Category Archives: Review
Review: Never Let You Go By Katy Regnery
Never Let You Go
Katy Regnery
A Modern Fairytale Series
Published June 12th 2015 by Katharine Gilliam Regnery
In this modern retelling of “Hansel and Gretel,” 13-year-old foster children, Holden and Griselda, escape from their abductor after three years of brutal captivity and try to cross the Shenandoah River on foot. Tragically, one of them makes it to safety but the other is left behind.
Ten years later, Griselda’s boyfriend drags her to a fight club grudge match where her world is turned upside down when she watches Holden step into the ring.
Though the connection between them is fierce, bitter regret, simmering rage and a cache of physical and emotional scars lie between them, just as dangerous as the whitewater of the Shenandoah.
Never Let You Go is a story of fear and hope, defeat and survival, and two people – once profoundly broken – who discover that love is the only thing that can make them whole again.
This is a standalone novel inspired by Hansel & Gretel. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity, scenes of physical abuse and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. (Note: children are not sexually abused in this book.)
For June and July 2015, 25% of all gross royalties will be donated to the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.
3.5 Stars
As I begin to read Never Let You Go, I was pushing myself a bit. I ask myself why am I still reading this. I hate not finishing a book. I get to about the halfway mark and realize I have been sitting in my chair reading non stop for a few hours. As I finished the last page I knew why I had to finish reading Never Let You Go.
A story of survival, turmoil, longing, hope and romance. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. Katy Regnery take the fairytale to a whole new level. Holden and Griselda are both complex and immensely strong. Both victims of circumstance into many ways. A bond that somehow stand the test of time and a trip through hell and back.
It’s generally known that I’m not a fan of New Adult romance. I feel a lack of substance and true emotions in most of them. Katy Regnery blew me out of my seat with the powerful and emotional story of Holden and Griselda. A dark and edgy tale that will make one cringe in fear and cry with joy.
A review copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Review: Hard to be Good by Laura kaye
Hard to be Good
Laura Kaye
Hard Ink Series, Book 3.5
Published April 14th 2015 by HarperCollins Publishers
Hard Ink Tattoo owner Jeremy Rixey has taken on his brother’s stateside fight against the forces that nearly killed Nick and his Special Forces team a year before. Now, Jeremy’s whole world has been turned upside down—not the least of which by a brilliant, quiet blond man who tempts Jeremy to settle down for the first time ever.
Recent kidnapping victim Charlie Merritt has always been better with computers than people, so when he’s drawn into the SF team’s investigation of his army colonel father’s corruption, he’s surprised to find acceptance and friendship—especially since his father never accepted who Charlie was. Even more surprising is the heated tension Charlie feels with sexy, tattooed Jeremy, Charlie’s opposite in almost every way.
With tragedy and chaos all around them, temptation flashes hot, and Jeremy and Charlie can’t help but wonder why they’re trying so hard to be good…
4.5 Stars
Charlie and Jeremy have forged a friendship through a very twisted and hot mess of a situation. When the sh*t hits the fan these two realize they both want more than to be friends. Disaster pushes the feelings to the surface, making thoughts and fantasies a reality.
Laura Kaye just gave me my favorite friends to lovers story. Two unique and charismatic people comes together, find something worth living for in a beautiful and natural way, amongst the chaos going on around. Yes this is a M/M novella. But the story is more than two men getting together. Look at the sensuality and passion between two loving and caring people creating something stronger together. It’s a beautiful, sexy and endearing story that will get to your heart.
Print book from my personal library.
ARC Review: Flagger by Laramie Briscoe
Flagger
Laramie Briscoe
Red Bird Trail Trilogy, Book 1
Published June 13th 2015 by Laramie Briscoe
Cash Montgomery likes fast cars, fast women, and living his life only as far as he can see with his own two eyes. There are very few people in his life who he answers to. One of them being his little brother Remington (Remy).
When Cash and Remy are forced to make a life-changing decision they no longer have a place to live, no idea where their next meal is going to come from, or any prospects as to how they will make it. They need help.
That help comes in the form of the Heaven Hill MC and Harper Stillwell.
Harper Stillwell comes with her own set of problems, but when she and Cash Montgomery meet, sparks fly.
None of them know what they’re doing, where they will end up, or how they’ll get there. The only thing they know is that the race for their lives is only beginning—the flag is waving—and they have to hang on for the ride.
5 Stars
Laramie Briscoe starts her new Red Bird Trail Trilogy, FLAGGER, at top speed.
Cash Montgomery has two sides. One that people see. Another that has made him grow up way too fast, that only the closest to him even know of. Two very different people. If you have read Laramie’s Heaven Hill MC series, you may think I’m crazy, but I think Cash could give Tyler a run. Cash is an old soul in a young body.
Harper Stillwell is an amazingly sweet and strong young woman. She has a huge heart and can see the good in anyone. Despite issues from her past the plague her. She too, grew up a bit too fast. When Harper throws caution to the wind and lives a little it gave her something greater than she could have asked for.
Laramie Briscoe starts her new Red Bird Trail trilogy, Flagger, at high speed and never lets off the gas. Raw, real and sexy. Cash and Harper both have gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to their parents. Both in the same boat with different stories. Their connection, chemistry and passion will leave goosebumps. Cash and Harper together make each other feel alive. Circumstances push them together, it’s up to them to keep themselves together.
Flagger is part one of a trilogy. Yes there is a cliffhanger ending, however the first phase of the story in my mind is complete. Ms. Briscoe just does a damn good job of setting up the next book.
A copy of this title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
ARC Review: Against The Tide by Kat Martin
Against The Tide
Kat Martin
Brodies of Alaska Series, Book 3
But Liv’s past is more dangerous than Rafe could guess, and when his first mate turns up dead, she fears that she’s next. That there’s something else coming she can’t see. That even Rafe and the remote village of Valdez, Alaska can’t protect her forever…
4.5 Stars
With one book Kat Martin has made me a fan!
Liv Chandler is a strong woman, living on the run and off the grid in Alaska. Keeping people at an arm’s length and looking over her shoulder is Liv’s way of life. Until an unjustified charge and a hottie boat captain have Liv letting her guard down.
Rafe Brodie is a sexy boat captain and has had his eye on Liv for good bit. When good friend and employe is murdered, Rafe goes on a mission. Working side by side with Liv, causes chemistry and sparks to flair. Rafe sees the wall Liv has built, question is can he break it down?
Action packed, makes you think and super sexy, Kat Martin’s Against the Tide rocks! Personally, suspense and beautiful scenery. This fast paced read has it all! From beginning to end, Kat Martin will kept you on the edge on your seat, running right beside some truly awesome characters. Against the Tide is my first Kat Martin read. It will not be my last.
A review copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Review: London Bound by Amy Daws
London Bound
Amy Daws
London Lovers Series, Book 3
When Leslie Lincoln, a spunky, red-headed American, suffers an awkward moment with an arousingly-sexy British man—she thinks her life can’t get any more pathetic.
She’s done with men.
She doesn’t need them.
She especially doesn’t need their muscular thighs.
No siree, she’s going to forget all about the brooding, complicated, and seductive “Theo” who captivated her on the dance floor of a London nightclub.
Keep telling yourself that, Lez…..
Immersing herself into a new type of romantic cleanse, Leslie thinks she’ll never lay eyes on Theo again. But somehow, he’s managed to bulldoze his way back in—her cheetah-print onesie pajamas be damned.
He wants more.
She wants to run.
But he can’t seem to let her go.
Both of them have a past—and neither want to share.
How can love possibly survive in darkness?
4 Stars
Leslie is not the typical heroine. She’s fun, loud, sassy, snarky, and foul mouthed. She very real. Leslie loves her job and has created a wonderful and colorful family of friends. In a moment of being totally herself, she unknowingly opens a door that she can’t stop thinking about but also makes her want to run in the other direction. I truly enjoyed Leslie, stubbornness and all.
Theo is beautifully broken. Complex, dominant, creative, deep and flippin sexy. A man that is damn good with his hands, well whole body. Theo has a darkness that shadows him. Until a chance moment in a dance club, when a ray of light stops him in his tracks. I was on the edge with Theo for a bit. He proved himself a damn good man.
London Bound was so much more than I expected. Leslie and Theo’s chemistry from the get go is on target and über hot! Persistence and stubbornness, intensify the passion and add some mystery to this compelling story.
Amy Daws had created some really interesting and funny personalities in her characters in the London Lovers Series. As London Bound is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. The characters have made me what to go back and read the first two. I laughed so much while reading London Bound. Ms. Daws more than touches on some delicate topics. Perfectly balancing the dark with the light. A one sit read for me!
A complementary copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
ARC Review: Reclaim Me by Alex Grayson
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Reclaim Me
Alex Grayson
Jaded Series, Book 2
When the truth finally comes out, danger shows its ugly face. There are people in Jaded Hollow that do not want Mac and Mia together. They are willing to do what ever it takes to keep them apart.
Will Mac be strong enough to overcome temptation, even when the odds are against him? Will Mia forgive Mac when she realizes things weren’t what they seemed ten years ago?
Alex Grayson continues to captivate her readers with the emotional roller coaster and intense passion that is Reclaim Me.
A second chance love story laced with betrayal, unanswered questions and raw feelings that after 10 years still make their presence known. Through the emotions of not the main characters, but the secondary as well, make an edge of your seat read. Ms. Grayson writing takes the reader on a journey that will make you laugh, cry and share the pain, and want to hope for love.
Love is never easy. Reclaim Me by Alex Grayson, shows the battle that makes it all worth wild. A great addition to Ms. Grayson’s Jaded series.
A complementary copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
ARC Review: Commanded by Stacey Kennedy
Commanded
Stacey Kennedy
Club Sin series, Book 6
A dedicated cop, Sawyer Quinn blows off steam by immersing himself in his role as a Master at the hottest club in Las Vegas. But when Sawyer goes after the perp who brutally beat his sister, he teams up with Chloe Nash, a sexy private investigator who awakens a sweet new need: to keep her to himself, away from the dungeon of Club Sin. Chloe is beautiful, smart, and too innocent for the BDSM lifestyle. Sawyer’s never wanted a woman like this before. Is her love worth swearing off the one thing that keeps him sane?
There’s something different about Sawyer: a commanding strength that pulls Chloe into a vortex of heady desire. But when she learns about his double life as a Dom, she’s shocked—and afraid she could never complete him. Then he saves her life, and just like that, Chloe knows she will be able to give him anything he desires. She is his—wherever and however he wants to take her.
5 Stars
Stacey Kennedy makes me shiver!
Sawyer is hot, sexy, dirty talking, Alpha Dom and cop. He’s looking for more than just a good time. He wants love. Chloe is sweet, innocent and very vanilla PI. A woman who can stand her ground and go toe to toe with the best of them.
The sixth installment of the Club Sin series is a little different from the previous in the series. Showing another side of the passion that lies within the realm of BDSM. The chemistry is through the roof in Commanded. Chloe and Sawyer have an instant connection. Their personalities complement each other making the passion more intense. Sawyer opens a door to a world that overwhelms Chloe. Both good and bad. Leaving what could be real love hanging in the balance.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author/publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
Review: Willfully Compelled by Senayda Pierre
Willfully Compelled
Senayda Pierre
Unintentional Sacrifices, #1
A once kaleidoscope-colored land is now brown. Water sources have become nonexistent leaving behind only lethal bodies of water. Animals and people disappear beneath the tempting waters never to resurface.
As the world falls apart the twins become separated. Alone and injured, Lysandra ventures forward trying to locate and reunite with her family. Instead she slips beneath the river’s surface discovering a new world where no human has ever survived before.
A prophecy. A dying world. Twins, Leondra and Lysandra are compelled to make the ultimate sacrifice for an entirely new world.
Book One of the Unintentional Sacrifices Series.
Containes mature content.
Unintentional Sacrifices, #3.5 StarsI want to start out by saying this is not my normal read. With that, I was pleasantly surprised with the uniqueness that is Willfully Compelled.
Hands down the world building is what made this book for me. Ms. Pierre has richly created this post apocalyptic type world. With a great eye for detail, she leads the reader into crumbling dismay and desolation. And at the same time enticing the reader to continue on the journey to the stories end.
Mixing a prophecy with some sci-fi and some steamy romance makes for very interesting read. I have to say that this book is nothing like I have read this year. The uniqueness of the storyline and the world building keep me turning the pages.
ARC Review: Gypsy by Patricia A. Rasey
Gypsy
Patricia A Rasey
Sons Of Sangue Series
Book 3
Published: April 28. 2015
e-book
Grayson “Gypsy” Gabor loves the ladies. As a matter of fact, the more the merrier. Life is good. That is until a mishap with a sexy-as-hell redhead leaves them mated. The eldest of vampires, Vlad Tepes, gives him a choice: Keep her or give her up for all eternity to his one-time best friend, Anton.
Tamera Cantrell sets her sights on the Vice President of the Sons of Sangue, Gypsy. But after a night gone wrong, she finds herself caught between one vampire who hates her and one who adores her. Now Tamera’s only got three short months to prove to the one who despises her that he can’t live without her.
Add in one Mexican Cartel, a vindictive primordial vampire, and a rival MC out for blood, and Gypsy has his hands full with club business. When Tamera’s life becomes endangered, Gypsy must act quick or chance losing her forever.
5 Stars!
Pissed off and twisted is not a good look on Sons of Sangue VP, Gypsy. The ladies man of the MC has found his self between a rock and a hard place without his own doing. Putting him in an asshole state from hell. Gypsy, the brother I love and hate. His eyes capture, his body will entice and his presence causes panty dropping lust to erupt. Gypsy is walking, talking, sin on a bike. An ego bigger than most, accustomed to getting what he wants, and so hypocritical he needs to take a looking in a mirror, Gypsy battles himself with the decision that will change him not matter the choice.
Want, need and desire have Tamera caught up in a web of craziness. With no choice but to go along for the ride. Tamera’s mishap sets in motion a whirlwind of chaos within the MC. Leaving her freedom, life and love lingering on the fingertips of an enraged vampire. I am still on the fence about Tamera. One thing I will say is the woman has some balls. Making me want to high five her and smack her within a minutes time.
Intensity is an understatement for the hot mess that plagues the Sons Of Sangue in GYPSY. Deceit is thick in the air. Brotherhood is tested. Revenge is a must. Sexual tension is taken to a new level. That’s just the beginning. Patricia Rasey has the reader going full throttle into a wicked storm. Action from beginning to end, twists that hit you like a brass knuckled fist and lust building like a bomb waiting to go off. Great flippin book!
My anticipation for Gypsy’s book was extremely high before it was ever written. I lost sleep and sequestered myself in my car for more time then I’m willing to admit to finish this book. Was it worth it? Your damn right it was. I cussed at my kindle, screamed at fictional characters, my jaw dropped more than once and lusted after a man that doesn’t exist. Am I pathetic, maybe, maybe not. Ms. Rasey captures and captivate her audience with intriguing characters, an amazing storyline, and jaw dropping moments. Giving this reader the best book hangover ever. A 2015 top read for me.
Review: Matter of Time by Alannah Lynne
Matter of Time
Alannah Lynne
Heat Wave Series, Book 5
Published April 21st 2015 by Alannah Lynne
Some might think the phrase, “you complete me” is a just cheesy line from the movies, but Lizbeth Sanders knows better…
In MATTER OF TIME, Lizbeth has spent the past fifteen years desperately searching for someone to fill the void left by Logan Steele’s disappearance from her life. However, rather than finding love and happiness, all she’s found is disappointment, heartache, and an ever-present longing for the man she can never have.
Fifteen years ago, Logan Steele left the woman he loved to marry his high school sweetheart and be a father to the child he didn’t know he had. He’s always tried to do the honorable thing, to be a good husband and a great father, but despite his sacrifices and best efforts, the shaky foundation of his marriage crumbles and falls apart.
When his identical twin surprises him with a reintroduction to Lizbeth, Logan feels like he’s been given a second chance—at life and love. But a lot can change in fifteen years, and after hurting her so badly the first time, building trust isn’t just hard, it’s nearly impossible—especially when duty and obligation pulls him away again.
4 Stars
Logan is one of the most admirable men I have read in a long time. Severing ties and breaking his own heart, to do in his mind and most people’s eyes the right and proper thing to do. Fifteen years later, Logan’s world has changed but his heart and soul are still with the woman he walked away from. He’s determined to show her that he is where she belongs.
Lizbeth gave part of herself away fifteen years ago and never got it back. Holding every man to this day in comparison to the one that had to walk away. She has made a life for herself, however it’s been a lonely one. A chance encounter, a set up, and club of exotic desires putting Lizbeth’s fantasies right before her eyes.
Logan and Lizbeth’s chemistry will leave you smokin in Matter of Time. Rekindling love is not the proper term for this story. It’s more like reuniting of soulmates. Two people leaving such an impact on one another that they have carried pieces of other since parting. Never feeling whole. Ms. Lynne somehow put all those complex feeling into words. Creating a story with fun and likable characters, lust spanning years, love deeper than words can express, and a few moments that make you think.
Matter of Time is my first read my Alannah Lynne will not be my last.
A copy of the title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
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