Review: Perfectly Inappropriate

Perfectly Inappropriate

by Stacey Kennedy 

Blurb:

Olivia Watts knows that her problems are painfully average. She got engaged, and her fiancé cheated. She gave up on her dream job—street photographer—and settled on a more practical one: graphic designer. She scrimped and saved to buy a home, only to realize how empty it was. So when Olivia hears about an exclusive dating app that matches subs with highly trained doms, she does something she never thought she’d do in a million years: She signs up. The last thing she expects to find is a man whose sizzling touch reawakens the woman she used to be. . . .

Noah Grant has no time for relationships. His sole purpose is to win reelection. That’s why he pays a premium to the discreet app that satisfies all his dark desires. But after sweet, innocent Olivia is vetted and arrives for their week together in his penthouse, it’s blatantly clear that she’s running from her demons. Noah’s more than willing to be her escape—until their emotions get tangled up in their games. Now, to become worthy of Olivia’s heart, Noah will have to prove that he’s more than a fantasy.

Themes:  Erotica

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Kennedy strikes again with another sensual and sexy story of two people finding their way into one another’s arms and hearts, including just a little bit of spice for fun. I was a little bit hesitant to read this story, mainly because these kind of hot erotica to sweet romance stories always seem to go wrong somewhere, but in the end the story was irresistible and I am glad I gave it a chance. Olivia has just come through a truly harrowing breakup, after being with the douche for over a decade, and she is trying not only to find her footing, but to come to terms with the fact that she just might be living her life for everyone BUT herself.  When her best friend hatches a plan for a bit of fun to break up the monotony of her daily life, signing up for a secretive service that links sexy Doms with seeking subs for temporary sensual fun, she figures what the hell.  When she arrives for the meeting with her first Dom experience, she is surprised not only by the man she has been linked with, the powerful Senator of NY, but also by the intense connection she feels to him.  Noah has used the app to find subs to fulfill his sexual desires for a while now, knowing that being in a relationship is a hindrance to his future political goals in many ways, but he is always very careful about those relationships.  When Olivia walks into his life he cannot believe that she is what she truly appears, but the more time he spends with her, the more he comes to understand that she is exactly that woman, and just the woman that could steal his heart if he lets her.  Determined to lift her up, while making sure that she experiences every bit of sensual mastery he can offer her,  Noah soon finds himself clinging to Olivia and wondering if they truly can be together, despite all that is against them.  When disaster strikes, both Noah and Olivia begin to doubt that they can overcome the obstacles they are facing, and that fear drives a wedge between them that only taking a true leap of faith can overcome.  But are they really ready to take such a leap? I enjoyed this story a lot, not just for the sexy and sensual moments they shared, which let me tell you got pretty intense and definitely hot enough to burn a hole through my kindle, but also for the sweet and loving moments that Noah and Olivia shared once they began to see more in their time together than just playtime.  Noah is a man that has lived buried deep in his shell all his life, doubting those around him and determined to make sure that he never gets hurt, even at the expense of truly finding happiness.  He is obviously intensely sexual and alpha, but the chivalrous and sweet side of his nature that comes from his Dom need to take care of the one in his care is not to be discounted either.  I loved seeing him interacting with Olivia at every moment but the quiet moments where he is just watching her become the woman she was always meant to be were the most special.  Olivia has lived a long time, trapped in a box of her own making, working hard to make sure that those around her have everything they need even at the expense of her own dreams and ambitions.  As Noah helps her rip down the walls of that box, her strength and willingness to look deep to find her passions show the world that she is a force to be reckoned with and once she begins to accept her true value there is nothing to stop her.  In the end this story was one about two people that thought they knew what they were getting into when they signed up for a fun experience but they soon found themselves turned inside out by the true connection of their perfect mate.  I don’t know if there will be more stories like this from Ms. Kennedy, but if there are, I will be jumping on them right away.

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

Review: Hidden (Deep Ops #1)

Hidden (Deep Ops #1) 

by Rebecca Zanetti 

Blurb:

Hide. That’s all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she’s off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo...

Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he’s been set up...

Fight. Someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa’s fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock...

Themes: Contemporary

Rating: 3.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Ok so I assumed when I began this series that it would be just like previous contemporary novels that I have read by Rebecca, but I can honestly say, that this is NOT what that was. Hidden kicks off a new series in a strange but interesting way, introducing new characters and letting us into their world. But that being sad that is where the similarities to any other work you might be familiar with from Rebecca Zanetti ends. Pippa and Mal’s story is filled with angst, oddities, lies, and the world of danger that is involved when two people are hiding their true natures and identities.  Pippa has been on the run for years and when the hot-as-hell Mal moves into the little house beside her she is instantly drawn to him, even though she is terrified of the pull.  Mal just wants to hide in his new home and find a way to forget the assignment he barely escaped from with his sanity intact, but he should have known that it was just the calm before the storm.  With his new job as a super-secret agent he is forced into not one but two undercover assignments, one of which is earning the trust of his sexy new neighbor to find out her secrets and connection to a dangerous cult leader. But the feelings he is developing for Pippa are not part of his cover and soon he begins to wonder if he is in over his head. Even though they have both developed feelings for one another, with Pippa and Malcolm both hiding secrets, they are keeping parts of themselves separate.  When the truth comes out and they have to come to terms with the chance that they might lose one another, only Mal and Pippa can decide if what they feel for one another is true emotion and if it is worth putting forth the effort required to make a relationship work. I liked Pippa, even as I felt bad for her because of all her fears and anxieties which kept her from enjoying her life and embracing a chance to be with Mal. She obviously has worked very hard to overcome her past and live her life despite the fact that she always believed she would be forced to deal with her past before she could ever have a future.  Mal too has lived through some shit and seeing such a strong man brought so low was heartbreaking.  It was nice to see him coming together with his new team and finding his footing in order to keep Pippa and the rest of the world safe. The fact that his love for her allowed him to heal and move past his trauma was wonderfully done and reminded me why I love Rebecca’s writing so much. The passion between them was sensual and sweet while at the same time healing for them both.  I also feel I have to mention that the side characters in this novel are beyond intriguing and I am really looking forward to their novels, but by far the most entertaining and enjoyable character to get to know was the dog.  I could NOT stop laughing every moment that dog was the focus of conversation or action and I promise you that you will be brought to tears with laughter when you read it too.  There were a few slow moments and there were certainly some terrifying and sad moments, but in the end the series is off to a great start and I am looking forward to what comes next.

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

Review: Everbound (The Kindred #3)

Everbound (The Kindred #3)

by Donna Grant 

Blurb:

To live in the light, they hunt in the dark…

The power of Helena’s magic has made her a target for the Coven. She wanted no part in the war of the witches, but it’s out of her hands now. She has to make a stand--and she does that by helping the Hunters and their allies against their common enemy. And now, the witch who ripped Helena’s future apart is coming. Sybbyl’s vengeance is swift and terrible, pitting the two against each other. But Helena doesn’t have to fight the Coven alone. A seductive warlock offers his aid. Helena is hesitant to give her trust to him--because it’s more than her life on the line. It’s her heart, as well.

As the most feared and respected warrior of the Varroki, Jarin is used to being on his own. But with the Coven’s quest to find the bones of the First Witch escalating, he finds it increasingly difficult to retain his solitary existence. When Jarin encounters Helena, he is helpless to resist her. She’s everything he didn’t know he wanted and so much more, and with her help, he’s convinced that maybe his people can finally defeat their foe. But there’s so much more at play than they know—ties in blood and sacrifice—and the loss that’s sure to follow may be greater than any of them can bear.

Themes:  Paranormal, Witches

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The Kindred series is one that I got into simply because I am hooked on anything that Donna Grant send to my bookshelf, but I find that the more I learn about this interesting and unique world, the more I enjoy about it. The series is set in an alternate historical world, mostly what I would classify as medieval times, but with lot of twists of the world. In it there are factions of magic users, good and evil, the most evil being the Coven.  The Coven is a terrifying group of witches that are attempting to take over the world, in order to remake it where they are in power, but luckily there stand a few good magic users and warriors that are willing to fight against them. This story picks up right where the previous one left off, with Helena on the run from the Coven and the Varroki warrior, Jarin nipping at their heels to try to kill them. Jarin comes across the almost dead, sexy, young witch and he is compelled to keep her safe, feeling an electric pull to her that he doesn’t even fully understand.  Once Helena is up on her feet again, they go on the hunt together for Sybbyl, taking the fight to her in hopes of keeping Helena safe.  However, as they learn more about Helena’s true nature and spend more and more time together, Jarin and Helena’s connection deepens into a love that neither of them is willing to lose, despite being dedicated to their duty.  But when the worst happens, Jarin and Helena have to decide if their relationship is a strength or a weakness.  Helena was a woman after my own heart, determined to take a stand against the Coven and protect those weaker than her, even knowing that she might have to make the ultimate sacrifice.  I enjoyed seeing her kicking ass and at the same time seeing her falling in love with Jarin gave her a softer side; she truly was the ultimate heroine of her own life’s story, even if she had to lean on Jarin a few times. Jarin is a steady and sweet man from beginning to end, except when he is faced with the chance that he might lose the love of his life when he becomes just like any other man and loses his shit.  Jarin has lived his whole life focused on his duty to defeating the Coven, but once Helena enters his life, he begins to see that maybe there is more to life that just plodding through fighting day in and day out with no reward or personal goal for himself to have a life.  The magic and mayhem in this world is interesting to read, and the mythology that is shared and twisted throughout is beyond intriguing, especially to a pagan like me that has made a lifelong study of theology and paganism specifically. Grant manages to weave enough history, truths, and common myth through her world that you don’t feel overly isolated or separated from the world she’s built.  I am dying to find out what comes next after that VERY sad and slightly unsatisfying ending, but I can see it might have been needed in order to keep the momentum of the series going.  All I can say is that this Sybbyl bitch had better get what is coming to her soon or I might go a little bit nuts.

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

ARC Review: Hope's Wish (Guarded Souls #2)

Hope's Wish (Guarded Souls #2)

by Lexxie Couper

Blurb:

It’s not the lamp she needs to rub…

Investigative journalist, Tahlee Hope is fierce, stubborn, and doesn’t pull punches. Overhearing a political assassination plot, her life is now in serious danger. No biggie for Tahlee. All in a day’s work. She’s not prepared, however, for the security agent assigned to protect her: James Hastin, the man who changed everything in her life three years ago, and then disappeared without a trace.

Summoned and trapped by a desperate sorcerer, James Hastin has been living amongst man for centuries. Life as a secret djinn in today’s society isn’t all that bad. Getting the rush of granting wishes is easy, he’s never felt the need to tap into his darker side, and he loves his job at Guarded Souls Security and Protection. Of course, there’s the little issue of the fatal curse placed upon him by the bastard sorcerer, but as long as he’s careful he should be okay. And then Tahlee Hope—his only weakness—enters his life. Again.

Their history will either make them stronger, or bring about the end of the world. Yes, the stakes really are that high…

Themes:  Paranormal, Witches

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

So nothing on a cool rainy night beats a sensual and sexy story about a man, even one with a little something extra, finally coming face-to-face with his past and having to accept fate.  When I was offered the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest opinion I had to rush to read the first story in the series, and while I am a huge fan of everything I have ever read by Lexxie, this series was not shaping up to be my favorite.  I almost changed my mind and sent the story back, but figured I was already in for a penny so I started James and Tahlee’s story with a bit of a chip on my shoulder having not loved Nathaniel’s.  However, I can honestly say that I had to eat my shoe in this case because James’s story was way more in line with what I would have expected from the greatness that is Lexxie Couper.   Not only is she a mistress of sensual intensity between her characters, she always manages to squeeze in laughter, sweetness and a deep love that is undeniable; in this series we are even getting a bit more with the supernatural angle as each of her main characters comes with a  special POV, in this case James being a millennia old Djinn. James has lived millennia trapped in our realm, but no one has ever affected him the way Tahlee Hope does, and now he has come face-to-face with her for the first time in years after he walked out on their lives abruptly.  Tahlee is stunned to see James in the private security firm that has been pushed on her, for her own safety after she stumbles into some political intrigue, but  she is just as determined that he not disappear again until he answers her questions as to why and where he disappeared to. When the truth of his existence and their lives together is thrust into Tahlee’s sheltered existence, they have to cope together with their new relationship, because neither of them is willing to give up their chance at a new life together. I loved seeing the playful, frat boy-esque James finally have a serious side and of course when his woman was in danger the alpha and dangerous man was willing to do just about anything to keep her safe despite her fighting him at every turn.  The true depth of his devotion was heart wrenching and brought me to tears, but the level of love that he shows made me beyond jealous. Tahlee is definitely the type of woman I want to be when I grow up (giggle); she is full of sass and snark, without being mean about it and has a courage that is undeniable.  When she accepts the reasons and forgives her man, she doesn’t hold a grudge and expresses her own love for the man that never really gave back the heart he stole.  The danger these two have faced for so long, just to have a chance together for a life, shows that the two of them above just about any other characters I’ve read, deserved their HEA.  Lexxie unleashes the sexual passion between her characters of course, but the sensual sweetness and emotional depth is just as obvious to readers and makes the story truly great.  I enjoyed James and Tahlee’s story of hope and redemption, and I am looking forward to the next story—Kitt’s story I hope—in the series soon.  One can never truly go wrong with a Lexxie Couper romance, but Hope’s Wish is a truly amazing tale of love, loss, and passion unleashed on an unsuspecting world.

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

Review: Protected (Deadly Secrets #3)

Protected (Deadly Secrets #3)

by Elisabeth Naughton

Blurb:

Up-and-coming designer Kelsey McClane is on the cusp of success. Recently divorced, she should be enjoying her newfound freedom and glamorous future. Instead, she’s living in fear of the past. When she returns home to Portland on a press tour, danger creeps closer than ever. As threatening messages from her bitter ex-husband leave her vulnerable, a new man in her life makes her feel protected.

Former Army Ranger turned security professional Hunter O’Donnell is hired to guard Kelsey. When a shattering explosion rocks her world, Kelsey’s ex is the prime suspect, but Hunter speculates there’s more to the situation than Kelsey’s letting on. Intent on keeping her safe, he delves into Kelsey’s past. As the two work together to unmask her stalker’s identity, a fire ignites between them that they both struggle to contain.

While the investigation proceeds, it draws them closer not only to each other but also to a lethal plot that’s been in the works behind their backs. And with each new secret unveiled, it’s not just temptation putting them at risk—it’s a madman who will not stop until Kelsey is dead.

Themes: Contemporary, Suspense

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating:  

Review:

 The third McClane sibling has found love, in the most unlikely of places and definitely the most unfortunate of times. I am a huge fan of Elisabeth Naughton, and as I read more of her romantic suspense novels I become even more enamored of her writing. I am really enjoying this series and learning more about this amazing family of siblings-by-circumstance. Naughton has a way of making readers understand even the most outlandish things that can happen in this day and age.  These novels may have had the basic thread of being about a single family, but otherwise the stories are so original and unique to each sibling that the series continues to be an amazing experience to enjoy.  Kelsey and Hunter have had a chemistry from the very beginning of their adult acquaintance, once they understood neither of them were children any longer.  While she has gone through a lot in her relationship past, with a bastard of an ex-husband still stalking her and Hunter has pushed every woman away, thinking love isn’t real. Kelsey has finally taken control of her life, getting her fledgling clothing design firm off the ground, finalizing her divorce, and truly moving on, when suddenly her life is in danger and the world around her no longer makes sense. When Hunt steps in at her brothers’ request to provide her with protection, he is determined to make sure that nothing stands in the way of his mission.  As they are faced with continuous danger, they get closer to one another and each comes to understand that the feelings they both pushed deep down years ago never really died.  But when danger gets too close, Kelsey and Hunt have to come together to keep themselves and their family safe or lose it all.  I loved seeing Hunt and Kelsey find a way to get past each of their issues and find a way to truly come together.  Kelsey has had a rocky past since the beginning of her life, more even than she knew until this story unfolded, and has let it color a lot of the way she looks at men and the world.  Hunt too has let his past mistakes with women and his father’s mistakes as well keep him from embracing life. Once they each learned from those mistakes and let go of their fears, Kelsey and Hunt found a truly lasting and deep love that will allow them build a life together.  I enjoyed the emotions that were exposed and worked through in the most interesting of ways in this novel, even if there were a few times I wanted to slap either or both of them for the way they reacted or even overreacted to the problems they faced. I am looking forward to the last siblings' story and imagine it will be a real doozy considering all that happened to the others.  Kelsey and Hunt were magic together and this family just gets better and better.  Keep the magic coming, Elisabeth.

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

ARC Review: Sweet-Loving Cowboy (Kinky Spurs #2)

Sweet-Loving Cowboy (Kinky Spurs #2)

by Stacey Kennedy

Blurb:

Harper McKinney finished culinary school with big dreams. Right now, she’s a bartender at Kinky Spurs. While she’s content with her life, her brother is determined that she make a name for herself, because he wants her far away from what he deems a trashy bar. But Harper refuses to go anywhere. She’s in love with her brother’s best friend, Chase Blackshaw, and that love is keeping her in River Rock.

After the death of Chase’s father, he’s the one responsible for running the construction of the Blackshaw Cattle Company’s guest ranch. Back in the day, he had dreams of opening a construction company, but lack of finances kept him working for the family’s cattle ranch. Now with the responsibility of his family’s guest ranch on his shoulders those dreams seem far away. Though he has bigger problems. His build is failing the inspections.

Now Chase has more trouble on his hands. Harper, the woman he’s forbidden to ever touch has decided to move to Las Vegas. She isn’t so little anymore, and Chase is finding her all too tempting. She’s also not shy about what she wants. Him. Naked. And giving her some sweet lovin’ in all the kinky ways he craves. But neither Chase nor Harper can anticipate the fate that awaits them if they dare give in to their desires, as Chase soon learns there is something far worse than not being able to live out his dreams. It’s being given the chance to live out his dreams but having to watch Harper lose hers.

Themes:  Contemporary, Cowboys

Rating:  3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 So the Blackshaw men strike again… and they are as kinky as ever.  I am a fan of Stacey Kennedy’s work and am really enjoying this newest series, revolving around a family of cattle ranchers and the women that steal their hearts.  The second brother Chase has fallen in love with his best friend’s little sister and though he has resisted her for months, ever since he began noticing her as a woman, it has become too much.  Harper has been in love with Chase for a long time, or at least in lust with him, but she knows his bro-code won’t allow him to cross that line, even though he is the only guy she’s ever really wanted in their little town.  When she finally decides she has put her dreams on hold, waiting for him, long enough, the tables are suddenly turned and Chase is ready to give her everything her heart and body desires.  Chase knows that she is leaving in a week and he refuses to stand in the way of her dreams, but he can’t stop himself from taking her before she leaves.  Embarking on a fast and passionate affair, Chase and Harper are soon both swept into the maelstrom of their cravings and desires, but it’s the emotional connection that neither of them can deny that leaves them wondering if they have made a mistake.  Both begin to question if a week-long affair is enough, or if their future could be something so much more, something a lot more permanent, despite the forces against them and the fears they will have to overcome.   Chase was the ultimate gentleman cowboy, sweet and caring in all ways except in the bedroom where he is hot and kinky—and boy did I love every second of seeing that man in action. It is obvious that he has a connection to Harper that scares him, but he refuses to be the determent to her dreams, but at the same time he never holds back those emotions from her, giving her all of himself despite those fears and the trouble he knows it will cause. Harper is a little bit lost, mainly because she has let life pull her along ever since the sudden loss of her parents, never really digging deep to find out what, beyond Chase, she truly wants for herself out of life.  I enjoyed watching her grow and find a way to embrace her independence, even though she was afraid that it would cause a rift between Chase and her brother, she isn’t willing to give up Chase without giving them a true chance.  I really liked this story, and the sensuality of the passion between Chase and Harper left me a lot warm more often than not, and I could see that heat keeping their relationship deep and fulfilled for a long time to come.  I am looking forward to Nash’s story next and I suspect I know who his woman will be and can see the storm that will cause coming a mile away, yee-haw!  Another fun and sexy read for sure, Ms. Kennedy.

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