Category Archives: reviews

Review: Rock Courtship by

22847538Rock Courtship

Nalini Singh

Rock Kiss Series, Book 1.5

ebook, 125 pages
Published September 30th 2014 by TKA Distribution
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s new contemporary romance novella is pure hard rock and scorching heat…

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band’s publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn’t date clients–or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she’s not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn’t know is that David is a one-woman man…and he’s madly in love with her. David’s determined to prove he’s worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea’s about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

review4.5 Stars

David is a man who mamma raised him right. He truly is the gentleman of rock.  He has manors, is polite and truly caring person. Just because he’s sweet ladies doesn’t mean he can’t throw down when needed. Well build and a sharp dresser. This man really has it all, all but the woman he wants.

Thea is a powerful woman when it comes to world of entertainment media. She has worked hard to make a name for herself and company. A beautiful woman with strong family ties. Thea is a giving person and who people in ways that others would not lift a finger to help.  When it come to the men in Thea’s life, a ripped heart in the past has put a while up for the present. Also placing a rule on herself that there is no dating of clients.I really enjoyed David and Thea’s story. How do you get the attention of a girl that is all business?  You write her a memo that knocks her off balance.  I love the memos. It reminded me of old school love letters. Rock Courtship is a sweet tale of romancing the girl while living in the spotlight. If you have read Rock Addiction you will have gotten a few insights to both David and Thea!   Rock Courtship is just that, the Gentleman courting the girl he wants!!

deana

Review: Storm by Carian Cole

23155346Storm

Ashes and Embers Series, Book 1

Carian Cole

ebook
Published 2014
The calm before the storm…I lived in the quiet stillness.
I felt the wind rustle, warning me, telling me to get out of its path.

But I didn’t.
I never stood a chance.

A series of weather and road mishaps leaves me trapped in the middle of a blizzard with a complete stranger. In the back of a pickup truck. For forty-eight freakin’ hours.
A stranger with long hair, tattoos, and rippling with muscle.
A stranger with an insanely sexy voice and a wicked smile that turned my insides to jelly.  A stranger who held me in his arms, calmed me, and then set a fire in me that I couldn’t put out.
Storm lives up to his name. Beautiful. Dangerously inviting. Tumultuous. Dark. A clash of hot and cold.
He’s used to getting everything he wants.
And now he wants me.
Some people chase storms for the beautiful thrill. What happens when the storm chases you?

review4.5 Stars

Storm is let me grab a hold of something and hang on tight because my heart just skipped a beat, oh my God I think Im drooling, somebody slap me, good looking. With hair that most women wish for, mussels that want your eyes to be plastered to and a body covered in tats.  Let’s not forget the most intense eyes. I am a such sucker for man with long hair and tattoos. I fell in love with Storm from the moment he banged on the window. Commanding yet caring. Demanding yet giving. Beyond complex yet simple. Storm is more that what meets the eye. As I got to know Storm, I realize he is everything I would want my fantasy man to be.

 
Evelyn becomes completely conflicted by what she knows of life and love like a flip of a switch.  Having played the same tale on repeat for the past twelve, it’s truly all she knows. When what started as a business trip quickly turns into Evelyn putting her car into a ditch and changing her life.  The dangerous looking, sexy stranger opens the little box of world to a new light in forty eight hours. A timid woman who got a taste of what letting go is like. A woman who makes herself find the strength to have what she wants. Things she never knew she could have. Things it now seems possible she can’t live with out.

 
Storm, the first book of the Ashes and Embers series flippin ROCKS!  I pretty sure I was lost to this book by page ten. Intense characters that make you laugh, yell and love!  Great story line that is layered in romance and being romanced. My favorite quote from the book that really sums itself up.

Evie, you gotta stop living in fear. You can’t see the stars unless you go out in the dark. “

A great beginning for a wonderful new author!!

A complementary copy of this title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review!

deana

What’s a Ghoul to Do by: Victoria Laurie

whats a ghoul to doWhat’s a Ghoul to Do

Victoria Laurie

A Ghost Hunter Mystery

Mass Market Paperback, 281 pages
Published April 3rd 2007 by Signet

M.J., her partner Gilley, and their client, the wealthy, de-lish Dr. Steven Sable, are at his family’s lodge, where his grandfather allegedly jumped to his death from the roof-although Sable says it was foul play. But the patriarch’s isn’t the only ghost around. The place is lousy with souls, all with something to get off their ghoulish chests. Now M.J. will have to to quell the clamor-and listen for a voice with the answers…

review

 

4 stars

Now that its fall I love to find a good paranormal mystery and I found it in Victoria Laurie’s Ghost Hunter Mystery series.  M.J. Holliday is a psychic detective who talks to the dead to help the living.  Along with her fabulous partner Gilley (who is terrified of the supernatural) she uses he gift, some nifty tools, and some good old detective snooping to solve many problems.  Sometimes she rids a house of evil so it can be sold, gets spirits to move on, and solves murders.

Overall, I’m not a huge fan of ghosts but I love everything about a mystery; especially one that I can’t solve halfway through the story.  This  book will take you through a gauntlet of emotion; for me it was a tie between laughter and sorrow for the dearly departed.  However, between the antics of Gilley and M.J’s talking parrot (whom Gilley has taught some colorful phrases) and a sexy semi-English speaking doctor; this story does a wonderful job of lightening an otherwise dark tale.

This book does have some romantic underlays between characters however, it is a paranormal mystery first and foremost.  I bought this book for my own collection.  All of the opinions are my own.  The image and description can be found on Victoria Laurie’s website which can be found by clicking on the image.  Happy Reading!

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Review-Priestess Dreaming by Yasmine Galenorn

PriestessDreaming520Priestess Dreaming

Yasmine Galenorn

Otherworld Series, Book 16

Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: September 30th 2014 by Jove
We’re the D’Artigo sisters: savvy half-human, half-Fae operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. My sister Delilah is a two-faced werecat and a Death Maiden. Menolly is a vampire married to a gorgeous werepuma. And me? I’m a Moon witch married to three gorgeous husbands, and I’m about to journey through the veils to search for a long lost legend…

With the war in Otherworld raging, the Queen of Shadow and Night summons me to her court. Aeval orders me to embark on a hunt through the mists to find an ancient ally she once knew. I must seek out The Merlin and wake him from his long sleep. But Morgaine and Bran are along for the journey, and the pair pose a threat to both me and my quest. Now, surrounded by danger on all sides, I must pray they are allies rather than enemies, as we undertake a perilous search through the labyrinth of time…

review5 Stars
Priestess Dreaming is one hell of a magical adventure with an awesome twist on legend and lore.   The 16th book of the Otherworld series told from Camille’s point of view, has the eldest D’Artigo sister in search for the Merlin, leader of the druids.  This book is Ms. Galenorn at her finest.  Enriched with magic, a new take on an old tale, and the intense passion that shines through Ms. Galenorns writing has made Priestess Dreaming truly stand out in this series to a long time fan.
As all hell breaks loose on Seattle, Camille is put to the task of finding the one magical being lost to time that can help them.  Set out with friend, family and those that could be foes.  Camille is put to the test of facing elements, magical creatures, learning secret and danger, head and behind.  I tell you that something will always have you turning the pages.  Camille has gone through many changes in past books.  In Priestess Dreaming we truly see her shine through in a way we have never seen before.  As a priestess for the moon mother, Camille destinys is in the hands of her Goddess.  One that makes her a strong power woman like no other.

Adventurous, magical, sexy. Yes I got sucked in.This book had a different feel from the previous ones of the Otherworld series whether it was Camille’s growth or the mixing in of a legend I love.  I have to say it’s by far my favorite book in the series. I will be reading it over and over. Yes that’s recommendation. Happy reading.

I was gifted an e-book copy of this title from the  author/publisher via netgalley for an honest review.
deana

Dare to Submit by: Carly Phillips

dare to submit carly phillipsDare to Submit

Carly Phillips

Book 4 Dare to Love series

ebook
Published September 8th 2014 by CP Publishing

Decklan Dare knows about the unexpected loss of loved ones and for this reason, he values control in all areas of his life. Amanda Collins enjoys the freedom she finds in casual encounters without the emotional connection a relationship brings. They meet and their physical attraction is mutual but both experience feelings that could run deeper – if they drop their guard and let each other in. Decklan is first to trust, but when he discovers the secret Amanda’s been hiding, will he forgive? Or will he rebuild every wall before she has a chance to explain?

 

review

4 Stars

Decklan and Amanda are first brought together by mutual attraction at an exclusive BDSM club but when the attraction gets serious someone is going to get hurt.  Decklan is a paramedic with a tragic past and a need to control all things in his life.  Amanda is a loyal friend who has given up almost everything to keep a secret.  When the two meet fireworks are instant and  something has to give; but when secrets aren’t shared and you live states away, is it possible to make a relationship work?

The Dare series are all stand alone and that’s what attracted me to Dare to Submit.  I was looking for something that I could get lost in without making a long term commitment;  However, Carly Phillips made me fall in love.  This book has everything: strong characters, hot sex, and just a hint of tragedy and heartbreak that make you want everything to be ok.  I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a wonderfully written romance.

I requested and received a copy of this book from netgalley for an  honest review.  All the opinions are my own.  Book description and image came from Carly Phillips website which can be found by clicking on the image.  Happy reading!!

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Review-Dirty Little Secret by Laramie Briscoe

18750510Dirty Little Secret

Laramie Briscoe

Heaven Hill MC series book 5

Published June 2014 (first published January 1st 2014)

www.laramiebriscoe.com

Sister
Lone survivor
Scared, but tough

Christine Stone has lived through a lot since the day she was born. Her older brother left her without a backwards glance, leaving her with parents who wanted to use her to better themselves in their cult-like religious sect.

Days after legally becoming an adult, she’s given to an older man for an arranged marriage that will change her life forever. Escape is the only way her life can be saved. When she succeeds and sets out to make a new life for herself, she meets Travis Steele—communications and security officer for the Heaven Hill MC.

Loner
Protector of secrets
Level-headed and steady

Travis Steele has been on the periphery of the Heaven Hill MC for a long time. Quiet, he takes his job seriously. He is the protector of the group, in charge with keeping family and friends safe.

When one meeting with the sister of his friend turns into more, he struggles with where to draw the line. She needs a friend, and Travis prides himself in being what other people need, often sacrificing himself for others. As he discovers the life that Christine has been forced to live, it opens up old wounds, new wounds, and secrets that everyone thought long buried.

Turning a chance meeting into love is hard, especially when everyone has a dirty little secret.

 

review5 Stars

Christine is a battered woman, but far from broken.  A survivor.  Strong but scared of her own shadow.  Trying to keep the past behind her, she did not keep her head down at the time and caught the eye of the one man whom can both help and hurt her.  Trust and truth are the two hardest thing for Christine.  The are no words for Christine strength. Even with trying to make a new life for herself, she puts the well being of those she loves above herself.

Steele smart and quite. If there is such a thing as a geeky bad ass bike, that would be Steele. Trusted with the clubs safety, the man is tech genus in his own right. Don’t let the glasses fool you, he can and will kick your ass. Under the leather and tats is man that goes above and beyond to show a woman that has been hanging by a thread that there are good men in the world. Helping Christine puts his ass in the line with the club. When the danger she is running from puts heat on the club, Steeles has more than one Dirty Little Secret surface.

This is one powerhouse of a book.  How Ms. Briscoe is able to write a bad ass who is so caring, sweet and self giving is beyond me.  Travis Steele takes the cake on that one.  With each book of the Heaven Hill MC series, not only do we get this awesome story of the put together family and the f-ed up stuff that happens to them that makes us love them.  We see a writer that has really found her place in this world of books, that I love.  Ms. Briscoe has pure talent for character writing.  Making each of her lead men very distinctive and very memorial.  Creating a family with a vast range of personalities , qualities and flaws that make me want to keep reading.

Dirty Little Secret is to date Ms. Briscoes best book in my opinion.  Dark secrets line a complex story that test brotherhood and loyalty.  A book that will make your heart heavy to read and a lasting smile upon completion.  Ms.Briscoe holds nothing back with Dirty Little Secret.

deana

 

Review-Reaper’s Stand by Joanna Wylde

picReaper’s Stand

Joanna Wylde

Reaper’s MC Series, book 4

Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by Berkley Trade

www.joannawylde.net

As Reapers Motorcycle Club president, Reese “Picnic” Hayes has given his entire life to the club. After losing his wife, he knew he’d never love another woman. And with two daughters to raise and a club to manage, that was just fine with him. These days, Reese keeps his relationships free and easy—he definitely doesn’t want to waste his time on a glorified cleaning lady like London Armstrong.

Too bad he’s completely obsessed with her.

Besides running her own business, London’s got her junkie cousin’s daughter to look after—a more reckless than average eighteen-year-old. Sure she’s attracted to the Reapers’ president, but she’s not stupid. Reese Hayes is a criminal and a thug. But when her young cousin gets caught up with a ruthless drug cartel, Reese might be the only man who can help her. Now London has to make the hardest decision of her life—how far will she go to save her family?

 

review5 Stars

When I first met Picnic in Reaper’s Property I knew this man was a force that you would never want to tangle with but more than wanted on your side.  Reese “Picnic” Hayes,  President of the Reaper’ MC. How do even begin to describe this man. I thought that Horse was an ass, Rugger, a man whore and Hunter really kind crazy. Picnic has nothing on the three of them combine. Intimidating and scary as hell. A loyal brother and a true leader.  Picnic eats, sleeps and breaths the MC. It’s his life.  Having raised two grown daughters who keep him guessing and losing his wife to early in life give Picnic another prospective added into his MC way of life. Under the layers of sexy, make you melt, badass biker is a good hearted man, who could kill you as fast as like you.

London is either one bad ass woman or straight up bat shit crazy. At times it hard to tell which.  My favorite female lead character that I have read this year!  Strong, self sacrificing, hard working and ever giving.  Caring for her cousins daughter with major medical needs has kept her social life on hold for many years.   London doesn’t know what hit her when the hot, blue eyed devil that is Picnic pushes his way into her life.  Overwhelming lust and a way of life that London doesn’t understand.  In a matter of a week life is changed, flipped upside down and twisted causing London to make some rather brave, rash and ballsy choices. Choices that have consequences that leave London hanging on the edge with the rock crumbling away no matter the decision. Knowing her actions will carry retribution, she does it knowing full well what the end result could be. A remarkable woman in so many ways.

Everything Reaper, yet different from the previous books in the series. Intimidating, aggressive and carnal. Ms.Wylde not only knows how to catch a reader attention, she knows hold to keeps us holding on. Intense is too light of a word for Reaper’s Stand.  I laughed, I cried,I cussed.

Euphoric rage, loyalty and family set into motion a ride that is sure to be remembered. The Reapers have a motto of “Fuck with us and we will fuck you back, harder.” Reaper’s Stand gives the fans of this series a first hand look just that. Deeds done that will drop your jaw, entwined with blinding lust that exceeds any my of expectations for this book.   Reaper’s Stand pushed the line further than any of the previous book.  Intense and overwhelming, everything I love about the Reapers and more. Picnic and London are both mature, having lived life and have both suffered loss.  The two are given the chance to fill the thing lacking in their lives if that make it far.

I could keep going on and on trying to find the words to express how much I liked this book.  If MC romance is your thing or you like a raw aggressive edge to your steamy reading, Reapers Stand is the book!  Be warned this is not a sweet, romancing, lets fall in love book.  It’s a balls to the wall, take what you want kind of book that will make your skin tingle. A scary ride that I want to go on again.

 

I received an ecopy of this book from the author/publisher via netgalley for an honest review.

deana

Review-Tales From Otherworld: Collection One by Yasmine Galenorn

Cover-CollectionsmallTales From Otherworld: Collection One

Yasmine Galenorn

Nightqueen Enterprises LLC; 1st edition (August 29, 2014)

ebook

www.galenorn.com

A collection of short tales from New York Times, USA Today, and PW Bestselling Author Yasmine Galenorn’s Otherworld Series–find out what goes on between the Otherworld books. What really happened when Camille cast the invisibility spell? How did their parents Maria and Sephreh meet? Who is the mysterious ghost that is haunting the D’Artigo house? And what was the “turkey incident” that precipitated the opening scene in Priestess Dreaming? Find out in this first collection of short tales written in the Otherworld altaverse. These are the stories that can’t fit into the actual novels.

 

review5 Stars

A true treat for fans of the Otherworld Series. We get to see the sisters share memory making moments that are outside of battle. Having read every book in The Otherworld Series, these shorts add laughter and insight in their chaotic world.  Seeing the true sense of family and love the D’Artigo sisters have. I like to call these shorts moments rather than stories.  That is what they were for me.

Highlights for me were the turkey scene, flipping hysterical!  The moment in Maggie’s room. Last but not least, Dreaming Death!

Thank you Ms. Galenorn for this special treat. As the Otherworld Series is an auto buy for me, these collections will be as well. I hope there will be many more to come!

This ebook is from my personal library.

deana

 

Review- Worth The Battle by Laramie Briscoe

18750505Title: Worth the Battle

Author: Laramie Briscoe

Series: Heaven Hill MC, Book 4

Format: ebook

Published: February 25th 2014

 

Movie star running from her life.
Secret writer of erotic romance.
Trusts only Layne O’Connor of the Heaven Hill MC.

When Jessica Shea fears that her privacy is in danger, she takes the drastic step to leave her life behind and escape to the only person who’s never treated her like the movie star she is. He’s the one person who’s never sold a story to the tabloids and who knows the real Jessica, the one underneath the makeup and high-gloss shine of Hollywood.

Their friendship has stood the test of time. Now, someone has stolen private photos and writings from her home. Things that she doesn’t want the public at large to see. There’s only one place she knows she can go to be under the radar and lick her wounds.

That place is wherever Layne O’Connor is.

War Veteran.
Striving to live a normal life.
Member of the Heaven Hill MC.

Layne left a piece of himself in the war zone. Fighting PTSD and demons that he can’t explain has left him tired and changed from the man he was before he went overseas.

The only thing he feels like he excels at anymore is being a criminal, and he gladly does it for his brothers of the Heaven Hill MC. The only people who took him in when no one else knew what to make of his anger and

When Jessica arrives, however, she’s a trigger for everything he’s trying to forget. She makes him remember who he was before his life went to hell, she makes him want to get himself back. While working through those issues, he and Jessica are racing against an unknown enemy—someone who wants to destroy her reputation and take her sweetheart persona with it.

As they both work to trust each other and figure out just who her enemies are,they learn that love is never easy. They have to decide if the victory is worth the battle.

 

review4.5 Stars

Layne has seen more than anyone person at his age should have to being a war veteran. Being part of the Heaven Hill MC has given him family and a way to continue the living in life the fast lane . Horrors from his days in the military plague Layne to this day. Sweet, caring, fierce and loyal.  Did I mention sexy with great taste in cars. When a special friend from the past asks for Laynes help, he can’t refuse.  Layne soon realizes that he may be more of a danger to her, than what she’s running from.

Jessica has been in the spotlight from a young age. As one grows they things they like, need or want in life changes.  This statement could not be more true for Jessica. The Hollywood starlet who is a bit spoiled and is in trouble.  Jess calls the one person on the earth who will not judge her and will help.  Jess, overwhelmed will everything going on, realizes that Layne just maybe in more trouble than herself.

I keep saying this with each book.  Ms. Briscoe just gets better with each book of the Heaven Hill MC, Series.  Worth the Battle is a little different from the other books of the series. Our hero needs needs the healing more than our lead lady.  Ms. Briscoe perfectly unfold the nastiness that lies with in Layne’s head while emotions from one end of the spectrum and back are laid on the table. Through laughter and tears Layne and Jess will make their way into your heart.  Ms. Briscoe has a magical way with words.  She has continued to pull me in more and more as we learn of this MC family!  With each book not only does the story become deeper emotionally, the growth Ms. Briscoe has achieved as a writer can not go unnoticed.  She has quickly found a permanent spot on my shelve.

 

 

I was given an ecopy of this book from the author/publisher for an honest review.

deana

 

 

Review- Logan by Melissa Schroeder

logan(1)LOGAN

Melissa Schroeder

The Cursed Clan Series, Book 3

www.melissaschroeder.net

Harmless Publishing (August 26, 2014), 200 pages

A man who always sees beneath the surface.

Logan has lived his dream of being an artist for hundreds of years. He’s painted some of the most beautiful women in the world, but none of them compare to Meghan Campbell. When they are paired up to go after the next jewel, resisting her becomes almost impossible, but he knows he must. The witch is hiding something and until he knows what that is, he cannot fully trust her.

A woman who can lure any man.

As a witch with siren abilities, Meg has never had a problem with the opposite sex. That is, until she met Logan. The irritating man seems to be the one person in the world who doesn’t succumb to her spell. Unfortunately, he is the one man she really wants. No matter how hard she tries, he resists her.  As they embark on their quest for the next jewel, tempers flare and passion ignites. But when a new layer of the curse is revealed, they discover their failure could put lives in danger. The two must work together to fight the rising power against them and hope that those who support the Clan survive the fight.
review

4.5 Stars

Logan, the go with the flow, laid back artist has found the one thing in life that unbalanced him in both good and bad ways. Logan is one of my favorites of the clan.  Life loving, talented, sexy and loyal. As a lover of all types of women, it was fun to see Logan tangle his self inside and out over the woman that he wanted.  Conflicted by past events and present emotions, Logan has to look .  beyond the facts and let go.

Meg has a shaded past.  Being a grafter can do that to a girls rep. From the moment we met Meg in Angus, there was some about her that got to me.  Sassy, confident in her abilities and uber talented.  She is honest thief, if there is such a thing and a beauty that is all her own.  A fighter and survivor.  A powerful witch who faces her past to try to have that sexy man that has her knickers twisted.

Ms. Schroeder kicked up the intensity of her Cursed Clan series with the third installment, LOGAN.  Sexual tension fill the pages as Logan and Meg embark on the journey of the third jewel.  Learning more of the family curse and surprises of all kinds come out of the corners.  Logan was a page turner for me. Family, lore, magic, mystery and steamy romance, what more could a gal want in a book.
Readers note: Logan can be read as a stand alone book.  However i do recommend that you read Callum and Angus first.  As the McLennans are not just a family, they are a clan.  With each book you not only do we follow the clan through the journey to break this curse, you begin to learn each member of the clan. With each book the clan gains members.  Hey, not a spoiler.  It’s romance.  You know HEA!!! LOL.  I promise reading Callum and Angus before hand will give you those little moments that will make you laugh, smile, go hmm or even shake your kindle and go WHY!!!!

 

To celebrate the release of Logan, we are giving away a signed copy of Callum!  Woot!!  I personally had this copy of Callum signed by Mel at the Frederick Book festival.  We have been sitting on this, just waiting on Logan’s release .  Good luck.

US only!  Sorry peeps we are still small!  We will get there though! Run until

Please use the rafflecopter to enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I was gifted an ecopy of this book by the author/publisher for a honest review!

deana