Review: The Danger That is Damion by Lisa Renee Jones

Lethally passionate, wickedly dangerous...
Renegade warrior Damion Browne is a soldier of soldiers, an enforcer of the code of honor. With ruthless precision, he calculates risks as deliberately as he does his lover's satisfaction. Now it's up to him to defeat a new generation of female Super Soldiers, including the one woman perfectly programmed to
be his downfall.

His enemy...or his soul mate?
Lara Martin has never felt powerful, until she's brainwashed to destroy the one man who can help her find the answers she so desperately seeks. Alone and embroiled in lies, Lara must turn to Damion for the key to the truth ...

Review:

The Danger That is Damion is the 3^rd book in the Zodius series, but it’s the 1^st one that I’ve read. It was pretty easy to follow along without reading the 2 previous books, but there were some things that I found myself confused about throughout the book. Some things were explained at some point, but others weren’t and it wasn’t until the end that I found a glossary to help explain some of the things I wasn’t sure about.

Over all I really enjoyed this book and I really liked Damion and Lara. This series is about a population known as GTECHs that are humans who were scientifically altered to become “super soldiers”. There have been many things that have occurred since initiating the GTECHs and some of this race has branched off as the Renegades, aka the good guys, which includes Damion and his team. When Damion encounters Lara, she is on assignment to assassinate a scientist that the Renegades are trying to keep safe. She as trouble following through, even those she’s been programmed to do just this. As Damion whisks her away, they start to try to unravel who she is, how she has become a GTECH, which is rare for a female.

Damion is the type of man that always follows the rules and is very honorable. But when it comes to Lara, he finds himself breaking rules for her. He’s determined to help Lara find her past and how to keep herself. I liked him right off the bat, and he his very easy to fall for. Lara is very confused and as she spends more time with Damion, she’s not sure who or what to trust, not even her memories. It took me a while to warm up to Lara, but as the story progressed and I began to understand her motives, that changed and I soon found myself liking her and her spirited attitude. I really liked the banter between Damion and Lara, and when they come together, it is hot!

I was hooked with this book from the beginning. I liked it the whole way through, well except what I didn’t understand from not reading the previous books. I enjoyed the characters and after meeting Michael and Sterling it definitely makes me want to go back and read their books that came 1^st. I am hoping that the next book is about Chale, mmmmm I love him just from what I’ve gotten to see of him from this book ;) I will definitely continue reading this series!

ARC Review: The World is a Stage by Tamara Morgan

Highland Games athlete Michael O’Leary is famous for his ability to charm a woman right out of her pants. Maybe a little too famous. When he’s sidelined with a knee injury, his wingman pounces on the chance to take full advantage of Michael’s idle time.

Trying out for the local adult-themed Shakespearean production seems simple, but there’s a catch. Michael must woo the notoriously demanding lead actress, Rachel Hewitt, thereby freeing his friend to pursue a courtship of Rachel’s sister.

Rachel hates the thought of handing over the lead role in her admittedly scandalous troupe to someone so wholly uneducated in the ways of the Great Bard. But she’s in a bind, and the only one who can step up is a man who looks way too good in a codpiece - and knows it.

To add insult to injury, he refuses to take the role until she agrees to take his place in some barbaric warrior race. She’ll do it, but not with a smile. Unfortunately, the hardest part isn’t antagonizing her Scottish foes. It’s resisting the one man who seems determined to line and cue her heart - forever.

Review:

The World is a Stage is the 2^nd book in Tamara Morgan’s Games of Love series and just as a absolutely loved the 1^st book, Love is a Battlefield, this book was no different.

Michael O’Leary, looooove him! He has such a laid back personality and he uses jokes (often crude jokes) to lighten a tense situations. He is easy going, is able to enter into a situation with his eyes open and doesn’t seem to miss anything. He is very easy to like and fall for J He is part of a team that competes in The Scottish Highland Games, but struggles with a bad knee. But there is much more to Michael then his joking personality and being an athlete.

Rachel Hewitt, her sister Molly are members of a production team that performs adult-themed Shakespeare, as Michael refers to it. Rachel is a pretty hoity person at first glance. She doesn’t seem very approachable and scowls a lot (well, at Michael anyway lol). Rachel didn’t grow up with a very good role model for relationships. She carries a lot of guilt for not being home to help her sister through a difficult time. Therefore, Rachel has made it her duty to prevent Molly from getting into potentially bad relationships, and Molly is currently dating Michael’s friend Eric Peterson. And Michael is recruited to help distract Rachel from interfering into their relationship.

I’ll be honest I really wanted to smack Rachel, often. Now, she has a history that has led her to take the actions she does, and even though she opens up more while hanging out with Michael, I feel Tamara did a great job portraying how easy it is to resort to impulse decisions and take backward steps when scared. Rachel definitely redeemed herself by the end, thankfully. Michael is such a giving person, always helping his friends out and very good at seeing the good in people. Michael takes challenges and is able to turn it around into a positive, such as when he destroys his knee and can’t participate in competitions anymore. I really just can’t get over how much I love his character. I really like how the characters in Tamara’s books are “real”. Now I do normally tend to read paranormal/fantasy genres but I find that these books are refreshing, light, and realistic with the characters she creates and the conflicts they encounter.

Review: Under Fire by Catherine Mann

A decorated hero, pararescueman Liam McCabe lives to serve. Six months ago, he and Rachel Flores met in the horrific aftermath of an earthquake in the Bahamas. They were tempted by an explosive attraction, yet parted ways. Still, Liam has thought about Rachel every day—and night—since.

Now, after ignoring all his phone calls for six months, Rachel has turned up on base with a wild story about a high-ranking military traitor. She claims no one but Liam can help her—and she won’t trust anyone else.

With nothing but her word and the testimony of a discharged military cop to go on, Liam would be insane to risk his career—even his life—to help this woman who left him in the dust.



Review:

Liam is the Team Leader for his pararescue unit and his body is reaching the point where it is slowing him down.  He seems to be a romantic guy and wants the whole wife and kids scenario, but with 3 failed marriages he has come to the conclusion that being married to his job doesn’t leave room in his life for a family outside of his teammates. Rachel and Liam met in book 2 Hot Zone while helping out during an earthquake in the Bahamas. This book takes place 6 months after they have returned home and even though Rachel hasn’t returned any of Liam’s phone calls during this time, he just can’t get her out of his head.

Rachel trains service dogs and therapy dogs. This is when she meets Brandon who suffers from PTSD and uses one of her therapy dogs. During a particularly bad episode, Brandon reveals some delicate information that implies treason. Rachel is very passionate about helping people and very committed. She tries to help Brandon be heard but no one takes them seriously and even makes attempts on their lives. Even though Rachel has tried to keep her distance from Liam she finds herself turning to him desperate for his help and believes he is the only one she trusts.

This story has an interesting villain and what he’s willing to do to move up in the ranks of the military. We find out pretty quickly who the villain is and at first I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea to disclose that information, but as it went on, the real suspense was deciding who is working for or against him. There are a couple people that play the double roles well and I was trying to figure it out what side they were really on until the end.

Rachel and Liam have a lot of obstacles to overcome and it’s amazing the lengths that they will both go to see things right and to attempt at a future together. I felt this story moved and flowed felt believable. I really enjoyed getting to see some of the team members again from the previous books and I love the connection between them all and what they are willing to do for each other. Under Fire is the third book in the Elite Force series and even it would be easy to follow this book without reading the previous ones, I highly recommending reading them all as they are all fantastic.

ARC Review: Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #3) by Larissa Ione

They're here.
They ride.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride . . .

LETHAL RIDER

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, ReganCooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

Review:

Lethal Rider is the third book in Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance series, which is a spinoff of her Demonica series. I have read and loved each and every book J 

Lethal Rider picks up about 8 months after the last book with Thanatos being help in a state of incapacitation with really only his thoughts to occupy his time as he thinks about Regan and how she betrayed him. We find Regan 8 ½ months pregnant, living in The Aegis Headquarters. She is trying to keep her emotional distance from the baby and although she did what was her duty to get pregnant by Thanatos, she doesn’t feel like she’s mother material and has prepared to give the baby to another couple to raise and keep safe.

Right from the start this book is full of action. Thanatos is able to get free of his incapacitation and is drawn to a scene of death and as Regan is attached by vampires that have gotten loose in headquarters. Thanatos is surprisingly drawn to something new that isn’t death. When investigates this he encounters Regan and becomes angry when he sees her. He’s so blinded by his anger that he doesn’t even notice she’s pregnant and once she brings him up to speed that the baby is his, he decides to kidnap Regan from The Aegis.

Thanatos is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, also known as Death. He has chosen a life of solitude, except for his vampire servants. He’s had a tough time in the past with his death rages and being denied one thing he always wished to have, a family.  Thanatos really grew on me with his quirky sense of humor and how he felt guilty for his harsh words and made a noticeable effort to change his approach with Regan. Regan was pretty kick ass for a pregnant woman. She’s pretty limited in what she can do but when she needs it, she is fierce. I really liked the inside look to Regan’s struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)  and how she deals to have control over something when everything else is out of her control. With being a Social Worker, I was able to appreciate this part of Regan since I’ve had experience with clients with OCD.

I thought that Than and Regan were perfect together, both growing up so lonely and feeling they have to keep their distances from others to minimize hurting them because of their abilities. Both of them are inexperienced in so many things that deal with tender emotions and that it made me happy for them that they can find what they’ve been missing in each other. Also now that I am a mother myself, there is something so much more attractive in a man who is so on board with the whole baby thing and Than is that man *happy sigh* Lethal Rider is full of action, betrayal, and secrets and twists that I didn’t predict and I loved it.

Review: Coveted by Shawntelle Madison

For werewolf Natalya Stravinsky, the supernatural is nothing extraordinary. What does seem strange is that she’s stuck in her hometown of South Toms River, New Jersey, the outcast of her pack, selling antiques to finicky magical creatures. Restless and recovering from her split with gorgeous ex-boyfriend, Thorn, Nat finds comfort in an unusual place: her obsessively collected stash of holiday trinkets. But complications pile up faster than her ornaments when Thorn returns home—and the two discover that the spark between them remains intense.

Before Nat can sort out their relationship, she must face a more immediate and dangerous problem. Her pack is under attack from the savage Long Island werewolves—and Nat is their first target in a turf war. Toss in a handsome wizard vying for her affection, a therapy group for the anxious and enchanted, and the South Toms River pack leader ready to throw her to the wolves, and it’s enough to give anybody a panic attack. With the stakes as high as the full moon, Nat must summon all of her strength to save her pack and, ultimately, herself.

Review:

I’m not quite sure what my feelings are on this book. I liked it overall but there was just several things that bugged me that I’m not sure I know how to word.

First off, I was often annoyed with Natalya.. I’m having a difficult time coming up with a word that fits my opinion of her. She was dealt a blow when her boyfriend at the time, Thorn, left town. Now 5 years later she left the life she had established for herself in New York to move home, she has been kicked out of her pack, and is struggling so much with her OCD and hording that it has consumed her. She is so submissive and so down that she doesn’t stick up for herself or what she wants. Thorn all of a sudden comes back to town to help protect the pack from another werewolf pack wanting to take them over. This adds more upset for Natalya, as she also learns that he is promised to be with someone else, so the idea of them rekindling their relationship is non-existent. I supposed if I didn’t know it before, this book just confirmed that I prefer the heroines of books I read to be more kick ass. Now don’t get me wrong, there are positive points to Nat and she definitely grew throughout the book and even had some kick ass moments, but overall, not a fan.

It pissed me off how poorly the pack, especially that her family, treated her. No wonder she has such low self esteem. But this does lead up to probably my favorite part of the story. Nat decides to finally do something about her disorder and seeks out therapy and gets involved in a group therapy with a diverse group of other supernatural beings that have some of the same struggles. I enjoyed this quirky group of individuals and I enjoyed the friendships she start to form, especially with a wizard, Nick.

Now as I enjoy romances, I kept trying to figure out who/when Nat was going to hook up. But romance is a pretty minor part and I was disappointed by that. Although there were many things that bugged me, I did enjoy the progress Nat made in growing as a person and I liked the world where the supernaturals are just a part of everyday life, they may not be completely out in the open to humans, but they aren’t hidden either. 

Review: Bared to You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day

Our journey began in fire...

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.

The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

Review:

So I heard that this book was supposed to be comparable to Fifty Shades of Grey, and although I do see the similarities, it is not the same, in a good way.

Eva Hammel is a 24 year old woman who has just moved to New York with her best friend Cary. Even though Eva comes from a family with money, she is determined to make it on her own and to start at the bottom and work her way up. This is where she finds herself working as an assistant in an advertising company in the Crossfire building where she meets a guy who she is instantly attracted too and captivated by. She has a couple run-ins with him before she learns that his name is Gideon Cross and he owns his own company and actually owns the whole building she works in.

Eva and Gideon both have a difficult past that has a great impact on their present selves and any kind of relationship they try to have. Oh my! Gideon and Eva’s relationship is messed up! But I liked how open Eva is about her struggles and her past with Gideon. Gideon’s got a ways to go before he’s able to open up, which I was waiting and waiting to find out his past traumas but we never find out in this book anyway. It’s laid out pretty obvious what trauma he suffered in his past and how it still effects him in the present but I want to know the story! Next book hopefully *fingers crossed*

Both of them are very jealous to the point of being irrational and Eva has a very bad habit of running off, which honestly lucky for her Gideon is the type to chase after her. Although I understand both of their struggles in their relationship based on their traumas, and I applaud them for sticking too it, it kind of drove me nuts them having the same conflict over and over again. Although with all their conflicts, gives them plenty of opportunities to make up ;) Also I wished there was more of a conflict with Gideon’s brother. He is very serious about warning Eva away from him, but I thought that fell short. Again I’m hoping it’ll play more of a part in the next book.

Overall I really liked Bared to You and Sylvia did a great job getting into the head of Eva and all her insecurities and her thought processes. I was pretty entertained with Cary and his own messed up-ness. I liked how in Gideon and Eva’s relationship, he is open to her being her own person and isn’t pushy to get Eva to fit into a certain role in his life. There are several things that I’m interested to know how they are going to play out so therefore I will be ANXIOUSLY awaiting the second book in the Crossfire series, Deeper into You.

Review: Rake with a Frozen Heart by Marguerite Kaye

Waking up in a stranger's bed, Henrietta Markham encounters the most darkly sensual man she has ever met. The last thing she remembers is being attacked by a housebreaker—yet being rescued by the notorious Earl of Pentland feels much more dangerous!

Since the cataclysmic failure of his marriage, ice has flowed in Rafe St. Alban's veins. But meeting impetuous, all-too-distracting governess Henrietta heats his blood to the boiling point.

When she's accused of theft, Rafe finds himself offering to clear her name. Can Henrietta's innocence bring this hardened rake to his knees?

Review:

Rafe St. Alban, Earl of Pentland, is a rake and he’s not afraid of his reputation, but he isn’t the typical rake because he has standards. He’s quite a mystery and due to experiences in his past, he has closed himself off to others emotionally. One day on his way back to his country home, he comes across an unconscious woman on his property. Even when unconscious, there’s something about her that he’s drawn to.

Henrietta Markham is such an innocent young woman. She believes greatly in the ideals of her parents, and as a way to gain some experience to help in their endeavor to set up a school in Ireland, to takes a position as a governess. Unfortunately this just leads her to trouble, which led to her needing to be rescued by her handsome neighbor. Even when she tries to do the right thing she finds herself accused by her employer of theft. She panics and runs away and decides to stow away in a carriage in hopes to get to London, only to find herself once again in the company of Rafe.

Although I liked the plot of the story, I felt that the wrap up of Henrietta being accused of theft, well just seemed to go away. I did like the added suspense afterwards where Henrietta just leaves Rafe well because they are both too stubborn to own up to their feelings of each other and she can’t stand to say goodbye. I really liked Rafe, he made such a great tortured hero. He wasn’t the type of hero I was expecting with the title referring to his “frozen heart”. I was pleasantly surprised with the depths to Rafe and his experiences that have led him to be the man he has become. I liked how Kaye did not reveal all of Rafe’s past all at once, but a little at a time and it kept me wanting to find out all there is to him. Henrietta kind of annoyed me with her innocence/naiveté, but I did enjoy her honesty and frankness and how she doesn’t even seem consider herself above anyone else’s needs.

Review: Kiss of the Goblin Prince (Shadowlands #2) by Shona Husk

Trapped for centuries in the bleak Shadowlands, Dai clings to his humanity with a thirst for knowledge. But now he's free of the goblin curse, and some would say he knows too much—he can make nature bend to his will, influence the minds of others, and command magic. Yet love eludes him. Then he meets Amanda, a single mother with a sick daughter whom he feels compelled to protect. But could she possibly place her trust in the kiss of a goblin prince?


Review:

After spending the last 2000 years in the Shadowlands as a goblin, and all that entails, Dai finds it difficult to be thrust back into the human world after the curse was broken when his brother found true love. Dai never really believed it was his fate to become human again and now that he is, he’s not quite sure what to do with himself, so he focuses on his magic, as much as it is forbidden. Dai is a very tortured man and struggles to deal with the guilt of some of his actions in the past that he just can’t let go to forgive himself so he tries to find a way to get revenge and atone for his sins.

Amanda is a widowed mother who had found and lost love at such a young age. She keeps herself distanced from men and focuses all her attention on her daughter who suffers from a severe case of asthma. When Dai’s brother marries Amanda’s sister-in-law they are thrust into each other’s lives and they have an instant attraction for each other. They both lack the experience of relationships and struggle with what they feel towards each other and how to go about any type of relationship.

I felt this story was slow and that when things started to pick up, it was all rushed at the end. Although I liked Dai and Amanda and their struggles to open up their wounded hearts and embrace love, and help each other heal, I just wasn’t feeling this book which I found disappointing as I liked Dai in the first book and was looking forward to reading his story. I did like the twists that are revealed and how individuals from Dai’s past continue to play apart in the present and what fate Dai would encounter if he didn’t learn to forgive himself. I also enjoyed the side story about Dai and Ronan’s cousin who had embraced his goblin side and went off with the horde. He finds himself all of sudden returned to human and stuck in the Shadowlands, after the curse was broken, which sets up for book 3 For the Love of a Goblin Warrior.

Brook Street Trilogy by Ava March

I’ll admit that I was curious about these books as several of the people I follow on twitter and Goodreads have read and enjoyed them. And as m/m is kind of a guilty pleasure for me *blushes* I thought why not give them a shot too! I very much enjoyed this series for several reasons. One, I really enjoy historical romances, and I’ve been on a HR kick for the past couple weeks. Two, oh lawdy those sex scenes are hot! Three, I liked March’s writing, it was smooth, enjoyable and it flowed well. I found myself overall enjoying all the characters and being invested enough to want to know each of their stories.

Book 1: Thief

London, 1822 ... It was only supposed to be one night. One night to determine once and for all if he truly preferred men. But the last thing Lord Benjamin Parker expected to find in a questionable gambling hell is a gorgeous young man who steals his heart.

It was only supposed to be a job. Cavin Fox has done it many times — select a prime mark, distract him with lust, and leave his pockets empty. Yet when Cavin slips away under the cover of darkness, the only part of Benjamin he leaves untouched is his pockets.

With a taste of his fantasies fulfilled, Benjamin wants more than one night with Cavin. But convincing the elusive young man to give them a chance proves difficult. Living with a band of thieves in the worst area of London, Cavin knows there's no place for him in a gentleman's life. Yet Benjamin isn't about to let Cavin—and love—continue to slip away from him.

Review:

Lord Benjamin is confused about his feelings and desires towards men and before he settles down and decides to marry, he wants to find out for sure what these feelings are so he goes to a club that is well known to cater to clientele of men who enjoy the company of other men. This is where he meets Cavin and the sparks ignite right away. The intimacy during their sexual encounter is everything Benjamin had hoped to find, and was so good that Cavin can’t bring himself to steal from Benjamin, even though he’s a thief and steals to survive.  

Cavin begins to question his life and the choice he makes. He starts to slowly make changes but finds it difficult to fully leave his life behind as that’s all he knows. He feels himself so far beneath Benjamin that he is constantly running away from him but Benjamin refuses to give up on Cavin. There were so many ups and downs and took me on an emotional ride with Ben and Cavin. I just wanted to shake Cavin and tell him to open his eyes and stop being so stubborn! Cavin broke my heart with his self-loathing. I loved Ben! He is so open, understanding, determined. He was exactly what Cavin neededJ. I found Ben and Cavin’s story very romantic and it made my heart happy at the end.  

Book 2: Fortune Hunter

London, 1822 .... Impoverished Julian Parker returns to London with one goal: marry an heiress. He'll do whatever it takes, even if it means denying his desire for men. After all, with a fortune comes happiness and social acceptance—which have eluded Julian his entire life.

The only things a vast fortune has brought Oscar Woodhaven are greedy relatives and loneliness. At twenty-one years of age, he has everything a man could possibly want—except someone to love him. When he meets devastatingly handsome Julian Parker, he believes his luck has turned.

Between Oscar's lavish gifts and their searing hot nights, Julian is caught between what he thinks he needs and what his heart truly desires. But when a betrayal threatens to tear them apart, Julian discovers he'll do whatever it takes to convince Oscar the greatest fortune of all is love.

Review:

Julian is the cousin of Ben from Thief, who has just returned from America. He is looking to marry and heiress, as he thinks that money will make him happy in life. He’s even willing to put aside his desire for men to have what he perceives as a better life. Oscar is one of Ben’s close friends, and this is how the two become acquainted. Ben is not the most available to help take Julian around to parties (as he has Cavin back home waiting for him) so Oscar offers to take his place and takes Julian into his home and helps him out in any way he’s able to.

I’m not sure how much I really liked this pair. I was able to accept the events in each of their pasts that had shaped them to the way they were at present, but I had a harder time connecting with them as a pair. Although I had my doubts about Julian, I did very much like Oscar. He’s so hopeful, giving, and vulnerable that my heart went out to him. Sometimes I could just picture him giving one of his genuine smiles and I wanted to smile too. But I felt so bad for the way he was accepting other’s poor behavior towards him, I wanted to wrap him up and keep him safe.  I did not look forward to what I saw coming that would crush Oscar and Julian, but I’m glad for the men that they each worked to become by the end, Julian redeemed himself a little to me by the end.

Book 3: Rogues

London, 1822... Two of London's most notorious rakehells, Linus Radcliffe and Robert Anderson, are the best of friends. They share almost everything-clothes, servants, their homes, and even each other's bed on occasion. The one thing they don't share: lovers. For while Linus prefers men, Robert prefers women...except when it comes to Linus.

As another Season nears its end, Robert can't ignore his growing jealousy. He hates watching Linus disappear from balls to dally with other men. Women are lovely, but Linus rouses feelings he's never felt with another. Unwilling to share his gorgeous friend another night, Robert has a proposition for Linus.

A proposition Linus flatly refuses-but not for the reasons Robert thinks. Still, Robert won't take no for an answer. He sets out to prove a thing or two to his best friend-yet will learn something about the heart himself.

Review:

Linus and Robert have been best friends since childhood. They grew up together, went to school together and even moved in next door to each other in London. Although Linus prefers men and Robert prefers women, they have been lovers off and on throughout the years. As this particular season continues on, Robert finds himself more and more uncomfortable with Linus going off with other men and proposes they be exclusive.

To be honest, I don’t blame Linus for saying no, even though he secretly is in love with Robert. Robert easily becomes bored with his conquests and Linus is willing to deny his feelings in order to preserve their friendship. I really liked this pair, but I really just wanted to smack Robert with the way he goes about his pursuit on Linus. I liked how he wanted to be with Linus so much that he was willing to go outside of his comfort zone to figure out how to get what he wants. I did really like this couple and their story, but just not as much as the first book.



ARC Review: A Gentleman Says "I Do" by Amelia Grey

Iverson Brentwood has finally met his match. Catalina Crisp heats his blood like no other lady. Her alluring countenance has stopped him dead in his tracks. But no matter how attracted he is to her, he can't give into his desire to possess her in every way...she is the daughter of the man he's sworn to destroy.

Catalina's father is a well-known writer, but wastrel whose disappearances continuously put them close to destitution. Something drastic must change, so it is with quill in hand, that Catalina completes her father's latest parody of Iverson and Matson Brentwood's spectacular arrival in London. When the story hits the newsprint, a darkly handsome man is at her door, looking for her father.

Seeing the dashing rogue in the flesh, for a bewildering moment dallying with the rake seems like the perfect fictional escape—and it's all she can do not to give into the madness of the intriguing man.


Review:

Catalina Crisp is the daughter of a poet and has found herself put in the position of needing to help finish some of her father’s work in order to get the money they need to pay for the house, staff, etc,. Her father is flighty, with his head in the clouds and tends to take off in a moment’s notice and therefore Catalina has had to become the practical one in the family and had to take over the books at the age of 16. One of the stories she had to finish happens to be a parody based on the Brentwood twins. I really liked Catalina’s character, she’s taken on a lot of responsibility, takes care of everyone else before herself, and this has made her a strong person. I loved how stubborn she was how she was able to handle Iverson’s temper without flinching.

Iverson Brentwood is the aggressive Brentwood twin (his brother Matson is the peacemaker) who has the reputation as the Rake of Baltimore. He’s got a big temper and very impulsive but he is very protective and loyal to his family and those he cares about. There are questions about his past that he doesn’t want aired out to everyone, so when this parody about his family comes out, he is determined to put a stop to it. When he goes to confront the author, he instead finds himself faced with Catalina. No matter that he’s dealing with a woman, he doesn’t back down and ends up threatening bodily hard to her father if he ever writes another word about his family. Right away he finds Catalina strong, seductive and every ounce his equal, he’s met his match.

I loved and was captivated by Catalina and Iverson’s story. Everything is laid out for you and I loved that there isn’t any sneakiness (well, besides Catalina withholding some information). I love how Iverson is very straight forward from the beginning and is a man of his word. I found him to be quite the sweetheart and I just loved him. Catalina is strong, compassionate, protective, and doesn’t back down or lets herself be intimidated. I loved how their feelings and relationship developed and you just have to keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, when Iverson finds out Catalina’s role in writing the story, how will he react! I was rooting for them and hoping that everything turned out ok.

Guest Post & Giveaway with Author Sandra Hill

                                  WHEN FIRST KISSES HAVE A BITE

    First kisses are always special, no matter the age, no matter the circumstance.  Everyone who reads romance novels looks forward to that first poignant moment when lips brush lips.  But when the first kiss involves a vampire, better yet a Viking vampire angel, you might just hear a Hallelujah or two.

    I knew when I started my new Deadly Angels series that I would have to do something different.  First of all, vangels (Viking vampire angels) are prohibited from having real sex; so, they have to be inventive.  And, boy, are they!

    

    For example, this is what happens in KISS OF PRIDE, the first book in the series:

    His hips propelled her back against the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and his other hand grasped her chin forcing it to the side so that her neck lay open to him.  With a reflexive hiss of anticipation, his fangs came out and he sank his teeth into her skin where she’d already been bitten.

    He’d done this hundreds of time before. The vangel kiss.  He could do it in his sleep.  He could do it and recite the Poetic Edda in his head.  He could be cool, calm, and as collected as any Viking vampire angel in the midst of a fanging.  But this was different, he recognized instantly.

    The taste of her washed over him like a tidal wave.  His cock shot up without warning and he went lance hard without any forewarning.  It was a thickening so exquisitely orgasmic that he felt his knees begin to buckle.

    Jerking backward, he released his hold on her and put the back of his hand to his mouth, rubbing.  Staggering to the other side of the desk, he plopped down to the swivel chair to hide the continuing erection that tented his shorts, the thigh-length braies men wore here in the summer months.

    
    At the same time, she appeared more stunned than angry, although the anger was sure to come.

    “Who are you?” they both asked at the same time..

    Then there is another of the seven Sigurdsson brothers, Trond, a vangel Navy SEAL,  hero of the second book, KISS OF SURRENDER, who invents “Near-Sex.”  Lots of kisses there. 

    And Ivak, in the third book, KISS OF TEMPTATION, discovers “breath kisses.”

    To learn more about KISS OF PRIDE and my other books, visit me on my website at www.sandrahill.net or stop my FaceBook home at Sandra Hill Author. 

Giveaway

Leave a comment with a valid email address to win a set of three backlist titles to one winner. US only please

ARC Review: Darkest Caress by Kaylea Cross

Two-hundred-year-old Daegan Blackwell is one of the last remaining Empowered, an ancient magical race. Daegan's duty is to lead and protect his remaining Brethren in the coming war foretold by prophecy. The last thing he expects is to meet the one woman who will either save or destroy him-his destined mate.

Fiercely independent Realtor Olivia Farrell believes darkly handsome Daegan is simply a prospective client. Until she's attacked by a man with a strange aura-and Daegan fights him off, taking away her pain with just his touch. At first, Olivia refuses to believe she's part of a magical race, yet mounting evidence and her powerful chemistry with Daegan are too strong to deny.

But as Daegan's partner, Olivia becomes a target in the battle between good and evil that threatens her life, as well as the very existence of the Empowered. And the only one who can save her is the man claiming to be her destiny..

Review:

Olivia Farrell is an average woman who is a realtor and teaches piano lessons on the side. Her life is pretty normal except that she suffers from awful headaches at some of the most inopportune times. So when she is to show an expensive estate she is anxious about the commission she can earn from this sale, but everything changes when she meets her intended client.  

Daegan Blackwell is around 200 years old, is the leader and one of the last of the Empowered, an ancient magical race whose duty is to protect the human race from evil in an coming to war in a foretold by prophecy. Upon meeting each other, Daegan knows that Liv is his mate, which is the last thing he needs. Whenever they are near each other, they have a strong sexual reaction and pull to each other. The need to Bond with his mate grows with each day but he is hesitant to do anything about it due to his parent’s horrible experience and he is determined to give Liv the option to choose to bond with him. Ugh, it drove me nuts how Daegan tries to be honorable but he just goes about it the wrong way and it is basically left up to his cousin, Cade, to explain the whole mate/bonding thing to Liv.

I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I liked how strong, stubborn, and resistant Liv was and refused to completely break down with everything that gets thrown at her. I thought that Liv actually handles herself well while she gets dropped into this new world and then becomes a target by the Dark Army that is led by the Obsidian Lord. I really wanted to hate the OL, but as we get to see how he became evil, by losing his mate, I couldn’t help from feel sorry for him. I liked how Daegan wasn’t perfect, he made mistakes and needed help from others. This book is full of suspense that left me on the edge. I really enjoyed how the climax of the story is actually detailed. I had read several books before this one where the climax was minimized and I felt skimmed over, so it was nice to experience each agonizing feeling with the characters.

ARC Review: Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified -- but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

Review:

While being left penniless with the death of her husband, Hannah Bell takes up a position as a Lady’s companion for her late husband’s aunt (and also Leo’s mom) even though it pays no wages but at least gave her room and board. She’s used to being ignored, and she has found a haven in the library where no one really goes, until one day when she is up in the galley, Leo enters. At first she watches as he sits and relaxes until a maid entered and she was witness to their sexual encounters.

Alfred (Leo) Wraxhall is the 2^nd son to Marquess, who has a reputation of being lazy, a rake, a drinker and gambler. He dropped out of university and is living in brother’s shadow. He feeds his family’s idea of him, but he is really intelligent, funny, has a kind word for everyone, often smiling. Leo is aware of Hannah being present in the library and after the maid leaves he invites her to discuss what she’d seen.

Hannah is naïve and didn’t have the most educating experience with her husband and is under the opinion that women aren’t supposed to enjoy sex, wives are to submit to their husbands. Leo teaches her differently. He’s a very good teacher and she’s an eager student as they take Hannah’s education slowly with each of their encounters. Despite the downfalls that could happen to her if she is caught, she chooses to return to Leo as he has shown her delight in her barren existence.

I found Hannah very strong and able to take on changes and make the best of her circumstances and Leo is very sweet and attentive. At the end of this story and I had a wistful smile on my face. I thought this story was paced well for being a novella, it was short, sweet and to the point, but I can’t help but wish there was more of Leo and Hannah to read about *happy sigh*

ARC Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Review:

In the world of The Immoral Rules, vampires are on top. There are Master vampires that rule over cities and among them are other ranks of vampires. Outside of the city walls, there are the ruins of the homes where humans used to live before the Red Lung virus spread. Outside the city walls we find Rabids, who are vampires but kept making me think of zombies. With the humans they are mainly split into two categories, there are Registered humans who give blood once a month in exchange for food and money, and then there are the Unregistered humans who have to scrape and steal to get by. Allie is an Unregistered human and chooses to stay off the vampires radar, even if it is a great struggle to survive. It is one fateful day that Allie is brutally attached by Rabids while out searching for food and is saved by a vampire, who gives her the ultimate choice, to die or become a vampire. Even though Allie hates vampires with everything she is, she chooses to become one. Allie is a true fighter and if she has to become a vampire to survive, so be it.

Allie is very hard at the beginning of this book. She has been stabbed in the back too many times and has been shown she can only depend on herself. I thought Allie was very strong, she takes each of her new circumstances with strong determination to do whatever she can to survive. Then circumstances has her leaving her home and her vampire mentor, she finds out just how much she has to give up on certain ideals, and also finds her own determination to not become the monster that she has always associated with vampires. These circumstances lead her to a group of humans trying to survive on their own and she is invited to join them (without them knowing she’s a vampire).

This is where we meet Zeke, who becomes Allie’s human love interest. He is the groups second in command, and he refuses to let what he’s experienced in the past take away his hope and faith, and his ability to see the good in others. She tries very hard to be the person Zeke sees in her, but her Hunger is always there and she constantly has to find ways to hide what she is. Wow, loved this book. I’m already a Julie Kagawa fan from reading her Iron Fey books, so I had a feeling I’d like this book too. I loved how dark and gritty it was. I felt that Kagawa did a great job of setting up this world, but in a way that I didn’t feel overwhelmed that the world building took over the story. Although this book kept making me feel like I wanted to compare it to The Walking Dead at times, there was the uniqueness to her world that kept me from letting that bother me. I liked that it felt like she didn’t hold anything back, and threw Allie for all these twists which definitely kept the tension up and kept me hooked. I was very pleased with Allie’s development as a character and thought the ending set up well for the next book but that I also felt satisfied with.

Review: Crave by Felicity Heaton

His mind has been set on his work for the past one hundred years. Now a forbidden beauty has stolen his attention and is threatening to steal his heart too.

Callum has come to the city of romance on business, not pleasure, but when he sets eyes on a gorgeous werewolf in a nightclub, he can’t ignore the dark carnal craving she ignites in him. His work for Vampirerotique, the erotic theatre he runs with three other vampires, can wait. The only thing that matters now is satisfying his sinful hunger for a woman who most vampires would consider an enemy.

Kristina is on the run from her pack. Her alpha is intent on forcing her to bear his child and she’s not about to live through the same nightmare as her mother had. When a tall, dark and sexy vampire catches her eye, she can’t believe the ferocity of the desire he unleashes in her or the fact that she enjoys the feel of his eyes on her and his silent pursuit of her in the clubs each night.

When Kristina finally gets a taste of Callum in a forbidden kiss, will she be strong enough to resist the allure of the vampire and his offer to share his bed for a week of unbridled, wild sex, or will she surrender to her own craving for the safety and passion she finds in his embrace?

Review:

Crave is the second book in the Vampire Erotique Theatre Series, and it held up to my expectations. One thing that I’ve enjoyed with Crave and also with the first book, Covet, is the conquering of forbidden love and just how sweet the heroes are.

Callum has been sent to Paris in search for new acts for the theater, when he comes across a female that captivates him. Callum is very dedicated to his work, but his is so drawn to her that he shuns his duties to follow her from club to club each night, but he never approaches her. Kristina knows he’s watching her and she finds herself intrigued. She kind of puts on a show for him and it make me think of Dirty Dancing with vampires and werewolves. After a steamy round in a curtained off booth, Callum invites her to spend his last week in Paris with him.

Kristina’s got some baggage and fears that she really struggles with. Kristina is currently ripe for mating, aka fertile and she has run away from her pack because the pack alpha wanted to claim and impregnate her. She fears sharing the same fate as her mother and being ditched once pregnant and having to be a single parent. She vowed to avoid interacting with any werewolves in order to minimize the chance of being turned back over to her pack or having another alpha try to mate with her.

Callum and Kristina make such a sweet and wicked pair. And I love how Callum is the one more open and honest about his feelings and works to wear Kristina down. Whenever their relationship moves beyond lust and desire to more tender emotions, Kristina gets skittish, but Callum is not about to give up. Their passion is sizzling and they are quite inventive in the numerous ways they demonstrate their desire for each other. I loved getting to see the other characters we met in Covet, although, I wished they could have been in the book more then they were. Overall, Crave is short, sweet, and definitely captivating.

Review & Giveaway With Vicky Dreiling

 

Review:  

From the moment I was introduced to Will I was in love. He was not only charming but his sarcastic remarks kept me more than entertained throughout the book.

I love how Any didn't give into Will and saw through all his charm. It was amazing to watch their relationship grow from absolutely nothing into love. Of course it didn't happen over night which made me love this book even more. The timing of the romance was perfect and it drew me in. I loved their lives separate as much as i loved them together. They both had brought deceptions to the marriage that they will have to overcome to make this work out.

I loved how the characters from the first two books make appearances especially Hawk *swoons*
Aunt Hester actually cracked me up with her  blunt honesty. I also liked how we were introduced to some of Will’s friends. I believe they helped to give him some humanity and balance in some decisions that have to be made.
 

Now that I know their will be more to this series I am excited. I cant wait to find out what is in store for the next couple. I highly recommend all of Vicky's Books. Especially to readers that not only love Historicals but just love romance. 

 

 

 

 Giveaway!

3 lucky winners will win a copy of each book!

• Open to US/Canada only
• No PO boxes please

Just add your email in a comment if you are interested in entering the giveaway.  Giveaway is open until  04/14/12 12PM EST.  Winners will be chosen using random.org and winners will be emailed.

Good luck!

Review: The Forbidden Claim by Kelly Gendron

US Marshall Jinx Collins is an outspoken, free-spirited, and earless woman. It’s that same fearlessness, however, that tends to get her into trouble. Jinx questions her life prior to being adopted. When those questions lead her to a murderer who’s about to be transported into the witness protection program, Jinx decides to kidnap him to see if she can uncover the truth. Jed Kane has worked undercover in the human trafficking ring for years. When Jed accepts a job to disguise himself as one of his worst enemies and take a ride from the correctional facility to a secured location, he certainly had not planned on being abducted by Jinx Collins. Jed’s uncertain as to how he feels about her touchy-feely hands and loose lips—unsure if they irritate him or if they are awakening his badly behaving desires. Jed knows he must first find out what the fanatical little lady wants with a murderer before he can act on whatever he’s feeling.

Straight away Jinx is attracted to the resilient and enticing Jed Kane—the only man who hasn’t backed down from her candor. While Jinx discovers that the questionable criminal may be able to assist her in finding out the truth about her past, Jed vows to save Jinx from her daring self. Once Jinx starts to understand what Jed feels for her—he wants to own her—she demands that he succumb to the raging frenzy. Jed allows himself

Review:

Jinx Collins is trying to piece together her past from before she was adopted at a young age. All she has to go on is a photograph of a girl and memories that have been popping up. She is a US Marshall, and so she has the skills to get what she needs done. She is every strong minded, but this tends to get her in plenty of trouble. While in search for the girl in the photograph she kidnaps a known murder, who is pictured as well, so that she can find the connection and the identity of the girl. Or she thinks she kidnaps him and ends up kidnapping Jed who is undercover posing as the man. Jed knows the girl in the photo but is suspicious as to Jinx’s reasons for searching for her.

Jed Kane has been investigating undercover human trafficking for many years now. At the age of 17 he was found by an undercover agent hunched over a man he had killed, and had been hunting down those involved with trafficking humans. He is so caught up in his cover that he thinks of himself as one of the bad guys. Jed has so much rage built up and works hard to have a control over it, but something about Jinx stirs it up and many other emotions he thought locked up that it confuses him.

Throughout, we see glimpses of a boy that is a captive in the human trafficking world. We see from his perspective what he is experiencing, what role he plays, and what his fears are. He’s been shut up so long that he doesn’t see himself as human, that he doesn’t even have a name anymore, he just goes by Boy. His role in the story breaks my heart, but lifts it at the same time.

This story was very good and kept me hooked. I loved the tension, between Jinx and Jed and how Jinx just can’t keep herself out of trouble. Jed really broke my heart with such a negative view of himself and his struggles with breaking down the walls to his emotions and allowing himself to feel he deserves happiness. Overall, WHOA! I don’t want to give anything away so that’s all I have to say. I didn’t see that twist at the end coming. It totally left me in shock and thinking how I did NOT see that coming. I thought this was a great, dark story but what is revealed towards the end, bumped up my opinion of this book. It is definitely worth it to read this!

Guest Post & Giveaway with Author Zoë Archer

Boots! Boots! Boots! (And Steampunk)

Guest Blog by Zoë Archer

Today, I’m going to discuss a subject very near and dear to me: boots.

If you follow me at all on Twitter or Facebook (and less frequently on Pinterest), you already know that I have a mild obsession with boots.  If, perhaps, you’re not as familiar with me and my personal mania, let me introduce the topic by stating I have at least twenty pairs of boots currently jamming my closet.  Twenty is actually a conservative estimate.

My boots run the gamut: hiking boots, snow boots (not yet worn, as I live in Los Angeles), ankle-high boots, tall boots.  I steer away from boots with tall, skinny heels, and, since I’m only 5’, I avoid over-the-knee boots. While they look awesome and remind me of 18^th century highwaymen, over-the-knee boots would make me resemble Lowly Worm.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIvGEjBQtfN97c0sa2psm7VdL9JusnvKQYU0gjZZADFZhP7nnL5b7o7t108UE5J2FbAY2G6ReAQNLjjlkdyRtPw7xrGiNQOddr26d1FNx7hjkxf_zeJuQQFROJHLqjckSr1wL7vs5i9uI/s320/Lowly.png

But I love boots because they shout “Adventure,” and “Badass Ahoy,” which is something I know I need more of in my life.  Even if I can’t jump from rooftop to rooftop, or sail the seas in pursuit of treasure, at least I can have on the appropriate footwear.

One of the reasons why I’ve been drawn to steampunk is because of its fashion aesthetic, especially the boots.  Boots are a key element in steampunk clothing.  If you’re traveling the globe in an airship, journeying from one adventure to another, you’ve got to be suitably shod.  That means boots, and lots of them.  Even better, it means boots with buckles, my absolute favorite.

http://www.findcoolclothes.com/products/large_photos/steam-30-ble.jpg

http://www.boots4you.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Fiorentini-+-Baker-Brighton-buckle-boots.jpg?cda6c1

But don’t worry, if you prefer a daintier, more Victorian-looking boot, steampunk has that, too.

http://www.bonesleatherntreasures.com/722_800_csupload_38164047.jpg?u=648599676

http://www.sinistersoles.com/v/vspfiles/photos/S-DEMONIA-CRYPTO-301-BOOTS-2T.jpg

One thing that distinguishes a steampunk boot from its actual Victorian-era counterpart is the distinct fantastical element, the deliberate over-the-top quality, from the number of buckles to kind of trim.  These boots are meant for adventure, but they’ve also got style and swag (as the kids say), which is part of the whole science fiction-meets-history vibe that shapes steampunk.  Victorians were keen on making everything—even machines—beautiful, so that philosophy of adornment continues in steampunk clothes and shoes.

So, yes, boots and steampunk are inexorably linked—one of the many reasons I enjoy writing steampunk romance.

It certainly wasn’t a hardship that I kept picturing boots of every stripe and variety when writing SKIES OF FIRE, my steampunk romance.  Knowing that Captain Christopher Redmond was striding around his airship wearing tall buckled boots gave me an added incentive to sit down to my keyboard every morning.  And of course, his old flame Louisa Shaw’s work as a spy means that she needs appropriate footwear when prowling around behind enemy lines.

So, tell me, do you have a favorite pair of boots?  What kind would you want to wear on a steampunk adventure?  Leave a comment, and I’ll pick a winner to win a print copy of SKIES OF FIRE. 

Now, I’m off to look at more pictures of boots on the Internet—I mean, do research.

SKIES OF FIRE: The Ether Chronicles Book 1

Man made of metal and flesh

Captain Christopher Redmond has just one weakness: the alluring spy who loved and left him years beforewhen he was still just a man. Now he's superhuman—a Man O' War, made as part of the British Navy's weapons program—and his responsibility is to protect the skies of Europe. If only he could forget Louisa Shaw.

A most inconvenient desire

Louisa, a British Naval Intelligence agent, has never left a job undone. But when her assignment is compromised, the one man who can help her complete her mission is also the only man ever to tempt her body and heart. As burning skies loom and passion ignites, Louisa and Christopher must slip behind enemy lines if they are to deliver a devastating strike against their foe . . . and still get out alive.

Excerpt

Buy links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powells, All Romance eBooks, Books-A-Million

Zoë Archer: website, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr

Bio: Zoë Archer is an award-winning romance author who thinks there's nothing sexier than a man in tall boots and a waistcoat. As a child, she never dreamed about being the rescued princess, but wanted to kick butt right beside the hero. She now applies her master's degrees in Literature and Fiction to creating butt-kicking heroines and heroes in tall boots. She is the author of the acclaimed BLADES OF THE ROSE series and the paranormal historical romance series, THE HELLRAISERS. Zoë and her husband, fellow romance author Nico Rosso, live in Los Angeles. Nico’s story in the world of The Ether Chronicles will be available in July 2012. Please visit Zoë on the Web at http://www.zoearcherbooks.com/