Thursday, August 27, 2015

Book review: Earth Bound (Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart #4) by Christine Feehan


Available now!

After escaping from a cult, Lexi found refuge with her sisters on the farm that more than sustained her body—it nurtured her soul as well. But she never forgot the terror she left behind or the always present fear that the cult would find her again, and claim her. Then her nightmare came true.

Lexi was discovered and threatened—only to be suddenly saved by a stranger. He is Gavriil Prakenskii, and he’s awestruck by the woman he’s rescued. She is destined for him. He can feel it in his soul. But how can Lexi find happiness with a man steeped in secrets and shadows, one intimately acquainted with violence, and whose very love could be the death of them.


Book 4 in the Sisters of the Heart series brings us Lexi's stories. Of course there is a Prakenskii brother and this time it's one of the older brothers Gavriil. Gavriil shows up in Lexi's life just in time to save her from the man who abused her and kidnapped her from her family as a child. Being bound to the Earth she helped the cult she was kidnapped into thrive. She found her only solace in growing the crops for the cult and have her hands in the dirt. Once she finally escaped and found her new sisters the farm became her place of healing. Gravill is a self professed killer. Like his brothers he was kidnapped and his parents murdered as a young child. He came to the farm to warn his youngest brother he was now on a hit list with the rest of them. He didn't expect Lexi but once he saw her it was all over. Loved this one. Graviil and Lexi have both had terrible things in their pasts but both see the potential of healing in each other. When Lexi's past comes back to haunt her Graviil and his brothers along with her sisters get together to finally clear that out of Lexi's life. High light of the book for most fans of this series will probably seeing 5 of the 7 brothers get together. I can't wait for the final two brothers to join the series.

Find out more about this series and Christine Feehan here www.christinefeehan.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

eARC book review: Too Hard to Handle (Black Knights Inc. #8) by Julie Ann Walker


Available Sept. 1st 2015

"The Man" is back
Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority.

And this time she's ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.
 


So excited to see Dan's story. Dan Currington lost his wife quite brutally in one of the first books in this series. We really didn't get to know much about him or his wife at the time. He fell into deep grief and became an alcoholic. Just getting by one day at a time. He didn't much care about anything. Two years later he has pulled himself up out of all that with the help of his BKI family when he met Penni DePaul in the last book in this series. They met guarding the presidents daughter but through horrific events in that book they forged a bond and feelings for each other. Still they walked away at the end of the book. Penni was a Secret Service agent but she shows up in Chicago to see Dan having resigned her post. Dan's and Zoelner are out of the country and the BKI  crew send Penni there thinking she'd be fine but she ends up in the middle of the biggest mess ever. Penni was coming to see Dan to talk about a possible future together. Next thing you know they are running from bullets and bad men.  I loved this book. It's so great to see Dan finally get some peace and the possibility of a happy life. Penni has a big secret that changes everything and Dan makes a confession that pushes Penni to doubt him. The only thing that tore me up a bit is the ending. It's not really a cliffhanger as much as it is a detail left open. I thought there would be a bit of a reveal at the last minute but we are stuck waiting for the next book. I'll be reading it for sure!! Action packed and emotional at times Julie Ann Walker delivers another great BKI story!

Find out more about this series and Julie Ann Walker here www.julieannwalker.com

Friday, August 21, 2015

ARC Book review: Broken Play (Birmingham Rebels #1) by Samantha Kane



Available Sept 1st 2015
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Birmingham Rebels offensive linemen Beau Perez and Cass Zielinski are inseparable, on and off the field. Cass, the captain with the cowboy swagger, is a loose cannon. Beau, the veteran tight end, is cool under pressure. And ever since they were caught on tape in a steamy threesome, their exploits have fueled more than a few tabloid headlines—and naughty fantasies.
Marian Treadwell knows all about the video. And now that she’s the Rebels’ new assistant offensive coach, she can’t look at Beau and Cass without picturing their hard, naked bodies—with her pressed in between. Marian would like nothing more than to indulge those impulses, but she knows better than to get too close to her players, a bunch of adrenaline-fueled alpha males who don’t always follow the rules.
Just the thought of sharing the gorgeous yet guarded Marian drives Cass wild. At first, Beau isn’t sure she’s right for them . . . and lately, all he desires is a little alone time with Cass to explore their new intimacy. But it’s only a matter of time before Cass breaks through both of their defenses. Because when seduction is the game plan, he always plays to win.
I thought this would be a sports story mixed with a romance. It turns out i was wrong. Beau and Cass have been best friends for a long time. Wherever Cass goes Beau follows. Now with the Birmingham Rebels Cass is the captain and needs to make this year a good one. Marian Treadwell is the new assistant offensive coach. She know her stuff but wants to tread lightly while showing the players she can help them win. She needs to prove to herself she can be successful without her dad who is a famous head coach for college team. The newest recruit refuses to show up to practice so when they arrange a phone call everyone is surprised when Marian speaks up to talk him into coming when so far he's been a no go. That's when secrets tumble out. This is more of a erotica though than a sports story. Cass and Beau have a sex tape as a threesome and Marian has seen it and imagines herself in the middle. Cass and Beau want her too but they also want each other. While Beau who is the rougher looking  with a matching background comes off as the sweet one of the two and Cass comes off as a super alpha caveman.  There are several sexual themes in this story and i was a little surprised to see them but this is the first book by this author for me so i don't know if it's the norm in her work. I can only say it was interesting and i am still not sure if i liked it or not. Over all the book could've used more story and less sex and some of the dialogue was a bit cheesy but if you want to read a book that will sizzle your brain a little this one can do that. I am intrigued enough to read on to book two.

Find out more about this series and Samantha Kane here www.samanthakane.us

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

ARC Book review: Anything but Broken (Hurricane Creek #1) by Joelle Knox


Available 8/25/2015
eARC provided by author

After five years, tragedy brings Hannah Casey back to Hurricane Creek to bury what’s left of her family. She’s flunking out of college, haunted by scandal, and the only person who cares is Sean Whitlow, an irresistible bad boy with a soft spot for her. The problem? He’s her dead sister’s ex.

Sean doesn’t bleed red, he bleeds motor oil. During the week, he struggles to turn his auto repair shop into a profitable business. But when Saturday night rolls around, he’s the reigning stock-car king of the local race track. He doesn’t know how to lose–or how to walk away and leave Hannah alone with her grief.

Between her grades and her wealthy family’s dark secrets, Hannah’s barely holding her life together. And the last thing Sean needs is to get tangled up with another Casey girl. As the attraction between them spins out of control, they’ll either find a love with no limits–or go up in flames.


I have not read many New Adult (NA) but because Joelle Knox is also Kit Rocha i decided i needed to give this book a try. It's definitely a different writing style than i am used to and it took a while to like it but the more i read the more i enjoyed it. Hannah has a lot going on. Her parents are killed in a horrific car accident and everything else in her life is a mess. Now she's home to take care of everything with her parents estate, funerals etc. She finds herself facing her deceased sisters ex boyfriend,. Hannah has always had  thing for Sean and when she runs into him that attractions burns bright for both of them. Sean turns into the only sane thing in her life as she deals with family things and what life is now like without her controlling parents to tell her what to do.  I enjoyed this book the more i read it. I wasn't completely sold on it til the last 25% when of course things have to finally come to a head. Hannah has many secrets and as they start to come out it will either destroy what she has started to build or will prove to her that there can be good in her life. The author does a nice job building the foundation for this series while still giving us Hannah and Sean story. I can't wait for the next book in this series.  

Find out more about this series and Joelle Knox here www.joelleknox.com

Friday, August 14, 2015

ARC Book review: Secret Pleasure (Bound Hearts #13) by Lora Leigh


Available August 18th 2015
eARC Provided by publisher through Netgalley

Once a member of the Sinclair men’s club as their honorary female member, Alyssa Hampstead broke one of the most important rules of the club and gracefully accepted Ian Sinclair’s request to leave.

For a reason.

Now, caught between two men she’s terrified of, and a father determined to destroy her, she turns to the only safety she’s ever known, that of the men’s club she forced herself to walk away from.

Only to learn that the very men she’s running from are awaiting for her there. And the man determined to destroy her, has just been waiting for her to return –


This was was pretty good at first then it just wasn't. I have read i think most if not all the previous books in this series so i kinda knew what to expect. I did not get what i expected. I liked the cousins well enough and Alyssa. I could not keep straight all the various secondary character. Many appeared with no explanation of who they were where they came from.  The cousins were called brothers more than once in the story. Alyssa mother tells her right before she leaves her in a pivotal place in the story to look in her secret hiding place for something. It's never mentioned again. The last villan (there are more than one) is revealed at the end and because this story was all over the place it made no sense. To many relationships were not explained and/or barely if at all eluded to. I read the book to the very end in hopes it would all makes sense. It was all to choppy for me. The blurb is kind of misleading too. She is not terrified of the men she's running from. Hurt emotionally yes, terrified no. Disappointed because i have liked this authors previous books and was excited to see she had a new release coming.  

Find out more about the Bound Hearts series and Lora Leigh here www.loraleigh.com

Thursday, August 13, 2015

ARC Book review: Picture This by Marilyn Baxter

Available now!
eARC Provided by author

When it comes to relationships, Tess Callahan is gun-shy. An ambitious Atlanta divorce attorney, she’s seen the aftermath of relationships gone bad, which is why she has no time in her life for any man except for Nick Russo. Handsome and exciting, he’s the perfect choice to give her all she desires—including the fact he’s never around long enough for things to get complicated. Until suddenly they do.


Nick Russo has the world. His job as a photographer takes him everywhere, and he wouldn’t give that life up for anyone, not even the beautiful and brilliant Tess Callahan. Or so he thinks. An unexpected pregnancy is about to bring everything into focus, a brighter and more colorful world than he ever thought to imagine. The possibilities are endless, and they’re something he can capture not just on film but in reality.


This is my second book by this author and i was excited to read it after reading the blurb. It didn't disappoint. I was drawn in immediately. Tess and Nick have a no strings attached relationship. A little togetherness outside of the bedroom but most of it spent in it. Perfect right? Both characters have some messed us history that make them a little gun shy the in feelings department. They each both have crazy busy careers. Tess a divorce lawyer who sees marriages end daily and Nick as a world traveling photographer. Nick has to leave on a job and decides he needs to cool it with Tess for a while. He's feeling more for her than he should. Ignoring her phone calls it's seven months before he sees her again.  After running into her at a home improvement store he notices one big difference in her. Tess is pregnant. Very pregnant. That's when the story really gets going. I enjoyed watching Nick and Tess navigate their relationship. When Tess is put on bed rest she has to learn to accept help and let Nick in. Nick has to deal with some issues from his past. While they both come to terms with the fact they are having a baby. Fun at times and emotional at others this book has it all. 

Find out more about this book and Marilyn Baxter marilyn-baxter

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

ARC Book review: Tough Love (Ultimate #3) by Lori Foster




Available August 25th 2015
eARC provided by publisher by Netgalley


Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she's not above playing a little dirty. She's wanted Stack "The Wolf" Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack's past steps out of the shadows. 

Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he's the one always left wanting more. Then his trouble making family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they're much more than friends with benefits. He's ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who's tamed him for good?


 Vanity Baker followed her friend Yvette from California. With all her family gone, Yvette and all her MMA fighter friends are her new family. She also has a thing for Stack. Being daring she makes him a offer he can't refuse. Sex with no attachments. What Vanity doesn't know is Stack wants her too. Stacks crazy family makes for interesting problems for the couple but a shady brother in law is the one to watch out for. Or is he? As much as i liked this book in the beginning the more i read the more it seems to slow down and get a little boring. I didn't like the villains in this one. Didn't work for me unfortunately. Secondary characters stole the book for me. Armie and Leese come across as interesting and protective, yet have their own issues that make you want to find out what they are. They were great with Vanity too. Overall the book was ok even though the plot didn't quite work for me. Excited to read Armie's book which is the next one in the series

***This book also contains a Buckhorn novella which has been previously released.***


Find out more about this series and Lori Foster here www.lorifoster.com

Thursday, August 6, 2015

ARC Book review: Laird Wolf (Takhini Shifters #2) by Vivian Arend


Available now!
eARC provided by author

He’s a wolf in a kilt. That pretty much says it all…

Pulling off a rescue mission at a remote castle in Scotland should be an easy task for lone wolf Damon Black. He’ll flash some muscle, show a little Alpha power, and do it takes to ease Addie MacShay’s fears. But the woman who throws herself into his arms and cries boyfriend is more intriguing than anticipated. The sexy she-wolf’s got more curves, more tantalizing scent, more of everything he desires.

Addie’s job cataloguing an estate at the Sterling-Wylde Manor is complicated by the ongoing discovery of new wills and the two creepy heirs who won’t leave her alone. But her fake boyfriend turns out to be a far greater threat—not only is he fun and flirtatious, he looks delicious in a kilt. She craves his touch, but with her empathic skills on overdrive, touch is the last thing she needs.

Damon’s fighting his unruly inner beast. Addie’s fighting their incredible sexual pull. They'll both have to lower their guard to make this more than a Highland fling.



This is a quick Takhini Shifters novella. I have not read book one but didn't feel i missed anything by picking up this novella without reading book one " Copper King". I wouldn't mind going back to read it now though. Damon Black heads to Scotland to look out for a friend of his best friends wife. Follow that? Addie is cataloguing items at a estate in Scotland while a lawyer wades through multiple wills the owner left behind to decide the true owners. Unfortunately two of the hopeful owners are there with her and giving her the creeps. They are cat shifters and sneaky. Damon arrives and she pretends he's her boyfriend to scare off the creepy guys and to keep her safe. Damon is more than just a pretend boyfriend though. It doesn't take him long to feel the pull between them. While Addie works, Damon watches out for her and gets to know everyone around the estate. The pair grow closer and discover they are more than a fling. Quick but satisfying read. Loved both Addie and Damon. There chemistry was red hot! 

Find out more about Vivian Arend and her work here www.vivianarend.com


Wednesday, August 5, 2015

ARC Book review: The Legacy of Copper Creek (Copper Creek Cowboys #3) by R.C. Ryan



Available now!
eARC Provided by Publisher through Netgalley

When Love Walks Through the Door...

Like all MacKenzie men, Whit respects three things: hard work, his family, and the wild beauty of the Montana land he calls home. The solitude of the high country is a welcome respite to a loner like Whit. So when a powerful spring snowstorm hits as he's tending the herd, Whit heads to one of the family's isolated cabins. The cold winds don't trouble him. The gorgeous mystery woman waiting inside does. 

All Cara Walton wanted was a chance to clear her head. And the forgotten cabin on the outskirts of the MacKenzie ranch seemed like the perfect place to do just that—until Whit arrives. The rugged cowboy quickly melts Cara's defenses and she's powerless to resist his strong arms or his tender touch. She desperately wants to trust him, but there's so much Whit doesn't know, so much she hasn't told him. She lost everything once—can she find the courage to risk her heart again?

The Legacy of Copper Creek is the last in the latest trilogy of books by R.C. Ryan. The series wraps up with Whit MacKenzie's book. Out in high country and caught in a freak snow storm is no problem for Whit. After making his way to one of the small cabins they have all over their property for the wranglers he's surprised when he finds he is not alone. When what feels like a gun is poked into his back Whit has to work fast to disarm his intruder. Turns out it's an intruder but not one he has to worry about when he finds Cara Walton in his cabin. On the run from a couple of bad situations in her life she ends up on foot at one point and then the cabin she thought no one would find her in while she sorted things out. Cara didn't expect to see Whit walking in the door.I loved Whit and Cara. There is something about the pair that touched my heart. I wanted to see them happy. Whit says he's never going to act crazy in love but it doesn't take him long before he is putting Cara first. Cara has a couple of problems she's hiding from. From a ex boyfriend who is a controlling jerk to a mysterious man with evil eyes threatening her. She's safe with Whit and his family and with their loving nature she gains some of her confidence back and takes a chance on her dream. Of course since book one opens up with Bear MacKenzie's murder book three has to wrap that up. It's starts to be predictable who it is but getting the full picture takes to the final chapters. Love the ending of this book. Makes you feel like you are a part of it all and you hope to see them all  again.


Find out more about the Copper Creek Cowboys series and author R.C. Ryan here www.ryanlangan.com