Monthly Archives: September 2014
Black and Blue by: Gena Showalter
Black and Blue
Gena Showalter
Otherworld Assassin Series, Book 2
HE IS EVERY WOMAN’S FANTASY. . .
Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help―a woman with even more secrets than Blue.
. . .SHE BECOMES HIS ONLY OBSESSION
Evangeline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he’d rather die than live without her…
5 Stars
The ladies at the blog all know that I love Gena Showalter. Out of my personal library she has the biggest shelf and it’s growing every bookstore trip. Out of all of her books I had a special love for the first book of the Otherworld assassin series Last Kiss Goodnight. Aliens, black ops, wounded warriors, and strong heroines; this series has it all. While this book could be read as a stand alone I highly recommend that it be read in order; as characters are reoccurring and plot does carry through.
Corbin Blue is the whole package; and his boss knows it. Blue is used to seduce for recon and is a man whore in his public life because of it. He loves his job, both black ops and football and seems to be on top of the world; and than he meets a woman he can’t get out of his head. Evie is the only woman off limits as his bosses daughter and he would never do anything to put that relationship at risk until he starts spending time with her and she finds a way into his heart.
Evie knows Blues reputation and will not let herself become another one night stand. Being put together to find her father and his friends after an explosion; Evie must un-retire from her black ops life and work with Blue.
Young adult, sci-fi, paranormal, etc: Gena Showalter can write it all and I have loved every book. Black and Blue in particular is arresting from chapter one and is very hard to put down for anything.
All the opinions in this review are my own. I bought this book for my personal collection. The description and image come from Gena Showalter’s website which can be found by clicking on the image. Happy reading!
What’s a Ghoul to Do by: Victoria Laurie
What’s a Ghoul to Do
Victoria Laurie
A Ghost Hunter Mystery
M.J., her partner Gilley, and their client, the wealthy, de-lish Dr. Steven Sable, are at his family’s lodge, where his grandfather allegedly jumped to his death from the roof-although Sable says it was foul play. But the patriarch’s isn’t the only ghost around. The place is lousy with souls, all with something to get off their ghoulish chests. Now M.J. will have to to quell the clamor-and listen for a voice with the answers…
4 stars
Now that its fall I love to find a good paranormal mystery and I found it in Victoria Laurie’s Ghost Hunter Mystery series. M.J. Holliday is a psychic detective who talks to the dead to help the living. Along with her fabulous partner Gilley (who is terrified of the supernatural) she uses he gift, some nifty tools, and some good old detective snooping to solve many problems. Sometimes she rids a house of evil so it can be sold, gets spirits to move on, and solves murders.
Overall, I’m not a huge fan of ghosts but I love everything about a mystery; especially one that I can’t solve halfway through the story. This book will take you through a gauntlet of emotion; for me it was a tie between laughter and sorrow for the dearly departed. However, between the antics of Gilley and M.J’s talking parrot (whom Gilley has taught some colorful phrases) and a sexy semi-English speaking doctor; this story does a wonderful job of lightening an otherwise dark tale.
This book does have some romantic underlays between characters however, it is a paranormal mystery first and foremost. I bought this book for my own collection. All of the opinions are my own. The image and description can be found on Victoria Laurie’s website which can be found by clicking on the image. Happy Reading!
Yasmine Galenorn’s Priestess Dreaming Blog Tour
Thanks for joining us for our stop on the PRIESTESS DREAMING blog tour!! Yasmine Galenorn “creates a world I never want to leave”, according to Sherrilyn Kenyon… and this is the next adventure in that world. The amount of world building, character development, and GREAT STORYTELLING in the Otherworld series is why it’s lasted so long, and why readers keep coming back.
PRIESTESS DREAMING is the 16th book in the series, and D’Artigo sister Camille’s 6th book as the main point of view. In the series, the three sisters, Camille, Delilah, and Menolly, are each half fae, half “something else”. Camille is a Moon witch, who is, with her sisters and their partners, on continuing adventures to protect her family and friends, both on earth and in Otherworld, from a host of evil.
We’re the D’Artigo sisters: savvy half-human, half-Fae operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. My sister Delilah is a two-faced werecat and a Death Maiden. Menolly is a vampire married to a gorgeous werepuma. And me? I’m a Moon witch married to three gorgeous husbands, and I’m about to journey through the veils to search for a long lost legend…
With the war in Otherworld raging, the Queen of Shadow and Night summons me to her court. Aeval orders me to embark on a hunt through the mists to find an ancient ally she once knew. I must seek out The Merlin and wake him from his long sleep. But Morgaine and Bran are along for the journey, and the pair pose a threat to both me and my quest. Now, surrounded by danger on all sides, I must pray they are allies rather than enemies, as we undertake a perilous search through the labyrinth of time…
Check out our review of PRIESTESS DREAMING here ……….
https://coffeebookslifeblog.wordpress.com/2014/09/25/review-priestess-dreaming-by-yasmine-galenorn/
Here’s how YOU can pre-order your copy…
I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series first. While each book does have a bit of a recap, there isn’t enough information (which would have to be considerable, honestly) to start this far into the story and fully understand all that’s going on. So, if you haven’t started the series, DEFINITELY pick up WITCHLING and get going!!! I promise, it won’t take you as long as you may think to get caught up. (Think marathon… order pizza for the family, and get comfy!!)
One way to start… if you haven’t yet… is to WIN a copy of WITCHLING!!!
See link at the end of this post!
Also, you can click the rafflecopter link below to enter a tour wide goodie bag prize hosted by Yasmine!!! (including random goodies, swag, and a $50 Gift Card!)
PRIESTESS DREAMING GOODIE BAG CONTEST
Be sure to visit the other blogs on the tour for more fun posts, interviews, reviews… and more chances to WIN!! Also, check out Yasmine’s blog for another exclusive contest! Here are the rest of the blog stops leading up to PRIESTESS DREAMING’s release on Tuesday:
Wednesday 9/24
Literary Escapism
Books That Hook
Thursday 9/25
Bea’s Book Nook
Books, Life, Coffee Blog
Friday 9/26
Vampire Book Club
Romancing The Dark Side
Saturday 9/27
I Smell Sheep
Books Make Me Happy
Sunday 9/28
Nerd Girl Official
Binding Addiction
Monday 9/29
LilyElement
Paranormal Haven
Tuesday 9/30
Taking Time For Mommy
Book Lovin’ Mamas
About Yasmine:
Hi, I’m New York Times, USA TODAY, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn. In April 2012, I won a Career Achievement Award in Urban Fantasy at the Romantic Times Convention.
I write urban fantasy/paranormal romance for Berkley: the Otherworld Series, (aka Sisters of the Moon Series), the Indigo Court Series, and
the upcoming spin-off series in the Otherworld altaverse–the Fly By Night Series.
And yes, I’m a shamanic witch and am considered an elder in the Pagan community, having been in the Craft since February 29th (yes, leap year day), 1980. I walk an eclectic path and consider my life to be a blend of teacups and tattoos–the former in my china closet, the latter on my skin–I’m heavily inked. I collect teacups, teapots, Old Country Roses china (Royal Albert), antlers and skulls (of the non-human variety), daggers and crystals. And of course, my bookshelves are overflowing with books. I cannot walk out of a bookstore without buying at least one book. My TBR pile is huge!
Giveaway
Coffee, Books, Life is happy to be able to offer one print copy of the book that started this series, WITCHLING. I am a long time fan of Yasmine and have collected some awesome swag along the way! I also have a few goodies to throw in for one lucky winner in the US. Please use the link to enter!
Review-Priestess Dreaming by Yasmine Galenorn
Priestess Dreaming
Yasmine Galenorn
Otherworld Series, Book 16
With the war in Otherworld raging, the Queen of Shadow and Night summons me to her court. Aeval orders me to embark on a hunt through the mists to find an ancient ally she once knew. I must seek out The Merlin and wake him from his long sleep. But Morgaine and Bran are along for the journey, and the pair pose a threat to both me and my quest. Now, surrounded by danger on all sides, I must pray they are allies rather than enemies, as we undertake a perilous search through the labyrinth of time…
5 StarsAs all hell breaks loose on Seattle, Camille is put to the task of finding the one magical being lost to time that can help them. Set out with friend, family and those that could be foes. Camille is put to the test of facing elements, magical creatures, learning secret and danger, head and behind. I tell you that something will always have you turning the pages. Camille has gone through many changes in past books. In Priestess Dreaming we truly see her shine through in a way we have never seen before. As a priestess for the moon mother, Camille destinys is in the hands of her Goddess. One that makes her a strong power woman like no other.
Adventurous, magical, sexy. Yes I got sucked in.This book had a different feel from the previous ones of the Otherworld series whether it was Camille’s growth or the mixing in of a legend I love. I have to say it’s by far my favorite book in the series. I will be reading it over and over. Yes that’s recommendation. Happy reading.
Dare to Submit by: Carly Phillips
Dare to Submit
Carly Phillips
Book 4 Dare to Love series
Decklan Dare knows about the unexpected loss of loved ones and for this reason, he values control in all areas of his life. Amanda Collins enjoys the freedom she finds in casual encounters without the emotional connection a relationship brings. They meet and their physical attraction is mutual but both experience feelings that could run deeper – if they drop their guard and let each other in. Decklan is first to trust, but when he discovers the secret Amanda’s been hiding, will he forgive? Or will he rebuild every wall before she has a chance to explain?
4 Stars
Decklan and Amanda are first brought together by mutual attraction at an exclusive BDSM club but when the attraction gets serious someone is going to get hurt. Decklan is a paramedic with a tragic past and a need to control all things in his life. Amanda is a loyal friend who has given up almost everything to keep a secret. When the two meet fireworks are instant and something has to give; but when secrets aren’t shared and you live states away, is it possible to make a relationship work?
The Dare series are all stand alone and that’s what attracted me to Dare to Submit. I was looking for something that I could get lost in without making a long term commitment; However, Carly Phillips made me fall in love. This book has everything: strong characters, hot sex, and just a hint of tragedy and heartbreak that make you want everything to be ok. I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a wonderfully written romance.
I requested and received a copy of this book from netgalley for an honest review. All the opinions are my own. Book description and image came from Carly Phillips website which can be found by clicking on the image. Happy reading!!
Review-Dirty Little Secret by Laramie Briscoe
Dirty Little Secret
Laramie Briscoe
Heaven Hill MC series book 5
Published June 2014 (first published January 1st 2014)
Sister
Lone survivor
Scared, but tough
Christine Stone has lived through a lot since the day she was born. Her older brother left her without a backwards glance, leaving her with parents who wanted to use her to better themselves in their cult-like religious sect.
Days after legally becoming an adult, she’s given to an older man for an arranged marriage that will change her life forever. Escape is the only way her life can be saved. When she succeeds and sets out to make a new life for herself, she meets Travis Steele—communications and security officer for the Heaven Hill MC.
Loner
Protector of secrets
Level-headed and steady
Travis Steele has been on the periphery of the Heaven Hill MC for a long time. Quiet, he takes his job seriously. He is the protector of the group, in charge with keeping family and friends safe.
When one meeting with the sister of his friend turns into more, he struggles with where to draw the line. She needs a friend, and Travis prides himself in being what other people need, often sacrificing himself for others. As he discovers the life that Christine has been forced to live, it opens up old wounds, new wounds, and secrets that everyone thought long buried.
Turning a chance meeting into love is hard, especially when everyone has a dirty little secret.
5 Stars
Christine is a battered woman, but far from broken. A survivor. Strong but scared of her own shadow. Trying to keep the past behind her, she did not keep her head down at the time and caught the eye of the one man whom can both help and hurt her. Trust and truth are the two hardest thing for Christine. The are no words for Christine strength. Even with trying to make a new life for herself, she puts the well being of those she loves above herself.
Steele smart and quite. If there is such a thing as a geeky bad ass bike, that would be Steele. Trusted with the clubs safety, the man is tech genus in his own right. Don’t let the glasses fool you, he can and will kick your ass. Under the leather and tats is man that goes above and beyond to show a woman that has been hanging by a thread that there are good men in the world. Helping Christine puts his ass in the line with the club. When the danger she is running from puts heat on the club, Steeles has more than one Dirty Little Secret surface.
This is one powerhouse of a book. How Ms. Briscoe is able to write a bad ass who is so caring, sweet and self giving is beyond me. Travis Steele takes the cake on that one. With each book of the Heaven Hill MC series, not only do we get this awesome story of the put together family and the f-ed up stuff that happens to them that makes us love them. We see a writer that has really found her place in this world of books, that I love. Ms. Briscoe has pure talent for character writing. Making each of her lead men very distinctive and very memorial. Creating a family with a vast range of personalities , qualities and flaws that make me want to keep reading.
Dirty Little Secret is to date Ms. Briscoes best book in my opinion. Dark secrets line a complex story that test brotherhood and loyalty. A book that will make your heart heavy to read and a lasting smile upon completion. Ms.Briscoe holds nothing back with Dirty Little Secret.
A Little Harmless Secret by Melissa Schroeder Release Day Blast
Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you can trust them.
Devon Stryker is a man with no past—not one anyone can dig up that is. His made up identity has kept him safe from everyone, except one woman. Five years earlier he let his guard down once, one night of unforgettable passion. He has yet to get her out of his mind. When he thinks he sees her in Seattle, he becomes obsessed with finding her.
Alicia Hughes hasn’t forgotten Devon either. She had been on assignment from MI-6 to find him. Since he disappeared, her life has fallen apart. When she comes face to face with the one man she loved—and the one she fears the most—she panics. When he catches up to her, he finds the woman he has always loved—and the child they made together.
As the old lovers form a tentative alliance, the feelings they both had for each other rise to the surface. They have to let those things go to protect everything they hold dear in the world because someone is intent on destroying them…by any means possible.
WARNING: This title includes secrets, guns, a sexy know-it-all hero, spies, a heroine who doesn’t trust the hero, meddling inlaws, even more spies, double crosses, cool computer things, and two people who can’t seem to keep their hands off each other even though they know it isn’t the right thing to do.
From an early age, USA Today Bestselling Author Melissa loved to read. First, it was the books her mother read to her including her two favorites, Winnie the Pooh and the Beatrix Potter books. She cut her preteen teeth on Trixie Belden and read and reviewed To Kill a Mockingbird in middle school. It wasn’t until she was in college that she tried to write her first stories, which were full of angst and pain, and really not that fun to read or write. After trying several different genres, she found romance in a Linda Howard book.
Since the publication of her first book in 2004, Melissa has had close to fifty romances published. She writes in genres from historical suspense to modern day erotic romance to futuristics and paranormals. Included in those releases is the bestselling Harmless series. In 2011, Melissa branched out into self-publishing with A Little Harmless Submission and the popular military spinoff, Infatuation: A Little Harmless Military Romance. Along the way she has garnered an epic nomination, a multitude of reviewer’s recommended reads, over five Capa nods from TRS, three nominations for AAD Bookies and regularly tops the best seller lists on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Since she spent her childhood as a military brat, Melissa swore never to marry military. But, as we all know, Fate has her way with mortals. She is married to now retired AF major and is raising her own brats, both human and canine. She spends her days giving in to her addiction to Twitter and spends her days thankful for their new home and the short trip to Wegmans.
Review-Reaper’s Stand by Joanna Wylde
Reaper’s Stand
Joanna Wylde
Reaper’s MC Series, book 4
Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by Berkley Trade
As Reapers Motorcycle Club president, Reese “Picnic” Hayes has given his entire life to the club. After losing his wife, he knew he’d never love another woman. And with two daughters to raise and a club to manage, that was just fine with him. These days, Reese keeps his relationships free and easy—he definitely doesn’t want to waste his time on a glorified cleaning lady like London Armstrong.
Too bad he’s completely obsessed with her.
Besides running her own business, London’s got her junkie cousin’s daughter to look after—a more reckless than average eighteen-year-old. Sure she’s attracted to the Reapers’ president, but she’s not stupid. Reese Hayes is a criminal and a thug. But when her young cousin gets caught up with a ruthless drug cartel, Reese might be the only man who can help her. Now London has to make the hardest decision of her life—how far will she go to save her family?
5 Stars
When I first met Picnic in Reaper’s Property I knew this man was a force that you would never want to tangle with but more than wanted on your side. Reese “Picnic” Hayes, President of the Reaper’ MC. How do even begin to describe this man. I thought that Horse was an ass, Rugger, a man whore and Hunter really kind crazy. Picnic has nothing on the three of them combine. Intimidating and scary as hell. A loyal brother and a true leader. Picnic eats, sleeps and breaths the MC. It’s his life. Having raised two grown daughters who keep him guessing and losing his wife to early in life give Picnic another prospective added into his MC way of life. Under the layers of sexy, make you melt, badass biker is a good hearted man, who could kill you as fast as like you.
London is either one bad ass woman or straight up bat shit crazy. At times it hard to tell which. My favorite female lead character that I have read this year! Strong, self sacrificing, hard working and ever giving. Caring for her cousins daughter with major medical needs has kept her social life on hold for many years. London doesn’t know what hit her when the hot, blue eyed devil that is Picnic pushes his way into her life. Overwhelming lust and a way of life that London doesn’t understand. In a matter of a week life is changed, flipped upside down and twisted causing London to make some rather brave, rash and ballsy choices. Choices that have consequences that leave London hanging on the edge with the rock crumbling away no matter the decision. Knowing her actions will carry retribution, she does it knowing full well what the end result could be. A remarkable woman in so many ways.
Everything Reaper, yet different from the previous books in the series. Intimidating, aggressive and carnal. Ms.Wylde not only knows how to catch a reader attention, she knows hold to keeps us holding on. Intense is too light of a word for Reaper’s Stand. I laughed, I cried,I cussed.
Euphoric rage, loyalty and family set into motion a ride that is sure to be remembered. The Reapers have a motto of “Fuck with us and we will fuck you back, harder.” Reaper’s Stand gives the fans of this series a first hand look just that. Deeds done that will drop your jaw, entwined with blinding lust that exceeds any my of expectations for this book. Reaper’s Stand pushed the line further than any of the previous book. Intense and overwhelming, everything I love about the Reapers and more. Picnic and London are both mature, having lived life and have both suffered loss. The two are given the chance to fill the thing lacking in their lives if that make it far.
I could keep going on and on trying to find the words to express how much I liked this book. If MC romance is your thing or you like a raw aggressive edge to your steamy reading, Reapers Stand is the book! Be warned this is not a sweet, romancing, lets fall in love book. It’s a balls to the wall, take what you want kind of book that will make your skin tingle. A scary ride that I want to go on again.
I received an ecopy of this book from the author/publisher via netgalley for an honest review.
Review-Tales From Otherworld: Collection One by Yasmine Galenorn
Tales From Otherworld: Collection One
Yasmine Galenorn
Nightqueen Enterprises LLC; 1st edition (August 29, 2014)
ebook
A collection of short tales from New York Times, USA Today, and PW Bestselling Author Yasmine Galenorn’s Otherworld Series–find out what goes on between the Otherworld books. What really happened when Camille cast the invisibility spell? How did their parents Maria and Sephreh meet? Who is the mysterious ghost that is haunting the D’Artigo house? And what was the “turkey incident” that precipitated the opening scene in Priestess Dreaming? Find out in this first collection of short tales written in the Otherworld altaverse. These are the stories that can’t fit into the actual novels.
5 Stars
A true treat for fans of the Otherworld Series. We get to see the sisters share memory making moments that are outside of battle. Having read every book in The Otherworld Series, these shorts add laughter and insight in their chaotic world. Seeing the true sense of family and love the D’Artigo sisters have. I like to call these shorts moments rather than stories. That is what they were for me.
Highlights for me were the turkey scene, flipping hysterical! The moment in Maggie’s room. Last but not least, Dreaming Death!
Thank you Ms. Galenorn for this special treat. As the Otherworld Series is an auto buy for me, these collections will be as well. I hope there will be many more to come!
This ebook is from my personal library.
Review- Worth The Battle by Laramie Briscoe
Title: Worth the Battle
Author: Laramie Briscoe
Series: Heaven Hill MC, Book 4
Format: ebook
Published: February 25th 2014
Movie star running from her life.
Secret writer of erotic romance.
Trusts only Layne O’Connor of the Heaven Hill MC.
When Jessica Shea fears that her privacy is in danger, she takes the drastic step to leave her life behind and escape to the only person who’s never treated her like the movie star she is. He’s the one person who’s never sold a story to the tabloids and who knows the real Jessica, the one underneath the makeup and high-gloss shine of Hollywood.
Their friendship has stood the test of time. Now, someone has stolen private photos and writings from her home. Things that she doesn’t want the public at large to see. There’s only one place she knows she can go to be under the radar and lick her wounds.
That place is wherever Layne O’Connor is.
War Veteran.
Striving to live a normal life.
Member of the Heaven Hill MC.
Layne left a piece of himself in the war zone. Fighting PTSD and demons that he can’t explain has left him tired and changed from the man he was before he went overseas.
The only thing he feels like he excels at anymore is being a criminal, and he gladly does it for his brothers of the Heaven Hill MC. The only people who took him in when no one else knew what to make of his anger and
When Jessica arrives, however, she’s a trigger for everything he’s trying to forget. She makes him remember who he was before his life went to hell, she makes him want to get himself back. While working through those issues, he and Jessica are racing against an unknown enemy—someone who wants to destroy her reputation and take her sweetheart persona with it.
As they both work to trust each other and figure out just who her enemies are,they learn that love is never easy. They have to decide if the victory is worth the battle.
4.5 Stars
Layne has seen more than anyone person at his age should have to being a war veteran. Being part of the Heaven Hill MC has given him family and a way to continue the living in life the fast lane . Horrors from his days in the military plague Layne to this day. Sweet, caring, fierce and loyal. Did I mention sexy with great taste in cars. When a special friend from the past asks for Laynes help, he can’t refuse. Layne soon realizes that he may be more of a danger to her, than what she’s running from.
Jessica has been in the spotlight from a young age. As one grows they things they like, need or want in life changes. This statement could not be more true for Jessica. The Hollywood starlet who is a bit spoiled and is in trouble. Jess calls the one person on the earth who will not judge her and will help. Jess, overwhelmed will everything going on, realizes that Layne just maybe in more trouble than herself.
I keep saying this with each book. Ms. Briscoe just gets better with each book of the Heaven Hill MC, Series. Worth the Battle is a little different from the other books of the series. Our hero needs needs the healing more than our lead lady. Ms. Briscoe perfectly unfold the nastiness that lies with in Layne’s head while emotions from one end of the spectrum and back are laid on the table. Through laughter and tears Layne and Jess will make their way into your heart. Ms. Briscoe has a magical way with words. She has continued to pull me in more and more as we learn of this MC family! With each book not only does the story become deeper emotionally, the growth Ms. Briscoe has achieved as a writer can not go unnoticed. She has quickly found a permanent spot on my shelve.
I was given an ecopy of this book from the author/publisher for an honest review.
Coffee Books Life 