Category Archives: Review

Review: Gray’s Skye by Vanessa Noble

grayGray’s Skye

Vanessa Noble

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vanessa-Noble-Author/

 

Kindle Edition
Published February 3rd 2015

 

 

After a devastating divorce Lucy, a young adult novelist, escapes to Scotland to recover. What she finds instead is a gorgeous neighbor who makes her question her future. Gray is a teacher who has lived on Skye his entire life. The two start a friendship but Gray wants more. How can he make her see it is worth giving him a chance?

 

 

 

review

4 Stars

Touching and heartfelt romance!

 

Ms Noble surprised me with her sweet and sexy romance, Gray’s Skye.  Although I found the beginning a bit slow, the characters really do pull you into the story.

 

Lucy is on the mend from an unfaithful ex husband.  A sweet and caring woman, a best selling author, a loving daughter, sister and aunt. She in a way allows fate to pick the spot where she is to mend herself, then push fate a way for fear of the past. A simple yet complex woman who will cook her way into your heart.

 

Gray is a dream man. Kind, caring, thoughtful, a true gentleman.  A very different man ol from those whom I been reading. He’s a good man!  A teacher who loves his family and thinks of others. He has the patients of a saint. Oh, and he’s Scottish. Very hot! And he will make you one damn good cup of coffee.

 

The time that Lucy and Gray spend together give the meaning to ” the little things in life”. They not only get to know each other, the learn what love is and is really about. They are the sweet couple that you want to strangle when you see them on the street because they are so damn sweet. A sweet read that made me laugh and drop a tear or two!

 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

 

deana

Review: One Night With A Santini by Melissa Schroeder

one night

One Night With A Santini                                              

Melissa Schroeder

The Santini Series, Book 8

Kindle Edition, 96 pages

Published February 24th 2015

Harmless Publishing

http://www.melissaschroeder.net

 

 

He was searching for something that was missing from his life.

Brando Santini is headed to New Orleans to blow off some steam with a few of his buddies. The respite from his life as a Marine doesn’t really seem to do the trick until he runs into his college crush, Kaitlin Fitzpatrick. After a little dancing and a few drinks, they end up in bed together and Brando knows she’s the one for him.

One night will never be enough.

Kaitlin never forgot Brando. She never would have thought the sexy nerd would have remembered her. More than that, she definitely didn’t expect he would be interested in seducing her. Their time in New Orleans is intense but much too short. The memories of his lovemaking leave her counting the days until she sees him again.

A complication neither of them expected.

By the time Brando arrives in Maryland, Kaitlin suspects that their one night together has left them with more than memories. When Brando insists on marriage, she refuses on the grounds he doesn’t love her. But what Kaitlin doesn’t understand is that when a Santini wants to prove his love, nothing will stand in his way—not her five brothers, his own annoying family, or even the woman he adores.

 

 

review

 

4.5 Stars

I truly adore the Santini series. There is nothing like the moment when a Santini man stumbles over his self when he realizes she’s the one. Then watching (reading) what these tough, sexy military men will do to prove their love.

Brando and Kaitlin have harbored secret crushes on one another for years. A chance meeting, an amazing night of passion, a stubborn woman and the Santini curse. Leaving more than longing and memories. Giving this reader just what I love about a Santini book.

Brando and Kaitlin’s chemistry sets this novella on fire. Melissa has this amazing way of writing couples that are perfect for each other. Giving each distinctive personalities and charisma, that you can’t help but to like. Humor, meddling families, insatiable passion and romance make you fly through the pages. The Santini Family will suck you into their world!
Readers note: I got a very strong feeling while reading One Night With A Santini that Mel is hinting around at some thing. Maybe spin off to another series. Maybe a prelude to something. I could be wrong and just imagining it. However from what I read it feels like something good is coming.

A review copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

 

 

deana

 

ARC Review: VANDAL by Carian Cole

VandalVandal

Carian Cole

Ashes and Embers Series, Book 2

e-book

publication: Feb. 26, 2015

 

www.cariancole.com

 

She takes my breath away; she is so beautifully damaged.
Yes I had broken her, ravished her life, destroyed her happiness. I brought her to ultimate despair.
I was responsible for all the pain and suffering that now brought her to her knees in front of me.

Broken.
Hopeless.
Reckless in her agony.

She is a mirror of my own tortured soul.

But what I took away I can give back.
In ways she cannot even begin to imagine.

She is everything right in all my wrongs.

She loves me. She needs me.

She has no idea I’m the one who wrecked her life.

 

 

 

review

 

5 Stars

 

An emotionally dark and flippin intense read from begin to end.

Vandal is a deep, hot mess, that will command his way into your heart, body and mind. Linger there, tempt you, give to you, take from you. Step back and smile because he know you’ll ask for more. He’s dark, private and at times not the nicest of people. He’s beautiful and talented. He’s scared so deep, there seems to be no hint of light in him. I totally fell for Vandal.

Tabi’s a ball passion, unconditional loving and full of desire. Even if she doesn’t see herself that way in the darkness that has come upon her. Fractured and angry, making quick discussions Tabi steps into a darkness willing. Set on destroying herself, she find something  very different than she thought.

Love is never easy. It’s a lot of overwhelming excitement, fluttering feelings, fear and emotions entwined together that consumes ones being. Your biggest fears and most secret wishes combined. Passion and pain. Love is not alway pretty. In fact it can be ugly and raw. A test of everything we are. Its a struggle and a fight at times. Then there are these moments of bliss and joy that make time stand still. Knowing that this is the person that truly changed your life forever. Soul binding love.  That’s Carian Cole’s Vandal.  This book will not be everyone’s cup of tea! It’s dark and walks a fine line. It’s intense and emotional.  Alluring and dangerous all in one.  I loved this book.

Ms. Cole beautifully gives her readers an amazing book about a darker side of love that not many people experience and only few understand.

 

An ARC was provided for an honest review.

 

deana

 

 

ARC Review: Alluring Ink by Ranae Rose

AlurringAlluring Ink
Ranae Rose
Inked In The Steel City series, book 7

ebook
Published February 13th 2015

 

www.ranaerose.com

 

Love is risk. Love is heartbreak. Love is an addiction a single mom like Crystal can’t afford. And accomplished tattoo artist Dylan is a temptation she can’t resist. He’s only in town for a few weeks as a guest artist, but the attraction is instant. With her past shadowing everything she does, it feels good to have someone who doesn’t judge … and doesn’t know.

Love is just the spark before the crash and burn, especially when your demons are something more than standard-issue. Dylan craves Crystal with everything he has, but their days together are supposed to be numbered.

 

 

review

 

3.5 Stars

 

Sweet romance with insatiable passion.

Nothing is better than finding that person that you can connect with, when you are least expect it.

Ranae Rose has this wonderful way of writing characters that are just made for each other. Dylan and Crystal are another perfect example.

I loved their natural meeting. The instant connection and chemistry, the fun and playful personalities, the fight in both Crystal and Dylan give Alluring Ink a real life feel. While the list and passion that scorches the pages get the fantasy wheels rolling.

The issues of recovering addiction and mental health add a bit of darkness and depth to Alluring Ink that the other books in the Inked in the Steel City series don’t have.  With that said, Alluring Ink is one of my favorites in the series.

A review copy was provided by the author for an honest review.

 

deana

Review: Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Willians

Accpt

Accept This Dandelion

Brook Williams

Paperback

Published February 4th 2015 
Prism Book Group

 

Renee Lockhart has her eye on a lofty goal…to fill the open position of morning radio show host on a nearby secular station. When her co-workers sign her up for a local TV version of “the Bachelor,” Renee goes along with it in order to raise her profile. Ben McConnell, one of the most eligible bachelors in town, insists that Renee be placed on the show, despite her bumbling audition. Ben gets much more than he expected in Renee. He gets a girl who doesn’t bow to his every whim…and a girl who opens his eyes to true, unexpected love. Enjoy a local version of the popular “Bachelor” TV show…where nothing can go right for Renee!

 

 

 

review

 

3.5 Stars

Although I am not a fan of the Bachelor type shows, I did find Accept This Dandelion an enjoyable and funny romantic read.

The story was a fast read with a fun and humorous plot line. The comical mishap of Renee give the reader many laugh out loud moments within this book. The chemistry between Ben and Renee allows the characters to both feed off of and compliment each other. They made the story fun

Accept The Dandelion is a sweet, flirtatious, romantic and heartwarming story, where love will find you even if you’re not really looking for it.

A copy was provided for an honest review.

 

 

 

deana

 

 

Review: Baer Truth by Jocie McKade

bearBaer Truth

Jocie McKade

The Three Baers, Book 1

Kindle Edition, 269 pages
Published January 2nd 2015

 

Vegetarian punk rocker, Abby Clark is kicked off the band tour bus in the middle of nowhere. That happens to be Sentinel, Wyoming in the dead of winter. With a talent for cooking and the singing voice of an angel she manages to disturb a very cranky, cold-hearted bear — Baer.

Joe Baer, is a sexy Wyoming beef rancher with women issues. His ranch is slipping through his fingers, he’s been betrayed by family, and he discovers a family secret that leaves him reeling.

Snow, out of control tractors, a wayward, but affectionate Angus bull, one hot country superstar, an unforgettable rodeo, and two jaded souls that just might be able to melt each other’s hearts when they find out, The Baer Truth.

 

 

review

 

4.5 Stars

 

Jocie McKade will make you laugh until it hurts.

 

Opposites attract is a big understatement when it comes to Joe and Abby. She’s a punk rock singing, potty mouthed, city girl.  He’s a born and bred ranch running, kind of grumpy cowboy.  Hello night, meet day! But somehow they ruffle one another feathers like no other.

 

Jocie McKade combines both humor and romance to create a laugh out loud story. My kids looked at me like I was crazy while reading Baer Truth!  I can’t tell you what I enjoyed more. The fact that our lead lady is a bigger walking catastrophe than I am.  Or the dialogue between all the characters. Whit, personally, sass and charisma draw you in, while Ms. McKade’s humor will keep you reading.
You want a damn good laugh? Read BARE TRUTH!!!!

 
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for an honest review.

 

deana

Review: Below The Belt by Sidney Halston

belowBelow The Belt

Sidney Halston

Worth The Fight Series, Book 3

ebook, 288 pages
Published February 10th 2015 by Loveswept
In Sidney Halston’s latest sizzling MMA romance, a former title contender turns the tables on his knockout trainer with a lesson in seduction.Once one of the most sought-after names on the mixed martial arts circuit, Antonio “Scarface” Marino watched his career go down for the count as he chased skirts and made tabloid headlines. Now he’s finally making a comeback, and it’s all thanks to Francesca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell as tough as any of her fighters. But who’s the real Francesca: the trash-talking trainer who rides him hard, or the vulnerable woman who blushes at his touch?Francesca went to the mat to sign Tony because she believes he still has the potential to bring big success to her gym—if she can keep his head in the cage and out of her personal life. After a short-lived marriage soured her on love, a one-night stand is all she can handle. Now Tony’s kisses are stirring up complicated feelings—especially when he agrees to face her ex in the ring. Francesca’s used to freezing guys out. But Tony’s tempting her to give in to the heat.

 

review

4 Stars

Heart and passion, in and out of the ring.

 

Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not a sports fan. I play pool and watch women’s 9 ball. I was beyond surprised to find the amount heart and feeling in a MMA fighting romance book.

 

Francesca is a tough as nails, balls to the wall’s, fight you as tough as a man kind of girl. Or that’s what she would like everyone to think. A complex character, that knows her own flaws and weaknesses.

 

Tony was the true surprise of the book for me. A top name in his sport, who is moving downhill. Fighting is his passion but not the way one would think. Tony’s TV and real life selves are two very different people who we see merge together to allow him to become who he truly is.

 

Below The Belt is an adrenaline pumping, sexy read. Sexual tension, attraction, and chemistry are blended perfectly! With lots of built hotties to picture as your reading. Tony is the true star of this book. His passion for life, love and family kept me turning the pages. Francesca and Tony keep you guessing! Their passion is as hot as the Miami sun.

 

Below The Belt is the third book of the Worth The Fight Series, however I had no issue reading it as a stand alone.

 

I received a copy of this book via netgalley for an honest review.
deana

Review: Without You by Reylynn Purdue

withoutWithout You

Reylynn Purdue

ebook
Published January 29th 2015 by Smashwords Edition
Roxanne Daniels was supposed to be spending her summer getting ready to head off to Julliard. That was the plan.

But that was before– Before she found her mother’s lifeless body– Before she walked in on her boyfriend in bed with someone else. Before she knew what heart shattering pain felt like.

Now all she wants is for the pain to go away. But it never does.

Until him. A complete stranger who could end up being much more.

But letting go and moving on is easier said than done.

review
3 Stars
I am kind of on the fence with Without You.  While the writing is sound and the story line did keep me reading the book.   The pages are filled with so much emotion. Both good and bad, that give a very real feel to the story.  I did however find a few of the characters really lacking for me.   Roxy’s world did fall apart in every way possible.  Emotional pain can be worse than physical at times, but is seemed like every step she took forward, two minutes later she was taking two steps back.  I don’t think I have ever wanted to smack a character so much.  She skated over her issues rather than dealing with them.  Roxy’s brother Ryan, I loved/hated.  I understood what he was doing, but didn’t like how it did it.  Big Brothers!!!
Without You is a rather long book with a cliff hanger ending.  The emotions of these pages are like riding a roller coaster.  Lots of up and downs.
A copy of Without You was provided for an honest review.
deana

Audio Review: LOGAN’S ACADIAN WOLVES by Kym Grosso

LOGAN’S ACADIAN WOLVES

Kym Grosso

IMMORTALS OF NEW ORLEANS, BOOK 4

September 17th, 2013

www.kymgrosso.com

 

Deep in the heart of New Orleans, Acadian Wolves’ Alpha, Logan Reynaud, rescues a beautiful woman in the dead of night. Intrigued by the mysterious human, the commanding Alpha is determined to elicit all of her secrets, including her deepest fantasies. After tragedy strikes, Logan discovers dangerous adversaries are planning an attack in his city. Driven by responsibility and honor, Logan must protect both his pack and the woman who’s captivated his attention.

Dr. Wynter Ryan, a leading virologist, is fascinated with her charismatic protector. As the chemistry ignites between her and the dominant Alpha, she relinquishes her ties to the past, embracing ecstasy and submission within his arms and intrepidly acquiescing to her own adventurous instincts. Succumbing to desire, she learns to trust her Alpha, discovering what it means to be wolf.

Passion and mystery on the bayou stirs Logan’s wolf, demanding he claim his mate. Yet Wynter’s a distraction he can’t afford when his priority is to lead his new pack. Will Logan surrender to the uncontrollable need to claim Wynter as his mate? And will he be able to keep her alive, finding the killer who threatens the Acadian Wolves?

Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes, including m/f/m ménage, and is intended for adult readers only.

 

review

5 Stars

 

Mix southern gentleman with Alpha wolf and you have Logan.  A deadly beast with a caring and gentle touch that has to make ones skin quiver.  Newly named Alpha of the Acadian wolves, Logan natural charismatic nature along with his dominance, sexiness and love for shopping made me more than love him. An Alpha in every sense of the word. Woo!!!!!

 

Wynter has to be one of the most unique characters I have read about in a long time. Smart, beautiful, caring,self sacrificing and on the run for her life.  The very nature of Wynter’s  life was changed against her will and still she put others before herself.  Her drive and determination to make the wrong, right just add to the beauty of her character.

 

Kym Grosso has created a world of seductive darkness, heart pounding passion with a unique twist the paranormal creatures I have come to love.  Logan’s Acadian Wolves will tempt you into its pages with the sexy men(wolves), an intriguing mystery, a breathtaking setting and one of the top five ménage scenes I have ever read. The characters will pull you in, the suspense keeps you turning the pages, the passion keeps you at the edge of your seat.

 

Ryan West has quickly moved his way up my list of narrators that I love.  His seductive and sultry voice talents deliver the story as if you are watching it unfold on a screen. Mr. West brings to life the charisma, depth and personalities to not only the characters, but that of the story as well. A narrator can make or break an audiobook for the listener. Ryan West’s smooth voice will have you tangled in this tale.

 

 

deana

 

 

 

Review: A Second Chance at Paris

parisA Second Chance at Paris

Cole McCade

Bayou’s End Series, Book 1

ebook
Published January 18th 2015
One week in Paris. One chance with her childhood crush. And one lie that could ruin it all.

Before she was Dr. Celeste London, Astrophysicist, she was Mary Celeste Haverford: dork, loser, the geek formerly known as Hairy Mary. But she’d left all that behind–and left Ion Blackwell behind, nothing but an unrequited crush and the memory of a high school field trip, a night in Paris, and the words Celeste never had the courage to say. She’d never expected to see him again…until a surprise encounter on a Parisian riverboat tour brings him back into her life, and gives her the opportunity to start over as someone new. Someone Ion doesn’t recognize, transformed from a social outcast into a polished, professional woman that Ion doesn’t realize is the girl he’s been longing for since childhood, the ideal he’s dreamed of his entire life.

Suddenly this vivacious (if charmingly awkward) “new” woman is teaching him that real love is better than any dream–but Celeste is hiding more than her identity. Hiding something that makes it hard to trust her increasingly erratic behavior, and her frequent secretive phone calls. When the truth comes out, the deception could shatter them both…unless they can give each other a second chance, and take a risk on love.

review
3 Stars

When you love your job as much you love life, as Celeste does, men don’t seem to hold her interest. Even more so when your line of work keeps you head in the stars. Unless its Ion, the teenage crush who had never left her heart. Following in her father’s footsteps becoming an astrophysicist, trading her former geeky self to professional woman. Celeste still has the passion of a young child when it comes to the stars and Ion Blackwell.

Ion is a gypsy child of a roaming gypsy family. Living in more places than one person could wish for. Settling in Paris and becoming a best selling author is not all bad. Handsome, smart and a very private man. Who deep down is a hopeless romantic.

I enjoyed A Second Chance at Paris. A sweet and passion filled read that will make you want to stop and take a look at the stars. Ion and Celeste have chemistry and humor. The surprise pop in visit scene is a hoot! I personally found this to be more of a sweet romance laced with passion for both live and life. With some added fate and secrets that could change the stars.  A quick sweet read!

 

deana