Review: Kiss Hard (Hard Play #4)

Kiss Hard (Hard Play #4)

by Nalini Singh

Blurb:

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who's got the world at his feet. There's just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis--Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she's not about to allow Danny "Hotshot" Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn't cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies... until a stranger's reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating:  4.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 I am sad to say that the time finally came and I could no longer put off reading the final Esera brothers’ love story, bringing an ending to an epic family of sexy men from Nalini Singh. I have put off reading this one because I hated to see the ending, but I couldn’t fight it any longer and I am so glad I finally caved. This is the story of the youngest Esera brother and the sister-in-law of the oldest brother as a matter of fact, bringing everything full circle and uniting the two families in a second level of greatness and love that these girls sadly lacked most of their lives, one that will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart when they finally get their HEA. Daniel and Catie have been antagonistic toward one another in the public eye since the beginning of their careers, but when they are in private, mostly as family events, the frenemies behavior is still filled with sass, but with an underlying understanding that they would do anything for one another.  Catie runs into Danny in a very vulnerable situation and in doing all she can to protect him, ends up putting them into a very public and terrifying situation—they must pretend to be lovers unless they want to risk their budding careers.  But the pretense soon becomes so much more and as their feelings for one another come to light, the emotional danger puts them both into an even more dangerous situation than just career concerns.  Can these two former nemeses find a way to accept their new love for one another despite their fears and faults or will they be torn apart forever? OMFG what a story; obviously I have read many story of enemies-to-lovers but none as subtly or beautifully woven as Catie and Danny’s story, with so many secrets, pitfalls, and emotional dangers.  I loved seeing Danny grow up and come to understand that he was more than just the youngest Esera in the Rugby dynasty, instead he has so much himself of his own passions to offer Catie and the world.  His sweetness, bravery, wit, and sexiness are overshadowed so often by his strength of character, determination, and love for others that you can see he will make a wonderful husband and father.  Catie has had so much tragedy and suffering in her young life, but she continues to push forward, not allowing others to look down on her or treat as less than she is, even though she often projects that attitude in a combative way. That chip on her shoulder often comes across as aggressive, but Danny (and others that love her) see the sweetness and softness she hides from most and know to protect and support the woman underneath the brashness she portrays to the world.  I loved watching these two come together, not just in momentary passion, but in a love that will last them a lifetime, and the love that blossomed still carried the spice and thorniness of their feisty relationship which remained hilarious.  While I’m sad to see the series end, I look forward to seeing what contemporary series Ms. Singh might send our way next as I have loved the last two series immensely.   With passion, wit, and sultry settings Ms. Singh’s contemporary romances leave you wondering why you haven’t moved “down under” in search of your own hottie yet!

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

Review: Taming Her Highland Legend (Time to Love a Highlander #2)

Taming Her Highland Legend (Time to Love a Highlander #2)

by Maeve Greyson

Blurb:

“Take thirty days off or you’re fired.” To 21st century Dr. Evie Wortham, confirmed Londoner and obsessively driven surgeon; her hospital’s ultimatum of thirty days leave in the calming wilderness of the Scottish Highlands so she can get a handle on her anger issues means one thing: unbearable boredom. But she agrees out of pity for her best friend who Human Resources nominated to pass out the punishment. That and the fact that she did massively overstep her bounds this time—even by her standards. So, she heads to her friend’s cottage on the outskirts of Inverness for a month of hiking, biking, and becoming one with nature. But a climb behind a waterfall to rescue a kitten with an odd fondness for water permanently strikes the word boredom from her vocabulary. Instead of finding the cat when she emerges on the other side, she discovers a man with a bloody gash in his head floating face down in the pool below.

When Chieftain Quinn MacTaggart opens his eyes to the lovely, but strangely dressed Englishwoman, he’s certain the enemy has captured him. He’d put nothing past Edward I’s arrogance and determination to break Scotland, especially after the sacking of Berwick. But when the sharp-tongued lass turns out to be an extraordinary healer and confesses England has banished her, honor demands he not only offer her the protection of his clan, but the added safety of taking his name. After all, she did save his life. And not only is she fearless, canny, and filled with fire, but bonny as a prize filly. What better choice for a wife? The arrangement could serve them both.

Finding herself trapped in 13th century Scotland, Evie has no choice but to accept Quinn’s offer of protection. While she had always thought to marry for love, marrying to stay alive seems a good enough reason, too. What she didn’t count on was falling in love. Or how hard it would be to hide the truth of her past from Quinn. And then there’s the assassin intent on killing her new husband. Who knew there could be so many obstacles to wedded bliss?

Themes:  Historical

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 The time travel continues in the second installment of Maeve Greyson’s newest series and I have to say I liked this one even more, probably because I found myself relating to the attitude and circumstances of this heroine so much.  For fans of Outlander and the premise of time displaced characters, this series is one that you can really sink your teeth into and enjoy for all the laughter, tears, and sweetness as the characters find love, drama, and danger in their journey to an HEA together. Dr. Evie Wortham is on her last chance to save her job due to her attitude and her boss and longtime friend sends her on a mandatory vacation to the Scottish highlands.  She has only been there less than a few hours, having crossed a terrifying waterfall and feeling a little lost, when she finds a half-naked and injured man floating down the river that she is determined to save despite her surroundings and limited supplies. Chieftain Quinn MacTaggart opens his eyes after being attacked and barely surviving to find himself faced with a bossy and strangely dressed lass who demands his compliance and spouts all kinds of strange words as she cares for his injuries.  Both Evie and Quinn believe they are in the right on their situation, but neither truly understands that Evie has been thrown back in time over 800 years until they can no longer deny the truth.  Evie comes to understand she has no chance of getting how and no choice but to move forward in her new life and making a life with the sexy highlander can’t be all bad, but soon she finds herself in deep with him.  The problem is that even as Quinn and Evie fall in love and being to make a life, there is a dangerous killer out to end Quinn’s leadership of the clan and if might coast them both their lives if they can’t uncover the assassin once and for all.  I really loved and connected with Evie in a lot of ways, having been in her shoes more than once with my own work situation and knowing how it feels to just be over other people’s inability to live up to my expectations.  I loved seeing her unwind a little bit, even if it was forced on her, but when she was faced with this new world she really shined, her knowledge and skills as well as bravery and defense of those in need made her loved by many in Quinn’s clan right away.  She was sweet and sassy, but her true strength was in the way she gave of herself again and again, even when those she helped didn’t deserve it.  She stands up for herself, even to the point it almost costs her life, but her independence an unwillingness to bend her morals reminded me a lot off myself. I liked getting to know Quinn, even if there were a few times he was seriously an ass and I wished I could slap him myself. He is obviously smart, brave, and protective of those he takes under his wing, but he allows his fears and shortsightedness to almost cost him the best thing to ever come into his life.  Once he takes his head out of his ass and admits to his feelings I liked him a lot more and he became the perfect mate for Evie and the best leader for his people, just in time truly.  I loved the playfulness and passion these two inspired in one another as they spent time together and got to know one another.  I am dying to know what type of lady will find herself time displaced next in this series and what kind of adventure she will find as she falls in love in Maeve’s fun Time to Love a Highlander series.

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

Review: Tiger's Daughter (Shifters Unbound #14)

Tiger's Daughter (Shifters Unbound #14)

by Jennifer Ashley 

Blurb:

The mate bond has never been this strong …

Connor Morrissey hits his Transition—hard—and Shiftertown braces for chaos. His transformation into a fully adult Shifter comes early and is lightning fast, heightened by Connor’s very special heritage. Connor spirals out of control, ready to fight for his place in the hierarchy, and his instincts tell him his place is very high.

Only the touch of Tiger-girl cuts across Connor’s pain …

She’s there for him, beautiful, powerful, but a fish out of water, struggling to makes sense of the real world. As Tiger’s daughter, she’s more than an ordinary Shifter, inheriting Tiger’s strength and intelligence in addition to the enhancements the Shifter Bureau black ops team made to her in secret.

Then Connor is captured by those who will use him to enhance their own power. Tiger-girl knows the mate bond is forming between them—losing Connor will tear her apart. But can she risk being found by those who want to turn Tiger-girl into the most deadly Shifter of all time?

Now Tiger-girl must choose between her safety or exposing her whereabouts to free him …

Themes:  Paranormal, Shifters

Rating:  4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 Ok so we knew this story was coming, for a long time, but we thought for sure that Connor had some more growing up to do before he was ready for his mate, but I guess his heritage pushed his transition up a little bit faster than we ever could have guessed. I am a huge fan of this series and have been looking forward to Connor hitting his transition and finding his mate for a while now, though for those that follow along we have suspected who his mate was for a while Jennifer Ashley has a way of weaving her couples together and making their lives not just complicated but dangerously adventurous as well and she is definitely one off my favorite author when it comes to shifter stories.  Connor is on the brink, not expecting his transition to hit him so young, but when it does oh boy look out.  His family is not prepared for this changes he is about to undergo, but the female that has been waiting for him is ready and willing. Tiger-girl has known that Connor was hers since the moment she met him and being near him as she went through her own transition, but knowing that she couldn’t be with him since he was still a cub about drove her crazy, but know it is their time.  Connor is determined to keep Tiger-girl safe from him and his dangerous desires, but when she and their enemies put her in front of him again and again there is only so much resisting her can do.  But while they are dealing with the sudden change in their relationship there is a deadly enemy out to capture Connor and use him for their own lethal ends and Tiger-girl will do whatever it takes to protect her mate.  Determined to keep one another and their families’ safe, Connor and Tiger-girl take on their foes together with some old friends and prove that age isn’t always the determining factor in a fighter’s ability to win and their dedication to defeating the enemy will not allow them to fail. I LOVED every second of watching Connor fall under Tiger-girl’s spell and wouldn’t have missed this story for anything. Tiger-girl has had such a strange life and knows that she ill only ever have a chance to be normal with Connor and the family they can have together.  She is protective of her family and cubs, loving and sweet, and smart-as-a-whip in any situation, but the greatest weapon she has is her ability to make others underestimate her.  I loved seeing her working with Connor to defeat their enemies proving they were definitely always meant to work together side-by-side.  Connor has some issues for sure as he works through his transition drama, but once he accepts that only with Tiger-girl by his side will be come out with his sanity intact, everything seems to move smoothly for him.  His strength, powers, and love for those in his circle make him an ultimate alpha, but he also knows that he isn’t ready for leadership so that level of intelligence and self-awareness made him interesting to get to know.  I loved watching him deal with his past pains and learning more about himself as he asked questions he’d hid from most of his life, but finally had the strength to face with Tiger-girl by his side.  The heat between these two is off the charts from the beginning when Connor comes into his pheromones and once they begin to explore that attraction it explodes like Vesuvius. I am looking forward to more in the series for sure, but to be honest if it were to end here with Connor’s story I feel like Jennifer did the series justice with this one as a finale because it was AWESOME!

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

ARC Review: HOT Courage (Hostile Operations Team: Strike Team 2 #5)

HOT Courage (Hostile Operations Team: Strike Team 2 #5)

by Lynn Raye Harris 

Blurb:

Sometimes you have to fight for what you want. Or risk losing everything you love…

For elite Strike Team 2 soldier Noah Cross, everything is easy. Hell, that’s his call sign. Easy.

But when he inherits a two-year-old baby girl, nothing is easy anymore. He can’t care for a toddler while going on dangerous missions to protect his country - and quitting isn’t an option for a man who lives and breathes the military.

What Easy needs is a nanny. And he knows just who to ask.

Jenna Lane’s luck is running out. She witnessed something she shouldn’t, and she’s been running since. She keeps moving, keeps working odd jobs and trying to survive.

After she’s fired from her current job, her situation is desperate. Until the man she’s secretly drawn to offers her a lifeline. She can’t say no, even if saying yes puts him and his little girl at risk.

But as the feelings between them grow, Jenna knows she needs the courage to tell Noah the truth. Before a killer strikes again….

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating: 4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The time has come for Easy to learn that sometimes life isn’t always so easy.   I have been looking forward to the next story in the HOT series for a while now, as Lynn worked on her Black’s Bandits series, but this return to the boys was filled with laughs, tears, and the sweet love of two people that never thought they would find or deserve love. I have followed this series since almost the very beginning and as it has branched into new teams and new daring adventures, but I love every installment more and more. Ms. Harris has a way of bringing her characters not only to life but into our hearts with their stories of sadness, trauma, and adventure. As the series continues to grow, each of the stories I can imagine will be more and more entertaining, heartbreaking, and ultimately leave us coming back for more and more.

Noah “Easy” Cross has had a rough and mostly solitary life since he became a teenager, but now things are about to become even more complicated for him;  his foster sister has passed away unexpectedly and named him guardian of her two-year-old daughter even though they haven't seen one another in years and he never knew about the baby.  Now he has to find a way to care for a toddler until he can find a more permanent situation for her and he is completely lost.  Jenna Lane has watched the sexy military man who comes into her dinner for a while now, but when she suddenly finds herself in need of a new job and place to live, she can’t really resist his offer of a live-in nanny job, despite her misgivings. They are both thrown into an insta-family situation as she tries to help him learn the ropes of being an uncle and she tries to keep herself from falling in love with both man and child.  But when a danger from Jenna’s past resurfaces, only Noah and the HOT guys can save his new family and bring the bastards to justice, forever freeing Jenna from the evil chasing her so she has a chance at a future with the man who has fallen in love with her too.

I really enjoyed meeting Jenna and getting to see an all new side of Easy as he found himself in the most terrifying situation of all—parenthood. He has always lived a solitary and somewhat distant life, mainly to keep himself protected, but there is really no way he can keep his heart closed off from the sweet little girl that continues to steal into it or from the woman that refuses to let him hide.  I loved seeing how he had to confront his emotional fears and learn that love is strength not a weakness, making him an even more interesting and strong character.  As always he was funny, sexy, sweet, and lovable as he shows Jenna that he could be a man she could count on, but he was always a badass when he went to work kicking ass and taking names. Jenna struck me in the beginning as a bit of a wanderer, in need of something to root her into a true home, and it seems she just needed a good man and his niece to give her that. She lived through a terrifying ordeal and still managed to make the best of her life as she kept herself and those she loved safe as long as she could, but once she no longer can, she knows to let the professionals handle the trouble, trusting them to do everything in their power to protect those in need.  I loved her sweetness, sass, intelligence, wit, and loving nature, but mostly I loved how she managed to bring Easy out of his shell, showing him he could be soft with her and she would protect his heart.

HOT Courage was truly the story of two people, who have had just about every evil imaginable thrown at them in life, finding a way to open their hearts and trust again in the power of love.  I loved every moment of their story and watching their connection blossom as they settled into their lives together and found their place in one another’s hearts.  Noah’s ability to pull Jenna into his life and show her that she could trust him and give her heart to him to protect made him the ultimate hero in my eyes. Jenna was just as wonderful as she made sure that Noah always had a safe place to fall apart and build himself back up if he needed to let go when things got hard for him. The passion between these two was undeniable, though they both tried VERY hard to push it to the back of their minds for a long time, but once that seal broke there was no chance of putting the lid back on it.  I really enjoyed the action, intrigue, and danger of this story, but unlike others past, this story really did focus on the relationship building between Easy and Jenna as they spent time first as friends and then ultimately as lovers. I am dying to read the next story and find out which HOT guy loses his heart (and probably his mind) next, but in the meantime I think there are more Bandits on the way.  If you haven’t dived into this series yet, I highly recommend a binge read of the entire HOT and Black’s Bandits series so that you are up to speed because I don’t see this greatness dying down any time soon!

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

Just One Taste Cover Reveal

 JUST ONE TASTE

Carly Phillips

Release Date: October 18

One grumpy billionaire. 

One virgin supermodel.

Add in a tropical private island paradise.

What could go wrong?

 As owner and CEO of Dirty Dog Spirits, thirty-three year old, Asher Dare has it all. Money. Power. Women whenever he wants. A private island retreat when he doesn’t. People he trusts? He can count those on one hand.

When one of his best friends asks a favor—hide his twenty-one year old, supermodel sister, on the island until a scandal blows over—Asher can’t say no. But he doesn’t have to like it.

The daughter of a Senator and a Presidential candidate, Nicolette Bettencourt always acts with decorum. Yet through no fault of her own, scandal seems to follow her every move. When nude photos surface, the uproar puts her father’s campaign at risk. And forces her into hiding with Asher, the hottest—and grumpiest—billionaire she’s ever met.

Under soothing tropical breezes, Asher discovers that Nicolette is nothing like the spoiled brat portrayed in the tabloids. She’s warm, sexy, and a temptation Asher must resist at all costs—or he risks betraying his closest friend, bringing a powerful political dynasty to its knees… and losing the woman he loves.

 

Pre-Order Links:

Kindle https://amzn.to/3MJY9e3

Nook https://bit.ly/3xrUAnh

Apple https://apple.co/3HiNV3g

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Google Play https://bit.ly/3Qjdh55

Amazon Print https://amzn.to/3mFzRr2    

Goodreads Link:

https://bit.ly/3Qin77n

Meet Carly Phillips:

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

 

Connect with Carly Phillips:

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carly-phillips

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10000.Carly_Phillips

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlyphillips/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlyphillips

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Carly-Phillips/e/B001I9W0MS

Dragon Eternal Release Week!

Dragon Eternal

By Donna Grant

Release 6/14/2022

In the next installment of her captivating new Dragon Kings series, New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant connects an enigmatic and determined Dragon King and a courtesan sent to tempt him to his doom.

He’s a man of few words, but she fills his soul with poetry.

Quiet. Brooding. Capable. Shaw’s mission is simple: Root out Stonemore’s leader and determine what the Divine has in store for the people of Zora and the Kings. Just as he gets started, however, a breathtakingly beautiful woman finds and tempts him like no other. Nothing can stop him from engaging in the pleasures she offers. After all, pillow talk is sometimes the best way to uncover secrets.

Nia’s life has never been hers. From starving on the streets to becoming a slave to the Divine, she merely does what’s needed to survive. But when her latest assignment brings her face-to-face with a handsome man who makes her feel things she’s never experienced before, she begins to see that while she’s been living, she’s not really thriving.

As truths are revealed, and Nia’s blinders are removed, she realizes that she can no longer sit by and allow things to continue as they have been in her city. It’s time to take a stand. With Shaw by her side, they spark a war so many have tried to avoid. But the injustices being perpetrated must be stopped—no matter the cost.

 

 

LINKS

 ✦SIGNED PRINT→ https://dgrant.co/3oR04Vf

✦Amazon→ https://amzn.to/2XCytfR

✦BN→ https://dgrant.co/3MgOLhZ

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✦Kobo→ https://dgrant.co/3pxFHgI

✦Google→ https://dgrant.co/3yMs2qO

✦Audible→ https://dgrant.co/3aoNEzd

✦Tantor→ https://dgrant.co/3JzePng

 

Review: Immortal's Honor (Dark Protectors #14)

Immortal's Honor (Dark Protectors #14)

by Rebecca Zanetti 

Blurb:

First comes danger . . .

When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…

Then comes desire . . .

Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn't understand them, she doesn't want them, but for now, she'll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she's ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he's also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .

Themes:  Paranormal, Vampires, Demons

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

  The final battle fast approaches and there aren’t many unmated males left on the side of good… but as each falls to their mates the passion only gets hotter and crazier. Honestly this series has held my heart and attention since I stumbled on the very first Dark Protector’s novel so many years ago and it has yet to let me down in all the spin-offs and even in this new generation of heroes. I have looked forward to Sam’s story for a while now and wondered what type of leading lady would capture his heart and Honor was the perfect match for him and their story was fabulous. Sam Kyllwood knows that he is one of the most deadly males around, but he also knows that he will do everything, up to and including sacrificing himself for his family, and he doesn’t want the weight of a mate in his life when he has those thoughts on his mind. He is on the hunt for a way to stop their enemy from escaping his prison world when Honor crashes into his life and her pull is irresistible, but even more terrifying is the fact that she gets pulled into his battles putting her life in jeopardy.  Honor is no stranger to the mystical, but when she meets Sam she knows that something isn’t right with the sexy guy and sets out to figure out how he fits in with the bombings she has been tracking.  As they are pulled together again and again by the enemy and their passion for one another, they have to each face the fact that maybe their meeting was more than just a fluke of circumstance and perhaps fate was at play, but do they have a chance at a future or is it safer for them to walk away? I loved Sam and Honor, their interactions passionate, hilarious, and intense. Sam is obviously in no way prepared to lose his heart to a mate, but he doesn’t let that stop him from wrapping himself around Honor and pulling her into his protection when she is put into his enemy’s crosshairs.  He is courageous, honorable, charming, droll, and one off the most protective males in the series but it’s obvious he is clueless when it comes to relationships, in the sweetest ways.  I loved watching him stumble through how to admit his feelings for Honor and find a way to make her accept their mating even as he fought the emotions her presence brought out in him. Honor is obviously in way over her head with Sam; she knows there is something not right with him when he is arrested for the bombings she has been tracking, but she never imagined the truth that she is confronted with as she trails him.  She is super intelligent, but her mystical gift is messing with her mind, and only gets worse when she meets Sam and his people, but they also give her the skills she needs to understand her gift. She becomes an important member of the team and learns that Sam is the man she never knew she always wanted at her side and will do whatever is needed to keep him safe while he works to protect everyone else.  I loved seeing her in action, kicking butt and taking names even though she was terrified a lot of the time, and of course as she found herself falling for the crazy vampire-demon hybrid she learns the truth that love can conquer all if we just let it have its way. The passion between these two is off the charts from the very beginning and the more time they are in one another’s radius it just heats up more until that volcano begins to explode uncontrollably. I loved this story and am DYING for Garrett’s story next, because to be honest I know that one is going to blow all the previous ones out of the water. Rebecca’s continues to blow my mind with her imagination and the craziness she puts these couples through, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

Review: Chase Wilde Comes Home (Wyoming Wilde #1)

Chase Wilde Comes Home (Wyoming Wilde #1)

by Jennifer Ryan 

Blurb:

They're tough, tender, and sometimes tormented; they're the Wildes of Wyoming, three brothers whose family ties are as strong as their wills.

Chase Wilde never expected to fall in love, especially with Shelby Payne. Years before, one passionate night had drawn these two lost souls together. Then Chase left on deployment with the Army, while Shelby raised their baby alone. Now he's back, a wounded warrior determined to turn his life around. Shelby knows what it's like to lose everything, including her own family. So she offers him a bargain: if he can prove himself to be the man he says he is, she will let him into their daughter's life...and maybe even into hers.

Chase knows it will take a lot to prove to Shelby that there's more between them than the single night they spent together. She's everything he's ever wanted, including the voice of reason he needs to reconcile his past and be the man he wants to be for them both. But just as their lives come together, she's torn away from him by a dangerous person from her past, and saving her means saving himself . . . because he can't live without her.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating:  4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

  I was so surprised when I started this story that I recognized hero, because to be honest it didn’t register for me when I read the blurb just who this was about, but I am thrilled that I do to read Chase’s story. I have been a fan of Jennifer Ryan a while now, especially her cowboy stories, but it is important to note that none of her stories are easy and sweet, all of them delve into some dark and deep issues for her characters and came cause some tears and trauma for readers that have experienced similar issues.  Chase’s story is one that focuses largely on addiction and PSS in soldiers, but there are also touches of family abandonment and a few other issues that so many people can relate to these days.  Ryan has never been one to shy away from the serious and dark, and this story is no exception to that. Chase has finally gotten his second chance at life, after almost losing said life when he tried to save his friend who was murdered, but now he has to contend with his past mistakes and find a way to prove to his ex-wife that he is a good man and worthy of being in her and her daughter’s lives. Shelby has always felt a connection to Chase, even though they never planned to have a relationship, but being the mother of his child she knows that she wants to offer him the support he needs to stay sober and be a father to their girl.  But the more time they spend together, the more Chase gets to know the woman that has subtly owned him for years, the deeper their connection goes, leaving them both open to the pain of the relationship going south.  They have to find a way to overcome the past that still haunts them both in order to have a chance at a future and build the family they both want with their daughter. I loved Chase, from the very beginning he was just such a great guy, even though he was obviously a little broken and had a lot to work through. He risked so much for those he considered under his care in the military and then for his friend, which left him with so much damage emotionally he had to work through in order to maintain his sobriety, but his determination to put in the effort in order to be there for Shelby and their girl showed the kind of man he is.  His sweetness and love for his girls made him well-rounded and I loved seeing that, even the times he was confronting his brothers and Dad were good because you could just imagine the weight lifting from his heart as he finally made them see the way they had treated him and the feelings it left him with. Shelby was great, the most supportive and loving heroine I have read in ages and I just loved getting to see her in action.  From the very beginning you could see she was dedicated to helping Chase in every way to heal and find his way back to the light, not for any personal gain but just because she had feelings for him and wanted him to be healthy for himself and their daughter.  She was sassy, loving, smart, and sweet but her bravery and devotion were what made her my favorite Ryan leading female to date.  I loved watching her in action as she worked to defat all of Chase’s demons and in the process found her own healing with issues as she fell in love more in love with him.  The passion between these two was there, just a slow burn beneath all their denials and obviously one that will burn for a long time as their relationship lasts the ages. I am dying to read what comes next in this story as these brothers seem to have some serious emotional hang-ups and watching those types of guys fall in love is always the most fun.  Jennifer Ryan has struck gold with her new series for sure.

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

Mini ARC Review: Tattered Thorns (Night Queen Series #1)

Tattered Thorns (Night Queen Series #1)

by Yasmine Galenorn

Blurb:

I'm Lyrical, and I was born to the Leannan Sidhe. But then, the King of the Kelpies kidnapped me (yeah, I know, a lot of "K's), and all hell broke loose. My mother begged Morgana, goddess of the Sea and the Fae, to save me. But my parents decided that I'm used goods, so I'm a princess without a kingdom.

I now work for the newly revamped Wild Hunt Agency--a PI firm, and boy are my colleagues quirky. For one thing, it's run by a wild demi-god named Yutani, who is as chaotic as his father, the Great Coyote. I find him too attractive, and a little dangerous. And now, life suddenly becomes a rollercoaster as the dragons lose their immortality and all hell breaks loose.

Themes:  Paranormal, Magick

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Well an all next adventure begins in the world of the Wild Hunt series and this one promises to be a doozy of epic proportions. Yasmine has taken us through so many adventures and changes with Herne and Ember since she began that series and the epic love story of a mortal Fae with mixed blood that was shunned by her people on both sides and the sexy God who captured her heart.  Now the world as they know it will never be the same, and their friends are embarking on new challenges without them, but they have some new friends to help them out. This series is the beginning of the NEW Wild Hunt Agency on earth, now being led by Ember and Herne’s old friend Yutani, the demi-god son of Great Coyote, and his team as they work not only to deal with the usual craziness of their cases but also the fallout of the Dragons having inhabited Earth.  Lyrical was rescued, from a horrific existence she’d been trapped in, by the Goddess Morgana and is now trying to cope with living in the human realm as a royal Light Fae with no family and no court that will acknowledge her.  She is angry, determined to kick ass, and has no real purpose in life until Morgana puts her under the tutelage of Ember as her first priestess-in-training and gives her a job with the Wild Hunt Agency. Now working with Yutani and the new faces at the agency, Lyrical has a lot to learn in not a lot of time as the world is drastically changing not just with the murders they are dealing with but also with the Dragons that have finally been addressed in a rather permanent fashion, leaving the entire world on pins-and-needles as to what might happen next. And in the middle of all of that she meets a sexy new man that just might lead to some fun and healing, if not a new relationship, but honestly just how much upheaval can one girl take all at once? I really enjoyed reading this first book in Lyrical’s adventures on Earth.  As always with a new series there was a lot of introductions and learning characters, even for those of us that are long time Wild Hunt readers, because there were a lot of fun surprises and changes happening with some of our fav characters too. That said the story moved quickly with a lot going on and there was plenty of adventure and sensuality to keep readers interested.  There was not much in the way of relationship building but we definitely get a hint that Lyrical with find herself a partner at some point, though it wasn’t who I hoped it would be. So many favorite characters returned in this story and we get a new look at the world after the Dragons have taken over that I really enjoyed every minute of it. I am looking forward to the next in the series a lot as we see where Lyrical heads in her new life and what she learns along the way as she heals, grows, and comes into her new skin on Earth.

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

ARC Mini-Review: Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings #4)

Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings #4)

by Donna Grant

Blurb:

He’s a man of few words, but she fills his soul with poetry.

Quiet. Brooding. Capable. Shaw’s mission is simple: Root out Stonemore’s leader and determine what the Divine has in store for the people of Zora and the Kings. Just as he gets started, however, a breathtakingly beautiful woman finds and tempts him like no other. Nothing can stop him from engaging in the pleasures she offers. After all, pillow talk is sometimes the best way to uncover secrets.

Nia’s life has never been hers. From starving on the streets to becoming a slave to the Divine, she merely does what’s needed to survive. But when her latest assignment brings her face-to-face with a handsome man who makes her feel things she’s never experienced before, she begins to see that while she’s been living, she’s not really thriving.

As truths are revealed, and Nia’s blinders are removed, she realizes that she can no longer sit by and allow things to continue as they have been in her city. It’s time to take a stand. With Shaw by her side, they spark a war so many have tried to avoid. But the injustices being perpetrated must be stopped—no matter the cost.

Themes:  Paranormal, Dragons

Rating: 4 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

Well that was an interesting twist for the Dragon Kings to handle.  This new spin-off series Donna Grant began, taking her sexy, brooding, Scottish Dragon Kings to the alternate realm of Zora, home of the dragons, has become increasingly dangerous, and a little bit confusing, though I have no doubt everything will become clear in the end. The settings are exotic and interesting, the characters they meet are of course totally out of our realm of understanding, and the predicaments they find themselves in continuously are deadly and often end badly for one or more of the Kings.  Shaw, King of the turquoise, has traveled to Zora with his friend Merrill at the request of Con and the twins to aid in a mission in one of human cities on the realm. He knows the mission will be dangerous, but since not much can kill a Dragon King he is willing to risk it in order to help the twins and stop the leaders of the humans who are killing all babies with magic. Shortly after he arrives he runs into the most captivating human woman he has ever seen and he is instantly drawn to her, but he has no idea the danger she poses to him and his people.  Nia is on a mission from her leader, one that will finally release her from slavery and all she has to do is deliver a Dragon King.  She has all the tools of seduction at her disposable, but she never could have imagined just how attracted and connected she would be to Shaw even though she knows she will have to betray him in the end.  When the truth comes out they have to decide if they want to work together to defeat the evil that has infected Zora’s human population or if they will give up the new love that each of them have discovered for the other and turn their backs. I truly enjoyed reading this story, one filled with passion, betrayal, political intrigue, and love developing in the most unlikely of ways, reminding us that sometimes love comes at inconvenient times and places but should never be denied. Nia’s story was a heartbreaking one from the very beginning and one that so many could relate to in the past, but luckily not so much in our current world.  Her inner strength and ability to survive emotionally and physically despite all that she went through shows that she would make a perfect mate for a King, but her sweetness and gentleness gave Shaw in particular the cushion he needed after carrying so much anger for so many millennia. Despite her plan to give Shaw up for most of the book, I found myself enjoying getting to know her and seeing her in quiet and vulnerable moments with Shaw as they learned about one another.  Shaw has carried his pain and anger a LONG time and he doesn’t really let it go until he finally releases it to Nia, and that release allows him to move forward in life in a big way.  He offers himself wholeheartedly to Nia as soon as he meets her, not understanding the connection but willing to embrace it, and when he learns the truth he is angry, but gives her the benefit of the doubt and lets her explain herself instead of flying off the handle, which honestly surprised and please me immensely.  I loved watching how sweet and gentle he was with her, both before and after he learns about her past, and of course when he goes into battle he kicks ass and does it all to protect the woman that has captured his heart.  The heat between these two was crazy from the beginning even as they each denied the full impact it would have on their futures right up until almost the end of their story.   There were a few loose ends in this story, as Donna is wont to do, and I am dying to find out what will happen next with the overall plot arc, but I know whatever happens it will be a masterpiece.

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