Category Archives: reviews
Review: Dare to Love by Carly Phillips
Dare to Love
Carly Phillips
Dare to Love Series, Book 1
New York Times Bestselling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family… siblings shaped by a father’s secrets and betrayal.
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
4 Stars
Ian is dominating and controlling. When the past he has, you understand why he is this way. Sexy is an understatement. He is throw for a loop when just the sight of a woman get him tangles. Even with his controlling ways I liked him a lot.
Riley is a strong, independent and headstrong. Sassy and fun. She has a broken past and has faught every step of the way to be where she is now. She will stand up for herself even when asking for help or when a man is trying to dominate her.
Dare to Love is my first Carly Phillips book and will not be my last. I enjoyed everything from the concept of the stroy to the awesome characters she has written. A sexy and fast read, with a lot going on that will get the blood moving. When I first started reading I was not sure this would be the book. A few pages later, I was sucked in. Dare to Love is a great start to the series and I am looking forward to reading Alex’s book.
Review: Second Chance Love by Laramie Briscoe
Second Chance Love
Laramie Briscoe
Heaven Hill, MC- Book 6
Expected publication: November 7th 2014
Mistakes
Secrets
Second Chances
Sharon “Roni” Walker and Brandon “Rooster” Hancock have a past. As teenagers and young adults they were lovers, sneaking around, hoping not to get caught. When Rooster took the fall for her, in a crime he didn’t commit, a string of events were set forth that changed lives and ruined friendships.
Seventeen years later they are at a turning point. Secrets have been revealed, mistakes have been forgiven, and now it’s up to them to choose the type of relationship they want.
There’s a passion that burns bright, but at the same time there is a fear that it will all be taken away in the blink of an eye like it was before.
They have a decision to make—do they let go of what could be the happiest time in their life, or do they take a shot on a second chance love?
5 Stars
Roni and Roster’s story is one I have been waiting for in the Heaven Hill, MC series.
Knowing they have a history that spans almost two decades, that took them from lovers to enemies you know it’s going to be one hell of a story. Some secrets have come out but there are still more lingering that leaves the second chance at love in the balance.
Roni and Roster will make you laugh and break your heart all in one. Together they are intense and passionate. Their story is deep, with many ups and downs. These are not kids learning to love. Roster and Roni are trying to rekindling a flame that has gotten to low. Is it letting go or giving in. That’s the thing with love.
Laramie Briscoe continues to amaze me with her growth not only in her writing but the fact that she can put so many emotions into words and let me feel them as I’m reading them off the page. Each book in the Heaven Hill, MC series is an emotional ride. Second Chance Love is a damn good one.
Review: A Santini in Love by Melissa Schroeder
A Santini in Love
Melissa Schroeder
Santini series book 6
She was the last woman standing.
Madison Baker was born and bred to be a Marine. When a roadside bomb ends her first deployment—not to mention her career—she is left to pick up the pieces of what is left of her life. She’s returned to Oceanside to regroup and move on. It doesn’t mean she’s ready for a relationship, even if a particular Santini has different plans.
Love happens when you least expect it.
When he first met Madison back at the Academy, Dante Santini is sure the woman was put on the earth to irritate him. She’s prickly and mouthy. She always thinks she’s right. Worse—she almost always is. She hasn’t really changed over the years. One disagreement ends up with them lip locked and very nearly falling into bed, Dante discovers he might need to rethink his first impression.
When Madison is convinced she witnesses a murder, the only person who believes her is Dante. Together, they sift through the meager evidence, trying to unearth the secrets someone is trying to hide. Neither one of them expecting it would draw them closer—or that a killer is hell bent on making sure those secrets stay buried.
5 Stars
Madison Barker is one hell of a woman. She’s literally been through hell and back and she still standing on her feet. Some days maybe better than others, but she could take you down in two seconds flat. Smart and witty, however Madison is still healing and is stronger than most women.
Dante will make your heart flutter. Sexy and built, this marine is going to make you sweat. He is also plagued by the family curse. Dante said he didn’t believe in the curse. But the moment he saw her, he knew what it was and the only thing he wanted was Madison by his side.
Dante and Madison are perfect together. Having the past they did and reacquainting themselves gave such wonderful life to the story. Add in a bit of mystery, melding family members, witty banter, a sexy marine, some steamy passion and you have A Santini in Love.
It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of this series. No I can’t call it a series, it’s more than that, it’s a family. Melissa Schroeder has made more than a few women fall in love with her beyond sexy, military men known by the name Santini. Their reputation precedes them. I was beyond excited when Melissa said she was continuing with family. A Santini in Love was everything I enjoy from a Melissa Schroeder book.
A complementary copy of this title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Review: Honey Girl by Juliette Jones
Honey Girl
Juliette Jones
Billionaire Series, Book 2
Will the drama drive them apart, or is Alexander and Lila’s love strong enough to get them to the altar?
HONEY GIRL (BILLIONAIRE, Book 2) is the second book in the BILLIONAIRE series (and can also stand alone).
Freshly engaged Lila and Alexander have an overwhelming obsession for one another. Lust and passion consume most minutes of the day.
Honey Girl, is the second book of Juliet Jones’s Billionaire series. I did not read the first book however I do feel that I got enough of the backstory to understand what is going on. Alexander is a wealthy and controlling man who likes to get what he wants. Lila is fresh out of college and trying to start her life.The two of them together are like an explosion of lust that is going off at all times. it’s beyond addiction and obsession for the two of them. Working together and being a couple is never an easy relationship. Add in some jealousy and a woman that’s not going to take it laying down gives you a very intense story.
I enjoyed Honey Girl more than I thought I would. Lila had a backbone that most women of these types of stories. Alexander had an under layer that I did not else coming and enjoyed very much. Ms. Jones high five to you. Super steamy and page turning.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Review: Immortal Heat by Loni Lynne
Immortal Heat
Loni Lynne
The Guardians of Dacia #1
Determined to study ancient Dacian folk lore abroad, Marilyn Reddlin’s plans are cut short when she is abducted by a dark haired stranger who insists she’s in danger. The only danger she’s in is losing herself to her abductor’s inexplicable seductive energy. Draylon Conier teaches her there is more to Romania than myth and fairy tales while sweeping her into a wild adventure of paranormal mystery and intrigue.
Dacian History…
Thousands of years trying to pay back a debt, Draylon Conier is finally able to do so. Sent to capture a young, American student who is in danger while in Romania, he just has to send her back home. Easy enough for him. Unfortunately, Marilyn Reddlin is determined to thwart his every attempt—even telepathy. But there is more to her than meets the eye and the closer he gets to her, the more danger she is in, not only from the ancient immortal Dacian clans he’s trying to protect her from, but also his own sexual need.
History just got a lot harder.
They must find out what connection Marilyn has to Dacian history before Draylon destroys her when she succumbs to Immortal Heat
An almost dream like adventure wrapped with paranormal mystery and lore.
Marilyn grew on me during the reading of Immortal Heat. A well read young woman, but sheltered. A bit of a geek, however there is something fiery with in this beauty. Marilyn smart, willing and brave. When the history of myths and legends that she loves so much becomes a reality, Marilyn’s inner strength rises and pieces start to fit in place. From what should have been a trip to finish her studies quickly became an adventure in keeping her life. we see Marilyn make some amazing transformatios that not only change her from child to woman, she truly changes herself completely.
Draylon is a fierce warrior and protector. He’s straight from myth and legend. One of a kind. The man has a body that is sexy as sin. Draylon sheer presence is enough to make you weak in the knees. His presence on the page make sure kind of feel like you’re in a dream state where every fantasy can come true. Draylon made this story for me.
Ms. Lynne created a story that I truly got lost in. I had to read the book twice before I could sit down to write this review. The story was almost like a dream, not sure where reality and fantasy began or ended. She created a world with all the paranormal creatures that I love. She gave us interesting characters that captured your heart and allowed you to get sucked into their story. Heat and passion fill the page while getting lost in the amazing world Ms. Lynne has allowed the reader to play in.
Whatever your paranormal tastes are in the romance world, Immoral Heat will have something for you. I look forward to seeing what happens in the Guardians of Dacia series.
A complementary copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
Review: Underneath It All by Kate Canterbary
Underneath It All
Kate Canterbary
The Walshes, Book 1
Expected publication: October 21st 2014
If I had known I’d have a hot architect balls deep inside of me before the end of the weekend, I’d have made time for a pedicure.
Lauren
It’s all the little things—the action plans, the long-kept promises—that started falling apart when my life slipped into controlled chaos.
After I met Matthew Walsh.
I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to run screaming or rip his pants off, and most days I wanted a little of both. If I was being honest with myself, it was rip his pants off, ride him like a workhorse, and then run screaming.
Matthew
A rebellious streak ran through Lauren Halsted. It was fierce and unrelentingly beautiful, and woven through too many good girl layers to count, and she wasn’t letting anyone tell her what to do.
Unless, of course, she was naked.
She wasn’t looking for me and I sure as shit wasn’t looking for her, but we found each other anyway and now we were locked in a battle of wills, waiting for the other to blink.
Sometimes the universe conspires to bring people together. Other times, it throws people down a flight of stairs and leaves them in a bruised and bloodied heap
3.5 Stars
Smart, sassy and bossy teacher Lauren has her sights set on one goal. To get her school off the ground. Being the daughter and sister to navy seals, it has been instilled in her to never give up. She’s strong, independent and focused. Even a bit of a klutz. A lover of shoes and pretty underwear, Lauren is a girly girl underneath. Her sassiness who make you laugh. A hardheaded woman only seeing straight in front of her.
Matthew is an architect whose job is his passion. His way with number is cute in a that geeky way. Beyond smart and sexy to boot. Matthew has some rather caveman like tendencies that it times are annoying and others are sexy beyond belief. When a client stumbles into his arms, Matthew wants a little more than his work obsessed life.
Underneath It All was a surprise of a book for me. It’s so much more than just a naughty teacher story. A story with emotions that are overwhelming and family. Being so ingrossed in something that the fear of doing anything else will put you off track. A story about making one’s own family. A story about setting and achieving goals. With lots of passionate, wild and steamy romance to keep you turning the pages of this heartfelt story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Review: Lock and Key by Cat Porter
Lock and Key
Cat Porter
ebook
Sixteen years ago I survived my old man’s murder
Never again.
Never again will I surrender my heart.
Never again will I sacrifice to the Club.
But that all changed in one night.
I came home and crashed into him,
and my past and present blew up in my face.
Both of us lonely, running on empty, and unwilling to admit it.
Until now.
Now I feel things I’d forgotten about, want things I’d cut out of my insides.
Love not only stings when you lose it, when it’s ripped away from you.
When it first sinks its teeth in you, it can cut just as raw and sting just as deep.
I’d forgotten that.
Who holds the keys to betrayal? To suspicion? To trust?
To brotherhood? To family?
To redemption and a bleeding heart?
Right now, I just might.
Grace, a.k.a. Little Sister, is the text book definition of a good old lady. Loyalty to her old man and the club, she knew when to talk,
to shut up, went to stand up for herself, and when to back off. The club was her life. Until tragedy struck the most devastating way, taking her old man and so much more. Grace walk away from not only her club but the life she knew. Almost 2 decades pass, another tragedy strikes. Grace is forced to return to her home for her sister. Returning home also means returning to the club. Grace learns that just because you walk away from the club does not mean you leave the club. Grace is considered the old lady of the old ladies. Loyalty and honor are bestowed upon her by all the men of the club. Grace is also reminded that when the club calls you answer.
Lock and Key is the story for all of us that wanted to truly know what it’s like inside a seasoned old lady head. To be brought into a new world, completely change your way of living, see and do some crazy fucked up shit, and live through it. All the while having the most crazy and passionate experiences of your life. To have a story come to you through someone who is not new to the lifestyle, going into it fully knowing what to expect and still does it. I find it funny that it’s always said that women are not part of the club. They’re only used as the clubwhores, to help out here and there, yes some have their old ladies but not part of the club. Lock and Key shows that women do you truly play a vital role within the club it’s just behind the scenes and kept under Lock and Key.
Review: An American Duchess by Sharron Page
An American Duchess
Sharron Page
Once in England, her foolproof plan to wed, inherit and divorce proves more complicated than Zoe had anticipated. Nigel Hazelton, Duke of Langford and Sebastian’s older brother, is as austere and imposing as the family’s ancestral estate. Still reeling from the Great War, Nigel is now staging a one-man battle against a rapidly changing world—and the outspoken Zoe represents everything he’s fighting against.
When circumstances compel Zoe to marry Nigel rather than Sebastian, their heated quarrelling begets passion of another sort. But with Nigel unwilling to change with the times, will Zoe be forced to choose between her husband and her dreams?
Duty, honor and tradition are etched into who Nigel, the Duke of Langford is. Serving his country and crown by fighting in war, Nigel was left with both mentally and physically scars that go as deep as his soul. A man who wants thing to be as they have been, gets shaken to his core when a lively American throws the modern world into his life. Overwhelmed with emotions, the past, and what the future could be. Sometimes a Duke has to do things that you would a Duke doesn’t normally do.
A fun and feisty Romance set in the 1920s. Combining an old world England with the jazzy times of America. Zoe and Nigel could not be more different, the banter of the two will make you smile and want to smack them both. A good story with a very Downton Abby feel with a lot more pizzazz and jazz.
Review-Delicate Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan
Delicate Ink
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink Series, Book 1
Finding a man is the last thing on Sierra Elder’s mind. A recent transplant to Denver, her focus is on opening her own boutique. Wanting to cover up scars that run deeper than her flesh, she finds in Austin a man that truly gets to her—in more ways than one.
Although wary, they embark on a slow, tempestuous burn of a relationship. When blasts from both their pasts intrude on their present, however, it will take more than a promise of what could be to keep them together.
Sierra is a braver woman that I know how to put into words. Suffering a past that would make the average person never want to walk the earth again. She pushes herself to fulfill her dream. Opening a boutique and making her life on her own. In taking a step to continue her healing, Sierra want a tattoo to cover ugly scars on her body to help move on from the past. A strong yet timid woman whose life changed just by walking into Montgomery Ink. Pretty, sweet and sassy Sierra will break your heart and make you love her all at the same time.
Carrie Ann Ryan never fails. A well written story filled passion and family. Both the lead and secondary characters shine through the pages. An emotional tale that made me laugh, shed a tear and want to smack one or two characters a few times. Ms. Ryan knows how to make her readers fall in love characters. Over and over again. Adding some kink with the ink, the is no lack of steam within these pages!
Delicate Ink is more that the story of Austin and Sierra. It’s an in depth look at what it is to be a Montgomery. A large family that is more than blood. Together through the good and the bad. A family that is more than willing to open their arms to gain another into the hold. !
Audio Review: Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan
UNDENIABLE
Madeline Sheehan
Undeniable Series, Book 1
http://www.madelinesheehan.com/
Warning: This is not a “typical love story”. This is an all-consuming, soul-crushing, tear-your-heart-into-pieces story. It’s intense, gritty and raw, dark and disturbing, and it doesn’t happen overnight. This is an epic love story that knows no boundaries and has no time limits. It grows and develops—with hurt, sacrifice, and heartache—over the span of a lifetime.
Eva Fox is the princess of the Silver Demons Motorcycle Club. Growing up with bikers in the club lifestyle is all that she knows. When she’s a young girl, Eva meets the reason for her existence. Deuce West is the sexy, biker bad-ass of the Hell’s Horsemen Motorcycle Club. Like Eva, he was born and raised in the club—but that’s where the similarities end. Their first meeting is innocent, but as Eva matures into a woman, their chance reunions evolve into a fit of lust and love. Fate continues to bring them together time and time again, but their twisted journey is filled with pain, betrayal, and bloodshed that could tear them apart. Eva sees in Deuce what he cannot see in himself—a man worthy of love—and Eva spends her lifetime proving to him that her undeniable love is the one thing he can’t live without.
This is Eva and Deuce’s story.
It wasn’t easy.
Nothing worth doing ever is.
And love is worth everything.
4.5 Stars
Gritty and Raw. This is no pretty romance. It’s a crazy ass ride that you know you should jump off of, but can’t seem to make yourself. I have never had a book spark so many raw emotions while reading. At times, I thought I could be ill and others I more than pushing for Deuce and Eva.
Eva and Deuce’s story is overwhelming, dirty, captivating, aggressive, consuming and intense. To put it lightly. A story that spans three decades. Spotlighting key events that have made these two people who they are. If there is a line to be crossed, Eva and Deuce will cross them over and over.
Reading Undeniable is wicked sin. Harsh, raw and unlike anything I have read. The characters will get under your skin. Heart and soul shattering . This is a fucked up journey of two fucked up people that have a handful of precious moments, that keep them wanting more.
Coffee Books Life 