Archive for July 2012
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St. Martin's Press,
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Hell on Wheels (Black Knights, Inc., #1) by Julie Ann Walker
Thanks to the publisher, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the chance to read this early!
This is the first book in a romantic suspense military trilogy by Julie Ann Walker releasing August 7, 2012.
However, I actually read the books out of order; I read the third installment, Rev It Up!, first. This was a very enjoyable book. The suspense portion made/kept the book interesting and fast moving. The book was ninety percent suspense, ten percent romance but, every bit adventurous.
This was one hot, straight-forward, easy to read book, with a pretty simple plot to follow. There wasn't a whole lot of characters to keep straight – which is often the case with the first book of a new series.
However, I actually read the books out of order; I read the third installment, Rev It Up!, first. This was a very enjoyable book. The suspense portion made/kept the book interesting and fast moving. The book was ninety percent suspense, ten percent romance but, every bit adventurous.
This was one hot, straight-forward, easy to read book, with a pretty simple plot to follow. There wasn't a whole lot of characters to keep straight – which is often the case with the first book of a new series.
What do kindergarten teacher, Alisa Morgan, and Sniper, Nathan “Ghost” Weller have in common? -- Grigg Morgan. Nate has been attracted to his best friend’s baby sister since she was seventeen. Nate remembered the first time he ever met Alisa…
“Better keep a wrinkle in it, boyo. You touch my baby sister and you die.” Grigg to Nate.
Nate is very intriguing...even with all of his guilt – he is sexy, alpha, commanding, stubborn, and determined ~~ all those things together are guaranteed to get a woman out of her panties...lucky thing Alisa is just as stubborn plus she has secretly yearned for his touch since they met.
Review of Fragile (Rafferty, #1) by Shiloh Walker
I love to read different authors and genres.
Devon Manning, the heroine, has a lot of issues - stemming from her childhood. Her character is very well developed and I found myself really hoping she could overcome her issues - so that she could get her HEA. Luke Rafferty, the hero, is your typical overbearing, alpha male except he understands that Devon can't handle that side of him. He is an ex-special forces soldier turned doctor - and his soft spot for the red-headed social worker turns his world upside down. The story took off running from the introduction until the conclusion. The plots in the story are pretty typical girl meets boy, girls got issues, boy wants to fix those issues - but Ms. Walker really puts an extreme effort into making sure that the reader is surprised and maintains interest thought out the story. As soon as I finished this book I jumped in my car & drove to the bookstore to pick up the second book, Broken (Berkley Sensation), unfortunately they had to order it for me.
This book is a great example of Shiloh Walkers writing -
Review of Fury of Ice (Dragonfury, #2) by Coreene Callahan
Title: Fury of IceAuthor: Coreene Callahan
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy Romance
Source: Amazon Vine
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published: June 5, 2012
Rating:
Received this ARC from Amazon Vine.
If you read the first installment, Fury of Fire, then you are already familiar with the characters; if not you really should check it out. This book picks up immediately following Fury of Fire. This review contains spoilers for Fury of Fire. I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t read it yet, but WoW~~~~.
This is a primal example of a paranormal romance.
Coreene Callahan has created a group of characters and fine-tuned their individual personalities so well that you experience their emotions as your own. The struggles, the heartbreak, everything is so very well written that each event drags you fully into the experience. I read this entire book in a single day; couldn’t put it down. I am glad the next installment, Fury of Seduction, is coming soon.
Rikar is the last of his kind; a frost dragon shifter, an all-male race born of human females. As 2nd in command of the Nightfury dragon clan it is his duty to protect humankind. Just great he seemed to be following in Bastian’s footsteps. He had only met the female once…and now he felt the bond between them; it is ~~ Undeniable ~~ Powerful ~~ Addictive.
When, his female, Angela Keene, a homicide detective, is kidnapped by the enemy he will do anything to save her.
VIDEO INTERVIEW: COREENE CALLAHAN
BY RT BOOK REVIEWS, JULY 24, 2012 |
Re-Posted from RT Book Reviews
Review of If I Were You (Inside Out Trilogy, #1) by Lisa Renee Jones
Thanks to the author, Lisa Renee Jones, and NetGalley for the chance to read this early!
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Review of Sharing Hailey By Samantha Ann King
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Thanks to the publisher, Carina Press, and NetGalley for the chance to read this early!
Samantha Ann King, debut erotic romance author, created a short story with great dialogue. Some of my favorites include --
“I can’t choose between you.” Hailey to Mark & Tony
“We’re talking to her about three-ways and you’re worried about my language?” Mark to Tony
“One of us or both of us. Or…neither.” Mark to Hailey
This is a mfm ménage book, and it's very hot. I have no complaints about the sex scenes - some very wow impressive. The book is well written, and I couldn't put it down. This is an emotionally charged, scorching H-O-T read about a complex ménage relationship.
Hailey Anderson, a grant writer, has been in lust with her overprotective brother’s two best friends, Tony Adamo and Mark Allen, for years. She can’t wait to join her brother in Hawaii – she is in desperate need of a vacation; after breaking up with her abusive boyfriend, Daniel. She thinks her vacation is going to suck, until Tony and Mark make a surprising proposition: a monogamous ménage à trios; just the 3 of them. The only problem is they are sharing a house with Jake, his wife, Nikki and her two siblings Landon and Meredith. – If Jack discovers their little proposition will kill them; he however is not the only one they need to worry about.
Only note I have is that I felt as if Jake & Nikki’s story should have been a prelude to this. Maybe we will get their story in the future…also I would like to see one for Landon and Meredith.
Review of The Theory of Attraction By Delphine Dryden
Thanks to the publisher, Carina Press, and NetGalley for the chance to read this early!
This is the first book by this author I have read but, based on her writing style and the great characters she created for this short story – I am hooked.
Brilliant, but socially inept, rocket scientist Dr. Ivan Reynolds works at the local university. He becomes very anxious after discovering that he is required to attend a fundraiser and talk potential donors into funding his research at the university. So he approaches his neighbor Camilla Novak to tutor him in social anthropology. However, his empirical, literal view of the world causes friction with Camilla’s emotive, instinctive attitude creating a tension between them. (Imagine Brennan or Zack from Bones; or Sheldon from Big Bang Theory ~ brilliant but socially awkward.)
Camilla is the only single female in a townhouse complex populated almost entirely by astrophysicists and computer scientists. She realizes that she is attracted to her reclusive geeky neighbor Ivan. He however doesn’t even seem to realize she is a female; let alone interested. Until he propositions her…NO…not that kind of proposition…he wants her to socialize him. He wants her to unitize her social anthropology degree to teach him how to socially interact with other professionals and potential donors.
Ivan’s proposition to Camilla.
“I need you to help socialize me.”
“To help socialize me. Make me more…social. I need you to show me how to do that.”
Ivan is not only the student but Professor. Apparently, Ivan aka Professor has some secrets that Camilla has observed; and she thought she knew everything there was to know about him. Ivan complete focus on a task is something that Camilla will never again complain about.
The author infuses passionate lovemaking with raw, dirty mating that is so HOT, you’ll require frequent deep breaths. This will be a repeat read for me.
I have no knowledge whatsoever with regard to the BDSM lifestyle; other than what I have read in past books. Despite the heavy BDSM theme (which I typically avoid), I rather enjoyed this book--.
The author infuses passionate lovemaking with raw, dirty mating that is so HOT, you’ll require frequent deep breaths. This will be a repeat read for me.
I have no knowledge whatsoever with regard to the BDSM lifestyle; other than what I have read in past books. Despite the heavy BDSM theme (which I typically avoid), I rather enjoyed this book--.
Review of Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor, #6) By Jill Shalvis
Thanks to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for the chance to read this early!
Welcome back to the Lucky Harbor, Washington.
The author introduced the Chocoholics: ~~ Mallory Quinn ~~ Amy Michaels ~~ Grace Brooks ~~ in Lucky in Love. Gave us Amy’s story in … At Last. Now for the final book in the Chocoholic trilogy with newcomer Grace Brooks, and Doctor Joshua Scott aka Dr. McHottie.
Grace landed in Lucky Harbor due to a misunderstanding about her new job responsibilities. She had initially relocated from NY to WA for a banking job; only to discover that her boss was a pervert. Not wanting to put out for her new boss she left Seattle and drove until her car was empty. She ended up at the Eat Me diner during a snow storm, met Mallory and Amy and the Chocoholics were born. So she is stuck in a strange town, unemployed, and about to OD on chocolate. Her next step…is to find a job…any job…before her savings runs out.
Ok, let me stipulate up front that I wasn’t looking forward to Josh’s story. I was exhausted just listening to the snippets we got about him from his friends book. His life seemed like it was so chaotic. Let’s take a look at what was already on his plate prior to his sister bringing home the demon puppy, Tank. His family life includes bring a single dad to his 5-year-old son, Toby. While also taking care of his 21-year-old sister, Anna, a highly functioning paraplegic with the boyfriend from hell. His professional life isn’t any less crazy it includes 2 shifts a week in the Hospital ER, 4 shifts at his dad private practice, and volunteering as often as possible to the HSC.
Tank, aka the antichrist, brings Grace and Josh together. Josh needs a dog walker and Grace needs a job.
With Grace’s strength of character and Josh’s intractability I bet Ms. Shalvis was to commit character-cide when she was writing this…the HEA is everything you expect and these characters deserve. This book is filled with Sex & Chaos.
A big THANK YOU to Ms. Shalvis – for continuing to return to Lucky harbor and bring me the characters I fell in love with. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Lucky Harbor
Review of At Last (Lucky Harbor, #5) By Jill Shalvis
Thanks to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for the chance to read this early!
Welcome back to the Lucky Harbor, Washington.
The author introduced the Chocoholics:
~~ Mallory Quinn
~~ Amy Michaels
~~ Grace Brooks
~~ in Lucky in Love.
Next up…At Last, with waitress Amy Michaels, and forest ranger Matt Bowers. The sneak peeks of this couple in the previous book made me glad that I was already approved to read their story.
Without spoiling anything…Amy’s reason for relocating to Lucky Harbor creates a great back story; her adventure leads her into trouble and into the arms of the man she is determined to keep at a distance. Her adventure however puts her directly into Ranger Hot Buns, aka Matt’s, territory. His back story was also a greatly written, with just the right amount of drama. The banter between these two is H O T.
With Amy’s determination and Matt’s stubbornness I bet Ms. Shalvis was pulling her hair and gritting her teeth when she was writing this…the HEA is everything you expect and these characters deserve.
A big THANK YOU to Ms. Shalvis – for continuing to return to Lucky harbor and bring me the characters I fell in love for.
2012 Writerspace Beach Party contest!
Congratulations to me! I was notified earlier today that I won a prize from Emma Wildes.
~~ My Prize ~~
A signed copy of Ruined By Moonlight: A Whispers of Scandal Novel by Emma Wildes.
Releases September 7, 2012
Contest was offered by Writerspace
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Review of Where There's A Will (Good Girl, #2) By Karen Kelley
Thanks to the publisher, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the chance to read When There's A Will early! This is the second installment in the Good Girl Series. This is my first book by this author but, I have since added several of her books to my TBR list (including Where There's Smoke, Good Girl, #1.)
Meet Haley Tillman, a mixture of contradictions, her strict moral upbringing doesn’t allow her to express her true self. With a diary full of unfulfilled sexual fantasies and a prayer her life changes forever. Ryder, a nephilim, hears Haley’s prayer and decides to answer.
This book is packed with tons of dialogue and sizzling sex. The plots and subplots are simple and flow easily from one scene to the next. The romance and desire draws you immediately into the story.
An absolutely delicious read!
Review of Rev It Up (Black Knights, Inc. #3) By Julie Ann Walker
Thanks to the publisher, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the chance to read Rev It Up early!
This is the third book in a romantic suspense military trilogy by Julie Ann Walker releasing October 1st 2012.
I felt like I turned on the television in the middle of an awesome movie…with that said I recommend starting at the beginning; with Hell on Wheels. The author did an excellent job of reintroducing the characters to me; allowing me to gain an understanding of the existing relationships.
This was a very enjoyable book. The suspense portion made/kept the book interesting and fast moving. The book was ninety percent suspense, ten percent romance but, every bit adventurous.
This is very similar to Jaci Burton’s Wild Riders series.
Review of I Only Have Eyes For You (The Sullivans, #4) By Bella Andre
Received this eARC from NetGalley.
This book was fantastic. I thought Bella couldn’t top her Hot Shot series, which I loved...she did.
Jake McCann, is smoking' hot, flawed as hell, with secrets from his past that he keeps secret from. Mallory is the perfect heroine, filled with compassion and lust for Jake—a crush since she was 5. I can't say enough good things about this book, other than I’m glad there are other installments, because you're going to love the Sullivan family (including Jake) and want to bring them home with you, and you're going to fall madly in love with Jake and Sophie’s story. Another winner for Bella.
I haven’t yet read the first 3 installments but, I just added them to my cart. I suggest you do the same.
Review of Willow Springs (Destiny, #5) By Toni Blake
Recieve this ARC from Amazon Vine
This recent addition to the Destiny family was disappointing. I have been looking forward to this installment. I was excited about the friends to lover storyline; even knowing that this is often a difficult transition. Toni Blake is a favorite author and she has pulled off almost every type of romance ~~with great success.
Good Girl; Bad Boy in One Reckless Summer
The Romeo; Juliet in Sugar Creek
The Hot Sexy Tattooed Neighbor in Whisper Falls
Second Chance love in Holly Lane
I devoured these first 4 installments quickly.
I love Amy as a secondary character in the other books but, wow ~~ her character in this book was often pathetic (as if the author wanted to feel sorry for her) I wanted to shake her and tell her there are `plenty of fish in the sea' ~~ prime example Hot Sexy Bar Owner Duke, Lucky's best friend. Logan's character also fell short of the Hero role. He was VERY inconsiderate of Amy's feelings.
However, the biggest issue I had with this book was the surprise guest, the woman from Logan's past, and how much of the book was about her. She was selfish, oblivious, and inconsiderate. She is one of those ~~Me~~Me~~Me people.
The next installment is Half Moon Hill and I hope it isn't about her.
Review of Lucky In Love (Lucky Harbor, #4) By Jill Shalvis
Received this eARC from NetGalley.
Welcome back to the Lucky Harbor, Washington.
The author introduces you to the Chocoholics: ~~ Mallory Quinn ~~ Amy Michaels ~~ Grace Brooks.
Mallory Quinn, aka the local good girl, is full of compassion. She is a devoted daughter and nurse at the County Hospital. Her focus is on her pet project, the Health Services Clinic; once it opens it will provide services to individuals in need. However, she finds it difficult to get the funding she needs and now she discovers is in lust with Mr. Wrong. Maybe those bad girl lessons are paying off….
Ty Garrison, aka Mysterious Cute Guy, came to Lucky Harbor to recover from injuries. Once he gets the ok he is out of Lucky Harbor. However, feels an immediate attraction to Mallory. Before long, Ty finds he is unable to maintain the distance needed to ensure he isn’t putting roots down – BUT he wants to claim Mallory for his own.
Can one storm change two lives forever…? That is the question. This book was fantastic. Every time I think Jill can't top the last book, which I loved...she does.
If you haven't read the Lucky Love series, trust me, you'll love them! These don’t have to be read in order…but I suggest you start at the beginning ~~ Simply Irresistible
