Category Archives: Review
ARC Review: Tangled Passions by Melissa Schroeder
Tangled Passions
Melissa Schroeder
Task Force Hawaii, Book 4
Task Force Hawaii, Book 4
The last person Drew Franklin wants to work with is Cat Kalakau. Their history makes it difficult being in the same room, let alone being joined at the hip during a case. Months ago, they’d shared a night filled with romance and a bit more, but that ended after he was shot. Since then, even their friendship seems to have fallen apart. But he will do his job, even if spending more time with her is killing him.
Working with Drew every day reminds Cat she’s to blame for his injury. It doesn’t matter that she wants him more than her next breath, or that every time he looks at her she melts into a puddle of lust. She needs to resist her own desires to protect him as they hunt a serial killer targeting wealthy men signed up for dating services.
Soon though, their time together proves to be too much. One fight leads to a kiss, which leads to so much more. Neither of them is prepared for the overwhelming need they have for each other or the connection they seem to have. But when Cat realizes Drew is the object of the killer’s obsession, she will do anything to protect him even if it means sacrificing her life for his
4 Stars
Tangled Passions, the fourth book of Melissa Schroeder’s Task Force Hawaii series, is a humorous, sexy and emotional read that has you guessing until the end.
Cat and Drew’s story was highly anticipated for me. These two have been playing at a game of sexual tension for many books now. Cat is a strong woman with an even bigger personality. Drew is one of those rare, hard to find, good men. The chemistry these two create is more than intense. Denying their feelings has only made it worse. Seeing them finally give in to the attraction and feelings, wanting something more than a night or two, was magical. Cat and Drew are intense, in every way. Their personalities are big, they’re passionate scorching. They truly to make the perfect couple.
Melissa Schroeder takes the reader to paradise once again while keeping them guessing with the turn of every page. Perfectly blending romance and suspense, in a setting that is absolute breathtaking, while keeping the reader on their toes with the plot that’s turning. Tangled Passions is well worth spending a few hours in Hawaii. Suspense done right and steamy hot passion, 5 Stars!!!!
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: Renegade by Laramie Briscoe
Renegade
Laramie Briscoe
When you fall in love with the most unexpected person, at the most unexpected time……
Ryan “Renegade” Kepler
I’m the type of man who knows what I want. I make up my mind and stay in my lane, never veering off the course I set for myself.
Going into the military? Did it. Youngest member of the Moonshine Task Force? That’s me. Get my best friend’s older sister in bed? It was my pleasure.
Age means nothing to me. I’ve seen and done things men twice my age never will. What I want more than anything is someone to share my life with and that person is my best friend’s older sister, Whitney.
Whitney Trumbolt
Ryan is ten years my junior, but damn, being a cougar never felt as good as it did the night we spent together. Now I’m struggling with wanting things to either go back to the way they were or spend every night in his arms.
Make my wedding planning company the best in the south? Did it. Ignore the way my body trembles when I see Ryan? Epic fail. Freak out when I see a positive pregnancy test staring back at me? Complete with mascara running down my face and clutching my pearls.
Looks like things won’t go back to the way they were. There’s a man in my life that doesn’t take no for an answer. He’s the one who makes my blood run hot, cheeks turn red, and heart beat wildly within my chest. His name is Renegade.
4.5 Stars
Laramie Briscoe introduces readers to her exciting new series, The Moonshine Task Force, with Renegade.
Ryan “Renegade” Kelper is the epitome of book boyfriends. The youngest member of the Moonshine Task Force is dominant, dedicated, loyal and a good man wrapped in one hell of a sexy package. A man who has seen and done far more than his year should allow. Renegade is a man that knows what he wants and who. This man will make your heart hammer.
Whitney knows what the bad is a relationship all too well. Having an ex who put her through the mill in more ways than one. Whitney is still healing but has her life back on track. She own one of the top wedding planning companies. She puts all of herself into her job. You can see the passion that she possesses come through in every aspect of what she does. She’s a strong woman, independent and so caring. I absolutely adore Whitney. I related with her on so many levels and in so many ways. I always find an extra special place in my heart for a book when I can relate with one of the character so much.
Ryan and Whitney, swoon my heart. Their story is highly emotional, deeply passionate and very sexy. The connection they shared was amazing. Emotional and physical that became something extremely beautiful. Ryan’s patients, understanding and insight made him stand out. Whitney’s growth, determination and willingness made me want to befriend her on the spot.
Ms. Briscoe amazes me with every book. She gives readers characters who could easily be one of your friends. Very believable story lines, low on the drama and high on personality. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Ms. Briscoe has an amazing talent for writing emotions so real, you truly feel her words. She gives her readers intimate and pleasurable stories that leave lasting impressions. Renegade holds a very special place with me. I connected with this story so closely it gave me chills.
ARC Review: Never Surrender by Kaylea Cross
Never Surrender
Kaylea Cross
MacKenzie World Series
Bagram Special Ops Series, Book 6
Evil Eye Concepts
New York Times bestselling author Kaylea Cross dives into Liliana Hart’s MacKenzie family with NEVER SURRENDER…
As the Bagram crew assembles at a guest ranch in Montana to celebrate the wedding of two of its own, everyone expects a fun week-long vacation enjoying some much-needed downtime together. But in the picturesque foothills bordering the ranch, a hidden danger lurks.
When the guys stumble upon evidence of a domestic terrorist cell during the bachelor party, it puts everyone directly in the crosshairs of a lethal enemy determined to remain unseen, unleashing a wave of danger every bit as deadly as what they faced back overseas. Then a shocking revelation from the past comes to light, and it may be the key to winning the fight. Now they must come together as a team to eliminate the threat, before they wind up gathered for a funeral instead of a wedding.
4 Stars
Never Surrender is an action packed, emotional, sexy and humorous short story. Ms. Cross gives the reader an amazing cast of characters. Lots of personality and charisma. Easy to relate to and fun to read about. There’s a lot of drama, but it truly works for the story. Weddings tend to bring out emotions, giving a good dose of emotional depth to the story. Some highly steamy moments are tangle within the suspense of the story. A highlight of the book is Candace’s grandmother. That woman…. is worth the read alone. Add in the uniqueness of Ms. Cross’s writing, you get a pretty exciting book.
Kaylea Cross hooked me from the beginning and didn’t let me down. Ms. Cross is a new author for me. And I’m kicking myself for not knowing about her. With a short story, she has intrigue me and has left me wanting a lot more. Never Surrender is a thoroughly enjoyable book that will have you laughing, keep you excited with action and heat up the pages in naughty ways. Ms. Cross’s Never Surrender is a wonderful addition to the MacKenzie world.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: Shade’s Lady by Joanna Wylde
Shade’s Lady
Joanna Wylde
Reaper’s MC Series
1001 Dark Nights
Kindle Edition, 120 pages
Published March 14th 2017 by Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated
New York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde returns to the world of the Reapers Motorcycle Club…
Looking back, none of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t dropped my phone in the toilet. I mean, I could’ve walked away from him if I’d had it with me.
Or maybe not.
Maybe it was all over the first time he saw me, and he would’ve found another way. Probably—if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Shade always gets what he wants, and apparently he wanted me.
Right from the first.
5 Stars
Joanna Wylde takes readers on a full throttle ride.
Mandy is strong, highly independent, laugh out loud funny and a touch of bat sh*t crazy. She carries a strong distrust in men. Fun is ok, but relationships are a no. Her loyalty to family rivals that of even the Reapers. Mandy’s feisty and her personality shines. Her inner thoughts will are insanely comical. Mandy is one of my favorite female characters that Ms. Wylde written. I loved Mandy.
Shade is bold, demanding and oh my god, my jaw just hit the floor sexy. The Reaper’s national president is rough, rugged and all alpha. He doesn’t ask, he commands. Shade is a man of actions and few words. Under his intimidating and swoon worthy exterior, Shade has a caring heart that not many see. Shade surprise me in many ways. I truly didn’t think I was going like him as much as I do.
Flippin Fantastic! Shade and Mandy take sexual tension and chemistry it a new level. Their banter is tear worthy funny at times and the passion is so hot, be on the watch for a fire. Actions and emotions are perfectly portrayed through each event within this quick moving storyline. Many humorous moments with the right amount of drama and great characters make Shade’s Lady a very memorable read in the Reaper’s MC world.
A copy of this title was provided for review.
ARC Review: Ride Rough by Laura Kaye
Ride Rough
Laura Kaye
Raven Riders Series, Book 2
ebook, 480 pages
Published April 25th 2017 by Avon
Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders…
Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.
Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.
Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear. (less)
4.5 Stars
Emotional and intense……Laura Kaye hits your heart every time!
Maverick is a jewel of a man in a pile of rocks. He’s dedicated, loyal, protective and all alpha. His heart, kindness and willingness to provide to those is in, is enough to make a girl fall to her knees. Add in the exterior perfection as Maverick possesses, well let’s be honest, I was more than won over. Holy hotness!!! Maverick has carried a guilt with him through most of his life, one that has fueled the man his has become and what he does. Maverick has just taken the spot of my favorite hero of Laura Kaye’s.
Alexa is a smart yet complex character. Her would got turned upside down, then she ended up in a delicate situation that twisted it some more. Alexa is a kind and caring soul, able to see the good in everyone. She is overwhelmed by parts of her personal life but takes it on full force. In her want/need for a stable and secure life, Alexa caused binders to go up and not realize. Alexa is a deep and emotional character. Both her highs and lows are elegantly written and hit you right where it counts.
Maverick and Alexa’s connection and chemistry run deep and hasn’t wavered over the years. The want, need and depth they feel for one another is not just read, it’s felt. The emotional and mental satisfaction they allow each other is a thing of beauty. Laura Kaye pulled out all the stops, in every way, for Ride Rough.
Ride Rough is an excellent read in so many ways. Laura Kaye gives the reader an emotional, exciting and sexy story while touch on delicate subjects in a tasteful and truthful manner. Alexa and Maverick’s second chance is a rough ride so worth taking.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: Passion Restored by Carrie Ann Ryan
Passion Restored
The Gallagher Brothers series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with the one brother who thinks he can handle it all and the one woman who could change that.
Owen Gallagher likes everything in its place and is organized to a fault. While his brothers have each dealt with their own personal tragedies and stresses, Owen figures he’s had it pretty easy. That is until his perfectly ordered world is rocked at its foundation and he’s forced to rely on others. Now, he must heal his body and his soul while trying to ignore his delectable and utterly off-limits neighbor.
Liz McKinley is stressed out, exhausted, and not in the mood for a bearded and growly man in her ER. When she patches him up to the best of his ability, she’s prepared to push him firmly from her thoughts. Of course, that would be easier if she and her best friend hadn’t bought the house next to his. Now their paths seem to cross daily, and she is finding it harder and harder to say no to the injured and angry man next door. But she’s been scarred one too many times in her life, and even though this Gallagher looks good enough to eat, she knows that sometimes, sating that craving is the worst thing she can do.
4 Stars
Owen is my new book boyfriend. I totally fell for this overly organized, sexy, caring and a little geeky man. How could I not love a man that has a thing for post it. He’s dedicated and loyal. Owen likes a woman in jeans, is amazing good with his hands and has a huge heart.
Liz is one complex cookie. She’s strong, smart, incredibly hard working and always giving herself. However relationships are something altogether different. Liz has many layers, making her an interesting and deep character.
Liz and Owen are amazing together. They experience an instant attraction, share intense chemistry and creative a passion all their own. Owen is a wonderfully patient man while Liz battles to peel away some of those layers of hers. Passion Restored was a very intense emotional read for me. Liz and Owen very easily captured the hearts of readers.
Carrie Ann Ryan never fails to deliver a book that makes your feel, is sexy as all get out and gives a lot of heart. Passion Restored, is a different type of book for Ms. Ryan that this reader believes showcase her talent beautifully.
A copy of this title was provided for review.
ARC Review: For His Eyes Only by Lexi Blake
For His Eyes Only
Lexi Blake
Masters and Mercenaries series, Book 13
A night he can’t forget
Five years ago, Nick Markovic found himself consumed by his quest for vengeance. The one time he managed to find peace was in the arms of Hayley Dalton. Being with her was like bathing in sunlight, and he ached to feel that again, but he couldn’t. He gave his oath to Hayley’s cousin Desiree, his partner at McKay-Taggart and Knight, that he’d never let his darkness infect Hayley’s innocent world.
A spark she can’t put out
It was years before that Hayley offered everything she had to Nick. After that one amazing night, all she wanted was to be his forever. Unfortunately, Nick’s reaction was to walk away from her and never look back. The warm and caring man she’d discovered was gone, and after Des’s death, he’d only grown colder. But when Hayley finds herself in mortal danger, she’s forced to seek protection from the man who broke her heart.
A flame that threatens to consume them both
Haunted by the women he failed, Nick can’t allow himself to grow close to Hayley again. Running to stay ahead of the powerful forces that endanger their lives, they travel from the lush Garden in London to the glittering lights of Rio. As the threat against her becomes clearer, he realizes that to keep her safe he must confront the demons from his past, even if it costs him a future with the woman he loves.
4.5 Stars
Nick is dangerous, brooding, commanding and hotter than sin. A demanding Russian with a dirty mouth. His past is paved with web of lies and deception. He carries heavy weights upon his heart and soul. Causing long running battles with his heart and mine. Nick tries to fight the feeling continuing to brew within, all the while feeling unworthy of such wonderful things.
Hayley is so much more than she appears. She may seem a naive but that girl has an underlying strength that you don’t see coming. She’s learned to adapt to her surroundings and being able to bend where most people wouldn’t see it. Through the course of this book Hayley’s character transforms from someone seeming timid to becoming one hell of a confident woman. I love those type characters.
Lexi Blake knows how to keep a reader up at night. Dangerous and sexy, romantic suspense at its finest. Hayley and Nikolai have a crazy, hot mess of a story. Their history is laced with feelings deeper than either one is willing to admit. They are the one that haunts each other. When circumstances beyond their control push them together the past returns and wants for the future are had. Heavy on suspense and a few what the crap moments kept this reader turning the pages from beginning to end. Suspense takes the forefront however there is no lacking of hot passion within the pages. One scene in particular to make one time readers of the series quite happy and is hands-down hot. For His Eyes Only is an intense read, yet I expect nothing less from Lexi Blake.
A copy of this title was provided for review.
ARC Review: Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg
Ryder Rodgers had a plan.
He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.
Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.
When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.
The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.
Amazon | Amazon UK
He takes a step toward me then hesitates, but before I can process anything else, his lips are on mine.
And not just on mine––not just a brush of lips against lips—but I’m talking all in. Hands on my cheeks, tongue licking between my lips, body pressed against mine, groan in the back of his throat, type of all in.
I don’t react at first. I’m stunned. Flabbergasted, my mind reeling from the anger to the surprise to now this without any warning at all.
This is Ryder.
My rival.
My supporter.
My crush.
The thoughts flicker that this is what I’ve wanted. But they soon shift to panic. To insecurity I don’t kiss well enough. That this is all a joke and I’m the butt of it.
But then I feel. Everything. All at once.
And I know this is real.
It’s like I can’t catch my breath and have too much air all at the same time.
My body is on fire. And not just from his touch but from that burn deep inside that feels like it’s exploding and imploding all at once.
So this is what it feels like to really be kissed.
It’s a fleeting thought before the sensations, the moment, the emotions, consume me whole.
His hands move my face to change the angle of the kiss. His fingertips on the line of my jaw singe my skin. His lips move expertly against mine, and all I can do is feel. All I can do is want.
Thinking isn’t an option.
The anger from before has morphed to want. The adrenaline has recharged with desire.
There is no rivalry.
There is no graduation ceremony tomorrow I’m missing to catch my flight.
There is no panic over if I’ll ever see him again.
It’s just him.
And me.
The scent of his cologne in my nose. The heat of his body against mine. The taste of hunger in his kiss.
4.5 Stars
Ryder and Harper’s sexual tension, banter and years of knowing each other make Sweet Rivalry very sweet indeed. Second chance romances are my favorite as of late, Ms. Bromberg nailed it with an office setting second change.
I really enjoyed the exchange between Ryder and Harper. They complemented each so well. Their sexual tension was both exciting and sexy, while driving each other crazy. They build each other up in ways that no one else can. Sexy and suffocated while playful and funny.
This is my first read from Ms. Bromberg and will never be the last. She gives readers fun characters, shining personalities, just enough drama to keep it interesting and some O so sexy moments. Sweet Rivalry is a fun, quick and sexy read that will leave you more than satisfied at the end.
A copy of this title is provided for an honest review.
New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.
She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.
On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled). She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out November 14th.
Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (2 books: The Player, The Catch) and the Everyday Heroes series (3 books: Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017.
She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author | Driven Group
Review: Going Down Hard by Carly Phillips
Going Down Hard
Carly Phillips
Billionaire Bad Boys Series, Book 3
A stand-alone Billionaire Bad Boys novel.
Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.
Derek West rose from poverty to take the tech world by storm. He’s sexy, confident and gets any woman he wants. And who he wants is Cassie Storm, the rich girl he’s never been good enough for.
She’s desperate to save her family company and there’s only one man who can help. But Derek isn’t interested in helping. He wants to possess both the company and the woman he’s never been able to forget.
His plan? To screw her out of his head. Except once he’s had a taste of Cassie, he doesn’t want to let her go. Her family remembers where he came from, and they won’t allow it. When the truth about their pasts comes to light, though, it may be Cassie who’s going down hard.
4 Stars
Carly Phillips treats readers with the most delicious of bad boys.
Derek is not what I consider your typical billionaire. He worked for every dollar he has made by taking the tech world by storm. The man has a true rags to riches story. He sexy confident and has a set of values that were instilled to him by the best kind of parents. he’s the type of man who can get anything he wants and most of the time does, however his caring heart is filled with passion and compassion.
Cassie is an amazing woman. She strong, compassionate and when she sets her mind to something she goes for it. She’s like the black sheep of her family, she stands out from them. Her family may have money but she doesn’t see things the way they do. She displays passion is everything thing she does. Along with her amazing personality, Cassie is a character you can’t help but to enjoy.
Cassie and Derek are a wonderful couple. People from opposite sides find a way to work throughout their past discretions to find a second chance at what could have been. Carly Phillips never fails to give reader a story they can get lost in. Great paced, passionate and sexy, and fantastic dialogue. A bit of drama with a lot of passion and feeling. A great read.
ARC Review: Bewitching Bedlam by Yasmine Galenorn
Bewitching Bedlam
Yasmine Galenorn
Bewitching Bedlam Series, Book 1
ebook
Published January 9th 2017 by Nightqueen Enterprises LLC
As Maudlin and Aegis prepare to open the Bewitching Bedlam to guests, they immediately find themselves embroiled in a battle for customers. Ralph Greyhoof, the owner of the Heart’s Desire Bed & Breakfast, doesn’t like to share. The conflict heats up when Maddy finds a local witch dead in the rose garden. The woman looks a lot like Maudlin and suspicion falls on Ralph. But Maddy knows that, as competitive as Ralph is, he wouldn’t resort to murder. Maudlin and Aegis set out to find the killer, even as their own relationship is put to the test. Aegis’s old flame has returned, determined to win him back, no matter what it takes.
5 Stars
| With Bewitching Bedlam, Yasmine Galenorn has just given me everything thing I have been wanting in a fresh paranormal read.
Maudlin “Maddy” Gallowglass may have just become my favorite of Ms. Galenorn’s lead ladies. She’s hands down a total kick a** woman. Maddy has lived a long life, made history, loved and lost. Hundreds of years running, fighting and maybe even reeking a bit of havoc. Maddy is smart, strong and independent. A talented witch and an amazing friend. Maddy’s personality shines through the pages. She funny, snarky and powerful in more ways than one. Maddy is a complex character whom I very much connected with. Her charm and charisma make it very easy to like her, once I got to know Maddy, I was fascinated. Aegis is a smoking hot vampire musician. He just enough alpha to make me purr. He what I call the perfect romantic vampire. He commanding but not overly aggressive. He respectfully and caring. Excellent world building, a few plot twists and amazing characters make Bewitching Bedlam a fantastic read. Ms. Galenorn has outdone herself. First the world building- is truly excellent. An island that is 95% pretcom is the playing field for the Bewitching Bedlam series. I love the mixing of so many paranormal beings. You can almost feel the magic coming off the pages. The town itself is almost like a character. It has a personality that is all its own. Next, the plot twist- Ms. Galenorn kept me engaged and guessing through the entire story. Just when you think you got it, something will happen and change it all up. Characters- the cast of the story rock. Yes, all of them. Personality shines through, even with secondary characters. Making the story that much more enjoyable. Sandy is flamboyant, funny and bold. She is a riot and I absolutely loved her. Characters I really didn’t want to like found a way do so. Many characters have a long history with many ups and downs, creating a deep layer to this tale. Bewitching Bedlam is just what I have been wanting/needing in a paranormal read. The first full length book of the series is like a breath of fresh air. We’ve got every kind of paranormal creature you can think of, humor and sass, a touch of suspense, multiple layers of depth and personality and some smoking hot romance. What more could I ask for? A quick moving story with a fully engaging plot. Bewitching Bedlam will satisfy all of your paranormal needs. A copy of this title was provided for a review. |
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