Author Archives: kirasyn13
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!
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!!
Spirited by Mary Behre
Spirited
Mary Behre
TIDEWATER Series
She’s running from who she is…
All Jules Scott wants is to live a normal, quiet life—preferably one that doesn’t include ghosts. Jules’s ability for communicating with the dead means needy spirits always find a way to draw her into their otherworldly drama. When one implicates her in a series of deadly crimes, Jules is forced to entrust her paranormal secrets to the person least likely to believe her, the super-hot cop who also poses a danger to her heart.
He’ll do whatever it takes to catch her.
Detective Seth English can’t get distracted from the big case he’s working on, not even by his alluring new neighbor. He doesn’t believe that Jules had anything to do with the string of robberies-turned-murders that he’s investigating, but when she keeps showing up in all the wrong places, including some scintillating fantasies, his gut tells him she knows more than she’s letting on. To solve his case, he’ll need to expose what the sexy redhead is hiding— but the truth could threaten more than the budding attraction between them…
5 Stars
Oh my goodness! Where do I start with everything I loved about this debut novel! Spirited was The Ghost Whisperer meets Law and Order! Jules is the exact type of heroine I love because she is vivacious and she is real. She is not happy with the “crift” she possesses that allows her to talk to and see the dearly departed. She wants to live a normal life and in trying to do so meets the man of MY dreams. *wink wink* Sorry Jules, but Seth English is one cool drink of water. Ladies, we love a little bit of scars on our men right? Whether they are physical or mental? Detective English has had to deal with his own share of misfortunes, but he is still able to feel that instant connection with Jules. Right from the first chapter, we can tell Seth is hook, line, and sinker the very second she tumbles through his window dressed like a hooker!
I also love the side characters in this book. Dev is amazing and Diana is hysterical! I honestly could not put his book down once I started it. The action was fast-paced and nail-biting and the romance was sweet and sexy. Mrs. Behre could not have done a better job. I am absolutely looking forward to the next adventure in the Tidewater series.
I bought this book for my collection. All the opinions are my own and it is an honest review. The image and summary came from the author’s website which can be found in the image. Happy reading!
Kidnapped: Proposal by Michelle White
Kidnapped: Proposal
Michelle White
Even though Leanne’s father killed himself over a year ago his gambling debt to the Delvinci mob still threatened what family he had left behind. Leanne has been a mother, father and older sister to Denise since her mom left when she was just 14, but the meager monthly payment she made to the Delvinci mob, was no longer enough, and they were demanding payment in full or the blood of her sister. Where was her mystery knight in shining armor who always seemed to help out when her dad hit bottom and had the family in trouble when she was growing up? When things looked their bleakest, and she thought her dad would be killed for not paying a gambling debt, just enough money would mysteriously show up to save him. She felt like she was living in a fairy tail back then, where the evil mob would threaten her family, and a white knight would ride in to save the day. But she was no longer a child, and this was no fairy tail and the threat to kill her and her sister was real. She was out of options, but could she live with herself if she agreed to the Delvinci son’s proposal that would pay off her dad’s debt to his brother? She would need to give up on all her dreams of real love and be no better than a prostitute, but what choice did she have, she had to protect Denise.
4 Stars
A short spicy read! I really liked the premise for this story and the only thing that I can say that I disliked was how fast everything moved in Leanne and Demarion’s relationship. I usually like a slower development in relationships. But I understand that it is meant to be a short yet satisfying read. I still liked the book and absolutely adored the maid Maura. I cannot wait to read more from Ms. White.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. The summary and picture came from the author’s website which can be found by clicking on the image. Happy reading!
Being Sawyer Knight by: Nicola Haken
As lead singer and guitarist of the internationally renowned Souls of the Knight, Sawyer Knight is living a life most men can only dream of. He’s surrounded by music, fame, wealth, women throwing themselves at his feet. He has everything…
Yet he has nothing.
Life as one of the world’s most sought after rock stars is tiring, oppressive and lonely. He spends every day being who the world wants him to be, who his manager tells him to be, who his mother expects him to be… all the while fighting against who he really is. Truth is, he’s used to it. He’s actually gotten pretty good at pretending… at living the lie.
Until Jake Reed, his ex-best friend and the only person who’s ever made him ‘feel’, waltzes back into his life as the band’s new head of security. Jake wants Sawyer – always has, always will. Now, he just needs to get Sawyer to admit that he feels the same…
“You will be mine, Sawyer Knight. The faster you try to run the quicker you’ll fall to your knees. Then, Sawyer… then you’ll be too weak to resist.”
WARNING: this is a male/male book and intended for a mature audience only.
5 out of 5 stars
“What is it like being Sawyer Knight?” With all the gigs, booze, parties and women a guy could ask for, anyone would think Sawyer Knight lives the high life. His band Souls of Knight is an international sensation and records are topping charts. But to Sawyer, it is a lonely and oppressive sort of happiness.
Then the unthinkable happens: his ex-best friend comes back into his life as his new head of security. Sawyer has not seen Jake since Jake confessed his love for Sawyer when they were teens. Sawyer being scared and unsure of what he wanted, did not react well. Jake, not being one to push, let Sawyer and moved out of his life as well as the country. But ten years have passed and Jake is back to claim what is his!
The chemistry between these two is there the moment they reunite. Jake is ready to take another shot at winning over his man and is not going to take no for an answer. However, in no way is Sawyer going to make it easy. Between Sawyer’s insecurities, rowdy band mates, busy schedule, and an unforeseen crisis, Jake has his work cut out for him physically as well as emotionally.
I can honestly say that this book had me hooked from the first page. Sawyer’s plight to come to terms with his sexuality and rectify that with his rock stardom was something that I could relate to. Now, I am no rock star but I am a woman who had to come to terms with her sexuality at a young age. Luckily, like Sawyer, I had people to help guide and support me.
Ms. Haken I give you a solid 5 stars for your amazing story about a different kind of love, life, and pursuit of happiness. I cannot wait to see what is to come.
I purchased this book for myself and all of the opinions expressed are my own, I was unpaid for these opinions. The picture and book description can be found on Ms. Haken’s website; which can be found by clicking the picture above. Happy reading!
Committed (A Drug of Desire Novel) By: Sidney Bristol
DEA Special Agent Damien Moana works hard and plays even harder. But while indulging in forbidden temptations at a private BDSM retreat, the unexpected happens: He falls under a stranger’s spell. This woman drives Damien to distraction, pushing him to the sweet boundary between pain and pleasure. When duty interrupts their heated encounter, his focus turns to catching a criminal . . . but his head is still with the seductress who ignites his deepest desires. Now Damien must choose between closing the case of his career and losing the woman of his dreams.
Poppy Mercer can’t forget the night she spent with her mystery lover. When chance brings them back together, she seizes the opportunity to again feel his masterful hands on her body. Poppy is a switch who delights in dominating a powerful man . . . and submitting to the ecstasy of his control. Outside the bedroom, however, she questions her place in Damien’s world. His obsession with hunting a ruthless drug lord puts Poppy in the line of fire. And though Damien might be able to save her from danger, salvaging what’s left of her trust is another matter.
Committed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
4 out of 5 stars
What can I say about Committed other then WOW. I have a horrible habit of judging a book by its cover and not reading descriptions. Needless to say when I start reading a story I am blown away about how different it is then what i’m expecting from my single glances. However, I am pleased to say my uneducated book requesting has steered me to Sidney Bristol.
This book is HOT, HOT, HOT!! I’m in love with Poppy Mercer, Damien Moana and all the characters in between. Action, suspense, obsession, and BDSM at it’s finest best describe Committed. Ms. Bristol obviously knows her stuff and I found myself looking up toys just to get a better image of how this stuff works. I was also interested to learn a few things that I never knew about this lifestyle. This book is highly erotic and starts you off right from the start but this is one story where the plot is just as good as the sex and vice versa.
This book is set to be published July 8, 2014 but until then you can check out Sidney Bristol’s other books that can be found on her website (attached to the picture).
I was given an advanced reader’s copy to give an honest review after requesting it from Netgalley.com The description of the book and the picture were found on Sidney Bristol’s website which can be found by clicking on the picture. Happy reading!
Free Falling by: SE Jakes
Sometimes falling in love is the most dangerous thing of all.
Blue is a thief who lives for adrenaline and danger. And when he meets Mick, a mercenary, he’s hit with a buzz of attraction like the rush of a high-rise job without a safety rope. But after making plans to get together, Mick leaves him hanging, and Blue vows never again.
A year later, Mick watches helplessly as Blue stumbles into the middle of one of Mick’s jobs. Risking his cover and their lives, Mick saves Blue and cares for him as he recuperates, but neither man has any idea how to handle the intimacy this forces them into.
Once Blue is safe, Mick redoubles his efforts to take down the drug lord responsible—and disappears. Blue goes after him, determined to return the favor and rescue the man he loves, no matter the cost.
4 out of 5 stars
WARNING: This book is male/male and may not be everyone’s cup of tea (or coffee) 🙂
This book drew me in right from the beginning. Blue is this enigma that just makes you fall in love with his sarcasm and tenacity. The chemistry between him and Mick is so strong and pure. However, right out of the gate, you know they won’t use the “L word” lightly. Mick and Blue face trials that will test their faith in one another. With a bad guy that is a bit cliche but still a valuable part of the story and a wise cracking side character that is a mystery itself, this book was a fun adventure.
The reason this book received only four stars is because I felt that it was too short. Now I know that not every character needs a 300 page novel to tell his/her story, but I would have loved to see more of Mick and Blue’s relationship. I felt the progression of the story line went well; I just wanted to know more about these people. However, the action scenes were were excellently written and the sex scenes were extremely hot but tastefully done. All around a phenomenal book and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
I purchased this book for myself and my review is my own opinions. The description and picture were found on SE Jakes website/ blog page which can be found by clicking on the image.
Hard As You Can (Hard Ink Book 2) by: Laura Kaye
Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed. Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn’t want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can–and never let go.
5 out of 5 stars
I was completely blown away by everything in this book. After being introduced into the world of Hard Ink in the first book, I was not sure that I could fall more in love with these strong, sexy men. Shane proved me wrong! He is absolutely everything you could ever want in a man: sweet, southern charm and manners and a fierce protectiveness for his “family.” The interactions that go down between these men are so funny I literally could not breathe for minutes. The bond between these men is so strong that no matter what they go through, you mess with one and you mess with all. The female lead in this book had my admiration as well. Everything she has gone through and to still be as strong as she is. Laura Kaye did not give us a damsel in distress. She gave us a girl who was afraid, but she stepped up to do what needed to be done. I love the how the story started right where the first one left off with a little overlap for those of us with a lot of books running through our brains. This author is quickly becoming my all-time favorite woman in the world. I want to be in this world of unfairly dishonored soldiers and help them get the justice and peace they deserve.
I purchased this book for my own collection. I was not paid for this review and it is all based on my own opinion. To learn more about Laura Kaye or any of her books you can find her website by clicking on the image. The image and book description both came from Laura Kaye’s website.
Shattered (An extreme Risk Novel) by: Tracy Wolff
Ash Lewis has poured every last ounce of his blood, sweat, and tears into reaching the very top of the professional snowboarding
world—until the unthinkable happens. After the biggest competition win of his career, Ash’s mother and father are killed in a tragic accident. Unable to handle the idea of going back out on the snow to pursue the dream his parents shared with him, Ash feels that he has no choice but to walk away from snowboarding forever. Then he meets Tansy Hampton.
Wild, fun, and impulsive, Tansy has a different look and a new passion every week. As a cancer survivor who spent the past several years waiting to die, Tansy has a fresh perspective on life—even if she doesn’t have a clue about what she actually wants to do with it. But she’s determined to find out, and that means making the most of her time while she still can.
From the very beginning, their chemistry is intense. But while Ash can’t stop chasing the ghosts of what can never be, Tansy stays firmly focused on the possibilities the world holds for her—and for them. She’s already picked up the pieces of one shattered life. Now she’s determined to help Ash do the same.
5 out of 5 stars
Oh. My. Goodness.
I LOVED this book!!! I don’t think of athletes as sexy in general but my goodness I can’t wait for the next Olympics after reading Tracy Wolff’s Shattered. This was an extremely easy read; quick, sexy, and to the point. I feel like no page is wasted and no detail is insignificant. Shattered goes through a variety of emotions and deals with a lot of hard issues such as: death, loss, disease/sickness, acceptance, joy, lust, and of course love. Shattered made me yell out loud, cry, and cheer in the afternoon that it took me to devour it. Ash and Tansy are both amazing characters who are mainly focused on finding themselves but bring out the best in each other. Even the supporting characters in this book have a special place in my heart and I’m already salivating for the next books to come. Tracy Wolff’s stories are defiantly going to be on my watch list and I highly recommend going and getting this book when it’s released on May 20th.
I received an advanced reader’s copy after requesting it for review on the website Netgalley.com. All of the opinions are mine and I am not paid for them! Tracy Wolff’s facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracy-Wolff/55540014669 and this is where you can find author information and about the other books she’s written. Happy reading!
Coffee Books Life 