Mini-Review: Hot Blooded Part 4

Hot Blooded: Part 4 (Dark Kings #4)

by Donna Grant

Blurb:

Iona and Laith’s desire knows no bounds. But now that Iona has learned the truth about her heritage, the question is: Can Laith risk the fate of his kind for the love of one woman? She harbors a secret that others would kill to possess. Will she complete him—or destroy him? Passion: For a Dragon King, it always comes with a price…

Themes: Dragons, Magick, Fae, Paranormal

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Ever read an ending that just doesn’t feel like an ending?... well this book kind of applies to that category. While Laith and Iona certainly seemed to have found their HEA, the overall story was left with a lot of loose ends, even more than usual for a long-running series.  So while I definitely loved the ending, I wish a bit more of the loose ends had been tied.  There is just a lot of carryover plotting and coming soon ideas that I feel like it was too much.  Multiple enemies, does she or doesn’t she believe in love now, how will the Warriors and Dark Fae fit into coming stories.  While all of that makes for a good ploy by the author and publisher to keep people coming back for more, for loyal fans like me it would have been nice for at least one of the story arcs to be concluded in some way.  I will definitely be in line right away for the next book in the series, but there was never really any question of that.  Overall the ending to this story was good, but I kept feeling like there should have been a part 5. 

The last portion of this serial revolves around the Kings and Warriors coming together to find a way to keep Iona and the door to Dreagan safe, and hopefully learn more about their enemies.  Iona is discovered to be an unwitting pawn in the plot to bring down the Dragon Kings and immediately her life changes as the anger over being used and her determination to keep Laith safe brings out the warrior in her and she decides to fight with them to secure the win.  While battling alongside him, Iona begins to understand just how deep her feelings are for Laith, and though she never comes right out and says the words, we know she loves him and will continue to be by his side and hopefully will eventually consent to become his mate.  Laith, for all his talk of not wanting a mate, jumps right in with both feet once he understands just how much he truly love Iona, even going so far as to defy Con to trust her and keep her by his side.  I loved seeing these two and how they interacted as a couple with the other mate-pairs of both Kings and Warriors. 

Overall this was what I would call a Bridge novel; though it had its own main plot, the truly important contribution of this book was in the side plots and how they contribute to the overall story arc of the series.  Rhi and Ulrick both play a crucial role and we see them evolving in this story, as do the Dark Fae and to a lesser degree the Warriors.  While we are still uncertain as to whom their ultimate enemy is, the puppet master I always think of him as, we do get to see more of his plotting and there are subtle hints as to his true identity.  I am looking forward to the next in this series, which I understand will be Rhys and Lily’s book and hope that a bit more will be revealed in their book, maybe even the name of the puppet master or (please please please) the name of Rhi’s Dragon King Lover.  That little bit of closure would definitely make me and many other fans I’m sure very happy readers.  In the end I remain as always a Loyal Donna Grant Fan and hope to see much from her for many years to come. 

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

Review: A Little Christmas Jingle

A Little Christmas Jingle

by Michele Dunaway

Blurb:

Women, men, stray dogs—everyone's looking for love this holiday season. Sometimes all it takes is a LITTLE CHRISTMAS JINGLE to get into the spirit. . .

Kat Saunders doesn't believe in miracles—though she sure could use one. She's devoted to her veterinarian business, and all she wants for Christmas is for her practice to include a no-kill shelter. But amidst all the holiday hoopla she forgot about getting the required permits...and time is running out. Just when Kat fears her dream career is DOA, a to-die-for handsome detective shows up at the vet with a desperate puppy. Could it be that Jack Donovan—otherwise known as Mr. December on the Sexy Public Servants Charity Calendar—is the answer to her prayers? He agrees to help Kat with her legal needs, and she will do whatever it takes to express her appreciation. But could this Man of the Month also end up being Kat's true love for all days? A kiss beneath the mistletoe may be all it takes to find out. . .

Themes: holiday, contemporary, animal-lovers

Rating: 3.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Wow, what a heart wrenching and sweet romance with just the right amount of reality to keep me hooked.  I went into this story knowing I would be attached to the animals in it and loving the characters simply for their professions helping animals, but I never realized just how raw and heartbreaking it would be almost from the opening pages.  This story of two individuals falling in love as they bond over a tortured puppy was surprisingly sweet and full of the joy of the season as the puppy brings two people together who might never have had a chance otherwise.  This was my first story by this author but I think I will have to keep an eye out for future chances to read her, as I loved Jingle and his story and the humans were pretty cool too.  Being an animal lover there were moments I just could not hold in the tears, but knowing in the end that Jingle would be saved by the H/H, I was able to see how his traumas brought Jack and Kat together.  There was definitely a lot of tension between these two and it wasn't always obvious they would find a way to make it together, but they pulled it out in the end. 

Jack is a jaded and dangerous police officer, head of the newly formed animal rescue squad and he is determined to end animal cruelty in his town, even if it requires him to be Mr. December to raise awareness.  Kat is finally able to become a partner on the team for saving these animals and she finds herself drawn inexplicably to the man that is in charge of the project.  When he arrives late one evening with a tragically tortured young puppy, she knows that she will do anything to keep the little guy alive.  Her determination and sweetness won't keep Jack from thoroughly performing his duties though, even if it means thrusting her into an investigation into her business practices.  Overcoming their professional differences to become friends, their relationship sharply veers one night when the passion can no longer be pushed away.  But will their new connection allow them to remain associates or will the troubles continue for Kat even with Jacks' help?

Kat is a character that is going to be in my top 50 for a while I think.  A Vet and animal lover to the core, she will do just about anything to keep her shelter open and her animals safe, including Jingle.  She has dedicated her life to these animals and won’t let anything stand in her way, not even her intense attraction to Jack.  Though she tries to keep her lust separate, there is no way they can fully resist one another.  She was definitely a strong woman, one that will let no man get in the way of her dreams for her professional life.  Jack on the other hand was a cynical, closed off butthead for most of the book.  Even while he was lusting for Kat, he brings trouble to her door, forcing her into the spotlight against her wishes, and making her troubles even more challenging.  While he is obviously a man of his convictions, at some point you just have to trust in someone else to have your back and keep their promises.  I loved seeing how sweet and gentle he was with the animals, and when he finally decides to have a relationship with Kat he becomes her biggest advocate, but it was very slow in coming.  He is hot as all get out to be sure, and obviously has women throwing themselves at him left and right, so it was nice to see him focus in on Kat and truly give her all of himself.  I came to love Jack as he grew up during the story and was thrilled to see him come to his sense before it was too late. 

For a Christmas story, A Little Christmas Jingle was everything I expected, but so much more as well.  With great details, educated dialogue and an obviously well informed author, the veterinarian was completely believable as was the police squad.  Jingle was a sweet little pup and if he truly existed, would have been my adopted baby in no time.  Kat is a woman after my own heart, deeply devoted to the lives and care of animals, all animals, and determined to do more than her share to improve their lives.  She was sweet and caring to all those around her of the two-legged variety as well, and it is obvious she is more than a match for Jack.  Cynical and often grumpy Jack is her exact opposite, but thankfully, opposites attract, all they need if that one important piece of their lives in common--in this case, Jingle.  I very much enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more of Michele’s stories.  I would love to read more about this small town and maybe a sequel is in order.  A sweet and not overly clichéd Christmas read, just what was needed on a cold weekend night in Dec wrapped up with my own six little sweeties. 

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

Also as an aside to this story, I want to remind all that the holidays are in fact the best time to share yourselves with the animals that make our lives richer.  If you can't adopt consider donating money and especially time to a local shelter. 

And as a special treat, I am including with this review the new pups that came into my life in October.  They are sweet as can be and fill my heart and soul with laughter and love, just like Jingle did for Jack and Kat.  

  

Mini-Review: Hot Blooded Part 3

Hot Blooded: Part 3 (Dark Kings #4)

by Donna Grant

Blurb:

For centuries they have fought to preserve their special brand of shape-shifting dragon magic. But one Dark King is about to come face to face with a woman whose power is a force to be reckoned with. Her name is Iona. She’s gorgeous, sly, and smarter than she herself might even realize. She’s come to Scotland to discover the dark truth about her heritage. What she never expected was to meet Laith, the owner of a pub near Dreagan—a man with the heart, soul, and spirit of a dragon. Will he destroy her? Or will she be the one to tame his rousing desires?

Themes: Dragons, Magick, Fae, Paranormal

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The third part of this serial begins with the team learning a terrible truth about one of their own, one that will change their lives and his forever. While the Kings are working to overcome this catastrophe, Iona finds herself stumbling into a tenuous friendship with the women of Dreagan, as the mates come together in the age old way of women—shopping.  As the story progress Laith and Iona fall deeper into one another, though Iona maintains that it isn’t love and Laith is finding himself more and more convinced she is his mate. Danger becomes more and more real as well when Laith brings in the Warriors to keep an eye on Iona and discovers that their enemy is much closer than they all thought.  Hayden arriving also brings a startling truth for Iona and her beliefs in family.  It was great to see the Warriors and I am looking forward to them playing a bigger role in part 4 as well.  Overall this part was all about the discovery of Iona and Laith’s love and the passion that will keep them together, with just enough action and danger thrown in to keep the story moving along.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the story because it focused more on my favorite part of any of the novels I read—the romance between the H/H.  When Laith finally gives into his desire for Iona and they come together the sparks on the page were enough to make me want an ice bath.  The setting was romantic and perfect for these two, and the fun and sweetness that accompanied their lovemaking was just right for Laith’s personality. Iona also entered some new territory as she made friends with the women of Dreagan and found herself being pulled into the extended family.  When she finally discovers the truth about the beings that surround her, the way she handles everything is somewhat hilarious while being totally believable as well: there’s moments of WTF, startled realization and ultimately an intense curiosity that makes her the perfect match for Laith.  I am finding that I like this story even more than previous novels and that Iona is just the type of cynical skeptic needed in these guys ranks to make them think outside the box as they discover the identities of their enemies. 

Aside from the main plot, it seems like we might get to find out more about Rhi and her former Dragon King Lover.  She finds more and more surprises in her life and suspects it might be him, though we still aren’t getting a name…grrr.  While Rhi definitely has all the reason in the world to be evil, she seems to be riding the fence on the side of light and can hopefully find her way back to the Light and be the woman she was once, with all the happiness she deserves.   I’m dying to know where Grant takes us with the ending in Part 4 and finding out if Iona can finally accept that she loves Laith and can be his mate and find her happiness with him and his family. 

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

Review: Full Throttle (Black Knights Inc. #7)

Full Throttle (Black Knights Inc. #7)

by Julie Ann Walker

Blurb:

She Needs a Hero...

Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…

Black Knights, Inc. to the Rescue...

Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?

Themes: Mercenaries, bikers, Contemporary

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Secrets of the past and the truth of a love that has been an undercurrent in the lives of two friends for a long time are revealed in the newest addition to the BKI series.  Walker takes us through foreign jungles and the hearts of two individuals that have sacrificed much for their loves and country, but reminds us that some people are just meant to be together. BKI was a series that pulled me in from the very beginning and I have loved every book, though I didn’t form as much of an attachment to the relationship in Full Throttle as other previous novels.   There was a lot of action and in the end, their love triumphed, but there was a lot of looking back to the past where I would have much rather experienced more of them developing a relationship as adults.  Obviously, they had a strong emotional base from that past relationship, but I’ve always felt that love has to change with the people as they grow so seeing more of that in the present would have made the story a 5-star for me.  All-in-all Steady and Abby are a couple you can see are meant to be together and come hell or high water they will find a way to be together once they accept that their tragic past shouldn’t keep them from being together.

Steady and Abby were unusual characters but nonetheless interesting.  Abby is the first daughter, but doesn’t let her status from her father keep her from being an active and involved member of society.  The tragedy that hit both her and Carlos changed Abby just as she was becoming a woman of her own, so maybe she made a personal mistake pushing him away, however it was the only way she thought she could keep him safe.  She has kept a close eye on Steady all these years and isn’t surprised when she sees him, that all the love of the young heart is still burning strong, even as she fights to keep from showing him that emotion.  After she’s kidnapped she knows he will come for her, knows he’s her only hope, and that will be the very thing that puts him danger again.  The danger that surrounds them on their escape doesn’t prevent the passion between them from exploding and it becomes more than obvious that Steady isn’t willing to let her walk away a second time, especially not in some misguided attempt to keep him safe.  I really found myself proud of the type of woman that Abby became, she’s obviously a force to be reckoned with and even when she is devastated by the loss of her friend, she is determined to keep others safe, no matter the damage to her heart.  She is a great example of the type of leader that is needed in this world—compassionate, strong-willed, determined, good-natured, fierce, and loving—and we can only hope those traits find their way into more people’s hearts.

Carlos “Steady” Soto is a man of action and he is devastated when the girl he has always loved—though he never put that name to his emotions—is kidnapped right under his nose.  He has spent the last decade or so heartbroken and angry at Abby for turning him away in the aftermath of the greatest tragedy of either of their young lives.  Turning his tragedy into motivation for change, Steady devoted his life to protecting the innocent, first in the military during war and then as a black-ops operator with the BKI team, saving the unsavable and protecting the world in secret.  Steady has been a mystery in the last few books, but I have been drawn to him for inexplicable reasons and his story has been long awaited for me.  Seeing him kicking ass and taking names to get the woman he loves back to safety was probably the reason I was so drawn to him because OMG he’s amazingly hot and seriously dangerous.  When he finally gives in to his desires and understands that Abby wants him too, there is no way he will back down; he is determined to claim her for his own, even if he dies protecting her afterward.  I loved seeing this rough and sometimes scary person show his softer side and fall deeper in love with the girl who unwittingly stole his heart so long ago. 

Full Throttle is true to its name, going balls to the wall through the entire story, with action, high running emotions, and trauma leading to impossible choices.  Abby grew up quickly when she witnessed the danger that her father’s new position would truly put not only her into, but also how it would affect others that she loved or even simply befriended. Pushing Steady away was the hardest thing she’s ever done, but she never regretted her decision to protect him, until she is faced with the chance that she might never feel his love and one or both of them might die with her terrible secret between them.  Steady, as his name implies, has always been the one that others counted on to get them out of trouble and keep them calm, but seeing Abby in danger has made him anything but.  Carlos’s dark side emerges as he tears through the men that are threatening the woman that he loves and there is no way he won’t give his all—even to his death—to keep her safe.  These two seemed to have great chemistry, though I really wished for more time where they could develop their relationship; obviously the heat of the moment led them where I wanted, which was back to each other, but seeing them fall back into love once they returned home, might have created more emotional attachment for me.  In the end, I was happy to see how everything worked out, but a few more chapters to really flesh out their passion would have been great.  Also I must mention there were several side stories going on in this book and I can see the next in the series will be very interesting—as well as I hear there might be a spin-off series coming about the sexy SEALs that jumped in to offer aid to BKI.  Though not my favorite, Carlos and Abby were another great addition to the pantheon of BKI lovers and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next from Julie and her boundless imagination. 

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

Mini-Review: Rocky Mountain Miracle

Rocky Mountain Miracle

by Christine Feehan 

Blurb:

No Christmas will ever be the same after Cole and Maia meet on a snowy western ranch… Find out why in #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan’s romantic holiday e-novella!

When Cole Steele, a womanizer rumored to have killed his father, meets Maia Armstrong, a veterinarian rumored to practice magic, the sizzling romance could melt all the snow on his Wyoming ranch. And when an injured horse brings them together, Cole can’t help but believe that Maia casts spells on animals—and men. What else could explain the burning passion he feels for her and the thawing of his heart just in time for Christmas?

Themes: Holiday, Paranormal

Rating:3.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Being only a short holiday romance, I can honestly say that I loved this story and wish it had been even longer.  While Cole was an ass a good bit of the story, the tragic life that both Cole and his brother experienced means I have no problem with giving them some slack in the manners and trust departments.  Maia is just the breath of fresh air that these two wounded men need in their lives  I was actually rather surprised by the content of this story, coming from this author, mainly because I expected even more paranormal aspects than I got.  I have read pretty much everything written by Christine Feehan and have never been disappointed, and Rocky Mountain Miracle was no exception. 

Maia for the most part tries to keep herself from getting attached or involved with the brothers, but the more she learns about them and their pasts the deeper she falls.  Cole never imagined he'd actually fall in love.  He’s always known that he was too broken to have a normal relationship with a woman, but when he sees Maia, hears her defending him to his naysayers, he is unable to resist chasing after the filly who has caught his eye.  As they come together to find out who is trying to sabotage and endanger the ranch , Cole and Maia begin to understand the true importance of trust and love, as well as acceptance and understanding.  In the end it comes down to accepting where you belong in the world is where you can do the most to help those you love to heal from their hurts, physical and emotional.

Rocky Mountain Miracle was the Christmas story I never knew I was missing.  With drama, intrigue, passion and betrayal, and ultimately forgiveness and love, I was hooked from the very first page and fell in love with the H/h and the younger hero as well.  With beautiful settings, vivid characters, and a perfectly sculpted plot line, this story is an ultimate holiday read.  Maia is sweet but world weary, a combination that is truly rare  When she finds herself faced with the heat that Cole causes in her heart, there is no denying she's in over her head, but there's no way she will give up her chance to experience his lust.  Cole sees Maia simply as a conquest at first, a sexy woman that pulls at him, but only for him to ravish her and then let her go; he doesn’t do relationships after all.  When the world around them becomes dangerous and complicated, only building trust and belief in each other will keep them all safe.  The passion is palpable at all times and I love seeing these two interacting.  I am hoping their might be a sequel where Cole's brother finds his own HEA down the line.  Another masterpiece Christine!

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

ARC Review: Her Lone Wolf

Her Lone Wolf (X-Ops #2)

by Paige Tyler

Blurb:

Leaving him was Impossible…

It took everything she had for FBI Special Agent Danica Beckett to walk away from the man she loved. But if she wants to save his life, she has to keep her distance. Now, with a killer on the loose and the stakes higher than ever before, the Department of Covert Ops is forcing these former lovers into an uneasy alliance…whether they like it or not.

Seeing her again is even worse

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back—and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to take no for an answer this time.

Themes: paranormal, shifters, mercenaries

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Returning to the shadowy world of espionage and national protection, Her Lone Wolf brings two former lovers back into each other’s lives and brings out the truth of the organization they once swore their lives to.  For being only the second story in the series and the second by Paige I have ever read, I will say I enjoyed the story very much, though I wasn't quite as intrigued in this as the first one until the very end.   With a bit of a slow start on the relationship front, Danica and Clayne's story was a lot of looking back and regretting past choices.  Once they both decided to admit the feelings they have for each other and find a way to reunite, I began to love both the characters and the story itself.  I am looking forward to where the story might be headed and wonder just how deep the treachery goes in this organization.  Tyler's X-op series is a twist of a couple of other series I have read, but she writes so well and her imagination so fluid that I know I will love this series right until the very end.

Danica and Clayne haven’t seen in other in years, since she left their partnership and relationship, leaving Clayne broken-hearted, but they are suddenly thrust into a search for a serial killer that only they can catch.  Clayne thought he'd moved past his love for Danica when she broke his heart and left him behind, but seeing her and working with her again brings his true feelings out.  Danica can't believe she has to work with Clayne, dealing with his horrible attitude, when her own heart is breaking.  Because though she was the one that left it was all for him, to keep him safe and free, but she can never tell him the truth. As they, work together to find the psychotic shifter that is terrorizing California, Danica is no longer able to hide her feelings and decides that maybe if he understands what's at stake he can find a way to forgive her and be happy.  Clayne can't believe what he is hearing when the only woman he's ever loved admits why she left, but even knowing there is danger in it, he cannot resist bringing her back into his life and his bed.  But when the killer is caught will they be able to be together, or will the dark truth still keep them apart?

I loved Danica, though I wanted her to slap Clayne several times just for his own stubbornness and inability to see between the lines.  It's obvious to me that she is hurt by seeing him again, but he doesn’t see, to be able to pick up that fact himself, until her walls begin to crumble under his onslaught and the truth is forced out into the open.  She has always loved him and being a strong woman, forfeited her life and love so she could keep him safe and free, but he refuses to understand her motivations.  I liked seeing her investigating, she is obviously a sharp woman and her thinking processes are unique enough that I would want someone like her on the trail of a true maniac because she could catch and kick their butts.  When she decides she’s hidden the truth from Clayne enough, admitting that she made a mistake leaves her wondering how she will ever find her center again, but determined to try to have a relationship with her love again. 

Clayne is quite frankly an asshole through the first third of the book--but then I guess he does have his reasons.  Unable to understand that his love might have been one-sided he's never truly been able to move on, probably because she was truly his match and mate, even if he didn’t realize it at the time.  I enjoyed when she finally admitted the truth and he understood that the woman he loves--and loves him--spent the last several years struggling with her emotions trying to protect him.  Though his innate alpha tendencies hate the truth, thankfully his human side begins to understand and forgive almost immediately.  Bringing Danica back into his life is his most important goal--well once he catches a serial killing shifter that has focused on him as his adversary.  Clayne’s strength and cunning mark him as a true alpha wolf and show that even the biggest asses can turn out to be real heroes. 

Tyler’s fascinating and in-depth view of a world that exists alongside our own is enough to keep me coming back for more, but ultimately the relationships between these shifters and their mates are what really hooked me.  The overall action and plot is truly what allows the relationships to develop and find a way for the couples to trust and love one another in an otherwise terrifying existence for shifters.  Danica is the type of woman that sacrifices to protect those she loves, giving up her own happiness and life to allow her love to live his life.  Clayne is a smartass to be sure, but clever, witty and ultimately a man that will protect what is his with his last breath, and in the end I couldn’t help but fall in love with him a little bit.  Even when they are acting like they hate one another, the sparks and intensity between these two former (and future lovers) is irresistible and I just hope I find a love so deep one day.  The villain in this story was ingeniously done, and not something, I was able to guess right up until the end.  I will say that I wish I was a wolf myself so I could tear out the heart of the guy in their organization that is messing with their lives.  I am hoping that he gets his ass handed to him soon in the upcoming stories, but ultimately I know it will happen.  Tyler keeps me interested in the story from start to finish, even if the relationship was a bit lacking in the beginning for me.  Can’t wait to see what happens next.

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

Mini-Review: Hot Blooded Part 2

Hot Blooded: Part 2 (Dark Kings #4)

by Donna Grant

Blurb:

The Dark Kings are a race of powerful men who can shape-shift into dragons in a moment of fury—or passion. Laith is no exception. To most, he’s known as the owner of a local pub near Dreagan. But little do his patrons know that beneath his red-hot exterior lies the heart, soul, and cravings of a Dragon King—one who wields control by keeping his friends close and his enemies, just across the border, closer. Until a mysterious and seductive woman named Iona enters the picture, and sets his whole world off course. Will Laith dare to explore his deepest passions? Sworn to protect. Driven to desire. Is Iona worth the risk? He can’t wait to find out…

Themes: Dragons, Magick, Fae, Paranormal

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

Part 2 picks up right away with Laith attempting to keep Iona safe in the Dragonwood as enemies surround them. Passion escalates in part two of this four part foray into the lives of a dragon shifter and the commitment phobic woman who has captured his interest and will ultimately make or break his heart and chances at winning the coming battle.  The story progresses quickly in this second part, with Rhi and Ulrick seemingly joining forces, Laith's desire for Iona exploding when he saves her life, and other dragon kings undergoing some terrifying changes.  A good bit of this section revolves around Iona beginning to discover secrets that have been held by her family for generations and Laith finding a way for these secrets to come to light without ruining his chances of an affair with Iona.  I enjoyed this second part even more that the first and am looking forward to what comes next. 

After saving Iona's life, Laith returns her to her home, but once they are alone in the house, the desire between them makes itself abundantly clear when he comes across her half naked and throws caution of the wind to seduce her.  Iona gives in to her desires and I love her all the more for it.  She seems willing to trust for the first time, even when a secret of Laith's comes to light  Trusting is not her strong suit but it seems impossible not to trust Laith for some reason.  Laith on the other hand pissed me off in this section, bungling his first impression and keeping secrets that are unnecessary.  I am hoping that the next part will allow them both a relationship and make it easier for them to work together against the forces out of endanger the lives of everyone at Dreagan.  All in all a great bridge section between introductory phases and what I’m hoping will be a part 3 with lots of action and romancing.                                       

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

ARC Review: Ring in the Holidays

Ring in the Holidays (Hunk for the Holidays #2)

by Katie Lane

Blurb:

THE BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE . . . EVER

Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick rebound: Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions.

Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed. But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever. It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there.

Themes: contemporary, holiday

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The Holiday season has officially arrived with the return of the McPherson clan and their holiday and relationship angst fueling this romantic, sweet and surprisingly sad, at times, story.  While I find I prefer seasonal stories to be short and sexy, leaning more towards the erotic side of romance, this full-length novel by Katie Lane is definitely an exception to that, as was the first one in the "series" that I read last season starring Matt's sister Cassie.  This story revolves around two individuals with very definite ideas on the opposite sex and the facts and myths of love, but they soon realize that all the past mistakes and hurts are nothing compared to the rightness you can feel when you meet your true mate.  There were even several small side plots in the story that are a nice reminder that even people that have been together forever can find themselves at loose ends and in need of reminding that love is not just the most important part of a relationship, truly the reason to have a relationship.  Lane shows us that love is the true reason for the season and letting love in is the only way to live life.   Really can't wait for next year to see if Patrick gets his very own holiday love. 

Ellie's relationship was shattered when she discovered her long time fiancée has been cheating on her for years and it calls in to question all her personal and professional beliefs about love and relationships. Which for a therapist whose practice revolves around those two things is a not inconsiderable issue.  When a handsome stranger lures her into a night of passion, her life changes forever, but when faced with the truth in the daylight she runs for it, no matter how much she wishes things were different.  Matt has spent the past year obsessing about the mysterious and passionate woman that rocked his world on New Year’s Eve, but when a series of coincidences puts her directly in his path again, he will force her to admit that the passion between them was more than a fluke.  Ellie is determined to keep Matt away, as much as he turns her inside out and makes her wish that she could believe in the strength and safety he makes her feel.   When she begins spending more time with him, safely in the friends' zone, she begins to think that maybe he's different and is the kind of person she can truly believe in.  When the passion becomes undeniable and explodes with one passionate embrace, these two friends becomes lovers again and soon realize that their friendship with benefits is much deeper than either of them might be prepared for.  In the end the question comes down to whether Ellie can let her past go to allow Matt to love her?

Ring in the Holidays was just the type of story that makes the romance genre great.  These two people are both badly damaged, but the love they find together is one that will last, even with misunderstandings, fears, and insecurities sometimes getting in the way, as evidenced by the minor plot arcs with Matt's loved ones.  Matt has never met a woman like Ellie and though she is obviously passionate, she hides it behind her intellect and tries to fit everyone into a mold, but Matt will not be categorized.  His strength and sweetness run right alongside his fierceness and passion, making him a truly dynamic character and a perfect match for Ellie.  Ellie obviously has some serious issues, ones that will not be repaired overnight, but her wit and intelligence finally kick in and she learns the ultimate lesson, you cannot judge one man by the actions of others.  When Ellie finally allows herself to love Matt and believe that, they have a chance she is quick to repair her mistakes and find a way to show Matt that she is willing to work for their future.  Matt's feelings for Ellie truly seem to slap him across the face in an ah-ha moment that was funny, sweet, and heartwarming.  The passion between Ellie and Matt from the very first moment they meet was palpable and even with a long cooling off period, the minute they are back together the sparks fly again and maybe even more intensely.  Lane is the one author I’ve read that can take a holiday story, which of course usually revolves around the same holiday themes, just updated, and turn the story on its ear; Ring in the Holidays truly is a unique and surprisingly sweet Holiday Romance, that instead revolves around the relationship of two people that are learning the ultimate reason for the season is love. Please, Katie, write Patrick's story ASAP so that we are ready to find out just which woman will grab his heart next year. 

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

Review: Night Unbound

Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians #5)

by Dianne Duvall

Blurb:

For centuries, Lisette d'Alencon has been a warrior against the dark. She fights alongside her brothers and comrades. But when the dreams start coming, she can't bear to confess them to the Immortal Guardians' command. Dreams of a dark-haired man with soft eyes and brutal wounds, a man her heart aches for--and a man she knows has been declared a traitor.

Zach is an exile, a loner. He won't defend himself against false accusations or grovel to those who should have faith in him. But he'll damn sure defend the woman who kept him sane against a plague of super-vamps that seems to have appeared from nowhere. The Guardians will blame him, and that will make Lisette suspect, too. With life, death and eternity on the line, who can they really trust?

Themes: Paranormal, Vampires, Immortals

Rating: 4.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Wow almost a perfect 5 stars. Even I didn’t think that this one would find a happy ending.  But thankfully Dianne remains my hero.  Through all the betrayals, torture, battles, and discoveries the single thread that carries the story is the chance for love and the hope of two people finally finding their true heart mate. Duvall’s world is one that has so many interesting takes on the classic vampire myth, and yet still there are many mysteries still to uncover.  With each new story in this series I find myself more and more fascinated with the characters, the stories and the relationships that interweave these heroes and the battle they are fighting to protect humanity. Zach and Lisette have their work cut out for them from the very beginning of their relationship, but the obvious pull between them keeps the story from becoming boring and reminds us that sometimes circumstances are not what dictates who we love, but just the simple fact of destiny, and so few are lucky enough to find their destined mates like Zach and Lisette did, much less overcome the odds and keep them. As long as Dianne keeps pulling out all the stops and fascinating me with each book, I will not be missing a single book in the series.

Zach and Lisette’s story begins when Seth attacks Zach and accuses Zach of betraying him and the Immortals, and in doing so he curses Zach to a torture unlike any he has ever experienced. For months his torture is unbearable, but his one escape is his thoughts of and mental connections to Lisette, and as he stretches his powers, that connection is his saving grace.  When he manages to get free, even in the intense pain he’s under, he finds his way to Lisette’s home, where she is able to keep him safe and allow him time to heal.   Lisette never imagined that a bleeding and near death Zach would pop right out of the ether and fall –well not at her feet, but off her roof.  Once she nurses him back to health, the attraction and desire they have each been fighting becomes irresistible, but she feels she is betraying Seth by being with Zach and that strain is keeping a certain distance between them.  When their relationship, and the truth about Zach’s “betrayal” comes out, Lisette’s relationship with her leader and her entire world will never be the same.  But can they uncover the true dangers around them while keeping all their friends and family safe and whole through the dangers?

Lisette is a bad ass woman, one that I would certainly be terrified to cross, but her soft heart for her friends and family is evident in all her choices.  Lisette carries the world on her shoulders and finds giving up control in any circumstances, much less in her personal life, almost impossible.  Her love for her brothers and their new wives is her driving force, until she finally gets to embrace a relationship with Zach.  She handles the changes in her life with great dignity.  I loved seeing her fall in love with Zach and bring him into the fold as she shows him that he can fit into her life and family, if he just allows himself the chance to adapt.  Zach on the other hand has no real idea how to interact with his new love or the people that are in her life; he has always kept himself separate, living as a watcher instead of a participator.  From the minute he sees Lisette, he will do just about anything to have a chance to be with her, even facing his enemy and turning him into a friend again. As his amazing power grows, his connection to Lisette if what really makes him a great character.  He is strong, sexy, and willing to give up just about anything so that he can be with Lisette, even his past grudges and safety.  As he grows closer with the other Immortals, truly becoming one of the family, he becomes more human and finds that his past life was nowhere near as wonderful as his chance at a future with Lisette and her large family.  I must also mention that his sharp wit, sexy intensity, and extremely dry humor gives him many and unending layers of greatness.

Night Unbound is one of those stories that grabs your attention from the first word and refuses to let you free until you reach the end.  With intensity, sensuality, drama, and emotional depth, Lisette and Zach’s story of overcoming adversity to find love, is enough to keep any reader on the edge of their seat and fighting tears as they express their love.  Lisette’s skill and intensity in a fight is almost as important as her determination to keep all her family safe and still she finds a way to have the love of her life and build a new relationship amidst all the drama.  Zach is the type of guy that you just can’t see being able to let go of the long years of his life that have kept him distant from everyone else in the world.  But he makes himself into the man he was always meant to be, the man Lisette can love and make a life with.   When they come together the heat is more than off the charts, it actually blows the charts to smithereens.  I couldn’t have found a better match for Lisette, Zach’s true strength is his willingness to do whatever it takes to keep her safe and make her happy and really there’s nothing more important in a relationship.  The overall ARC of the story has continued to progress as well and we are learning more and more about Seth, which is awesome, because I can already tell that when his secrets are revealed and he finds the walls around his heart knocked down, the woman that becomes his will be awesome.  Looking forward to what’s next in the series and meeting more Immortals as well. 

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

Mini-Review: Hot Blooded Part 1

Hot Blooded: Part 1 (Dark Kings #4)

by Donna Grant 

Blurb:

As a race of shape shifting immortals who had been around since the dawn of time, these men of power and magic can shift into dragon form. For centuries they have ruled over all other creatures. When humans appeared, they protected them until they were betrayed and thousands of dragons were killed. But now a new evil is awakening…and the dragon warriors are being pulled into a war against their will. What they never expected was to find a love so powerful that it threatens to destroy everything they have ever known…

Themes: Dragons, Magick, Fae, Paranormal

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Returning to the land of magick, Dragons and Faeries, aka Scotland, Grant takes us through the changes that are coming to the Dragon kings, magick shapeshifting dragons that have hidden among us for millennia.  Their lives have been changing greatly over the last several years as more and more kings find their mates and old enemies return with a vengeance bringing along new enemies and even newer dilemmas.  This is the beginning of a four-part serial that revolves around the Dragon King Laith and Iona Campbell, the long estranged daughter of their closest neighbor and last in the line of protectors that the Kings have depended on for centuries.  While I have never been a fan of serials, and in fact only caved for this one author, I learned my lesson the last time and will better breakup my reviews.  So now for my opinions of the first part of four:

Laith is a sexy but commitment immune Dragon king, one who has his share of lovers but no interest in a mate or love.  When Iona is forced to return to deal with her father’s estate, Laith finds himself attracted to her with an alarming intensity.  Their first meeting is shocking for both of them, but as they slowly become friends that discover they have more in common than they thought.  Iona does not do relationships, ever.  Her mother is a serial bride and never really grew up, and the lies she told Iona all her life are beginning to come to light.  The budding friendship between Iona and those at Dreagan are important, but when she ventures past their wards and into the Dragonwood for the first time can Laith keep her safe or will her life end before they even have a chance to go further?

Laith is a decent character, though we haven’t learned a lot about his past of the true reasons he fears commitment yet, just glimpses and hints.  I think he will be a great match for Iona and he is certainly a brave and strong male.  Seeing how he reacts to the zings that Iona produces in his body and soul, we get a chance to wonder if Laith will be able to step up or continue to keep distance between them.  Iona is an odd duck to be sure.  While I have read many a story with women that didn’t believe in love for themselves for whatever reason, Iona takes it one step further--she doesn’t believe that love exists...period.  Surprisingly I CANNOT wait to see her eat her words when she falls head over heels for Laith.  She's also dealing with her feelings for her parents and coming to terms with the fact that maybe things were not as black and white and she always thought. I cannot wait to see what happens next, and am glad I don’t have to wait for the next part of the book, because it ends with a maddening cliffhanger and I would have died having to wait a week. 

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

Mini-Review: Out of Control

Out of Control (The Sentinels 0.5)

by Alexandra Ivy

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy quenches your thirst for illicit desire with this seductive tale of the Sentinels—outcast humans with the ability to tread the line between life and death—and pleasure and pain…

Ph.D student Angela Locke has a crush on her sexy professor, Dr. Nikolo Bartrev. When she learns he’s actually a Sentinel with extraordinary powers, she joins forces with him to catch a psychopath. But soon, their hottest pursuit is of each other...

Themes: paranormal, novella

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 I realized after I began this story that it was a prequel to a new series, set in a whole different world, and based around a group of beings known as Sentinels.  I love Alexandra’s other series and was a bit surprised to find a whole new world developing in this story.  I can’t wait to learn more about this alternate reality and the Sentinels, but on its own Out of Control was a great novella.  Niko and Angela were sexy together and seeing the action and emotion these two deal with in a relatively short amount of time was great.

Niko has been monitoring Angela and protecting her for several months, knowing that she is the target of his prey and determined to keep her safe.  But during that time she becomes more than simply an assignment for him and he has lost all objectivity where she is concerned.  Angela has likewise been lusting after the new Professor that has been hanging around her, never realizing that he will be leading her into a whole new world, where danger lurks around every corner, and she is forced to depend on the Sentinels for her life.

I really loved this novella on its own and as an intro into the new series.  Niko and Angela as sensual and the connection between them, though intense right away, is perfectly believable and very well written. I can’t wait for more and am very much hoping Arel’s is the next book in the series since we got to know him a bit and liked him a lot.  Another hit series is on the rise for Alexandra Ivy and I’m glad to have gotten in on the ground floor.

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

Review: A Highland Wolf Christmas

A Highland Wolf Christmas (Heart of the Wolf #15)

by Terry Spear

Blurb:

It's going to take a lot of mistletoe...

Guthrie MacNeill, financial advisor for his clan and werewolf pack, is at his wit's end when the pack leader's mate hires a gorgeous party planner to bring holiday cheer to the castle. Guthrie's wildly attracted to Calla, except he can't reconcile the fact that his job is to save the clan's money, and hers seems to be to spend it.

To warm this Highlander's heart

Calla Stewart has never had a more difficult client. The laird and lady of the castle are delightful, but the handsome Highlander holding the purse strings is quite impossible. Since she specializes in holiday magic, Calla hopes she can make the scrooge-like wolf lighten up. Then Guthrie takes on the role of Highland warrior to protect her from an unexpected threat, and the holidays take a turn for the passionate.

Themes: highlanders, wolves, paranormal

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Honestly, is there anything better than a beautiful Highland Christmas combined with a sexy wolf?  Not in my opinion!  While I am always pulled in by anything written by Terry Spear, as evidenced by my bookshelves, I have been dying to read this particular story for a while now.  Guthrie always seemed a bit like a stick in the mud when we have read about him in the past, but now we get to see the softer, sweeter side of this Highland warrior.  Spear's rich and amazing settings always make you feel like you are right there with her in the Scottish Highlands, in a haunted keep, surrounded by sexy men in kilts wielding broadswords, which for many of us is just about the ultimate fantasy.  While the series has jumped around a lot from different places, different groups of wolves, and even different enemies, this story arc has been in motion a while and I was glad to see the MacNeill's finally find peace with their enemy clan.  If you haven't read the ENTIRE Heart of the Wolf Series, you won't be lost, but I recommend at least going back and reading the other books involved in this storyline (Heart of the Highland Wolf, Howl for a Highlander, Highland Werewolf Wedding).  For now, I can promise you will enjoy reading this sometimes light hearted, sometimes dramatic, and always sensual, foray into the lives of two wolves determined not to make another mistake in love. 

This story picks up almost the day after the last one ends, with Calla returning to her home to gather everything she needs for an extended stay at the MacNeill keep.  Her main purpose is to help the clan chief and his wife plan the biggest and best Christmas celebration they have ever had, but under that is her desire to remove herself from the sight of her ex-fiancée and to get to know the wolf who pulls her emotionally as well as physically, Guthrie MacNeill. Guthrie has had some bad luck with love in the past and is determined that he not repeat his mistakes and the only way for him to do that is to keep Calla at a distance while she has time to recover from her last failed relationship.  But when the danger around Calla begins to escalate, Guthrie finds his inner wolf needs to protect her more than he needs to protect his heart.  Thrown together again and again, by circumstances as well as by their friends and pack-mates, Calla and Guthrie find it increasingly difficult to resist the passion that stirs between them.  The question becomes, are they both ready for a serious relationship, or will they be making another mistake in love, this time one that might be irreversible?

 Calla Stewart is a she-wolf unlike any I have read about in recent years.  While she can certainly defend herself and her friends, she understands there are limitations to what she can handle and is more than willing to allow her new pack to protect her.  What she won’t deal with is the ridiculous posturing and Neanderthal attitude that some men seem unable to keep in check around each other.  I loved seeing her try to set the male wolves, Guthrie included, in their places and make them understand that defending her against actually enemies is one thing, trying to defend her honor against some imagined slight is quite another, especially when it interferes in her business.  Calla was a truly strong woman, one that was able to make the difficult decision to take back her heart from a man who didn’t really deserve it, and find a way to forge a new path.  Even when she is faced with the uncertainty of a future with a new pack, the drama caused by her parents' bad decisions, and the chance that she might be losing her heart to another undeserving man, she never loses her optimism and embraces the new changes in her life with exuberance and strength.  Witty, sometimes sarcastic, smart, ingenious, determined, sweet, and sensual there was really no way for Guthrie to resist her and she is a character that exemplifies the characteristics that women can relate to.

Guthrie is a man with simple needs, protecting his pack and family, ensuring the pack has enough money to make life enjoyable and secure, time to run in his fur, and a woman to call his own.  The last bit is what has been giving him the most trouble though,  with a couple of failed relationships and now an irresistible she-wolf underfoot, Guthrie finds himself a bit off-kilter and acting out of character.  When Calla is threatened by her ex and his pack, he refuses to let anything happen to her and sets himself in front of danger at every turn, even if Calla doesn’t want him to.  The alluring she-wolf also begins to remind him that keeping the pack solvent doesn’t mean that they have to isolate themselves and horde their money, sometimes you have to open yourself up and allow for change.   Seeing them working together to help the entire pack, whether it’s with the Scottish Faire,  the huge pack Christmas celebration, or just with the everyday math lessons for the youths, it becomes obvious that Guthrie has found his perfect match if he allows himself to let go of the past and embrace a chance for a future with her.  Sexy as all get out, Guthrie is one of the strongest, sweetest, and funniest wolves I’ve had the pleasure of reading about.  And did I mention that he's one of FOUR, seriously, sexy Scottish wolf QUADRUPLETS, what more could a woman want?

As the saying goes, you can never have too much of a good thing, and Spear proves that with her newest addition to the Heart of the Wolf series.  Guthrie and Calla's story made me cry, laugh, groan, and wish that it was just that little bit longer so that I could have enjoyed even more.  Calla was spirited, intelligent, and loving, while being fierce in her protection of others as well as being fiercely determined to find her perfect match and the perfect place for her to make her life.  Guthrie was obviously the perfect match for Calla;  he's just as smart, willing to do just about anything to protect his family and pack, and even more important he is understanding of the emotional trauma a failed relationship can cause and willing to give Calla the time she might needs to get over it before he pursues her.  Calla's stalker's motives, which come to light in the end, were surprisingly human, not something I expected from a wolf, and are truly the failing of all higher species--Greed.  I was thrilled to see the previous couples and many of the secondary characters that have supported this individual story arc.  I am especially looking forward to the day Logan is old enough to have his own mate and meets the woman that will lead him into the danger of the heart.  I can see myself as an old woman still lusting for this series, so hopefully there is no end in sight.  You continue to amaze me Terry; keep up the great writing and I promise to keep dragging even the most reluctant readers to your fan base! 

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