Tuesday, October 29, 2013

A Demon and His Witch @EveLanglais #REVIEW

Hell, where burning up the sheets takes on a whole other meaning!


A Demon and His Witch, Eve Langlais
Welcome to Hell #1
Burning alive is nothing compared to the heat of his touch.

Roasted at the stake as a witch, while her lover watches, Ysabel sells her soul to the devil in return for revenge. A fair trade until her ex-boyfriend escapes the bowels of Hell and she’s forced to team up with a demon to fetch the jerk back.
Remy’s seen a lot of things during his long tenure in Lucifer’s guard, but nothing can prepare him for the witch with the acerbic tongue - and voluptuous figure. Her mouth says ‘Screw you’, but her body screams ‘Take me’. What’s a poor demon to do when his heart makes things even more complicated by goading him to make her his, forever?
Before he can decide if his demonizing days are done though, he needs to catch the bad guys, save the girl and then find a way to convince her to love him and not kill him.
Welcome to Hell where you’re screwed if you do and damned if don’t. And just so you know, Lucifer’s got a special spot reserved for you...



REVIEW:
Ysabel is my favorite kind of heroine. She is feisty and snarky and isn't afraid to put people, or demons in their place. Even if it's her boss Lucifer, but especially when it's the sexy demon assigned to help her. Ysabel owes 500 years of her undead life in service to Lucifer for the chance to damn the people that burned her at the stake. Sure she's a witch, but she always used her magic for good so what the hell people?

Remy is Lucifer's best tracker and while he may be only half demon he is all LADIES MAN! And a naughty, naughty boy. All it takes is one taste of Ysable's acerbic tongue and Remy wants more. But first he has to help her find some missing souls because he wants to be the one that sets her on fire.

This book is freakin hilarious! Langlais blends sardonic wit and smoking hot sex with a cast of character's that will have you screaming YES PLEASE! Her writing style is fast paced and full of humor, with a whole new twist on Hell and it's inhabitants. Seriously not sure if Ysabel's conversations with Remy or Lucifer are funnier. The cast of secondary characters just add to the insanity in the best possible way.

You will fall in love with Remy for no other reason than his mother's endorsement of "He always lifts the seat to pee and puts the lid back down when he is done." and if that doesn't work then I don't know what will! And Ysabel will have you cheering, You Go Girl!

If you like your humor sarcastic and your sex combustible then A Demon and His Witch needs to be in your library!

BUY LINKS:
All Romance Ebooks
Amazon
B&N




RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

 

Monday, October 28, 2013

Welcome to Hell Week @EveLanglais #REVIEW

Happy Halloween Week GI Readers!! This week we are featuring A Demon and His Witch, the first in the Welcome to Hell, series by Eve Langlais. Be sure to check out the entire series!!



A Demon and His Witch 
Welcome to Hell #1
Burning alive is nothing compared to the heat of his touch.

Roasted at the stake as a witch, while her lover watches, Ysabel sells her soul to the devil in return for revenge. A fair trade until her ex-boyfriend escapes the bowels of Hell and she’s forced to team up with a demon to fetch the jerk back.

Remy’s seen a lot of things during his long tenure in Lucifer’s guard, but nothing can prepare him for the witch with the acerbic tongue - and voluptuous figure. Her mouth says ‘Screw you’, but her body screams ‘Take me’. What’s a poor demon to do when his heart makes things even more complicated by goading him to make her his, forever?

Before he can decide if his demonizing days are done though, he needs to catch the bad guys, save the girl and then find a way to convince her to love him and not kill him.

Welcome to Hell where you’re screwed if you do and damned if don’t. And just so you know, Lucifer’s got a special spot reserved for you...






A Demon and His Psycho
Welcome to Hell #2
Warning:This story centers around a grumpy demon holding onto an ancient vow and a perky psycho (with killer tendencies) who is determined to make him snap. There's cursing, melt-your-screen hotness, messed up religious tropes and snort out loud fun. If you enjoy raunchy humor, sizzling moments and already know you’re going to Hell, then dive on in.

I'm not crazy. I just have anger issues.

With a giggle and an outrageous mouth – perfect for things other than talking – Katie comes flying into Xaphan’s life, upsetting centuries of self-inflicted misery. How can he stay true to the one he lost when a bubbly psycho, with mismatched eyes, keeps consuming his thoughts – and awakening his desire?

So she was a tad bit nuts, Katie’s insanity came in handy as the Devil’s favorite problem solver. But killing’s not on the menu when a dragon goes missing, and worse, Lucifer teams her up with Hell’s grumpiest demon. His rejection of her advances only makes her more determined to seduce him. And despite her violent reputation, a part of her is oddly tempted to let him live.

Welcome to Hell where the rules are always changing, the ash is constantly raining, and Lucifer is watching, waiting to steal your soul…




Date with Death
Welcome to Hell #2.5
His mission was to harvest her soul, but he captured her heart instead.

Marigold has a date with Death, but when she foils his plan to take her soul back to Hell, she invites him to dinner instead.

Mictain, an Aztec god who now collects the dead for Satan, is baffled at his interest in the plump human who can see him. Intrigued--and in lust--he can’t help pursuing her. But things are never simple when gods are involved.

Lucifer, Lord of Hell tries to warn him away and even Marigold’s long lost father decides to butt in. But, despite the opposition, things heat up between them, and Marigold learns, when Death comes calling, it’s best to get naked and invite him into bed—and her heart.






A Demon and Her Scot
Welcome to Hell #3
An unlikely duo, the golfing match from Hell, and a devil determined to win, even if he has to cheat. Lucifer’s up to his matchmaking mischief again in this fast-paced, humorous jaunt into the bowels of the pit. Think you can handle the heat?

“Fetch me a Scot,” Lucifer commands. Sounds simple, except the skirt-wearing jerk won’t cooperate. But Aella isn’t one to give up. Willing or not, she delivers her target to the Lord of Sin. In retaliation, the much-too-sexy Scot has Aella assigned as his bodyguard for the golfing match from Hell.

One shot ruined Niall’s life. A second shot could help him regain it. Niall sold his soul once to win a lady’s heart only to end up betrayed. Does he dare take a risk and give love a second chance?






 

Sunday, October 27, 2013

A Perfect Mess REVIEW

A Perfect Mess (A Perfect Secret #1) by Zoe Dawson is a bundle of secrets.

BLURB

I know what you did last summer.

Aubree Walker, the perfect girl most likely to succeed, is sure there’s only one person who knows what she did.

Booker Outlaw, one of the three Outlaw brothers—all identical, all gorgeous, all from the wrong side of the tracks, and all pure bad boys. He was always the unpredictable one, the one who would be brash enough to make it big self-publishing horror novels on the internet. He promised never to tell, but everyone knows you can never trust an Outlaw.

Then a year later, in the middle of the night, she receives a phone call at Tulane. Her aunt, who took her in after her mother’s death, is in a coma under suspicious circumstances. Now she has to face that one person who knows all about what she did that summer—sexy Booker. 

Returning to Hope Parish to be with her aunt, stirs up all those ugly memories. When Aubree starts getting threats, she can’t help but wonder if what she did last summer was tied to her aunt’s “accident.” Afraid, she turns to the only person who knows the truth and Booker doesn’t hesitate to offer his broad shoulder for her to lean on. But Booker has a secret of his own that could crush their fledgling relationship.

As the hot, sultry summer days move on, she finds that even a perfectly smart girl can lose her heart to a perfectly bad boy. What is she going to do when someone starts asking questions Aubree doesn’t want to answer? She’s knee deep into a terribly dangerous, wholly life changing, who-can-she-really-depend-on perfect mess.

A Perfect Series
Three perfect girls, three perfect secrets, one unholy trinity

  • A Perfect Mess, Book #1 – the girl most likely to succeed, an unpredictable Outlaw, and a dangerous secret that could be the death of her.
  • A Perfect Mistake, Book #2 – A preacher’s daughter, a reckless Outlaw, and a secret that will change her life forever.
  • A Perfect Dilemma, Book #3 – The town’s poor little rich girl, a sweet-talking Outlaw, and a secret that will ruin all that she holds dear.

REVIEW
This book is like a bundle of unraveling secrets. Told in alternating POVs from both main characters, readers are given good insight into their motivations and come to generally like Aubree and Booker. The story was good but it never really grabbed my attention. The set up was abrupt and pacing was off in the beginning, making me feel confused which made it difficult for me to connect with the characters. It smoothed by the end when there was an explosion of secrets. The huge twist in the story came out of nowhere and surprised me. I'm not crazy about the ending in terms of some of the actions just seeming so very wrong but the author did answer all my questions and leave me with a sense of closure. This was a good read -nothing more, nothing less.

RATING
3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was provided through NetGalley. Many thanks.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Visit a Foreign Land: BREEDER @CaraBristol #REVIEW

Breeder by Cara Bristol is like traveling to a foreign land and eavesdropping on a new culture. I drank every bit of this story in.

The author created a completely new world in this book where men are all respected -though in different
levels as alphas and betas- and women are no more than property for the use of men. Breeder explores the concept of gender roles. Men are coupled, alpha and beta, to complete a familial unit. It's crazy how realistic the story feels as the author introduces new terminology and creates a believable community based on a well-established structure.

The two main characters are dynamic, multi-dimensional people. When Dak first brings Omra to his home as his breeder slave, he intends to impregnate her, produce a son, and hand her off to his beta partner. When things begin changing though, Dak realizes the Protocol of his planet might not be as good as it once seemed. Commander Dak's evolution throughout the book and the gradual love story is fascinating, like visiting a foreign land even as they come to have regard for one another. *Loved the scene when they admit to having regard.*

Omra is demure but she grows into herself as she's allowed to explore her strengths. Most beautiful is that she is the catalyst for the change we see in Dak. As they discover a sexual connection banned by law and explained away as impossible -women supposedly can't be pleasured- Dak questions all his beliefs in their sanctioned male domination.

The delicious part of this male domination is that it involves a form of domestic discipline wherein the male establishes rules and maintains them using punishment when necessary. Dak is judicious in his use of spanking but when he does use it, the scenes are quite erotic. There is one hot scene that involves his beta early on (m/m) and then several sweet and romantic and steamy scenes with his breeder too (m/f).

The conflict throughout the book builds as Dak's questioning jeopardizes his command. His people question his ability to lead and those opposed to him seek to hurt Omra for her role in Dak's betrayal of Protocol. There has to be more to come because the author left room for possible continuation - a series, perhaps?

I enjoyed traveling to another world and could imagine it so vividly as I read the story. This author once again proved her craft. I've read her other books but this is a new genre for her. She nailed it with Breeder. This is a must-read-or-you'll-never-know-what-you're-missing book.

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries





Breeder EXCERPT
If not for the sneeze, Dak would have exited the musty, dank corridor. But the muffled sound caught his attention. When he squinted into the darkened cell, he spotted a female crouched on a straw mat in the corner. He hadn’t noticed her on his way into the Breeder Containment Facility; the habitation unit had appeared empty.
Dak turned to the BCF director and sighed. “What about her?”
The beta’s already crooked mouth drooped farther in distaste. “My apologies, Commander. You don’t want that one.”
Sival’s disparagement piqued Dak’s interest. The director’s opinion had proven worthless; none of the breeders he’d preselected for inspection had rated close to satisfactory.
“I would like to see her,” Dak insisted.
“Very well, Commander.” Sival saluted and opened the habitation cell with a master entry card. Dak stepped into the small enclosure. The director followed, and the metal gate clanked shut.
The naked female drew into a tighter ball and tucked her face deeper into the crook of her arm. Other breeders had preened as soon as they’d noticed him and his chest-insignia identification. He wasn’t just an alpha. He was the Alpha.
This breeder’s lack of respect and failure to adhere to Protocol by acknowledging his presence struck him as odd. Dak frowned. “Is she mentally deficient?”
Sival tightened his lips. “No, stubborn, ill behaved. She would not befit an Alpha Commander.” He nudged the female’s hip with the toe of his boot. “Rise to your feet.” She did not respond, and he moved to prod her again. Dak forestalled him with a wave and grasped the female’s arm.
“You will stand.” He hauled her upright. She averted her face, so he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. Tangled hair the color of black heating stones fell back from an oval face to reveal eyes like the Parseon moon. The glimmer of intelligence that sparked within the violet depths aroused his interest more than anything else he’d seen so far. Nature had bestowed the Parseon people with an exceptionally strong immune system so that they rarely required medical intervention, but breeders by nature were weak, and so many of the ones he’d seen had seemed dull or ill or both. This one’s skin, when unsmudged by grime and dirt, probably glowed like the pale sands of the Ospian Sea. He supposed, as breeders went, she wasn’t unattractive, although the stench emanating from her was. His beta would throw a fit if he dragged such a creature into their domicile.
“Why is she so filthy?” he asked.
“She refuses to bathe.”
As Dak scrutinized her facial features for shape and symmetry, he noted little imperfection or dysgenics other than her lack of hygiene and her gender. When cleaned up, she would please the eye, but to bear his sons, it mattered more that she be healthy and strong.
He released her face, stepped back, and assessed her from head to toe. He exceeded the height of most males, alphas included, while she stood smaller than the average female. The top of her head failed to even meet his shoulder. She was thinner than other breeders too, although her chest bore an abundance of fatty breast tissue. In the chill of the cell, her nipples had puckered to hard points. Despite the coolness, he was experiencing a rise in temperature. A dormant lust chose that moment to kindle, causing heat to coil in his abdomen and groin. He could not remember the last time he’d experienced such a spontaneous reaction—if he ever had. With the pads of his fingers, he probed the sides of her neck for swollen areas. The way she trembled under his touch aroused a sliver of sympathy. Breeders lacked courage, and uncertainty frightened them. Not all alphas and their betas treated breeders well. If he chose her, she would be adequately fed and housed. His command consumed his time and energy, which left his beta alone for long stretches. A breeder would relieve Corren of household chores and provide him with a physical outlet as well.
“What is she called?” Dak asked.
“Her sire named her Omra.”
Peace, it meant.
He parted Omra’s lips with his fingers and slipped a digit into her mouth, running it along her upper gum line to check the solidness of her teeth. At a flash in her eyes, he jerked his hand away a centisecond before she snapped her jaws together, so that her incisor only grazed the tip of his finger.
Sival’s face reddened. “Commander, I apologize. I will have her flogged.”
“Unnecessary. I will take care of it.” He unclipped the sudon from his belt.
CONTEST
Comment on our post to WIN a copy of either Reckless in Moonlight or Destiny's Chance -- winner's choice from the author, Cara Bristol. Visit her website at http://www.carabristol.com to learn more about her books. She also keeps a great blog! A WINNER will be selected and contacted by November 1, 2013.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Find a way out Friday

Fall greetings from the coldest person in the world.... ME! I just finished lunch with my daughter who is here on a field trip. I'm fortunate that I am still cool and was able to enjoy lunch with her and her friends. As I approached her group I notice her best friend is wearing her Harry Potter scarf we bought her last year for her birthday. We have turned all of her friends into Potter a holics. Once they read all of those they moved on to Percy Jackson and since the latest book from it's sister series just came out they all are awaiting their turn to read it. Which reminded me I needed to finish posting my thoughts on these books. Anytime My children take the time to read as fervently as they have with with series it's well worth my time to read it too and spread the love.....




The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
When demonic cheerleaders invade his high school, Percy Jackson hurries to Camp Half Blood, from whence he and his demigod friends set out on a quest through the Labyrinth, while the war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near.



I must say that I am so enjoying this series. The mythology nerd in me is having a field day! Percy is growing up and inching closer to his dreaded 16th birthday. His girl troubles are beginning as well ans I'm sorry to say that I think no matter what he says or does he won't please Annabeth. Only one more book to go in this series and my quest to my daughter is complete. Love these books:) PEACE




Thursday, October 24, 2013

An Addition to My Favorites Shelf: Broken Beauty #REVIEW

Broken Beauty (Broken Beauty Novellas #1) by Chloe Adams squeezes your heart and brings across an important message. This is just the beginning though - the author says there will be a total of six novellas. I say, Bring Them On.

Sometimes bad things happen to beautiful people.


When socialite party girl Mia Abbott-Renou wakes up in a garden she has little recall of the previous night -- except that she is naked...hurt...terrified. Not only has she been raped, but she knows one of her assailants: the son of a wealthy politician who happens to be her own father’s political ally.

Mia wants and needs justice. Except this privileged boy has an alibi and her father forbids her from going to the police. It’s a critical election year, one that his party might lose if his image as a doting father is soured due to Mia being labeled a lush or worse, promiscuous.

Devastated at not having the support of her family, Mia finds herself in a tug-of-war with her conscience over what to do, especially since she can’t remember exactly what happened that night. Worse, the men who attacked her have hurt several other girls, and Mia may be the key to stopping them.

Mia tries to forget, until the unthinkable happens, and she’s left reeling once again, faced with a new challenge that will force her to take more control of her life.

Originally published in October 2012 as "No Way Back" by Chloe Adams

REVIEW
This book is a poignant story of a young woman facing the most horrendous crime. It was tough to read without tears and it's not for everyone but the message relayed about surviving rape is empowering. Mia is hurt, abandoned by those who she should be able to count on and clinging to her sanity by a thread. During a time when she needs her family, she's ignored, used, lied to and still has found a way to survive.

In this installment, we see Mia at her lowest. Even still, I was impressed with Mia's character. She's mature for her age and yet, she's still innocent and vulnerable. She struggles between wanting justice and being true to her family. The author created such a realistic story, my heart squeezed as I read some of the more devastating parts of this book.

Then I smiled when Mia interacted with Dom. She inherently trusted him. And I adored his commitment to both Mia and to justice, since he's a police officer. The closeness within his own family demonstrated just how dysfunctional Mia's family is. There was a scene where I cringed and questioned his ethics but then realized his actions were worth the effect it had in helping Mia see the reality of the situation.

The book was incredibly well written as it captures the ignorance surrounding violence against women. The author incorporates politicians and the compounding issues when the rich and famous are wrapped up in scandal. So far, this serial has captured me. I'll be picking each one up to see how Mia overcomes her trials. I picture her as a phoenix and hold onto the belief she'll rise form the ashes.

Be warned: it ends in a cliffhanger because its part of a serial. It will leave you emotionally raw.

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was provided through NetGalley.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Biochemistry by@andrewgreybooks #REVIEW

Andrew Grey gives good chemistry!


Biochemistry, Andrew Grey, Dreamspinner Press
Chemistry #2
When his college biochemistry class turns out to be much more difficult than star quarterback Freddie Samuelson imagined, his lab partner, Kurt Maxwell, agrees to help. They’re very different: a rich kid athlete and a hardworking openly gay scholarship student. But Kurt slips past Freddie’s defenses, and little by little—despite Freddie ignoring his own sexuality in the past—Freddie realizes he wants to get to know Kurt, especially when Kurt helps him through more challenges than their science class. But it isn’t long before rumors begin to fly, and the obstacles Freddie will face may block him from both the future he planned on and the future he didn’t know he wanted.




REVIEW:
Andrew Grey returns to Dickinson College for the second installment in his Chemistry series. In the first book we met Professor Brendon Marcus and Asst Football Coach Josh Horton, and while both characters make appearances this book is all about Freddie and Kurt.

Kurt is your typical nerd, he works hard in school, gets good grades and has a slight build and stature(but don't call him short). He also happens to be gay and out! The first meeting between Kurt and Freddie does not go well and the two, at least in Kurt's mind, have a very adversarial relationship.

Freddie is the Big Man on Campus, you know the type....quarterback for the football team, comes from money and had everything, including grades, handed to him his entire life. You would think that he would be a total douchebag, and he kind of starts out that way, but you quickly learn that Freddie's got a heart.

When the two end up as lab partners the chemistry they create is more of the sexual tension variety, but Freddie isn't sure he can take the chance and follow his heart.  Especially when outside forces threaten Kurt.

The author does a great job of handling the "coming out" with real feelings and consequences. Not everyone is accepting and they will find out who their true friends are and in some instances be surprised.  This was another winner from Andrew Grey and if you are a fan then you won't want to miss it and if you haven't read him yet....what are you waiting for??





RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

Monday, October 21, 2013

#REVIEW of Jessica Sorensen's NEW RELEASE

The Temptation of Lila and Ethan (The Secret #3) by Jessica Sorensen is a gripping story of passion, pain, and the courage to love.

THE TEMPTATION OF LILA AND ETHAN is RELEASED TOMORROW!


BLURB
On the surface, Lila Summers is flawless: good looks, expensive clothes, and a big, beautiful smile. But a dark past and even darker secrets are threatening to bubble over her perfect façade. She'll do anything to keep the emptiness inside hidden-which leads her into situations that always end badly. Whenever she hits bottom, there's only one person who's there to pull her out: Ethan Gregory.

Ethan set the rules a long time ago: he and Lila are just friends. He doesn't do relationships. Although his tattooed, bad boy exterior is a far cry from Lila's pretty princess image, Ethan can't deny they have a deeper connection than he's used to. If he's not careful, he could be in serious danger of becoming attached-and he's learned the hard way that attachment only leads to heartbreak.

When Lila falls farther than she ever has before, can Ethan continue to help as a friend? Or is he also getting close to falling . . . for her?










REVIEW
I've been wondering about the relationship between Ethan and Lila since the very first book in the Secret Series and this book gave me my fix. While they are technically the secondary characters in this series, Ethan and Lila's story has a life all its own in The Temptation of Lila and Ethan. And it's a story I didn't expect which made it even better.

Jessica Sorensen has this way of creating characters that are imperfectly perfect. She builds a story around these intensely broken young adults who find their way through the darkness to a bright future. And she does it so that you can't help but feel for them. It's no different with Lila and Ethan. While both have issues from their past, they lean on their unexpected friendship to pull through and heal so realistically that readers will be captured by their story and cheering for their HEA.

It's a special story of friendship that becomes so much more. And then you get to the end and it leads you back to Micha and Ella as they prepare for their Ever After... that book is coming soon so be sure to read the rest of the series now!

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was provided through NetGalley.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

I Know THIS MUCH IS TRUE #REVIEW @KatherineOwen01


This Much Is True by Katherine Owen is a big story than spans years of seemingly more heartache than love.

BLURB

Fate brings them together.Fame & lies keep them apart.One truth remains…

She’s become the Paly High girl with the most tragic story…
At 17, Tally Landon just wants to graduate and leave for New York to pursue ballet. Her best friend Marla convinces her to attend one last party—a college party—where she can be among strangers and evade the whisperings about her heartbreaking loss of her twin that follows her everywhere she goes. She meets Lincoln Presley, Stanford’s famous baseball wonder and has a little fun at his expense—when she lies about her age and who she really is—intent on being someone else for the night and escaping her tragic story.

His only focus is baseball, but he can’t forget the girl he saved on Valentine’s Day…
At 22, Lincoln Presley’s star is on the rise—about to finish at Stanford and expected to be taken early in Major League Baseball’s upcoming draft—his cousin’s party serves as a welcome distraction. But then, he sees the girl from Valentine’s Day that he saved from that horrific car accident and can’t quite hide his disappointment when she appears to look right through him and not remember him at all. He vows to learn her name at least before he leaves. What’s the harm in getting to know this girl? What’s the worst that can happen?

They share this incredible connection, but fate soon tests these star-crossed lovers in all kinds of ways...
And yet, despite the lies being told to protect the other, and the trappings of fame that continually separate them, and in lieu of the deception by those they’ve come to trust the most; one truth remains.

This much is true.

***Author's note*** 
THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.


REVIEW
This is a big story with a lot going on. At times, it feels disjointed and could've benefited from advanced plotting but having said that, the story itself and the characters were absolutely compelling. Lincoln and Tally had way too much drama between them and let way too much time separate them with no good reason. Then the author tosses in manipulative people who I never trusted and this story was so freakin' crazy. I wanted to take Lincoln and Tally and hit their heads together. Then finally, finally we get to the end and there's not nearly enough time with them together. I wanted to see them develop as a couple more. In the entire book, they were really only together five or six times. Epilogue would've made me very happy but it wasn't meant to be.

Lots of complex and big issues, compelling characters, interesting plot twists all made this a good read.



RATING: 3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was provided to us through NetGalley. Many thanks.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Finish First Friday

Ahhhh Friday....I have been waiting for you. I've had a couple of days this week where I lost my organizational skills. I hate when that happens. I recovered with out missing a step but it still drives me insane. Looking forward to this weekend. Going to work on Halloween costumes this weekend, monthly dinner with my family and soccer Sunday and getting to hug Jill on Saturday!!!! Great weekend calls for a great book.......

The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter

Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor's edge of surrender.Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can't afford because he has an agenda of his own-steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter-the love neither had thought possible...

This is my favorite book in this series so far! I knew it was going to be good when the book started out with Kaia and her sister Bianka aka the Heavenly Hills Ho are dress shopping and the look they are trying to achieve is slutty yet sophisticated. Since we're on the topic of fashion I give Sabin winner of the best male t shirt slogan ever! I also learned a bit of excellent advice from William.....never confirm or deny something you've done, but always threaten those who question you. While at the Harpy Olympics we meet Neeka. She has a small part but when your voted most likely to go off the deep end and kill everyone around, that sounds like my kind of people.

I give this book 5 chocolate dipped strawberries and a first aid kit living with Harpies is dangerous.
PEACE

Thursday, October 17, 2013

#REVIEW of The Love Series by @MCollinsAuthor

Let Love In (The Love Series #1) by Melissa Collins is the beginning of a beautiful future.

BLURB
What would happen if you lost everything? If the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally
were no longer there for you, how would your world change?

Madeleine Becker lost everything when her parents died when she was ten years old. Ripped from her home and everything that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again. The only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can't get hurt if she doesn't fall in love.

That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He understands Maddy's pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate his world. Maddy's inner strength, snarky personality and breath taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past.

Together they find out what happens when they let love in.

REVIEW
Fans of New Adult Romance will adore this series. First-time author, Melissa Collins, does it well.

Two broken characters, afraid of loving but scared to be alone, find one another and there's an instant connection they fight. Reid is a character readers will both love and hate. At times, he's abundantly sweet and then he gets scared and runs. Maddy is seeking connection after so long of feeling alone and is hurt by his immediate rejection. Then circumstance slowly brings them together and they overcome hurdle after hurdle as the story flows smoothly, making it an easy read. Reid and Maddy's story will capture readers but BEWARE: it ends in a cliffhanger so be ready to buy the next book right away.

RATING
4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries


Let Love Stay (The Love Series #2) by Melissa Collins gives readers the rest of Reid and Maddy's beautiful love story.

BLURB
If you’re lucky, you’ll fall in love – truly, madly and deeply in love. But what happens when that honest and
pure love isn’t enough to erase your fears? What happens when your past rears its ugly head and threatens your future?

Maddy and Reid had that kind of love – the all-encompassing, Earth shattering, once in a lifetime kind of love. Then life happened. Old wounds that were thought to be long healed and scabbed over are ripped opened and they are forced to face the possibility that, maybe, they are not strong enough to fight their demons and embrace the light.

Together, they found out what love is, but now they will each need to heal on their own before they can ever be together again. They must face their fears and beat down their pasts in order to find their way through this crazy uphill battle called love.

They’ve let love in, but now, they need to find out how to Let Love Stay.

REVIEW
Fans of New Adult Romance will adore this series. First-time author, Melissa Collins, does it well.

This sequel is perfect, It's continues the story but takes on a life of it's own. With the characters broken at the end of the first book -although closer than when it all began- readers immediately see Reid and Maddy dealing with their new reality on their own terms. New characters have been injected into the story and play a major role in the healing that allows Reid and Maddy to move forward with one another. Where I went back and forth with Reid in book one, he completely stole my heart in this book. He couldn't be any more perfect for Maddy who is the prime example of a strong young woman. These two deserve the happiness they've found. I was smiling when I finished reading Let Love Stay.

RATING
4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries


The series will be continuing with Let Love Heal, a story focused on Maddy's BFF and her HEA. Watch for it to come soon! I'll review it as soon as I can.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Release Day #REVIEW: Crash Into Me by Tracey Wolff @TheSpinecracker

Crash Into Me (Shaken Dirty #1) by Tracy Wolff kicks off a series that deserves an encore.

Jamison Matthews has lusted after Ryder Montgomery since she was a preteen. But now that Ryder and her brother's band, Shaken Dirty, has made it huge, she's just one of many pining for the brooding lead singer. Too bad Ryder still sees her as a little sister. Not that it matters. Her brother would never allow it, and the last thing Jamison wants is to be another notch on a rock star's bed post. Even if it's Ryder's.

Ryder doesn't deserve happiness. After his fame destroyed his last girlfriend, he swore he'd never fall in love again. So when Jamison, the girl he's been in danger of loving for years, joins the band on the road, he'll do anything to deny the sparks between them--even after one hot night together. But Jamison is determined to show Ryder that he's worthy of love--her love--and that she's all grown up and ready to play.

REVIEW
I must begin where all good reviewers would... this book has SEXY rockers with TATTOOS & PIERCINGS... yes, absolutely delicious, yummy men. Okay, now onto the story because that was good too...

This is Tracy Wolff's first book in her Shaken Dirty Series. Don't you love the band's name? The book focuses on one couple but gives readers an excellent introduction into each band member so we have a full picture. Then we get down to business... sneaky business with Ryder and Jamison as they begin a secret fling.

A perfect opposites attract scenario, Ryder is a sexy rock star complete with tattoos and piercings along with a disturbing past. Jamison is Ryder's best friend's sister, a best friend who is also a band mate. She's been sheltered her whole life, mostly by the band members who all think of her as the little sister "Jelly Bean". Now all grown up though, she's independent and on tour with the band as their chef. And she has her sights, as always, on Ryder. Ryder has some less-than-brotherly feelings for her too. The problem is that, as we all know, little sisters are off limits and when they're caught in a compromising position, it causes both to pull away.

The characters are written well. Ryder seems authentic, with enough back story to add some intrigue. Jamison is a realistic woman with insecurities and a size 12 ass. Love her because I could relate and most readers will find the same thing. Readers will pull for her and feel for her throughout the book while still connecting with Ryder.

The emotional component is strong. There's amazing sexual tension between Ryder and Jamison. The events the band goes through obviously set the stage for future books but, more importantly, add to the connection readers will make with the characters. It felt very realistic and engaging.

Can't wait for more of the Shaken Dirty boys!


RATING
4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us by Entangled Publishing. Many thanks.

#REVIEW of Freefall by @Tess_Oliver

Freefall by Tess Oliver is a beautiful love story of a young woman who lost her voice and a man who's determined to give it back to her.

BLURB
After leaving high school, with a hard won diploma and the title of most likely to break hearts, Alexander "Nix" Pierce has left his wild, out of control years mostly behind him. A small inheritance from his grandfather has given him the funds to open up his tattoo shop, Freefall, and he has started to pull his life together. Aside from trying to keep his best friend, Dray, from killing himself in the fight ring, and his slight obsession with a pin-up model he's never met, Nix's life is going smoothly . . . until Scotlyn James, the object of his obsession, walks into his shop.

Ever since a tragic accident killed her family and left her alone in the world, Scotlyn James hasn't spoken one word. Up until now she didn't care that she had no way of talking to people. Her awful aunt would never have listened, and Lincoln Hammond the arrogant, selfish man who pulled her from the streets of Los Angeles wouldn't hear her words if she could speak. But when Lincoln insists she get a tattoo to cover up a scar on her side, Scotlyn meets the artist, Nix Pierce. And now she longs for her voice. Now she has found someone who will hear her.

REVIEW
It's the most unlikely of love stories. You've got this young woman with no voice who's entire story is told from inside her head. She's in a relationship by default with a man who saved her but at his core is evil. Insert Nix who appears as a typical bad boy tattoo artist from nowhere but ends up her salvation. And the cool twist is that she's literally the woman he's carried for a year now - a photo of a pin-up model he can't throw away. Scotlyn and Nix belong together but first, readers experience just how they get their chance to be together. Since she was technically with another man, the author handled their relationship with restraint and dignity - not always an easy task in a romance novel. Well-written and satisfying, Freefall is a book I'd recommend to others. When you read as much as I do, it's unique story line is refreshing.

RATING
4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Shades of Seduction #Giveaway with @MonicaBurns


Stop by Monica Burns's FB Page each day this week for an amazing lineup of events to celebrate "Two Shades of Seduction" being on sale. Starting Monday there will be interviews with Monica, excerpts, and a chance to win one of four prizes each day of the week!! Just check out the daily posts and click on the giveaway tab to enter. 
Two Shades of Seduction is a Box Set of two steamy full-length stories featuring two men skilled in the ways of seduction and two older heroines strong enough to resist them.

Love's RevengeBook 1: Love’s Revenge

All her life, Sophie’s tried to earn her father’s love to no avail. Firmly on the shelf at forty-one. Sophie accepts her fate until she impulsively uses her father’s criminal activities to escape a life of servitude and right a wrong at the same time. But she never expected the Devil of Devlyn to accept her rash proposal, and she certainly hadn’t planned on falling in love with a younger man.
\When Sophie Hamilton, the eldest daughter of his worst enemy shows up on the Earl of Devlyn’s doorstep with an unexpected offer, Devlyn seizes the chance for vengeance. What he doesn’t bargain on is how revenge could cost him the one thing he wants the most. Sophie’s love.



Book 2: Love’s Portrait

Love's Portrait
When Julia Westgard commissions a nude portrait of herself, the painting is much more than a rebellious act. It’s an attempt to regain her self-worth after years of a loveless, repressive marriage to her late husband. But the private portrait puts her directly in thepath of Morgan St. Claire. A man who doesn’t take no for an answer.
From the first moment Morgan sees Julia’s portrait, he’s determined to have her. But the woman he meets is a far cry from the image on canvas. What starts out as a simple exercise in seduction quickly evolves into a quest to reveal the true Julia. With each sensual encounter, he employs every weapon at his disposal in hopes of making Julia see she really is the woman in Love’s Portrait.





On Sale at all your major ebook retailers!!!
Amazon |  B&N  |  Kobo  |  Smashwords  |  ARe


A bestselling author of spicy historical and paranormal romance, Monica Burns penned her first short romance story at the age of nine when she selected the pseudonym she uses today. Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me. She is also the recipient of the prestigious paranormal romance award, the 2011 PRISM Best of the Best award for Assassin’s Heart. From the days when she hid her stories from her sisters to her first completed full-length manuscript, she always believed in her dream despite rejections and setbacks. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica believes it’s possible for the good guy to win if they work hard enough.
Monica is a survivor, and it’s a topic she has become well versed in. A survivor of date rape at the age of 19, writing erotic romance has aided her in the life-long process of healing. Her writing has helped her reclaim some of her self-worth, and you can read her story here.

Monica has suffered from bipolar disorder since childhood, but was not diagnosed until much later in life. The condition according to the National Institute of Mental Health affects 5.7 million American adults or about 2.6% of the population (18 years and older).

Her most recent tale of survival is her diagnosis of the genetic disorder Long QT syndrome and subsequent heart defibrillator implant. Her determination to overcome these challenging life experiences is a reflection of her belief that there truly are happily ever afters. Writing romance is a therapeutic process as it allows Monica to explore the themes of hope, trust and love in her work. She believes romance books empower women to believe in themselves and that their only limitations are the ones they set for themselves.

Monica is a two-time RT Reviewers Choice Award nominee, the 2011 PRISM’s Best of the Best winner, two-time EPPIE nominee, a 2009 EPPIE for Best Erotic Historical Romance. She is a 2012 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist as well as a 2005 RWA Golden Heart finalist. She has consistently earned top reviews from RT BOOKreviews and other reviewers.

Monica holds a bachelors of science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Mass Communications.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Author Page  |  Goodreads  |  Blog


Saturday, October 12, 2013

Ethan in Gold by Amy Lane #REVIEW

The boys from Johnnies are back and breaking my heart.


Ethan in Gold, Amy Lane, Dreampinner Press
Johnnies # 3
Evan Costa learned from a very early age that there was no such thing as unconditional love and that it was better to settle for what you could get instead of expecting the world to give you what you need. As Ethan, porn model for Johnnies, he gets exactly what he wants—comradeship and physical contact on trade—and he is perfectly satisfied with that. He’s sure of it.

Jonah Stevens has spent most of his adult life helping to care for his sister and trying to keep his beleaguered family from fraying at the edges. He’s had very little time to work on his confidence or his body for that matter. When Jonah meets Ethan, he doesn’t see the hurt child or the shamelessly slutty porn star. He sees a funny, sexy, confident man who—against the odds—seems to like Jonah in spite of his very ordinary, but difficult, life.

Sensing a kindred spirit and a common interest, Ethan thinks a platonic friendship with Jonah won’t violate his fair trade rules of sex and touch, but Jonah has different ideas. Ethan’s pretty sure his choice of jobs has stripped away all hope of a real relationship, but Jonah wants the whole package—the sexy man, the vulnerable boy, the charming companion who works so hard to make other people happy. Jonah wants to prove that underneath the damage Ethan has lived with all his life, he’s still gold with promise and the ability to love.



I don't know what I was thinking this week, every book that I have read has been something that has ripped my heart out and just completely wrecked me. All I need to make this the tri-fecta of angst is something by J.P. Barnaby, then I really will be a pile snotty tears.

Ethan is one of those characters that you really want to get their own book but you know it's going to be like swimming in the ocean after crawling through razor blades. And yeah that was pretty much how I felt. I also had to keep reminding myself that it would do no good for me to drive to Sacramento to grab him and hug him because Johnnies isn't a real place and Ethan is not a real person. But the emotions that I experience while reading these books is so real and visceral that it's hard to remember it's just a book.

Going into this story I thought the hardest part to get through was going to be Ethan's account...oh Lord I was so wrong, Jonah came with his own heartbreaking story line. I loved Jonah and his family and they way they came together.

Now don't be scared by the drama and the tears because there is such a strong story of family and survival in these books that you can't help but have a bit of your faith renewed by reading them. Yeah there are some horrible moments that you just want to crawl inside the book and shake Ethan's mom, and the rest of his family kind of pisses me off as well, but then you get those little nuggets of Dr. Uncle Stottemeyer, and they way that the guys from Johnnies all come together, and lets not forget some really beautiful love scenes. So at the end of the day, what you walk away with is a wonderful story of two people.

I love these boys and even though I know it will break my heart I can't wait for the next one!




RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

Friday, October 11, 2013

The Last Olympian #Review

It's been a good week to stay inside and read. Weather has went from hot to cold in a blink of an eye. I have packed my open toed shoes away and replaced them with my fall/winter ones and my boots. House is decorated for fall and this year I have a pumpkin carving kit! Never tried one before. If you don't hear from me next week it went badly and I'm missing some fingers and I can't type. Looking forward to planning fall activities with friends and family and a trip to my favorite vineyard is on the agenda for this weekend and a new vineyard has opened in my area as well so I see a wine tour in my future weekends as well. Planning what to cook for upcoming events is one of my favorite things to do as well. On a high note I'm glad I finished this series before all the fall maddness begins. The new book that goes with the series after this came out Tuesday.

The Last Olympian, Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan

All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.




As promised to my daughter I have read the Percy Jackson series. She however did not mention that where this series ends The Lost Hero begins. Forcing the mythology geek in me to read this one as well. No complaints though because I have enjoyed them. This last installment had a few surprises and a battle scene close to being as awesome as the battle at the Ministry Of Magic in Order of the Phoenix. It's been great being able to discuss these books with my daughter. Time with you kids....never a waste. When she asked me who my favorite Hero was I said, "Nico of course and Hades is still my favorite God" and then she said "of course he is". And BIG shout out to Paul Blofis for believing is all this craziness. In my book he goes above and beyond the call of duty as a step father. Rock on Paul!


Thursday, October 10, 2013

#REVIEW Unbreak Me by @WriterLexiRyan

Unbreak Me (New Hope) by Lexi Ryan is an emotional and beautiful story of finding love, and of learning to love yourself.

“If you’re broken, I’ll fix you…”


I’m only twenty-one and already damaged goods. A slut. A failure. A disappointment to my picture-perfect family as long as I can remember. I called off my wedding to William Bailey, the only man who thought I was worth fixing. A year later, he’s marrying my sister. Unless I ask him not to…

“If you shatter, I’ll find you…”

But now there’s Asher Logan, a broken man who sees the fractures in my façade and doesn’t want to fix me at all. Asher wants me to stop hiding, to stop pretending. Asher wants to break down my walls. But that means letting him see my ugly secrets and forgiving him for his.

With my past weighing down on me, do I want the man who holds me together or the man who gives me permission to break?

REVIEW
This book is one of those books that you think about days after you've finished it. The story is heart breaking and beautiful at the same time. The characters are so well crafted, they are real people with scars, disappointments and fears. Maggie's secrets from her past, her dysfunctional family, the small town, Asher's other life all play roles in drawing the reader into the story. And when the two main characters come together, you can't deny they are perfect for one another. The way Asher cares for Maggie when she expected him to be the one-night stand bad-boy rocker was so sexy.

This is a MUST READ.

FAVORITE MOMENT
Asher rolls me onto my back until his body is over mine, my face framed in his hands. "Don't be afraid to break, Maggie. Stop holding onto the ugliness just to stay whole."
Hot tears slip from the corners of my eyes and roll into my ears. "What if no one can fix me?"
"You don't need fixing." He gives a sad smile and wipes a tear away with his thumb. "It's like your mosaics. The beauty is already there, you just find it. Let go, sweetheart."
"I'm afraid I'll shatter."
He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses along the line of the stitches running down my palm. "If you shatter, I'll find you." 

RATING
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries



Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Humpday Hello #Austentatious

Greetings and salutations dear Humpday nation. I'd like to say things are settling down but truthfully...not so much! On a bright note, I made it to one fall festival and have a few more to go. Gotta check off that Fall Bucket list! However, it is hard to get jazzed about hot cider, raking leaves and pumpkin patches when its 87 degrees.... Anyhoodle, we will persevere! There are plenty of books to read and relay and lucky for you all, we Indulgent Bloggers are prepared to make the sacrifice and read, read, read so we can give you something new to put on your own TBR piles!

So, before we move on to the new stuff - don't forget to stop and have a nibble on this weeks delish eye candy!  Inspired by my read (and re-read!  Yes, it was that good!) - who doesn't love a man in a kilt.  Mmmmmm kilty goodness.  You're welcome.



Alyssa Goodnight, Austentatious, Kensington Publishing, January 2012

In this quirky, sexy novel set against the lively, music-filled backdrop of Austin, Texas, a young woman learns that romance can wreak havoc with even the best laid plans. . .


It started innocently enough. While browsing in one of Austin's funky little shops, Nicola James is intrigued by a blank vintage journal she finds hidden among a set of Jane Austen novels. Even though Nic is a straight-laced engineer, she's still a sucker for anything Austen-esque. But her enthusiasm quickly turns to disbelief once she starts writing in the journal--because somehow, it's writing her back. . .


Miss Nicola James will be sensible and indulge in a little romance. Those twelve tiny words hit Nic like a thunderbolt, as if her diary was channeling Austen herself! Itching for a bit of excitement, Nic decides to follow her "Fairy Jane's" advice. The result: a red-hot romance with a sexy Scottish musician who charms his way into Nic's heart in about five seconds flat.

Sean MacInnes is warm, funny, and happens to think Nic is the most desirable woman he's ever met. But a guy like Sean doesn't exactly fit into her Life Plan. With no one but Fairy Jane to guide her, Nic must choose between the life she thought she wanted--and the kind of happy ending she never saw coming. . ..



Contrary to popular belief, the world really does need more Jane Austen.  And magic. And romance. And Scotsmen in kilts.  And fortunately for readers, Alyssa Goodnight crafted a gem that has all this and more.  Even those who are fanatic Janeites will appreciate the clever wit and kooky characters that live and love in Austin.

Goodnight really has a knack for creating characters that are imminently relatable and that make the reader stay tuned as the quick paced story unfolds.  Nicola, the squared-away, life mapped, girl geek heroine lives a contented and orderly life that everyone in the world conspires to derail. Between the mystical journal giving her fortune cookie style advice to the funky grunge chick intern to the lesbian karaoke posse next door, she doesn't stand a chance.  Certainly not when hunky, sexy accented rockers are pursuing her with single minded focus!  The secondary characters are colorful and snarky and utterly enjoyable, adding to the madcap feel to parts of this modern, old-fashioned romance.

An integral aspect of the story overall is the mysterious bound journal that Nicola purchases in an quirky antiques shop.  And once the key is located, the true magic of it's history is revealed.  Fairy Jane dispenses advice that sparse and cryptic, frustrating for it's brevity and potential for misinterpretation.  But the soul searching clues serve as a catalyst for Nicola's romance and, ultimately, personal growth.  And let's face it, who wouldn't want Jane Austen to be their wing man when it comes to navigating the world of modern dating?

Either way you slice it, this is the most realistic paranormal romance or the most magical contemporary romance.  Full of giggles and sighs, full out laughs and even some tears, this thinking girl's romance delivers the whole enchilada (hey, it's set in Austin, you have to stick with Tex-Mex references)!!!!

RATING: Five Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and winner of one of our Ultimate Indulgence awards!





Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

NDULGE in Audiobooks

Aphrodite's Kiss
Like Honey
Blindness
Lifers
Given
Tease Me
Uncovering You: The Contract
Breathe Into Me
Deception
Promiscuous
Before You Break
When You're Ready
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping
The Rise of the Hotel Dumort
Being Chase
Misappropriate
Misled
Misled
The Amazon's Curse
Night Games


Ndulgent Bloggers's favorite books »