read more from Aly Martinez in the future! ARC generously provided by the author, via InkSlinger PR in exchange for the above honest review. **My review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stolen Kisses (Blushing Bay, #2); Author: Annie Rains; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "It's always been you..." Stars! We return to Blushing Bay, North Carolina for the second book in the series; Stolen Kisses. Youngest Sawyer brother Nate is next up in this best-friends-to-lovers romance. Pre-Order - Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] B&N - [url]... "I know what makes you tick." Nate and Krista have been best friends since childhood, he has been her protector, confidante and all round good guy, while she has secretly lusted after him, and sat back and watched while he has dated and moved through a bevy of the Bay's beauties, being known as the jokester the youngest Sawyer has always been seen as a little flaky when it comes to commitment, except for one, and that is his friendship with Krista. She was tired off shrugging off her feelings... Tired of being in love with a man who viewed her a just one of the guys... As you would expect the emotions and feelings that these two have been hiding from each other through the years, go off like a rocket when they both finally admit to each other their attraction, a skillfully planned throwing together at the Sawyer family cabin turns from a weekend of supposed cleaning and preparation into a weekend of sexy-times and revelations. He'd gotten a taste of that forbidden apple he'd been circling for years-and he wanted more." I'll be honest and say I started this book with some trepidation, having almost DNF'd the first in the series due to really not getting on with the characters or story-line, I was really hoping that this book would make me fall in love with the authors writing again, for the most part it was enjoyable, but I did struggle with Krista's actions and reactions towards the end of the book, thankfully it was a very short portion of the story so it didn't massively detract from the overall read. "If you weren't my best friend..." "And if you were the couple sort." I also found the whole, vying for Chief-Nurse part of the story totally erroneous because of the way things played out in the latter stages as well, it felt more like a way to fill page space than add any real value to the overall story, I liked Krista with her patients, and would have liked to have seen more of that. I would also have liked to have seen more interaction between her and Noah out of the bedroom, because once they had admitted their feelings, they didn't really do much else as a couple apart from sleep together, the timeline was pushed along at a quick pace due to the lack of meaningful time they spent together. All in all a relatively easy-going, quick read. I still don't think this series is quite hitting the quality levels of the authors previous A Hero's Welcome series, there is a lack of depth and emotional development in everything, something that series had in spades. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Christmas at Mistletoe Cove; Author: Holly Martin; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "Magic and dreams and wishes..." Stars. We finally get to Eden and Dougie's story, with the fact they are both attracted to the other, but unwilling to admit it running as a strong secondary trope through the previous two books, I was itching to get my hands on this one, and add to it that it's set around my favorite season and I was excited to start Christmas at Mistletoe Cove. Sadly, this was my least enjoyable book of the series, I just found it too juvenile in parts with the erroneous drama between the two of them and Eden's reactions and doubts took too much precedence, and whereas I think Dougie's actions were supposed to come across sweet and thoughtful once they arrived in Mistletoe Cove they were for the most part endearing, but I just found it all a little too Saccharine rather than romantic at points. It still gave a good Christmassy vibe, I loved catching up with previous and secondary characters, and there were the usual Holly Martin giggles along the way. But I just wanted a little less sugar, more relevant emotion and a lower level of drama. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stroke of Midnight (One Night in South Beach, #1); Author: Andie J. Christopher; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "I could never help wanting what I can't have." Stars! Stroke of Midnight is the first book in Andie J. Christopher's One Night in South Beach series. It's also the first book I have read by her, but it definitely won't be the last. Cole and Alana's story pretty much took off from the beginning, and the author delivered a sexy-hot, sweet romance. I love it when an alpha is given a chance to show his vulnerabilities and the last couple of chapters of this one made me want to give Cole a big ole squeeze. I have one whinge, and that is I really didn't find much too like about Alana's brother and sister, so will be interested to see how their stories play out in the next two books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Gentleman Never Surrenders (Sins and Scandals #2); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: history, biography, romance, historical fiction; Review: 4.5 - She who must be obeyed... Stars! The second book in Lauren Smith's Sins & Scandals series brings us Owen Hadley's story. If you have read A Gentleman Never Surrenders predecessor, you will know just how desperate our Hero is for a wealthy wife. But as you get to know him more in this book, which incidentally starts off a week on from the end of An Earl by Any Other Name, you start to understand that his reasonings for needing the money are not as mercenary as you initially assume. He only wanted a wife for money. He embodied everything she hated... I love that the author paired Owen with Milly Pepperwirth, daughter of a wealthy Viscount, she is not looking to be married off for her money, and secretly hopes for love. Having Owen mistakenly stumble into her room one night, thinking it is her sister, is definitely not the making of a marriage made in heaven in her opinion. Just like October and July. They were opposites. What a dreadful match they would make... But both of them find their initial assumptions about the other were wrong, and as they get to know each other better as husband and wife, the realization dawns that they might not be so different in their aspirations after all. He was the only comforting, familiar thing in the strange new world that was to be her home. Another great addition to the series, and I cannot wait for Milly's sister; Rowena to have her story told next in A Scottish Lord for Christmas due for release in December. ARC generously provided by the Author, and as always it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Falling For His Mate (Crescent Moon, #6); Author: Savannah Stuart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - She was his to claim... Stars! Savannah Stuart/Katie Reus returns to the Crescent Moon series to give her readers a short and extremely sweet second chance reconnection between Adam and Charlie. Falling for his Mate, was a relatively quick read. Andrew knows he has messed up badly when he doesn't show up for Charlie's Salon opening, they fell hard and fast for each other when she took an extended stay with his pack, but when she returns to her own she fully expects that they will work out a long distance plan for the time being. Ever since meeting Charlie... his entire world was off it's axis... Him not turning up to one of the most important days of her life breaks her heart and shatters her trust in the bond she thought they shared. "I want to make it crystal fucking clear that you're it for me... I screwed up before. Big time. I own it. And now I'm going to win you back." There are no lengths that he won't go to in order to prove to Charlie that he is serious in his commitment to make her his, and I really enjoyed getting to spend a couple of hours with these characters. "When I'm in, I'm all in. I'm not walking away from this." Love this author, really enjoyed this novella, and as always I cannot wait to read whatever she releases next. "Good things are worth waiting for." ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Need You Now (Cloud Bay #1); Author: Emma Douglas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3 - "If you're looking for love... I'm not your girl." Stars. Emma Douglas begins the new Cloud Bay series, telling the stories and loves of the Harper siblings with middle daughter Faith's story coming first. "Sometimes you need a little crazy." Living on a small island, and being known by everyone who lives there means that Faith has kept her romantic dalliances off the island and of the commitment-free variety up to now. Her father, the now deceased, but once a world famous rocker was well known for his womanizing ways, and as such love is something Faith firmly believes she is not interested in falling into. Especially when the only experience she has of it is seeing those around her (as well as herself) get hurt, abandoned and let down by it. Caleb is at a crossroads in his life having decided to retire from his career as a professional tennis player whilst at the top of his game, coming to Cloud Bay for its renowned music festival, is the start of his r'n'r before he decides on what direction he now wants to take his life. One thing he didn't expect was to meet and basically fall for Faith Harper in a matter of days. "Let go... I've got you." This isn't my first read by this author, I have read all of the New York Saints books that were released under the name Melanie Scott, and on the whole they were pretty enjoyable reads, and Need You Now had all of the components the a good series starter needs as well, including offering up a beautiful locale and plenty of secondary characters on which to base future books. This is something which this publisher has excelled at in the last couple of years with the likes of Laura Trentham, Donna Alward and Lily Everett all releasing hugely successful and enjoyable series of the same nature, but this book just missed the mark for me in relation to hitting the same enjoyment levels of the aforementioned authors in that, there seemed to be and overload of erroneous information in the first half of the book, which knocked the pacing and development off and I really, really struggled to warm to Faith. "I come from a long line of people who do dumb shit when they're scared." And these feelings were just compounded in the last 20% of the book. I could totally understand her reluctance to see anything with Caleb as anything more than a fling, but what really pissed me off was the fact that she allowed people who had less than stellar track records at relationships themselves convince her to cut him off at the knees without even so much as having a conversation with him about where their relationship was going before doing so. My other problem is the fact that the resolution to the conflict was then dealt with in a matter pf paragraphs in such a cut and dried manner, I felt that Faith had gotten off extremely lightly in regards to her behavior,; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Destination: Love; Author: Eliza Knight; Genres: romance; Review: 4 Stars! A really great little anthology if you are looking for some easy reads to sink your teeth into over the holiday period. With a diverse mix of authors and story-lines there is bound to be something to suit all tastes. From hot and sexy to sweet and cute, lots of characters to get to know and places to discover as you work your way through each story. I think the best thing about compilations like these is it also gives you an opportunity to discover new authors, and I am all for expanding my reading horizons! ARC generously provided in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fractured Love (Off-Limits Romance, #3); Author: Ella James; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 4 - Please hurt for me, and I will fix you... Stars! Book three in Ella James' popular Off-Limits Romance series; Fractured Love takes the 'almost-sibling' trope and turns it on it's head with Landon and Evie's story. ITs LIVE! Amazon Universal: [url] I won't lie I have had very little luck with the whole step-brother romance phenomenon, and although this story is different in that Landon starts out as Evie's foster brother, the taboo associated with their relationship back in their teens is still pretty much the same. To have met her somewhere, anywhere, but here. To be able to touch her, talk to her, to know her, without consequences... But I have heard and seen great feedback for this author, and decided I would make this book, my first foray into her writing. "You're the kind of good girl bad guys always go for." And I am so glad I did, the story is basically broken up into two halves, the before and the after, with roughly a ten year separation between their reconnecting, I read the first half that focuses on their secret coming together in their teens with my heart in my mouth, waiting for the inevitable ball to drop, and when it did the author did not mess about, job done and we moved onto the present without a huge amount of depth or expansion as to what the pair go through after being separated. He's not my foster brother anymore. He's not my secret lover. I don't know who he is now... There is a reason for this, which you discover in the telling of the second half of the story, I have to say Landon's letter's which recollect that time after being moved to another home were heart-breaking to read. I did however take against Evie a little at this point though, because holding off telling a person the truth to keep things easy for yourself is never something that sits too well with me, and I really struggled with Evie's motivations for doing it. as a couple they had already been through so much that lying through her teeth at the point she did just felt like one step to far to the side of selfish. "People forget, you know? When you're just passing thorough..." But the plus on this is that it wasn't dragged out, for all the drama and angst associated with themes in this book the author kept things moving along at a swift pace, with everything being dealt with on an almost chapter by chapter basis. I think this is a big plus personally, because nothing annoys me more or bores me the most than when erroneous drama is overplayed or dragged out incessantly. "I want to be where you are... Always." So to sum up, an enjoyable read, it was my first, but definitely won't be my last, and I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for her readers going forwards. Fractured Love was pretty much read in one sitting, and I am interested to; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: So Good (Alpha Dogs, #1); Author: Nicola Rendell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "It was always you." Stars! So Good is the first book I have read by Nicola Rendell, but having seen nothing but positive reviews for her previous books, I had no hesitation in diving right in. This book literally emulates in title, in that is is Sooooo Good I absolutely adored Rosie and Max's best friends to lovers story. He was my rock. He was my compass. Our friendship was my anchor. Low drama, high entertainment, plenty of laughs, lots of sexy times, it was just a really well written enjoyable story. Not my best friend-my fucking fantasy. Told from dual POV, you get to see both sides of the story as their relationship morphs from one thing to another, add into the mix a cute dog; Cupcake and a cantankerous old cat; Julia Caesar and there wasn't a chapter where something outrageously funny didn't happen. "I want things to go back to the way they were. Yesterday. When everything made sense..." "There's no fucking way that's going to happen." The author gave really good guy POV as well, something that some authors struggle to do. Max epitomized the perfect guy, and I really liked Rosie too, the pair of them together were just cuteness personified, with a side of hot and sexy thrown in. "Cool it, hot stuff." Just pure reading pleasure. I will absolutely be reading more from this author in the future. ARC generously provided by the author via ArdentPRose PR in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Storm Gathering (The Scorpius Syndrome, #4); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "In the apocalypse, you gave me hope..." Stars! The fourth book in Rebecca Zanetti's Scorpious Syndrome series, takes us away from Vanguard Territory and plants Maureen Shadow firmly in Mercenary Territory and Greyson Storm's cross-hairs. Having felt the previous two books offered little in the way of plot development for the bigger story arc, I am pleased to say that Zanetti finally takes steps to remedy that and start things moving along in Storm Gathering this book felt like it was a long time coming even though only two months have passed since the Scorpious Outbreak in the first novella. "The rules have changed..." Greyson Storm, and the Mercs have been enemies/competitors against Jax Mercury and the Vanguard people in the previous books, but a somewhat fragile truce came about in the last book, after events that happened with the President and the discovery of the first bunker. I will say you need to read this series in succession, as you are really going to struggle to understand the bigger picture of what is going on if you don't, but Storm Gathering; because of things that happen in it is a book that I cannot tell you a much about the plot in too much depth, to remove the risk of inadvertent spoilers. "Don't cross me, blue eyes..." As I said a lot happens in this one, and the author delivered it all around a sexy-hot coming together between Grey and Moe, the attraction between them, although vehemently denied has been simmering since he first kidnapped her and has kept growing the more time they have spent together. No surprise there as this is what I have come to expect, and what she excels at alpha; growly male, and sassy, confident, female. I loved getting in Grey's head as well, and the Journal entries from various characters at the start of each chapter were great additions too. She became more likeable every damn day, and he wanted her in his life. Every moment. Making it better. But this time the book wasn't just about the relationship between the lead H/h, which the last two for me mainly were. I loved the gradual building of the tentative friendship between Grey and Jax and the rest of the Vanguard guys due to the circumstantial changes as the story progressed, and the emotive 'bro' moments even bought a little tear to my eye. The snarky banter was spot on as well and the pacing of everything worked really well this time around. For a relatively long book it took me no time to read at all. "I might have to kill you." We get to learn a lot more about Damon Winter in this book too, as Grey's second in command for the Mercs, he was pretty much in the thick of it with him for most of it. Rebecca has set him up well for his story to be told in Winter Igniting due for release in March 18. I hope that again like this book, the bigger story-line with the Scorpious; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Forbidden; Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - MeYou Stars! The Forbidden isn't my first read by Jodi Ellen Malpas, I will say though that it is my first read of a story of this nature that I actually enjoyed. Pre-Order! Amazon US: [url] Amazon UK: [url] iBooks: [url] Nook: [url] Kobo: [url] I will say that as a reader that if the subject matter of this story isn't something you enjoy, then save yourself the time and move straight onto your next read. The story-line is something that will I think be one readers will either love or hate. I think if the author hadn't made sure that as a reader I sympathized with the lead characters as much as I did, this may have well been a hate-it kind of book for me too. "If I ever lay eyes on you again... I can't promise I'll do what's best and walk away next time..." There isn't a huge amount I can say about the story without giving massive spoilers away, I think if you are open-minded enough to go into Jack and Annie's story without any pre-conceived judgements about who they are and what they are doing, you do actually get more depth to the reasons things go the way they do and why they act the way they are. "You're a welcome distraction from real life." Not all love stories are pretty, they don't all start off on an even footing, and I think that's what Jody has tried to explore, without trying to glamorize what is happening too much, while also trying to delve into the emotions and motivations behind Annie and Jack's behavior. I know in my heart of hearts that Jack is my soul mate. He's the missing piece of me. Without him now, I'd be lost... I won't lie the last 15-20% dipped into soap-opera territory for me a bit, but then I suppose that the author had to choose how to play things out, and I cannot think of an alternative that would have really worked if you take into account the actions of certain characters throughout the rest of the story. There are no unicorns farting glitter of shitting rainbows in this book, it's a rough ride over uneven terrain before you even see the faint glow of 'Happily-ever-after' in the distance. I think the fact I liked the lead couple and the author bolstered them up with some pretty decent secondary characters also helped to keep me invested in the story overall. "What have you gotten yourself into..?" "Love" Am I now going to be hunting out books with stories of this nature going forwards, that would be a big no, but this is Jodi Ellen Malpas, I discovered her work by taking a chance, and I will always keep giving her that chance, because in general she seems to hit the right notes with me as a reader. ARC generously provided, in exchange for the above honest review. **This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews - [url]; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Irresistible You (Chicago Rebels, #1); Author: Kate Meader; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "I guess we got off on the wrong foot..." Stars! Kate Meader kicked off the Chicago Rebels series really well with the novella; In SkateaEUR(tm)s Trouble, and I was eager to see Harper Chase, the first of the Chase sisters to have her story told in Irresistible You. If you have read any of KateaEUR(tm)s previous books you will know that her characters give good snark and banter, and as much can be said for Harper and Remy, and I really liked them together as a couple. As you would expect for a man in the twilight of his career, being traded to the worst team in the league is not really where he wants to be playing his last season, as such he and Harper donaEUR(tm)t get off to the best of starts. "YouaEUR(tm)re a rebel now, and you play by my rules." But behind the initial distaste and dislike, is a healthy dose of lust and attraction as well, and although neither of them are initially willing to act on it, it doesnaEUR(tm)t take long for the lusty looks and dirty thoughts to morph into something else. Of all the people for her libido to toggle on for, why did it have to be Remy DuPre... Quite simply, because he was an absolute Southern DarlinaEUR(tm), and boy did he know how to take care of his woman, in every way. "IaEUR(tm)m not interested in bimbo trophies looking for a good time. My tastes run to women, real women who have a little more life experience than suffering through a hang nail." The other dynamic in this book is the building of relationships between Harper, and her two sisters Isobel and Violet, all with the same father, none of them have really had a lot to do with each other, while he was alive, but in death his will ensures that they have to spend time together, whether they like it or not, and I liked that what started out as prickly and stilted, gradually started to grow into something more... Sisterly as the book developed and they got to know each other more. "WeaEUR(tm)ve got ourselves a veritable United nations of Badass here." And from that knowledge I am interested to see what stories Kate gives them, especially with the men that she has teamed them up with. I predict fireworks, fucking, snark and sparring a-plenty to come! Not too long to wait with IsobelaEUR(tm)s book So Over You, due for release before the end of the year. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Attraction (Wild, #0.5); Author: Emma Hart; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You show me your moves, and I'll show you mine." Stars! Teaser length novella, certainly left me interested to read more from this author. Well written, and engaging characters, so no complaints from me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Boxing (Blood and Glory, #1); Author: Harper St. George; Genres: graphic, comics, romance, fiction; Review: 1 - Leaving now was the right thing to do... Star. DNF I am usually more diplomatic in my reviews, but I can't seem to muster the energy for this one. I stopped reading because I was bored, that's it, I'm not going to pretty it up, or be constructive, I have written so many reviews for so many books of this genre now, I have run out of anything original to say, which pretty much sums up Dirty Boxing. "There's a small part of me that will always hate you for the way you left..." The old 'my Mommy and Daddy got divorced, so I cannot possibly have a loving relationship with anyone myself because it' chestnut, grates on my nerves at the best of times, but it just rubbed me completely the wrong way this time, especially when both aforementioned parents are emotionally stunted tools themselves, why would any sane adult take that as an example of how they then go on to lead their own life? I will leave it at that. I have read Tara's work before and loved it, Harper is new to me. Nothing wrong with the writing style, just the story and me not making friends with it on this occasion, I'd happily read more from either of them again in the future. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Edible: The Sex Tape; Author: Cassia Leo; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Started alright, then the author decided to throw in an Anal interlude without any prep, lube or preamble, and my interest waned. I know it's fiction, but that would have burned like a motherf****r unless his dick is was the width of a pencil...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Own It (It Factor, #1); Author: Elisabeth Barrett; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "Things can never be just business with us." Stars! I am a huge fan of all things Barrett, and I have to say the first book in the new It Factor series gave me all the happy thoughts and feels! Mainly because the Phelan clan, reminded me an awful lot of the Grayson Brothers and their series; Star Harbor which is my absolute favorite from Elisabeth (so far). Emma and Aidain's story is a little different in that they are divorced from each other, and in the two years since both have gone about their lives without the other in it. Aidan's grandfathers will puts pay to that, when he leaves a share of the family business to her, putting her firmly back into Aidan's orbit again. He'd never stopped wanting her. And it was high time he came to grips with that... I got lost in this book, what with the great story-line playing out between Aidan and Emma, you also have the whole Phelan family to get to know as well, all big, built and attractive, the Phelan men are already on the list of guys-I-want-to-get-to-know, and the author did really well in giving their backgrounds around the main story. They'd build their relationship from the ground up again and emerge stronger than ever before. The Wolf's Head brewery is going to play a large part in this series as it develops you can sense that it will be the backbone of the books, as it is the backbone of the Phelan family in general, very much a family business, everyone of them has a hand in it's success or potential failures, and I am really looking forwards to seeing where the author goes with this part of the bigger plot. "All I wanted-all I ever wanted- was for you to hear me." I found myself with a few tears in my eyes at points in this book, watching a couple clearly who still have feelings for each other try and negotiate the minefield of their past, understand why it broke down, and then try to work out if there is any hope for a stronger and more balanced future, while intrinsically still being the same people was interesting to read, and the author put it together really well, it wasn't all smooth sailing, each of them showed their weaknesses and vulnerabilities at certain points, and you just cannot help root for them to get it right second time around. "I forgot... How very beautiful you are." Loved this book, next up is; Want It Brody Phelan looks like he has met his match in Juliette Costa, and I cannot wait to get my hand on their story. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Storm (Phantom Islanders, Book 1 Part I); Author: Ednah Walters; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "True mates are hard to find..." Stars! This is a dual review for the first three books in Ednah Walters Phantom Islanders series. I started with ARC's for the first two parts, but loved Storm & Storm Revealed so much that I just had to read Storm Unleashed as well. There is so much story told across the three books that you just get immersed in the world that the author has created, the Phantom Islanders live through the Veil, and although they visit our world on occasion to harvest females to take back to the Island of Vaarda. this is done to give the male islanders the opportunity to find a mate, as women are in short supply. It's on one of these visits to earth that Storm Orath picks up Lexi Greendale's scent, and once he has her back on the island he makes it his mission to prove to her that she is his one true mate. "I will not obey you. I will fight you every day until you let me go." Initially Lexi is less than impressed with being kidnapped and taken to what is essentially another world, Storm is adamant she's his true mate and sets about proving to her with his every action, thought and reaction to her attempts to escape, resistance to his charms, and disinterest in getting to know the people of Vaarda. "You may call us pirates, but we prefer the name islanders." As the story moves along it doesn't take Lexi long to realize that Storm and his people are more than they initially seem, and I absolutely loved each and every second of the adventure of discovery she goes on. "You are breathtaking..." "And you are aggravating." The verbal sparring between the two of them had me giggling, the sweet and endearing bull-in-a-china-shop style Storm uses in trying to woo Lexi had me sighing and giggling like a coquettish maiden in a historical novel and the sexual tension that the author drew out between them over the three books, well I was frustrated for them! "When I claim you as mine, I'll do it openly and in front of my people." If you haven't already guessed I will reiterate that I absolutely loved these books. Ednah is an author new to me, and what a discovery! I am lucky to have a wealth of books to read from this author now, but I have to admit, I am dying for more from this series, with so many characters and backgrounds to delve into, I have a feeling this is a series I will be reading eagerly for years to come. "We belong together." ARCs for books 1 & 2 provided via the New Adult Book Club in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Storm Revealed (Phantom Islanders, Book 1 Part II); Author: Ednah Walters; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "Run and I'll follow. Escape, and I'll find you." Stars! This is a dual review for the first three books in Ednah Walters Phantom Islanders series. I started with ARC's for the first two parts, but loved Storm & Storm Revealed so much that I just had to read Storm Unleashed as well. There is so much story told across the three books that you just get immersed in the world that the author has created, the Phantom Islanders live through the Veil, and although they visit our world on occasion to harvest females to take back to the Island of Vaarda. this is done to give the male islanders the opportunity to find a mate, as women are in short supply. It's on one of these visits to earth that Storm Orath picks up Lexi Greendale's scent, and once he has her back on the island he makes it his mission to prove to her that she is his one true mate. "I will not obey you. I will fight you every day until you let me go." Initially Lexi is less than impressed with being kidnapped and taken to what is essentially another world, Storm is adamant she's his true mate and sets about proving to her with his every action, thought and reaction to her attempts to escape, resistance to his charms, and disinterest in getting to know the people of Vaarda. "You may call us pirates, but we prefer the name islanders." As the story moves along it doesn't take Lexi long to realize that Storm and his people are more than they initially seem, and I absolutely loved each and every second of the adventure of discovery she goes on. "You are breathtaking..." "And you are aggravating." The verbal sparring between the two of them had me giggling, the sweet and endearing bull-in-a-china-shop style Storm uses in trying to woo Lexi had me sighing and giggling like a coquettish maiden in a historical novel and the sexual tension that the author drew out between them over the three books, well I was frustrated for them! "When I claim you as mine, I'll do it openly and in front of my people." If you haven't already guessed I will reiterate that I absolutely loved these books. Ednah is an author new to me, and what a discovery! I am lucky to have a wealth of books to read from this author now, but I have to admit, I am dying for more from this series, with so many characters and backgrounds to delve into, I have a feeling this is a series I will be reading eagerly for years to come. "We belong together." ARCs for books 1 & 2 provided via the New Adult Book Club in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dark of the Moon (Chronicles of Lunos #1); Author: E.S. Bell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4 - Find the light... or die... Stars! If you have read this authors other work under her other name (Emma Scott) you will know that you are guaranteed a well written and emotive story. The Dark of the Moon took it to a whole other level though. Its LIVE! Amazon: [url] This is 100% one of those books where you cannot say a whole lot about the story for fear of giving away massive spoilers. There are a lot of pages, filled with a lot of beautiful words, you get to meet a lot of characters, and the story is told through a lot of different POVs. I was a Summoner. Not for a thousand years had there been one such as me... There are several plots playing out around the main story which is told by Paladin Selema Koren, who for all her worldly knowledge came across as vulnerable and a little naive at points, but you can attribute that to how she has spent the last ten years of her life. "She's been lied to by everyone around her since the beginning..." The building relationship between her and Assassin-for-Hire Sebastian Vaas is definitely more of a secondary point to the rest of the story playing out. "War makes interesting bedfellows..." As I said this isn't a short book, its one to be savored like good chocolate, and sipped slowly like fine wine, you also need to be prepared, the story for me was a little confusing at the beginning, I think mainly because of the wealth of information being introduced, but once I got through the first 10-15% things started to become clear and I just got absorbed in the story. "That's how it goes... Something bad for something good... There's always a price to be paid." There are questions asked, answered and new ones raised as the story progresses, I think you can say at the end we are left with a HFN rather than a HEA, I shed a few tears at certain points, and the author certainly didn't hold back when it came to her imagination and the world that she has created. The Dark of the Moon is definitely just the beginning of that tale, and if the author carries on the story with the same level of skill as she did with this book, I can see it ending up on my book shelf right next to The Lord of The Rings trilogy. "Beware for the dark will try to swallow you, consume you, to make you something like itself..." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Storm Unleashed (Phantom Islanders, Book 1 Part III); Author: Ednah Walters; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: 5 - "I'll stay true to myself and my true mate." Stars! This is a dual review for the first three books in Ednah Walters Phantom Islanders series. I started with ARC's for the first two parts, but loved Storm & Storm Revealed so much that I just had to read Storm Unleashed as well. There is so much story told across the three books that you just get immersed in the world that the author has created, the Phantom Islanders live through the Veil, and although they visit our world on occasion to harvest females to take back to the Island of Vaarda. this is done to give the male islanders the opportunity to find a mate, as women are in short supply. It's on one of these visits to earth that Storm Orath picks up Lexi Greendale's scent, and once he has her back on the island he makes it his mission to prove to her that she is his one true mate. "I will not obey you. I will fight you every day until you let me go." Initially Lexi is less than impressed with being kidnapped and taken to what is essentially another world, Storm is adamant she's his true mate and sets about proving to her with his every action, thought and reaction to her attempts to escape, resistance to his charms, and disinterest in getting to know the people of Vaarda. "You may call us pirates, but we prefer the name islanders." As the story moves along it doesn't take Lexi long to realize that Storm and his people are more than they initially seem, and I absolutely loved each and every second of the adventure of discovery she goes on. "You are breathtaking..." "And you are aggravating." The verbal sparring between the two of them had me giggling, the sweet and endearing bull-in-a-china-shop style Storm uses in trying to woo Lexi had me sighing and giggling like a coquettish maiden in a historical novel and the sexual tension that the author drew out between them over the three books, well I was frustrated for them! "When I claim you as mine, I'll do it openly and in front of my people." If you haven't already guessed I will reiterate that I absolutely loved these books. Ednah is an author new to me, and what a discovery! I am lucky to have a wealth of books to read from this author now, but I have to admit, I am dying for more from this series, with so many characters and backgrounds to delve into, I have a feeling this is a series I will be reading eagerly for years to come. "We belong together." ARCs for books 1 & 2 provided via the New Adult Book Club in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Smart Tass (The OHellNO Series #1); Author: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff; Genres: young-adult, romance; Review: 1 - "Don't you think this is a little extreme.." Star. DNF I tried, I really did, I generally like these types of books, and the other novel I read by this author was a five star read for me, but I know the title is a little word play but Smart Tass would have been much better titled Dumb (T)ass not quite as catchy, but sums up our heroine perfectly in my opinion, because for a supposedly highly intelligent College gal, she acts like an absolute idiot for the portion of the book I read. Brains beat brawn every time. I think what was supposed to come over a witty inner monologue and jokey verbal banter actually came over as bitchy, judgey and generally dislikeable. Constantly harping on about how uber intelligent you are, while acting oh so stupidly cliche didn't help me like our deluded heroine much either really. "You're my nerd." I'll be honest and say by the time I gave up we hadn't had much interaction with Hunter Johnson, although from what I had read you could very much tell he is the type of guy that tries to prove his interest in a girl by pulling on her pigtails imaginary or not, if you know what I mean, but I definitely think with Tass's highly intelligent seduction plan he would absolutely be better off going with the generic blond bimbette-fratgirl-cheerleader that our heroine is so disdainful of. Not for me on this occasion, an ARC was provided via Netgalley and I am sorry I cannot provide a more positive review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Cowboy's Second-Chance Family; Author: Jules Bennett; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Stars! The Cowboys Second-Chance Family isn't the first book I have read by Jules Bennett, but its definitely one of the best. I really enjoyed Lucy and Noah's story. Both widowers, Noah has relocated to Stonerock, Tennessee with his young daughter six months on from losing his wife, and his ranch in Texas. All he needed was his daughter, his new job and this new beginning. Running the towns grief counselling group with her friends Tara and Kate, Lucy see's something in Noah in their first meeting that she understands completely, the shadows of loss that haunt his eyes, something she didn't expect to see is the sparkle of attraction as well though. He had an ache for her that was impossible to ignore... Initially Noah tries to fight the attraction, guilt over moving on from his wife so quickly being the main issue, but it doesn't take long for him to realize that grief doesn't operate on any specific time frame, and it may not actually be him who is the one struggling to move on. "For all your talk about wanting to heal people, did you ever stop to think you need to heal yourself first?" The Cowboys Second-Chance Family is a great start to the Return to Stonerock series, the author dropped enough hints as to which direction the love interests for Tara and Kate are likely to come from in the future books, and I look forward to reading them. ARC provided via Netgalley as part of the Mills & Boon Insiders review programme, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cinderella Fantasy; Author: Sara Jane Stone; Genres: romance; Review: 3.5 - "I'm going to deliver the fairy tale..." Stars! Sara Jane Stone, begins her new Playing the Princess series with one of my favourite tropes; Brothers Best Friend. Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Sara Jane's writing style and story-lines, she takes a standard contemporary romance trope and gives the story and characters her own unique spin. On this occasion we have three friends, all ex-Princesses at Disney World. Having now set up their own thriving princess party business, life is going well for Lucy, Emma and Nicole on the work front, not-so-much on the love front though. "Everyone needs saving now and then..." Lucy Linden has always believed in the fairy tale when it comes to love and romance, and up until recently thought she was on her own path to it, that is until she discovers that her fiance is moving out of town to pursue his career and has no plans to take her with him, but a nurse he has been seeing behind her back. "Find the magic." In an effort to get over him and on with her life she starts dating men through online Dating Apps, all meets being undertaken at her brothers restaurant, so she has a means of escape if things go south. Her brother's business partner and best friend Jared Mitchell happens to be there on one such occasion, and upon catching her trying to sneak out through the kitchen to get away from her latest disaster decides that he will offer her everything she is looking for in a man, and then some. "I'll be your unicorn." Things then go from 0-60 in the space of a heartbeat after that, and the workaholic but adorable businessman does his utmost to become her very own Prince Charming. I have to be honest and say that I did find this part of the story a little underdeveloped and choppy, in that Lucy says/thinks one thing and does the complete opposite on a couple of occasions, and we jump from one scenario to somewhere else a little further along without much preamble. But I loved Jared, and his attempts to woo Lucy, every dating disaster that could befall this couple did and with pretty funny results. "I'm into you. I'm lost in you..." I liked Lucy as well, you cannot hold against a woman who knows what she wants from her man, and Lucy definitely knew. Her camaraderie with her friends and the banter between her and her brother Finn, kept things entertaining, and in general this was a sweet and easy-going read, offering up a twist on the fairy-tale, and delivering its own happily-ever-after. "I'm going to deliver... Trust me." Emma and Nicole are due their own books which I am looking forward too, and I am hoping against hope that Lucy's brother Finn, becomes Prince Charming for one of them! ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review. ~~~ ~~~ **This review will; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The White Lily (Vampire Blood #3); Author: Juliette Cross; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 5 - "The prick is a little painful... But you'll only remember the pleasure." Stars! We finally get Friedrich's story in the third book of Juliette Cross's Vampire Blood Series. The White Lily puts the Duke of Winter Hill and local schoolteacher Brennalyn Snow firmly in villainous King Dominik's crosshairs. Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] This book was a little more of a slow burn compared to its predecessors, the first half or so dealt with the budding relationship between Friedrich and Brennalyn, but then everything in relation to the bigger story arc comes to the fore in the second half, as the relationship and feelings between them deepen. "You're most improper for a royal duke..." "Thank you... I do my best." I loved the verbal sparring between these two. Friedrich isn't shy about ensuring that Brenna knows exactly how much he is attracted to her, and although reluctant to become one in a long line of women from the village who have willingly become one of his bleeders in the past, she cannot deny just how mutual their feelings are for each other. The man made her want to climb in his lap and run away at the same time... But she was feisty with it, and never backed down when it came to getting her point across with him, and I enjoyed the fact that she made him work for what he wanted. Her adopted children and their care paramount to her more than her own wants and desires. "You want me too kiss you... And bite you... Lick you... Fuck you." We are definitely reaching the crescendo of this series now, there is more involvement from the Blood Guard in this book which bodes well for the future, and the battle between the Black Lily and the Vampire Royal family is very much firmly in the foreground in the latter stages of this book. "Your cause... My cause." Not one too wish my life away waiting for books to be released (soooo untrue it's not funny) I cannot wait to get my hands on The Emerald Lily at this point I have absolutely no idea how the author plans to close out this series, and January 2018 cannot come soon enough for me to have all of my questions answered. "I can wait for more..." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was, as it always is with books from this author, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Head Over Heels (Something New, #5); Author: Jennifer Dawson; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "I think I like him..." Stars! The fifth book in Jennifer Dawsons; Something New series gives us, dirty-sexy cop Ryder Moore and Girl-About-Town Sophie Kincaid's story. The one thing that always strikes me when I pick up a book by this author is how I always forget just how much I enjoy her writing. Head Over Heels was just such an entertaining read. Her vagina had terrible taste in men and notoriously steered her wrong, which was why she'd stopped listening to it years ago... Sophie has had to up sticks from Chicago, and pretty much leave her life behind for small town Revival, Illinois after her job and subsequently implodes due to an embezzling boss, making it pretty clear from the off to anyone who will listen, she is not staying, but more on a hiatus while the dust settles, she then fully plans to move back to Chicago and resume her old life. Two things she didn't figure on though are her hot, sexy, dirty-talkin', and down-right delicious neighbor... "It's like he was custom designed to bring out the slut in me..." And the fact that the town, and it's people actually start to feel more like home than where she believes her home to be does, and she basically ends up questioning everything that in the past she has thought she needs to live a happy and fulfilling life. Love especially because that has never seemed to stick in the past, but even though they get off to a rocky start, more due to her denial than anything, it is pretty obvious that they both mean more to the other than just a six-month fling. "You might leave, but you're sure as hell not going to forget me when you do, and we both just have to accept that." Ryder, well what can I say, I think the author must have stepped into my head and took every attribute that I find sexy in a guy, as well as some I didn't even realize I found sexy and put them into one awesome, hot package. Can't lie, I spent most of the book green with envy that Sophie was getting all the action with him, because he was just deeeeeeevine! "You're going to be the death of me." "You need to stop kissing me." "Believe it or not, I'm trying..." Loved this book, I hope the author has more in store for the series in general in the future. "You're a part of me now, and there's nothing I can do about it." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Wishes (Heartbreaker Bay, #4.5); Author: Jill Shalvis; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "You go ahead and give ignoring what's still between us your best shot... I'll wait right here." Stars! Christmas would not be the same without at least one offering from Jill Shalvis, and lucky us we get two in 2017, following on from Chasing Christmas Eve; Holiday Wishes gives us Sean O'Riley's story. Sean is Finn's younger brother, the brother who no one has any expectations of, and expect nothing from. Finn being the elder brother always sorted everything out for him when he was younger, and has also spent the better part of his life since keeping him out of trouble. "I've learned a whole lot since then." But things change, and Sean wants to prove to Finn that he has grown up and capable of being responsible, by taking on the planning of the joint Bachelor/Bachelorette weekend in Charlotte Hartford's B&B, and their first meeting after so many years, doesn't exactly go how Sean expects it too. "We're not getting out of here and neither are you." Mother Nature has other ideas though, and leaves Sean and the rest of the party trapped for more than the weekend they were planning to stay. But Sean is not going to let the weather spoil the wedding and looks to Lottie for help. But she has plans, which don't include planning a wedding on the bounce, over her first Christmas off in years. "Maybe you're not the only one who grew up." Sun, sea, and a sexy surfer to ease a little of the 'stress' she has been under was firmly on her agenda, so being trapped with the guy who took her virginity and then left her straight afterward, and helping him make his brother's wedding go off without a hitch is really not something she wants to contemplate. He was even more appealing than he'd been all those years ago. It's not a secret that I am a huge fan of this author, and this series has gone from strength to strength with each book added to it. While this was a relatively quick read, it was great to spend some more time with the Heartbreaker Bay crew over Christmas, and to see Sean, step up, man up and grown up in taking on the responsibility of making sure Pru and Finn got the wedding they deserved. The second-chance with Lottie, rounded things out nicely, and I cannot wait to get back to this series when we return for book five About That Kiss January 2018. ARC generously provided via Edelweiss, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Play Dates; Author: Maggie Wells; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 3.5 - "You're turning into quite the liar..." Stars! Maggie Wells begins her new Play Dates series set around three single Daddies with a story that begins as miscommunication, then sits in the withholding the truth bracket for a little longer than this reader really likes. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the writing style, the banter between Colm, and his business partners and single-parents Mike and James was great, and the sexy-times between him and Monica were smokin' hot, but this book lost a star for the fact that the apparently confident and independent Monica couldn't balls up, and admit to him that his initial assumption of her being a single mother wasn't true. For once in her life, she didn't want to weigh the risk and rewards... Once again I found myself wishing (as I do with many books with this trope) that she had come clean and then read of a story where they work on a relationship around her being unused to children and both of them learning how to balance a relationship with each other around that, rather than her spend 75% of the book lying and trying to justify the fact even though she knows she's going to end up hurting Colm (and herself) because of it. "I'm not nearly through with what I want to do with you..." That-said it was a pretty quick read so I didn't have a huge amount of time to get overly frustrated with her, but then because of the quick nature of the read, I also found Colm's forgiveness awfully speedy in it's delivery too. These are minor gripes though because in general it was a pretty decent story. "I hope you like the natural look..?" My first book by this author, but I will definitely be looking too read Mike's book; Easy Bake Lovin' due for release in March 18. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Demolished (Blue Bay Crew, #1); Author: Cathryn Fox; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "So you're good with your hands..." Stars! Cathryn Fox starts her new Blue Bay Crew series with really great style. Demolished was a quick, sexy read, which left me eager for more from the Owens Boys. You essentially have a book full of sex with a little bit of a story thrown in for good measure here. Thirteen years have passed since Sean Owens has seen Summer Wheeler, and what initially starts out as a one-night-stand in a roadside motel, quickly turns into more, when they both realize that the other is Back in Blue Bay for the foreseeable... "Don't worry one-night stands are my speciality." Except, Summer isn't there as Summer, and pretends to not know Sean. Something although unsure as to why, Sean goes along with as long as the sex keeps coming. I won't lie I found this part of the story a little silly, everyone knows she's Summer but keeps up the charade, but hey it didn't really get in the way of my enjoyment so I was happy to play along as well. "For the rest of the summer, you're mine." As I said this was a quick read, with likeable characters and a little bit of suspense thrown in to bring about the big fall out towards the end. The Owens brothers and cousins are all that and a bar of chocolate, so I am looking forwards to getting my hands on the next book in the series; Levelled due for release in 2018. "Fuck with one Owens, you fuck with them all." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grigori (Brothers of Ash and Fire, #1); Author: Lauren Smith; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 5 - Here there be dragons... Stars! Lauren Smith turns her already talented hand to Dragon-Shifters with the first book in her new Brothers of Ash and Fire series introducing us to the Barinov brothers, with Grigori up first. It's no secret that I am a fan of this author, her Historical titles are like Catnip to me, but dragons... well she has pretty much written a series that sits front and center proudly on my reading Nirvana shelf. "I always knew a love of reading was a good thing." Madelyn and Grigori's story, was as easy to slip into as a warm fragrant bath, the heat levels between them grew as they got to know each other better, and I really liked that Madelyn had her own secrets to tell as the book developed, just as much as Grigori did. "People always fear what they do not understand..." Having had a fascination with Dragon's her whole life, finding out that Grigori can shift into one and then learning all about his families history is like a dream come true for her, especially when the sexy-shifter makes it very clear that she is the only woman for him. But the Barinov Family have enemies, and discovering that Grigori has found his mate, brings them out of the shadows looking to take advantage of his distracted state. Mate a mortal... It was a terrible idea. Grigori was a quick read, I loved that the author actually wove true Russian history into the Barinov's past, it was done really skillfully and although fiction made me sit there and think,'that could have happened', and it hit all the right notes with me. You are also introduced to Rurik Barinov and I loved his dry wit and sarcastic humor. You are also given a small glimpse of exiled brother Mikhail, whose book is up next, Lauren has set the scene well, given the reader an epic love story to open it up, and I am looking forward to seeing the direction she takes in the future books. "You dragons do like to hold onto things don't you?" Not long to wait, as Mikhail is due early 2018, and I cannot wait! ARC generously provided in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Penthouse Player (Billionaire Bosses, #1); Author: Tara Leigh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 - "I kind of like having you as my boss..." Stars! The first book in the Billionaire Bosses Series gives us a romance with a bit of a forbidden twist, and who doesn't love a bit of boss/employee after hours shenanigans. I'll be honest and say I have been giving debut authors a bit of a wide berth lately, but when a trusted friend and fellow reviewer raves about a book to me, I pay attention because she is even pickier than I am generally. "I'm rather discriminating about the opportunities I choose to accept..." And I am glad I did, Penthouse Player delivered everything I want in an office based romance, chemistry, banter and plenty of sexy-times. I can't say that there as anything particularly new and unusual about Tristan and Reina's story, but I think when you love the characters as much as I did these two, it makes a massive difference, also the author has a really engaging writing style as well, which as a reader just pulled me completely into everything that was going on. "How about you make me an offer." Well written, it read well, and I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for us in the future. Not too long to wait as Deal Breaker is due before the end of the year. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest. Review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forbidden Bite (Bite, #1); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "For me... you're it." Stars! Cynthia Eden starts off her new Bite series as expected, with surprises, suspense, passion and plenty of sexy-times. Griffin and Isabella's story was all about the insta! but the story worked because of it. Once a Werewolf meets his mate, it's for life and Griffin made sure Isabella was aware of that very quickly. "I never asked to be what I am..." "I rather like what you are." But Vampires and Werewolves aren't supposed to be mates, and that in itself causes all sorts of problems for our pair, on top of the fact they are being pursued by a villain whose intentions are not what they initially assumed them to be. "You fit me." This was a quick and enjoyable read, having hit a major book slump this week, I knew reading something by this author would pull me back, and it did exactly what I wanted it to. So much so that I went straight onto the second book Mating Bite straight after finishing this one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mating Bite (Bite, #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4 - "Life and death are full of surprises..." Stars! Book two in the Bite series brings us Werewolf; Carter Sinclair's story. Having been involved in the previous book, and knowing what happened to him in the latter stages I was interested to see what adventure the author would give him. "Just be glad I saved your ass..." And although the theme of the story is similar to what happened in the first book, in that the romance is thought of as taboo in the paranormal world the author has created, she also introduced a few new secondary characters that makes me think this is a series that's got at least a couple more books to come from it. "I don't like secrets." This makes me happy, Cynthia Eden's paranormal offerings are always an enjoyable reading diversion from everyday life, and Carter and Lauren's story was no different. Alpha male/Werewolf rescues newly turned Sassy Vampire, and what he initially though was a grab and deliver turns into so much more when the mating bond burns bright between them. "I'll make her mine..." But a Werewolf and a Vampire mating is not the sociably acceptable norm, and could potentially cause all-out war. Secrets and lies, love and loss, this book had a little bit of everything. "You make me want to be more..." I really enjoyed it, which was expected, and I really hope that the author has a few more stories on her schedule in the coming months. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deck the Halls; Author: Donna Alward; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You gave me a wonderful Christmas gift." Stars! We return to Darling, Vermont for a little seasonal catch-up, and Donna Alward gives George Reilly his deserved Christmas wish, with a second-chance encounter turning into the love he doesn't believe he deserves. He was a stranger... yet not. This is one of those novellas that you wish was a full length book, because if you have read the previous three books in the series you will know that George featured quite a lot in them as a secondary character and you could just tell he had his own story to tell, especially in Aiden and Laurel's book; Somebody Like You, where he started out as the homeless guy, that they looked out for, and by the end of the third book in the series, he had himself a job, accommodation, and a place in the town as someone worthy and not just someone you avoid eye contact with as you walk past them in the street. "You were his best friend... Now you're my best friend." Amy Merck comes back into George's life 15 years after their last meeting, her brother, was his best friend. They served together, but only one of them returned, and due guilt, PTSD and a few other issues, he never kept in contact with her or her family. Amy is looking for answers, and she's not leaving town until she can get George to open up about her bothers final, days, hours and minutes. Something that George is reluctant to do, because revisiting those memories take him back to a time he would rather try and forget. "There's nothing to forgive." Second chances at life, second chances at love, redemption, forgiveness and learning to accept the things we cannot change, but to live our lives for those who have been lost, are the main themes that ran through this novella. "You judge yourself far harder than anyone else does... Things mean nothing to me. Character does. And you've got that in spades." Which with the Christmas Season being firmly in the forefront as well gave this story lots of emotional depth, which gave this reader a few smiles and a few tears, and the hope that the author will take us back to Darling, VT for more stories in 2018, because I really do love everything about this series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Tie Optional (Wild Wedding, #1); Author: Ann Marie Walker; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "You're a lot less charming when I'm sober." Stars! Nothing gives me more pleasure than discovering an author whose work I get along with, but that I haven't read before, and although well-known Ann Marie Walker is an author now to me. Black Tie Optional is the first book in the Wild Wedding series, and Cole and Olivia's story was just all round easy reading. Plenty of humor, lots of chemistry and verbal sparring, and two characters that you cannot help but like. He might be hotter than Ryan Reynolds and Ian Somerhalder combined, but underneath that perfect exterior beats the heart of an ogre... I think the dual POV really added to this story, both Cole and Olivia on the surface seemed quite cut and dried when it came to their characters, one free-spirited, flighty and always fighting for the under-dog, while the other staid, bound by expectation, and expects to be the top-dog in every situation he finds himself in. They say that opposites attract, and even when pushed into a marriage of (in)convenience they really do on this occasion. "Under normal circumstances, you wouldn't be my first choice. Hell, you wouldn't even be my last choice, but I'm out of time." If I am honest, nothing in this story came as a major surprise, but it was so well written, and the characters so well developed, that it was just a pleasure to read. Definitely a book I can see being made into a successful Rom-Com in the future that's for sure! But even with the laugh out loud situations, and stellar verbal sparring this is a couple with their own vulnerabilities and the author added them to this story at really pertinent points. Secondary characters also made an invaluable contribution to the overall story as well and I would love to see some of them get their own books at some point in the future. "I don't care how this started. All that matters is where we end up." Book Two; Icing on the Cake is due for release December 17, so not too long to wait for more wedding style shenanigans, Ann Marie Walker style, and if you take into account the amount of tropes out there that can be fitted into this style of book, the author has the opportunity to keep this series running for as long as she has the inspiration to keep adding books to it! "Always busting my balls aren't you?" ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Most of All You: A Love Story; Author: Mia Sheridan; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Sometimes it's the second try that really sticks..." Stars! Mia Sheridan brings together two lonely people in a unique story of acceptance, recovery and the discovery that love comes in all different shapes and forms, not all of them painful to experience. I will be honest and say straight off the bat that this sort of story lately has been like reading kryptonite for me, high levels of angst and drama have definitely not been floating my boat, but something about the synopsis for this one urged me to take the risk, and although hearing lots of good things about this author, it was a double risk, because Most of All You is also the first book I have personally read by her. "You can't fix me you know..." As you can see from my rating the reward was worth the risk for me on this occasion, because although Gabriel and Crystal/Ellie's story is dark, gritty, raw and a little uncomfortable to read in parts, it is also balanced out with lots of light, sweet, unexpected moments as well. He needed someone warm and caring. Someone who would nurture him and piece back together the broken parts. Someone who would look in his eyes and be his calming spirit. I was not that girl... Yes the drama and angst is very present in this story, and lots of it, there is no escaping the fact that this is a couple that have been through the ringer separately in their childhoods, and upon coming together as adults pretty much go through a whole new set of problems as their tentative friendship develops. And although a love story, this is one very much based on around the building of a very tentative and fragile friendship. Our pasts-and our hearts-aligned in such a way that we were meant to heal each other. The side plot that runs through their story really tied things together beautifully in the latter stages as well. And I think the thing that really worked out for me and made Most of All You such an enjoyable reading experience is the fact that the author didn't overplay or overly drag out the darker aspects of this book, and everything was resolved with a really positive outcome. I was lost and the only one who could save me was myself... Gabriel and Ellie, weren't rushed into the sexual aspects of a relationship, and the author really took the time to give them the opportunity to work through everything, and come to that emotional part of being together without rushing it. It wouldn't have worked so well for me if she had because it wouldn't have felt like a cohesive progression on from the issues they were both dealing with. I wasn't a victim. I was a survivor... I haven't said too much about the plot by choice, because there is a lot that goes on, and I don't really want to spoil it for anyone. If you have read this author before, you already know that she delivers quality, and; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Agent's Covert Affair (To Protect and Serve #7); Author: Karen Anders; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I was drawn to you from the get-go..." Stars! The seventh book in Karen Anders To Protect & Serve series, gives us NCIS Agent and consummate loner Derrick Gunn's story. The Agent's Covert Affair is the first book I have read from the series, and although to can tell some of the characters involved in the story are well established ones it definitely didn't affect my enjoyment of the book in general, so it can absolutely be read as a standalone. The woman always seemed to be shifting the firm ground beneath his feet into sand... Derrick and Emma St. John's initial introduction is conducted with the inclusion of a firearm, called to her sister's house to investigate a break-in, assault and possible child-abduction, Emma is looking for answers from Derrick as to why he is there. Once the gun is taken out of the equation, and it is established they are both looking for the same answers, Private Investigator Emma, and Agent Derrick head to Mexico on the hunt for her missing nephew and the drug cartel members potentially involved in his kidnapping. She'd never been this interested, turned on or this tempted in her life... It doesn't take long for the bullets to start flying or the body count to go up once they arrive on Mexican soil, and the high stress levels of the situation also increase the depth of feelings and the strength of the chemistry bubbling between them too. However, both of them are used to operating on their own, and working together causes more than a little friction and on more than one occasion when they don't necessarily agree on the course of action they should be taking. But Derrick feels super protective of Emma, and more often than not put's himself in harm's way to ensure her safety. The story keeps you on your toes until the end, as does the will-they, won't-they nature of the relationship that grows between them out of the cross-fire, and the middle of the investigation into finding her nephew. I have read Romantic Suspense by this author before, and she always brings the heat as well as the adventure, and The Agent's Covert Affair delivers on both fronts. Not as much depth as some of her offerings I have read in the past, but the story given fits the expectations I have of this publisher perfectly. ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crossroads Duet (Crossroads, #1-2); Author: Rachel Blaufeld; Genres: romance; Review: 5 STAR SERIES! ITs Live! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] I absolutely loved both of the books in the Crossroads Duet, you can find the individual reviews here aEUR" Redemption Lane [url]... Absolution Road [url]...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Playing With Forever (Sydney Smoke Rugby, #4); Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: romance; Review: 5 - "I'm not going to fall in love with you... And you're not going to fall in love with me." Stars! Amy Andrews returns to the Sydney Smoke Rugby series, with the fourth book; Playing with Forever, giving us Ryder Davis' story. I think as a reader you know you are onto a winner when you are crying with laughter after the first couple of pages, and Amy delivered up the perfect balance of humour between Ryder and the Great Dane puppy; Tiny, that he is dog-sitting versus the heat, chemistry and sexy-times with him and Juliette. "You rugby guys look like you were born to fuck..." No Messing with this one, Ryder and Juliette hit the ground running when it comes to getting down and dirty, Juliette is leaving town for Italy in two months so is very much in the 'here & now' when it comes to what her and Ryder are doing with each other, and although he is on the same page as her at the beginning, his feelings start to change with the more time they spend together. It killed him that she was so set on moving forward she was holding herself back from him... Although pretty predictable in relation to the story arc, I absolutely loved this book, I will even go as far as to say that it's the best book of the series (so far). Ryder was adorably dirty, Juliette confidently sexy, and the additions from the rest of the Smoke family just made this story completely un-put-downable, in fact if it hadn't been for work commitments I am pretty sure I'd have read it in one sitting. She could have her man and her dream. I think this series is one of the best that the Brazen imprint has released in recent years, and I hope to see more books from it very soon. "You're so easy." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AfterLife (The Starbuck Chronicles, #1); Author: Zoe Dawson; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "You are full of surprises..." Stars! Zoe Dawson brings us Lily Starbuck's story in the first book of The Starbuck Chronicles series; Afterlife. She took me on a journey where the map and directions changed numerous times and for really great reasons. I can honestly say I have never read a book quite like Afterlife, it is uniquely brilliant in that the author has merged PNR, romantic suspense, as well as computer game, anime and fictional characters, and bought them all to life in our world. How the author even came up with the concept boggles me, but wowza did it work, and really well too. The tag-line - Reality is broken... anything is possible, sums it up perfectly, because anything could and did happen. I was determined to find out who killed Olivia, and nothing was going to stop me... We are introduced to Lily Starbuck, at a point in her life where everything unbeknownst to her is just about to spiral out of control. Coming home and finding her best friend of three years and business partner Olivia murdered, after discovering she has cleared out their bank accounts and left them with six months' worth of unpaid debts, puts our intrepid Earth Witch in quite the position. The investigation into her murder doesn't really bring up any real leads as to why, due to interference from other unknown factors and Lily takes it upon herself to look into things deeper herself to try to find some sort of resolution, and establish just what Olivia had gotten herself involved in, Illegal Fairy-dust for sure, but the reasons why she was so deeply involved... she's not so sure Danger be damned... We are introduced to a whole host of interesting and entertaining secondary characters the further she investigates, and her good friend, the grumbly Gnome; Nock is never far away. And it doesn't take long for her to understand that Olivia's deception goes a lot deeper than originally assumed, and the more layers she uncovers, the thicker the plot gets. I genuinely don't really know what else to say about this unusual and engrossing story without giving things away, so I am going to leave it to your imagination, the author definitely used hers with this one that's for sure. "Why did you have to go and get so interesting..?" I am reliably informed that the next book in the series Aftermath is due in December, and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes Lily, and her new found friends in the next installment of the story. Copy generously gifted by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirtiest Little Secret; Author: Skye Jordan; Genres: romance; Review: 4 - "I don't know anything about bikes, but if you were my teacher, I'd be a very willing student..." Stars! Skye Jordan, delivers up a little cute-sexy-smutty treat with Dirtiest Little Secret, where conservative rich girl takes a walk on the wild side with grungy, motor-bike riding boy, only thing being one of them is being less than forthright about their true origins. Its LIVE! Amazon US - [url] Amazon UK - [url] If you are a fan of Alexa Riley and the whole insta-smut craze of books that seem to be releasing in their hordes lately then this is definitely a book you should check out. Written in Skye's usual engaging style, I really enjoyed the story between Ava and Isaac. She wanted to be handled tonight. Wanted someone alpha and confident to take the reins and give her an escape... Having found her fiance cheating Ava is definitely looking to let off some steam, kick back and explore her newly found freedom, being from a well-known and well respected family, expectations as to the type of man she should be seen with are of a certain type, so she decides to try out a biker bar for some no-strings fun a few hours away from home, little did she know she would meet Isaac, and the relationship that would grow from their supposed one night together. She loved who she became under Isaac's open-minded gaze... This is definitely a story that goes a little OTT in certain areas, I mean there can't be many guys that have a handy ready-to-go Lube and sex toy bag in their motor-bike panniers. But I didn't mind stepping away from reality with the story Skye gave us. Where sex was concerned, she'd admit to being curious enough to taste-test a few flavors beyond vanilla... Isaac was dirty and dominant, and Ava definitely gave as good as she got once her confidence returned. The conflict when it came was pretty obvious but all-in-all a really easy-going read. My one gripe; no epilogue. I really would have liked one to give a little resolution to some of the familial issues as well as see how our couple were faring with life a few months down the line. "You make it difficult to think outside the moment." ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: First; Author: Kimberly Stedronsky Adams; Genres: young-adult, children, romance; Review: 5 - "I'm too early for you... But I'll wait." Stars! I have nothing to say, just read the book, utterly breathtakingly perfect. Oh, and have tissues.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Broken Rebel (Lawless Kings, #2); Author: Sherilee Gray; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: 4 - "We will never be done..." Stars! Broken Rebel; book two in the Lawless Kings series gives us Neco and Ruby's story. They came across very much as 'frenemies with chemistry' in the first book; Shattered King, and the author gives them a great story following on from it. I want to lick him from head to toe and kick him in the nuts at the same time... I really enjoyed this book, all is not as it originally seems between our couple, what with them knowing each other since childhood, Neco has always seen himself as something of a protector towards Ruby, even though he is attracted to her and always has been he doesn't believe that he is good enough for her, with the darkness inside him, and a less than legal past. "I've finally got you where you belong. Nothing's going to stop me from doing what I'm about to do to you." Ruby actually feels the same attraction for him, and always had. Yes she definitely sees him as her greatest protector, but alongside that is a deep love and self-confidence that she is perfectly capable of looking out for herself, something Neco struggles to understand. The man may not think he is good enough for her but she definitely doesn't agree. Her attempts at getting his attention, no matter how outlandish and risky have not produced the results she was hoping, in fact all they really achieve is anger and confrontation, so rather than spend her life waiting around for a man who she thinks doesn't want her Ruby decides to move on with her life. My protector. My best friend... My Lover. The suspense aspect of this story was a little predictable in that I kind of worked out who the villain of the piece was very early on, but it was the motivation Neco needed to make the decision to move from 'just friends' into something more so I was fine with it. "Hold on and don't let go." The author excels at building sexual tension, and then writing the actual sexy times themselves and Broken Rebel is no exception. Neco was dominant, dirty and growly, and Ruby gave as good as she got, so their couplings were pretty rough, ready and angry at points, which matched their personalities really well. As always the story was well developed, the secondary characters held their own, and the writing was easy to engage in. I hope to see more from this series in 2018. "You've got me, you've always had me, even when you didn't know it... I was yours... Always." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Playing with Danger (Desire Bay, #2); Author: Joya Ryan; Genres: romance; Review: 3 - "Give me two weeks..." Stars! The second book in the Desire Bay series gives us Goonies bar owner Hannah Hastings story. We met Hannah in the first book as she was BFF to Laura Baughman, what you don't know is that she married a man she hardly knows whilst on a two week Caribbean cruise. It was a match made in hell... and the best thing to ever happen to him. Grant Laythem, the man she married, and then disappeared on at the end of the cruise arrives in Yachats, Oregon six months later with only one plan, to make his wayward wife fall in love with him again so he can take her back to New York with him. "What are you afraid of...?" I honestly think the author missed a trick with this one, because for me the story got lost in all of the sex they were having. Bearing in mind it isn't until the very latter stages that they both actually start to make the effort to get to know more than their erogenous zones about each other, I wanted more of everything else that was going on in the background to be bought to the forefront. "I trusted you, and you kept secrets." Yes, as a reader you know you aren't really in for a deep and meaningful story line when its based around a couple that spend two weeks boffing on a cruise ship, and then decide to get married on a post-sex-marathon whim, but the bones were there for Playing with Danger to be more than it ended up being. This is definitely a does what is says on the tin kind of read. I am just not sure the balance of ingredients really worked as well as they could have on this occasion. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Second to None (Second Glances #0.5); Author: Nancy Herkness; Genres: children, romance; Review: 4 - "Things are different now." Stars! Nancy Herkness begins her new Second Glances series with an enjoyable second chance romance Seasonal novella. The woman he'd been obsessed with... was no longer off limits. Second to None was my first foray into this author's writing, and I enjoyed the story she gave Max and Emily so much, that I one-clicked her entire Wager of Hearts series straight after finishing it. Nothing particularly new or unusual about the story line with this couple, but it was well written and gave a good foundation for the K-9 Angelz programme for disadvantaged inner-city kids in South Harlem, which Emily sets up, with a large cash injection from Max, this also facilitates them reconnecting seven years after their last meeting, in which time Emily has also become a widower. "It's been seven years. I can wait until the right place and time." It also sets up the characters, the Carver Centre, it's patrons and the locale really well, which is great because the rest of the series will develop around it as a group of rich (but lonely) bachelors finds themselves on the board of directors as well as finding love along the way. Definitely worth a couple of hours of your time, if you are looking for easy going, well written, contemporary romance, with the right level between emotion and drama to keep it interesting. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Winter's Tale; Author: Carrie Elks; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "This thaw is for Christmas, not for life." Stars! ITs LIVE! Amazon US [url] Amazon UK [url] The second book in Carrie Elks' Shakespeare Sisters series, has a decidedly Christmassy feel to it, and I absolutely adored Kitty and Adam's story. You get the perfect combination, of drama, angst, familial battles, with a heavy dose of love and romance with this one. Plenty of snow, Christmas sparkle, sexy-times and a really likeable couple, all balanced out around a really well written story. Home wasn't where your blood was. It wasn't even where your heart was. Home was where you felt accepted, love, at peace... I adore this author, and am loving how this series is growing and developing into something special with each new addition to it. Absent in the Spring gives us Lucy's story next, and is due for release April 18. ARC generously provided by the author, and it was a pleasure to provide the above review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Never Let Go (Lazarus Rising #1); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "Intense is an understatement." Stars! Nothing gives me more pleasure than starting a new series by Cynthia Eden, given that this is RS, with a bit of a paranormal twist, I was hooked from the first chapter of Sawyer and Elizabeth's story. I suppose you would say the romance between this couple is built around amnesia of sorts, Sawyer literally returns from the dead, and what follows is a race against time in all sorts of ways. Sawyer on a subliminal level immediately recognizes something familiar about Elizabeth when they are reintroduced after he has been given the Lazarus Formula, but having had his memory effectively wiped out from the process he struggles to remember anything. Something that breaks Elizabeth's heart for a second time, first she loses the man she loves, and now he has no memory of her. "Something is between us. Something about you gets to me. And I can't hurt you. I won't hurt you." But all is not well with the Lazarus Formula, and the side effects are more far reaching than Elizabeth and the rest of the people involved are aware of, something Sawyer and the rest of his team have made sure of, and as the book progresses you realize that these men are now more than just Super-Soldiers. But someone at the facility is killing people, and the finger is immediately pointed to Sawyer and his team. "I think I'm Frankenstein." As always, I devoured this book, the author set the scene well, and started the series off by giving Sawyer and Elizabeth their reconnection as well as introducing the rest of the players to the game. I think there are likely to be a few more books to come, bearing in mind what has happened so far and the amount of questions that are still left unanswered. "It's not over yet." Keep Me Close; Flynn and Cecelia's story is due at the end of October, and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes us with this series. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Keep Me Close (Lazarus Rising #2); Author: Cynthia Eden; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4.5 - "We all have secrets..." Stars! The second book in Cynthia Eden's Lazarus Rising series; Keep Me Close gives us Flynn and Cecelia's story. Both played large parts as secondary characters in the first book, so you know that their coming together is pretty much a foregone conclusion, especially as Flynn goes all growly alpha on pretty much everyone who tries to get near the secretive Doctor. "I'm supposed to bare my soul for you, but you're gonna keep holding back from me..?" No one writes Romantic Suspense with a twist, quite like Cynthia, and this series is giving me all the good feels the same way most of her previous ones have. You absolutely need to have read the first book, because Sawyer and Elizabeth are very much a part of this instalment, and we also start to learn a lot more about Jay and just how deeply he was involved with the original experiments. "I'll be with you... I'll take care of you." Some questions are answered, but many more are raised, with the introduction of several new secondary characters that I think will likely play more pivotal roles in the forthcoming books the author releases. Action, adventure, suspense, thrills & spills, all told around a sexy-hot love story, what more could you ask for! "We thought we were safe, but we were all wrong." I very much think the first two books have now set the scene, I am interested to now see how everything plays out going forwards, with a seasonal novella up next; Stay With Me, is due for release in December, and I cannot wait to read it. The story wasn't fully over... ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scored; Author: Sloane Howell; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 1 - "IaEUR(tm)m sorry. I just never got into itaEUR|" Star. DNF @ 37% I had high hopes for this one after reading and enjoying Bossed we met the characters from this book in its predecessor as secondary characters and they were pretty likeable, and the main characters from that book are now secondary cast members in this one. Not so much this time. I think largely due to the writing style, Bossed had the right balance of snark, banter, sexy-times and internal monologue. This one just felt like a long drawn out diary entry from a pubescent teenage boy. Matt totally lost his manliness because of it and I found it all delivered with a large dose of cheese. Kelsey and her constant denial of everything just got annoying, and all-in-all IaEUR(tm)d lost total interest in the all of it by the point I stopped reading. I think I am going to pop this author in the 'One Hit Wonder' box now and move on, because apart from Bossed I have now DNFaEUR(tm)d three of his titles in a row, and seeing the glowing reviews for those books I am putting it down to writing style and reader not really getting along. ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Christmas Miracle; Author: Amy Andrews; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 4 - "Trust me... I'm a Doctor." Stars! Another well written story from Amy Andrews. The 'will they, won't they' almost got annoying but this was a quick read, and the story carried it along well enough to not become too much of a 'thing'. "You deserve a man to love you right... To take it slow. To worship you. Let me do that." Don't let the cover deter you, this isn't that sweet or cheesy, there's plenty of emotion and sexual tension. I think the author is being overly generous say that this is a couple that '...have blazingly hot sex.... A lot!' because quite frankly they don't, there is however, an awful lot of kissing, groping and almost getting there in the first 75%. There was something about her that definitely piqued his interest... that didn't just pull at his heart strings, but at the ones in his groin too. I can't really say the title really portrays the story either, it didn't really leave me feeling all that Christmassy, but I have read a lot of books by this author now and I have come to know what to expect, and Trinity and Reid delivered on all the important aspects I have come to anticipate from Amy's story-telling.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: On a Tuesday (One Week, #1); Author: Whitney G.; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: I fall in love a little more with this authors writing with each new book I read by her :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Risking It (Stolen Moments, #2); Author: Angela Quarles; Genres: romance; Review: 4.5 - "You're a talker, aren't you..?" Stars! Risking It is the second book in Angela Quarles Stolen Moments series, I haven't read its predecessor, and it can absolutely be read as a standalone. And what a treat my first read by this author was, I read Risking It in one sitting, which wasn't a massive struggle because it was a short read, but it grabbed me from the beginning and I just couldn't put Jane and Aiden's book down. This is a fun interlude with a player. Nothing more... Road-Trip, that trope in itself is usually a pre-cursor to a good story-line, but Jane and Aiden have past form, in that they spent one night together in the week previous, but rather than getting their naked on, they spent the night watching films and cuddling up. Something, which although not his usual night time endeavour with a woman, leaves Aiden thinking that maybe there is life outside of casual hook-ups. Only problem being Jane pretty much cuts him off at the nuts the following morning and he is none the wiser as to why. I'm not the outgoing va-va-voom type. A comedy of errors and mishaps, eventually leads this couple to sharing a car on a road trip to Atlanta, and stopping at some pretty weird and wonderful sights on the way, as they travel you learn more about the both of them (great dual POV), and also Jane's reasons why for not giving Aiden the time of day the morning after their film fest. He's so gorgeous but also so vulnerable, and I don't know what to do with that... This point for me was the only weak part of the story to be honest, considering Jane is a grown woman and not an inexperienced college student, but by the time it came to light I was so invested in seeing how things turned out between them I let it slide, it didn't hurt that Aiden was an absolute sweetheart either! I'm going to have a hard time letting him go. But I have to... This is just a fling. I cannot wait for more from this series, I will definitely be looking to read the first book Earning It at some point, as well. This is an author I will certainly be looking to read a lot more from in the future. "We're going to have a lot of adventures together..." ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 10 Ways to Handle the Best Man; Author: Heidi Rice; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: 5 - "There's just something irresistible about a dangerous man in a tux..." Stars! Short, sweet & sinfully delicious.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hot as Hell (Deep Six 0.5); Author: Julie Ann Walker; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I am glad I picked this up for free as the actual story was only 35% of the book. Great way to check out the author's writing style though, and happily (for me) we seemed to 'click' so straight on to the next book in the series :); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Silkwood (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reservoir Dogs (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: North by Northwest (1959); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pay It Forward (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Training Day (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking Too (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Defending Your Life (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bob Roberts (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: On Golden Pond (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Singin' in the Rain (1952); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: America's Sweethearts (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's New Groove (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heathers (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Moonstruck (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Little Lady (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Maltese Falcon (1941); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wizard of Oz: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Goldfinger (1964); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Toy (1982); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Prince of Tides (1991); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: An Officer and a Gentleman (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Chariots of Fire (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Angels in the Outfield (1994); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Patriot Games (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Anna and the King (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rocky (1976); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: GoodFellas: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Majestic (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stand and Deliver (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Patton (1970); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All the President's Men (1976); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hunt for Red October (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Big Chill (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone with the Wind: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Attraction (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beauty and the Beast: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Waiting to Exhale (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grosse Pointe Blank (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Enemy at the Gates (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Strictly Ballroom (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Caddyshack (1980); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: L.A. Confidential (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Score (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Emperor (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mexican (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sophie's Choice (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cider House Rules (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Frequency (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Six Days (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Baby (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: First Contact (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sound of Music (1965); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kate & Leopold (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1972); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: October Sky (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: An American in Paris (1951); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Generations (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wall Street (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lean on Me (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bull Durham (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Memphis Belle (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ben-Hur: Collector's Edition (1959); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: South Pacific (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leaving Las Vegas (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dish (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ruthless People (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Man Who Wasn't There (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Killing Fields (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Peacemaker (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amadeus (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Graduate (1967); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: On the Waterfront (1954); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fantasia (1940); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Say Anything (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spartacus (1960); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unforgiven (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last of the Mohicans (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Philadelphia (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saving Private Ryan (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Full Metal Jacket (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Red Violin (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Billy Elliot (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Behind Enemy Lines (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moulin Rouge (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clear and Present Danger (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen Days (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: We Were Soldiers (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Road to Perdition (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: K-19: The Widowmaker (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: K-Pax (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Steam: The Turkish Bath (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The English Patient (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Proof of Life (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Driving Miss Daisy (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Firm (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rob Roy (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Life as a House (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am Sam (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drop Zone (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Edward Scissorhands (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deep Impact (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Eyes Wide Shut (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Das Boot (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bridges of Madison County (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Boogie Nights (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Horse Whisperer (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stepmom (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Waterworld (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Much Ado About Nothing (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Kings (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Singer (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Circle of Friends (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Romancing the Stone (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Die Another Day (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In Love and War (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best in Show (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tuck Everlasting (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: First Knight (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Talk to Her (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Barbershop (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Somewhere in Time (1980); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Money Pit (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Notting Hill (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Line of Fire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Beautiful Mind (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The End of the Affair (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dances With Wolves: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Awakenings (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reign of Fire (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fisher King (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Quiz Show (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Field of Dreams (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Babe (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tootsie (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: La Femme Nikita (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Always (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Farewell My Concubine (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Passenger 57 (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: No Way Out (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Like Water for Chocolate (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pianist (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Reloaded (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Steel Magnolias (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Morning (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Platoon (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: True Lies (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Fish Called Wanda (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Running Man (1987); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gods and Generals (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nowhere in Africa (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Elizabeth (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bend It Like Beckham (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The American President (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Fears (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Europa Europa (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Natural (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shenandoah (1965); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shogun (1980); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bowling for Columbine (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Children of Dune (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Band of Brothers (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indochine (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Piano (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Glory (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Lives of Dentists (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Manchurian Candidate (1962); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cooler (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Empire of the Sun (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hoosiers (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Step Into Liquid (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Time in the Midlands (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Smile (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Whale Rider (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gandhi (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boys Briefs (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Brown (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: F/X (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Something's Gotta Give (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: X2: X-Men United (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Michael Collins (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Revolutions (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Primary Colors (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Name of the Father (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kundun (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dancing at Lughnasa (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: City of Angels (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Love Actually (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Timeline (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Citizen Kane (1941); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tears of the Sun (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lawrence of Arabia (1962); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Spanish Prisoner (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Zhivago (1965); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sliding Doors (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A River Runs Through It (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Calendar Girls (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Full Monty (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: JFK: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Cowboy (1969); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Liar Liar (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bodyguard (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Usual Suspects (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lion in Winter (1968); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Quiet American (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A League of Their Own (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Legend of Suriyothai (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down With Love (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dave (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Prince and Me (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In America (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Extreme Edition (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shine (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shrek 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: sex (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mission: Special Edition (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Regarding Henry (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Neverland (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lion King: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The West Wing: Season 1 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Extended Edition (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The West Wing: Season 4 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Back to the Future (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moulin Rouge (1952); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Room with a View: Special Edition (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Boondock Saints (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sideways (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Terminal (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bride and Prejudice (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alfie (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone But Not Forgotten (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jersey Girl (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hidalgo (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Seven Samurai (1954); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Adventures of Priscilla (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Locked Up (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Love! Valour! Compassion! (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Trick (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Life Is Beautiful (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Latter Days (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bear Cub (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cowboys & Angels (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spanglish (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Broken Hearts Club (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster-in-Law (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: While You Were Sleeping (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Madness of King George (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Extended Edition (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amistad (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Opinion: Case for Colin Kaepernick is more like a Hail Mary for out-of-work QB; Abstract: Colin Kaepernick's representatives issue release detailing "false narratives" regarding quarterback's attempts to return to NFL.; Category: sports
Title: 20 Celebs Who Have Had Actual Ghost Encounters; Abstract: Don't try and tell these stars that ghosts don't exist, because they've seen all the paranormal proof they need to believe; Category: entertainment
Title: Iran decries 'cowardly attack' on oil tanker; Abstract: An Iranian government spokesman on Saturday described as a "cowardly attack" an incident that Iranian media have called the apparent targeting by missiles of an Iranian-owned oil tanker, and said Iran would respond after the facts had been studied.; Category: news
Title: Dog Will Do Anything To Distract Her Dad From Playing Video Games; Abstract: Meet Chelsea a very good girl who refuses to be ignored. Chelsea will stop at nothing when it comes to getting her dad's attention. But it wasn't always this way.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Justin Bieber wants to sell his $8.5 million Beverly Hills home via Instagram look inside; Abstract: Earlier this year, Justin Bieber purchased the 6,132 square foot home for $8.5 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. Now it appears he wants to sell it. Bieber posted 13 inside images of his home on Instagram, asking his followers in a few captions: "I think I wanna sell my home in Beverly Hills who wants it?"; Category: finance
Title: She's 83 and might get kicked out of her apartment. Among her violations: Taking too many cookies.; Abstract: Elsie Cruey moved into a Fairfax apartment complex for people age 62 and older last year. She has been told she must vacate by Thursday.; Category: news
Title: Lions fans mock NFL refs with clever billboards in Detroit; Abstract: That's one way to get revenge.; Category: sports
Title: Chiefs win game, lose Patrick Mahomes, in 30-6 win over Broncos; Abstract: The Kansas City Chiefs may have won Thursday night's game against the Denver Broncos, but they may have suffered a far greater loss in the process. The Chiefs beat the Broncos 30-6 but saw starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes leave the game in the second quarter due to a knee injury. Multiple reports have said Mahomes [more]; Category: sports
Title: Trent Richardson headlines list of surprising names not taken in XFL Draft; Abstract: The XFL Draft concluded with no teams taking a chance on Trent Richardson despite his success in the AAF.; Category: sports
Title: 21 Things That Make Any House Feel Old and Outdated; Abstract: Some home design features from the past have a charm that makes them feel historic or vintage. Others? They haven't quite stood the test of time. A trend that was so ubiquitous in one particular era that it instantly dates your home can be a flag to friends (or future homeowners, if you're thinking about selling) that you haven't renovated in decades. Of course, you may not care if your home is on trend. If you absolutely love a quirky feature, by all means keep it. But if you're planning some renovations or if you're thinking about resale value, you should consider updating these 21 things that make your home feel outdated.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Jim Harbaugh gets crushed for baffling 58-yard field goal attempt; Abstract: Harbaugh will need a big second-half rally to avoid dropping to 0-8 as an underdog with the Wolverines. It's pretty clear that his job is safe, but decisions such as this aren't going to help his standing among fans.; Category: sports
Title: Francis Ford Coppola Says Marvel Movies Are 'Despicable'; Abstract: Another day, another disgruntled auteur taking the Marvel Cinematic Universe to task.; Category: movies
Title: This Woman Got a Tattoo That Says "It's Called Vitiligo" to Stop Rude Remarks About Her Skin Condition; Abstract: Dionne Lees had enough bewildered stares and tactless questions to justify getting a tattoo that succinctly explains to onlookers why her skin is missing pigment in some areas.; Category: health
Title: Helen Hunt Posts First Pic Following Car Accident: 'Back at Work'; Abstract: The actress is back on the set of the 'Mad About You' reboot.; Category: movies
Title: Extreme living at the edge of the world; Abstract: Sometimes the hustle and bustle of modern life can make you want to retreat far away from civilisation, with nothing but a warm fire and Mother Nature to keep you company. From a log cabin nestled deep in the woods to a solitary house on a towering stone pillar, these extreme dwellings make do with only the bare necessities. Meet the fascinating people who call the remote wilderness home sweet home...; Category: lifestyle
Title: This Mom Had a Hilarious Response to a Man Who Told Her to 'Cover Up' While Breastfeeding in Public; Abstract: She did exactly what he asked.; Category: health
Title: Orlando Scandrick rips Eagles: They have 'accountability issues'; Abstract: Orlando Scandrick found himself released on Monday, one day after surrendering the first touchdown of the Week 7 game against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys.; Category: sports
Title: Report: Antonio Brown, NFL in 'standoff' over playing status; Abstract: Brown and the NFL have yet to talk about his off-field issues as part of the league's formal investigation, and that seems to be bugging Brown.; Category: sports
Title: Matt Ryan will miss his first start in a decade due to ankle injury; Abstract: ; Category: sports
Title: AOC retweets Jane Fonda arrest video 1 day after slamming GOP for 'asking' to be arrested; Abstract: What a difference 24 hours can make. Just one day after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Republicans for requesting to be arrested for entering a closed-door Trump impeachment inquiry deposition this week, the far-left New York Democrat retweeted a video showing Hollywood stars Jane Fonda and Ted Danson being arrested at a climate protest Friday.; Category: news
Title: The News In Cartoons; Abstract: News as seen through the eyes of the nation's editorial cartoonists.; Category: news
Title: The Most Annoying Fall Pests and How to Manage Them; Abstract: Fall is the season where bugs and other pests start seeking warmer areas to settle in before the cold hits and that makes your home a popular destination. Here's how to manage fall's most annoying pests.; Category: lifestyle
Title: 'I feel bad that I left': John Kelly warned Trump he would be impeached; Abstract: John Kelly warned President Trump that hiring a "yes man" to succeed him as White House chief of staff would lead to impeachment and, in hindsight, regrets his decision to resign.; Category: news
Title: Homeowner says a mystery object damaged his house. It didn't fall from a plane, FAA says; Abstract: Authorities including the Federal Aviation Administration have not been able to identify a canister-type object that damaged a Kentucky man's home.; Category: news
Title: The Queen Mary: The Most Haunted Hotel in America; Abstract: Go ghost hunting at the most haunted hotel in America - the historic Queen Mary, a stately ship-turned-hotel in Long Beach, California.; Category: travel
Title: The toxic bubble of technical debt threatening America; Abstract: Climate change will soon expose a crippling problem embedded in the nation's infrastructure. In fire-ravaged California, it already has.; Category: finance
Title: Man dies after becoming stuck on top of 290-foot tall smokestack; Abstract: A man dangling from the top of a 290 foot smoke stack for more than six hours, apparently suspended only by his pants, died shortly after he was rescued by authorities.; Category: news
Title: What I Wish My Dad Told Me More Growing Up, According to 10 Men; Abstract: There's always more to say.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Florida deputy fired for appearing to punch man handcuffed to hospital bed: report; Abstract: A Florida sheriff's deputy has been fired for allegedly punching a man while he was handcuffed to a hospital bed, according to a report.; Category: news
Title: 6 NFL teams on upset alert in Week 9; Abstract: A few teams seem to be staring down the barrel of an upset this weekend.; Category: sports
Title: Survivor Contestant Rudy Boesch Dies at 91 After Long Battle with Alzheimer's Disease; Abstract: Survivor's Rudy Boesch Dead at 91; Category: tv
Title: Hidden Camera Captures Cat And Baby Having The Cutest Conversation; Abstract: From the moment Lindsey Needham brought her son Brody home, she could tell that he and her cat Zora were going to be friends.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Jorge Masvidal earns BMF title amid epic 2019, calls out Canelo Alvarez; Abstract: ; Category: sports
Title: New York Senator Chuck Schumer Mocks Trump Making Florida His New Home, Donald Jr. Fires Back; Abstract: "New York, New York. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere... Trump can't," Schumer tweeted.; Category: news
Title: 1 dead, 8 others hospitalized in Salmonella outbreak likely tied to ground beef; Abstract: The CDC said the latest Salmonella outbreak is not tied to one type or brand of ground beef.; Category: news
Title: Niagara Falls: Boat stuck on rocks 101 years dislodged; Abstract: High winds and heavy rains dislodged the remains of a barge in the rapids above Niagara Falls that had been there 101 years.; Category: weather
Title: President Trump says UFC reception was 'like walking into a Trump Rally'; Abstract: Despite hearing boos, President Trump compares reception from crowd at UFC 244 in New York to one at a campaign event. "Plenty of MAGA ..."; Category: sports
Title: Ask the Captain: Do pilots like it when passengers clap after landing?; Abstract: Does working a redeye flight hurt the flight crew as much it does passengers? And what do pilots think when they hear passengers clap after landing?; Category: travel
Title: Dez Bryant plans to reach out to NFL teams in two weeks; Abstract: The former Cowboys' WR1 is just looking for a chance.; Category: sports
Title: The 2019 NFL Season; Abstract: The 2019 NFL Season; Category: sports
Title: Jennifer Aniston looks amazing in a makeup-free selfie, plus more news; Abstract: Jennifer Aniston looks amazing in a makeup-free selfie, plus more news; Category: entertainment
Title: After Mormon Family's Terror in Mexico, a Message Emerges: No One Is Safe; Abstract: After Mormon Family's Terror in Mexico, a Message Emerges: No One Is Safe By Azam Ahmed LA MORA, Mexico Andre Miller saw the column of black smoke rising from at least a mile away.; Category: news
Title: Broadway Actress Laurel Griggs Dies at Age 13; Abstract: Broadway star Laurel Griggs has died, according to multiple reports. She was 13.; Category: music | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History; Author: Chris; McEwen, Scott; DeFelice, Jim Kyle; Review: Very good article, for me unbelievable. Did not know they went to such great lengths, to defend our country.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10; Author: Visit Amazon's Marcus Luttrell Page; Review: What a story, almost unbelievable .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 41: A Portrait of My Father; Author: Visit Amazon's George W. Bush Page; Review: Quite a man a good ride up about a father by sun I liked it very much; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Panther - Slaughter of the Reich - The Halbe Kessel 1945; Author: Visit Amazon's Wolfgang Faust Page; Review: Hard to believe the horror the fighting forces went through; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Famous Gunfighters of the Western Frontier: Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Luke Short and Others; Author: W. B. (Bat) Masterson; Review: Good read; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Twelve Years in the Saddle for Law and Order On the Frontiers of Texas; Author: Visit Amazon's W John L. Sullivan Page; Review: Interesting reading lots of challenging encounters for the lawman on the early frontier; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Fight at O.K. Corral; Author: Visit Amazon's Mr. Wyatt Earp Page; Review: Good read, very interesting the ways of the frontier in those early frontier days.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Tomb Called Iwo Jima: Firsthand Accounts from Japanese Survivors; Author: Visit Amazon's Dan King Page; Review: Unbelievable how they were left to die in the tunnels by their own government; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Whitey: The Life of America's Most Notorious Mob Boss; Author: Visit Amazon's Dick Lehr Page; Review: Hard to believe the life he led and the number of killing he did. What a nightmare.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Family Blood: The True Story of Yom Kippur Murders : One Family's Greed, Love, and Rage; Author: Visit Amazon's Marvin J. Wolf Page; Review: My how greed can destroy family's. It's interesting how money has so little value.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tangled Web: The Life and Death of Richard Cain - Chicago Cop and Mafia Hitman; Author: Michael J. Cain; Review: Tangled web I guess. I enjoyed reading, sure took a lot of twists and turns; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Teddy Suhren, Ace of Aces: Memoirs of a U-Boat Rebel; Author: Visit Amazon's Teddy Suhren Page; Review: Interesting how they operated underwater, the risks and no way out.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Company Commander; Author: Charles B. Macdonald; Review: Pretty good not to exciting for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Climb Up to Hell; Author: Visit Amazon's Jack Olsen Page; Review: Hard to believe such an awesome adventure someone hanging on a wall for 23months dead.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Enemy; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Hillary Page; Review: Hard to keep my interest, not enough flying time, battles you know.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rat Pack Confidential; Author: Visit Amazon's Shawn Levy Page; Review: Interesting how things get so twisted for the elite. Lives mean so very little.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Life among the Apaches (Bison Book S); Author: John C. Cremony; Review: Interesting how life among the Indian tribes have such a hard life. How they torched the captured .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account; Author: Miklos Nyiszli; Review: Striking unbelievable what people go through during war time; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dead Wrong: Straight Facts on the Country's Most Controversial Cover-Ups; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Belzer Page; Review: Hard to relate to all of the cover-ups, hard to believe our country can get away with this .; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ohitika Woman; Author: Visit Amazon's Mary Brave Bird Page; Review: Unbelievable how the Indian people have struggled all these years. I believe I have a better understanding of their causes for equality.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tank Warfare on the Eastern Front 1941-1942: Schwerpunkt; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Forczyk Page; Review: Had a hard time getting into it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Paul Newman: A Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Shawn Levy Page; Review: A real guy into his late 80s; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amazon Echo: Amazon Echo User Manual: From Newbie to Expert in One Hour: Echo User Guide (Updated for 2017):; Author: Visit Amazon's Ray Higgins Page; Review: Helped me alot; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tail-End Charley: Stories from an American fighter pilot in World War II; Author: James E Brown; Review: Great detail. I was surprised at all of the near misses.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Disney Tink Surreal Garden Decorative Pillow, Pack of 2; Brand: Disney; Review: This is a gorgeous butterfly pillow set that matches a comforter set that I purchased my granddaughter and she absolutely loves this pillow set.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nickelodeon Dora Run Skip Jump Microfiber Comforter, Twin/Full; Brand: Nickelodeon; Review: the colors in this set are so vibrant and beautiful and our youngest granddaughter loves this set, as well as, Dora of course.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CreativeWare Solutions 12 Piece Unbreakable Tumblers; Brand: CreativeWare; Review: The CreativeWare Solutions 12 Piece Unbreakable Tumblers are very nice,durable and compliment any collection.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: eKingstore Children Car Soft Seat Belt Shoulder Pad Pillow Headrest Support Pillow Pink; Brand: eKingstore; Review: Zcargel Children Car Soft Seat Belt Shoulder is very nice and the pad allows our granddaughter to keep her seat belt across her chest properly. TurboBooster Seat; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Newstarfactory Lace Flowers Design Plastic Folding Hand Held Fan (White); Brand: Newstarfactory; Review: So cute and fancy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Setting Boundaries® with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents; Author: Visit Amazon's Allison Bottke Page; Review: If you can take the truth, this is the book for you. The book can only be helpful if you are ready to hear the author's words and incorporate them into your own personal situation. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been living with an adult child who refuses to "get it" Excellent.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Art And Craft of Stonescaping: Setting & Stacking Stone; Author: Visit Amazon's David Reed Page; Review: Book as described. Good instructions and nice photography. Overall, it delivers what it promised. Recommend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Paris Wife: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Paula McLain Page; Review: If you find Hemingway's life interesting and love his books, this is a wonderful book to add to your collection. I downloaded it to my Kindle and enjoyed every page. So easy to access and such a tragic but great love story,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Audubon Songbirds & Other Backyard Birds 2014 Calendar; Author: National Audubon Society; Review: Every year my husband receives this for Christmas. The photos are beautiful and he can identify the birds in my area that gather around the feeders in this sub zero cold winter; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Orphan Train: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Christina Baker Kline Page; Review: Very well written and kept my interest. Lots of history mixed with fictional characters. I was sad when it ended. It was a selection from my book club. The discussion was almost as lively as the book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Power of Yoga: A Woman's Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras; Author: Visit Amazon's Nischala Joy Devi Page; Review: Excellent; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Tripp Lite USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Active Extension Repeater Cable, USB-A (M/F), 5 Meter (16 ft.) (U026-016); Brand: Tripp Lite; Review: My powered hub on the other end was recognized immediately and is running quick! If I had one complaint, it is that it comes so tightly wound that cord management is a bit silly because you can't get it to 'relax' quickly. BUT, it sure works as described and if you take the time to smooth out the cable it is easy to manage.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics USB 3.0 Extension Cable - A-Male to A-Female - 9.8 Feet (3.0 Meters); Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: Hard to go wrong with a product like this... it works exactly as you'd expect! Mine was actually 9 foot 8.5 inches... just in case you aren't a ".8" kind of person.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cables Unlimited AUD-1100-50 50 feet 3.5mm Male to Male Stereo Cable - Black; Brand: KAXIN; Review: 50 foot audio cables that work exactly as they should. Order with confidence!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MoKo iPad Mini 4 Case; Brand: MoKo; Review: I'm shocked at how much I like this very inexpensive iPad Mini 4 case. It doesn't cover any of the actual face, so if you have a glass screen protector on your iPad it will allow it to stay on without pushing up the edges. The magnet closure is strong and works just like it should... for the price you can't beat it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ProCase iPad Pro 12.9 2018/2017/2015 Case Sleeve, Cushion Protective Sleeve Bag Cover for Apple iPad Pro; Brand: ProCase; Review: Here's the deal... this case is really quite nice for the money. It holds the iPad Pro comfortably with a smart cover or keyboard cover, has a spot on the outside for a couple papers and a slot for a business card. The inside is pretty soft and it certainly won't scratch your $1000 new tablet. That is all well and good. What is mediocre about it, and ultimately why I returned it, is that the "Apple Pencil Holder" is an absolute joke. It is simply a small slip of elastic, which is sewn awkwardly close to the top so if you aren't careful your pencil will slip through it and be hard to grab. It is even harder to put the pencil into this little loop than it is to get it out... so it just didn't fit my use case. If the apple pencil had a clip, this would be fine. If you don't have an apple pencil and are just looking for an affordable iPad Pro sleeve, this is delightful. But if you are a power user who puts their pencil in and out of the bag repeatedly, skip this one and look for something with a dedicated pocket. I haven't found it yet... but I'll keep ordering until I do.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Sakura Fleur Aoyama; City: Shibuya Tokyo Tokyo Prefecture Kanto; Review: About 5 minutes walk from shibuya station, well priced room. Quite large for Japan. Hotel staff are super friendly and keen to help with anything you need . Free water and wifi. Room very clean and comfortable, We will stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hostel Smith Beach; City: Nice French Riviera Cote d Azur Provence Alpes Cote d Azur; Review: We stayed here for 3 nights in June. The ONLY thing it has going for it is that it is close to the beach and central to Old Town. The rooms are not kept clean. The pillows are as flat as a pancake. I could not connect to the wifi at all, but have not had a problem anywhere else in Europe. In saying that, I noted that other people had connected successfully. There were 2 power sockets in a room of 15 beds. During our stay there was a period where there was no running water in the building. The staff were extremely unprofessional, and at times very drunk. Please note the following; - The toilet/shower room is unisex - You need to pay a 20 euro deposit (refundable) for a locker/key to the hostel - The staff all live and sleep in the dorm with you I would not recommend this to anyone and will not be staying here again.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Cosmos; City: Athens Attica; Review: Very cheap and also clean. Approx. 20min walk to Syntagma or Monastiraki. Very close to railway station. Not too loud at night. Did not see if breakfasts were offered. Good value for money, but no frills.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Adagio Access Strasbourg Illkirch; City: Illkirch Graffenstaden Strasbourg Bas Rhin Grand Est; Review: We stayed here for 3 nights in June and will definitely stay again next time we're in Strasbourg. The location is its only downside, but for this price it doesn't matter. There are trams (lines A and E) right out the front, and we never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a tram. Tickets are 1.70 euro and take about 15 minutes to get into central Strasbourg. Adagio accommodated our late check-in (after midnight). We were in a studio, which was very clean. The room was large, complete with kitchenette, air conditioning, wifi, and even a towel warmer. The bed was large and EXTREMELY comfortable. Best sleep I've had in Europe so far. The staff were very friendly and helpful, allowing us to change notes for coins for the tram. I could not recommend this place more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jolly Camping in Town; City: Marghera Veneto; Review: Located out of venice, but only a 15 minute walk from Mestre station. Jolly also have a shuttle bus that runs to venice for 2.50 euro each way. We were in a 2 bed hut with ensuite. Very small, but clean with air con, wifi, large bathroom. For the price it was extremely good value. Would definitely stay again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Baccarat; City: Nice French Riviera Cote d Azur Provence Alpes Cote d Azur; Review: We stayed here for 2 nights in June. We were booked for an 8 bed dorm, but we were upgraded to a private room for free. The rooms were clean, well maintained, and secure. The location is good for those visiting central Nice, and is very close to the train station. It is approximately 15-20 minutes walk to beach, though there are trams just around the corner. Wifi worked fine. While we were staying here the lift was not working (noted in several reviews below), so we had to use the stairs. Although this was not a problem for us as we had backpacks. Highly recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Sol Levante; City: Rome Lazio; Review: The hotel is located approximately 5 minutes walk from Termini station. The room was fairly clean, and they accommodated our late check-in (after midnight). Wifi and air conditioning both cost extra. There is breakfast offered (for a price), though we did not have it. We were charged a city tax of 6 euro per night on top of our pre-paid booking.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Angela s Rooms; City: Mykonos Town Mykonos Cyclades South Aegean; Review: Located a 10 minute walk out of Mykonos town. Have a look on a map for the back route to the property, it avoids the busy road with no footpath, although there is a steep hill. Angela is incredibly helpful and accommodating. Rooms are clean, with fan, aircon TV, fridge etc. Would definitely stay again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 7 Santi Hostel; City: Florence Tuscany; Review: This hostel is located about 15-20 minute walk from the middle of Florence, although it is very close to one of the two main train stations which was very convenient. The dorm room was clean, with large lockers (bring your own lock). The window in the room was broken and mosquitos came in at night. Note the following; - The bathroom is an ensuite to the dorm room - There is no lock on the bathroom door Breakfast provided for 4 euro, it wasn't bad.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Seabiscuit (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saturday Night Live: The Best of Will Ferrell (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Entrapment (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen Days (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carolina (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Parent Trap (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 3 (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Fears (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Patch Adams (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Where the Heart Is (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crimson Tide (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Can't Buy Me Love (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Swordfish (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Line of Fire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Backdraft (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Client (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tomb Raider (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Selena (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Lakeshore Camp Resort; City: Portage Indiana; Review: We are sorry having made reservations for 2 nights at Yogi Bear Campground in Portsage, IN. The place is situated between railroad tracks and the highways making the noise unbearable. I can now understand the No Refund policy. Once your here and see how bad the place is, you are stuck. If you decide to come here, I recommend booking 1 night at a time so you can decide to stay or not. The internet service is down more than it's up, there is no shuttle service to the train station so you have to call for a taxi, it apprears like a maximum security facility with 2 gates and not very friendly staff. The primary focus ison the long term owners and tenants living here and they charge for everything available. Never again will we stay at this place. Buyer (Camper) Beware!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Whispering Hills RV Park; City: Georgetown Kentucky; Review: The folks running Whispering Hills are very friendly and accomodating. The location is ideal and very close to the Interstate affording easy on and off access for your stay. The campground is very family oriented and we enjoyed our stay. Not being sure of our arrival time, the office staff called us several times to re-assure us of our reservations. Will definitely stay here again if we travel that way.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort Campground; City: Mayo Florida; Review: Located far off the beaten path outside the town of Mayo, FL. The campground is fairly new and is a work in progress. The owners and staff are all very friendly and helpful. The owners, Frank & Susie, are very personable and are concerned about your comfort and enjoyment duing your stay at the campground. They plan many activities to make your stay a fun time. Many of the sites are pull thru and offer 50AMP service with limited cable TV and full hookups. WI-FI is available and that too is limited, restricted, and very slow. The pool and hot tub area are very clean and very well maintained. There are quite a few camper caper/workers living in the campground and they perform much of the work, and they do an outstanding job. The Suwannee River, and Convict Springs, run next to the campground and offer canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. It is a very quiet and serene setting. There are many other Springs and State Parks in and around the area. Although there is a restaurant on site, be well provisioned as the best shopping is about 25 to 35 miles away in the towns of Live Oak or Lake City. Definitely a place to stop at, and then do it again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flamingo Lake RV Resort; City: Jacksonville Florida; Review: Very nice campground, situated amongst many trees with a very nice lake. Our site was covered by seveeral trees helping keep us cool, even though we had our AC running, and we had a nice lake view. The cable reception was very good. It helped resolve what I thought was a problem on our coach. Turns out it was the cable at the previous campground that was the problem. The resort has all paved roads and many pull through sites offereing full hook-ups and very fast Wi-FI for Internet access. There is a restaurant on ther property, but we didn't use it. The resort is located near many fast food place, gas satations, and many other services. Definitely a place I'd come back to if I were in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Key Largo Kampground and Marina; City: Key Largo Florida Keys Florida; Review: This was not the typical campground that we were expecting. It is really a community of permanent home sites (Condo Park) with several sites that are rentable for Class A, Class B or C RV's and a few primitive camp sites. Not knowing what this meant, we made reservations and regretted it at first!! If you do consider staying, be sure to ask about the cancellation policy, they charge you if you try to cancel. We weren't informed about the policy until it was too late. When we asked, we were told they require 60 days notification. And, if you do make a reservation with a deposit and cancel, they will keep it. They do have sites on the water (canals) which are nice. We did use our Kayak around the many canals and navigable channel. We put the Kayak in from our campsite making it easier. They do not offer any type of discounts, i.e., Good Sam, Vets, etc., and the rates are rather high. To watch TV, you have to get a box from their office (with a $40.00 security deposit) and then jury rig it into your RV. The box only operates 1 TV. WI-FI is only available behind the office, their Hot Spot. The roadways are very tight making it a challenge to navigate to a site with a large RV. Many of the property owners have boats parked at their site so you have to beware while driving to and from your site. There is very good access to the water on Card Sound and a nice beach to launch a canoe, kayak, or just do some swimming. The Condo Park is conveniently located to many stores nearby; some within a good walking distance. They do have may rules and are diligent about enforcing them; which helps keep the park clean, well maintained, and very quiet. There is a boat launching ramp, playground area for kids, nice sized swimming pool, a clubhouse for activities, and just a friendly environment. We did enjoy our stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cajun RV Park; City: Biloxi Mississippi; Review: Cajun RV Park is not what we expected from the website pictures. Yes, it's across the street from the beach (no lifeguard in this area), but it's a fairly long, and at times a risky walk across Highway 90 with 6 lanes of traffic. We did walk to the beach and the access was through a previous building parking lot with steps leading down to the beach and it's not the prettiest place. Not the best for access, but it's across the street! The bathing beach is about 1/4 mile away. We did walk the beach and found it to be dirty and in dire need of beach maintenance by the city. In my opinion, the photos on Cajun RV Park are rather dated. The only paved areas are the roads leading in and around the campground. The sites are all mostly on dirt, the grass has pickers that stick to your footwear and then track into your RV, and a few sites with a very small concrete pad. Considering that it's in the heart of Biloxi, I expected the grounds to be more improved. The swimming pool looks fairly new and is nice, but small. You do get a partial view of the Gulf, but not from all the sites. The sites are kind of tight and it forces people to walk through other people's campsites constantly. When I say tight, I mean many are just about touching awning to awning. The Park doesn't offer trash pick up so you have to carry it to the dumpster's within the Park. The Kansas City Southern Railroad/CSX trains rumble through the area directly behind the office at a fast clip, blowing their horns; which are quite loud. Regrettably, the trains come through every few hours all night long making sleep difficult; and in my case impossible. You are within walking distance of Treasure Bay Casino, several restaurants and other stores. We didn't have our vehicle with us so we relied on the bus service which runs in front of the park. However, being on the Beach Route, we had to walk to Treasure Bay Casino (1/4 mile) to get the bus. The bus was a good way to see more of Biloxi. We did transfer twice requiring another fare each time. On the return trip our driver did stop across from the campground. Better to buy the all day bus ticket. The staff didn't offer or know very much about the area. They also had no literature about sights, tours, etc., of the area. The daily rates for this RV Park are high considering what it has to offer.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fox Hill RV Park Campground; City: Baraboo Wisconsin; Review: Fox Hill is not that far off the major highways and is easily accessible. The road at the main entry is nicely paved, then it turns into some partially paved areas, and then just sandy roadway. They offer both full hook up sites with 50 & 30 AMP service to sites with just electric and water, and some primitive camp sites, with many offering shaded areas. There are also several cabins available as well. The RV sites are unpaved and many are on small sloping hills creating problems for the leveling of larger coaches. Some of the pull-thru sites are relatively small requiring you to un-hook your vehicle, and these are the 50 AMP sites. However, they are not on the shaded area of the campground. There is plenty of space around each site for the removal of any tow vehicle, and the storage of any trailer and vehicle parking. They do offer a play ground, basketball and volleyball courts, swimming pool, nature and jogging trails, showers, laundry facility, but no garbage pick-up. There are dumpsters near the sites for trash. Fox Hill is very kid and pet friendly. Fox Hill is located a few miles out of town offering a quiet and serene environment. It is an easy drive and very convenient to spend the day at the Wis Dells, Ho-Chunk Casino, or taking in the sights in the town of Baraboo or outlying areas. It's also very close to shopping, and dining choices. The Wi-Fi is free, but there is no cable TV. We used our antenna and did pull in about 16 channels with no problem. AT&T cell service is "iffy", but that's not Fox Hill's problem. The staff are very friendly, helpful, flexible, courteous, and willing to make you a happy customer no matter what it takes. We highly recommend this campground if your travels bring you in this area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Victorian Acres RV Park; City: Nebraska City Nebraska; Review: Victorian Acre's RV Park & Campground is located right off of Hwy. 2 providing very easy access. They have a small registration office at the beginning of the park which may not be manned all the time. However, they have a phone which you use to have someone assist you with registering and your campsite assignment. After registering, they do lead you to your site making things easier. The campground is very much like a park setting with many trees, small rolling hills, and a pond. The roads and campsites are all hard packed gravel with a grass area, but it does get dusty at times. The owners do take very good care of the property and it shows. There are 89 sites with about half of them being full hook-up, pull-throughs and are very large with ample room for your tow vehicle. The sites offer both 30 & 50 AMP service, picnic table, some fire rings, free Wi-Fi, but no cable TV. If you use your antenna you can pull in about 21 channels all crystal clear. The campground is located near several points of interest such as Arbor Lodge, Factory Outlet Stores, Mayhew Cabin (formerly John Brown's Cave) to name a few. It is also very convenient to I-29, and Highway 75. There is also food shopping, gas stations, and dining place's nearby, but not within walking distance. They do not have garbage pick-up, but there are trash bins and dumpster's available throughout the park. It is a pet and children friendly place with a playground for the kids. They do have many sites that are shared by friends and family with adequate power, water, and sewer hook-ups. Our site was very level so we didn't need to use our levelers. Overall it is very quiet and relaxing for a 1 night stay or longer. We would recommend this place if you are passing by, or locally needing a RV park.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Country View Campground; City: Ogallala Nebraska; Review: Country View Campground is located right off I80 at exit 126, and convenient to Routes 30, 61, and 26, depending on your travel plans. It is also close to many gas stations, and other shopping needs. When you enter the office, it's like stepping back in time with many antique pieces, display cases, hand tools, and toys. The campground has 49 sites and are mostly large, pull-thru's making things easy when towing a vehicle. They also have a few primitive camp sites, and 24 hour check in. The campground is very open, with a few small trees providing limited shade. The roadway is unpaved, but it's hard packed gravel. The sites are packed gravel with a grass area. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. They advise that you can wash your vehicle, which many other places do not offer. I was very happy about this, as our coach needed to be washed. The sites vary from 20 to 50 AMP service, and are full hook-up. There is a pool and laundry room, rest rooms & showers, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV which requires the use of their TV controller. Most of the pull-thru sites are very big. It's also a pet friendly place. They do not have on site garbage pick up, but there is a dumpster located by the office. It is near several attractions, such as Lake McConaughy, Kingsley Dam & Hydro Plant, Boot Hill Cemetery to name a few. Country View offers several discounts, i.e., Good Sam, Family Motor Coach Assoc., and Active Military 10% off nights stay. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site. We had ample room between our site and the next, and plenty of room to park our tow vehicle in our site. The internet service was very fast, and the cable TV offered 83 channel's. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend Country View Campground if your travel plans bring you this way.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cave Country RV Campground; City: Cave City Kentucky; Review: Cave Country RV Campground offers 51 sites with many of them pull thru. The sites are full hook-ups with 50 and 30 AMP service, and cable TV. They also have free Wi-Fi but it was slow during our visit. The campground is very well maintained and noticeably clean. The road surface and camp sites are all gravel, but they are in excellent condition, and level. There is a grass area at each site along with a picnic table. For us, we were glad to have a pull thru site as we didn't need our car at this stop. There is a game room for children and a small fitness room. Barbara and Jeff are very polite, courteous, extremely flexible, and very caring about their campground. The campground is about 1 mile from Interstae 65 which makes it a very convenient stop for a night, or many days. Surprisingly, it's also very quiet given the proximity to the Interstae. There are numerous attractions, restaurants, and shopping locations nearby which is also a big help. If your travels bring you this way and you need to stop for the night, we highly recommend Cave City RV Campground. I also recommend making a reservation. If you arrive late, they have your paper work and site info prepared and it's located at the "late arrival" board outside the office.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Birmingham South RV Park; City: Pelham Alabama; Review: Birmingham South Campground is located not very far off of I-65 at Exit #242. At first glance I thought the park was fully paved however, that was some time ago and the roads and sites are breaking down. The main entrance road is well paved, but then it changes into loose gravel. The Campground sites are well shaded by many trees, and many are pull-thru with full hook-ups. They have both 30 & 50 AMP service, but no cable TV. Don't let the electrical box fool you, the 50 AMP service connection is in the lower box. The 50 AMP breaker is in the top box. Strange way to re-wire an electrical box, but it works. I did use my antenna service and pulled in 24 channels that were crystal clear. They have free Wi-Fi that works very well with no login required. There are picnic tables sitting on concrete slabs at each site but no fire rings. Camp fires are allowed only in designated areas. There is a Swimming Pool, Pavilion, Playground, Recreation Area, Laundry/Game Room, Rest Room & Showers, Basketball & Storage Area, Camping Kitchen, 1/2 Mile Walking Track, and a small store located in the Office that is well stocked with camping needs. The staff is very friendly, and extremely helpful. They also have several rental cabins, primitive camping sites, and back-in sites. Watch your site for ants, I had to spray our coach as they were crawling all over the back end of the coach and by the sewer connections. Not too well maintained an area. The campground is very close to shopping, gas stations, and major highways. It is also close to a railroad, but during our stay there were a few trains passing through and it wasn't exceptionally noisy, but you do hear the trains rolling by. The GPS coordinates are: N33.17222; W086.48340. This makes a good stopover location and we recommend it if you are traveling this way.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ez Daze RV Park; City: Southaven Mississippi; Review: There is nothing more enjoyable than a RV park that has well paved roads and a concrete slab at the campsite; and EZ Daze RV Park has all of that. In addition, they have full hook-ups, large pull-through sites, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Play Area, Rest Rooms, Fitness Center, Laundry Room, Rec Room, and Showers. There are some trees on the property; but none of which provide any shade. The cable TV was a little grainy, so I switched to our antenna and pulled in over 30+ channels all crystal clear. The park is located just off I-55 at Exit #287 within a mile or so, and it's close to many attractions such as Memphis Graceland, Beale Street, Peabody Hotel Ducks, Sun Studio, Southaven RV & Marine, too name a few; and various shopping locations. The Park does reserve the right to refuse admission of vehicles not meeting park standards. They also do not allow campfires. In the event of bad weather they advise you to seek shelter in the Storm Room or Rest Room on the property. The rates are very reasonable for such a well maintained and clean facility; well worth a stop over. The Park is located near the airport and is in the flight path making for some noisy times. We would recommend this location if you are traveling in the Memphis (Southaven) area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sundermeier RV Park; City: Saint Charles Missouri; Review: Now this what I call a well maintained and desirable campground facility. It is located within St. Charles city limits making it very convenient to shopping, attractions such as Main Street which is very Historical, Old Shops and Outdoor Cafe's, Missouri River, Haviland Museum, Outlet Mall, Bass Pro Shop, Nature Center, Major Highways, and much more. They have 106 premiere level sites all of which are on wide concrete slabs with patios, and are open all year. The roads are all paved and in excellent condition. The park is wide open with no virtually trees for shade. Most of the sites are pull-thru and are very large sites able to accommodate the largest RV's and a tow vehicle. The pull-thru sites are quite large both in length and width. Our site was wide enough for us to park our tow vehicle alongside the tow dolly with ample room to walk around for access to the car. There is a picnic table at each site, and are all full hook-up with 30 & 50 AMP service. There is no cable TV, but we used our antenna and received over 35+ channels with no difficulty. They also have free Wi-Fi that is very fast, an on-site general store with camping supplies, propane sales, and it is pet friendly with a dog park for large and small dogs. ADA approved luxury Showers & Bathrooms, but we didn't use them. In addition that have 7 fully furnished A/C deluxe Cabins available for rent. They do not provide on-site trash pick-up, but there is a dumpster located nearby. The only negative comments I can make are that the park is located in the flight path of the airport, and a railroad line which is fairly close making for occasional noise. The staff is very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and flexible. This is one of the nicest RV Parks we have stayed at and highly recommend this campground for your travel needs. I will definitely stay here again if we pass this way again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Great Escape RV Camp Resort; City: Higginsville Missouri; Review: Our GPS had it all wrong for locating The Great Escape RV & Camp Resort. Luckily they have a sign on the Eastbound side of I-70 that caught our eye and led us to it without getting lost. The park is about 50 miles East of Kansas City just off I-70 at Exit #49. It is a wide open park with some trees providing shade, but others sites are wide open. Most of the sites are pull-thru which does make things easier when towing a vehicle. There is also plenty of room to park your vehicle at the site. All of the sites are full hook-up with 30 & 50 AMP service. The grounds are mostly packed dirt and it does get quite dusty at times. Some sites have cement lanes to park your camper on. They are in the process of adding more paved area's and other improvements. They do have free Wi-Fi, but no cable TV. I used our antenna and was able to receive over 35 channels all crystal clear. There is a swimming pool, laundry room with showers, clubhouse meeting room, dog park, and 2 ponds for fishing (no license required). The club house meeting room is very large, available for rent, and is complete with a full kitchen and bar area. The room can accommodate over 100 people. They also have large primitive camping sites, walking trails, a playground for kids, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball net. It is a pet and kid friendly place. There is no on-site garbage pick-up so you have to take it to the dumpster at the front of the park. They inform you of the shelter areas in case of severe weather as a safe haven. Their website is: www.greatescape-camping.com, if you need more information. It is a family owned and run business and they are very friendly and polite. The park is fairly quiet considering it's proximity to the interstate. It is also convenient to a Pilot gas station at this exit and some chain dining places, but none are within walking distance. There is other shopping available, i.e., Outlet Mall Center, but it's over 10 miles away. We recommend this park if your travels bring you this way. The rates are reasonable and they accept club discounts. They do have plans to make some new, longer, wider pull-thru sites, rehabbing existing sites, a new pavilion, and more changes. We recommend this place if you are traveling this way.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: R R Campground; City: Mitchell South Dakota; Review: This is a very convenient and easily accessible campground located just off I90 at exit #332. The only issue we had was that the entrance appeared to be for the Motel located in front of the campground and some highway noise. They have mostly pull-thru sites which are ideal, with some area for primitive camping as well. There is ample room at the sites for your tow vehicle. The sites are full hook-up with both 30 & 50 AMP service, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. There are a few concrete slab sites, but most of the others are on gravel. The sites are fairly level making setting up much easier. There are many trees around each of the sites which help keep your camper shaded. There is no garbage pick-up at your site, but there is a dumpster located by the main office. They do have a swimming pool, small store, showers, guest laundry, picnic shelter, playground area, and a dump station. Camper washing is allowed with buckets and brushes only - no hoses. The campground is very close to all sorts of shopping, gas stations, and the Corn Palace attraction. There is a railroad that runs directly behind the campground, but we only saw 1 train pass and it was in the early evening. The staff is very friendly and polite. They can assist you with recommendations for dining, directions, or whatever your needs may be. They do inform you of the nearby shelter in the event of severe weather.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pecan Park RV Resort; City: Jacksonville Florida; Review: Conveniently located just off I95 at exit #366 with all paved roads and concrete sites. The facility is very clean and well maintained. They offer all amenities, i.e., Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, swimming pool, pet friendly, and rest rooms with showers. There are 183 sites. The sites are 70' pull-thru's making it easy with a tow vehicle, and they have 20 - 30 - 50 AMP services. I'd say the sites are about 15' wide with plenty of room between you and the neighboring site. There is ample room for parking your tow vehicle alongside your rig. The sites have a concrete picnic table with benches, but no fire rings or BBG grill. It is located within walking distance to a very big flea market (Pecan Park Flea and Farmer's Market) open on week-ends. Overall, the place is fairly quiet considering the proximity to the interstate. However, it is in the flight path of the airport. The good news is the flights don't come and go all night. There is also a Love's fuel station at the same exit. Highly recommend stopping here if your travels bring you this way.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort; City: Hilton Head South Carolina; Review: I guess the name should have alerted me before we booked a stay. We booked a pull thru site with lake view at an extra cost. When we arrived I was advised that I had to unload my toad at the main office, unhook the tow dolly and let the Resort Escort tow it to their storage yard. There wasn't room at the site we booked, even though we asked for a pull thru thinking it would be sufficient to keep our tow dolly with us. Turns out, their rules prohibit the trailer parking at each site. This ridiculous ruling would have caused us a major delay for our departure. We would have to wait for the Resort Escort to bring our dolly to us on the morning of our departure, then have to hook it up, and then load our toad. The escort doesn't starts work until 9 AM. Needless to say we would lose far too much time with this major inconvenience. As for paying extra for the lake view was insane. To see the lake we had to crouch down in our coach and look between the trees and hedge rows to see the lake! Then the next day a RV pulled in and our lake view was now totally blocked off. I did walk over to see it and I hope they don't charge me extra for the full view. Our site was slightly overgrown with Palm Trees and other trees, and some of them kept brushing against our coach. They are in dire need of trimming. We advised the main office of this and they attended to it fairly quickly. There are way too many rules and regulations, it's like living with "Condo Commandos". The facility has fully paved roads with concrete slabs at the site and a security gate that is closed at 10PM. If you lose the gate card there is a $10.00 charge and if you need an emergency entrance after 10PM because you lost your card there is a $25.00 charge to gain access to the park. Escort services are required for all RV sites. The RV sites are privately owned and operate under Condominium Concept. Each site has 30/50 AMP service, water, cable TV, and sewer connection. It is a pet friendly location. The Wi-Fi worked very well. There are laundry, restrooms, tennis courts, shuffleboard, and rec room available, but we didn't use these facilities. Due to Hilton Head Island regulations, no wood or charcoal grills and/or open flames are allowed within the resort property. Our stay was very quiet and made for a relaxing visit. This is truly a high end Resort; not the typical campground the average traveler stays in. Although this review sounds somewhat negative, we do highly recommend this facility. There is plenty of shopping and dining places nearby.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost River Valley Campground; City: Woodstock New Hampshire; Review: We chose Lost River Valley Campground so we could take in the sights in and around the White Mountain area. Lost River Valley is a smaller campground offering Primitive Sites, Full Hook-up sites Rental Cabins, and a convenience store. They have opened a new section referred to as "on the mountain" with full hook-up sites, Free Wi-Fi (strong signal), but no cable TV. I tried my antenna, but couldn't get any signal. We stayed at one of the mountain sites and were surprised by the gravel road leading to our site. The road is unpaved, kind of steep, and had many ruts. The mountain sites, 27 in all, are quite nice, wide, level, and are also gravel. This section is very quiet and relaxing with mountain views, but offers no shade and no other facilities, i.e., rest rooms, showers, pool, etc. The sites do have a picnic table and a fire ring. At their main location, about 1 street away, there's a swimming pond and beach area. There is no onsite trash pickup. You have to take it to the dumpster that's about 1/2 way down the hill on the entrance road. It really is a remote location with no sense of security. It works as a stopover location. The advance reservation process made our check in very easy. We briefly met a staff member when we arrived, and were just provided a map of how to find our site with no other converstaion. I felt like the store was more important than acquainting us with campground rules, any goings on, etc. There are no discounts, i.e., Good Sam, etc., honored. The place was very quiet, and only a couple of miles out of town. I hope you find this information helpful in making your camping selection.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clayton Park Recreational Area; City: Lake Ariel Pocono Mountains Region Pennsylvania; Review: It is recommended to take exit 8 off the Interstate,. It's the shortest route. Once we turned off the Interstate we had another 6 miles to this place. When we called ahead to make reservations, we were told there were no full hook-up sites available. Needing a site for the night we settled for just water and electric. When we arrived and registered we were led to a wide open field and couldn't get into the site. Somehow, I guess the manager showed up and miraculously a full hook-up site was available. This place is a lakefront RV community with many seasonal/permanent campers. It has a very nice lake and a good place for kayaking, boating, and fishing. There aren't many transient sites available. It seems to be more popular with the locals. Our site had 30/50 AMP service, sewer connection, and water, but I think I'm on one of their access dirt roads. There is no cable TV, and no over the air TV signal. They do have free Wi-Fi, and we got a pretty good signal, and their are hot spots around the campground if you have any problem. They do offer sites with just water and electricity. There is a small store attached to the registration office with some incidentals, fishing supplies, and boating stuff. For a 1 night transient, it's OK. They do honor Good Sam discounts. It is a very quiet, and well maintained campground. I hope you find this review helpful in making your campground choice.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rockwood Park Campground; City: Saint John New Brunswick; Review: At first we weren't sure where we were heading for the entrance to Rockwood. It looked more like a city park, but we found it. The campground is very big and operated by an association. Good way to make money. The roads are paved and gravel. The sites are all gravel and kind of different than what we are accustomed to. The sites are back to back, and side to side,with only 30 AMP service, water, and full hookup. As long as no one pulls in next to us, we could open our awning. There is no cable TV, but our antenna did receive 3 TV stations. The free Wi-Fi didn't work on my I-Pad mini. However, I did get a good signal with the laptop. Rockwood Park is located very to close to the city of Saint John, but we opted for a rental car. There is a railroad somewhere behind the park and I hope the trains don't keep us awake. It didn't. Rockwood is fairly close to both the city and highway making getting to things fairly easy. Good place to spend some time.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Statesville KOA; City: Statesville North Carolina; Review: The campground is conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 45. At first it looks like you are going into someone's home, but the small road leads to the KOA campground. This is a locally owned KOA, and not what we have experienced as a typical KOA with lots of permanent residents. The campground is parallel to I-77 so you do hear the constant drone of highway traffic noise. The roads are all paved, but the sites are not, and they are just plain dirt. Of course when it rained, which it did, it turned to mud. Most of the sites are pull thru, with cable TV, Wi-Fi, pet friendly, and full hook-up. Many of the sites only have a picnic table, and no fire pits. No ground fires are allowed. There are 6 small cabins also available for rent. The office has a laundry room and small store with many RV parts. They also have a game room and swimming pool. The cable TV picture wasn't very good at our site; luckily we were only staying 1 night. I did switch to my own antenna and received 38 digital channels, perfectly clear without even raising it. I had no problem getting a Wi-Fi signal at our site using an I-Pad mini. They considered our site a Deluxe pull-through, but that was stretching it a bit. The staff was very friendly, and helpful. For a 1 night stay, the place wasn't so bad. However, I think the rates are too high for such limitations.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Western Village RV Park; City: Carlisle Pennsylvania; Review: Western Village RV Park is located off of exit 44 or 45 from I-81, depending on your GPS guidance. We were surprised that we were driving through what looked like a small neighborhood subdivision to get to the campground. The campground is quite big with both pull thru and back in sites, 30 & 50 Amp full hook-up, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, game room, laundry facilities, 18 hole mini-golf ($3 per player), cabin rentals, pet friendly, hiking trails, and well maintained. The staff are very courteous and helpful. The roads are all gravel and the sites are gravel or dirt, with plenty of trees for shade. There are no discounts offered, no on site garbage pick-up, and no cable TV. However, we used our antenna and received about 11 channels in full HD. Western Village is within reasonable distance to attractions like Hershey, or Lancaster (Amish) county, Hollywood Casino & Race Track, etc. The campground is very quiet considering it's not that far from the interstate. Oh, be sure to walk down behind the office building to see the horses; we brought them a carrot and they liked it. In our opinion, we think the rates are high considering what you get.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spartanburg NE Gaffney KOA; City: Gaffney South Carolina; Review: This campground is located just off I-85 Exit 87 providing easy on/off access. The roads leading in are all paved, and then they change to hard packed gravel. There are RV 102 sites, and 7 Tent sites. The RV sites are all gravel, and most are fairly level. They offer sites with 30/50 AMP, pull thru, full hook-up, free Wi-Fi with a very good signal, cable TV, swimming pool, miniature golf, cabin rentals, on site trash pickup, and rustic tent sites. The sites are quite long and wide with plenty of space between the next site. .At the main office there is a small store with incidentals, Pizza, RV parts and supplies. There is also a swimming pool, laundry room, dog playground, a small lake with catch & release fishing, a hiking trail, and clubhouse for various activities. Some of the sites are partially covered by trees, with a fire ring, and a picnic table. In lieu of hooking into cable TV, we used our antenna and received 56 digital channels, crystal clear. The owners and staff are very friendly, polite, caring, professional, and accommodating. It's apparent they take great pride in maintaining the grounds, and it shows. They genuinely care about your stay. They provide an escort to your campsite. The campground is close to many attractions, I.e., BMW Factory Tour, Freightliiner Factory Tour, Cowpens National Battlefield, etc. It's a very quiet and enjoyable place to spend 1 night, or several. We highly recommend this place if your travels bring you this way. I hope you find this review helpful with your travel plans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pine Hills RV Park; City: Charlottetown Prince Edward Island; Review: Pine Hills RV Park is a large campground with 170 sites. The sites vary with 30/50 AMP service, full hookup 3 way or 2 way, free Wi-Fi with a very good signal, fire rings, picnic table at each site, a swimming pool, laundry room, and some primitive campsites. They don't have cable TV, but our antenna pulled in 4 channels. There is no on site trash pickup, you must take your garbage to the dumpster. The sites are quite wide with ample room to extend our awning and park a car. There is also a Camp store for some incendiaries, and a recreation room with a pool table (for a fee), some electronic games (fee based), and a large table as a good place to play cards. Some of the roads are paved, but most are dirt, and the sites are both dirt and grass, and they are mostly level . They are building a new basketball court, and it looks like it'll be finished soon. There is also a volleyball net, a playground area, and a couple of open play areas for kids sand dogs to play in. There are quite a few permanent campers who have been here a long time judging by the decking and other items at their sites. The park is considered a family park and it shows. The owner and their family are exceptionally friendly, polite, and helpful. They strive hard to keep the place looking well maintained and it shows. Pine Hills is conveniently located to many activities like sport fishing, golf, and attractions such as the airport. The airport is about 7 kilometers away, but doesn't create any noise. The place is very quiet and we highly recommend staying here. In spite of all the sites it is a very quiet place. I hope you find this helpful in making your camping selection.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Noccalula Falls Campground; City: Gadsden Alabama; Review: Noccalula Falls Campground located in Gadsden, AL, is a very nice facility that is open year-round, and is patrolled by the city providing good security. The roads are paved with concrete sites. The sites offer full hookups, 30 & 50 Amp service, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, primitive camp sites, and a few rental cabins. The campground is pet friendly. There are 126 RV sites with plenty of trees to help keep things cool, and many have a Picnic Table, BBQ Grill, Fire Pit, and Swing Chair. There is a Laundry Room, Rest Rooms, Showers, Volleyball Court, Swimming Pool, Playground, Small Rec Room, and a Media Room. There is no onsite trash pickup, you must take it to one of the many dumpsters. Noccalula Falls is an easy walk from within the campground. There is a gravel trail that runs along the river affording limited views of smaller Falls. The Falls, with a 90 foot drop into a natural gorge, are a must see. Next to the Falls there is a Wedding Chapel, and large pavilions that may be rented by the hour for large parties. Our stay during mid-week was very quiet and enjoyable. We highly recommend a stay at this campground. I hope you find this review helpful when making travel plans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Yogi Bear s Jellystone Park Camp Resorts; City: Sturbridge Massachusetts; Review: We stopped at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort and right from the entrance gate we knew we made a big mistake. The roads are not paved, some loose gravel, but mostly dirt. They only offered a 30 AMP site with electric and water, no sewer hook-up, at an outrageous price. The sites are shared by 2 vehicles parked side by side. This offers no privacy, nor could we extend our awning; there wasn't enough room to open it. It looked like most of the sites were filled with permanent trailers and it looked like a shanty town. Some of the permanent sites had multiple tents, others had wooden decks, and lots of cars and trucks parked just about everywhere on their site. At around 7 PM Friday night they had a DJ playing music on the deck by the pool. This guy had the music blaring exceptionally loud until 10 PM. The music was so annoying, it drowned out our TV watching. It just kept resonating though our coach. There are rules about noise, but the owner ignores his own rules about it. Not to be totally negative about the place I do want to say that it has a swimming pool, lots of activities for kids, i.e., basketball court, hay rides, games, etc. Yes, if you have kids and want a place to turn them loose this is the place for you. For us, this was the worst place we ever stayed at. I guess they are just taking advantage of the proximity to Old Sturbridge Village. However, this was not our kind of place. I hope you find this review informative, and helpful. We were just glad not to be spending much time here. Never again!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Big Texan RV Ranch; City: Amarillo Texas; Review: The Amarillo Ranch RV Park is located at exit #74 off I-40. It runs parallel to I-40. It is a very wide open campground with a few trees, but not much shade. There are over 150 sites with 30/50 AMP Electric Service, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, Sewer Hook-up, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Rest Rooms, Showers, Laundry Room, Pet Area, Playground, Clubhouse, Pavillion, Primitive Camping Sites, and Donuts & Coffee in the morning after 8 AM. Many of the sites are Pull-thru. The cable requires a converter box, but I received 9 channels without it. I raised my antenna and received 33 HD Digital channels with 1080i crystal clear. The main attraction for us was the offer of a free limo ride from our site, and return, to the Big Texan Steak House. The roads are all paved and the sites are gravel each with a Picnic Table. It is conveniently located to many businesses, but you do require a vehicle. Considering the Interstae is nearby, it was a quiet, and restful stopover. The only noise was from an occasional jet taking off from a nearby airport. The staff are very friendly, helpful, and polite. They do lead you to your site and explain the services hook-up's. We highly recommend this campground if your travels bring you this way. I hope you find this review helpful in making your travel arrangements.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ivy s Cove RV Retreat; City: Russellville Arkansas; Review: A little surprised that no-one is onsite to check you until after 5PM; the owner was on vacation. We did make reservations ahead of time, just in case. On our road trip, my wife and I spent 1 night here. Ivy Cove is located at exit 84 from I-4. The campground is very open, with virtually no tree coverage for shade. The roads, and sites, are all packed gravel, but very level, and some pull thrus are available. They do offer full hookups with 30 & 50 AMP service. There is a kids playground area near the office. Free Wii-Fi and Cable TV. When we arrived a sign indicating that cable is out at this time. They are switching to satellite service and our site hasn't been converted. Many other sites had cable service. I tried my antenna and received 4 Digital channels, ugh! We only spent 1 night, so we didn't have much to share in this review. There are showers, rest rooms, laundry, pet friendly, and handicap accessibility, but we don't require these amenities. They don't have onsite trash pickup, you must take it to the dumpster located past the office. The grounds are very well kept, and clean. We recommend a stay at Ivys Cove if your travels bring you this way. I hope you find this review helpful in making your travel plans.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Interstate RV Park Campgrnd; City: Davenport Iowa; Review: Interstate RV Park is located at exit #292 off I-80 in Davenport, IA. The Campground is within 1 mile of the Interstate making for easy on and off access. Sadly, like so many other Campgrounds, the entrance road is unpaved and filled with potholes. The Campground roads, and sites, are all dirt and gravel mixed. The sites are very narrow, and some have trees offering good shade. The sites are fairly level; have 30/50 AMP Electric Service, Sewer Hook-up, free Wi-Fi, Picnic Table, but no Cable TV. I used my antenna and received 19 Channels without raising it. There are Rest Rooms, Swimming Pool, and a Laundry area. The Main Office has plenty of DVD's for free use, some Soft Drinks, and a small Game Room. There are many businesses nearby, but you do need a vehicle. The staff are very friendly, polite, and helpful. This made a good overnight stop. I hope you find this review helpful in making your travel arrangements.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Holiday RV Park Campground; City: North Platte Nebraska; Review: Holiday RV Park is located at exit #177 off I-80 in North Platte, NB. The Park is very close to many businesses and attractions. The main entrance is paved, but inside the Campground the roads are gravel. There are 99 sites; and many are Pull-thru's, and there's also some primitive camping sites. The sites are gravel, quite level, each has a picnic table, and some have trees offering some shade. They offer full service; 30/50 AMP Electric, and Sewer hook-up. There are Rest Rooms, Showers, free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Rec. Room, Laundry, Swimming Pool, Tot Lot, Pavilion, Play Ground, Horseshoes, and is pet friendly with a Pet Walk area . The staff is very friendly and helpful. We were passing thru the area and only spent 1 night, but it was restful, well maintained, and quiet. We highly recommend this place if your travels bring you this way. I hope you find this review helpful in making your travel arrangements.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Campground at Barnes Crossing; City: Tupelo Mississippi; Review: During our recent road trip, my wife and I spent 1 night here. It is very conveniently located off I-78. The campground is 1/2 mile from lots of restaurants, movie theaters, and the Mall at Barnes Crossing (the largest Mall in Northern Mississippi with over 90 stores). The campground roads are all paved. There are 54 sites; 24 pull thru, and they are all very wide. They offer full hookup with 30 & 50 Amp service, Cable TV, free Wi-Fi, Phone hook up is available, His & Her Dressing Rooms & Showers, Laundry Room, Security, and they are pet friendly. There are 2 pet walking areas, and a small Nature Trail. The campground is in a secluded wooded area one block North of Barnes Crossing Mall. They do escort you to your site which makes things easier. The property has some slopes, but the sites are quite level, fairly wide with gravel, and plenty of trees for shade. There is no trash pickup at your site. You have to take it to the dumpster located by the office. They do take reservations without a Credit Card as they only accept cash or check as payment for your stay. We were very relaxed at our site which also had a picnic table to enjoy. We highly recommend Campground at Barnes Crossing if your travels bring you this way. I hope you find this review helpful with your travel plans.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oklahoma City East KOA; City: Oklahoma City Oklahoma; Review: Oklahoma City East KOA is located just off I-40 at exit #162 within 1 mile. The campground sits on top of a small hill. The entrance road and site access roads are mostly paved. There are 3 sections within the campground, each offering different levels of services ranging from 30/50 AMP Electric, some Pull thru, Sewer Hook-ups, free Wi-Fi, Storm Shelters, Cable TV (28 channels), and a Propane Station. They do monitor the Wi-Fi usage, and will limit your speed if necessary. There is a small store in the office offering some RV parts, Ice Cream, and small staples; not a large supply. They don't offer onsite trash pick-up' you have to take it to the dumpster located by the main entrance. This is surprising as they have adequate staff and golf carts to utilize for trash pickup. The sites are dirt and loose gravel with plenty of trees for shade, wide, and not level. There are Picnic Tables, some Fire Rings, and BBQ grills, but not at every site. They are Pet friendly with a dog park, a Nature Trail, Swimming Pool, Laundry Room, Rest Rooms and Showers, Playground for children, some Primitive Camp Sites, and a Dump Station. They also have duplex rental cabins that look very nice with front porches, and swings. There isn't very much in the nearby area, so it's good to have a car available. The cable reception was rather poor (analog signal), with a grainy picture. I switched to my antenna and received 34 channels without raising it; 46 channels after raising the antenna! The Digital Reception is full 1080i HD, and crystal clear. They are in the process of updating their sites with paving blocks, and several sites do have Patios. Overall, not very impressed with the campground and glad to be just passing thru. Personally, we find KOA's rates to be rather high in comparison to other campgrounds. They do keep the grounds very clean. I hope you find this review helpful in making your travel arrangements.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: West Omaha KOA; City: Gretna Nebraska; Review: While passing thru Nebraska we stopped at this KOA and were surprised to find the main entrance road was dirt. The Campground roads are also dirt creating a small dust bowl. The Campground has a mix of pull-thru and back in sites. The sites have some gravel, and lots of trees for good shade. There is also a mix of services at the sites; some have full service 30/50 AMP Electric, Sewer, Water, Picnic Table, free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, and a Fire Pit; while some have just 30/50 AMP Eletric, and Water; Picnic Table, free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, but no Sewer hook-up. The Campground has a small store located in the office with some RV parts, and various food incidentals, i.e. Pizza, which they will deliver. There is also a Swimming Pool, Basketball area, Kids Playground, Miniature Golf, Horseshoes, Volleyball, Community Room, Dog Playground, Laundry, Rest Rooms, Showers, and more free amenities for the Kids. There are also Cabins for rent and Primitive Camp Sites available. Some of the sites back-up to the highway which is noisy. The Campground is located fairly close to the Outlet Mall,and other businesses nearby. I hope you find this review helpful in making your travel arrangements.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alamosa KOA; City: Alamosa Colorado; Review: Alamosa KOA is located at 6900 Juniper Lane just off Highway 150, about 3 miles out of town. It's a relatively small campground with 49 wide open sites with 30/50 AMP Electric Service, Sewer Hook-up, Picnic Table, and Fire Pit. There are some trees at a few sites offering decent shade. The entrance road is paved, but then turns to gravel. The sites are mixed gravel, and grass. The sites are mostly pull-thru's, and fairly level. They also have 9 Primitive Camping sites, and 4 Rental Cabins. There is free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Laundry Area, Rec Hall, Rest Rooms, Showers, Propane Sales, Dump Station, Playground Area, Basketball Court, Pet Park, Store with many souvenir items, Pizza, and a Cheese bread if you don't feel like cooking they will deliver to your site. Sadly there isn't any Cable TV. I tried my antenna with no luck, Ugh! They don't have on-site trash pick-up; you have to take it to the dumpster located by the entrance. The staff are very friendly and helpful. They do escort you to your site which helps because of the small dips on the roadway. Like many KOA's the rates, in my opinion, are high for what you get. No doubt this is a good choice due to it's location to the Rio Grande Railroad, several businesses in Alamosa, and nearby State Parks. We enjoyed the peaceful surrounding, and great views of the mountains. I hope you find this review helpful in making travel arrangements.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fountain Creek RV Park; City: Colorado Springs El Paso County Colorado; Review: The Fountain Creek RV Park is located within Colorado Springs just off West Colorado Ave.(Route 24), and close to many businesses and local attractions, i.e., Pikes Peak We were a bit shocked when we arrived to see lots of homeless people sitting at the entranceway. As for the entrance, it is in dire need of re-surfacing. The small bridge across the creek has quite a few pot holes. The roads in the park are also in need of re-surfacing. This park has been here for 60 years and it shows. The sites are plain dirt, fairly level, and have full services; 30/50 AMP Electric, Sewer Hook-up, and a Picnic Table on a concrete slab with a metal stand for a BBQ Grill next to it. There are many pull-thru and back in sites; some with trees offering good shade. You do get escorted to your site. They do have free Wi-Fi, but my security software warned me against using the site. The Cable TV requires a converter box, so I used my antenna and received an ample number of local channels. It is somewhat noisy being so close to the highway. The park office has a small store with some RV parts, and other incidentals. There are Rest Rooms, Showers, Laundry Room, Propane Sales, on-site Trash Pick-up, 3 rental Cabins, and RV Storage. The staff is very friendly, polite, and helpful with local information. They do work hard to keep the place clean. We were glad to be just passing thru. I hope you find this review helpful in making your travel plans.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Deer Run RV Park; City: Troy Alabama; Review: Well the write up had us thinking something totally different. At first I blew by the entrance heading Northbound thanks to my GPS. The entrance roads are all hard packed gravel, some small pot holes, and rather dusty. The campground has 102 campsites, offering 30/50 AMP Service; Full Hook-ups; Concrete Slab Pull-thrus; Free Wi-Fi with very good signal; Picnic Table; Fire Pit; Laundry facilities; Cable TV (picture quality needs improving); Club House; Showers; Propane; Pool; Licensed Massage Services; and a Catch & Release Lake. Our site had 2 sewer connections making it easy to set up. The campground host leads you to the site, which is helpful. There is a mix of trees on some sites, and many without trees. We only spent 1 night as we were passing thru; and didn’t use any of the facilities. The rates are reasonable. There is no onsite trash pickup, but the dumpsters are close by. It is an easy access off Highway 231. The camp host was very polite, and friendly. We highly recommend this campground if your travels bring you this way. I hope you find this review helpful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elkhorn Campground; City: Frankfort Kentucky; Review: Please be careful using your GPS to find this campground. Ours directed us to the wrong entryway in a Country Club neighborhood. The campground is about 5 miles off of I-64, and it’s best to use exit #58; we came in from exit #53. The entrance roadway is very narrow, making for tight passage of another vehicle. The campground in very well treed providing good shade at many sites. Many of the sites are back-in, with Full Hook-up 30/50 AMP service, Concrete Slab, Fire Ring, and a Picnic table. There are also many sites with only Water & Electric, and some Primitive Camping sites, a Pool, Laundry Room, Restrooms & Showers, Propane, Dog Park, Mini-Golf, Volleyball, Pavilion, Cable TV, and a Game Room. It appears that there are many permanent residents living on the property. There is no onsite trash pickup, but there is a nearby dumpster. It is a very quiet place, and the Staff are very friendly, and helpful. We found the rate for a full hook-up to be reasonable. We didn't use any of the facilities, so I can't comment on them. We enjoyed our brief stay, and highly recommend Elkhorn Campground if your travels bring you this way. I hope you find this review helpful in making your travel plans.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Atlanta Marietta RV Resort Park; City: Marietta Georgia; Review: The Campground is located about 2 miles off I-75, at exit #261, and has easy access. At first I thought we were going into a neighborhood, but the campground entrance is straight on Wylie Road. The campground offers 63 sites with a mix of transient (DAILY), weekly, and monthly sites. The roadway is paved, but showing its age. We didn’t see any pull-thru sites for larger rigs. Ours was a back in with full services 30/50 AMP, on a concrete pad. The campground offers free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Laundry,Pool, Propane, free FAX services, Shower Suites, and is Pet Friendly. We were passing thru, and only spent 1 night, and didn’t use any of the facilities. Our site was fairly level, and lined with trees offering good shade, but backed up to a nearby highway. They do not pick up trash at your site, but the dumpster was nearby. Rather than connect to the cable, I chose to use the onboard TV antenna and received plenty of local channels in HDTV. Overall, it appears that the campground caters to smaller RV’s, and full time residents given the terrain it sits on. It’s a good stopover to avoid the late Atlanta traffic. They do not refund any cancellations, which I think is a bad (and needy) policy. I hope you find this review helpful in making your next travel plans.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sandy Oaks Mobile Home RV; City: Beverly Hills Florida; Review: Sandy Oaks has easy access right off Lecanto Highway, in Beverly Hills. The campground is a mix of manufactured homes and RV’s, with many permanent residents. Overall, it’s a very clean and well maintained campground. The roads are all paved, but they do have a few speed bumps. Personally I find speed bumps very annoying, especially driving an RV over them. One speed bump is angled, so take this one carefully. There is free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Cable TV, Pet Friendly Parks with small & large dog runs, RV & Boat Storage Yard, Laundromat Service, Rest Rooms & Bath House, Propane, Pull-thru and Back-in Sites, Full Hook-up with 30/50 AMP Service, Golf Driving Area, Horseshoes, Clubhouse, and Shuffleboard. There is no on site trash pickup, but they have dumpster nearby. The sites are paved and fairly level with trees offering good shade. I didn’t use any of the amenities, so I can’t share any info about them. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Our stay was enjoyable, relaxing, and quiet. Shopping is close as long as you have a vehicle. We highly recommend Sandy Oaks Campground. I hope you find this review helpful in making your next travel plans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Country Retreat; City: Mae Rim; Review: Accommodation was very clean, Location is in a small village peace full and charming, would recommend anyone to stay at this amazing place. Pete and Zing couldn't do enough for us, Food was lovely, Nice clean pool. One word to describe this County Retreat, Amazing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arissara House; City: Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Province; Review: Nice guest house, This is not a hotel, very clean room, nice location a good 20 minutes walk to town, when we arrived the pool was unusable, no bar , no laundry service on site .Been looking for the restaurant unable to find that either. We stayed here for 9 nights and kept awake every night with very loud music going non stop from 6pm till 2am every night from the locals, worst place I have stayed in 12 weeks of travelling.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mayura Hill Resort; City: Sen Monorom Mondulkiri Province; Review: Booked 5 nights over the Christmas period, what a surprise the bungalow was spotless, nice relaxing pool area, and pool towels provided, also a free bus shuttle to and from town,staff were so helpful, would highly recommend; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Dai Loi Fortune Hotel; City: Da Lat Lam Dong Province; Review: We arrived at this Hotel and greeted with a lovely smile from the receptionists, We had a lovely room which was spotless, clean towels everyday also we had 2 bottles of complimentary water everyday, plus the room was fitted with a fridge and TV plus the a/c worked a treat. The bed was really comfortable had a great nights sleep. Breakfast was amazing so many dishes to chose from, again the staff were very helpful, would highly recommend staying here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Con Ga Vang Resort; City: Phan Rang Thap Cham Ninh Thuan Province; Review: Such a lovely place to stay so quiet, just the sound of the Sea waves breaking the sand was very clean with little rubbish to be seen, The room was spotless clean towels every day, we also found the reception staff was so helpful, The breakfast was OK,; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Le Tonle Guesthouse; City: Kratie Kratie Province; Review: Arrived on the 29 of December, lovely welcome form the receptionist and nice cold glass of water. We were taken to our room, not a bad room for 15$ a night's we stayed 4 nights. Opposite our room was the restaurant food was OK and very reasonable. Clean shower and toilets, bed was made everyday and cleaned towels changed when asked. Also underneath the accomodation was a tourist booking office which we used to book the dolphin trip well worth the visit. One thing FYI in December and January it's there wedding season, lots of load music from the surrounding area till late at night, and cockerels start at 5am from next-door, a part from the music and cockerels,we loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tresor d Angkor Suite; City: Siem Reap Siem Reap Province; Review: Wow,what a lovely, peaceful location, fab accom very clean, & a short tuk tuk ride into town which was provided by the hotel twice a day. The staff are always helpful & nothing is to much trouble, they speak good English. The rooms are clean and tidy with clean towels provided every day. In our option the food and drinks are on the expensive side compared to the town, but very good, also we found the onsite laundry service was very expensive. But would highly recommend staying.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Athena Hotel; City: Pakse Champasak Province; Review: We found the staff very welcoming on our arrival, our room was on the ground floor opposite the pool. In the room was a fridge and Tv, room was cleaned everyday and clean towels provided also the pool was cleaned everyday. The only complaint I had was to many mosquito's in the breakfast area. The location of the hotel was well located just on the outskirts of the town ATM and local restaurants well worth a visit. Would Highly recommend staying.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Country Retreat; City: Mae Rim; Review: From the airport a 45 minutes drive by Taxi, a lovely setting in a quiet village surrounded with rice paddy fields and wild life, On site they have bikes to explore the country side, the owner's will arrange tours, accomadatoin is fab, cleaned every day with clean towels nice pool and sun loungers / bar area, fab food cooked to order. Nothing is to much trouble, this is our 3rd visit will be back again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Villa Kubu Agung; City: Ubud Gianyar Regency Bali; Review: Peaceful, sounds of nature fabulous views of paddy fields & mountain, accom immaculate, amazing host nothing to much trouble fab pool , 10 min from Ubud owner can arrange motor bike, also pickup from airport, would highly recommend, we shall definitely come again .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Family House Zen Boutique Resort; City: Pai Mae Hong Son Province; Review: Arrived by scooter from Mae Ann, Nice warm welcome from the reception with a cold drink. First impression was fantastic just got better, lovely clean pool, followed by a lovely clean room. Clean towels everyday and the rooms still looked new, Breakfast was exceptional with such a large choice. Just a short walk from town across the bamboo bridge, loads of Lovely Street food to choose from at reasonable cost.close to many tourists attractions, I would recommend this hotel for quality and location, & fab staff very helpful. Would highly recommend & come again if in Pai.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Murray Guesthouse; City: Chau Doc An Giang Province; Review: The owner arrange a pick up from pier back to hotel, made our journey so easy. Hotel reception was very helpful and welcoming and full of local information, also help with bus tickets to Can Tho. Room was very clean and comfortable and was provided with everything you needed. Breakfast was lovely homemade bread and sausage fruit, coffee . We also had the use of free bikes to cycle around the outskirts of the town. Well recommend.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: V Hotel Phnom Penh; City: Phnom Penh; Review: Pickup arranged with hotel taxis driver waiting with our name on a board at airport. Warm welcome at hotel, Lovely clean room and very friendly staff. We did asked for a double bed but the room was 2 singles, the porter explain there was construction work going on and put us in a different room which was more quieter which gave us a good sleep. No hot water In the morning but this rectified in the afternoon. Roof top pool is amazing with lovely views of the city. Fab food in restaurant. Highly recommend staying. Make sure you stay here excellent.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anh Dao Mekong 2; City: Can Tho Mekong Delta; Review: Nice friendly hotels situated in a quiet location about 15 minutes from the city, Shuttle bus is provided free of charge to and from city. Room are clean and tidy fresh towels provided every day. Most days breakfast has a large selection of hot and cold food. Swimming pool area I'm my opinion need some attention and a cleaning programme, lack of ash trays, cigarette ends and ash on the decking, and green mould around the inside edge of pool. Lovely friendly and helpful staff, would recommend this hotel for a short break.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Privacy Resort Koh Chang; City: Ko Chang Trat Province; Review: The hosts Steve and Lilly are very helpful and welcoming, full of local knowledge. Rooms are clean and comfortable and a clean Swimming pool with sun loungers and additional towels provided. No restaurant for evening meals, but if you give reasonable notice a rice dish might be available. Transport is a must as the nearest restaurant is about 2k away, Steve can arrange a scooter for hire at a reasonable cost. Wi-fi was intermittent which Steve was aware and in hand.In our option 3 days is long enough to visit the east coast of this island.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sea Breeze Koh Mak; City: Ko Mak Trat Province; Review: Pick up the pier was arranged and the taxi was waiting for us, Lovely warm welcome at the reception, Our room was as discribe ,sea view with swimming pool. The gardens are kept clean and tidy. Scooter is required to see the island which the hotel will arrange for you. A short walk to the village for food and restuants at reasonable prices. No ATM on the island so take plenty of cash; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gumbie House; City: Fang; Review: Amazing accommodation, couldn't wish for a better location, easy walking distance of the hot springs.The breakfast was delicious.Rooms are well equipped and modern designed.The host's are so friendly and helpful made our visit complete. Highly recommended; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park; City: Port Arthur Tasmania; Review: Lovely place to relax, amenities where very clean, Reception was very profession and full of information and helpful. In my opinion i Would highly recommend this site for its location and cleanness. Easy parking for camper vans and power.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rumah Dharma; City: Borobudur Magelang Central Java Java; Review: Brilliant, the hotel arrange a pickup from the airport then drove us to Prambanan Temple at a reasonable cost.Hotel location is beautiful and picturesque. The staff are very professional at all time.Room's are very clean, As previous comments the mosques all start very early which will wake you up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Kissing Mountains; City: Vagamon Idukki District Kerala; Review: Just a short tuktuk drive from the bus station in the town to the hotel . Room was clean and amazing view.The staff and manager was very helpful. We eat in the restaurant but found the menu limited. Would recommend staying.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Top Moda Women's Ds-6 Wedge Sandals; Brand: Top Moda; Review: Liked it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: K. Bell Socks Men's Original Novelty Crew Socks; Brand: ; Review: Liked it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marilyn Monroe Gangster Guns Tattoo T-Shirt; Brand: Trenz Shirt Company; Review: Liked it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kid's Dream Little Girls Gold Sequin Bodice Floral Overlaid Flower Girl Dress; Brand: Kid's Dream; Review: Liked it; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: iecool Women's One Shoulder Sexy Tight Bandage Dress Ladies Halter Nightclub; Brand: iecool; Review: Liked it; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Top Moda Womens Job-8 Gladiator Round Peep Toe Platform Sandals Ankle Strappy Wedge Heel; Brand: Top Moda; Review: It was okay; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kid's Dream Little Girls Gold Sequin Bodice Floral Overlaid Flower Girl Dress; Brand: Kid's Dream; Review: Liked it; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: KBETHOS Hip Hop Bucket Hats; Brand: KBETHOS; Review: Liked it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ann Chery Women's Faja Deportiva Workout Waist Cincher with 3 Hooks; Brand: Ann Chery; Review: Liked it; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Emoji White 3D Sweatpants Joggers (M); Brand: Miracle; Review: Liked it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amy Byer Little Girls' Sleeveless Ruffle Dress; Brand: ; Review: Liked it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amy Byer Little Girls' Sleeveless Pleated Dress; Brand: ; Review: Liked it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: U.S. POLO ASSN. Little Girls' Striped Hi Lo Dress; Brand: U.S. Polo Assn.; Review: Like it; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nautica Girls' Cap Sleeve Lace and Jersey Dress; Brand: ; Review: Loved it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bright White Elegant Women Sleeveless Hollow Waist Bodycon Sexy Party Club Dress; Brand: QIYUN.Z; Review: Liked it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: U.S. Polo Assn. Little Girls' Sleeveless Denim Ruffle Dress; Brand: U.S. Polo Assn.; Review: Liked it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Summer Women Lace Floral Backless Beach Boho Maxi Sundress Long Dress; Brand: LIZHOUMIL; Review: Loved it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pink Queen Women's Bandage Halter Neck Brazilian Triangle Bikini Set Swimsuit; Brand: Pink Queen; Review: Liked it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pizoff Unisex Luxury Pompous Hipster Religious Baroque Oversized T-Shirt Y0178-Black-M; Brand: Zero; Review: Loved it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Match Hip Hop Rock Punk Harajuku Style Tee 3D Printing Shirts(X-Small (Label Meduim),LK714_004); Brand: Match; Review: Liked it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ZUNIE Little Girls' Chiffon Pastel Tulip Dress; Brand: ZUNIE; Review: Liked it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Emoji Black Sweater Women/Men Network Expression Sweatshirt Hoodies Cute Cartoon (M); Brand: Uhomedecor; Review: Liked it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elisabeth Little Girls' Hanky Hem Floral Print Dress; Brand: Elisabeth; Review: Liked it; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nautica Little Girls' Mini Stripe Tank Dress with Woven Color-Block Skirt; Brand: ; Review: Loved it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spaghetti Strap Chiffon Deep V-neck Backless Wrap Bikini Cover Up Beach Dress Sarong Yellow; Brand: MarJunSep; Review: Loved it!! :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zeagoo Women Sexy Off-shoulder Backless Cross Strap Zipper Mini Floral Party Dress; Brand: Zeagoo; Review: Liked it!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black White Stripe Sexy New Fashion Bodycon Long Sleeve Bandage Party Club Dress; Brand: QIYUN.Z; Review: Liked it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anself Sexy Women Crop Top Lace Bralette Knitted Bra Boho Beach Bikini; Brand: Anself; Review: Liked it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moxeay Womens Sexy Backless Halter Strap Club Bodycon Dress; Brand: Moxeay; Review: Love it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Weixinbuy Women's Strap Bodycon Sleeveless Base Evening Mini Club Dress; Brand: Weixinbuy; Review: Liked it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: TAM Ware Women Classic Slim Fit Tank Bodycon Mini Tee Dress; Brand: ; Review: Ok; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Allegrace Womens Sexy Short Lace Crop Tops Party Top; Brand: Allegrace; Review: Liked it; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zeagoo Women Sexy Back Mesh Bandage Club Bodycon Midi Dress; Brand: Zeagoo; Review: Loved it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Allegrace Womens Summer Side Slit Casual Cotton Beach Mini T Shirt Dresses; Brand: Allegrace; Review: Ok; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: U.S. POLO ASSN. Little Girls' Striped Dress with Tabbed Short Sleeves; Brand: U.S. Polo Assn.; Review: Ok; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Wrangler Men's Denim Jacket; Brand: ; Review: Like it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wrangler Men's Denim Jacket; Brand: ; Review: Like it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iHeartRaves Keyhole Cutout Backless Halter Rave Crop Top (One Size); Brand: ; Review: Love it! Just like the picture; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UGG Women's Bailey Button Triplet Ii Winter Boot; Brand: ; Review: Love it!! :D; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ipuang Girls Dresses for Special Occasions; Brand: Ipuang; Review: Love it!! Very good material looks elegant.. She is 6 years old but I bought sizes 7 because she is tall; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Momtuesdays2 Women's Spaghetti Strap Solid Color Hollow Out Knitted Bikini Set; Brand: Momtuesdays2; Review: Im 117 pounds and size Small fit as I expected; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Disney's Frozen Anna Coronation Gown Deluxe Girls Costume, Small/4-6x; Brand: Disguise; Review: She is 6 years old I bought size 7..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: U.S. Polo Assn. Girls' Polo Shirt (More Styles Available); Brand: U.S. Polo Assn.; Review: Extremely small. My daughter is 6yrs old and a size 7-8 was very small. Otherwise looks good; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Yuccie Women's Lightweight Comfy Jogger Pants; Brand: My Yuccie; Review: Exactly what i need to be comfortable :).... I'm 120lb and size Small was just perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Women's Triangle Lace G String Toys Metal Lingerie Thong T Back Panty White Medium Fit Size US4~US8; Brand: RwalkinZ; Review: Cute way way too big! I'm 125lb and it was too big; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sunny Fashion Girls Dress Navy Blue Flower Belt Vintage Party Size 6-14; Brand: ; Review: She is a big 6yrs old and i ordered a size 7/8 it was perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Women's Stand Collar Zip Up Floral Prints Bomber Jacket; Brand: Allegra K; Review: Love it! Looks just like on the picture. Im 5'1 and 128lb i bought a Small size fit perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NIKE ZOOM HYPERDUNK 2011 (MENS) - 8.5; Brand: ; Review: I'm size 6 and fixed perfectly. Look great and confortable; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nike Air Max Sequent 2 Mens Running Shoes; Brand: ; Review: I'm size 6 and fixed perfectly. Look great and confortable; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nike Air Max Sequent 2 Mens Running Shoes; Brand: ; Review: I'm size 6 and fixed perfectly. Look great and confortable; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: 3 Pack of Stylus Black Blue Red Universal Touch Screen Pen for Ipad 2 Ipod Iphone 4 4S 3g; Brand: Generic; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Generic Styli for iPhone 4G/3G/3GS - Non-Retail Packaging - Pack of 5; Brand: Generic; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: XO Vision FM and MP3 Car Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth, USB Port and SD Card Slot; Brand: XO Vision; Review: JUST OK; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: DISH DISH211 4-Device Universal Remote; Brand: DISH; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Philips AJT3300/37 Bluetooth Dual Alarm Clock Radio iPhone/Android Speaker Dock Speakerphone Microphone (Black); Brand: Philips; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ShopNY Case - Apple iPad Mini Case; Brand: Cineyo; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AiSMei Case for iPad 4 (2012), iPad 3 (2012), iPad 2; Brand: AiSMei; Review: FIT NOT QUIT PERFECT; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Portable Wireless Bluetooth 3.0 7-Colors Backlit Keyboard with Built in Rechargeable Battery, Black; Brand: Arteck; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maximalpower NB7L Battery for Canon Powershot SX30 IS, G12, SX30IS, G11, G10, Cannon, CB-2LZ, fully decoded, 3 YR warrany; Brand: MaximalPower; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bluecell 3 Pack of Purple Red Pink Stylus Universal Touch Screen Pen for Ipad 2 Ipod Iphone 4,4S,Kindle Fire,3g; Brand: Bluecell; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Car Charger for Amazon Kindle 2, Kindle 3, Kindle 4, Kindle Fire, Kindle Touch, Kindle DX; Brand: Cellet; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SMAKN® DC-DC 12V to 6V 6A 36W Buck Power Converter / Step Down Power Supply Waterproof; Brand: SMAKN; Review: GREAT; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Thirteen Reasons Why; Author: Jay Asher; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Great book! It really makes you think about how your actions affect others.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Looking for Alaska; Author: John Green; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Good book, but there are some scenes of sexuality that are a little graphic for teens.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1); Author: Cassandra Clare; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Good story. I enjoy Clare's writing, but I wish she would reveal more details than she does.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Scorpio Races; Author: Maggie Stiefvater; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Great story of achieving what is most important in life.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crossed (Matched, #2); Author: Ally Condie; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I think it was good, but all it made me want to do is want the third book. The ending really leaves it up in the air.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lone Wolf; Author: Jodi Picoult; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Love to pick up Picoult and to know what I'm getting. It has the same elements as most books: family drama, multiple narrators, love, and a court case. Good read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Between the Lines (Between the Lines, #1); Author: Jodi Picoult; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult, but this book, while a cute story, is missing the high intensity and conflict of a typical Picoult book. That may be because the audience is young, young adult.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eleanor & Park; Author: Rainbow Rowell; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I love this book. I became invested in the characters immediately and finished the book in one afternoon. I am sad to leave these teens behind.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Magicians (The Magicians #1); Author: Lev Grossman; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: I made it halfway through but I don't want to read anymore. I'm bored.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Longest Ride; Author: Nicholas Sparks; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: It reminds me of "The Notebook." A lovely story about the meaning of love. Also, loving one person for your whole life like my grandparents.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Deadly Wandering: A Tale of Tragedy and Redemption in the Age of Attention; Author: Matt Richtel; Genres: history, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, mystery; Review: Loved this book. Want to teach and help students realize how dangerous texting can be.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dear Daughter; Author: Elizabeth Little; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** Enjoyed the read. Disliked the language and the ending. What happens next?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Choice Words; Author: Peter H. Johnston; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Good for teachers This book is important if you want to know how to affect your students by the words you use. Short and to the point with good examples.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Teach with Your Strengths: How Great Teachers Inspire Their Students; Author: Rosanne Liesveld; Genres: non-fiction, children; Review: Bad for Kindle Do not buy this book on Kindle as you will not get the access code and it will not allow you to take the quiz for strengths.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Girls; Author: Emma Cline; Genres: history, fiction, young-adult, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, mystery; Review: Interesting book. Not a fan of the language or sex. Wish it had a more fulfilling ending.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One; Author: Sarah Crossan; Genres: poetry, romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: Poetry written novel similar to Ellen Hopkins. Beautiful story about finding oneself.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption; Author: Bryan Stevenson; Genres: history, fiction, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, mystery; Review: Woefully sad and beautiful Difficult to see the truth of t h e death penalty. People should not be treated this way in this world.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Circle; Author: Dave Eggers; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: What if Google and Facebook got married and started to control every interaction? What would you think? Would you be excited?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The English Teacher's Companion: A Complete Guide to Classroom, Curriculum, and the Profession; Author: Jim Burke; Genres: non-fiction; Review: Favorite educational writer. A must read for any English teacher.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Counting Descent; Author: Clint Smith; Genres: young-adult, children, poetry, fiction; Review: Beautiful work of poetry that captures the concept of being black in America.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Turtles All the Way Down; Author: John Green; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I love John Green's books. This is not my favorite, but he still understands people better than most authors.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Piecing Me Together; Author: Renee Watson; Genres: young-adult, fiction; Review: Great book for young women to read and try to find themselves in the pages. Sometimes it feels like Watson doesn't give enough details. Watson uses the translation of English to Spanish as chapter titles and themes to share her ideas. Most girls will appreciate the honesty and triumph of Jade and her journey.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dear Martin; Author: Nic Stone; Genres: romance, young-adult, fiction; Review: If you are wondering where you fit on the Black Lives Matter movement, then you should read this book. Young black men being killed by police needs to stop. This book puts you in the middle of that situation and makes you wonder how you can help.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Krull (1983); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Game (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hand that Rocks the Cradle (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Jaws (1975); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Minds (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Runaway (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking Too (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nine to Five (1980); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dance with Me (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Liar Liar (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Color of Money (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hurricane (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On Golden Pond (1981); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Scream 3 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: America's Sweethearts (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Silence of the Lambs (1991); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Escape from Alcatraz (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Little Lady (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dante's Peak (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Guarding Tess (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reindeer Games (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Family Man (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beaches (1988); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Flatliners (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Others (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Innerspace (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park III (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grumpier Old Men (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Wild West (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Urban Legends: Final Cut (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Overboard (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taps (1981); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Vegas Vacation (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vampire in Brooklyn (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Son in Law (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Lies Beneath (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vertical Limit (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Patriot Games (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Mars (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twins (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rocky (1976); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: At First Sight (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Secret of My Success (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scent of a Woman (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy Returns (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Winterbourne (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Point Break (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: It Could Happen to You (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legends of the Fall (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Urban Legend (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men of Honor (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop II (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bio-Dome (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The River Wild (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Something to Talk About (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Astronaut's Wife (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Edge (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Getaway (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Soul Food (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pacific Heights (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Striptease (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rocky II (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 28 Days (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Business (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride 2 (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Godzilla (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Bride (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Cowboy Way (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Outbreak (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Escape from L.A. (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Frequency (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Instinct (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragnet (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Six Days (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cadence (1991); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Another Stakeout (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Contact (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Baby (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scream 2 (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Working Girl (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bring It On (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Abyss (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Bicentennial Man (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Wall Street (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lock Up (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky IV (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Never Been Kissed (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iron Eagle (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Powder (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Housesitter (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chamber (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enemy of the State (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Home Fries (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Field of Dreams (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Man Walking (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty in Pink (1986); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Witness (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Notting Hill (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Firm (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Planet (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: What About Bob? (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ruthless People (1986); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Arlington Road (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Best of Friends: Vol. 1 (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Peacemaker (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blind Date (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Replacements (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tango & Cash (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Best of Friends: Vol. 2 (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Return to Me (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: K-Pax (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fear (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Advocate (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Mighty Ducks (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Negotiator (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking Now (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Out-of-Towners (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Forget Paris (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eye for an Eye (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Space Cowboys (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Unbreakable (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Knight's Tale (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moulin Rouge (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rock Star (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sweet November (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: While You Were Sleeping (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tin Cup (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Signs (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Blown Away (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: First Knight (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Primal Fear (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Intersection (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Jones (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Domestic Disturbance (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The American President (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Misery (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tie That Binds (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rookie (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stripes (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: U-571 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ali (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Demolition Man (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Far and Away (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Risky Business (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Outsiders (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Days of Thunder (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ricky Martin: One Night Only (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ricky Martin: The Ricky Martin Video Collection (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scream (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Fears (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Murder By Numbers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Changing Lanes (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Graduate (1967); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Serving Sara (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dr. T & the Women (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Doc Hollywood (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hardball (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Walk in the Clouds (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Road to Perdition (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Porky's (1981); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Nutty Professor (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Entrapment (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: An American Werewolf in London (1981); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Murder in the First (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hoosiers (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: L.A. Story (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Home Alone (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Mom (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Much Ado About Nothing (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (1968); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Blast from the Past (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vanilla Sky (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Kings (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Banger Sisters (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Michael (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Get Shorty (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Phenomenon (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Die Another Day (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: White Man's Burden (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lucky Numbers (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Broken Arrow (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Nick of Time (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Don Juan De Marco (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edward Scissorhands (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Color of Night (1994); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Nine Yards (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Benny and Joon (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three to Tango (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 3 (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love Potion #9 (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hope Floats (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping With the Enemy (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Die For (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: That Thing You Do! (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Net (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Conspiracy Theory (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Time to Kill (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Air America (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bird on a Wire (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A League of Their Own (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Practical Magic (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Analyze That (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ransom (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Courage Under Fire (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Forces of Nature (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Curly Sue (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eraser (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: GoldenEye (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Friends: Season 2 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Out of Sight (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Fine Day (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Identity (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report: Bonus Material (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Saturday Night Fever (1977); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Primary Colors (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: October Sky (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Matchstick Men (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Face/Off (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Dog Skip (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Vacation (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shoot to Kill (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: U.S. Marshals (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop III (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: K-9 (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Extreme Measures (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cutting Edge (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Footloose: Special Collector's Edition (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Child's Play 2: Chucky's Back (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Bodyguard (1992); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Saint (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Right Stuff (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dutch (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Terminator (1984); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Summer School (1987); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Single White Female (1992); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cheaper by the Dozen (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Usual Suspects (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Finding Forrester (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Calm (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Breakdown (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The World Is Not Enough (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Executive Decision (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snow Dogs (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: G.I. Jane (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky III (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Man in the Iron Mask (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Radio (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Passenger 57 (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cliffhanger (1993); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thelma & Louise: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Juror (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: True Lies (1994); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Client (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Volcano (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Only You (1994); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Good Son (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Three Amigos (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Perfect Murder (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just Cause (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mask of Zorro (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Karate Kid (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dave (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clear and Present Danger (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tombstone (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Murder at 1600 (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Ten Yards (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tomorrow Never Dies (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Supremacy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Supra Vaider LC; Brand: Supra; Review: ok; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DC Men's Cole Pro Skate Shoe; Brand: ; Review: ok; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's Ace Cargo Twill Pant; Brand: ; Review: Excelent; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mickey Heart Hands Hooded Sweatshirt, Funny New Cartoon Hand Signs Heart Design Hoodie (Black, Small); Brand: Ghast; Review: Excelente; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New 014 Take Five Skin Tight Compression Base Layer T Shirts Short Sleeve Black Mens S - 3xl; Brand: JustOneStyle; Review: Ok; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Bad Santa (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The School of Rock (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Better Than Chocolate (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Queer as Folk: Season 1 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Don't Say a Word (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Family Man (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Le Divorce (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Steel Magnolias (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bringing Down the House (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: High Crimes (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pelican Brief (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop II (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kiss the Girls (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Bride (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Collector (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Risky Business (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Double Jeopardy (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Firm (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Graduate (1967); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Old School (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bend It Like Beckham (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pay It Forward (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beaches (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rushmore (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dawson's Creek: Season 1 (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Citizen Kane (1941); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Psycho (1960); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Baby (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Home Alone (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Coyote Ugly (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: If These Walls Could Talk 2 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The First Wives Club (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Face/Off (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jaws (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Silence of the Lambs (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1972); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spy Game (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Birds (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Dragon (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Queer as Folk: Season 2 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 13 Going on 30 (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Disclosure (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Women Want (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Broken Arrow (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sex Monster (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The General's Daughter (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Heist (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Con Air (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Revenge (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Annie Hall (1977); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Home for the Holidays (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Training Day (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Freaky Friday (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Hour Photo (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The L Word: Season 1 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Starsky & Hutch (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Go (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boys Don't Cry (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Intolerable Cruelty (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Birdcage (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Philadelphia (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mean Girls (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wizard of Oz: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Footloose: Special Collector's Edition (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bound (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Girl (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepers (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocky (1976); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GoodFellas: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Hawk Down (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Attraction (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boys on the Side (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bridges of Madison County (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Platoon (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Splash: 20th Anniversary Edition (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: U-571 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A League of Their Own (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shining (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thelma & Louise: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Carrie (1976); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: It's a Wonderful Life (1946); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chicago (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vertigo (1958); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saving Private Ryan (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cape Fear (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tootsie (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Girls in Prison (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibly True Adventure of 2 Girls in Love (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Elf (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Hand that Rocks the Cradle (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dolores Claiborne (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Presumed Innocent (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Urban Cowboy (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Not Without My Daughter (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cutting Edge (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Vanishing (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Way We Were (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: War Games (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping With the Enemy (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saturday Night Fever (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Insomnia (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legends of the Fall (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Calm (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Someone to Watch Over Me (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flashdance (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Outbreak (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Primal Fear (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Outsiders (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Basic Instinct (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unlawful Entry (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dead Man Walking (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eye for an Eye (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sixteen Candles (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Open Water (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Single White Female (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Breakfast Club (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phone Booth (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Super Size Me (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Supremacy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Out of Season (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The American President (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: When Harry Met Sally (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flatliners (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystic Pizza (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mask: Director's Cut (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Patriot Games (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Romancing the Stone (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dying Young (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Waiting to Exhale (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grosse Pointe Blank (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seven (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Time to Kill (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Private Benjamin (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love & Basketball (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indecent Proposal (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Can't Buy Me Love (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Accused (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 12 Monkeys (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pretty in Pink (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miracle (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Perfect Murder (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Say Anything (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clear and Present Danger (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Singer (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Murder at 1600 (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Secretary (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taking Lives (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hudson Hawk (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Roxanne (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Striptease (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Showgirls (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Groundhog Day (1993); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Nutty Professor (1963); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bull Durham (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father of the Bride (1950); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Witness (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: On the Waterfront (1954); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titanic (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: An Officer and a Gentleman (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Changing Lanes (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 1 (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Like Water for Chocolate (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hidalgo (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Passion of the Christ (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: But I'm a Cheerleader (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Reality Bites (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Singles (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Bedroom (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Queer as Folk: Season 3 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Peggy Sue Got Married (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Amy (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Phenomenon (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Before Sunrise (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Castle (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just Cause (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Great Escape (1963); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Village (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Only You (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boyz N the Hood (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The English Patient (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dances With Wolves: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Overboard (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Cousin Vinny (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cool Hand Luke (1967); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Circle of Friends (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Some Kind of Wonderful (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Terminator (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hunt for Red October (1990); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pump Up the Volume (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Extreme Edition (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Foxfire (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Back to the Future (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Line of Fire (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nuts (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Client (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Total Recall (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enemy of the State (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crush (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Karate Kid (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rambo: First Blood: Ultimate Edition (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Full Metal Jacket (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Better Off Dead (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sideways (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: House of Sand and Fog (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Escape from Alcatraz (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mothman Prophecies (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Jewel of the Nile (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Before Sunset (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Office: Series 1 (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sliding Doors (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Office: Series 2 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twisted (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bar Girls (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 3 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From Here to Eternity (1953); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Fockers (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kissing Jessica Stein (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Basketball Diaries (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Almost Famous (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Fish Called Wanda (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Rwanda (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rules of Engagement (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: High Art (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Office Special (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Office: Season 1 (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Million Dollar Baby (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Mother Likes Women (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 1 (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 1 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jagged Edge (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster-in-Law (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 2 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Working Girl (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last of the Mohicans (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Notebook (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Motorcycle Diaries (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 3 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In Good Company (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fever Pitch (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hitch (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Return to Paradise (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 4 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Smile (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Some Like It Hot (1959); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 6: Part 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Mondaynoon Chain Necklace - Heart Shape Clear Crystal Pendant Necklace, 16" - 18"; Brand: Mondaynoon; Review: very nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silver Crystal Diamond Accent Luxury Queen Bracelet for Women, with a Gift Box, Made with SWAROVSKI Crystal; Brand: Move&Moving; Review: great bracelet & great price; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ed Garments Men's Short Sleeves Chef Coat with Back Mesh; Brand: Edwards Garment; Review: very nice; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Calvin Klein Baby Girls' Denim Tunic with Pink Leggings; Brand: ; Review: very cute and the price is great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Official BluBlocker Black Viper Sunglasses; Brand: BluBlocker; Review: My husband loves them. They are true blublockers.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blue Block Lens Full Metal Driving Aviator Sunglasses; Brand: WearMe Pro; Review: A little bigger than expected, but very nice. Great for the price.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Dolan Mazda; City: Reno, NV; Review: This dealership is absolute garbage. From the first moment we were there we were lied to. I wanted to look at a used car that was listed on their website and was originally told was still available. When I arrived I was told it wasn't there so I test drove a 2015 just because. I was upfront and honest with my intentions about only wanting to test drive with no intent on buying from the beginning. The initial salesman was pleasant and respectful. After the test drive I was introduced to some pee on supervisor named Eric who was extremely disrespectful from the beginning. He told me, "we are in the now business, you don't go to the dentist just to look around." He actually compared buying a car to going to the dentist like I was a complete idiot. He then began to say, "so what was the point of coming in?" He acted as if I was inconveniencing him... This is your job you scum bag... At this point I was done with his degenerate service. While walking out, to my surprise the original car I wanted to see magically appeared. How convenient for me... I expect car salesman to behave a certain way but what surprised me is Eric actually expected me to cave and buy a car I knew I couldn't afford through guilt tripping me. I'm in the business of looking out for me. I could care less that some POS expects me to buy a care out of intimidation and guilt. What's even more sad is that his disrespectful, elitist behavior has most likely worked in the past and I feel sorry for those who couldn't realize this. All in all I will end up getting a Mazda but this dealership could benefit from loosing Eric.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Asian Pho; City: Reno, NV; Review: Service is god awful! Food is pretty damn good! Living down the street it's hard not to go here for Vietnamese food. Every time I've been here the service is beyond short and rude.. But! The food has always been amazing. Having said that I've been to Asian noodle... My other favorite spot and the service isn't that great, so if you live in the area it's worth it for sure. Quick, easy, and tasty so don't avoid simply because it's attached to a gas station.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sakana Sushi; City: Reno, NV; Review: Been here a couple times. 3rd time was awful. Carlos the sushi chef was by far the worst I've ever had. Not interested, boring, sushi was half assed, gave the impression I wasn't worth his time. Wont be coming back. Should have stuck to my usual but its so close to my house. Very disappointing... Thanks for showing your true colors.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Buggy Bath Car Wash; City: Reno, NV; Review: Takes a while to get done but definitely worth the price. Never seen a group of people work this hard. Your car will never be cleaner! Great business. Will be coming back indefinitely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Krispy Krab Clearwater; City: Clearwater, FL; Review: Visiting this week. Walked in not a single greeting. The guy was right in front of me. No recognition at all. My intuition served me right. On my way out the guy yelled stupid! Only thing stupid is this restaurant. Don't eat here. Horrible people.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Jiffy Lube; City: Reno, NV; Review: Service was fine but the crew today was a bunch of unprofessional, douche bags. When I showed up they guided me in to the assigned bay but no one welcomed or addressed me. About 5 of them were standing around bullshitting and smoking. I only got attention when I got out of the car and stared at them. Other locations welcome you, go over service when inside. None of this happened. Probably won't go back. The Oddie blvd location is the best I've ever had. Next time I'll take the drive to go there.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mac's Window Tinting; City: Reno, NV; Review: Mac is the man! Excellent tint job. Second time getting my cars tinted here and I highly recommend his work. Best prices in town with great service.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Sun Beach Motel; City: Osoyoos Okanagan Valley British Columbia; Review: Been staying there for years. In reality it is the only south facing hotel in osoyoos. All the others face north away from the sin and into the prevailing winds (other than the safari which faces east). We spend most of the time on our boat or on the patio. Beachfront is repective to water levels which are higher early inthe season. Lots of shade and sun depending on what you like. Parties are not the norm. Sandra (the friendly owner) lives next door on the lake and would herself be annoyed at late night parties so try are notthe norm (certainly no music). Maybe be the odd group who stay up later chatting. Locals are actually very friendly. We used a local waterski/wake board school who were very helpful teaching us to wakesurf and improving wakeboarding. They also are very knowledgeable about the town for your interests. I think they have a website and are called "above the board". Actually it was the motel who put us on to the service.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: O Haire Inn; City: Great Falls Montana; Review: Wow. This little place, although maybe a bit dated was fantastically clean. It has a cozy feel and was a nice place to bed down for the night. The bar is insane. The staff are efficient and kind. Pat playing the piano was rockin out outlaw country tunes. And who could forget the mermaid. That girl must have a real good set of lungs or infact be a real mermaid. She nearly never appeared to need a breath. I'll be back, for sure.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pomeroy Inn Suites at Olds College; City: Olds Alberta; Review: Stayed for a wedding. I found the prices a little expensive and the service friendly- but really kind of insincere. Rooms were quite clean, hallways a little stale and stained. Didn't get a chance to enjoy the pool which did look a little better than most. Gave a poor review on an emailed survey- did get an email asking what he could do better- aside from cost and another minor annoyance. I appreciated the reach out but am not really interested in engaging. They did send out email reminders, surveys and receipts. I like that :); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Super 8 by Wyndham Sicamous; City: Sicamous British Columbia; Review: Over-nighter on our way to Osoyoos and a chance to relive Mara lake memories before they tore down the on water accommodations. It was a pretty ok franchise motel. They weren't able to offer us an early check in- but to be fair we didn't ask ahead. Room was clean but sparse. A microwave would have been nice. It was dark with curtains drawn which I liked. But nothing stops the noise of childish 40-60 year olds on Harley's leaving the pub next door. I really hate those idiots- but it's not the motels fault but to be next door. The owner/operator was especially kind to my boys. The breakfast was food at least. I did book through TripAdvisor as an experiment and it actually worked pretty slick. Not hitches at all.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sun Beach Motel; City: Osoyoos Okanagan Valley British Columbia; Review: Been going for 3 decades as of this year. This place has always had the best owners and management. Over the years it's been very tastefully upgraded, but still with a family budget in mind. It's always clean and I've noticed a couple of improvements since last year even. More updated rooms and new TVs and wifi. It's not the Hilton or anything, but it's two bedrooms, on top of the water, a stones throw from your boat, south facing and budget friendly. Oh and one of the best things are the guests. It's a friendly place to let the kids play together and make a few new friends. Most patrons are friendly regulars looking to make sure one time guests have what they need.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bayshore Inn Resort Spa; City: Waterton Lakes National Park Alberta; Review: Had a terrible time booking for a family members wedding. No matter how much or which way I conveyed "they just reserved a block or rooms and none have been reserved for particular guests yet" could they figure out there was no vacancy because half the hotel was blocked for the wedding. Not only were they clueless and inexperienced, they had a bit of attitude also. At over $250 a night I kind of expect a little more than a couple mediocre beds, ok bathroom, no breakfast, ok patio with a view of a bank of poplar trees (you can barley see the water through the trees- too bad). Oh and barely any TV. I get it your there for the scenery and park- but there does come a time with toddlers and getting Ready for a wedding that 15 minutes of treehouse would help. All and all- I am used to motels/hotels which could use a little updating, but I found the Bayshore to be ridiculously expensive and not lustrous. Service once we got there was acceptable. The grounds were particularly quaint and well kept.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn Suites Fort Saskatchewan; City: Fort Saskatchewan Alberta; Review: This hotel was clean, and service was friendly. Hot tub was broken when we showed up to have a night over with our kids and niece and nephew. The primary attraction which was the pool and water slide. We weren't bothered by the hot tub being out of service and the front desk was apologetic. I am not sure at the allure of people partying in hotels tho. We didn't bother to complain, but our neighbours had kids banging around quite late and stayed up drinking and laughing past midnight. The walls in these new hotels always seem thin. Oh well- thanks for the kind service and we will be back when visiting our family in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Valley Lake Chateau Ghost Town; City: Revelstoke Kootenay Rockies British Columbia; Review: We are sick of dragging kids 10 hours to Osoyoos in one trip. This year we stopped at 3VG and really enjoyed our stay. As they are on generators for electricity we understand the lack of air conditioning. Considering this was probably some of the hotter weather you could expect- it wasn't too bad. The grounds were very interesting and fun to explore. The museum was also very interesting. Hardly Heritage Park- but the eclecticness was amusing! The lake looks beautiful. We didn't choose to launch our boat- but will next time. More moorage would be nice. Either anchors or a bigger dock- I will ski this lake next year- it's almost always calm. The room was decent-we found it clean and suitable. The view was amazing. The motel itself was curious and interesting to promenade around. We loved all the history. Thanks to the friendly staff and waitresses. The restaurant has a limited menu and they could use a larger patio. I really hope this place doesn't disappear for another Best Western in town. It's sad to see the historic places in Canada disappearing like Glacier Park Lodge etc.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sun Beach Motel; City: Osoyoos Okanagan Valley British Columbia; Review: Year 31 for me! We keep coming back for the atmosphere and great location. The recent renovations are tastefully and practically done. Both my kids (4+5) learned to ski off the beach this year. See you all next year!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Osoyoos Campground Waterslides; City: Osoyoos Okanagan Valley British Columbia; Review: This place maintains its family operated greatness years later. I went here when I was a youngster and brought my boys here for the first time this year. It's still clean and an absolute riot. Best of all- it's great to see the owner enjoying watching the families enjoy his establishment. Thanks and see you next year!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Proctor Silex 022333922408 (K2070YA) Electric Kettle, for Tea & Coffee, 1 Liter, 1, White; Brand: Proctor Silex; Review: Would definitely recommend. Bought to use with my black Apple Watch Sport. :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 48ct Helping Hand Sock Locks Keep Socks Paired in Washer Dryer Laundry Wash Tool; Brand: Helping Hand; Review: Product looks fine but this is how it was shipped. Just this in the box. Makes it seem super weird. Probably wouldn't buy again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: GORILLA GRIP Original 3/4" Premium Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat, Phthalate Free, Ships Flat, Ergonomically Engineered, Extra Support and; Brand: Gorilla Grip; Review: The quality was not near what I expected for it being so expensive. I'm very disappointed and will be returning it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Seacoast - 18 OZ. Glass Bottles, 18/10 Stainless Steel Cap with Easy to Carry Loop (6 Pack, 4; Brand: Seacoast; Review: Dont last very long. Within one week of using one of them, the strap broke off and then the top pieces separated and i had to toss it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Joyce Chen 21-9977, Classic Series Nonstick Wok, 14-Inch; Brand: Joyce Chen; Review: Discolored after one use - looks super gross now. I like the spoon, though!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rubbermaid No-Slip Large Cutlery Tray, Black with Tan 1922433; Brand: Rubbermaid; Review: Looks great - very high quality!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gorilla Grip Original Patented Bath, Shower, Tub Mat (35x16) Machine Washable, Antibacterial, BPA, Latex, Phthalate; Brand: Gorilla Grip; Review: Its really cute looking but will NOT stay stuck to the bottom of the tub. Every bath, I end up just pulling it out! Seems to cause more trouble for my little ones than having no bath mat!; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Mizuno Men's Wave Rider 15 Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Love the shoes. Service outstanding. Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A4 Men's Cooling Performance Crew Long Sleeve Tee; Brand: A4; Review: Comfortable; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A4 Men's Cooling Performance Crew Long Sleeve Tee; Brand: A4; Review: Comfortable; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mizuno Men's Wave Rider 17 Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Countless pairs of running shoes, NONE compare to these Mizuno shoes!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Women's Bare Access Arc 3 Trail Running Shoe; Brand: Merrell; Review: Fir outdoor running a bit rough on my feet. Great for treadmill work!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Altra Men's Repetition Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: A little snugger than I prefer, but I love Altra running shoes!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: PetSport Fling Thing, Tennis Ball With Rope; Brand: PetSport; Review: Don't have to worry about dog slobber and they hold up gr; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zymox Ear Cleanser; Brand: Zymox; Review: I tried to use this as a prevention after my dog was over his ear infection and it didn't help at all; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: KONG - Jumbler - Interactive Fetch Dog Toy with Handle (Assorted Colors); Brand: KONG; Review: large as a soccer ball; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Petmate 213201 4.6" Medium Orange/Blue Chuckit! Indoor Ball; Brand: Petmate; Review: dog loves it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: KONG Air Dog Fetch Stick with Rope Dog Toy; Brand: KONG; Review: didnt last long; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Pet_Supplies |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Dorsia Hotel Restaurant; City: Gothenburg Vastra Gotaland County West Coast; Review: This hotel reminds me of a little escape from the city while offering lots to do all within walking distance of the port. The food is very good and the staff are knowledgable and polite. Will return here for sure.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lanesborough; City: London England; Review: From the arrival and assistance with luggage from the car to the check-in to the lavish room. This place makes you feel like a king or queen for the length of the stay. It's no wonder Lady GaGa always uses this place when she's in London. The different bars downstairs offer lovely areas to relax and enjoy a drink while the rooms offer great views of Hyde Park.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ibis Aberdeen Centre; City: Aberdeen Aberdeenshire Scotland; Review: The hotel has lots of parking next door. It also has great views of the harbour in Aberdeen. The reception staff are great and friendly. Check in was quick and easy. The rooms are warm and the windows while providing great views, still keep the cold air out of the room. The food is great when it comes to hotel food. There is a casino, cinema, gym, free museum, 4 bars and they all are a 2 minute walk from the front door. Can't get any better.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mariner Hotel; City: Aberdeen Aberdeenshire Scotland; Review: The hotel has everything you need. A bar, restaurant, and a ship wheel in reception. The staff is helpful and the hotel does what its suppose to do. The food is above normal and the bar is very cozy. Will return for sure.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Britannia Hotel Aberdeen; City: Aberdeen Aberdeenshire Scotland; Review: The staff were very rude. The breakfast was horrible, very dry and cold. The rooms were very run down except for a nice looking reception area with a bar. The bar was always closed until after 4PM everyday we stayed over and the pool was dirty with towels from gym people just thrown all around on the floors. Horrible smell in the corridors from people smoking out of the fire escape doors.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Royal Bath Hotel Spa; City: Bournemouth Dorset England; Review: We stayed this past weekend and where do we start. The room was massive. The service was was excellent. The food was ok on our first night but there are many places to eat within walking distance. Best of all, the beach is just a few minutes walk away. The indoor pool is big and clean. The hotel is massive on the outside and inside.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel At Gare du Nord; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: The reception and management staff are great. The location is amazing. You are right in the triangle of three main stations for the trains, buses and underground. The hotel is clean enough to stay in while on holidays. There are a few spots on the carpet here and there and some of the rooms are small. But if you just want a place to sleep after you sight see, then this place is the best. Breakfast is only cold continental so we personally think the 7-10 euro per person is a little too much. The Gare Du Nord station is just 5 minutes away walking distance and you have over 30 places to eat.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vrissaki Beach Hotel; City: Protaras Paralimni Famagusta District; Review: The hotel was amazing. From our arrival comp drink, to the birthday card in the room to the friendly bar staff and all. We go on 1-3 holidays a year and this one was perfect. There wasn't a thing wrong with the hotel at all and you are always 3 minutes walk to a bar, pub, watersports, food, shop, Mcdonalds (never had it) so the location is prime.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marshall Meadows Country House Hotel; City: Berwick upon Tweed Northumberland England; Review: Checked into the hotel with a lovely staff member. The room was amazing. We were in room 15 which had a separate living room, and the bathroom was huge. The bar staff were very friendly. Prices were like any bar/pub in the NE. We were offered canapes before dinner as well as glasses/cups were collected quickly. The spare lounge has a guitar, FM/AM radio, various games like dominios, etc. The dinner was very classy with the staff very helpful and checking up on our comfort often. The breakfast showcased the local jams, honey and other things. An amazing place. NOTE - The art gallery upstairs is amazing too. The hotel grounds are beautiful. Wow. Will stay here again in a few months. (Also talked to Bruce who is one of the best hotel staff we have met in years!); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Dolce Vita (1960); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Others (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Misery (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 12 Monkeys (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: High Fidelity (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Silence of the Lambs (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Snatch (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of God (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Menace II Society (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Good Will Hunting (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: True Romance (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seven (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rudy (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Footloose: Special Collector's Edition (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleepers (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American History X (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Simon Birch (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: City of Angels (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Remember the Titans (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blow (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Man on Fire (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Along Came Polly (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Stepford Wives (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hours (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Clerks (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Joy Ride (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cabin Fever (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Splendor (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The O.C.: Season 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Party Monster (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Catwoman (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saved! (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Day After Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Troy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Notebook (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Breakin' All the Rules (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Something's Gotta Give (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reservoir Dogs (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scratch (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Amy (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Professional (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Super Size Me (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cheaper by the Dozen (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jackie Brown: Collector's Series (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Super Troopers (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Grudge (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Million Dollar Baby (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mallrats (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swingers (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raising Arizona (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monster (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Almost Famous (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cooler (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1972); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Newsradio: Seasons 1 and 2 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ray (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Bronx Tale (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Shining (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chappelle's Show: Season 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sin City (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clerks: First Cut (Not Theatrical Version) (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shaun of the Dead (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rounders (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chappelle's Show: Season 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Family Guy: Vol. 2: Season 3 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boogeyman (2005); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Casino: 10th Anniversary Edition (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Family Guy: Freakin' Sweet Collection (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Family Guy: Vol. 1: Seasons 1-2 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seabiscuit (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Closer (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coach Carter (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under the Tuscan Sun (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GoodFellas: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Extended Edition (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love Jones (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Extended Edition (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Friends: Season 8 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 6: Part 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Band of Brothers (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scarface: 20th Anniversary Edition (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mommie Dearest (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The O.C.: Season 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guess Who (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Lot Like Love (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Upside of Anger (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 1 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kung Fu Hustle (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Village (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Forgotten (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kicking & Screaming (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Batman Begins (2005); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Fish (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spanglish (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Garfield: The Movie (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hand that Rocks the Cradle (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Repo Man (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking Too (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mo' Money (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Grumpy Old Men (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Evolution (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bad Boys (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Teen Wolf / Teen Wolf Too (Double Feature) (1985); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dante's Peak (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Double Impact (1991); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Xena: Warrior Princess: Series Finale (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beaches (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Steel Magnolias (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Bodyguard (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vertical Limit (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Patriot Games (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tommy Boy (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Butcher's Wife (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Mars (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spaceballs (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Nutty Professor (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hunt for Red October (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Space Cowboys (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gremlins (1984); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Switching Goals (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Driving Miss Daisy (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Showtime (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Rose (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Time to Kill (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Crimson Tide (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Turner and Hooch (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shallow Hal (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Indecent Proposal (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Major League II (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Clockwork Orange (1971); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Waterworld (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Pie (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Six Days (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A League of Their Own (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Three Men and a Baby (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 48 Hrs. (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Specimen (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Place in the Sun (1951); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Children of the Corn 3: Urban Harvest (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: City of Angels (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Creepshow 2 (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Darkman II: The Return of Durant (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Singer (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mighty Ducks (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Philadelphia (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking Now (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Saturn 3 (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Prophecy (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reservoir Dogs (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop III (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lock (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Better Tomorrow II (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Damien: Omen II (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Action Jackson (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cop and a Half (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 3 (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Noon (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Officer and a Gentleman (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What Lies Beneath (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypse Now (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Terminator (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Delta Force 2: Operation Stranglehold (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Natural Born Killers (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop II (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 2: Extreme Edition (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brother (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Collector (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th: Part 7: The New Blood (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries (Widescreen) (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Street Fighter (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Howling (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Fly / The Fly 2 (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Copycat (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Thelma & Louise: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Total Recall (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hannibal (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: You've Got Mail (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batman (1989); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tomb Raider (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Leaving Las Vegas (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Planet (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: She's All That (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Graduate (1967); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cape Fear (1962); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ring (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: K-911 (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Onion Field (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Clerks (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eat Drink Man Woman (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crooklyn (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Barbarella (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whale Rider (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wizard of Oz: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chinatown (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Birds (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wiz (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Licence to Kill (1989); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ma Vie En Rose (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Husbands and Wives (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Deer Hunter (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jo Jo Dancer (1986); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Speed (1994); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Pagemaster (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: City on Fire (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Liar Liar (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Supercop 2 (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Three Stooges: Merry Mavericks (1951); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reindeer Games (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Drunken Master (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Woman in Red (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Flintstones (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Code of Silence (1985); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Porky's (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bringing Down the House (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: True Romance (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Judge Dredd (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jamie Foxx: I Might Need Security (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twins (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Soul Man (1986); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rocky (1976); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mimic 2: Hardshell (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jackie Chan's Project A (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Point Break (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th: Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moby Dick (1956); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Do the Right Thing (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Romancing the Stone (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Phenomenon (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Finding Forrester (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Predator: Collector's Edition (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spawn: The Movie (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eraser (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Nemesis (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hannah and Her Sisters (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Citizen Kane (1941); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boogie Nights (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cocktail (1988); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mighty Joe Young (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Stepmom (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The 6th Day (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: House Party 2 (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Summer Catch (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Crocodile Dundee (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Psycho (1960); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Haunted Honeymoon (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jaws 2 (1978); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Instinct (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th: Part 4: The Final Chapter (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coming to America (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bring It On (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Superman II (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Backdraft (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Animal (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters 2 (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jerry Maguire (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Karate Kid Part III / The Next Karate Kid (1989); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raising Arizona (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Body Heat (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beetlejuice (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th: Part 6: Jason Lives (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The One (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Day of the Dead (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Car Wash (1976); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Raisin in the Sun (1961); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Replacements (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tango & Cash (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Haunting (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kindergarten Cop (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 8 (1961); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: X-Men: The Legend of Wolverine (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GoldenEye (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pumpkinhead (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scanners (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Albino Alligator (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Stroker Ace (1983); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Full Metal Jacket (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Varsity Blues (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Kiss of the Dragon (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tomorrow Never Dies (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Three Stooges: Sing a Song of Six Pants (1947); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 4 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 12 (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 1984 (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stargate SG-1: Season 2 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Adder (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Three Stooges: Nutty but Nice (1940); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 28 Days Later (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Halloween II (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cradle Will Rock (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Queer as Folk: Season 1 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 2 (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Rushmore (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alias: Season 2 (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Kentucky Fried Movie (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The West Wing: Season 1 (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Sid & Nancy (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sopranos: Season 3 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: House of Cards Trilogy III: The Final Cut (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Shop of Horrors (1986); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Usual Suspects (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 1 (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 24: Season 1 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caddyshack (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Groundhog Day (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 10 (1961); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 6 (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scrooged (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace: Bonus Material (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 27: The Day of the Devil (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: The Ark in Space (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 2 (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Super Mario Bros. (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Children of Dune (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 4 (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Angel: Season 2 (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th: Part 2 (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Three Stooges: Spook Louder (1943); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Sopranos: Season 2 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: What About Bob? (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Friday the 13th (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 11 (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kingpin (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 24: Season 2 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tootsie (1982); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 3 (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Best in Show (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Panic Room (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hulk (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: X2: X-Men United (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chinese Box (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bend It Like Beckham (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Asoka (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jaws (1975); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Logan's Run (1976); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fantasia 2000 (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Way We Were (1973); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rollerball (1975); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Powerpuff Girls: Down 'n' Dirty (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The English Patient (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jungle Fever (1991); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix: Reloaded (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: American Psycho (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gone in 60 Seconds (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Anna and the King (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: A Bug's Life (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Powerpuff Girls: Powerpuff Bluff (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Road Warrior (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Das Boot (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Get Carter (1971); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fantastic Voyage / Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1966); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stigmata (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: EDtv (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Shining (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Abyss (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crow (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Pitch Black (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Live and Let Die (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vertigo (1958); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (1968); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: K-Pax (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Blob (1958); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Children of the Corn (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Dwarf: Series 3 (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hellraiser V: Inferno (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Wallace & Gromit in Three Amazing Adventures (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aliens: Collector's Edition (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cujo (1983); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: This Is Spinal Tap (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Back to School (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Babylon 5: Season 4 (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Croupier (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Blob (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once Bitten (1985); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Jason and the Argonauts (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gerry (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Shipping News (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Sea of Trouble (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Farscape: Season 1 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: One Hour Photo (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Snatch (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scarface: 20th Anniversary Edition (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Body Snatchers (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jackie Brown: Collector's Series (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Die Another Day (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bear in the Big Blue House: Sleepy Time (1998); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Stephen King's Cat's Eye (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Annie Hall (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Great Dictator (1940); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Time in China (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Daddy Day Care (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Re-Animator (1985); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Vicar of Dibley: Series 2 and Specials (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Iron Giant: Special Edition (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Child's Play (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy (1959); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coupling: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Candyman (1992); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Time Machine (1960); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: House of Games (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Exorcist 3 (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Misery (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Labyrinth (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Phone Booth (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Girlfight (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Babylon 5: Season 3 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Powerpuff Girls: The Mane Event (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fresh (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Phantasm (1979); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Red Dwarf: Series 3: Bonus Material (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highlander: Season 2 (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lilo and Stitch (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boyz N the Hood (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Vacation (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nine to Five (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Brady Bunch Movie (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On Golden Pond (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Traces of Red (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Scream (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Look Who's Talking (1989); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Ship (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Justice League: Justice on Trial (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Silence of the Lambs (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Addams Family (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Barbershop (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Batman: The Animated Series: Out of the Shadows (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Soul Food: Season 1 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mask: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dances With Wolves: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vatel (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sling Blade (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mummy Returns (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Big Momma's House (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Unfaithful (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Insomnia (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gone with the Wind: Collector's Edition (1939); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scary Movie (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Orange County (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The World Is Not Enough (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Analyze This (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Soul Food (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Batman Returns (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Platoon (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Love & Basketball (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Friday (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Great Gatsby (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sound of Music (1965); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Batman & Robin (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Good Times: Season 1 (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Jerk (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 8 Mile (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Home Alone (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Blazing Saddles (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: True Lies (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Terms of Endearment (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Man with Two Brains (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cast Away (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Batman Forever (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: What's Love Got to Do with It (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Naked Gun (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Waterboy (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Blair Witch Project (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Man Called Horse (1970); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Big (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Face/Off (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blow (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Malcolm X (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life: Special Edition (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Batman: The Animated Series: Tales of the Dark Knight (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monkey Shines (1988); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I Am Sam (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Taxi Driver (1976); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just Cause (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Following (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Igby Goes Down (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Todd McFarlane's Spawn (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Planner (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Benny Hill: Golden Classics (1969); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Adder Back & Forth (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Absolutely Fabulous: Series 2 (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: French & Saunders: Living in a Material World (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fever Pitch (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Black Adder II (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Absolutely Fabulous: Series 1 (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Young Ones: Every Stoopid Episode (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Absolutely Fabulous: Absolutely Special (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MI-5: Vol. 1 (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lantana (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Akira (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Adder III (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just Married (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Blue Planet: Seas of Life: Tidal Seas - Coasts (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Challenge of the Superfriends: United They Stand (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Vicar of Dibley: Series 3 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Absolutely Fabulous: Series 4 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Office: Series 1 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Much Ado About Nothing (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Dwarf: Series 4 (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gorky Park (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fawlty Towers: The Complete Set (1975); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gosford Park (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Dwarf: Series 4: Bonus Material (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ballykissangel: Series 1 (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chicken Run (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jeeves and Wooster: Season 1 (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Poirot: Peril at End House (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Medicine Man (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Absolutely Fabulous: Series 3 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde 2: Red (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: The Aztecs (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SpongeBob SquarePants: Nautical Nonsense / Sponge Buddies (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Legends of the Fall (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Taken (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The City of Lost Children (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rules of Engagement (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fitzcarraldo (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Justice League (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silkwood (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Brigade (1968); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Devil's Own (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Two Can Play That Game (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Poltergeist (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sixteen Candles (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Species II (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Breathless (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planes (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jason Goes to Hell (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Freaky Friday (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moonstruck (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chain Reaction (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Forever Young (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Goldfinger (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flatliners (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Armed and Dangerous (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Toy (1982); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Timecop (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hard to Kill (1990); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Overboard (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping With the Enemy (1991); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: See No Evil (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boomerang (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Trading Places (1983); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: St. Elmo's Fire (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: High Crimes (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Pelican Brief (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Stand by Me (1986); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bio-Dome (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Less Than Zero (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: In the Name of the Father (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: An American Werewolf in London (1981); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Thunderball (1965); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From Russia With Love (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 23: The Death of the Self (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Manhattan (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Exorcist: Restored Version (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stripes (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Flashdance (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Peggy Sue Got Married (1986); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jason's Lyric (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dr. No (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Date With an Angel (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Passenger 57 (1992); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fleetwood Mac: The Dance (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dragnet (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Airplane! (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: First Contact (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Presidio (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hot Chick (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Poetic Justice (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Heat (1988); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Juror (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Kramer vs. Kramer (1979); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The First Wives Club (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Volcano (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Housesitter (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: South Park: Bigger (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harold and Maude (1971); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pet Sematary (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blade Runner (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Species (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pretty in Pink (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Amigos (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grease (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Courage Under Fire (1996); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dave (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Harry (1972); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Exorcist (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Metro (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Xanadu (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Out-of-Towners (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Frida (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Return of the Dragon (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Calle 54 (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Farscape: Season 4 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eve's Bayou (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shadowraiders (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: High Fidelity (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chasing Amy (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Minds (1995); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Dolittle (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Flubber (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Net (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Specialist (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: National Geographic: Inside Mecca (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Harlem Nights (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: For Your Eyes Only (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Professional (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Trainspotting (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Conan the Barbarian (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scorpion King (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mimic (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Heat: Special Edition (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Golden Child (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Child's Play 2: Chucky's Back (1990); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: House on Haunted Hill (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Escape from New York (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stargate SG-1: Season 4 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Underworld (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Donnie Brasco (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edward Scissorhands (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lawrence of Arabia (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spies Like Us (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Breakfast Club (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Big Chill (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tron (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Top Gun (1986); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gorillas in the Mist (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sexy Beast (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Queer as Folk: Season 3 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night of the Living Dead (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Papillon (1973); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Pie 2 (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: The Power of Kroll (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All About Eve (1950); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 3 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lover (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: White Men Can't Jump (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rebel Without a Cause: Special Edition (1955); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boys Don't Cry (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hellraiser (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Big Trouble in Little China (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: You Only Live Twice (1967); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 1 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lean on Me (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Fish Called Wanda (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Basic Instinct (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: New Jack City: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highlander: Season 1 (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Man Walking (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Poets Society (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Xena: Warrior Princess: Season 1 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Dancer Upstairs (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: sex (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Running Man (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ronin (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wayne's World 2 (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Birdcage (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highlander (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brassed Off (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Commitments (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Farewell My Concubine (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gallipoli (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Joy Luck Club (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Office Space (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Streetcar Named Desire (1951); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jurassic Park III (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: To Kill a Mockingbird (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rear Window (1954); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Father Ted: Series 1-2 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: The Original Series: Vols. 29-40 (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: The Original Series: Vols. 16-28 (1967); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The League of Gentlemen: Series 1 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Enter the Dragon: Special Edition (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Dwarf: Series 1 (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 36 (1961); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GoodFellas: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reign of Fire (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns (1969); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Parenthood (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Voyager: Season 5 (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highlander: Season 4 (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stargate SG-1: Season 7 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 39 (1960); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Identity (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Top Secret! (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heathers (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Psycho 2 (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Children of a Lesser God (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?: Special Edition (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stargate SG-1: Season 5 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: All the President's Men (1976); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Real Genius (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 28 (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Election (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ghost World (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Risky Business (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Never Been Kissed (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Demolition Man (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Office Special (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highlander: Season 3 (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Long Goodbye (1973); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Predator 2 (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marvin's Room (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stargate SG-1: Season 3 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Derailed (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Cry Freedom (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Universal Soldier (1992); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gandhi (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Out of Africa (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nixon (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highlander: Finale (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rookie (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Cry in the Dark (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stargate SG-1: Season 6 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Big Easy (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Emperor (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Places in the Heart (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Frequency (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 24 (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Animal House (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Dwarf: Series 2 (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Killing Fields (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Breaking Away (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JFK: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monsoon Wedding (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Johnny English (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Absolutely Fabulous: Series 5 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Lonely Guy (1984); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Enterprise: Season 1 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 30: The Daughters of Cain (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coach Carter (2005); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Training Day (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 28: Twilight of the Gods (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 42 (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Casino: 10th Anniversary Edition (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 37 (1961); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To Catch a Thief (1955); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ballykissangel: Series 2 (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Farscape: Season 2 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cannonball Run (1981); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lifeforce (1985); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Strangelove (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arrested Development: Season 1 (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 29 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Life of David Gale (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Queer as Folk: Season 4 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Voyager: Season 6 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 40 (1962); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary: Special Edition (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Powerpuff Girls: Meet the Beat-Alls (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tender Mercies (1983); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Six Feet Under: Season 2 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Voyager: Season 7 (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seven Year Itch (1955); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Road Trip (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Voyager: Season 4 (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American History X (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sopranos: Season 5 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sunset Boulevard (1950); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Oz: Season 5 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 5 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stargate Atlantis: Rising (Pilot Episode) (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The NeverEnding Story (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 6: Part 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Farscape: Season 3 (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Aristocats (1970); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: When We Were Kings (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Raging Bull (1980); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mulholland Drive (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ben-Hur: Collector's Edition (1959); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Trainspotting: Collector's Edition (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alfie (1966); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 12 Monkeys (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Office: Series 2 (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy Rider (1969); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Iron Monkey (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stardust Memories (1980); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 6: Part 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Treasures of the Twilight Zone (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 26: Deadly Slumber (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: Carnival of Monsters (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: Resurrection of the Daleks (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: The Armageddon Factor (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: The Dalek Invasion of Earth (1964); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: Pyramids of Mars (Ep. 82) (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 31 (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 14 (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: Seeds of Death (1966); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Spanglish (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 8MM (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Henry & June (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Finding Nemo (Widescreen) (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pi: Faith in Chaos (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Core (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Down With Love (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hellboy (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nine Queens (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Trek: Voyager: Season 1 (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr. & Mrs. Bridge (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 33 (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hurricane (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13 (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Life of Mammals (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Movie (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Zhivago (1965); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nosferatu: Original Version (1929); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bad Boys II (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dracula (1931); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Dwarf: Series 5 (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Brothers (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Footloose: Special Collector's Edition (1984); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bowling for Columbine (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Moscow on the Hudson (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Back to the Future Part II (1989); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Roman Holiday (1953); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fever Pitch (2005); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Funny Girl (1968); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Highlander: Unholy Alliance (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleepers (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scent of a Woman (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Passage to India (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Story of the Weeping Camel (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: M (1931); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hoodlum (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Crying Game: Collector's Edition (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Joe Dirt (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 29: The Way Through the Woods (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Who: Earthshock (Ep. 122) (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fools Rush In (1996); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Empire of the Sun (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Willow (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Miss Evers' Boys (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Robotech (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Waiting to Exhale (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 21 (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Babylon 5: Season 2 (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Da Ali G Show: Season 1 (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Seven (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Catch Me If You Can (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 34 (1960); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oz: Season 1 (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Goonies (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From Dusk Till Dawn (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Higher Learning (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batteries Not Included (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fifth Element (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Airheads (1994); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Remains of the Day (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chappelle's Show: Season 2 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Dwarf: Series 6 (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 32: The Wench Is Dead (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Witches of Eastwick (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vera Drake (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Room with a View: Special Edition (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season 1 (1955); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Age of Innocence (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Twilight Zone: Vol. 5 (1963); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 21: Dead on Time (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spy Game (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lost Boys: Special Edition (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wall Street (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inspector Morse 14: Driven to Distraction (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Billy Elliot (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dogtown and Z-Boys (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Babylon 5: A Call to Arms (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cheech & Chong's Still Smokin (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Every Which Way But Loose (1978); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghosts of Mississippi (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: What a Girl Wants (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Field of Dreams (1989); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Ten Commandments (1956); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Highlander: Counterfeit (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spartacus (1960); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Winged Migration (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary (Rerelease) (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Gunning for God: Why the New Atheists are Missing the Target; Author: Visit Amazon's John C Lennox Page; Review: Relevant; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Atheist Who Didn't Exist: Or the Dreadful Consequences of Bad Arguments; Author: Visit Amazon's Andy Bannister Page; Review: A must-read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Against the Flow: The Inspiration of Daniel in an Age of Relativism; Author: Visit Amazon's John C Lennox Page; Review: Timely, outstanding; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mighty Acts of God: A Family Bible Story Book; Author: Visit Amazon's Starr Meade Page; Review: highly recommend; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wondrous Works of God: A Family Bible Story Book; Author: Visit Amazon's Starr Meade Page; Review: highly recommend; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: NETGEAR AC1900 Mesh WiFi Extender, Seamless Roaming, One WiFi Name, Works with Any WiFi; Brand: NETGEAR; Review: Provided no improvement whatsoever. Replaced with a $40 Belkin extender for outstanding results.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Logitech Wireless Mouse M325 with Designed-For-Web Scrolling - Light Silver; Brand: Logitech; Review: As advertised.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bargains Depot Capacitive Stylus/Styli 2-in-1 Universal Touch Screen Pen for All Touch Screen Tablets; Brand: Bargains Depot; Review: Nothing wrong with the product, I just prefer one with the pen inside.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: AmazonBasics Digital Optical Audio Toslink Cable - 3.28 Feet (1 Meter); Brand: AmazonBasics; Review: Works as advertised.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Logitech M325c Wireless Optical Mouse Marc Monkey; Brand: Logitech; Review: As advertised.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Logitech M325c Wireless Mouse Facets 910-004445; Brand: Logitech; Review: As advertised.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CCIVV Stylus, 4 Pcs 5.0 Inches Hybrid Mesh Fiber Tip Stylus Pens for Touch Screen, Compatible with iPad,; Brand: CCIVV; Review: Works fine, but should have ordered ones with pen inside pad.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Power Switches (HB-UM43); Brand: Sabrent; Review: Simple, as described, works perfectly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Hansgrohe 28276003 Techniflex B Hose, 63-Inch, Chrome; Brand: Hansgrohe; Review: Had to replace the old one which broke. It works, it's fine - wish it were actual metal, but that's not an option. Other than that, no complaints. Product is as described, and shipping was quick. Thanks.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Watco 65241 Danish Oil Wood Finish, Quart, Cherry; Brand: Rust-Oleum; Review: This is hands down, the absolute best stain there is. I use it, my father used it, as did my grandfather. It give the wood such a beautiful finish, unlike any other product. I used to get it at Home Depot or Lowe's, where it's usually cheaper, but in the last few years, their stock is sporadic so like a lot of things, I just get it on Amazon now. I've used all their stain colors, from the Teak, to the natural, and the medium walnut and dark walnut. The dark walnut is my favorite. I highly recommend it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Energizer CR1632 3 Volt Lithium Coin Battery (pack of 5); Brand: Energizer; Review: Great batteries and fast shipping, came just as fast as prime and the batteries did what they were supposed to. Not sure what else to say since batteries aren't anything I can get that excited about, but they certainly work as expected. :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TORK SA220 15 Amp Zip Set Digital Outdoor Stake Timer with Seven Outlets; Brand: Tork; Review: Good, solid timer. A little complicated to set, with all the different features - it could be simplified and that would be preferable. (Do we really need the option to set the timer by area code?) But it works great, it's solid, I can tell it's going to last a long time and I'm happy with it. Can be used indoors or out and also has the ability to (easily) screw it into the wall, no measuring the screws and hope they match up perfectly. Cord is solid - I wish it were longer though. And this is VERY expensive - almost twice what the other ones are. That being said - I bought one of the other ones first and it was broken upon arrival, so I guess you get what you pay for. Overall, happy with it, and when another one of my older timers breaks, I'll buy another one of these.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Philips LED Non-Dimmable A19 Frosted Light Bulb: 450-Lumen, 2700-Kelvin, 5.5-Watt (40-Watt Equivalent), E26 Medium Screw Base, Soft White, 16-Pack; Brand: Philips LED; Review: Pretty stoked on these lights! I finally changed out all my crappy squiggly flourescents which I don't like at all - they were supposed to be an environmentally friendly alternative to the old traditional bulbs...then it turns out they're full of mercury and have to be disposed of like toxic waste. So I finally removed them all and put in all LED bulbs - and I love the new light! Makes so much difference. And what a great price too. Highly recommend these bulbs! If you're on the fence - go for it. You'll be glad you did.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Keeney PP836-74VBL Tank Lever Faucet Style, Oil Rubbed Bronze; Brand: Keeney; Review: These look so cool and are so easy to install. I've put them on all my toilets as well as the toilets in my rentals and my mom and dad's house. There are several to chose from and they're all cool. I like the oil-rubbed bronze. The faucet-looking ones are great too. Who would've though a toilet handle would've made such a difference in style? I'll never go back to using regular old ugly toilet handles again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Chessex Opaque 12mm d6 Green w/White Dice Block 36 Dice; Brand: Chessex; Review: These dice are easy to throw in a bag and bring to a party. They are tiny, however, so those with dogs and small children beware!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black & White Pair of Panda Baby Booties Foot Rattles; Brand: Genius Baby Toys; Review: Not only are they adorable, they became my 12an old daughter's favorite toy even when they were off her feet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Superfight: 500-Card Core Deck; Brand: Superfight; Review: Very fun game for 2 or 12! Even though technically the game is for 2-4, we broke into teams and had a great time. It is fast paced and easy to learn. Fun at a family party after dinner. Younger kids will have fun too, but adults might have to explain what a few things are (not inappropriate things, just beyond the average 6 year old's vocabulary); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Learning Journey: Lift & Learn 123 Number Puzzle - Pictures Underneath Each Piece; Brand: The Learning Journey; Review: This puzzle always attracts the attention of my 2 year old and her friends. Great puzzle that also practices shape and color vocabulary and matching. Well made. A great buy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Follow Your Nose Bingo Game; Brand: Sentosphere USA; Review: Fun Game! My toddler has a little trouble getting the lids off, but she is younger than the suggested ages. The scents are true to what they are supposed to be and there is a good variety of smells.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Bath Toy Organizer Features Improved Large 2 Extra Bonus Suction Cups- Powerful Bath Toy Bag Is Rated; Brand: Zen Pro Logic; Review: One of the suction cup broke right away. And i guess we have a lot of bath toys because it still isn't really big enough for our bath toys.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Educational Insights Koala Capers Game; Brand: Educational Insights; Review: I got this for my 2.5 year old daughter and was at an almost perfect level for her abilities. We simplified the rules a bit, but she likes matching the pattern on the dice to the fun clothes on the koala cards. The only thing confusing is the 'wildcard' symbol of a star on one side of the die. At her age, she kept insisting that it meant she needed to find clothes with stars on them (which there aren't). I wouldn't fault the game for this since she is a little younger than the recommended age.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Barbecue Party Game -- Put Food on the BBQ Grill Before it Goes Flying Off; Brand: Goliath Games; Review: This is a great toy for my 2.5 year old. The tongs make her practice pinching fine motor skills. She likes matching the food to the cards. I think the grill plate has great variety when it comes to how soon it will spring. Sometimes after 2 pieces, sometimes after more than 6! My only complaint is that there is only one tongs. Sharing those with other little kids is the one part of the game that is hardest for daughter!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Samsung Galaxy S2 / SII int'l unlocked version (Model# GT-i9100) Screen Protector, REALOOK screen protector for Samsung Galaxy S2; Brand: AItszon; Review: Fine; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Aibocn MFi Certified 30Pin Sync Charging cable for iPod Classic iPod Nano iPod Touch iPhone 4S 4 iPad 3 2; Brand: Aibocn; Review: Perfect; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: [6-Pack] Supershieldz- Anti-Bubble High Definition Clear Screen Protector for HTC Desire 510 / Desire 512 + Lifetime Replacements Warranty; Brand: Supershieldz; Review: OK; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: HTC Desire 510 Case, COVRWARE 3 in 1 Bundle; Brand: COVRWARE; Review: OK; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Silicone Case / Skin / Cover for Samsung Vibrant T959 / T959V Galaxy S 4G; Brand: Cbus Wireless; Review: Fine; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Little Star: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's John Ajvide Lindqvist Page; Review: I was so disapointed with this book. Even though I read it to the end, my frustration just grew and grew. To me there seemed to be a common thread between the 2 girls, but no explanation of how or why. Not even a supernatural thread. I'm sorry I bought this and will be sure to get a "preview" of any other book written by this author, just to make sure I am not this disapointed again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Wading Home: A Novel of New Orleans; Author: Rosalyn Story; Review: This was very interesting story. The characters were believeable and likeable. However, it got a little too wordy at times.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cat Magic; Author: Jonathan Barry; Review: Good grief........I would have given this book four stars except for the superfluous fifty or so pages of blah blah blah; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: NOS4A2: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Joe Hill Page; Review: It kept Me riveted from first page to last I highly recommended Joe hill to anyone who loves a great great spine tingling read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fashionably Dead: Book One of the Hot Damned Series (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Robyn Peterman Page; Review: First time I read this authors' works, and I must say definitely NOT the last!! What a hoot!!!! If you're not sure about the subject matter, let me tell you that it's not typical "vampire" lore. But, having said that, you must, and I will emphasize MUST read this book. I'm about to order the others in this series. Marie; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Buried Book; Author: Visit Amazon's D. M. Pulley Page; Review: Would recommend this book to everyone, except children of course. As I started to say sorry this review is written upside down. It's my first time, and,well, we all know how THAT is.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Say Goodbye for Now; Author: Visit Amazon's Catherine Ryan Hyde Page; Review: I gave this book 5 stars because I loved the way the characters were fleshed out. The civil rights movement was so important to this story, and the way it was interwoven with Dr. Lucy's heart was incredible. I defy anyone who reads this to come away unmoved.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Fools Crow; Author: Visit Amazon's Fools Crow Page; Review: Thomas Mails kept his promise to Fools Crow and told his full story in this book (in his first book about Fools Crow, Fools Crow told him not to include some information until after his death) but he does not really answer why Fools Crow picked him to write his biography except that the Great Spirit told him to - well it was a good choice! Richard A. Robinson; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Among Stone Giants: The Life of Katherine Routledge and Her Remarkable Expedition to Easter Island (Lisa Drew Books); Author: Visit Amazon's Jo Anne Van Tilburg Page; Review: Jo Anne Van Tilburg & Katherine Routledge have much in common. Jo Anne did a great justice to her Richard A. Robinson; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Breaking the Maya Code; Author: Visit Amazon's Michael D. Coe Page; Review: I was totally entertained and enlightened about the inter workings of the academic inter world and the infighting and personalities.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Popol; Author: Visit Amazon's Dennis Tedlock Page; Review: The Mayan culture as seen through one of their own documents was very eye opening. I have always thought of the Mayan as a people mostly interested in Astronomy but this book (although the original Popol Vuh translation was written under duress) shows a more diverse and warlike people.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Destruction of the Bison: An Environmental History, 1750-1920 (Studies in Environment and History); Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew C. Isenberg Page; Review: a very fair discussion about a American event which still affects us all. I recommend the book as it covers not only the Destruction of the Bison but also the historical milieu of the time which caused the event(s).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: To Dance on Sands: The Life and Art of Death Valley's Marta Becket; Author: Marta Becket; Review: Interesting and well written review of Marta Beckett's life struggles with her dreams and reality of living with family problems. Her dreams appear to win out! Good for her, I wish I had seen one of her performances in Death Valley. A visit to the Opera House is on my bucket list!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Berkshire Kicks Silky Sheer Stockings - Sandalfoot 1550; Brand: ; Review: Love that they don't have the sticky liner/band in the top. I'm a little curvy so ordered a size up. They fit nicely around my thigh (doesn't create a dent) but they're a bit shorter than I expected (and I'm only 5'2").; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Keds Women's Champion Original Canvas Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: Very cute and classic. I love that these are coming back in style. Mine had a small smudge on the side but was able to clean it off. They were a bit larger than I expected but don't think I could do a half size down. Very comfortable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Keds Women's Champion Original Canvas Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: Very cute and classic. I love that these are coming back in style. Mine had a small smudge on the side but was able to clean it off. They were a bit larger than I expected but don't think I could do a half size down. Very comfortable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Extra Large Sunglasses Hard Case, Protective Holder for Oversized Glasses; Brand: OptiPlix; Review: Love the bright blue inside. Works well. I don't have the huge glasses so mine fit well. No issues.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Seychelles Women's Dress Code Dress Pump; Brand: Seychelles; Review: These are gorgeous. The sole is incredibly comfortable. The strap over the toe rubs a little but I'm hoping they just need to be broken in. I'm usually am 8 but bought the 7.5 and they fit perfectly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: FOCUSSEXY 10 x Nipple Pasties Nippleless Cover; Brand: FOCUSSEXY; Review: I'm a D cup and these worked pretty well. I needed the girls to be up and over for a low cut dress and they held up for a good 4 hours. Did have some red marks after but everything was fine the next day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Bela s B B; City: San Cristobal de las Casas Southern Mexico; Review: Although it's been awhile since we spent 10 wonderful days with Bela, we would definitely stay again when visiting San Cristobal as her B&B is as comfy as being at home: warm, friendly staff, charming, cozy rooms, a fabulous and filling breakfast, beautiful central courtyard with garden and, of course, Bela herself who's a wealth of great information about the area and one of the most enjoyable characters you'll meet in a lifetime. When we asked how best to visit the Lakes at Montebello, she arranged a car and driver for us for the entire day at a very reasonable price. She also helped my sister and I find some of the more obscure and less popular attractions like the Medicine Museum and Sergio Castro's Costume Museum which is by appointment only but definitely not to be missed. This is the first review I've ever written for Trip Advisor as I've yet to find such a special and charming place as Bela's that truly has it all.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Suites Amberes; City: Mexico City Central Mexico and Gulf Coast; Review: My sister and I booked a 2-bedroom suite that was more like an apartment with spacious rooms, a modern bathroom and full kitchen amenities. There's a lovely rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the City. Breakfast was included and not limited to the usual sparse choices at other hotels so you can order anything from an extensive menu, including cappuccino or espresso. There are many other restaurant choices in the area and strolling the cobblestone streets is pleasant and safe. The front desk staff were very helpful with maps, directions and suggestions and security is 24/7, also warm and friendly. These Suites are located 3 blocks south from the main public bus lines on Reforma and 3 blocks north from the Metro so you can get anywhere in the City quickly and cheaply (5-6 pesos or less than 50 US cents). We loved returning to our peacefully quiet suite in Zona Rosa after hectic, noisy, crowded days in the Historic District and will definitely stay here again whenever we visit Mexico City.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meson Sacristia De La Compania; City: Puebla Central Mexico and Gulf Coast; Review: I think that one has a right to expect a certain level of service and amenities in a pricey boutique hotel, therefore, the Meson was quite disappointing, except for Andres, the young man usually at the front desk during the daytime who managed to resolve all the problems we experienced in our 4 day stay last May. We were presented with an enormous medieval key to our room which required the assistance of someone on the staff to lock and unlock our door each time we came or went. On entering our very spacious room, which was nicely decorated and furnished with lovely period pieces but so dimly lit that reading in bed at night was virtually impossible, we were met with a strong sewer smell from the dark and miniscule bathroom; it never went away and the single light bulb poorly placed on the wall beside the sink didn't cast enough light onto the mirror for more than tooth brushing. Forget applying make-up. The coffee maker didn't work our first night so Andres said he'd send up a replacement next morning. When that one also didn't work, I switched the wall plug to the outlet behind my bed which proved that it was the wall outlet that had been faulty, not the coffee maker. Since the cord wasn't long enough for the coffee maker to sit on the bureau, an extension cord was provided which snaked its way along one side of my bed to the bureau and had to be unplugged before retiring every night to avoid serious injury. The wall plug was never repaired during our stay. The second night I inadvertently kicked one of my sister's shoes under her bed and when she pulled it and her hand out from under, it was clear that a mop hadn't been pushed under there since the 18th century. It was filthy and her hands were black! We always pay for our meals in cash as we travel to keep accounts straight. We had dinner one night in the hotel restaurant and another afternoon I had one glass of wine while we played cards there. The waiter insisted I'd had 2 glasses because that's what was on the bill and the manager refused my request to come talk with me, sending the waiter back again who ultimately adjusted the bill but never apologized for their error. Imagine our surprise when we checked out to find a restaurant tab for 887 pesos on our hotel bill! Another problem for Andres who had it removed as we had never signed for the meal or glass of wine, always paying with cash (and including generous tips) but by check-out we were really frustrated and annoyed with this place. Apparently, there is zero communication between the restaurant and front desk so double charging must be a regular occurrence. Too bad as the food was excellent and I'd recommend having their sampler mole plate for dinner as long as you're not staying here. Come, eat, pay cash and leave! We enjoyed lovely cappuccinos with our first; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Los Arcos; City: Taxco Pacific Coast; Review: Location is perfect on a side street just 2-3 blocks from the main plaza (where most of the other hotels are) which can get quite noisy. Beautiful old building, large charming courtyard and spacious rustically decorated rooms without a/c but 2 opposite windows providing excellent ventilation. Ours faced the street so was a bit noisy until about midnight but otherwise very quiet. Our only not-so-pleasant experience was the restaurant which occupies part of the courtyard but, apparently, is no longer affiliated with the hotel. When we asked at the hotel desk about breakfast, which we like to take before setting off for the day, we were informed - somewhat stiffly - that the restaurant was no longer associated with the hotel. We checked out several other hotels and came to the conclusion that, despite the lack of a restaurant on the premises, Los Arcos would still be our first choice of hotel in Taxco as the rooms and bath were clean and the staff very pleasant.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quinta Del Rey Hotel; City: Toluca Central Mexico and Gulf Coast; Review: My sister and I usually prefer the center of town because we enjoy walking to attractions and exploring on foot. This wasn't possible in Toluca as it's not a usual tourist destination for foreigners, catering more to business travelers and locals for events, thus, we had to choose a hotel on the outskirts of town - and did we ever pick the right one, on the border of Toluca and Metepec, both cities we wanted to visit. We were greeted by a young man named Eligio who introduced himself as the bell boy but he was ever so much more than that in a thousand little ways during our 4 day stay and I hope his boss has the good sense to promote him to concierge so the hotel doesn't loose the treasure they have in this warm, friendly and genuinely helpful young man. We were concerned about getting around but Eligio promptly arranged a private car and driver for us so we could come and go on our own schedule and not worry about transportation. It was much less expensive than you'd think, too. The hacienda style layout has the public and meeting rooms in the front building facing the busy street. A small garden separates this from a second building behind, housing the guest rooms around an enormous and beautifully manicured garden with 2 large fountains. In my many years of travels, this was one of the quietest hotels I've ever had the pleasure to sleep in. Our room was actually a suite with the sleeping area separated from the sitting area by a low wall and pillars. A Juliette balcony overlooked the gardens which I took too many photos of as they really were a splendid and unexpected surprise, an oasis of tranquility. The spacious bathroom was tiled entirely in soft shades of pink and tan marble (even the ceiling) and it had both a shower and tub with a huge "gold" swan for a faucet! There's an on site spa, massage services and small swimming pool, none of which we tried as May was still quite chilly. We took most of our meals in the hotel restaurant which offered an a la carte menu and daily buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm not generally a fan of buffets but the choices here were so extensive, the food delicious and well-prepared and the cost so reasonable that we passed on the a la carte menu after our first buffet (and probably ate too much during our stay!) The many salad offerings were especially innovative as they included fruits, vegetables, nuts and sashimi and a variety of tasty dressing options. Not being a usual tourist destination, Toluca held many wonderful surprises for us, the biggest and best being the Quinta Del Rey Hotel, a true oasis just 2 hours from bustling Mexico City.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Amaranth Suvarnabhumi Airport BW Premier Collection by Best Western; City: Racha Thewa Samut ; Review: I stayed at Best Western Premier Amaranth hotel last 6th August 2010 one night during my honeymoon. Everything was very good, the transfer from the airport to the hotel, the reception, everything... Until 4.30 in the morning when some staff from the hotel or someone with access to the keys of the room broke into my room. Luckily I woke up with noise of the person brooking in. I know that was someone from the hotel because they opened the room door with the electronic key... I managed to push the person out in the dark and locked my door again. I called the reception that checked out what's going out and in two seconds said it was the maid. I went out of the room and saw no maid, no cleaning set near any other room, anything. I just left the hotel in that moment and had no apologies or discount from the management. I felt unsafe and threatened. I won't stay at this hotel ever again. Do not stay here.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lebua at State Tower; City: Bangkok; Review: I've been here with my wife during our honeymoon and stayed for 3 nights. I may say we found the concept of asian luxuary here at Lebua. Enormous rooms, perfectly clean, overwhelming views and a wonderful confy bed, just like we were sleeping in a cloud. The facilities matched with the description of the rooms - except for the spas center, where although we had a nice thay massage, the space were exiguous, noisy and overpriced. The breackfast seemed to be taken out of a Hollywood movie - note that that part wasn't filmed on Hangover 2. Finnaly let me just add that we've been there just after the riots, the hotel staff made us fell secure from the check in till the check out.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Green Lizard; City: Hvar Hvar Island Split Dalmatia County Dalmatia; Review: Been here two nights in August 2009. It is a very neat hostel, with very friendly staff. A hostel in the true sense of it without the, sometimes, nasty and dirty surprises. Nevertheless, you shall not forget that it is a hostel in one of the most classy islands of Croatia. Bottom line, it's worth the while if you want to keep tour budget low.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Thistle City Barbican Shoreditch; City: London England; Review: I stayed at this hotel for one night in a business trip. The location of the hotel, although very close to the City (London Finance Center) by cab, is poorly located once the closest tube station is in 15m walk through a suburban area where at night you may not feel very confortable. The lobby, the bar, the breakfast have all been recently refurbished and are nice areas to spent a few time. Although, the rooms are old and tiny and the toilets do not work properly. By comparison, I would say that at the Thistle Barbican you have a room very much like an EasyJet room but for twice the price (ok and it's not all orange, which is an advantage). In particular I did not like the disonesty of presenting some new and refurbished rooms in the website while the real ones had nothing to do with such photos. Overall I would say that it is not bad but for the price you would get a more value for money option and closer to the tube.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Senatus Hotel; City: Istanbul; Review: I stayed in Istanbul with my wife in holidays. We've stayed in Istanbul for 4 nights and then we went to Cappadocia for 3 nights and finally returned to Istanbul for 3 more nights. We were hosted in Senatus Hotel during all our time in Istanbul. Senatus defines itself as a boutique hotel in Sultanamet and in fact it really is if considered within the context of Istanbul. Although, not a boutique hotel as we have imagined it in the first place when in comparison with other boutique hotels where we've stayed. Nonetheless, this should not be taken as a low point of the hotel it is just a specific issue from our expectations and experiences. Regarding the hotel, our first advise would be to not let yourself have a first bad impression of the hotel due to the first contact with its owner/manager (a large guy at the reception) who may not seem very friendly either due to its poor english or to a shy personality. You shall overcome this as Senatus will give you a great experience in Istanbul. Senatus is wonderfully located deep in the heart of Sultanamet with all the main attractions within (true) walking distance. The rooms are superbly clean with simple and modern decoration. The towels are changed everyday! Our room was in the ground floor next to the elevator, as I saw from the glimpses that I had from the other rooms it was not a very good room (small with no natural light), although from there you could have wireless signal from the internet which should be only available at reception. If this is a main issue to you, you should ask a ground floor room, if not try to avoid in order to get a bigger room. The breakfast is simple and have all the basics to a continental menu and plenty turkish dishes with a lot of mixtures. This is funny at the beginning of your journey but after some days you may get a little bit tired of it due to the lack of variety if you prefer to keep a continental menu. The staff with exception to the ones working at the reception do not have a very good english and the ones at the restaurant struggle sometimes to attend simple requests. Nonetheless, everybody makes their best efforts for you to feel comfortable and to solve any issue that you may have. For example they confirmed our transfers and kept our luggage during our stay in Cappadocia without charging any extra fees. If we return to Istanbul we will definitely return to Senatus due to its central location and cleanliness of the hotel. Finally, we stayed in Istanbul during the Ramazan and it was a great cultural experience, we did not have any problems with drinking or eating during the day. Would recommend everybody to experience Istanbul during this holiday period and to have dinner in the park between the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofia together with locals after sunset.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Garden Cottage B B; City: Los Angeles California; Review: Inside the walled garden flowers bloom, fountains burble and hummingbirds bathe. What an unespected delight. Very private and upscale for the price. Breakfasts superb. Hosts caring and non-intrusive. All the reviews are accurate to the letter. We wanted to be near family in West Hollywood, and this spot provided walk-to access. Perfect!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Travelodge by Wyndham Culver City; City: Culver City California; Review: This was my third stay. I agree with all the comments other travelers have written, plus I'm extremely pleased with the location. I can get to and from LAX as well as other spots in LA quickly without using the freeways. Trader Joe's is just down the street to stock the in-room fridge and purchase road-food. Thank you, TripAdvisor, for steering me to this property with your helpful and honest reviews.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Roof Inn Suites Herkimer; City: Herkimer New York; Review: I booked this property based on TripAdvisor reviews and had a very disappointing experience. We had two one-nite stays during a trip east: July 17 and July 29. The stay on the 17th was great, no surprises. That room was upstairs, in the old part of the motel. The window was in the rear and no exterior light entered the room. However, on the 29th, we stayed in a room on the ground floor that faced the parking lot. There were no room darkening drapes for the huge window that spanned the entire width of the room, only a duette style shade that provided privacy. The bright light from the parking lot was impossible to ignore! We did not sleep much that night. When we checked out, I mentioned the light problem to the desk person who offered no sympathy. She said no on else had ever complained. She added that they had been full that night, and even if we'd called the desk to complain, they would have been unable to change us to another room. She offered no discount on our bill to compensate for this bad experience. I was stunned by this poor customer service experience, because in all other respects the property was fine, the staff was helpful. As an aside, restaurants are barely adequate. We arrived after 7pm on a Sunday night, and only fast food options were available. And they describe their Continental Breakfast as "healthy," but it offers little other than sugary carbohydrates and bread products. Not even a boiled egg. For the price of a dozen eggs, room darkening drapes and a sympathetic desk clerk, I would gladly give this property a top rating.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Market Street Inn; City: Wooster Ohio; Review: As a traveler with food allergies (gluten, egg, dairy), I still enjoyed a gourmet breakfast. Jane, the hostess, contacted me ahead of my visit and invited my suggestions for a "safe" meal. She was thoroughly accommodating in this and every other way, including a suggestion for a restaurant that would accommodate my food exclusions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Naples; City: Naples Florida; Review: Ample breakfast options, complimentary happy hour with snacks M-TH, coin laundry facilities. The room features a full kitchen with pans, towels, dishwasher, microwave, table w/ chairs, desk. Very accommodating, plenty of room. Convenient padded vanity stool at sink counter in dressing area. Fluffy towels, very comfortable bed, FEATHER PILLOWS! Staff friendly and helpful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Levi's Men's 501 Original-Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: Beautiful, neat cut and sew.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's Big and Tall 501 Original Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: Beautiful, neat cut and sew.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's 501 Original-Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: Beautiful, neat cut and sew.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's 501 Original-Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: Beautiful, neat cut and sew.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's 501 Original-Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: Beautiful, neat cut and sew.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clarks Women's Wave Ascent Sandal; Brand: ; Review: I like it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: FitFlop Women's Sling Webbing Thong Sandal; Brand: ; Review: Like its style, but not so neat.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fast and the Furious (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Happy Gilmore (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pearl Harbor (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Collector (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hot Chick (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: John Q (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gladiator (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Batman Forever (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: National Treasure (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Zurich Conspiracy; Author: Visit Amazon's Bernadette Calonego Page; Review: The Zurich Conspiracy It was a pretty good read for the price, especially when I discovered. it had been translated from German!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Requiem for an Assassin; Author: Visit Amazon's Barry Eisler Page; Review: A great thriller in the series....keeps you on the edge of your chair throughout, filled with great action and a super ending!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Fine and Dangerous Season; Author: Visit Amazon's Keith Raffel Page; Review: A really great read that seemed real to one who lived during this crisis. Factual characters of the actual event make it seem as though you are part of history in the making. Raffle really nails the actions of Kennedy and his gang in the White House during the critical days leading up to the crisis.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JET II - Betrayal (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Russell Blake Page; Review: If U like action and CIA type thrillers U will find this a good read. Action packed suspense based on Asia....great stuff for those who like high drama.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Magician's Assistant CD; Author: Visit Amazon's Ann Patchett Page; Review: It was worth reading but not great. A different storyline so that was good. Lots of characters and relationships to keep you going.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Telling the Bees; Author: Visit Amazon's Peggy Hesketh Page; Review: This has a very different story line. Many of the books I read are variations of the same themes. The characters were not worldly and quite small townish which I found refreshing. The book seemed to be more of a character study than relating to a plot....but it all comes together. A plus for some is the true information on how bees live. A worth reading book for sure.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: JET III - Vengeance (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Russell Blake Page; Review: The Jet series is a great read for those who like action and covert action thrillers. A Mosad agent in her previous life, she is busy trying to shed her life of those who threaten her and her daughter from all over the globe. High drama and action......if you like that, you will enjoy this book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Book Case: A Short Story Featuring Detective John Corey; Author: Nelson DeMille; Review: This was the first book by DeMille I have read and I really enluyed it....it was just very short. I love mysteries that are not gory and I like serious characters with a sense of humor. Bingo! This book filled the bill. I am going to read more of these books, for sure.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: JET IV - Reckoning (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's Russell Blake Page; Review: If you like action in a series format....then read them in order and you will not want to stop with just one or two! Great plot, non stop action with all the weapons of the time. Great read for the action lover.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: JET V - Legacy; Author: Visit Amazon's Russell Blake Page; Review: I have read the entire Jet series and they are great reads for anyone who likes action and spy thrillers. Good stuff for CIA/Mosad junkies....for sure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inside Out: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Barry Eisler Page; Review: If you like under cover action that moves fast....you will enjoy this read. Intertwine some of Eisler' s old characters and some new. Good fiction based on the torture programs uncovered during the Gulf wars...very realistic read....; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fault Line: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Barry Eisler Page; Review: Eisler takes a domestic security situation to a new level of suspense and action. A good read that seems almost real in relation to current events. Hard to put it down as the story twists and turns.....solid action with a great story line....ENJOY!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Husband's Secret; Author: Visit Amazon's Liane Moriarty Page; Review: At first I thought this book was not going to have much depth to it but about halfway in, I had a very different opinion. The last 5 pages or so really showed me what an intelligent and insightful writer did this book. I can't imagine anyone not being touched on some level by this writing. I plan to read all of Liane's books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cold Edge (Jake Adams International Thriller Series #6); Author: Visit Amazon's Trevor Scott Page; Review: Jake Adams is one tough old guy and he proves it once again in this story. He and his ladies kick butt....and pull off a win against tough odds. Tough ending to a great plot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Two-Dollar Bill (Stone Barrington Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Stuart Woods Page; Review: I am a big fan of the Stone Barrington series. Stone is a likeable character and I like the recurring characters. There are the usual legal issues and women floating in and out of Stone's life. If you like the other books in this series, you will like this one as well.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Without Options; Author: Visit Amazon's Trevor Scott Page; Review: Jake Adams and another of his lady side kicks race all over Europe to unwind a crazy spy plot. Steamy at times but always action packed....Jake Adams!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dolomite Solution; Author: Visit Amazon's Trevor Scott Page; Review: Another fine Jake Adams suspense thriller. No drop in suspense from page to page and a thick plot to keep you guessing....and reading. A fine read for mystery lovers!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Way of the Sword; Author: Visit Amazon's Trevor Scott Page; Review: Lots of action and international drama to keep you locked in. Solid story line to the end....good read especially if you like a little romance weaved within the action.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Strong Conviction; Author: Visit Amazon's Trevor Scott Page; Review: If you like suspense and some romance mixed....pick this one up. Good story line and lots of action along the way. Hard to put down!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sacrifice of One: Navy SEAL Grant Stevens - Black Ops 4; Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie Fredric Page; Review: If you like black ops, this is for you. Suspense with a Viet Nam war twist guarantees a good read. Written around the operative world of Navy Seal operations to keep it realistic. Good stuff.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission Critical: A Cold War Novel (Navy SEAL Grant Stevens); Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie Fredric Page; Review: High espionage and cold war confrontation leads the reader to battles on the high sea. Russian conspirators try to hijack a US high tech war ship with help from a mole. Great read if U like drama and action.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Warning Order (Navy SEAL Grant Stevens Book 2) - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie Fredric Page; Review: Great story across eastern Europe and Russia. Diabolical plot around secret formula poison and terrorist plot by E German secret police against Russian military. Keeps you busy reading!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War; Author: Robert M Gates; Review: Bob Gates paints a clear picture of the military, presidential and congressional politics in regards to his role as Secretary of Defense. Serving under Bush 43 and Obama he candidly covers his role in shaping our military role in two wars. Clear, honest and straightforward is his story. As a retired Army officer it was a humbling story....very well told. He is leader in every way.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Duty; Author: Robert M Gates; Review: Bob Gates paints a clear picture of the military, presidential and congressional politics in regards to his role as Secretary of Defense. Serving under Bush 43 and Obama he candidly covers his role in shaping our military role in two wars. Clear, honest and straightforward is his story. As a retired Army officer it was a humbling story....very well told. He is leader in every way.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In the Mouth of the Wolf: Grant Stevens - Black Ops 3 (Navy SEAL Grant Stevens); Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie Fredric Page; Review: Grant Stevens plays hard ball in this faction story. If U like Seal operations...this is right down your alley. Great fact based fiction with a sinister plot....good read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Last Op: Navy SEAL Grant Stevens - Black Ops 5; Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie Fredric Page; Review: Grant Stevens is an aging Navy Seal working for NIS. He always answers the call and takes on the toughest missions. Working in a small team he stops a big potential nuclear event. Good action...good read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tripwire (Jack Reacher, No. 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Child Page; Review: Lee continues his Jack Reacher series with another great story line. A wondering Veteran MP who has to solve any mysterious situation he wanders upon makes no hesitation to get involved. Great political plot....plenty of action....great read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nefarious (The Blackwell Files) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Steven F. Freeman Page; Review: Pretty good story line and several plots that intertwined kept one guessing. Accurate depiction of weaponry in use today as well.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises (Random House Large Print); Author: Visit Amazon's Timothy F. Geithner Page; Review: A deep and honest look into the causes of the financial crisis of 2008. A great way to understand the build up to the crisis and the swift and daring steps taken to save the country from a depression. Factual and detailed.....worth your time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Target; Author: Visit Amazon's David Baldacci Page; Review: Great thriller with tons of action and shifting plots. A great read for those you like non stop action and twists and turns. A top notch thriller for sure!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Mission: Grant Stevens - Team Alpha Tango (Navy SEAL Grant Stevens); Author: Visit Amazon's Jamie Fredric Page; Review: If you like military thrillers, you will love this read. Action packed and always under cover.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hit (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's David Baldacci Page; Review: Wonderful action novel with good suspense all the way through. I could hardly put it down and enjoyed every moment of it. Will Robie is a great character and you find him a good read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ready to Kill (Nathan McBride); Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Peterson Page; Review: Good paramilitary action in Central America. Some CIA involvement by a couple of old sniper team mates. Good stories are within the story and Nathan is a good solid character. Worth your time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blood and Roses (A Beatrix Rose Thriller); Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Dawson Page; Review: A lady packed for action, from start to finish. One of those books you don't want to put down as the action moves across the world.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Goldfinch: A Novel (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction); Author: Visit Amazon's Donna Tartt Page; Review: Slow start but a brilliantly detailed life story of a young man whose life was filled with dark tragedies. If you like lots of detail, stories within the plot....this is for you.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Recruiter: A Chuck Brandt Thriller (The Brandt Series Book 1) - Kindle edition; Author: Visit Amazon's Roger Weston Page; Review: A good quick read of a foreign action story. Lots of action....worth your time and better than average.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Make Me: A Jack Reacher Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Child Page; Review: Good Mitch Rapp action story. If U like Mitch, you will love this one!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bat: Harry Hole 1; Author: Visit Amazon's Jo Nesbo Page; Review: Great twist and turn novel set in Ausrailia. Kept me on the edge and turning pages. Solid wh done it mystery.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girl in the Ice: A gripping serial killer thriller (Detective Erika Foster crime thriller novel) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Bryndza Page; Review: If you like a superb mystery, this is one for you! Full of twists and turns, a good read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Red Horseman; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Coonts Page; Review: Another nail biter with Jake Grafton, so if you loved his other books, line up and get this one! Action packed as always....a good read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Girl on the Train; Author: Visit Amazon's Paula Hawkins Page; Review: Stunning story telling and suspense of a woman and her battle with booze and reality. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery will love this one!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: AN Innocent Client (Joe Dillard); Author: Visit Amazon's Scott Pratt Page; Review: Great story telling and keeps you wanting to turn one more page. Well written and first read of this author, but there will be more!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Traitor's Story; Author: Visit Amazon's Kevin Wignall Page; Review: First time with this author but a solid story line which is authentic on regards to today's cyber world. Some romance and evil people make for a good read. Will be reading some more from this author before long; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Concrete Blonde (Harry Bosch); Author: Visit Amazon's Michael Connelly Page; Review: Another Great Harry Bosch story filled with twists and turns leaving you thinking he is down and out, so read to see how it comes out. You won't be disappointed!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In Good Faith (Joe Dillard); Author: Visit Amazon's Scott Pratt Page; Review: First read of this author but well worth it. Good lawyer drama and a good plot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The God's Eye View; Author: Visit Amazon's Barry Eisler Page; Review: Clearly one of his best books. Cyber thriller that takes one quickly to our real world. Packed with action and suspense.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reasonable Fear; Author: Visit Amazon's Scott Pratt Page; Review: Second read of Joe Dillard series is as as good as the first. Action, suspense, good story line....a gripping book you just don't want to put down. I will read more of the series for certain!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Her Father's Daughter; Author: William Coughlin; Review: Very good story line and well told, keeping you interested page by page. Worth a read if you like action and suspense!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Livia Lone (A Livia Lone Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Barry Eisler Page; Review: No disappointment from Barry is this action packed novel. Tough story about an lady who is out to settle scores from being badly treated by her family during her early childhood. She seeks to rectify both she and her sisters dilemma in life. Keeps you on the edge of your chair throughout. Good read!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Amped; Author: Visit Amazon's Douglas E. Richards Page; Review: Second in the Wired series and a great story line. Out there a bit in ficton, the characters coupled with the story is great combo. Read and enjoy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: House of Spies; Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel Silva Page; Review: Silva keeps the great story of Gabriel Allon alive and bound to keep you turning pages. Great story line full of action. Worth your time if you love these Silva stories.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fix (Memory Man series); Author: Visit Amazon's David Baldacci Page; Review: Unknowingly I bought the third book in this series of Memory Man. A truly great read that kept me turning the pagesI will now read the first two as I am sure they will be; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Sullivan Page; Review: Stunning and event filled story of love and war in the city of Milan and the Alps. Stunning heroism in the final years of the war. Young Italians against all odds leading Jews to safety through the Alps. One of the best true novels of this time I have had the pleasure to read. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beneath a Scarlet Sky (Center Point Large Print); Author: Mark T Sullivan; Review: Stunning and event filled story of love and war in the city of Milan and the Alps. Stunning heroism in the final years of the war. Young Italians against all odds leading Jews to safety through the Alps. One of the best true novels of this time I have had the pleasure to read. Enjoy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Black Hornet; Author: Visit Amazon's Rob Sinclair Page; Review: Ryker provides readers a great follow up to Book 1! He Bob's and weaves through Mexican prisons and the connected drug cartels. Good read and sets up Book 3. Enjoy this one!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Silver Wolf; Author: Visit Amazon's Rob Sinclair Page; Review: A great finish to a fine series (3) Ryker books. Read them all in order and you will be on the edge of your chair all the way.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Michael Gresham: Secrets Girls Keep (Michael Gresham Series) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's John Ellsworth Page; Review: This books picks up right where the first great read ended. A page turner full of suspense and big twists and turns. Good legal thriller with a building family story. Moving right on to Book 3 in this series! Pure enjoyment.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Defendants (Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers); Author: Visit Amazon's John Ellsworth Page; Review: This one of a series of Thad as the young 27 self starting attorney who wins impossible cases for a rookie. Each carries a thriller story behind the case involved. Enjoyed them all so far. Great read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Missing, Presumed: A Novel (Manon Bradshaw); Author: Visit Amazon's Susie Steiner Page; Review: Busy but good story line involving all the elements of a murder plot. Some twists and turns but it moves along to a good ending!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mental Case; Author: Visit Amazon's John Ellsworth Page; Review: Another fine novel by Ellsworth. I have read his Thaddeus Murfee series in order and find the common thread great..with new twists and characters in each one. Plan to read them all! Great stories, good flow and fun to read!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Trial Lawyer (Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers); Author: Visit Amazon's John Ellsworth Page; Review: Ellsworth has written yet another good legal mystery full of twists and turns. His stories connect characters from previous books and make them even more interesting...and readable. Great series and have read them all...this one is yet another chapter in the life of character Thaddeus Murfee!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Near Death Experience; Author: Visit Amazon's John Ellsworth Page; Review: Another fine Thaddeus Murfree read. The entire series are tied together with an ongoing career and family story throughout. Each builds suspense in this one and the others. Worth your time!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: TOMS Seasonal Classics Women's Slip on Shoes; Brand: TOMS; Review: I have several pairs of Tom's and while these are very cute, the insole was completely detached from both shoes. That's the first time I've seen that in a Tom's (or Bob's); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TOMS Seasonal Classics Women's Slip on Shoes; Brand: TOMS; Review: I have several pairs of Tom's and while these are very cute, the insole was completely detached from both shoes. That's the first time I've seen that in a Tom's (or Bob's); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TOMS Men's Classic Canvas Slip-On; Brand: TOMS; Review: I have several pairs of Tom's and while these are very cute, the insole was completely detached from both shoes. That's the first time I've seen that in a Tom's (or Bob's); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TOMS Seasonal Classics Women's Slip on Shoes; Brand: TOMS; Review: I have several pairs of Tom's and while these are very cute, the insole was completely detached from both shoes. That's the first time I've seen that in a Tom's (or Bob's); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TOMS Men's Classic Canvas Slip-On; Brand: TOMS; Review: I have several pairs of Tom's and while these are very cute, the insole was completely detached from both shoes. That's the first time I've seen that in a Tom's (or Bob's); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TOMS Seasonal Classics Women's Slip on Shoes; Brand: TOMS; Review: I have several pairs of Tom's and while these are very cute, the insole was completely detached from both shoes. That's the first time I've seen that in a Tom's (or Bob's); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TOMS Seasonal Classics Women's Slip on Shoes; Brand: TOMS; Review: I have several pairs of Tom's and while these are very cute, the insole was completely detached from both shoes. That's the first time I've seen that in a Tom's (or Bob's); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: TOMS Women's Canvas Classics Red Umbrella Print; Brand: TOMS; Review: Super cute and great fit!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ofoot Women's Indoor Slippers,Memory Foam Washable Cotton Non-Slip Home Shoes; Brand: Ofoot; Review: I wear them constantly around the house. They fit well and are super comfy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mizuno Women's Wave Hitogami 3 Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: They were recommended to me and I think they've been an excellent replacement for my old running shoes (which were Asics).; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Locanda La Corte; City: Venice Veneto; Review: We stayed here one night on the way back from Padova. We were delighted - a tranquil courtyard is surrounded by the old walls of this beautiful hotel. Everything is maintained with great care and without compromising the integrity of the old building. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The small detail of guiding us in with nightlights at the front door at dusk was really touching and demonstrated the warmth to be found within. The room we stayed in was a delight and the breakfast was excellent. The location is perfect as Rialto is an easy walk, and for us the boat to the airport an easy five minute walk away at Fondamente Nove. We would definitely highly recommend a stay here, and we wish all the staff the best of luck for the future.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Majestic Hotel Toscanelli; City: Padua Province of Padua Veneto; Review: We stayed here for two nights. It's very central to all that's great to see in Padua on a quiet street (apart from a few noisy revelling students outside, but then it is an old university town). The room was very spacious and clean, with a fantastic bathroom. The breakfast was very good with plenty of choice. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel de Suez; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: Great location a few minutes from Ile de la Cite, clean spacious room, best shower ever, ditto mattresses, loads of storage space with loads of coathangers, room nicely warm not baking, great view over Boulevard St Michel, very good breakfast, extremely friendly and helpful staff, really good value.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drumcreehy Country House; City: Ballyvaughan The Burren County Clare; Review: We stayed for two nights and were really impressed with this guesthouse. It would be hard to think of anything you might need which our hosts had not already provided. There were thoughtful extras in our room and in all the communal areas, which were spacious and very comfortable. The 'honesty' bar was a really welcome extra, particularly for the driver after a meal out. All the staff were very helpful and friendly and the whole place was impeccably clean. The breakfast was generous with an unprecedented choice of menu. Our dog was made very welcome. This was in fact one of the reasons we chose to stay in this guesthouse at short notice in August. With no kennels available the 'pet-friendly' policy made our visit to the Burren possible. It's just a shame that dogs are generally quite unwelcome in Ireland, with a prevailing attitude that all owners are irresponsible. This guesthouse was a very pleasing exception. Thank you.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: S L Guesthouse; City: Dubrovnik Dubrovnik Neretva County Dalmatia; Review: We stayed here three nights at the beginning and end of a two week holiday. Ante is a great host with a big heart. He is really helpful and goes well out of his way to ensure that you enjoy your stay. The facilities are spotless, with welcome access to kitchen facilities. The house is set in a pretty garden on the side of the hill overlooking the port in Dubrovnik. The view from our bedroom was spectacular. We arrived from the airport in the shuttle bus which terminated at the port minutes from the guesthouse. On leaving we caught a 9am ferry, which was again minutes by car from the B&B. Ante is a great chauffeur and ensured we were collected and delivered well in time. I would thoroughly recommend this guesthouse.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Five Roses Bed Breakfast; City: Pisa Province of Pisa Tuscany; Review: This very conveniently positioned B&B - near the train station and minutes by taxi from the airport has everything you could need. The beds are very comfortable and the rooms impeccably clean and quiet. We arrived to the fabulous aroma of home baking for next morning's breakfast. Flavia is the perfect host, swiftly sorting out any difficulties we had (from printing out boarding passes to lending me her sewing box for some quick repairs) and all done with a warm smile. Thank you for all your kindnesses!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Big Steins Deli; City: St Petersburg, FL; Review: We were looking for a tasty, local joint and we were very pleased. We had the Half sandwich specials and both LOVED the Cuban. If we lived here, this would be a regular spot for us.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shells Seafood - St Pete Beach; City: St. Pete Beach, FL; Review: If you're looking for an affordable seafood without the frills, this place was great. The service was great and the portions were perfect. We had the shrimp pasta and the shrimp and scallop pasta. Their chowder is THE BEST I've had and it has won local awards as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Treasure Bay Resort & Marina; City: Treasure Island, FL; Review: We loved our stay here! We had a Key West Room with a beautiful marina view. The rooms were clean and spacious, and the front desk staff were very helpful with suggestions around the area. We would be glad to come back!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sculley's Waterfront Restaurant; City: Madeira Beach, FL; Review: Sculley's had a great atmosphere- just a short walk into the boardwalk with seating (only for parties of two) overlooking the bay. You can dolphin watch right from your seats. The fish and chips was delicious, and the monster fish sandwich was huge. A big plus was seating in the shade, some other restaurants nearby were seating in the sun.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf; City: Madeira Beach, FL; Review: The course was not super challenging, but the holes were diverse and had a lot of slant to the greens. The maintenance on the course was great. We did not feed the baby alligators, but there is an option. Second rounds are only $1.99 and can be played any time the same day until close. Would be a good deal for kids or just to have a rematch.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: The Tick: The Entire Series (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hidden Fortress (1958); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Blind Swordman: Zatoichi (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thunderbirds (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghost in the Shell (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Beastmaster (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Incredibles (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inu-Yasha: The Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ice Pirates (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inu-Yasha: The Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hero (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silk Stockings (1957); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Godzilla (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: House of Flying Daggers (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Punisher (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: D.E.B.S. (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Steamboy (2005); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Family Guy: Vol. 1: Seasons 1-2 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Earth vs. The Flying Saucers (1956); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Revenge of the Creature / The Creature Walks Among Us (1955); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: I (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kung Fu Hustle (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gangs of New York (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Fockers (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Invisible Invaders / Journey to the Seventh Planet: Double Feature (1959); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man 2 (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Van Helsing (2004); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Vampire Hunter D (1985); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tron (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Immortal Coil (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's J. Armand Page; Review: I tried to get into it and has a good base and idea on the world but the writing is bad. The story jumps around way way to much. Every once in a while you see greatness in the writing than bam, horrible writing. No transition. One minute their in Paris, another in New York. I also wanted to punch the main character in the face, he was emotionless. When a part happened in the story to the main character, said main character should either be upset, pissed or very very sad, but all of a sudden he's ok. Not thinking of it much. I personally would hunt whoever did it and destroy them, especially if I had his powers. I admit though, I only got about 45% through the book before having to put it down. The story just flopped from one scene to the next and the minor characters had no structure or were to quick to be out of the scene. There was a scene that the guy blew up a hole in a wall, than was like, oh ok, its ok let's do the next scene. And time frame of it all, oh I flew to New York from Paris, did all this stuff in one day, than back again. Also, another post mentioned him being gay, and I have no problem with that, but I just couldn't get into the character due to what I mentioned above and this. I like the poster, put myself in the shoes of the character and couldn't see it. I think it was how it was brought up, at the beginning of the book, no mention of his sexuality, had you thinking he was straight than it was oh, out of left field I am interested in dudes and you had no clue, surprise! Just seemed the author was trying to hard to give life to a character and was just putting in stuff. I don't know, maybe in the 2nd half of the book, it gets better but couldn't finish it.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Small Town Superhero; Author: Cheree Lynn Alsop; Review: So, there is no "superhero" in this book in the essense of powers. BUT this guy is a hero. The writing is really well done, and I honestly couldn't put it down. The reason I did not give it 5 stars is some aspects of the story is unbelievable. And it's just how the town looks toward the "hero" and also the gang he fights. I know small towns, but just don't see so many people letting high schoolers get away with so much.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marrow; Author: Visit Amazon's Preston Norton Page; Review: This book kept me up at night. Not the I'm scared and can't sleep, its the I don't want to put the book down because I want to know what happens next. It's a very hard to put down book. There is hardly any boring parts and right when you think can get to a stopping place, something keeps you turning the page because you want to know what happens next or how the main character reacts to the next hill. Some parts are predictable, but there is some shock in the book and can go through a range of emotions. Very very good book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Please Don't Tell My Parents I Blew Up the Moon; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Roberts Page; Review: Good pace. There was some bridging of the story between chapters that could of been better, and one part that was confusing on where the protaganist and gang were going to that left me confused and had to figure out for myself. The girl is 13 I believe, but she acts grown up and the author points this out in a way that makes you think, wow your right. Good for a kid to read and an adult.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Never Hero (Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's T Ellery Hodges Page; Review: This is more of an adult book with a lot of introspection on what is a hero. It is broken up with some action and building up of what it is to become a hero. Its way more realistic picture of someone getting powers and having alot to go against. I will say this, the ending is descent and is a jump point for a rich world building and intrigue to develop further. Looking forward to the sequel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rise Of The Six: The Preston Six Series (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Matt Ryan Page; Review: This book has some errors in the writing, and some of the story seems to drag. And on top of that, the characters just can't seem to catch a break. Timeline in the story isn't told very well BUT and its a big BUT, this story is good. You read this, and big chance you will immediately pick up the 2nd book in the series. The character development is good and how you get the feeling the "guide" for the Preston Six seems to not realize what it is to be human and emotionless at times. And the immaturity of one of the characters comes out and realize, he is 18, of course going to actg like this. The story is still good and character development is a good reason to read. But like I said, the timeline just seemed off. Jumped from one big thing to the next and no segway into the next big scene/subplot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Am Titanium (Pax Black) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's John Patrick Kennedy Page; Review: I really wanted to like this book. The main character was to wishy washy and didn't come into his own and have a set path until the end of the book. The issues with his girlfriend who wasn't his girlfriend just seemed missing something. The main character from the beginning of the book felt different from the end. Maybe its due to what happened to him and wondering if it was him or the thing it created. I would like to think it was him due to how talked about the soul. The later half of the books and how it was written compared to the first half seemed different to me. More focused on on point of the story compared to switching around the story and not finding a tangible. Most stories have a beginning, middle and end with a climax and this happens throughout the book. There were times it was a beginning than straight to end. Or started at the end or the middle and seemed to skip things or zero climax to that part of the story. The reason it gets 3 stars compared to what my earlier text implys, is it was still a good story and the last half of the book and what was finally happening came together and has potential to be greater.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: So Not a Hero; Author: Visit Amazon's S. J. Delos Page; Review: I really liked the book and couldn't put it down. I don't usually read stories with female leads but able to do it with this. This is more of an adult book too with some of the scenes in the book. There were some minor grammer errors or plot errors but very minor. Good book with not that many dull moments. And the secrets and how it would tease you through the entire book was greatly done. Can't wait for the sequel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Purohotel Palma; City: Palma de Mallorca Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: Went here In March for just a quick break. Lovely hotel lovely room. Lovely big bathroom. Bar and restaurant where closed when we were there but that wasn't an issue. As there were bar and restaurants just around the corner. The staff couldn't do enough for us. From recommending a restaurant. To helping us with directions too switching on the sauna and the steam room just for myself which was free and a bonus. Only little negative was there wasn't a chair in the bedroom to sit on. So you had to sit on the bed. But that's all I can find fault with.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mour Hotel; City: Annesley Nottinghamshire England; Review: First lets start with the hotel. Looks good and plenty of free parking. front of house staff very pleasant. Now the room, Booked an executive room looked very nice, big bed if a little on the firm to hard side. Couldn't have done more than one night. Shower looked lovely nice large cubicle rainfall shower head. Which delivered a drizzle rather than a monsoon. Very disappointing. Also what I thought was a noisy fan turned out to be the toilet cistern continually flowing. Annoying but closing the toilet door solved the problem. Restaurant. food was good service was good. Bar. Service was good although one Barman seemed as if he did not want to be there. Had to return a bottle of Prosecco as it wasn't cold. But that wasn't a problem. Would stay again if passing but wouldn't go out of my way to seek it out.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lowry Hotel; City: Salford Greater Manchester England; Review: Well it's a 5 star hotel which delivers. Front of house staff couldn't have done anymore. They were just so helpful and inviting. Executive room was lovely, big & stylish. Bathroom big and modern. Would definitely recommend if you wanted something that little bit special. Made are stay in Manchester all the more memorable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel; City: Folkestone Kent England; Review: Can not fault the price, stayed over night because we had an early train to France. So a little more time in bed. Worked lovely. The Euro tunnel less than 15 minutes drive. 👍 Hotel is very big and dated, bedroom on the other hand, large clean and modern. Back to the hotel it seem to be stuck in 70s. So could do with a facelift. Same as the bar which wasn't really inviting. Nothing really wrong but just could do with bit of cheering up. In summery, good for a over night stay but wouldn't want to spend a week there. Didn't eat so don't know about the food on offer. I would stay there again the next time I travel to France.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Harefield Manor Hotel; City: Romford Greater London England; Review: My family came from Plymouth for a party. They found harefield manor on the internet. So went for a drink with them on the Friday night at the hotel bar, as they had a bad journey, and weren't in the mood to go out. So our first impression of the place was bad, as we where greeted by members of staff standing in the entrance smoking. So we made our way to the bar to be meet with a few guys eating an Indian at the first table next to the bar. Not good. The Bar (OMG) step back in time. Asked for a pint that was ok. Asked for a white wine spritzer had to buy an small individual Bottle. And a bottle of soda. Then asked for coke it was also a small glass bottle. Which the barmaid tried to put in a pint glass. Bacardi coke served in a cut glass brandy glass😂😂. Then the woman next to me ask for a gin and tonic. And was asked if she'd like a glass with it. Love to have seen how you serve gin & tonic ice and a slice with out a glass. My aunt said the hotel was ok for one night but would never go back there. I don't think there's a reason for me to ever go back there ever. The staff I meet need a kick up the jacksy Lasting impression was fawlty towers moves to Essex.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The William Vale; City: Brooklyn New York; Review: Great Hotel With the best views of manhattan in New York from the roof top Bar/Resturant. Second best view was from our balcony. The room it’s self was a good size. The bed was large and comfortable. The shower was to die for I wish I could have packed it up and brought it home. That being said the rainfall shower was obviously built and designed with men in mind. The shower could have done with a separate detachable head. The Hotel staff all of which were very helpful. The area in which the hotel situated is great, lots of small restaurants - bars and independent shop. If I ever go back to New York this is the Hotel I would stay at. NO QUESTION; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: B B 94Rooms Vatican; City: Rome Lazio; Review: Marco was very kind and helpful (got for us tickets to the Vatican, restaurants and directions) The place is located close to the metro (besides that, walking is a bit far from the center) Breakfast is disappointing - don't waste money on that.. Air conditioning is poor. The room we got (superior) is just what you need. Very clean and quiet enough to get some rest. In general, the staff were nice and helpful (and Marco above all); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Carmel Forest Spa Resort by Isrotel Exclusive Collection; City: Haifa Haifa District; Review: As simple as that. Complete relaxation. Good Food, Quiet, View, Service. And the SPA...Can't get much better than this.. Rooms are quite old but clean. Breakfast is just excellent. No kids allowed and no cellphones outside your room. Just peace and quiet. Get a book and enjoy your stay. Definitely the best place in Israel to get some rest.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Martin s Klooster Hotel; City: Leuven Flemish Brabant Province; Review: The hotel is located near the grote market, service is very polite and efficient. Breakfast is standard plus, the room I was in was very big and spacious and spotless, facing the street (which is quiet anyways) Definitely will pick this hotel for my next visit; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel International; City: Sirmione Province of Brescia Lombardy; Review: Mauricio and Marta are the Best! They made the difference between a good Holiday and an EXCELLENT holiday. Always helpful and with a smile, they even were more accurate than all weather applications (accuweather, the weather channel) used. Hotel is simple, clean and offers regular breakfast (inc. Tiramisu cake) . Rooms are not big but you are out most of the day anyways. There is also a swimming pool (not used). Location is very convenient since it is not far from the main road leading to all the attractions but without getting in traffic jams (northern area on Sirmione, near the castle) I definitely hope to go back there. Again, the nice atmosphere lead by M&M worth a lot. Gracie!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Miami Downtown; City: Miami Florida; Review: The location is less convenient than other comparable options, but having said that, the hotel is spotless and the service is good. The room (double room) was big enough for my family. The pool area is very noisy due to the air conditioning engines (or other type of machines) being near the pool as well as kitchen smell..(frying and stuff); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Epic 2: Outlaw Trigger; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Stephen Page; Review: The clever devils gave away book one for a short time, and having read it, of COURSE I had to buy book 2... and book 3... and I just bought book 4 a few minutes ago. :-D I am truly enjoying the characters, the story line, and the quality of writing!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Epic: Dawn of Destiny; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Stephen Page; Review: The clever devils gave away book one for a short time, and having read it, of COURSE I had to buy book 2... and book 3... and I just bought book 4 a few minutes ago. :-D I am truly enjoying the characters, the story line, and the quality of writing!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Epic 3: Hero; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee Stephen Page; Review: The clever devils gave away book one for a short time, and having read it, of COURSE I had to buy book 2... and book 3... and I just bought book 4 a few minutes ago. :-D I am truly enjoying the characters, the story line, and the quality of writing!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alfred's Teach Yourself to Play Mandolin: Everything You Need to Know to Start Playing Now! (Teach Yourself Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Dan Fox Page; Review: Good training tool! Good quality! Made my son-in-law very happy!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Robotics: DISCOVER THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE with 20 PROJECTS (Build It Yourself); Author: Visit Amazon's Kathy Ceceri Page; Review: Great starting point to interest children or adults in science.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Build Your Own Humanoid Robots : 6 Amazing and Affordable Projects (TAB Robotics); Author: Karl Williams; Review: Great starting point to interest children or adults in science.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Easy Spanish Step-By-Step; Author: Visit Amazon's Barbara Bregstein Page; Review: I love this book! This is my 4th copy. I've worn one out, and I've given the others as gifts.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: tmux: Productive Mouse-Free Development; Author: Brian P. Hogan; Review: Gives excellent information on tmux, and some excellent information about customizing your experience with it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: As a Man Thinketh (Family Inspirational Library); Author: Visit Amazon's James Allen Page; Review: This book is an awesome book! Everyone should read it! Whenever I buy a book, I try to find one or two nuggets of Truth, with a capital T. I highlight great ideas. With this book, I found nuggets of Truth on every page, and I have highlighted something on almost every page. Great book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Walk Across America; Author: Visit Amazon's Peter Jenkins Page; Review: Every United States citizen should read this book! See your country in a new and fantastic light!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bash Command Line Pro Tips eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Jason Cannon Page; Review: As a Senior Linux Systems Administrator I was hoping to find some nuggets that I'd missed over the years. I felt that the information provided was geared more toward a Junior Linux Systems Administrator, and the "Pro" in the title was a bit disingenuous.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Essential Yoga Sutra: Ancient Wisdom for Your Yoga; Author: Geshe Michael Roach; Review: Excellent complement to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, all explained in an up-to-date way; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Complete Yoga Book: Yoga of Breathing, Yoga of Posture, Yoga of Meditation; Author: Visit Amazon's James Hewitt Page; Review: Excellent, comprehensive, easy to digest; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship; Author: Visit Amazon's Donna Farhi Page; Review: An excellent book on the ethics of yoga teaching, a level-headed, honest guide to pitfalls in a budding teacher's path; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Jews in Berlin; Author: Visit Amazon's Leonard Gross Page; Review: I couldn't put the book down, a gripping tale of courage; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Remember Us: My Journey from the Shtetl Through the Holocaust; Author: Visit Amazon's Vic Shayne Page; Review: This was such a moving story, I could not put the book down. While a hugely upsetting account of human cruelty and wanton destruction, the author's determination to keep his family alive in his memory has made them real for all of us; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Boleyn: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Karen Harper Page; Review: It is a very well researched historical novel, full of historically accurate details and actions, a captivating read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Can I Go Now?: The Life of Sue Mengers, Hollywood's First Superagent; Author: Visit Amazon's Brian Kellow Page; Review: Couldn't put it down, it was really an oversized life that she lead; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Window Opens: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Elisabeth Egan Page; Review: Any person who's interested what a life of a family in the NYC metropolitan area is like will enjoy this book; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Diane von Furstenberg: A Life Unwrapped; Author: Visit Amazon's Gioia Diliberto Page; Review: A very interesting life, not one any of us regular people are ever going to experience, so this was a great vicarious experience.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Liberty: A Novel of Lake Wobegon (Lake Wobegon Novels); Author: Visit Amazon's Garrison Keillor Page; Review: I never read anything by Garrison Keillor but this novel was on he list of another writer as a great read so I gave it a try. It was really an engaging book, I was looking forward to reading it whenever I had the time, I recommend it wholeheartedly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: From Baghdad to America: Life after War for a Marine and His Rescued Dog; Author: Visit Amazon's Jay Kopelman Page; Review: A feel-good story, an easy read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses, a Memoir; Author: Visit Amazon's Paula McLain Page; Review: It was an enlightening tale of what life with foster families is like for children. Well written, the author made me care about what happened to her and her siblings.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Light of Hidden Flowers; Author: Visit Amazon's Jennifer Handford Page; Review: An easy, engaging read, a pleasant book for sleepless nights; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Life and Other Near-Death Experiences; Author: Visit Amazon's Camille Pagán Page; Review: Such a pleasant, moving read. Couldn't put it down; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alas, Babylon; Author: Visit Amazon's Pat Frank Page; Review: Although the book was published in the fifties, I didn't find it dated at all, in fact it appears quite relevant in these times of upheaval. It's very readable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Healer; Author: Visit Amazon's Ellin Carsta Page; Review: It was an easy read, sometimes a little bit simple, but if you're looking for an easy book to pass the time, this is it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: About the Night; Author: Visit Amazon's Anat Talshir Page; Review: I couldn't put the book down ; the many intertwined stories came together flawlessly and the historical detail and facts woven in made it all do interesting; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: About the Night eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Anat Talshir Page; Review: I couldn't put the book down ; the many intertwined stories came together flawlessly and the historical detail and facts woven in made it all do interesting; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Party Girl: The Ugly Side of Hollywood's Prettiest Parties; Author: Visit Amazon's Rachel Hollis Page; Review: It was an engaging, fun story to read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Woman Standing: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Thelma Adams Page; Review: It really brought the frontier period into perspective, well written, easy to read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Woman Standing: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Thelma Adams Page; Review: It really brought the frontier period into perspective, well written, easy to read; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: America's First Daughter: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Stephanie Dray Page; Review: The historical context was invaluable- not only was the novel very readable and hard to put down, but I learned so many new facts about slavery, from the standpoint of both races! I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: War Brides; Author: Visit Amazon's Helen Bryan Page; Review: I could not put this book down- aside from the historical accuracy excellently woven into fiction, it was SO readable and engaging. I definitely recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Evelyn, After: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Victoria Helen Stone Page; Review: Well researched feelings of a betrayed wife; I was truly very curious how it would end.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241; Author: Visit Amazon's John Haywood Page; Review: Really well written, an easy read, I learned a lot of new facts about Viking history. Just as an aside, not a writer's fault in any way, they Viking kings simply didn't live long enough, most of them died in a battle in their twenties or thirties, so the amount of Viking kings named Olaf, Olof, Harald, Harold etc. just starts to become really confusing towards the end of the book, lol; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rich People Problems (Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy); Author: Visit Amazon's Kevin Kwan Page; Review: I love all of his books, can't put them gown, they're so amusing! Perfect summer reads; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Within The Bays; City: Whitianga Coromandel Peninsula Waikato Region North Island; Review: We spent 2 nights with Annemarie and Hans, and had the loveliest welcome, and felt completely at home. The hospitality was second to none, and we had most enjoyable evenings chatting over a glass of wine and delicious breakfasts. The views are probably about the best in Whitianga, and their home is both beautiful and comfortable. Very helpful recommendations for trips and restaurants. We would highly recommend a stay there, and will certainly go back if we are in the area again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aspiring Lofts; City: Wanaka Otago Region South Island; Review: We spent a night at Aspiring Lofts, and wished we could stay longer. The view was beautiful, accommodation comfortable and spacious, hospitality very good,and breakfast of poached eggs and smoked salmon one of the best. Highly recommend both the B and B and Wanaka itself, much nicer than the much acclaimed ski village of Queenstown, we will return.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Au Logis des Remparts; City: Saint Emilion Gironde Nouvelle Aquitaine; Review: This was a brilliant stay, we went to visit a couple of vineyards to buy some cases, and stayed overnight. The hotel is very central, has locked parking, a lovely enclosed garden for drinks in the evening, and the service was excellent. Highly recommended; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hosteria El Puma; City: El Chalten Province of Santa Cruz Patagonia; Review: Very friendly, cosy hosteria with nice clean rooms, and well placed out of the main street but close to the start of trails. The breakfast yoghurt was amazing. Staff helpful and knowledgeable, gave us the right advice about when to go on the walk to the Fitzroys, to get the best views.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Toft Country House Hotel And Golf Club; City: Bourne Lincolnshire England; Review: Quiet spacious en suite room built round car park area, very short walk to the main hotel for drinks, eating, and a further golf club car park, but there was plenty of space everywhere. Though the carpets and some decor were a bit dated, it was clean, and the old style golf wallpaper is charming. Very much enjoyed our stay; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi; City: Hanoi; Review: Beautiful hotel centrally placed in Hanoi, an oasis of calm and quiet after the noise and bustle of the city. Charming staff and lovely room. Excellent breakfast too with freshly prepared omelettes, perfect fruit and good coffee.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Phum Baitang Resort; City: Siem Reap Siem Reap Province; Review: This excellent and stunningly beautiful hotel is on the outskirts of Siam Reap and perfect to escape to after the hustle and bustle of visiting the Cambodian temples. Traditionally designed wooden villas set in gardens with frangipani and rice paddies, it is a feast for the eye. Very nice food, super pool and great ambience, we wished we had longer to spend there, as we only had one night. Price is high end but must be the nicest place to stay in the area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Gore Starhotels Collezione; City: London England; Review: We stayed overnight as going to a concert at the Albert Hall and the Gore is really close by. It has a really good atmosphere, great bar with excellent selection of cocktails and gins. Our room was comfortable and quiet and food was good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kalbarri Edge Resort; City: Kalbarri Kalbarri National Park Western Australia; Review: The best place in town and well placed just away from Main Street, nice and quiet. Food was very good, again probably best in town, we didn’t go elsewhere as plenty of choice and great seafood for 2 nights. Rooms v spacious and good to have all facilities, washing machine etc. Awful coffee. Not very personal but all in all a good stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort; City: Monkey Mia Western Australia; Review: This is the only place to stay in Monkey Mia and does a pretty good job of catering to all comers from campers to hotel guests. Our room was very comfortable and on a boardwalk straight onto the beach, worth going for. The bar seemed noisy and basic and was nearly always empty but we were off season. Restaurant pretty good, nice seafood, breakfast rather basic and coffee awful. In general a good stay, dolphin feeding every morning and dolphins coming in to shore often, good gateway to the local parks and nice town of Denham with its excellent information centre. It would have been good to have a tap on the boardwalk to rinse feet, out room was always full of sand and I felt sorry for the cleaners! There was one near the bar but a couple more near the room blocks would help.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pinnacles Edge Resort; City: Cervantes Western Australia; Review: Stayed here having driven from Perth on our way up to Exmouth, to see Pinnacles National Park and Jurien Bay. Seemed a bit basic and though very nice to have a bedroom, sitting room and bathroom with washing machine, was a little tired, but quiet and comfortable. I think the best on offer in the area though apart from camping type facilities. Food was ok, but breakfast service either a mediocre buffet or very slow. Seems to be a stop off for local contractors who got served first. While there you must go to Jurien Bay and swim with sea lions.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Samsung Galaxy S4 Screen Protector + Full Body, Skinomi TechSkin Full Coverage Skin; Brand: Skinomi; Review: Install was kind of tedious. I didn't get enough spray and had to look up what I could use in place of the spray. I still ended up with tons of bubbles. An ok screen protector but please include more install spray.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: GreatShield iSlide Slim-Fit PolyCarbonate Hard Case for Samsung Galaxy S4 S IV (Purple); Brand: GreatShield; Review: This case is good for protection but it is very hard to get off and I was worried that my phone was going to break trying to do so.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Friendly Swede Basics - PU Leather Stand Wallet Case Cover for Samsung Galaxy SIV S4 i9500; Brand: The Friendly Swede; Review: Cool design but not enough wallet space.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: intelliARMOR Galaxy S4 intelliGLASS HD-the Smarter Samsung Glass Screen Protector Guard Against Scratches &; Brand: intelliARMOR; Review: I'm so happy I bought this screen protector. It's all I'm going to buy now. I bought one at the phone store for $45! This one is way better. It's smooth and crystal clear. It feels like there's nothing on my phone. The install was super easy. I'm satisfied!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr Shield for Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Tempered Glass Screen Protector [0.3mm Ultra Thin 9H Hardness 2.5D Round; Brand: Mr Shield; Review: Super easy install. Be sure to watch the video. Only thing is the edges don't adhere the best.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Case,DAMONDY Luxury Metal Air Aluminum Bumper Detachable; Brand: DAMONDY; Review: Attractive case but cheaply made. Scratches easily and doesn't really protect your phone from drops at all.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
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