ARC Review: The Uncrowned King (The Bastard Duology #2)

The Uncrowned King (The Bastard Duology #2)

Donna Grant

Blurb:

I would burn the world for him…

My people have been hunted to extinction by dragons. I am the last of my kind. Forever running. Forever alone.

Then I met him. Dangerous. Carnal. Dragon And utterly magnetic. I had no defenses against the passion that claimed us. Each time his lips touched mine, each time his arms held me, I fell deeper.

And I fell hard.

My mortal enemy became my world. The very reason for my existence.

My one and only.

Until our forever was violently snatched away. Now, I’m hunted, once more.

But I’m not running this time. I’m fighting for love.

For him.

Themes:  Paranormal, Dragons, Fae

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The ending of this duology has been hanging on my mind ever since the ending of the first portion with its terror-inducing cliffhanger and I am thrilled to say that every second of the wait was worth it. Donna Grant returns with a bang as she takes us back to Zora to finally give us the HEA we needed for two characters that should never have met and fallen in love, but seem so perfect for one another in the end. Derek and Kora’s story has developed into one that I can see myself rereading many times, now that both parts of the duology are out, but I will definitely read them back-to-back since I hate cliffhangers and would read them as one long story. For those that don’t mind this kind of continuing story then the nature of the break in the story is certainly beautifully written and well handled in the plot, but I’m just to ADD and OCD to handle the split. That said I am dying for what comes next for these characters because with everything that happened in these two novels I can guarantee whatever comes next is going to be epic.

Derek has no memory his life and when he wakes in a dark mountain in his dragon form he has no idea of everything he has lost, so when he is told that his mate and children were brutally murdered his rage knowns no bounds and he will do anything to kill his enemy. Unfortunately, the truth is much different and the enemy he is set to kill is the woman that he loves and that lack of recognition might cost them both everything. Kora is determined to bring Derek’s memory back, even at the cost of her own life, so when the Kings offer their assistance in capturing him she is willing to work with her greatest feared enemies in order for them all to fight against the worse villain. Derek and Kora have to find their way back to one another because without their bond and the powers they can bring to the team, the Kings have no chance to defeating the Star People that are trying to bring their existence to an end.

I cried almost as much as I smiled while reading this story, honestly Derek and Kora’s story was so emotional. Kora never imagined that she would fall in love with a Dragon, much less the one that destroyed her family, but she learns that the greatest form of love is forgiveness and Derek is worth everything to her. She finds her bravery, strength, and a depth of love and caring that she never thought she would be able to find for another being after her family died. She’s lived such a lonely existence, always thinking she was the last of her kind and would be vilified if anyone discovered her secret, but when she finally comes out of the shadows she learns that her unique abilities are more than embraced with the family the kings have made. Derek is definitely lost for a good bit of the book, but even then we see his protective and dangerously loving nature as he tried to avenge his mate, but his unwillingness to listen to alternative views, instead only believing the first person to tell him something kinds pissed me off. Once he gets his memories back he’s the Derek we all know and love, caring, sweet, intelligent, courageous, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those under his care. I only wish that he’d been willing to listen without the pain and trauma required to both him and Kora to knock some sense into him.

The Uncrowned King, combined with its predecessor The Bastard King, are stories of a male that has lived his long life in service to his people, even though he never knew that he was being manipulated and used, and unfortunately until the end his work was counter to that goal. Luckily when he meets a woman that challenges him to look deeper he is able to break free finally and his mission and labors are finally in line, leaving him able to move forward in life and find a balance and happiness hat has always been elusive. Derek has always been missing something, even though he could never put his finger on it, and meeting Kora shows him that what he was missing was a family and love, because his life was always just his mission before. Kora has lived her life in fear, but when she finally finds her courage and decides that she is ready to fight back, she meets the man that will truly allow her to succeed. These two lovers complete one another in more ways than they ever imagine they could be, challenging one another to think differently about everything they thought they knew and the chemistry between them is beautifully undeniable. I loved every second of their story, even though the wait between stories about killed me. Donna Grant truly out did herself in these stories of love, betrayal, and secrets and I am truly looking forward to whatever comes next,

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Taken by Storm (Perfect Storm #1)

Taken by Storm (Perfect Storm #1)

By: Mari Carr

Blurb:

There’s a storm coming… and he’s not taking no for an answer.

Life has dealt Kasi one blow after another. Following her mother’s untimely death, her family implodes, leaving her alone to run the farm. Fatigue and stress have become her new best friends, every day passing in a blur of work, work, and more work. When Levi Storm, her lifelong crush, keeps her from face-planting due to exhaustion, she’s mortified…and more than a little bit turned on.

A person could set a clock by Levi’s daily routine, right down to his afternoon trip to the Mills’ farm market to buy one of Kasi’s delicious pies. He’s known Kasi her entire life, so when the beautiful young woman faints in front of him, coming to in his arms, Levi is stunned by the sudden realization that she’s meant to be his, and he’s prepared to move heaven and earth to claim her.

Kasi should at least try to shake the sexy new six-foot-five shadow she’s acquired, but Levi’s much-needed help around the farm, his comfort as she struggles with grief, and his breath-stealing kisses are reigniting the hope and happiness she’s lost.

Until reality crashes in again, forcing her to choose between the dominant, possessive, amazing man who makes her heart race and her family’s beloved farm.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

We have been dying for this series and the wait is finally over—the Storm is finally arriving and in a big way.  If you are a fan of Mari Carr you  first met the Storm Clan in the finale of the Italian Stallions series, Kiss and Tell,  where Lucy Storm met and fell in love with the men that would change her life forever.  With this new series Carr is exploring the Storm family, consisting of seven brothers and their four female cousins, of which one was Lucy, and I for one cannot wait to watch them all find love and see the trouble they get into as they hopefully earn their HEA. The series really kicks off with the oldest brother Levi finally opening his eyes and seeing the woman that has been in front of his eyes for decades in an all-new light and then being up for the fight of his life to convince her that she is his.  I love every moment of this story, watching Levi and Kasi circling one another, sniping, tussling, loving, and ultimately challenging one another to be better people. I cannot wait for more in this series and can already tell this one just might be giving her Wild Irish series a run for its money as being one of my favorites.

Kasi Mills is struggling to keep her world moving and her family farm from going under, she truly cannot handle anything else going wrong in her life, but the one bright spot in her days is seeing the gorgeous man she’s crushed on since childhood.  Levi Storm is still the man od her dreams, even if her dreams are permanently on hold, so when he rescues her after fainting from exhaustion, she doesn’t want him to see just how much of a hot mess she is.  Levi’s life changes forever when he catches Kasi as she passes out, opening his eyes and heart to the woman she has become and flipping a switch in him, and now that his heart has decided she belongs to him there is nothing and no one that will keep him away, not even Kasi herself.  Now Levi is putting himself directly in Kasi’s business and forcing her to accept his help, help that she desperately needs even if her pride is hurting to accept it from the sexy man that stole her heart and never really gave it back. Now Kasi has to try to come to terms with the sudden change in her relationship with Levi because the sensual bossy man is not letting her get away, and she is coming to believe she doesn’t want to get away.  But with her family’s farm in desperate straights Kasi has to find a solution even if it breaks her heart and forces her to turn Levi away, unless Levi and his family can give her the ultimate resource and give Levi and Kasi the happily-ever after they so greatly deserve.

Oh man I was so NOT prepared for this story, but I loved every single moment of it and let me tell you why.  First Levi—PHEW what a hot Dom, even if we didn’t label him as such.  This guy is such a sweet stream-roller and I positively loved seeing him taking charge and forcing Kasi to finally take care of herself after so long of neglecting her needs so she could care for others.  Levi is obviously one of those men that knows his mind and takes care of business in all aspects of his life, be it personal, professional, or otherwise.  When his heart told him that Kasi was his, he wasted not a single second taking charge, despite her protesting, and forcing her to take better care of herself, but he didn’t just give orders, he jumped in a started taking things off her plate, helping her and forcing others to start pulling their weight as well so that she had all the help she needed to finally breathe again. He was sweet, sensual, bossy (in the best ways), caring, tender, sympathetic, adoring, and gave Kasi the time he didn’t really have so that she knew how much he loved and appreciated her.  Second, Kasi was the kind of woman that I love, one that doesn’t let anyone really take over her life, even though it might seem like it.  While Levi forced her to finally take the help she needed, once she was finally not totally overwhelmed and snowed-under, she began to stand up to him, clashing with him just as much as she let him have his way, and those sparks made their fun times even more passionate.  She certainly made mistakes by not being totally honest with him about the scope of her problems, but I respected her for not wanting to burden her lover with her family issues when she didn’t fully understand just how invested he really was.  However, I was a little angry with her for not forcing her FAMILY to come to terms with their issues sooner, leaving her alone to handle things, but thankfully everything worked out for the best.  Lastly, I loved seeing the way Kasi blended so seamlessly into the Storm family, her long-term friendship with Remi easily shifting into allowing her to be accepted as Levi’s woman and its obvious when these two families blend together the connections will be strong and deep, making the whole Clan even healthier.

Overall, I can say that just like Kasi I was Taken by Storm as I read her love story and watched her lose her heart all over again to Levi and I can definitely see this story being one I will reread often. Kasi Mills is one of those characters that makes you laugh, cry, scream and wish you were her in turns, but in the end, you can see that she grows and changes as she falls in love and finds a way to build a life with the man of her dreams.  Levi Storm is definitely a hero for our time, one that reminds us of the good men that are so hard to find, but that unquestionably do still exist, ones that will devote themselves to making their woman’s life better and showing their love and devotion to her while providing and better life for her and their family, whatever it takes.  I loved the sparky chemistry between these two as soon as Levi’s eyes were opened to the woman that was always in his life, honestly, I had to hunt up some ice water even in the dead of winter!  I cannot wait to see more of these two in future stories because I cannot imagine that passion won’t still be obvious as their relationship continues to grow (baby Levi or Kasi will surely be coming soon!).  The next brother to lose his heart and soul to love will be just as fabulous I imagine, and the wait will kill us all as Mari works to build a whole new world of sensuality and fantasy in the hills of Virginia on this amazing farm filled with gorgeous people.  Pure gold, Mari.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: The Forever Rule (The Cage Family #1)

The Forever Rule (The Cage Family #1)

by: Carrie Ann Ryan

Blurb:

What happens when the man you’d thought could be the one turns out to be your new boss?

Blakely

The moment I met Aston Cage, I knew my life had changed. A single dance later, we’re both all in. Until he ghosted me.

Then my boss fires me for dancing with the enemy.

Three months later, working for the Cages is my last resort. Now I’ll work beside him day by day, trying not to let my feelings take control. It’s heaven and hell. Except I’m starting to think there’s a part of this story I’m missing…

Aston

I made myself walk away from Blakely after my family’s dirty laundry hit the news. My father’s secret family complicates everything. In order to keep our inheritance intact, we’re forced to do monthly dinners with both sides of the family—the brothers I grew up with and the new set of siblings we never knew about.

An additional obstacle: Blakely is my new sister’s best friend.

Meaning the moment I give into temptation, I not only risk the woman I’m falling for, but the family legacy just starting to reveal itself.

But Blakley is worth it. I just have to prove I am as well.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Finally we are going to get the full story of the glimpse we got in His Second Chance where Pheobe’s world was shattered and Ford’s family became a whole new challenge. Carrie Ann Ryan teased us with the truth of this story and we have been wanting to know everything for a while, but never let is be said that the wait wasn’t worth it. If you read the prequel to this series (Before I Knew) you were somewhat prepared for what was coming for Aston and Blakely, but the emotional drama and pain that Aston has to work through in order to give his heart fully to Blakely is no joke. I have to say that I really loved this story and Aston’s whole crazy group of siblings which is sure to give us a nice long running series to enjoy right alongside those sexy Montgomery’s. Honestly, I am begging to feel like I’m really missing something by not having ever been to Colorado, because the men there just seem to be beyond belief and if Carrie Ann’s boys are anything to scale by I need to get right on planning a trip for me and my girls!

Blakely Graves has reached desperation after two months of unemployment, after being fired from the job she hated by her jerk of a boss, just because of a dance she shared with his enemy. She had a short moment in time connecting with the sensual and enigmatic Aston Cage, but when tragedy struck his family and he never called her again and her life blew up because of their time together, she promised herself she’d never think of him again.  But now she has to go to his company for a job, even if she won’t be working for him directly. Aston never stopped thinking of the beautiful Blakley, but his life has changed so much in those two months and he didn’t allow himself to give into his desire for Blakely or to look her up again. Not realizing how his influence has affected her life, Aston is surprised to find her now employed by his brother but being around her daily is affecting him in surprising ways and soon he is unable to deny the pull that has always been there. Aston and Blakely are unable to resist one another and soon begin an affair, but the intensity and depth of their feelings for one another is terrifying and when challenges arise Aston falls back on his instincts of running or pushing he away. Can Aston accept the feelings he has for the sexy woman that has stolen his heart and found a place in his family or will he find himself proving his dick of a father correct and being forever alone?

Wow what a story and I just loved all the tangled relationships this story wove together and shared. To begin not only do we have all the siblings learning about one another and finding their footing, but you also have friendships, both lifelong and newer that cross lines and weave this group of people into an interesting and puzzling collection of overachieving adults. Blakely has been one of the women that has been forced to settle for far too long; she’s settled in her job because she liked the work, even if she hated where  and who she worked for (boy can I relate to that), she settled in relationship, and she is finally done with it.  Meeting Aston and having her life implode teaches her that she is worth so much more and she finally decides to standup for what she wants in her professional AND personal relationships, so when her new coworkers, friends, or boyfriend steps out of line she is quick to correct them. Blakley is intelligent, sweet, giving, caring, and I loved seeing her relationship with Isabella which was obviously as much as a sister bond as any of the others Isabella had. Even when her heart was breaking, Blakley stood up for what she knew she needed in life and refused to let anyone treat her as less than or hurt her intentionally. Aston I have to say was an ass for far too much of this story, even when he wasn’t being arrogant, because he was just trying to take far too much on his shoulders that was not his responsibility. He definitely suffers from eldest child siblings, and learning about even more siblings did NOT help that problem, but when Blakely comes into his life he finally is able to relax and find some happiness. He is strong, witty, proud, loving, and cares sometimes just too much about those he considers his responsibility, but there is no doubt that when he finally allows himself to open his heart he gives it fully. I wanted several times to knock him senseless, but when he finally pulled his head out, he proved why is such a great big brother and is able to carry on his shoulder such a successful business.

Blakely and Aston’s story is one that has definitely been long in the making, and will set the stage for a long and interesting series, but The Forever Rule definitely will shine as an example of two people finally opening their hearts and accepting that sometimes all you need is love to heal a shattered heart. Aston’s life has changed forever with the death of his father, especially when he learns a devastating truth about the man that he has always shaped himself after, living by the rules he set down and modeling himself after him. Aston’s new reality will take a lot of time, support and change to accept, but ultimately the one thing that finally allows him to move forward is the love of the woman that really shows him the way he should be living and the beauty of love. Blakley knew that meeting Aston would change her life forever, though she didn’t imagine it would come in such a drastic way, and when she is back in his orbit and forced to interact daily, falling in love with him doesn’t take much, but trusting him to not break her heart is a whole other story. Together they have to decide how they will build their lives and their future and what lesson in life are truly worth learning and keeping in your heart.  The chemistry and connection these two have shared from the very beginning is evident until the very last page and I cannot wait to see this in future stories as the rest of the Cage’s find love and drama (boy that setup for the next book leads me to believe it’ll be a doozy). As usual Carrie Ann Ryan leaves us salivating for what will come next but I’ll tell you this, These Cages might just be even more interesting than the Montgomery’s (gasp, yes I said it!) and I for one cannot wait!

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Love Gamble (Angels & Devils MC #3)

Love Gamble (Angels & Devils MC #3)

Chantal Fernando

Blurb:

Damon

As a high-ranking member of the Devils MC, I’m a marked man. It’s why I push Corey away. But once I taste her, keeping her at arm’s length isn’t an option. It doesn’t matter that she’s ten years younger, or that my name will move to the top of her brother’s hit list.

She’s mine.

I’m going to keep her—whatever it takes.

Corey

Nothing’s been the same since I was kidnapped. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I know I want forever with Damon. I have since the moment he kissed me. I don’t care that he’s older, or that my family doesn’t approve. I’ll stand by his side, even when my half-brother rolls into town ready to tear the Club apart in his quest for vengeance.

Damon’s mine.

I’m not letting him go. No matter the cost.

Themes:  Contemporary, Bikers, Series Finale

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

I was really sorry to find out this story was going to be the ending to a series I was really starting to enjoy. I have become a huge fan of Chantal Fernando the more of her stories I have gotten to enjoy and when I learned of this series, giving us new twists on old classic romantic stories/fairytales with that biker heat we all love I was so ready to dive in, but after just three stories the series has come to an end. That said I very much-loved Corey and Damon’s story and enjoyed every moment of their ups and downs as they found their way through the emotional morass they found themselves in. Their story truly began when Corey and Damon were forced into close proximity and Damon had to accept that he had no chance with the beautiful biker princess from the rival club. After a bloody and dangerous tragedy that left Corey unable to move forward in the world she once knew, she only feels safe in the world of the Club and her family. However, when their leadership merged their clubs, putting Damon in a position of leadership and he knows that taking Corey for his own will only continuously put her in a position of danger so he continues to resist the draw between them—until it become unbearable. When he finally gives in to his need for Corey, Damon goes all in and take the woman that he wants for himself, everyone else be damned and Corey had better get on board or she will be fighting a losing battle to keep her heart. But there are dangerous and deadly enemies circling the Club and Damon will do whatever it takes to keep his family and his woman safe, even if it costs him his life.

I loved finally getting to learn more about Corey and Damon, after having gotten glimpses of their meetings and their lives in previous novels. Damon is obviously once of those males that fights his wants and desires, trying to listen to his better angels, even when it is costing him the love and happiness he deserves. When he finally decides that being beside Corey is the best way to keep her safe, instead of pushing her away, he really becomes the type of man I would want for myself. He is sexy, mouthy, strong, sweet, and a smartass by turns, but in the end he is the perfect loving match for Corey. Corey has lost so much in her life, but the one man she wants for her own keeps pushing her away and it is really messing with her head. When she finally gives up and decides to just find a way to be happy without him, he finally does one-eighty and now is pursuing her and she isn’t sure quite how to handle him, but she won’t pass up the chance to have the man she has always wanted. I loved how sweet, nurturing, thoughtful, affectionate, and witty Corey was, even as she dealt with everything that was thrown at her she never gave in or gave up. The chemistry and passion between these two were unbearably intense and when they finally admitted their feelings it only got better. I loved watching these two find their footing in their relationship and come to terms with their future together and am very sad to know that we won’t be seeing more of them as the series ends. Maybe someday we will get a spinoff and see all of these Angels and Demons again (hint hint) but for now I have enjoyed their adventures immensely.

*eARC provided by author (via NetGalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: One Night with You (Montgomery Ink Legacy #7)

One Night with You (Montgomery Ink Legacy #7)

Carrie Ann Ryan

Blurb:

Never fall for your best friend.

That’s the rule. The code.

Claire Harlow always follows rules—except this one.

However, when an attack leaves both of their worlds shaken, she decides to walk away from what could have been and hide within her own shadows.

Kingston Montgomery is the man who saves the day.

At least that’s what he’s always told himself—until one day he was too late.

Now he’s trying to find his purpose while also ignoring the heat between him and Claire.

When a chance blizzard changes their plans, one night turns to two…and then there’s no going back.

Only the two must overcome what they thought their relationship should be and realize what it could become. Because if they don’t figure it out quickly, the spark that ignites them could burn them both.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 I’ve been looking forward to this one for a little while now, hoping that Pheobe and Kane’s friends would find their own HEA, despite the obstacles that seemed to be in their way. Carrie Ann Ryan has a way of leading her characters on a merry chase for far too long for our (her readers’)  peace of mind, but in the end you have to believe she know she knows what she’s doing (or hope so anyway). Kingston and Claire’s love story is one that is filled with lots of healing and trust building as two friends with conflicting emotions finally come to realize that they’ve loved one another all along, even if they refused to acknowledge their feelings. I am looking forward to where Carrie Ann takes us next in their second generation of Montgomery greatness because it just keeps getting better and better and after that last chapter I cannot imagine how hot the next story could possibly be!

Kingston Montgomery is going through the paces of his life, trying to find his way and accept that there are some things that he can’t change—such as the fact that his friend Claire has been avoiding him ever since he let her get badly hurt in an attack. Claire Harlow is definitely avoiding Kingston, but not for the reasons he thinks. She doesn’t blame him for her injuries, but she can’t be around him anymore because her feelings have become more than she can handle since the attack and she doesn’t know what comes next for them.  But when a friend group weekend in the mountains turns into the two of them stranded alone in a snowstorm, things quickly heat up and soon they are friends with some seriously hot benefits. The more time they spend together though, the more both of them begin to understand their feelings are so much deeper than just friendship and lust, leading them to question is they should give a relationship a real shot, but can they get over their pasts and all the problems they each worry about in order to have a future together, or will they have to walk away from the most important relationship either of them have ever found in their lives.

Talk about two characters that are so lost in their heads that they don’t realize the perfect person for them is right in front of them! Claire went through a very traumatic experience at the hands of a psycho, but she is slowly (very slowly) finding her way out of that darkness, but she really needs to talk to someone and let others help her more. She is a smart, classy, sweet, and loving woman, but she so often refuses to lean on those she loves and instead depend on herself that she forgets that part of loving someone is being there for them and letting them be there for you. I really enjoyed seeing her finally open her heart as Kingston got through to her and made her accept his help and support, and of course the more time she spent being absorbed into the Montgomery cult, the more obvious it was how much she needed them. Kingston is obviously a protector, one that when he fails on that job (even just in his eyes) he flounders for a while and has to work hard to redirect himself. Almost losing Claire left him in a dark place, but when he finally got to have her in his life even deeper, showing her his love and protection, you could see him truly coming back to life. I loved seeing his strength, love, intelligence, honor, and devotion to his family, but I wouldn’t expect anything less with the triad he comes from. Truly these two were a match made in heaven and I am so glad we finally go to see them get their stuff together and admit their feelings for one another.

Often we read a story that begins with a couple snowed in together and it leads to all kinds of naughtiness, but One Night With You is an entirely different take on that trope if you ask me. Instead of being the climax or the beginning of their relationship, which was really the catalyst for two people that had been hiding their feelings to finally just accept that their feelings didn’t need to be hidden any longer and they could in fact have a relationship together. For Claire, that night give her the permission she needed to give into the feelings she’d been surprising from the beginning and give herself to Kingston, which leads her to find the inner truth she hid from herself that she loves him more than any man she’s ever been with. Kingston however has been running form his own feelings so long he still doesn’t understand anything beyond that one night being the hottest of his life and giving him the permission he needs to finally pressure the woman that he’s wanted from the first moment he set eyes on her. Together the two of them have a lot of emotional drama to work through, and while they almost let it go too late, they finally admit their love not only to themselves but to one another. That passion is apparent form the first moment though they try their hardest to hide from it and when they finally give into it, its hot enough to burn down the winder forest around the cabin where they find themselves trapped. I am dying for the next book (Accidentally Forever) where Carrie Ann is determined to drive us insane for sure with  Aria and Crew’s crazy passion and heat, though in between we will have a new connected series beginning (Always a Fake Bridesmaid) which looks to be interesting too.  I’m never sure how she does it but Ms. Ryan always finds a way to take us on a roller coaster and finally leave you begging for more and ONWY is a prime example of that torture, so run right out and grab your copy on release day! 

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Dark Heart (Elven Kingdoms #2)

Dark Heart (Elven Kingdoms #2)

Donna Grant

Blurb:

Deepest passion. Darkest betrayal.

Once, she was my world. The only one I loved. Then it was all ripped away—including my freedom.

Vengeance kept me alive. It paved every step, shaped every plot.

Until I finally caught her.

I learned that line between love and hate is wafer-thin. Where once my dreams were filled with revenge, now that I have her, all I think about is the intoxicating passion we once shared.

But there’s no turning back the events her capture has set into motion. It unravels a carefully constructed world, one where enemies surround me.

Everyone, that is, except her.

Now, we only have each other—and the love that once united us, to fight our way to long-buried truths that will change everything.

Themes:  Paranormal, Elves

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

When I first heard that Donna Grant was starting a new spinoff series of the Dark Kings series I knew I would love it, but I had no idea just how different it would be. While some of her series have gone dark and twisted this new series has gone into even darker territory of human emotion than even I imagined and while there is a bit of romance, it is certainly not the main feature, or even key, to the story line. A fantasy world filled with terrifying creatures, backstabbing and dangerous political intrigue, the Elven Kingdoms series grabs ahold of your heart and keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning, even in the moments when the action is in a lull, as few and far between as those are.  This newest installment picks up right where book one ended with one of the side characters finding her life in mortal danger, from someone she once loved and that she thought she’d lost forever. I am dying to read more as this series develops, but I am terrified at the same time, knowing that things are only going to get worse for this team of rebels before they have any hope of getting better for them.

Arya is a wanted woman, along with the rest of her team, after helping to bring down the slave-trading stronghold of Shaldorn and while she is proud of that she knows she needs to keep her head of a swivel or she could even up capture or killed. She’s just leaving a meeting with Dain, the Dark elf that is her boss, when she finds herself overwhelmed by enemies and taken captive. But the real nightmare begins when she awakens to find herself on a ship on the river in the Dark kingdom, being held by the man she once loved, one she thought was gone from her life forever, and one that is obviously beyond infuriated with her. Jai is finally getting vengeance against the woman that cost him and his best friend years of their lives as slaves, the woman that still owns his heart even though he refuses to acknowledge that fact apparently. Even though kidnapping her and turning her into to his Masters will buy his freedom, it gets harder and harder by the moment, and as truths slowly come to light, Jai has to come to terms with the lies of his past and decide to place his trust in the woman he thought had betrayed him if either of them have any chance of surviving to have a future, because they both now have powerful enemies after them and only a slim chance of getting out of their predicament alive.

I loved this story and have to tell ya it took me a little bit to recall who Arya was, but once I did I was thrilled to get to learn more about her. She is definitely one of those girls that you can see be friends with, one that burns with a sense of needing to help, instead of just living an entitled life and seeks adventure even when it comes with danger. She is smart, brave, loving, and strong, even when she is faced with emotionally tumultuous pain, but she never lets that pain stop her from thinking. Seeing her come to terms with her past and Jai’s, leading him to the truths that would shatter his heart, but still being there for him and supporting him showed just how strong she was and that the love she had for him transcended any obstacles in their path. Jai was a hard one, because obviously his character was set up to be the villain for a good bit of the story, but even then you could see the depth of his emotions and the need to protect those he loved, even if his love was sadly misplaced.  He is strong, intelligent –when he finally looks past the obvious—and he loves deeply. I enjoyed seeing him kicking ass, but truly what I loved most was watching him supporting Arya and showing her how much of a team they could be once they both accepted that they were always meant to be together. Some hearts are always meant to find one another, and nothing can stand in their way.

Dark Heart truly is a story of two people, repeatedly betrayed and deceived by someone that was trusted, and while it cost them too much time, they find one another again through deadly and dangerous circumstances. While some stories are fille with lightness and fluff as two people find love, this is in no way that, instead filled with repeated obstacles, deadly battles, and near-death experiences that the lovers have to overcome in order to claim their second chance. Arya never thought she would see Jai again, assuming that he was forever beyond her reach, but seeing the darkened version of him might have been even worse if she couldn’t still see the man she fell for in his eyes. She holds that truth close as she battles through the pain and fear in order to reach him and soon they are faced with the truth that separated them, one that could break them even now, but Arya will do everything in her not-inconsiderable power to protect Jai this time and stop the slavers trying to take control of her world.  Jai has lost most of his adult life to a betrayal deeper than any he ever imagined and a quest for vengeance that has darkened his heart, but finding Arya and their love again reminds him of the kind of male he is and nothing will stop him from showing her she can trust him. Together, with the help of her team, they will do whatever they can to bring down the disgusting power-hungry elves kidnapping and enslaving their people, but their renewed love will be the ultimate treasure  to come out of their quest. Their passion is undeniable, even when it comes out as hatred, because real sometime love and hate are just two sides of the same coin, one that can be so easily flipped back over. I am dying for more in this series and cannot wait for Donna to take us on the next adventure. 

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Chance (Ghost Ops #2)

Chance (Ghost Ops #2)

Lynn Raye Harris

Blurb:

Aurora Harper doesn’t like Chance Hughes. He’s too handsome, too charismatic, and he’s a player. She’s had enough of players in her life after her fiancé left her for a bridesmaid three weeks before the wedding.

Been there, done that, not doing it again. But Rory let down her guard.

She and Chance spent two hot weeks together after Rory nearly died at the hands of a madman. Chance was part of the team that found her, and he stayed by her side from the moment she was freed until she kicked him out of her house when she came to her senses.

That should have been the end of it… until one line on a plastic stick changes her life forever.

Thanks to a tragic childhood, Ghost Ops soldier Chance doesn’t believe in the kind of love that lasts. There’s always been something about Rory that drew him to her, but they’re like oil and water. It’s not meant to be and it’s not worth fighting for.

But then Chance learns Rory’s pregnant at the same time someone starts sabotaging her home and business. There’s not a force on this earth that can stop Chance from unleashing the warrior inside and ending the threat to his woman and child.

Because they are his. And he’s going to prove it to her, even if it takes his very last breath to do so…

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

I have really been looking forward to this second book in the Ghost Ops series, basically since the last word of the first story, but I never realized that Lynn would smack us with the story she did because WOW. I am a huge fan of pretty much anything that Ms. Harris releases, but her new Ghost Ops series follows our favorite second-in-command as he takes leadership of his own group of six badasses in a mission that could mean the end of the world as we know it if they fail.  Chance Hughes is one of the operators that has to succeed in his mission, but he also has a new personal mission as he finds his heart and soul taken over by the fiery and beautiful Aurora Harper.  The two of them have a lot of obstacles to go over, not the least of which is Rory’s own insecurities, but Chance is determined to make her his woman and win her heart, but keeping her safe might turn out to be the most important mission for him. With enemies coming out of the woodwork and danger around every corner Rory and Chance have to trust one another explicitly and find a way to work together if they have any chance at a future. I loved every minute of this story and with the epilogue leaving us hanging in a big way about another character’s survival, Seth (coming soon) will be a nailbiter and I cannot wait.  Lynn has another winner with Chance as far as I’m concerned.

Aurora “Rory” Harper has not had an easy course in life, but she refuses to let any barriers keep her from living her life on her terms or meeting the goals she set for herself. She has her farm, her family business, and had two beautiful weeks with the sexy man that intrigued her to no end, but she has moved on and wants to just keep living her life—but fate has other plans for them. Now with a new addition to her life, one that will forever link her to Chance Hughes, Rory has to change the direction of her life and the property developers hassling her to sell her family farm aren’t helping her stress levels. Chance loved every moment he has spent with Rory, both in bed and out, but the woman pushed him away and he still isn’t really sure why, but when he discovers not only that she is in danger, but that she is carrying their child, there is no way he is leaving her to go it alone.  However, the more time they spend together, with Chance showing her how much he cares for her and Rory seeing that not all men will use her and leave her, the closer they come to losing their hearts forever. As dangerous enemies surround and threaten Rory and Chance puts everything into protecting her, they have to decide if they are going to take a chance on a future while Chance has to break through the walls around Rory’s heart, all without allowing the enemy to get the best of them.

Usually, I have to say that the characters in Ms. Harris’s novels are instant ones I fall in love with, but Rory drove me up the wall with her stubbornness and the titanium fortress she had built around her heart.  I understand having insecurities (boy, do I), but she simply REFUSED to see the beauty of the man right in front of her and accept the gift she was being given, despite the evidence right in front of her.  Rory has been hurt in the past, abandoned and mistreated, to be sure, but she’s also got so many people that love and support her, and she doesn’t look past her hangups and fears in order to see all the people that love her.  I loved Rory’s fire, sass, wit, and willingness to do whatever it takes for those she loves, but her detachment from Chance and unwillingness to open her heart for the longest time really made me want to slap her far too often.  It wasn’t until she finally began to accept his love and see that he would be devoted to her and their child, truly being a part of their lives that I really began to like her and see she could be a match for Chance. I have to say though that Chance is one of my favorite heroes in a while; he was sweet, sexy, protective, but he also knew his woman and understood that in order to keep her and make a life with her he had to work around her and cut through her BS in order to get her to let him in.   While some might say he was pushy, I admire his persistence, his need to keep pushing and showing her that he was going to be there for whatever she needed no matter how hard she pushed him away.  He stood by her, offered his support, learned how to care for her without steamrolling her, but didn’t let her lie to either of them when she tried to find reasons they would never work.  I loved Chance and would enjoy seeing more men (in fiction and real life) just like him, football obsession and all.

It's not everyday that we find the kind of partner that will call us on our BS, protect us from danger and our own doubts, and be there for us every step of the way as we battle through the daily crap of living. Chance is the story of two people that find one another through all the drama and danger, finally coming out the other side with the realization that their love is strong enough to beat any threat. Rory’s heart has been badly bruised, but thankfully her spirit hasn’t been broken and when she finds the strength to slowly trust, Chance shows her that he will heal her and always be there for her.  Her fierce need to protect herself and those she loves to give her an inner strength that could be standup to any obstacle and her sweet, loving nature makes her the quintessential southern woman in my opinion once she opens her heart to share her love with Chance.  Chance is an amazingly open and sweet man, one that locked eyes on Rory and never seemed to be able to get her out of his mind or heart.  Once he learns the gift fate has given them, he goes all in and determines that he will break down her walls and shows her he will be everything she needs in a partner for the rest of their lives.  The blazing passion between these two has been obvious from the first moment they met in the previous book, and it never wanes as their loves grows in their story.  I am looking forward to watching their relationship develop even more as their future develops in future novels.  Seth should be one heck of a story as it seems like Seth will have his heart stolen by a woman that is suspected of being in league with enemies and is definitely in danger.  I am loving this new spinoff series and cannot wait for the full series to be done, because I am betting, we won’t get Ghost’s book until last (cries a bit), but until then, I will enjoy each new release as we get it from Ms. Harris.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.