Category Archives: Review
Review: Standing By by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Standing By
Claudia Y. Burgoa
A Knight’s Tale, Book 2
Published September 23rd 2014
Mitch Knight
1. Loves a good challenge
2. Never turns his back on a dare
3. Loves to create nicknames
4. Nobody cooks better than him
5. Doesn’t believe in love
When Parker Welsh sells Mitch Knight his organic restaurant, Willows, he not only gives Mitch ownership; but everything entangled with it. Including the annoying pastry chef who supplies the muffins and cupcakes.
Hayley Roth-Welsh
1. Loves To-Do Lists and Five-Year Plans
2. Has her dream job of baking sweets
3. Always tries to make others happy
4. Never seems to succeed with her family
5. Is still a virgin, waiting for love
Hayley played by her mother’s rules for the first eighteen years of her life, instead of heading to college as her family expected, she rebelled and opened a bakery, Pieces of Heaven. Her family expects her to fail and head back to school and their wish may come true once Parker sells his restaurant to the handsome, arrogant Mitchel Knight. It’s either join forces with him or lose her dream
3.5 Stars
Take a fly by the seat of his pants kind a guy and a girl who lives by taking notes and keeping lists. Throw in a lot of snark, sarcasm, some push and pull, you get two people are so perfect for each other.
Mitch and Hayley have a bit of a bumpy past together. Causing a bit of animosity between stubborn people. They are alike but in opposite ways. Kinda hard to explain but very funny to watch. For people who did not want to be around each other, they found a way to love one another.
A fast paced story with some comical characters and some plot twists. My one issues with Standing By, there were instances where I was confused as to who was talking. An overall good quick contemporary read.
A complimentary copy of this title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review review.
Review: Unbound by Sara Humphreys
Undone
Sara Humphreys
The Amoveo Legend, Book 5.5
Fate has this not so funny way of being very cruel at times. And you never know it until it bits you in the butt.
Zachary, a guardian for the Amoveo, is coming down to the wire on finding his mate. Not that this sexy lion shifter is ready to be settled down with one woman for eternity. However the prospect of losing his powers is not on the top of his todo list. Needing to clear his head, Zachary takes a much needed vacation to a tropical paradise. It takes less than a New York minute for fate to jump up and slap Zachary in the face in the form of the perfect woman stumbling into his arms.Annabelle Caedo has a secret talent that has her on the run. Her family that is more cult like than not, has a vendetta that’s not going to stop. Not buying into their way of life or thinking, Annabelle sets out to save herself by finding in the one place she feels is safe. Less than five minutes into her Safehaven her world gets turned upside down and falls right into the arms of the man she’s been dreaming of, a man she’s been taught to hate. The thing is the arms of the enemy are the safest place she’s ever been.
Sara Humphreys Amoveo series is truly something to behold. Action, passion, magic, suspense and super hot shifters, everything a book needs to keep on sitting at the edge of your seat turning the pages. The legend of the Amoveo shifters intrigues me. The complexity and depth of the characters kept me reading. Ok and it was really, really hot!! The descriptions of the lagoon and waterfall truly breathtaking and magical themselves! A great read for shifter lovers.
Review: Shatter Me by Alex Grayson
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00057]](https://coffeebookslifeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/shatter-me.jpg)
Shatter Me
Alex Grayson
The Jaded Series, Book 1
Skip the coffee, go straight for the wine and grab a box of tissues. Your going to need them. Alex Grayson’s debut novel Shatter Me will do just that. Shatter the reader to pieces, making them want more!
Bailey is a woman who has been to hell and back. Enduring an ugly past that keeps her looking over her shoulder. Layered with scars inside and out, Bailey runs to keep herself safe. Pain and fear are always near this sweet brunette. Bailey has the inner strength and the need to survive that will just call to your heart.
Jaxson has to be the sweetest Alpha man I have ever read. Tattooed and pierced, the man is sexy beyond belief. The violet blue eyes, they had me from the get-go. Jaxson has a colored past, but that will not stop him from protecting the girl in need.
This is one of those books where intense is not strong enough of the word. Shatter Me is emotional and almost too real! At times hard to read and pissed me off to no end. You can not read this book and not feel something. Shatter Me is one of the best debut novel I have read in a very long time. Ms. Grayson has powerful story telling voice! Pulling you in and over powering you. You will not know what hit you. How she is able to make her characters so real is beyond me, but don’t stop doing it! She writes them like the reader has to get to know them. Like real life mixing laughter with the tears. Passion, with gritty raw emotion will keep the pages turning of this 5 Star read!
Review: Lane Changes by S.L. Ellis
Lane Changes
S.L. Ellis
Cassie Cruise Series, Book 1
Cassie Cruise wants her life back as a kick-ass P.I. Trouble is, she has zero credibility since bungling a case on reality TV. After a public tantrum, she slinks off to bury her head in the sandy beaches of Southwest Florida. Just as she starts over as the owner of The Big Prick Tattoo Shop, a body is discovered in the trunk of her burning car. Cassie’s aware there are those who’d get in line for their turn to torch her car. But murder?
You don’t have to like her, but you damn well better respect her. And get out of her way—this is one case she intends to solve, with or without an audience.
4 Stars
Cassie Cruise is a take no nonsense kind of girl. She will also put herself into your business, make her opinion known, tell just like it is whether you want to know or not. Her personality is overpowering with a lot of spunk and pizzazz behind her. God that woman made me laugh. She is a strong woman, with a sixth sense when it comes to people. I hope when I am 49 I’ve got the energy and charisma that Cassie Cruise has!
Lane Changes was a welcome surprise to my reading pallet. S.L. Ellis really pulled her headers in with captivating and funny characters, fast-paced story that kept you guessing and lots of action to keep the pages turning. For a mystery I laughed a lot. A great start to a new series.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher/author for an honest review. Receiving a complimentary copy of this title does not affect the outcome of this review.
Review: Playing with the Drummer by Robin Covington
Playing With The Drummer
Robin Covington
Head Over Heals Series, Book 3
E-Book, 239 pages
Entangled: Indulgence
Entertainment journalist Lita Matthews is on the verge of making it big. As in her-own-TV-show big. She just needs amazing inside scoop on the year’s hottest celebrity wedding. Instead, her big break is becoming a big nightmare—all thanks to rock star Rocky Cardano. Who apparently hasn’t gotten over what happened between them four years ago… Rocky is pretty damn familiar with just how far Lita will go for a “scoop.” Hell, their unbelievably hot hook-up in Mexico years ago was the story of a lifetime. Rocky’s learned his lessons. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep her from the story—even if he has to seduce her to the point of distraction! But Lita has always had a way of getting under his skin. Only this time, he won’t be able to just walk away…
4 Stars
Seventy-two hours of uninhibited lust and passion with a nameless person who sparked your body in all the right ways, sounds almost too go to be true. True enough to rock the foundations of both Rocky and Lita. Until the moment that names come to the faces that had them ripping their clothes off. Changing lust for anger in a split second, leaving a lot of harmful words and deeds in wake of something that left a lasting impression soul deep. Fast forward four years, Rocky and Lita skate around each other in social settings, while harboring both animosity and underlining desire. When paired together for friends wedding has both heads and clothes flying.
Lita loves the spotlight. Being the daughter of Hollywood and an entertainment reporter she knows all too well how the game is played. Being presented with an opportunity to fill her dream puts her in an awkward position. She surprised me by not being a ruthless, cut throat reporter. She has a sense of dignity and pride in what she does. She adds a bit of class to world that can be very ugly. She’s a true friend. She went out of her way, above and beyond and even surprise me by sacrificing something I didn’t think she would.
Rocky is the the hottest recluse known to man. Drummer for an amazing rock band who’s always in the media spotlight, Rocky prefers to sit behind his kit, playing music. He’s known for his dislike of reporters. Rocky will avoid them at all cost. He has his reasons. A private man who is fiercely loyal to those he cares about. Sexy, headed and protective, Rocky won my heart from the very beginning.
The chemistry and sexual tension between Rocky and Lita set the stage for this quick read. Tempers flair, passion flow and a few people learn who they really are and what they want in life. Playing with the Drummer hits the spot for a good Rocker Romance.
Review: Falling For A Santini by Melissa Schroeder
Falling For A Santini
Melissa Schroeder
Santini Series Book 7
A crush that turned into love.
Being the only girl in a family with five Santini brothers was never easy on Elena Santini. She always tried to be faster and smarter to make sure they always took her seriously. They were always trying to tell her what to do, and worse, who she could date. That’s why falling for her oldest brother’s best friend wasn’t smart especially when he treats her like a sister. That is, until she gets him alone in her apartment one night.
One night in Heaven.
NCIS agent Jethro Thomas, known to everyone as JT, has always played it smart. When his admiration turned to attraction a few years ago, he started avoiding Elena. A guy wasn’t supposed to have those kinds of thoughts about his best friend’s little sister. After returning from an undercover assignment, and about to go on another one, he can’t seem to resist the temptation. One night with her and he knows he’s lost, but he has a job to do.
A changed man.
JT returns from the assignment with a few more scars, both physical and emotional–but he survived for one reason. He’s ready to start a new life with Elena, but a dark cloud hangs over the new love. When small incidents evolve into near death accidents, JT realizes someone from his past is ready to destroy his happiness, even harm Elena to make him pay.
4.5 Stars
Elena Santini is just that, a Santini. Proud, confident and brave. A beautiful and sexy woman serving her country as a marine pilot. As bold as any of her brothers, Elena creates an opportunity putting herself in a position to get what she wants. Little did she know she was going to get more than she was asking for.
NCIS agent Jethro “JT” Thomas has a personality that just makes you like him. Loyal, funny and caring the honorary Santini will charm your heart. His job puts his life in danger, but wanting his best friends little sister has his head on the block. Being known for his cool and collected manor, JT gives into temptation that he has been avoiding for years and falls hard.
It’s no secret that my favorite book family is the Santini’s. A family who are proud and honored to serve on many branches of the Armed Forces. Close doesn’t begin to describe the relationships between the Santini siblings, cousins and medley mothers. My favorite thing about the Santini’s is their curse. When a Santini man finds the woman for him, he falls and he falls hard. Melissa Schroeder has made me laugh on more than one occasion it watching these big,strong, military men get twisted over the one they love. Now we see how Elena Santini, the only female of family falls.
Chemistry, passion and loving deep. That’s what the Santini’s are about. Elena and JT were a true treat for the lovers of the Santini family. Their passion built for years and proving they were perfect for each other. Through humor, longing, lust and passion we see the Santini curse hit once again. Falling For A Santini quickly became my favorite book of the series.
A complementary copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Review: The King by Tiffany Reisz
The King
Tiffany Reisz
The Orignal Sinners Book 6, The White Years Book 2
Sinfully erotic, dark and decadent. The king will consume you.
Kingsley Edge is a man that hold no fear when it comes to his sexual exploitation. A self proclaimed pervert, there is no sexual kink that is too much for him. The line of pleasure and pain for Kingsley twists, crossed, braided and broken. From the man for built the best BDSM dungeon I would expect nothing less. What I was surprised to find was the depth of intelligence and emotions within Kingsley. A worldly man that know he can have and get whatever he want. Kingsley is the most diverse man of every facet of the BDSM world that I have ever read. He may also have the kindest heart.
The King is my first indulgence of Ms. Reisz’s writing. I say indulgence because The King tempts and teases you. Giving the reader a taste of thrill and danger, while hanging to the edge, over come with lustful pain and pleasure. All while consuming you page by page and leaving you smile in bliss at the end. An overpowering read of love, loss and the sacrifices and that one is willing to go to for pleasure.
ARC Review: At His Pleasure-Addie Learns The Ropes by Emme Salt
At His Pleasure- Addie Learns The Ropes
Emme Salt
Eighteen-year-old Adeline Curtis lands an internship with the mysterious and powerful Jon Banks. Night and day, Addie struggles to fulfill his overwhelming demands.
But when the innocent intern discovers a naughty bondage video on her boss’s office computer, Addie can hardly believe what she’s seeing: beautiful young women being tied and teased by older men.
She realizes that Mr. Banks is hellbent on teaching his seductive intern the rules of love and submission.
When Addie’s ordered by her dominating boss to accompany him on a business trip, she suspects that he has more in mind for her sexy young body than he’ll admit. Mr. Banks introduces Addie to strange new pleasures…all designed to tie her closer to him.
But when she discovers the devastating secret behind why she landed the coveted internship in the first place, she’s faced with an impossible choice.
Torn between her family and the man she loves, will Addie stay with the man she’s been trained to obey?
4 Stars
Holy hottness! This ones a scorcher.
Addie may be young but she is far from innocent. Boy can this girl push the envelope so to speak. Sexy and a bit mischievous, she is not one to take things lying down.
Mr. Banks is a man of wealth and power. Unlike your typical billionaire, Mr. Banks truly has a kind heart even if he has a thing for domination and kink.
The two of them together we’re like a current that can’t be stopped. A consuming story with a good plot that leaves you wanting more. The story was hot beyond belief. Straight up erotica and it was damn good. You will laugh while breaking out your fan to cool down from this sinfully delightful story.
Audio Review: An Alpha’s Path by Carrie Ann Ryan
AN ALPHA’S PATH
CARRIE ANN RYAN
REDWOOD PACK SERIES, BOOK 1
Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she’s to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date – a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she’s to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – but he is more than what he appears and Melanie’s analytical mind goes into overdrive.
Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night way from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life?
4 Stars
A short but highly sexy and erotic introduction to Carrie Ann Ryan’s redwood pack series.
Melanie is a book and fact kind of girl. Kade is a walking, taking myth and legend. On what should’ve been a normal blind date, Melanie and Kade change each other’s lives on the drop of a dime. Embarking on a night of crazed passion, raw emotions and brutal truths, two people who are in no way alike, rock the foundation of each other’s being.
Kade was a of rarity among werewolves for me. He’s strong and dominant sexy as hell and oh my God does he have a dirty talking mouth on him. He’s next in line to be the alpha of the pack, but he also realize that people need to make their own choices. Learning to take the consequences that came with those choices.
Melanie was so smart but yet so dumb at the same time. She spent too much time using books for learning, instead of letting herself have an imagination. I love Melanie’s total freak out reaction to finding out werewolves exist. Seeing her frazzled and out of her safe zone made her more real and likable.
Raw, animalistic lust infused with emotions, sweet passion and heart is what Carrie Ann Ryan gives her reader/listeners in An Alpha’s Path. A fast read that turns up the heat while getting lost in the Redwood Pack.
Gregory Salinas takes An Alpha’s Path to the next level with his narration. Allowing the listener to feel like they are right along with the Redwoods. Gregory adds another level of dimension and passion to this tantalizing story with his succulent voice. He truly brings the Redwood Pack to life.
I was given a complementary copy of this audiobook for an honest review.
Review: Haunted Haven by Anna Snow
Haunted Haven
Anna Snow
But Heather soon realizes Haven Manor isn’t the welcoming home it first appeared.
From small bumps and bangs to the haunting image of bloodied, tormented children, strange events begin to play out around her, and the need to know why Haven has sat abandoned for fifty years and what happened to its previous inhabitants become Heather’s number one priority.
But with the lack of cooperation from the Lakeshore Hollow residents, Heather’s suspicions begin to rise and the mystery deepens. The only cooperation she can get is from her new contractor and lifelong Lakeshore Hollow resident, Andy Bennett. Not only is he willing to help her get the answers she now so desperately seeks, he stirs her passion as no man ever before.
Together, they must solve the great mystery of Haven Manor and along the way, their growing desire for each other.
4.5 Stars
I was truly surprised at just how much was packed in to the short story. Miss Snow paints a vivid picture with her descriptive details of this beautiful world she has created. There is no lack for wanting visual imagery in this book.
Combining small-town romance with paranormal and suspends elements, Haunted Haven touched on many aspects of romance reading that I enjoy. Giving the reader a page turning story with an ending this reader did not see coming.
I found Andy and Heather’s story to be more like the boy/girl next door sweet type of love. Their personalities were perfect for each other and they complement each other very well.
An entertaining story that you can read in one sitting. If haunted houses are your thing and like a good twist to a story. Haunted Haven is the read for you.
I received complementary copy of this book for an honest review. Receiving a complementary copy does not reflect on the outcome of this review.
Coffee Books Life 