Category Archives: ARC
Review: Rebel’s Karma by Rebecca Zanetti
Rebel’s Karma
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 11
For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .
Or desire . . .
Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger…
| 4 Stars
If there was a demon-vampire hybrid that would be the life of the party, it would be Benny. As serious as his life is, this alpha protector knows you have to live. Benny has so much to him. A fun and a bit crazy side yet is so sweet at times he will make your heart go pitter patter. Karma is so brave and an incredibly strong Woman. She’s endured so much but yet she keeps fighting. Losing her mate just as they were beginning their time together, to never be able to meet again, to being put into a situation beyond her control. Her femininity it’s a beautiful touch to her personality. It’s who she is and she lets that part of her self shine. For someone who does their best to blend in she definitely stands out. Rebecca Zanetti is definitely turning it up in Rebels Karma. There are some many levels of intensity to the story and it just gets better along the way. Benny and Karma are beautiful together. Benny’s caring nature helps Karma on the path of finding her true self. They complement each other beautifully and their passion is so deep. The situation is getting heated and everyone is willing to do what it takes to keep everyone safe or to get to their ultimate goal. Rebecca Zanetti is definitely keeping us on our toes. |
Review: Wild Love by Melissa Schroeder
Wild Love
Melissa Schroeder
Juniper Springs Series, Book 1
Then I met him.
Quinn is a big bear of a man, with massive hands and amazing…staying power. Like all night long and the next morning kind of staying power. So when he asks me to spend the next day with him, I do. The only reason I give him my number is because he makes me laugh. And, okay, so I might have met up with him once or twice.
That doesn’t mean I need him. Because I am Everly Freaking Spencer, and I don’t need anyone (other than my bestie), and definitely not a man.
Only…
He shows up by chance at my store, which totally freaks me out. Finding out he’s my favorite author doesn’t help either.
And the surprise that’s dropped in our laps later that day?
Major. Freak. Out.
But, like I said, I don’t need anyone.
Right?
If I keep repeating that, I might just believe it.
Author warning: Get ready for a trip into the hippiest little town in Texas. There’s gossipy little old ladies (LOLs), an app that every teenager hates, trips to Denver and Cali, a woman who is convinced true love doesn’t exist, and man who aims to prove her wrong by doing things to her that should embarrass the author. And she was. (Not really). Along the way readers get to spend time with the gorgeous Hawthorne brothers and gay ducks. SERIOUSLY. GAY. DUCKS. Just get the book already because you know you want to know about them. Also, there’s a happily ever after fit for a woman with commitment issues and man who just doesn’t know when to give up.
Review: Seduced by the Spy by Shayla Black
Seduced by the Spy
Shayla Black
Forbidden Confessions Series, Book 6
Expected publication: June 1st 2021 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
What will she surrender to him for his protection?
I’m Vanessa.
Someone has broken into my place…but taken nothing.
I’m terrified.
And alone.
My work crush appears unexpectedly and offers to keep me safe.
At what price?
We have a past Rush doesn’t remember…
So I offer him a night he won’t forget.
But he already knows everything about me—my ambitions, habits, and forbidden desires.
And that’s not the only secret he’s been keeping…
A single kiss leaves more than a lasting impression. A longing with wants for years to come.
Vanessa brazenly kissed Rush on a prom night years ago and has been the man of her thoughts for years to follow. When Rush turns up in her present day life, working in the same building Vanessa’s dreams of what could be reawaken. Yet she wonders, does he even remember.
Rush lives a very dangerous life and holds many dark secrets. His mission- protect the bosses daughter. Protect the one woman he’s wanted more than anything in his life. He remembers Vanessa. Remembers her feel and taste. As painstaking as it is, Rush keeps his hands to himself until danger falls upon Vanessa and Comfort is what she needs. By God he’s going to be the one to give it to her.
Seduced By the Spy is my favorite story of Shayla Black’s Forbidden Confessions series. Vanessa is a strong woman with goals. Rush has had his hands in the dirtiness of the world. Him feeling like he’s not good enough for her and she thinking he doesn’t even see her. They are absolutely perfect together. Rush and Vanessa take reader on a ride of emotions, action , laughter and super hot sexy time. Ms. Black packs a punch with this forbidden confession.
Review: Fake by Kylie Scott
Fake
Kylie Scott
West Hollywood Series, Book 1
When a scandal tarnishes the reputation of hot as hell A-lister, Patrick Walsh, he needs a reputation rescue, pronto.
Enter waitress Norah Peers–a nobody who’s average with a capital A. She’s available, dependable, and has sworn off men for the rest of her natural born life. In other words: the perfect match for a no-strings fake romance.
For the right amount of money, she can avoid waitressing and play the part of his dependable down-to-earth girlfriend. What she can’t avoid–dammit–is the growing steam between them.
But being hounded by the paparazzi and having your life dissected on social media is a panic attack in the making. And while Patrick might be a charming rogue on screen, in real life he’s a six-foot-two confusing, gorgeous, brooding grump, who keeps her at a distance . . . but also makes her feel like this bond between them might be more than just an act.
Being dumped on cue should be no big deal. Except being fake with Patrick is the realist relationship Norah has ever had. What’s a girl to do, but flip the script, and ask for a rematch made in Hollywood?
Review: Dark Alpha’s Obsession by Donna Grant
Dark Alpha’s Obsession
Donna Grant
Reapers Series, Book 11
When Erith directs me to infiltrate the enemy and topple them from within, I immediately accept the challenge. I figure it’ll be easy until a stunning warrior goddess crosses my path and diverts my attention. The problem? She’s in league with those I was sent to take down. However, I soon discover there is more to her than meets the eye and quickly find my mission divided: disband this new group of Fae Others and save the gorgeous Light from her family—and herself. All it takes is one look, one conversation to know that she’s mine, and I will chance Death’s displeasure to make it so. But the risks are great. Because when you fall in love with the enemy, more than your heart is on the line.
Review: A Hex for Danger by Esme Addison
A Hex for Danger
Esme Addison
An Enchanted Bay Mystery Series, Book 2
The small town of Bellamy Bay has its share of skeletons in its closet, but it isn’t used to bodies turning up in the local history museum. After all, this coastal North Carolina town is much like any other…except, of course, for the mermaids.
Helping to run the family business, an herbal apothecary while keeping her supernatural secret hidden is no easy feat for water witch Aleksandra Daniels. But somehow she’s still found time to help her friend Celeste, who has her own Caribbean mermaid heritage plan the annual Mermaid Festival. As fun-seekers throng the beaches, Alex gets to know and is intrigued by renowned artist Neve Ryland, who’s in town to decorate the local park with a mermaid-themed mural. Celeste, however, is less enamored with the artist, as Neve has been spending entirely too much one-on-one time with her boyfriend Jasper, director of Bellamy Bay’s history museum. Then, a reception for Neve ends abruptly when the artist is found dead in his office.
The police investigation nets Celeste who asks Alex to find the true culprit. With the help of her magically-inclined aunt and cousins, Alex dives in to clear her friends name. But there was more to Neve Ryland than met the eye…and Alex fears she may be in way too deep. Will she catch the crook or be next on the hook?
If you are a paranormal cozy mystery fan this is definitely a book for you. Creative and captivating, A Hex for Danger is an entertaining and well written cozy.
Welcome back to the mysterious Bellamy Bay. It’s Mermaid Festival time and there is more on the tide than some crazy waves. When a local artist is found murdered, Alex is on it again to clear a family member’s name of murder. With magic in the air, the descents of mermaids are on the case in this twisted mystery. A fantastic mix of mythology, lore and legend with a keep the reader on their toes kind of mystery. Alex will not only weave you through the mystery she will take you on an adventure too.
A Hex for Danger is a fantastic and creative cozy mystery. Author Esme Addison has done her research and it shows. Adding her creativity to bring a new light to watery lore. An Enchanted Bay Mystery series now has two solid mysteries to its series.
Review: Deadly Ever After by Eva Gates
Deadly Ever After
Eva Gates
Lighthouse Library Mystery Series, Book 8
Librarian Lucy’s wedding is at stake when a murder interrupts her engagement celebrations. To make it down the aisle, she’ll have to find the killer to save the date in the 8th book in the Lighthouse Library mysteries.
They’re getting married! Lucy Richardson and Connor McNeil have announced their engagement. Their friends throw a party for the couple at Coquina Beach, close to Lucy’s beloved Bodie Island Lighthouse Library.
As they’re packing up the presents and the (few) leftovers from Josie’s Cozy Bakery, who should arrive, but Richard Eric Lewiston III, Lucy’s former almost-fiancé and his overbearing mother Evangeline. Push comes to love when Evangeline makes no secret of why she’s here: to get Lucy and Ricky back together.
Lucy isn’t temped in the least, and Ricky is nothing but embarrassed at his mother’s desperate ploy. Before returning to Boston Evangeline throws a dinner party at Jake’s Seafood Bar for a reluctant Lucy and her family. Lucy hopes to get the dinner over with and see Evangeline and Ricky returning to Boson. But when a body is found at the restaurant’s kitchen door, Lucy is again forced to unwillingly put on her detective’s hat and do what she can to save her family and her engagement. Meanwhile, the classic novel reading club is reading The Hound of the Baskervilles, and open war breaks out in the Lighthouse Library when Lucy agrees to temporarily take care of a dog named Fluffy, but Charles the library cat has other ideas.
4 Stars
Just when Lucy starts to feel a calmness coming into her life, everything starts to hit the fan.
Deadly Ever After is a fun and entertaining edition to the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series
Lucy and Connor are happily Celebrating their engagement with family and friends when out of the blue the ex and his mother show up, uninvited, to join in the festivities. When the intentions of the visit are unveiled, Lucy wants no part of this plan whatsoever. Agreeing to what should be a farewell dinner ends up having Lucy stumble upon a dead body that hits a little too close to home. And the icing on the cake is when Charles is not happy, to put it mildly, about the visitor release he brings home has his tail on edge.
I absolutely adore The Lighthouse Library Mysteries. Deadly Ever After is fun and entertaining. The atmosphere in which the book takes place is breathtaking and somewhat calming. Even with all the chaos that goes on within the story. Eva Gates does extremely well keeping her readers attention with an interesting and well plotted mystery and characters I have come to love over several books. She is able to keep us guessing and second-guessing with the turn of a page. I love that Lucy and Connor are finally getting together and I look forward to see what their future brings.
Review: Undeniable by Melissa Schroeder
Undeniable
Melissa Schroeder
Dominion Rockstar Series, Book 1
Part of the Melissa Schroeder Instalove Collection.
From the first moment I met her, I’ve wanted Pippa March. She’s sexy, smart, and funny. But she works for my band, managing us through our biggest tour yet, so she’s off limits.
Until one night, and one kiss. Once she gives herself to me, I know will never let her go. Unfortunately Pippa comes with baggage, namely her absent rockstar father. I have one night to convince her that I want her forever, and I don’t intend to fail.
Author Note: This is an instaromance with a silent bear of an Alpha hero, a spunky British heroine, lots of feels, a happily ever after with no cheating and no cliffhangers.
3.5 Stars
Undeniable is a quick read with a lot of personality.
I very much enjoyed Gareth and Piper. The moment they met, you could just tell. They tried to keep it professional but it was only a matter of time. It may be an Insta love story but I prefer to say it is more of an act on your impulse story. Gareth and Piper chemistry together it’s quite explosive. Together they are raw and fierce yet gentle and loving. They definitely heat up the pages in the best of ways. I very much enjoyed Undeniable. Melissa Schroeder always brings so much personality with her characters in her stories. Even with this one being a short one, she packs in everything I love within her books. Humor and emotion along with some incredibly sexy times.
I look forward to getting to know more of the Dominion Rock band.
Review: Meant to Be Immortal by Lynsay Sands
Meant to Be Immortal
Lynsay Sands
Argeneau Series, Book 32
In the newest Argeneau novel from author Lynsay Sands, an immortal barely escapes a raging fire only to kindle a sizzling passion with his potential life mate.
Mac Argeneau knows all too well: immortals can be killed. Not with holy water or silver crosses, but by decapitation or being set on fire. So when Mac’s house bursts into flames—with him inside—he’s sure it was no accident. But who would want to kill a scientist specializing in hematology? There is a silver lining: a blonde investigator appears on the scene and sparks feelings in him that have been dormant for centuries.
CJ Cummings is in town on a special investigation, but she’s been waylaid by the local police to deal with this arson case. The biggest mystery is how this sexy scientist with silvery blue eyes has emerged from a blazing inferno without a burn mark on him. He’s clearly hiding something. Sure, she’d love to see him without his lab coat, but she’s got a job to do—despite his insistence that he needs a bodyguard and…he wants her.
But when a second attempt on their lives puts CJ in harm’s way, it’s Mac who will do anything to safeguard the woman who’s destined to be his life mate.
3.5 Stars
It’s been a while since I have dived into the world of the Argeneau. Meant to Be Immortal is a nice book to dive back in on.
Macon “Mac”Argeneau is just trying to set up his new lab in his new house. In a matter of an hour of moving in, someone torches his house, he almost dies (which is not the easiest thing for Mac) and meets his life mate. Talk about a moving day.
CJ Cummings is a former cop who now does special investigations, is in town to investigate one of their own. She is a smart cookie who realizes that she is getting a run around. When she arrives for her meeting the town sheriff convinces her to do some detective work as his men are all on other calls. What should be a simple questioning and gathering of evidence turns into something she quite doesn’t understand.
Meant to Be Immortal is an intense, hot and suspenseful read. Hooked from the first page to the last. Lynsay Sand has her Argeneau world well built and even with Meant to Be Immortal being the thirty second book of the series she delivers surprises the reader doesn’t see coming. Mac and CJ shine in many ways through this book. From there bickering back-and-forth to the laugh out loud moments they gave the readers. She is smart and he is clever. The two of them together make quite the team. Their attraction is from the get go and their chemistry is as hot as the fire that took Mac’s house. Meant to Be Immortal was an entertaining and fun read.
Review: Wild Dreams by Mari Carr
Wild Dreams
Mari Carr
Wilder Irish Series, Book 12
Oliver has always longed for a love just like his parents have—all three of them. He’s certain he’s already halfway to that happily ever after. His foster brother calls it wild, but Ollie knows they can find the woman of their dreams.
Gavin has always accepted that life is just one disappointment after another. Growing up in the foster system taught him that. Oliver is one of the few people he can trust, so he prefers they stay a two-man band.
Erin is a curvy, spunky brunette neither of them saw coming. But fate has another wild card in store for the three of them, one that will test everyone’s faith in their very different dreams for the future.
Coffee Books Life 