Review: Badger to the Bone (Honey Badger Chronicles #3)

Badger to the Bone (Honey Badger Chronicles #3)

by Shelly Laurenston

 Blurb:

She's the woman he's been hired to kidnap. But ZeZé Vargas has other ideas . . . like getting them both out of this nightmare alive. Just one problem. She's crazy. Certifiably. Because while he's plotting their escape, the petite Asian beauty is plotting something much more deadly . . .

Max "Kill It Again" MacKilligan has no idea what one of her own is doing with all these criminal humans until she realizes that Zé has no idea who or what he is. Or exactly how much power he truly has.

But Max is more than happy to bring this handsome jaguar shifter into her world and show him everything he's been missing out on. A move that might be the dumbest thing she's ever done once she realizes how far her enemies will go to wipe her out. Too bad for them Zé is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her alive . . . and honey badgers are just so damn hard to kill!

Themes:  Paranormal, Shifters

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

So, let’s be honest, if you are looking for a normal, run of the mill romance novel, even with the hints of paranormal that many enjoy, you are not gonna find it with this author. Shelly Laurenston once against takes us into the wild and slightly psychotic world of the shifters that she has made so many of us love.  In this story, the final MacKilligan honey badger sister has found her mate in the most unexpected of men and ways.  Max is the craziest of the sisters (and that is saying something) and she is definitely the one most likely to kill you with a blank face and never think about you again.  She has gotten herself kidnapped in order to find the asshole that has it out for her, but when she begins her plan to escape she finds herself faced with a male that really shouldn’t be there and has to kidnap him right back to keep him safe.  Zézé is an uncover operative trying to keep Max safe, but he has no clue that he is actually a shifter until he wakes up to find himself in her home and his life completely blown apart when he learns the truth of the world and himself.  Soon he learns that Max is even more insane than he originally thought, but he is drawn to her inexplicably and as he gets deeper into this new world he knows that he won’t be letting her go.  Enemies are crawling out of the woodwork after Max though and only with her whole family and her team can she and Zé overcome the killers after her and survive through the war.  Max has been my favorite sister since we first met the honey badgers, simply because she is unapologetically out of her damn mind and I love that confidence.  She obviously has her own issues with her father, her past, and the way her life has shaped up, but overall she is happy in her life and just wants to live it without enemies coming after her or her sisters for once.  It was amazing seeing her craziness used for good and the way she embraced Zé and helped him, in her own weird way, to find his way through their world. Zé is a man that has no idea of the real world around him until he stumbles into it by accident.  His adaptability and lack of judgment as he gets to know Max makes me like him more and more, showing that he truly is a good male even if he is just so CAT.  I liked watching him find his footing in the world of the shifters and in the process coming to fully embrace his own true nature.  It was great seeing Max and Zé as they fell into love, starting of course with lust, and you can see they will make a great pair as they live together for years to come.  My favorite part of course was seeing all the previous couples from way back, even years back, in previous series in Laurenston’s shifter world, and spotting all those hints of characters I knew and loved in the past.  I am dying to find out if more of Max’s girls are going to get their owns stories in the future because these honey badger women are just too good to not see in action more and more.  Another crazy-as-hell addition to a series by a woman that most would probably say is certifiably insane, but can definitely write a story that makes me laugh so hard I cry.

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

Review: Lethal Nights (Brute Force #3)

Lethal Nights (Brute Force #3)

by Lora Leigh

Blurb:

Ilya Dragonovich is no stranger to the dark side. As a safe-house owner for security agency Brute Force, Dragon knows that the battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man―and, sometimes, a beautiful woman…

Emma Jane Preston needs help. After her marriage crumbled, she believed she could get back to a normal, happy life. But her ex-husband moved among some shady characters, and now she needs the kind of protection that comes at a cost―one that only someone like Dragon can provide. But can Emma Jane trust this handsome, undercover operator to keep her safe when she is in danger of falling into the arms of the deeply seductive, fiery Dragon. . .and never letting go?

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 3.5  stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 This is a series that gets more and more confusing and tangled for me, trying to decipher the good guys from the bad, but at the same time it does show that most of humanity lives in shades of gray not just the black and white of good and evil.  The series revolves around a group of shadowy criminals that have come together to try to eliminate a bit of the worst of their kind, teaming up with law enforcement and a secret organization to keep the innocent safe.  Ilya is the second-in-command for a well-known criminal and not exactly a good guy, but he is definitely a man that can be counted on in a pinch and certainly sexy as all get out.  He has been a little bit obsessed with Emma Jane ever since she came onto his radar and now that she is in danger because of that association he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means finally claiming her despite not believing he is the best man for her.  Emma Jane has been always attracted to her sexy Dragon, but Ilya scares her just a bit at the same time. When she is almost killed and he arrives at her home her life changes forever and she soon finds that the attraction between them is no longer deniable, and she doesn’t actually want to deny it anymore.  I liked Emma Jane a lot as she stood up for herself, even against Ilya and his high-handedness, and she was unwilling to just let him take over her life without explanation or communication.  She knows that she is coming to care for Ilya and that she would love to have him in her life, but she won’t stand for anything less than everything from the man she loves ever again. Ilya was a bit of an ass and I didn’t care for him most of the time.  He doesn’t seem to be able to make a decision and stick to it when it comes to Emma Jane, instead pulling and pushing her and never fully embracing the love she could offer him until its almost too late.  That to me showed too much of a lack of respect for the woman he claims to love.  In the end I enjoyed the story despite so many little things bugging me, but I’m not sure I will continue the series to be honest.  While there is definitely passion between the characters, there needs to be more between them and more in the plot that grabs my interest to keep me interested.  We shall see if I come back for more, but I am glad Ilya and Emma Jane finally got their HEA.

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

Review: Seduce Me with Sapphires (The London Jewels Trilogy #2)

Seduce Me with Sapphires (The London Jewels Trilogy #2)

by Jane Feather

Blurb:

FLAWED CUT...

The Honorable Miss Fenella Grantley has a secret: she’s been taking drama classes and longs to be an actress. Ladies of her standing don’t appear on stage, but Fenella has never been one for society’s rules. She’s quite excited to take on the challenge of reading the leading role in a new play—until she meets the playwright. Toeing the line between infuriating and irresistible, his first impression leaves a lot to be desired...

OR A RARE FIND?

Edward Tremayne, illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton, scorned the ton years ago, making his own way in the world, and pursuing his literary gifts on the side. The only thing he misses from his old world is Fenella. Since seeing her at a ball when she was a young debutante, he’s never forgotten her. Now that fate has reunited them, Edward’s determined to make her his leading lady—in every way. But the only thing they see eye to eye on is their intense passion for each other. And it just may take a massive misunderstanding for their love to get on the same precious page...

Themes:  Historical

Rating:  4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The outrageous women that cannot be forced into the traditional roles of their time are back in this second story in the London Jewels Trilogy by Jane Feather.  I really enjoyed the first story in the series, despite the little weirdnesses that were in the story here and there and was looking forward to this second story.  Jane Feather has been a favorite historical author of mine for many, many years and her writing and female leads continue to amaze me.  This newest installment revolves around Fenella, a woman that has decided to live a life that she knows will put her on the bad side of most of popular society, but being an actress is the only thing that has ever kept her interest for long enough to bring her happiness.  She has been taking lessons at a small acting academy and now she has the chance to be the lead in a new play, but the playwright is an ass in so many ways.  Edward has lived on the edges of society since his birth, the child of a wealthy man and his actress mother, his label as the bastard son is one he embraces now. Edward knows that he has to have Fenella as the lead in his play and he is willing to work with her every step of the way to make it happen.  As they work together to make the play happen they both come to understand that their feelings for one another are more than just actress and playwright.  Soon their emotions are even more involved in their relationship than in their work and they have to find a way to be together despite all their differences and the obstacles in their way.  I enjoyed getting to know Fenella and seeing her finding her footing in their personal and professional lives.  She was a brave and sweet woman who knows how to work with the people around her to get what she needs, but at the same time she pushes those around her to be better people. She obviously loves Edward despite his many flaws and knows that he needs to make a success of his life in order to be happy and have a chance at a future together.  Edward on the other hand was a bit of an ass most of the time, making me want to slap him, but I suppose that most would just write it off as artistic temperament. Personally I think he is just an entitled ass that doesn’t understand that there are good people in the world willing to love and care for him enough to offer to love and help him, so, much like a beaten dog, he attacks first when someone puts a hand out to him in support.  Despite all that, in the end I came to see that Edward was the only man for Fenella and they were a perfect match for one another.  I enjoyed watching them embrace their passionate natures and explore their love and the heat between them.  I am looking forward to the next and last installment in the series for sure and I cannot imagine just how crazy that one could get knowing the outrageous personalities of these ladies.

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

Review: Deadly Surrender (The Serafina: Sin City #5)

Deadly Surrender (The Serafina: Sin City #5)

by Katie Reus

Blurb:

Getting too close could end their friendship…

Good old-fashioned heartbreak sent Grace running to Las Vegas for a new start. There, she has the support of a college buddy and her social group, which includes Logan…funny, sexy, protective Logan MacNeil. They’ve become close friends, but that’s all Grace is willing to offer. Logan’s a known player, and Grace has been hurt enough for one lifetime, thanks. Getting left at the altar will do that to a woman.

Being apart could end their lives…

Logan’s reputation is more than a little exaggerated, and he’s never cared. Until Grace. She’s worth risking his heart again, if he can convince the brave, independent woman he’s not the playboy he seems. Right now she needs a friend…and a protector. Someone has already targeted them both—twice. Logan suspects he gained an enemy for his part in his boss’s recent failed business deal. But until he’s sure, he’s keeping Grace close. Achingly, torturously close… And when things turn deadly, he’ll lay everything on the line to make her his.

Themes:  Contemporary, Friends-to-Lovers

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The long-awaited return to the Serafina series has arrived and Logan gives us a story of love and honor that reminds us that not everyone gets it right on the first try, but hopefully we all ends up with the right person in the end.  Katie Reus is for sure a favorite author of mine and I loved this series when it first came out last year, a spin-off of her ---- series.  When the series ended rather abruptly many readers began begging for Logan to get his won story, having gotten to know him when his twin, Roman, fell in love.  Well the wait is finally over and it was worth every moment.  Grace moved to Vegas a few years earlier after a rather disastrous ending to her engagement left her unwilling to stay in the same town as her ex.  Since then she has made a lot of friends and in building her life up, but she’s not exactly a party girl, a teacher with a quite life, except the one bit of excitement in her life is her best friend Logan.  He lights her up and makes her burn anytime he is on her mind on in her presence but she knows his reputation and isn’t willing to trust him with her heart.  Logan has been falling in love with Grace since the moment he met her, but she won’t let him out of the friend-zone.   One wild night changes everything when she let’s down her guard and he gets her into his bed, but she pulls away just as quickly.  Soon he is back pining for the woman that makes him burn and leaves him aching for a life he can’t seem to grab ahold of.   When danger follows him home, putting Grace directly into the cross hairs, there is no way he will let her be in danger because of him, so he pulls her into a protective detail that will put the heat level between them up to a thousand.  Running for their lives doesn’t seem to stop the passion between them and if only they can slow down long enough to actually talk about the future, they might both come to understand that fate has brought them together and they are the perfect pair.  Log is such a big sweetheart, as is apparent from the first moment he appear in this book (for those who hadn’t already met him), and his protective streak is as deep as the Grand Canyon.  Whether he is fighting for their lives or showing Grace how much he appreciates her passion, his dedication in everything he does makes him the ultimate good guy and the type of alpha male that I always love to read about.  I loved seeing him in action both bringing down the bad guys and finally getting a chance to work his magic on Grace.  Grace is a woman who was burned badly in the past, and understandably has her doubts about starting a relationship with someone she thinks is a player, but at the same time I wish she had opened up to Logan a little more sooner.   Once she did begin to see him for the man he truly was, letting her perceptions go, I like her a lot more and began to appreciate her character.  I enjoyed seeing her working alongside Logan when they were on the run and while she was so obviously way out of her depth, she refused to give up or become a damsel in distress, fighting for her man and standing up for those that were in danger around her.  I loved the chemistry between Logan and Grace, but the laughter and sweetness of their relationship was just as fun to read about, building a solid base for them to build their lives on.  I am hoping this wasn’t the end of the return to the Serafina series, but if it was, it was a great way to go out to be sure.  Way to go Katie, another masterpiece.

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

Review: Wicked Sinner (Dangerous Love #2)

Wicked Sinner (Dangerous Love #2)

by Stacey Kennedy

Blurb:

Asher Sullivan was once Remy Brennan's entire world--until he broke her heart into a million pieces. So when Asher crashes her wedding, Remy is certain he's come to claim her. To make her his again. Instead, it turns out Remy's groom is a con man scheming for her inheritance. Now all she's left with is an empty bank account, a serious case of lust for her gorgeous ex...and a duffel bag of cold, hard cash that might just fix all her problems.

Detective Asher Sullivan has always protected Remy. So when dangerous criminals start threatening her, Asher's most primitive instincts take over. Sticking by Remy's side means Asher is finally able to make amends for leaving her all those years ago. And soon they're giving in to their wicked, insatiable need. But just as Asher gets his second chance, a secret Remy is keeping could rip her away from him...forever.

Themes:  Erotica, Second-Chance Romance

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

We’ll Asher finally did it; he found a way to prevent Remy from making the mistake of her life, but boy could his timing have been better.  We have been waiting for this one because we knew that Asher was going to make an ass of himself and that there was no way that these two were going to resist one another once Remy was no longer engaged.  Stacey Kennedy has a way of bringing out the best and worst in her lovers at the same time and we can always tell that some things are inevitable.  Asher lost his way a decade ago when he lost him mother and willingly walked away from the love of his life, but he’s back and trying to make amends, if not win her back.  He has given up on the idea of love for himself, not trusting in the foundation of marriage or believing that he can give Remy the life she deserves.  Remy lost everything when Asher walked away, losing her grandmother shortly after that, and she hasn’t been able to get her life back on track since.  Though she understand why he broken up her wedding, she still can’t come to terms with her feelings for him as he tries to be friends and give her the support that just breaks her heart.  When she gets and unexpected windfall, allowing her to finally achieve her dream of opening the shop she and her grandmother always dreamed of, Asher is right there offering his support and help, but when an unexpected anger comes into her life he is also the only man that can save her.   Spending so much time together, the sparks are flying between Remy and Asher, and while they are both willing to fall into bed, neither of them seem willing to give into the emotional pull that has never truly gone away.  Now the danger is escalating and Remy has to decide is giving in to Asher’s protective nature is worth the pain to her heart to keep herself alive, or if she will be the one stepping back to protect him this time.  I seriously loved both of these idiots, despite them both making stupid decisions again and again, because they were just so human that it made them believable characters in such an unbelievable circumstance.  Asher made a serious mistake when he was younger, despite making it for what he thought was a good reason, and he is owning up to that mistake and trying to find a way back into Remy’s life and heart.  I loved seeing him learning and coming to understand that pain is just a part of life and that his parent’s mistakes and pitfalls of a relationship don’t have to be his own as long as he doesn’t let them be. I would love to find my own Asher, one that I could teach that love beats all as long as you stop fighting against it every step of the way, because sometimes destiny and fate truly do know what’s best for you.  Remy is a true believer in the magic; she believes that magic is everywhere and that the love she has for her family and friends fuels that magic.   She wants so badly to trust in Asher again, but he’s hurt her in such a way that trusting in him again is almost impossible until she comes to see why he made the decision he made.  I liked Remy, despite her making a few very bad decisions, and I could see myself being friends with her quite easily.  The heat between Asher and Remy was meteoric and left me needing ice more than once as I read their story, but the best part of all was the HEA they found once they opened their hearts again and let them self settle into love.  I am DYING for the finale story in the series, Ruthless Bastard, and just know that Regan and Kinsey will lead us on a merry chase before they find their own HEA.  Stacey Kennedy once again burns down the house and leaves the reader begging for more.

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

Review: The Intended Victim (The Agency #4)

The Intended Victim (The Agency #4)

by Alexandra Ivy 

Blurb:

ONCE, SHE GOT AWAY

The body lying on a cold steel slab bears all the hallmarks of the Chicago Butcher. There’s a cruel slash across her throat, deep enough to sever the carotid artery, and a small crescent carved into her right breast. Her delicate features are painfully familiar to Ash Marcel, once a rising star in the Chicago PD. But though the victim resembles his former fiancée, Remi Walsh, he knows it’s not her.

BUT THIS TIME

Though Remi escaped a serial killer five years ago, her father died trying to save her. Grief and guilt caused her to pull away from the man she loved. Now Ash is back in her life, insisting that Remi is still in danger.

IT’S A DEAD END . . .

Someone is targeting women who look just like Remi. With or without a badge, Ash intends to unmask the Butcher. But the killer isn’t playing games any longer. He’s moving in, ready to finish what he started, and prove there’s nothing more terrifying than a killer’s obsession . . .

Themes:  Contemporary, Suspense

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Lovers reunited in the wake of a tragic murder lead to an investigation that could leave their world shaken forever and one or both of them in the grave…or bring them back together for a lifetime of love. Alexandra Ivy returns us to her world of Romantic suspense in the Agency series as we get to know more about the Marcel brothers and their investigative skills. Ash Marcel gave us his shield five years before when his partner was murdered, his fiancée almost killed and his world rocked by a vicious serial killer known as the Chicago butcher.  When his brother arrives at his office with the news that a body has surfaced, matching the killer’s MO and looking almost identical to his former fiancée, Ash refuses to let the killer escape justice again or let them have another chance at killing the love of his life.  Remi Walsh lost everything five year earlier at the hands of this killer, but when Ash returns and tells her the killer is at it again and her life is in danger, she’s not sure she can handle being around Ash while he protects her and investigates the murders.  As the killings become more and more terrifying, Ash and Remi learn more about the past and several truth of their past begin to unravel into the lies they truly were, but the love they had for one another is as strong as ever.  Falling back into each other’s arms is a dangerous proposition for them both, but the passion and heat is uncontrollable and becomes too much for them to deny.  When the killer gets close enough to make them fear for their lives, Remi and Ash has to decide if they can trust their rebuilt relationship or if he foundation is too rocky to hold together.  Because this killer is coming after Remi once and for all, and their lives truly do hang in the balance this time.  Ash is the kind of guy that leads every woman to roll their eyes at least once—so protective he will run away instead of sticking close, in some stupid attempt to make it better, which only makes it worse. His brain is certainly a work of art as he works through all of the clues the killer leaves behind, working to unmask them as quickly as possible, but his greatest strength is his heart and determination to protect his loved ones, even if he doesn’t do it in the best ways sometimes. I enjoyed getting to know him and see him as he comes to terms with his pain and found his way back to love with Remi.   Remi is the kind of woman that has had to force herself out of her box all her life to get what she wanted, just not fitting in with her mother or her lifestyle and needing to find her own path in life.  Losing her father, her fiancée, and almost her life left her on shaky ground, but she has managed to build a pretty decent life for herself despite all that. I loved seeing the way she stood up to Ash and forced him to see the true woman she was, not just who he thought she was all these years.  The heat and connection between Ash and Remi was obvious from the beginning and the love was there as well, making this second chance romance sweet and sexy.  And just so you know, you will never guess the killer on this one until the very end. I cannot wait for the next book in the series where the final Marcel brother will fall in love (I hope) and find a woman to meet him step for step as well.  The Agency series is shaping up to be another great one that will be on my recommendation list for a long time to come.

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

Review: Renegade (Knights of Fury #2)

Renegade (Knights of Fury #2)
by Chantal Fernando

Blurb:

Good girl Isabella wouldn’t miss the birth of her sister’s baby for the world. So when her car breaks down and one of the bikers next door offers her a ride to Vegas, it’s too tempting to pass up. Besides, she can think of worse travel conditions than wrapping her arms around Renny, otherwise known as Renegade.

Tall, dark and handsome, the man is pure sex on a Harley.

Between wild parties and rumbling motorcycles, living next to the Knights of Fury MC has always left Isabella curious, but after a night in Vegas, she gets a firsthand taste. Drinks in the club surrounded by burly bikers soon turns into a series of daring decisions, which don’t seem so bad until she wakes up the next morning. Married. To Renny.

Could she be more of a cliché?

Nothing complicates an annulment like lingering temptation, especially when Isabella and Renny give in to their need, putting their marriage where their mouths are. But as Isabella learns what outlaw life is really like, she’ll have to decide if she’s in love with a biker—or in over her head.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 WOW I did NOT see that twist coming. 

The boys are back and they are back in a big way. I have been dying for this story for a while, mainly because I just knew whoever came next was going to have a doozy of a story and I was seriously correct.  Chantal Fernando’s MC series never cease to entertain and grab the heart as she leads her characters through pitfalls of emotional drama, painful traumas, and plot twists that we could never have seen coming. Renegade was a character that we got to know just a little bit in the first story of the series and seeing he was the next to fall was amazing, especially when we saw that his heroine was the sweet and innocent neighbor of the MC club that we met briefly as well. This story has me crying from heartbreak, screaming in anger, and wallowing in chocolate right alongside her characters as they worked their way through their relationship in order to find their way to a life together.  Isabella is running to Vegas to try to be there in time for her sister’s labor and delivery when her car craps out on her.  Luckily her knight on a shining steed arrives in the form of her sexy neighbors from the Knights of Fury MC.  Renegade, aka Renny, offers to let her ride with him and a few of the boys to Vegas as they are headed that way and she agrees, despite some reluctance, knowing she doesn’t have much option.   But on the way home the boys lead her into a night of fun and temptation that leads to her married to Renny and feeling that connection and attraction even more than she imagined.  But once she’s fallen in love with him,  the truths of their life lead Isabella to ask some hard questions and Renny has his work cut out for him in order to prove that his feeling for her are true and just as deep as hers.  Can these two get through past the dangerous lifestyle of the MC in order to settle into a life of love and happiness together?  I loved this story despite all the tears and screams, mainly because it was very realistic, with both Isabella and Renny allowing their shit to get in the way just like we real life idiots do, but thankfully they managed to overcome everything and find a way to come together.  Renegade is hot as hell, let’s be honest, but he was also an idiot a lot and made so many mistakes that I wanted to kick his ass quite a few times.  His alpha and protective nature made him a double-edged sword to Isabella’s independent nature, but I loved how sweet he was trying to give her everything he thought she needed.  Isabella too and her moment she needed a pop to the back of the head to be brought to her senses, which her sister gave her thankfully, to keep her from making lifelong mistakes.  Her independence is understandable given her lie to this point, and oddly she has maintained a sweetness and optimism that was unexpected.  They perfectly balanced one another and made the perfect pair and I enjoyed seeing the passion and chemistry that they shared every moment they were near one another or even just thinking of one another.  I am DYING for the next book, Temper, because I can already tell that one will be amazing and the one that will come after that I suspect will be a killer too as I suspect Isabella and Temper’s siblings will be coming together at some point in the future to find love.  Keep this amazing series rolling please Chantal!

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