Title:Series: The Highland guard bk 5
Author: Monica McCarty
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance
Robert the Bruce consolidates lands and loyalty in a bold war for Scotland’s independence, as his elite team of warriors, the Highland Guard, fight for king, country . . . and love.
Magnus MacKay is the ultimate Highlander: tough, proud, able to master any terrain and to best his enemies. Called “the Saint” for his refusal to discuss women, as well as for his cool and steady leadership, Magnus hides a painful truth. It isn’t virtue or piety that keeps him silent, but a wound of love and loss that cuts so deep he cannot bear to speak of it. But when the woman who refused him is betrothed to his friend and fellow Guardsman, Magnus is tested by love’s battle cry.
A wild and innocent beauty, Helen chose family duty over her desire for Magnus. Now the anger in his eyes mirrors the tormented regret in her heart. But as deadly subterfuge stalks the King and his Guard, Helen vows to right her youthful mistakes with a woman’s determined spirit. Still, Magnus harbors secrets and an iron will not to weaken to temptation—or heartache—again. But as danger looms, it’s the kiss not of a saint, but of a sinner, that can save them.
I have loved this entire in this series, and with this one Monica doesn’t disappoint me either. Magnus and Helen are like Romeo and Juliet, star crossed lovers who can never seem to be in the same place at the same time. History, old family feuds and old friends keep these two apart. Thankfully their love is stronger than all of this, though it could take some smashing their heads together to show them that they really do belong together. It is a fun read, and at times frustrating to watch these two struggle to make it, but what a ride watching them achieve what both desperately want.
Grade A+
Review by: Helen
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: On The First Night Of ChristmasSeries: Harlequin Presents Extra
Author: Heidi Rice
Synopsis: Cassie's tips for the Perfect Christmas Fling!
1. 'Tis the season to be daring: Find the perfect Mr. Right Now (extra points for a bad-boy-turned-billionaire) and be brave about getting him—even if that means jumping straight into sexy Jace Ryan's car!
2. Enjoy the ride: Once you've chosen your man, get swept away by the moment! For once, Cassie's determined to stop worrying about the future, but she must remember one thing…
3. This fling is just for Christmas: Jace Ryan's a seasonal special. Do not start falling for him, Cassie, no matter how perfect the package or how much you've enjoyed unwrapping it.…
Review: This may have been my first Heidi Rice book but it won't be the last by this relatively new author - 7 books for Harlequin/Mills&Boon since 201, but there's a reason she's a USA Today Bestselling Author! :D
Cassie and Jace (Jacob) are so real, the scenes with them alone, with her friends (cause he didn't have any real ones then), out shopping together for Christmas gifts, were so well written that I felt as if I was standing right there.
We've all experienced heart break or known someone who felt stupid for having been in a bad relationship and Cassie is no stranger to that.
Her wish for Christmas love is one many of us have at some point in time wished would become a reality. Well, for her it does, in the form of physically fantastic, wealthy but emotionally flawed Jacob 'Jace' Ryan.
The chemistry between these two in On The First Night Of Christmas is amazing and it translates into 'hawt' sex. ;)
That's not all though. The each have emotional issues to overcome and how they brave those to experience what starts as a hot fling but which quickly progresses to something more, is the other half of what makes this book so engaging.
No wonder this book was published under Harlequin Presents Extra.
A must-read for sure. Add this one to your shopping list.
Grade: A+
Review by: Sasha
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Wrong side of DeadSeries: Dreg City bk 4
Author: Kelly Meding
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Monster hunter Evangeline Stone woke up on the wrong side of dead this morning—and now there’s hell to pay.
Barely recovered from her extended torture at the hands of mad scientist Walter Thackery, Evy can use a break. What she gets instead is a war, as the battered Triads that keep Dreg City safe find themselves under attack by half-Blood vampires who have somehow retained their reason, making them twice as lethal. Worse, the Halfies are joined by a breed of were-creature long believed extinct—back and more dangerous than ever. Meanwhile, Evy’s attempts at reconciliation with the man she loves take a hit after Wyatt is viciously assaulted—an attack traced to Thackery, who has not given up his quest to exterminate all vampires . . . even if he has to destroy Dreg City to do it. With Wyatt’s time running out, another threat emerges from the shadows and a staggering betrayal shatters the fragile alliance between the Triads, vampires, and shapeshifters, turning Evy’s world upside down forever.
There aren’t many books out there that I have read that I can say the main character has been killed not once but twice, revived twice, tortured and beat and has killed over 1000 people. Evy has been one of the most prolific and active main characters in this genre I’ve had the pleasure of reading. She is just so unique as a character, so powerful, and yet she fails, and is killed repeatedly, but somehow they are always able to bring Evy back, and she is able to become stronger and more resilient with every struggle, with every confrontation she learns, grows, adapts and it’s good to see an author that isn’t afraid of killing and bringing back her characters if it makes sense for the story. It’s not that I like the fact that she gets killed, but I like the evolution of Evy how she grows with every death.
The reason I’m so drawn to the story has everything to do with the way Kelly Meding writes her stories. They are Crazy, constant movement, its Nonstop action and activity and the book is over before you even realize it, because you’ve gotten so sucked into the novel that you are in it and invested in the novel before you even remember being so interested in these characters. It’s so compelling, and so entrancing and mesmerizing that you end up so excited by what you are reading and so actively involved in it that you turn the last page. I would recommend this book to any paranormal lover.
Grade A
Review by: Helen
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Fire In The SmokiesSeries: Durham Wolves Book #2
Author: Becca Jameson
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Blurb: When Jaxon Durham isn’t raising thoroughbreds with his brothers, he’s using his heightened senses to search for missing hikers in the Smokies. This time the call is for a firefighter gone missing on the front lines.
In his wolf form, he’s the first to track the firefighter to a cave, but he’s stopped cold by a stunning realization—it’s his mate. To his relief, the body covered in fireproof gear is female.
Brianna White can’t decide if she’s died and gone to heaven, or unconscious and having a delicious dream, when the wolf standing before her shifts into a naked man. Either way, she can’t resist the urge to go along for the ride. She never expected to fall so instantly, and so hard, for the sexy hunk.
But an old enemy is lurking beyond the walls of their refuge. The clock is ticking while Jaxon races to evade the deadly threat, even deadlier flames, and overcome the stubborn will of a woman who’s not sure she’s ready to give up life as she knew it.
Warning: Dark, sexy wolves in the Appalachians evoke steaming sex in a cave, light bondage and dominance, various plugs and vibrators, and an interesting masturbation chamber…
Thoughts: I was really excited to read this book, and from the beginning it really reeled me in. The story line was good, and the sex scenes were erotic and HOT! But all the important stuff seemed to happen in the first few chapters, and it seemed to dwindle a little after that - it seemed a bit of a struggle to keep the book going. They went from meeting to mating for life in the span of a day, and I wish it had been a bit more drawn out. I also thought that Brianna seemed to accept everything that Jax said completely, no matter how wild and outrageous it sounded. She just bought into it. The main guy was a bit standard, nothing special, nothing that added a sense of added danger to the storyline - he mostly just seemed like a bothersome fly in the scheme of things. Good, but not one of the better ones out there.
Rate: B
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: SternSeries: New Westmoreland Series, Book#3
Author: Brenda Jackson
Genre: Romance
Blurb: From New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson, comes a new trilogy starring three Westmorelands who are impossible to resist: Zane, Canyon and Stern.
Stern Westmoreland never makes mistakes—until he helps his best friend Jovonnie "JoJo" Jones with a makeover…for another man. Now Stern wants JoJo for himself. Their attraction is undeniable and there's only one way to test it: one long, steamy night together as much more than friends!
Thoughts: I have to say that after reading the first two books in this series, I was excited to pick up Stern. I was intrigued by both him and JoJo after reading about them and their relationship in the prior books. A budding romance between two longtime friends has always been a soft spot of mine, and I was eager to see how JoJo would make Stern see her as a woman he could fall in love with and not just as "one of the boys". However, I have to say the book didn't go quite as I assumed.
I assumed that it would be either that JoJo would get a makeover to try to make Stern fall for her, or that she would have him make her over for someone else. The book was an odd blend between the two - she does get a makeover, and she does ask Stern to help her so she can win over someone else, but there is a huge difference to the story here. JoJo does realize that she is in love with Stern - but she gets the bright idea to make herself fall out of love with him and into love with someone else. She has no obvious intent to try to capture his attention and make him see her differently. JoJo is not playing a game, or trying to trick Stern in any way - she is completely without guile, which is quite refreshing. She knows he only sees her as a friend, so she is trying to move on with her life. Regardless, it doesn't take long for Stern to sit up and take notice!
I also enjoyed how Stern was confused in the way his feelings for JoJo were changing. But I did have one big complaint here. The transition between him viewing her as a friend and being attracted to her was fine - but from there he all of a sudden jumps to 'forever' and thoughts of 'making her his wife'. I wanted more about the development of those feelings, especially as he was such a womanizer previously. That transition should have really hit his character hard, but instead it seemed almost like an afterthought. Maybe if the book had been just a bit longer we could have seen some more into his thought processes.
Regardless, it is a really good book. I think in this series, it falls in at number two for me - I liked Zane a little better. But they are all great reads - especially if you are already a fan of the Westmoreland family.
Rate: B
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: One Lucky VampireSeries: Argeneau bk 19
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal
Luck be a vampire tonight . . .
When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.
. . . and every night
Who wouldn't want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He's barely had time to adjust to his new state before he's roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First he'll put a stop to whoever's targeting her. Then he'll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity.
Thoughts: I've been a fan of this series from book one, One Quick Bite, and anxiously await each new installment. When One lucky Vampire hit my inbox I couldn't wait to read it, as the excerpt in the back of the last book had me intrigued and wanting to know more about Jake.
I have to admit for me this book could have been completely from Jake's POV and I would have been happy. He's one of those heroes you want to walk through your door and never leave. Yes he has baggage and issues regarding how he was turned into a vampire, but those issues and baggage make him that much more intriguing.
Nicole by herself feel flat to me, but when paired with Jake she became a compelling character, enough for me to ignore everything about her that bugged me. I do have to admit that when I was telling DH about her and what bugged me about her, he pointed out I was a lot like her. So I had to reassess my feelings about her, I still didn't like her, but I understood her and thought she was perfect for Jake.
As always when it comes to this series, there is a host of secondary characters that make their presence known. In One Lucky Vampire we get two more Notte cousins (and I have to admit I can't wait to read their stories) and Nicole's brother (who drove me insane and I wished someone had done something about) and his very annoying fiancee.
I do have to admit I thought I knew what was going on with the reasons why Nicole needed a bodyguard and was completely surprised by what was really going on.
Over all it's a great addition to one of my favorite series.
Grade B+
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Midnight LiesSeries: Wildefire book 2
Author: Ella Grace
Genre: Romantic Suspense
IT’S ALWAYS HOTTER AT MIDNIGHT.
The winds of fate have blown cruelly on a family that once had it all: money, power, prestige. The lives of three beautiful daughters were forever changed when, on a sultry night in Midnight, Alabama, a murder-suicide shattered the Wilde family. The girls grew up to live separate lives but now have returned home, each to face a danger no one can see coming.
Former homecoming queen Samantha surprised everyone by going into law enforcement, but beneath her tough façade lies a wary heart. The tragedy that struck her family is an ever-present reminder that nothing is ever as it seems. When the man she loves, Quinn Braddock, a doctor and Iraq war veteran, is accused of murder, Samantha assumes the worst. Brokenhearted, her confidence shattered, she returns to Midnight. Though exonerated, Quinn still feels the sting of Samantha’s doubt, but he can’t forget his feelings for her and follows her. Soon after his arrival, a shocking murder terrifies the town, and once again, Quinn is under suspicion. This time, Samantha will not turn her back on the man she loves—even if it means walking into a killer’s trap.
Let me start by saying that I reviewed the first book of the Wildefire series Midnight Secrets here on the blog and LOVED it. SO I was super excited be able to read the second book in the series a little early and have the numerous questions answered that I was left with at the end of the first book… and once again Ella Grace/Cindy Reece did NOT disappoint!
Midnight Lies opens “5 months ago” so it was an interesting overlap with book 1 (Midnight Secrets) that gave us a more detailed account of what was going on in Samantha’s life at the time that we were focused on book 1 and the lives of Savannah and Zach. This might sound a little confusing as I try to explain it but believe me when I say that Ella Grace does the explaining much better than I do. Even if I had not read the first book I still would have been able to follow along…
Of the 3 sisters, Samantha is the one who has always dreamed of the white picket fence and children and happily-ever-after so until that happens she works as a detective in Atlanta. She meets the good doctor when their paths cross while both are on their respective jobs. Quinn and Sam have major chemistry and fall into a shallow yet satisfying ‘for now’ kind of relationship. Their feelings are tested and fail when Quinn is accused of the murder of his ex-wife. Sam quickly realizes that her doubts of Quinn’s innocence were unfounded and works quietly behind the scenes to clear the doctors name.
Sam heads home to Midnight to her safe haven in the arms of her sisters. When Quinn is hit over the head with the fact that Sam obviously cared enough to help clear his name he soon follows determined to win back her heart. The story continues to evolve while the girls take their first case in the detective agency and a mystery guy comes to town acting a little too fishy… and then there’s another murder that can conveniently be blamed on Quinn. This time Sam stands by her man!
Midnight Lies is a steamy romantic suspense that weaves a good story told from multiple points of view and kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. We get some tantalizing tid-bits into the next story featuring the 3rd sister Sabrina. I cannot wait to read it!!
Grade A
Review by: Jeananna
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Bound by NightSeries: MoonBound Clan Vampires Book #1
Author: Larissa Ione
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Blurb: The first installment in a sexy new paranormal romance series by Larissa Ione, author of the bestselling Demonica series!
Nicole Martin was only eight years old when she narrowly survived a massacre: her family’s vampire slaves rebelled and killed everyone in her household. Twenty years later, Nicole now dedicates herself to finding a vaccine against vampirism…and eradicating the gruesome memories that give her nightmares.
Riker, a member of the wild vampire Moon Clan, is haunted by his own demons—his wife Lorraine had been captured and enslaved by the Martin family. It was during a botched escape attempt that she was killed, along with their unborn child. Still wracked with grief and anger, Riker is now fueled solely by the desire to rescue vampire slaves…and slaughter their owners.
When Riker stumbles upon Nicole in a chance meeting, he immediately recognizes her as a member of the Martin family that once enslaved his wife—and she recognizes him as the wild vampire she saw kissing a pregnant slave in the moments before her violent death—an image that has haunted her dreams for years.
When Riker kidnaps Nicole and they spend a night together in a cave on the way back to his clan, suddenly they begin to realize that they aren’t as different from one another as they may have thought—and they’re finding themselves drawn to one another…
Thoughts: As a big fan of Larissa Ione, I had really high expectations for this book. I loved her Demonica/Lord of Deliverance series and as soon as I seen this one I knew I had to read it. For this world we are dealing with vampires in sort of an alternate version of life as we know it, where it is commonplace to have vampires as slaves. Nicole's family is the leading company that profits off of capturing "wild" vampires, but also uses them in experiments and breeding trials hoping to create the perfect slaves. Nicole is not her family however, and she wars with herself over whether vampires are truly the evil beings that they are represented as. Riker is a bad-ass vampire that has his own story for why he despises humans - but he can't help but be attracted to Nicole. Unfortunately, he has his clan to contend with when it comes to bringing a human into the fold. Needless to say, we have somewhat of a Romeo and Juliet situation going on here!
For me, Bound by Night was a bit like travelling along a bumpy road - you travel along a few bumps and rocky sections here or there, but every now and then you hit a few smooth sections. The prologue caught my interest right away, but the beginning and middle portion of the book was pretty rocky for me. There were lulls to the story here or there, parts that weren't quite as interesting as the rest. In the case of characters, I had a bit of trouble liking and connecting with Riker. He seemed kind of dull at first and I didn't really feel the pull of attraction between him and Nicole. Luckily, this did pick up further on into the book. For me, he almost seemed to become another character entirely toward the end - one that was much more dynamic. In all honesty, I liked Myne better and found him to be a much more charismatic character, so I hope to see him in his own book soon!
A good first book to a series, and a world I look forward to reading much more about. The differences between the different vampire clans, the lore of how vampires were created, and the different physiology and traits of the vampires were very interesting. I liked how Ione created this whole new world, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in future books. But it still needs some more work to be as good as her previous Demonica/Lords of Deliverance series.
Rate: B+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: For the Love of MagicSeries: Spellbound Falls bk 5
Author: Janet Chapman
Genre: Paranormal
After forty years of marriage, Rana Oceanus has done the unthinkable and run away from her mighty, magical husband. Not that she ran very far, having purchased a house in Spellbound Falls right on the shore of the Bottomless Sea, where she intends to prepare for the scariest battle of her life. The only flaw in her plan, however, is that she is still very much in love with Titus…
Shocked and deeply shaken that his wife really has left him—though he still can’t fathom why—Titus sets out to win her back. But when grand gestures of his esteem don’t seem to further his cause, he conjures up some of his original courtship magic to capture the heart of the beautiful young maiden all over again.
Then his plan takes a dangerous turn when Titus discovers that dealing with demons is far less threatening than the little secret his very mortal wife has been keeping from him.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, as I'm typically not a fan of older couples, especially couples who have been married for a long time unless its to see their original love story. But I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised when I couldn't put the book down.
When the book opens up its been four months since Rana left Titus and he's still trying to figure out why. As far as he knew they were happy. After having been married for forty years he thought he knew his wife. He's done everything she's asked but all he wants is his wife back. When an opportunity presents itself where he can have her all to himself, and where she can't disappear he takes it. Determined to discover what made her leave and what it will take to bring her back.
Rana is terrified. Not because she's afraid of her husband. No it's because if what she suspects is true about what is going on with her body he will be a basket case. She has very good intentions for why she left Titus. It's to protect him. What she never counted on was missing him so much. After all they haven't slept apart in forty years. When she's forced to spend time with him, she realizes it wasn't fair to either of them to keep the secret she's been keeping from him, as it affects him as well.
I loved this story. It's very clear from the beginning that Rana and Titus love each other and everything they do they do for the other person. Even when they are misguided in what they think they other one needs. It was great to see a couple who even after so many years together can still make mistakes, fight, and make-up and get on with being married. Oh and the fact that they still wanted to have rip roaring sex with each other.
There is a small side story about a new God that helps to fuel what eventually happens with Rana and Titus. We also get to check in on the other characters from the series and see what is happening with them.
I'm really glad I picked up this book and gave it a chance.
Grade B+
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Thankless in DeathSeries: In Death bk 37
Author: J.D. Robb
Genre: Murder Mystery
In the latest suspense thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, the year 2060 is drawing to a close in New York City and loved ones are coming together for Thanksgiving. But sometimes the deepest hatreds seethe within the closest relationships, and blood flows faster than water…
Lieutenant Eve Dallas has plenty to be grateful for this season. Hosting Roarke’s big Irish family for the holiday may be challenging, but it’s a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood.
Other couples aren’t as lucky as Eve and Roarke. The Reinholds, for example, are lying in their home stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned—and heartbroken by the evidence that they were murdered by their own son. Twenty-six-year-old Jerry hadn’t made a great impression on the bosses who fired him or the girlfriend who dumped him—but they didn’t think he was capable of this.
Turns out Jerry is not only capable of brutality but taking a liking to it. With the money he’s stolen from his parents and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry’s going to strike next.
Thoughts: I've read every book in this series, some I've loved and others I've liked and some I've read just to see the relationships between Eve and those in her life. This was one of those books for me. I could have cared less about the murder aspect of the story. No I wanted to know about everything else that was going on in Eve and Roarke's life.
Ever since Portrait in Death I've loved the scenes where Roarke's family either comes to visit them, or they are in Ireland. In Thankless both Eve and Roarke are presented with an award, and when they look out among the crowd and Roarke sees his family there is one of the best parts of this book. There is also something that happens between Whitney and Eve that is a game changer, or has the power to be if Eve wants it.
As I said the murder aspect of the book didn't intrigue me and I found myself skipping most of those parts, unless Eve and Peabody were having one of their awesome conversations that read over and over again because it's just so them.
Grade B
*I will say the highlight of my summer was meeting Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb
Review by Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Come TogetherSeries: The Cityscape Series Book #3
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Genre: Literature/Fiction (Adult), Romance
Blurb: With a single decision, Olivia Germaine’s fantasy has become a reality. Now she is faced with two commitments: one she must make and one she must break. But in order to accept a love she never thought possible, Olivia will have to let go of the broken past that defines her - and of deeply-rooted fears that could ruin everything.
Everything is what David Dylan wants to give her, and it’s what he wants in return. He must prove to Olivia that despite his playboy ways, he’s worth leaving behind the stable future her husband can offer her. David is a man who always gets what he wants . . . but this time he may be fighting for something unattainable.
Can Olivia escape the past that threatens to consume her?
And can David break through to her before it does?
Thoughts: I have to say, it's not like me to rave over a series - but I can't seem to help it when it comes to this one! I absolutely love everything about these books. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, I definitely recommend reading the prior two books first - there is simply no other way to delve into the complex situation going on, or to understand what the characters are going through or experiencing. But bear in mind that the book is about a affair that takes place outside Olivia's marriage. And while they do try to fight their feelings for each other, if this is a hot button topic for you - you'll want to give this series a pass. But if you're looking for a book that steps outside the norm, that pushes some boundaries, that makes you look at things from a different perspective, then look no further!
The way the author portrays the emotions of the characters is simply outstanding, and I have to admit that this last one exceeded my expectations. Hawkins doesn't take the easy way out - she deals with all the complex emotions that these characters are going through. And no one moves on pretending an affair never happened, or that life is nothing but a happily ever after tale with no gut-wrenching emotions involved. Choices are -and have been -made. And friends are lost due to them.
There are also other topics in the book that are tackled in this one, namely Olivia and her feelings regarding parenthood. And again, I praise Hawkins for tackling it and really letting you see the core emotions of these characters - and for not always taking the path typically found in other books.
Needless to say, by the time you get done with this series, your emotions will feel as if they have gone through the wringer. But it is so worth it! And you may come out of the experience with your eyes opened to a whole new perspective.
My ONLY complaint about this one is that it is the last of the series...:( But it couldn't have went out any better. A+ for sure. I know this whole series has become a personal favorite of mine.
Rate: A+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: More Than LoversSeries: More Than…Book 2
Author: Jess Dee
Genre: Erotic/Romance
Blurb: It was just sex…until the booty calls got serious. When Sarah Deacon’s new relationship comes to an unexpected end, she heads straight for the one place she can always find no-strings comfort—her neighbor’s bed. Charlie, who’s made it clear sex is all he wants, is only too happy to oblige. Hot sex with a gorgeous surfer any time she’s single and in the mood? Oh, yeah. She’s all signed up for that course. Charlie Hudson knows he’s all wrong for the sexy geneticist. After all, what could a long-haired school dropout have in common with a classy academic? Nothing…except maybe a burning desire for her that just won’t quit no matter how often they have sex. Sensing the breakup has damaged her self-worth, Charlie cooks up a plan to introduce her to three “appropriate” men who’ll show her she’s the most beautiful woman in the world. But when his matchmaking begins to work too well, he realizes there’s only one thing worse than not having her in his bed. Losing the chance to make her his forever. Warning: One blond-haired, blue-eyed surfer dude + red-hot booty calls = a book you will not be able to put down (unless you plan to go surfing…or jump your guy.)
Thoughts: This book had an interesting storyline. Charlie is in love with Sarah, however he thinks she is way too good for him, so he sets out to find someone who he feels is worthy of her. But he also feels the urge to keep giving in to their booty call status - as well, as cross boundaries that they haven't before - because he can't keep himself from trying to reinforce his own role in her life. While Sarah is obviously attracted to him, she also knows that Charlie isn't the type of guy who wants to be tied down to marriage. When she realizes that she's in love with him, can she make this more than just a booty call? Can she convince Charlie that they can turn "sometimes" into "forever"? The storyline sounded interesting, and from the beginning I was really caught up in the plot. I enjoyed how Simon wanted to find happiness for Sarah, regardless of whether that happiness was with him or not. But I really enjoyed how their sexual encounters would intensify the more Simon felt possessive and scared of losing Sarah. The way their relationship changed into something more substantial was interesting to read. However, the book lacked a little something for me. While you felt the sexual desire between the two, it felt a little to emotionless for me. It seemed like there wasn't much between them but the sex. It was supposedly there, but I just didn't "feel" it. I wish it would have drawn me in a little bit more emotionally, but overall it was a good solid read. It wasn't a compelling read for me, but an overall good book.
Rate: B-
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Hunter's HeartSeries: Alpha Pack bk 4
Author: J.D. Tyler
Genre: Paranormal
A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. And when the battle gets personal, their wild side is unleashed….
Ryon Hunter sees dead people—spirits that beg him for help in ways he can’t understand. He’d do anything to end the torment, until a beautiful spirit appears to him with a plea he can’t ignore: Help me…I’m alive. The woman is wildlife biologist Daria Bradford, mortally wounded after encountering a white wolf, calling to Ryon through a rare Psy gift.
When Ryon locates Daria in the Shoshone National Park, it is almost too late, but nursing her back to health at the Alpha Pack compound brings a new complication—Daria is his destined mate, and Ryon is afraid of what will happen when she discovers what he is, and what he had to do to save her life. But the biggest threat of all is still loose in the forest, leaving a merciless trail of death behind it. The Alpha Pack goes on the hunt for the mysterious white wolf, determined to stop the murderous rogue… only to find that the most lethal creature of all is the one they can’t see coming.
Thoughts: When I first started reading this series I wasn't sure what to expect from it. I mean I already had my favorite shifter stories and how could anyone top those. But I was very quickly drawn into this world that Tyler has created, I wanted needed to know what was going to happen next.
In Hunter's Heart we discover just how Ryon's SEAL team was turned into a shifter. I have to say it wasn't what I was expecting, but it was one that intrigued me and kept me turning the pages.
The relationship between Ryon and Daria isn't an easy one. While she's attracted to him, she's angry at him for biting her and changing her even if it was to save her life. When it's explained to her that if he hadn't he would have died as she's his mate.
Overall I enjoyed the plot, pacing and romance of this book. One of the things I liked was the mystery surrounding the white wolf who bit Daria and Ryon's boss. I can't wait to see where it goes.
Grade B+
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Beyond PainSeries: Beyond bk 3
Author: Kit Rocha
Genre: Dystopia, Erotica
A woman with no future…
Live fast, die young–anything else is a fantasy for Six. She’s endured the worst the sectors had to throw at her, but falling in with Dallas O’Kane’s Sector Four gang lands her in a whole new world of danger. They’re completely open about everything, including their sexuality–but she hasn’t survived this long by making herself vulnerable. Especially not to men as dominant as Brendan Donnelly.
A man without a past…
Bren is a killer, trained in Eden and thrown to the sectors. His one outlet is pain, in the cage and in the bedroom, and emotion is a luxury he can’t afford–until he meets Six. Protecting her soothes him, but it isn’t enough. Her hunger for touch sparks a journey of erotic discovery where anything goes–voyeurism, flogging, rough sex. He has only one rule: he won’t share her.
In Bren’s arms, Six is finally free to let go. But his obsession with the man who made him a monster could destroy the fragile connection they’ve forged, and cost him the one thing that makes him feel human–her love.
Thoughts: I've been looking forward to this book ever since the first book, Beyond Shame. From the moment Bren and Six met and Bren takes her under his wing.
We've gotten sneak peaks of these two from that moment, and in Beyond Control. But none of those peaks came close to disclosing just who these two people are. We knew that Bren had been a part of Eden's military, and left, but we didn't know why. Until now. And the reason will break your heart.
Six's story was so not what I was expecting and I have to admit it made her so much more likable. There were some scenes in the book that I absolutely loved with Six and Bren and no I'm not telling you they were, I want you to discover these scenes on your own.
The sex scenes between these two are smokin hot,like you'd expect from a book in this series. And the reason behind the pain, is...well it wasn't what I was expecting and the scene with Bren and Six and Ace is OMG AMAZING!!!
We also get to see Sector Three and the characters that make up that sector.
Their road to HEA isn't an easy one, but it's one that makes perfect sense for these two very broken characters.
We also get peaks into Ace, Cruz, Rachel and Mad and let me tell you I can't wait to see what happens with these characters in their books. I have a feeling the story between Ace, Cruz and Rachel will be off the charts amazing. (no pressure to the author there)
What I love about this series is that with each book the story arc gets better, and the characters are that much better.
If you haven't already tried this series than you need to now.
Grade: A
Review by: Heather
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Title: The Lost Wolf's DestinySeries: The Pack Book #14
Author: Karen Whiddon
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance
Blurb: A desperate mother. A scarred man. A powerful bond…
The moment he saw Blythe Daphne on the television news, Lucas Kenyon knew three things: she was a shapeshifter, like him. She was the most desirable creature he had ever seen. And she was in terrible danger.
Now, the wolf in Lucas is driving him to save Blythe and her young daughter from a man he knows is evil personified. A man who believes all shapeshifters are demons straight from hell. But Lucas knows he must never reveal the secret that threatens to tear him apart—not even to the one woman who could heal him.
Thoughts: This is another one of those books that just failed to really hook me into it. The story was good and it was action packed - but for some reason it just didn't hit you as a great read. The characters were passable, but I just really didn't feel an overwhelming connection to each other that I want to see in the books I read. Things were never really explained fully and to my satisfaction either.
If you've read any of Whiddon's books before, you know she has been at this series for awhile. I had read some of the first books in this series years ago, and really enjoyed them. I think part of the problem (for me anyway) is the fact that we have a series that has gone on for a grand total - so far- fourteen books. The problem with that, at least in my view, is that we are dealing with a Harlequin Nocturne novel. Not to bash Harlequin - I love them and I especially love the Nocturne novels (and the Silhouette Shadow series before that), but as we all know, they are fairly short in length. But to catch people up on a back history that has encompassed fourteen books, and still come away with fresh and new ideas to reel in new readers - it's just a bit much to cram into a short novel. While you weren't completely lost, it was obvious that you were missing out on things from previous novels. And then we have other characters that are brought in with the obvious intent of continuing with yet another book in this series, who we are introduced to - yet left kind of hanging at the end.
Along with that, we have things that were just unrealistic or didn't make sense, or reactions that just didn't ring true. In particular, after she gets her daughter back the first time - there is no way you could have separated me from my daughter. And even if she was out of my sight overnight, the very first thing a mother would do before taking a shower in the morning is check on her child! Especially with all they had been through already. I can also see people having issues with what they may perceive as leaving the daughter in dangerous situations, thinking about issues like romance and sex when their child s missing, etc.
Good but not great, and not one that will stick out in my memory. Overall, I think this series has went well past its end date. It was a good series, but let it go already.
Rate: C
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Title: Against the RopesSeries: N/A
Author: Sarah Castille
Genre: Erotica/Romance
Blurb: Makayla never thought she’d set foot in an elite mixed-martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it’s these guys. Then again, at her first sight of the club’s owner she’s the one feeling breathless.
The man they call Torment is all sleek muscle and restrained power. Whether it’s in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when a soft touch is required and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he’s about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined…
Thoughts: This book is just scorching hot. You can feel the sparks flying between Makayla and Torment from the start! I love the witty banter, the innuendo, their sexy texts back and forth between each other, the secondary characters, and the story line revolving around the MMA. This book was so fun and entertaining - it was just a real joy to read. I couldn't fly through the pages fast enough! I really loved it. I think fans of Jaci Burton and her play by Play series would really connect with this story as well. But with all that said there are a few issues with it.
I really could have done without the whole collection agency aspect of the story and how they were harassing Makayla for money having to do with her student loans. First off, it just didn't seem like a real representation for me, and two, it really didn't pertain to the overall story. In my opinion it would have been better if it had been left out altogether. It was more of an annoyance in the book than anything else.
Another issue, is Torment himself. I love reading about alpha males personally, and I loved, loved, LOVED him, but he was very domineering at times. Almost over the top in some cases. Enough that I think that he might put off some people. While it was usually done in an attempt to look out for Makalya's well being, sometimes it just came off wrong. But the author does a good job toward the end having Makayla come up with her own inventive ways of getting around him and keeping him from running all over her. But if this type of character really gets your goat, you might want to pass on this one.
Overall, an excellent read - and I am hoping the author comes up with some more titles centered around this one. I would love for some of the other characters to get their own book.
Rate: A-
Review by: Sarah
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