The Billion Dollar Bad Boy (The Billionaire's Club #2) by Jackie Ashenden

The Book
Release Date:  11 March 2014

Donovan Morrow, the charming, loveable, sexy face of the Morrow company, can’t seem to get a break. Despite all the wining and dining he does for his partners—both in business and in bed—he feels underappreciated. Always coming in second to big brother Jax, he’s considered the playboy of the family, and not someone to be taken seriously. Even more frustrating is when Victoria de Winter, the sexy, sultry manager of the Morrow’s company biggest rival, won’t give him the time of day or night. If only Donovan could show her how his darkest desires revolve around her, she wouldn’t keep blowing him off…

Victoria has always been a good girl. Working hard for the family business and engaged to a respectable man her parents approve of, Victoria thought she had her whole life figured out. That is, until Donovan Morrow entered her life. Victoria knows she shouldn’t lust after him—a direct competitor of her family and a notorious playboy, Donovan is all wrong for the stable life she has carved out for herself. But if this hot billionaire keeps pursuing her, Victoria can only resist for so long before she has to explore his darker, wilder side…

My Opinion  4 STARS
**Copy provided by Netgalley and St Martin's Press for an honest review**

The second novella in this series is just as good as the first.  We have heat, passion and fire.

Both Donovan and Victoria struggle in their position within the family fold and find a similar pain within the other that pulls then that much closer to each other.  They see in each other what know one else has ever seen in them before and Victoria especially just gives her acceptance and love much easier once she's free.

Both have a sharp tongue and a cool personality when in the boardroom and manage to get under each other skin trying their best to get the upper hand.

A brilliant read.

The Billion Dollar Bachelor (The Billionaire's Club #1) by Jackie Ashenden

The Book
Release Date: 11 February 2014

The Billionaire’s Club: a fabulously sexy contemporary series about some of the world’s wealthiest, most powerful men and the women they claim…and keep. 　Jax Morrow is a dangerously handsome, spectacularly wealthy entrepreneur whose world is turned upside down when Pandora Garret walks into a dark, smoky bar one night—a stunning combination of sex and innocence. He knows she’s trouble at first sight, but Jax can’t let her leave…unless she’s leaving with him.　Pandora has had enough. Kept under lock and key by her powerful, controlling father, she aches for freedom. When she briefly escapes and meets Jax she knows he is just what she has been looking for: forbidden, unforgettable passion. After one night in Jax’s arms, Pandora knows she can never go back to living under one man’s domination. Determined to control her own life she tries to resist Jax, but a dangerous desire rises between them—one that threatens to destroy them. But both Pandora and Jax discover that they just can’t be pulled away…

My Opinion  4 STARS
This is a short novella that is told from both points of view.

Pandora had previously been trapped in her fathers world and walked straight into a bar where Jax was drowning his sorrows.  Some of the lines between them where quite witty.

Jax is another powerful man, but like most tends to keeps his issues to himself and is usually cold and reserved but finds Pandora just too tempting.  He is also rather harsh to the brother that is never him and never really hears him.

The novella is fast paced and full of steamy moments along with two people who finally realise who they are and what they want.

A brilliant, fun, dirty read.

Lost In You by Sommer Marsden

The Book
Release Date: 27 March 2014

Trapped inside a luxury mall during a violent storm, small town girl, Clover Brite, is thrust into the arms of international playboy Dorian Martin. Lighting strikes inside the building as well as outside…

Clover is the site manager for the renovation of the Baltimore Rotunda and first meets the owner, Dorian, when the 'storm of the century' traps the two of them inside the luxury mall. Upscale stores surround them and all are available at the end of Dorian's keyring, and though money doesn't impress her much, they begin to fall for each other.

Too aware of the differences between them and struggling with angst from her childhood, Clover flees back to her small town world. Dorian follows in hot pursuit. But will Clover realise that what happened that stormy night could lead to a future?

My Opinion  4 STARS
**Copy provided by Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an honest review**

I really liked this book and the chemistry between the two was good.  However I did feel that perhaps she was just a bit young for the job she held.

Dorian Black certainly did most of the chasing after Clover and he never hid his intentions or feelings for her. however Clover did a lot of pushing away and kept a lot behind closed doors.

Her grandmother and Brani seemed like good people and very supportive even if they understood her slightly obsessive controlling nature, and her mother seemed nice too.

Loved the way how natural the relationship felt and progressed, nothing felt rushed or wrong and it left me with a warm-hearted feeling.

BLOG TOUR (Interview) - Blood Stained Tranquility (The Rise of the Szolites #2) by N. Isabelle Blanco

The Book
Release Date: 17 December 2013

The wheels of destiny are spiraling out of control quicker than even the gods can keep up. They all thought they knew what war was like—but have no idea how bad things are about to get. In the continuation of the Szolite series, two of the most dangerous powers in the Universe will be unleashed, threatening to push two fated beings apart. 

A normal human girl. . .
Evesse Salazar never imagined that a violent end to her already difficult life would be just the beginning. After being thrown into a vortex, shredded apart, and killed, she is reborn as something more. Something she might not be able to manage. If that weren’t enough, she awakes newly mated to the last being in the Universe she ever would have chosen.
Now, with no other option, Eve must come to terms with her powers, her past, and her mate before he loses control of what might just be uncontrollable.

A god with a monster locked inside. . .
For over eleven thousand years, Zeniel, God of Tranquility, has done everything in his power to keep his other half, the God of Vengeance, from breaking free. A single glance from Mavrak is all it takes to kill those deemed guilty. The wraiths under his command can tear thousands to shreds in an instant, no matter how small their crimes. Zeniel knows he must remain at peace to keep Mavrak at bay, but he’s rendered helpless with one look into the eyes of his mate.
The longing for Evesse is enough to rip the demon out of its cage, and with the Gods on the verge of a cataclysmic war, Mavrak has every intention of gorging on both his mate, and the vengeance he so desperately needs.


Interview

1. What are you personal beliefs about love and destiny?

Nooo. As I’ve said in other interviews, I can’t fully get into this topic without it becoming a lecture of unprecedented proportions. LOL

But in a nutshell?

Newton’s Third Law; Life is b****; & Love makes Life seem like an innocent, benevolent force.

2. Who was more fun to write Evesse or Zeniel and why?

I loved them both. Zen because of how he and Mavrak both hungered for Eve. And Evesse? Well...she got to have the yuminess that is Zen. How can that not be fun? (And, Oh God, it was. Over 120,000 words once finished, and it still wasn’t enough for me :p)

3. If you were a god what would your power/emotion be?

Rage/ Destruction. *Gives her family and friends the side-eye* See? I can be honest.

4. What inspires your story lines?

They really just pop into my head on their own. There’s  no real planning involved when it comes to my stories. Now research? That’s a whole nother thing. Google hates me by now.

6. What do you fear most about being an author?

Honestly? Failure. This is an extremely tough and competitive career. It involves so much time and sacrifice. No human being wants to give that much up and walk away having failed.

7. Who is your favourite writer?

Man, there isn’t really just one, but if I must chose, I have to go with Kresley Cole. Hands-down. She owns me.

8. How many more Szolites novels can we expect?

I never get into the exact number of how many. That’s something that will depend on how well the next three or four novels go. I have 8 more planned as of right now, but that number can always be expanded.

Author Bio:

N. Isabelle Blanco was born in Queens, NY (USA). At the age of three, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she began reading and writing. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life.

An avid reader in her teens, her fascination with Japanese anime eventually led her to the universe of fan fiction, which became her on-again, off-again hobby for the next ten years. During that time she amassed a following of fans that, by her own admission, she would never be able to live without. It was those fans who encouraged her to step beyond the fan fiction realm and try her talent in the publishing world.

N. Isabelle Blanco now has three novellas and two full-length novels under her belt, and spends her days working as an author, web programmer, marketer, and graphic designer. Her free time is spent with her “spawn,” as she calls her son, brainstorming for his future career as a comic book illustrator.

Connect with N. Isabelle Blanco on: 

Facebook, Twitter, Blog and Goodreads

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Four Weddings and a Werewolf (Seattle Wolf Pack #2) by Kristin Miller

The Book
Release Date: 28 October 2013

To have and to howl…

Logan Black, former Marine and bodyguard for the Seattle Wolf Pack, hates weddings and has no plan to walk the path to matrimonial misery. But when he’s hired to protect a hot-to-trot wedding planner with a werewolf stalker, he’s forced to put his feelings aside. Not such an easy task when the damsel can turn him on with a single smoldering glance.

Wedding planner Veronica Vale knows werewolves exist, but hates them. One bit her sister, changing their lives forever. When a sexy Marine shows his gorgeous face at one of her wedding appointments, Veronica finds it hard to focus on the task at hand.

The chemistry drawing Logan and Veronica together seems fated, but with Logan’s playboy attitude, Veronica’s hatred for werewolves, and a stalker lurking in the shadows, these two need more than passion to keep them together.

My Opinion  4 STARS
** Copy provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

This book was just as good as the first one, but the cover definitely fitted better along with the title.

So we have a prejudiced woman who's sister was bitten by a were-wolf and an were-wolf how has been hired by her almost were-wolf brother in law as she has been getting lots of noted an flowers from a secret admirer, but what she doesn't know is that it is another were-wolf.

Logan, who we met briefly in the first book does not do weddings of relationships.  He likes one night stands because he saw what love did to his mother.

Logan is not so alpha male, but he does have a soft sweet side along with that all important protective side with a good dollop of hotness.

Both at times are simply stupid and I wanted to knock their heads together, but overall it was another good book from the author.  I really do hope we have more books in the series and would love to see a book for Mr Bloomfield, Drakes second.

Gone with the Wolf (Seattle Wolf Pack #1) by Kristin Miller

The Book
Release Date: 23 April 2013

CEO and alpha werewolf Drake Wilder has given up the search for his one true love. When he discovers that she’s a secretary in his company, Drake’s primal instincts kick into overdrive. 

What he wouldn’t give to have her fingers rake over his body instead of the keyboard… 

Free-spirited bartender Emelia Hudson wants nothing more than to make her Seattle-based bar succeed. But when profits decline, she slips into a dress suit and secures a nine-to-five. After learning that her bar has become property of Wilder Financial, Emelia is determined to get some answers. 

Two can play the ruthless business game. If only her attraction to the boss wasn’t so intense… 

When Drake’s twin brother senses that Drake has found his match—and now inherits their father’s billion dollar estate—he hatches a plan to take Emelia out. Drake vows to protect her at all costs, but he might have to pay with his own life.

My Opinion  5 STARS
**Copy provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

Although I struggled to see how the title connected with the book, I did find this book to be everything that I expected, and delightedly so.

A quick read, however it had flirty fun, sizzle and attraction and a strong alpha male with a woman who didn't just lie down and accept fate.  She was a fighter with sass.

I do wish there had been a little more talk about the were-wolf side of things, but with a limited amount of pages what we got is still fairly decent.

A hot little read that just flies out of the pages.

Turned (The Belladonna Agency #1) by Virna DePaul

The Book
Release Date: 1 April 2014

Perfect for fans of J. R. Ward, Nalini Singh, and Lara Adrian, bestselling author Virna DePaul’s new series of paranormal romances introduces readers to a thrilling world where vampires secretly co-exist with humans, seduction rules the night, and the stakes are nothing less than life and undeath.

Welcome to a mesmerizing world where vampires hide among humans. This centuries-old species has its own rules, code of conduct, and taboos. Only the FBI knows that vampires exist—and although the Bureau agrees to keep their secret, it also plots to give humans the upper hand.

Turning mortals into vampires is forbidden.

But there are creatures who refuse to play by the rules.

Ever since he was turned, FBI special agent Ty Duncan has had one mission: bring rogue vampires to justice. As a recruiter for Belladonna, a shadow agency formed to keep vampires in check, Ty must tap Ana Martin, a troubled ex–gang member and one of the few mortals who can infiltrate places that his kind and the law cannot. From their first encounter, Ty fights a hunger to make Ana his own.

When Ty claims to have information about Ana’s missing sister, Ana has no choice but to trust this captivating stranger who awakens her deepest desires. But as she and Ty climb the heights of pleasure and passion, an enemy is conspiring to destroy them both.

Can Ana help Ty find his humanity in a love that could heal them both, or will their passion lead them into a darkness impossible to escape?

My Opinion  2.5 STARS
**Copy provided by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an honest review**

I actually had trouble reading this in the fact that it couldn't keep my attention.  Yes lots had been thrown at it, however, it really didn't do that much for me.  It was more like a gap filler an 'oh, I can't find anything else to do' kind of book.  I was disappointed to be quite honest.

The book blurb did make the book seem interesting, and yes, it was actioned packed, but there were too many hidden secrets, and the almost instant attraction between the two didn't sit right with me.

I will certainly try the second book in the series as I have loved other books by this author, but yeah I wasn't impressed by this one.

Come Home to Me (Whiskey Creek #6) by Brenda Novak

The Book
Release Date: 25 March 2014

Home is where her heart is...

When Presley Christensen returns to Whiskey Creek with her little boy after two years away, she has completely changed her life. She's made peace with her past and overcome the negative behavior that resulted from her difficult childhood. Now she's back in the small town that was the closest thing to home she ever knew;the town where she can be with the sister who's her only family.

There's just one catch. Aaron Amos still lives in Whiskey Creek, at least until he moves to Placerville to open a branch of the Amos brothers' auto body shop. And no matter how hard she's tried, Presley hasn't been able to get over him. Seeing him again makes the longing so much worse. But she hopes she can get through the next few months, because she can't fall back into his arms;or his bed. She's come too far to backslide now. And there's a secret she's been guarding; a secret she'll do anything to protect.

My Opinion  3.5 STARS
My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.

Ok I have to say that this is not may favourite book of the series.  The writing is still as gripping and as brilliant as ever.  Presley is too caught up in the past, Aaron can't see whats in front of him and don't even get me started on Cheyenne's goings on.

Presley has come back as she needs her sisters support with her baby who's parentage she hopes to keep a secret.  There is however so much sexual tension that neither Presley or Aaron can keep away from each other.  Presley shows Aaron exactly how much she has changed, and not just on the outside.

Aaron has also grown up yet know one seems to have yet realised this, even Aaron.  It is only with a shock revelation that things change dramatically in his world to where he has to actually fight for what he wants.

I hated however that underhanded dealings with Cheyenne.  I have loved her in her story but in this book, she really loses my favour.  Dylan has already shown how forgiving he is and that he would do anything for her.  So why she went to such dastardly lengths (and thereby betraying her husband) I will never understand.  I lost my respect for her in this book, never mind her reasons why.  The act did not justify the means.

I felt sorry for Riley too.  He was encouraged by his friends, but Presley did always warn him of her feelings. 

So far we have Joe, Baxter, Kyle and Riley who all need to have a decent love come into their lives.  All of them have been treated badly and I want them to be able to have a happily ever after.

Wanted (Most Wanted #1) by J. Kenner

The Book
Release Date: 7 January 2014

He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.

Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets. 

My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.

And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same. 

My Opinion  0 STARS
**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for an honest review**

So this book was better than I thought it would be, and I had thought it was going to be good.

Seriously hot, (i'm fanning myself here) certainly not one to read out in public :)

We read through Angelina's (also called Lina and Angie) turbulent times aster loosing her uncle, a man that was very close to her.  We also read about her lifelong crush of Evan Black and the passion that they both share.

A few things get turned on their heads in this tale, but for the better I think.

Cole and  Tyler are going to be awesome characters to read in the upcoming books, I really can't wait to get my hands on them.

Blood Stained Tranquility (The Rise of the Szolites #2) by N. Isabelle Blanco

The Book
Release Date: 17 December 2013

The wheels of destiny are spiraling out of control quicker than even the gods can keep up. They all thought they knew what war was like—but have no idea how bad things are about to get. In the continuation of the Szolite series, two of the most dangerous powers in the Universe will be unleashed, threatening to push two fated beings apart. 

A normal human girl. . .
Evesse Salazar never imagined that a violent end to her already difficult life would be just the beginning. After being thrown into a vortex, shredded apart, and killed, she is reborn as something more. Something she might not be able to manage. If that weren’t enough, she awakes newly mated to the last being in the Universe she ever would have chosen.
Now, with no other option, Eve must come to terms with her powers, her past, and her mate before he loses control of what might just be uncontrollable.

A god with a monster locked inside. . .
For over eleven thousand years, Zeniel, God of Tranquility, has done everything in his power to keep his other half, the God of Vengeance, from breaking free. A single glance from Mavrak is all it takes to kill those deemed guilty. The wraiths under his command can tear thousands to shreds in an instant, no matter how small their crimes. Zeniel knows he must remain at peace to keep Mavrak at bay, but he’s rendered helpless with one look into the eyes of his mate.
The longing for Evesse is enough to rip the demon out of its cage, and with the Gods on the verge of a cataclysmic war, Mavrak has every intention of gorging on both his mate, and the vengeance he so desperately needs.

My Opinion  5 STARS
** ARC Provided by NetGalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House for an honest review**

WOW. I so totally loved this book. The second book in the series continues a steamy, hot, explosive, action packed series that just gets better.

The writing really pulls you in and having read the first book I already loved Zeniel/Mavrak and Evesse. Both characters are strong and you feel a connection to them and all the other Gods around them. We meet lots of new characters and you get a taster of other future mating that are also going to happen.

I really can't wait for the next book went we get the continuing saga along with the mating of Sol and Ianthye I can only imagine how hot that book is going to turn out.

A MUST read.

Sex and the Single Vamp by Robin Covington

The Book
Release Date: 24 March 2014

Felicity (CiCi) Trent, vampire and media darling, spends her days finding true love for humans and supernaturals (the "Others") at her dating agency. But someone is trying to sabotage her business and she needs help. Unfortunately, the best man for the job is the one who broke her still-beating heart two hundred fifty-four years ago.


Deacon is a patient vampire. He’s only loved one woman in over three hundred years— CiCi— and she chose another. So when she shows up in his office asking for help, he finally has the chance to lay that demon to rest. He’ll help her, but for a price—a night in his bed.


Adrenaline, mischief, and a little late-night B&E light the passion that even a couple of lifetimes couldn’t put out. But Deacon has a secret and when CiCi is suddenly mortal, his deception might be the only way restore her immortality. Can love bridge the gap between a heartbeat and forever?

My Opinion  5 STARS
**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

Yet another sizzling hot book from Robin Covington. When I read the blurb I got the feeling I would love it and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

I got everything I wanted. Drama, romance, pain and love with some extra awesome-sauce friends in the picture.

Deacon is an alpha male at all times, bar a small moment near the end when his uncertainty is heart-warming.

Cici is another strong character that knows when to press forward and when to just stand strong. Her personality is like her hair, fiery yet soft.

Another must read from Robin.

BLOG TOUR (Review) - Desecration: Part 1 (Wizard Queen at Sixteen Series) by Hadley Holt

The Book
Release Date: 15 March 2014
In a hidden world of wizards where only men hold the power of magic, one girl arises with the power to change everything, if she isn’t killed first…

Adriana Victoriana Evangelista (Addie), daughter to the High Chancellor of the Wizard’s Council, has always been the perfect wizard girl. She never questions why men possess magical powers and women have no power at all, magical or otherwise. Male wizards blend into the modern human world, leading huge corporations while wizard women are sequestered away.  

On her sixteenth birthday, Addie discovers she possesses magic. Under wizard law, she is a desecration. An ancient prophecy surrounds the emergence of a girl magic-wielder, the wizard queen, who is destined to bring about the downfall of the wizard-kin.

Addie has long had a forbidden crush on a human boy who lives in the wizard stronghold, Rory Devlin. As she delves deeper into the dangerous mysteries surrounding her own destiny, she suspects Rory might be more than just human.

Addie’s fate sends her straight into the path of a powerful and evil sorcerer, but the worst danger of all may come from right inside her own home.

My Opinion  5 STARS
** Copy provided by the Author for an honest review**

I really enjoyed this book.  It seems like a mix of Harry Potter and The Golden Compass but yet manages to be its own book completely.

The writing is strong and it gripped me from page one that had me going, 'just one more page' constantly.  The characters are also quite strong in themselves and you get a true feeling of who they are and what they are going to be like.

Hadley Holt has given a strong debut as a new author in the Young Adult collection and I really do look forward to reading what happens next in the series with Addie and her friends.

The Author:

Hadley Holt, author of paranormal, and fantasy YA (Young Adult) has always loved to write. She also nurtures an incurable fascination with all things supernatural and fantastical. From a young age, she imagined stories about dragons, wizards, witches, ghosts, shape-shifters, vampires, and other magical creatures. As life often does, it blessed Hadley with family - a hunky husband and amazing children, and with family came a rewarding career. Hadley spent many years in the not-so-magical world of finance and mortgage banking, but the stories were always there in the back of her mind, demanding to be set free. 

Thanks to the housing market crash, Hadley finally realized her dreams. She now breathes life into her magical tales of reluctant young heroes finding their inner power to stand up against terrible creatures and even more terrible odds.

 Please visit me at HadleyHolt.com! 

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£6.19 per Witching Hour (Paranormal Personnel Saga #1) by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

The Book
Release Date: 28 February 2014

Julia Taylor works as a recruitment consultant for Paranormal Personnel in London. Her normal day at the office consists of seeing clients, searching for new vacancies, updating CVs and visiting employers.

It seems as though she has an ordinary life but in reality Julia is half elf and she works for a recruitment agency for paranormals. 

She is normally calm, confident and is not afraid to stand up for herself, but when the meeting with La Caz Corporation doesn’t go as well as she hoped, she wants to bury herself under the ground and die. 

Nathaniel La Caz is a player and he wants to seduce Julia. The incredible sexual chemistry that builds up between them complicates her life to the point where she can’t control her magic. La Caz not only wants her but he also has a craving for her blood. Then her ex-boyfriend Jasper comes back on the scene and nearly exposes the whole paranormal world to humans when trying to protect her.

It doesn't end well when vampires and elves mix. The problems start escalating when Julia witnesses the kidnapping of her cousin Claudia on the busy street. From then on things only go from bad to worst. More elves and fairies begin to vanish in London without trace and the police suspect vampires. Julia is determined to find Claudia even if it means she will get herself into more trouble.

*Adult Paranormal Romance novel - contains adult situations, graphic sexuality, violence, suited for ages 18 and up*

My Opinion  1 STAR
This is a DNF for me, I scrapped by to about 40% before I finally just had to quit.

First off the cover was more Young Adult orientated, but it was the book description that pulled me in to give it a chance.

The writing itself was childish and there were many spelling mistakes.  I also found that I was constantly rolling my eyes at the dialogue and inner thoughts of our leading lady.

None of the story line drew me in and I really hate disliking a book, let alone having to give a bad review.  For this reason I will not be reading anything further from this author.

Free copy received from the author for an honest review.

The Rising (The Painted Maidens Trilogy #1) by Terra Harmony

The Book
Release Date: 7 November 2013

Fifteen-year-old Serena is the youngest member of a dying race. The increasing acidity of the ocean is destroying her home, slowly eating away at the once thriving underwater landscape. But since the night of Serena’s birth, it is an outside force that most threatens their dwindling population. Werewolves, who once served as protectors for mermaids in the Kingdom of the Undine, now seek to eliminate all who dwell in the ocean — and Serena is about to find herself right in the middle of the deadly conflict.

Given the title of Werewolf Liaison, Serena is determined to make things right for her people. When she ventures to The Dry, she meets Liam, the werewolf with hazel eyes, and her whole world gets turned upside down. As Serena discovers the real history between werewolves and mermaids, she is left wondering who her true enemies are.

My Opinion  3 STARS
** ARC Provided by NetGalley and Patchwork Press for an honest review**

First of all I will admit that I found the writing hard to read.  The third person narrative  is clunky and awkward at times and I struggled to get into the story.  A narrative from Serena's objective, for me, would have worked better.  I therefore struggled to connect with the characters and get any feelings from them, leaving the book somewhat cold.

Having said that however the story itself was really good.  A fresh idea within the Mermaid category and for a change very little on the love side.  It mostly focuses on Serena and her role within the Mermaid crowd, the Undine.  There is lots of description as to the world that Serena inhabits both above and below ground.

The mix of Were-wolves in to the mix adds an unusual element, yet it does seem to work.  We get a few twists in the story and without the first person point of view a lot of the story seems cold and straight narration.  Had this been in the first person, I could imagine this story getting five stars easily.

Ashes by Sarah Gilman

The Book
Release Date: 30 December 2013

Accidents happen for a reason...

Journalist Ambrosia Pellerin accepts an assignment involving the legendary phoenix, expecting, if nothing else, a little entertainment. Instead, she winds up pregnant—by a surprisingly human-looking firebird, Reece Bennu.

As the Phoenix prince, Reece is next in line to the throne and expected to marry a purebred royal. A common human such as Ambrosia is not in the cards. He swears, though, he’ll never be an absentee father.

As Ambrosia’s due date grows closer, so do the soon-to-be parents. But will their tentative love survive the prejudice of Reece’s grandmother, who will stop at nothing to tear the two apart?

My Opinion  5 STARS

**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

A paranormal book that doesn't revolve around Vampires, Werewolves or Fae.

This is book really runs well with the Phoenix idea and shows that the author has a good imagination.  Ambrosia is a feisty woman and shows plenty of pluck when there is so much going on.  Reece is a warm (no pun intended) character even if at first he does not know Ambrosia.

Both find themselves challenged and both have changes to make in their lives along with finding out about each other.

A nice change to the reading market.

Salvation by Noelle Adams

The Book
Release Date: 21 February 2014

You get to the point where you can just say it. There was never anything special about me, except my father is rich and important. That's why it happened.

It was just a normal Tuesday afternoon. I was twenty-three and thinking about my new designer boots. They kidnapped me for ransom. They raped me before I was rescued. My therapist says that talking about it means I'm starting to heal.

I don't really think I am.

It's even harder to talk about Gideon. He couldn’t save me when it really mattered, so he keeps trying to save me now. He refuses to give up on me, and I can’t make him understand. There are some things you just can’t be saved from.

Warning: Salvation is a love story that follows a difficult path of healing after sexual assault. It is a true contemporary romance, but it addresses very hard issues, including rape and attempted suicide. Please consider whether this book is for you.

My Opinion  4 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Noelle Adams for an honest review**

This book wastes no time in getting right in there and having our girl abducted.  However the raped scene itself is very glossed over and done with very quickly.  

The majority of the book focuses on her recovery and spans a time period of about a year, so months or weeks pass before things change or happen.

Gideon is a lovely character, and soooo full of patience and understanding, even if Diana inadvertently hurts him.  He seems to be the only one who is really there and making sure on the day-to-day that she is ok, mentally as well as physically.  He only takes what she can give and doesn't push her for anything.

We get Diana's struggle to be anything like she was before.  Suddenly what mattered to her before no longer matters, she doesn't like people standing behind her, she feels she is broken and lost.

I would have given this five stars however, I did find that at times it was slow going and there were hardly any other characters than our main two.  All of the other characters were glossed over.

It was still a brilliant book and portrayed a delicate subject very well did not find that this was a difficult book to read considering the subject matter.

Mine to Crave (Mine #4) by Cynthia Eden

The Book
Release Date: 10 March 2014

New York Times best-selling author Cynthia Eden continues her dark and sexy “Mine” romantic suspense series with…MINE TO CRAVE.

HE TAKES WHAT HE WANTS.

From the moment that billionaire casino owner Drake Archer sees Jasmine Bennett, he’s obsessed. Consumed by desire for the mysterious redhead, Drake will do anything necessary to claim her. Yet as desire rages between them, danger is stalking ever closer. Drake’s past isn’t dead, and the ex-Special Forces agent will soon have to face the ghosts he left behind. 

SHE’S HIDING SECRETS.

Jasmine isn’t who she pretends to be. She’s a woman on a mission—and she’s supposed to be stealing secrets from the mysterious Drake. Falling for him isn’t on her agenda, but when lust and love tangle together, all the rules get broken. 

AN ENEMY IS CLOSING IN…

When Drake learns of Jasmine’s betrayal…all hell breaks loose. He knows that he should turn his back on her, but it’s too late for him. He can’t let her go, but he can teach her a lesson. No one betrays him…not without paying a heavy price. Drake will destroy all of the enemies on his trail, he’ll bury his past, and he’ll teach Jasmine to want only him…just as much as he craves her.

My Opinion  5 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Cynthia Eden for an honest review**

Another epic story for this series and yet again it didn't disappoint.

If you like the bad boy type of guy who has a mile wide possessive streak and who is also incredibly loyal to his friends, this is a book for you.  It can also be read as a stand alone book from the series. AND THERE IS GOING TO BE ANOTHER BOOK!!

The chemistry between both Drake and Jasmine sizzled from the beginning.  Even though Jazz was on a mission, Drake knew he couldn't trust her from the start, yet he still ended up saving her life a multiple of times and feeling things he had never felt before.  But just as he got a step closer to her, she would run.

Jazz is a hacker, but she also has lots of secrets that she just can't let out, one of which involves Noah.  There are only a few twists in this book, but none of them are huge and you can usually spot them before they happen.

I sooo can't wait for the next book to come out….

Water and Fire (Ocean's Gift 0.5) by Demelza Carlton

The Book
Release Date: 16 November 2013

A steamy contemporary medical romance involving a sexy doctor, a naughty nurse, a midwife on a mission and a mysterious predator in Albany, Western Australia. 

Working as a student midwife in an Australian country hospital is never easy, but Belinda finds more trouble than most.
There's the intern doctor who follows her around like an overgrown puppy, the dangerous local wildlife and her own secrets she must keep. 
When she finds herself without a place to live, what else can possibly go wrong? 
Or is it time for something to go right? 

My Opinion  4 STARS

** I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review**

This is a pre-novella to kick off the Ocean's Gift series.  The book can be read as a stand alone story however.

The book reads well as a contemporary romance until you get to the end and are surprised by the paranormal twist.

It is fast paced and you really feel for Belinda and her work, that she has pride in her job.  Aiden is sweet but there didn't seem to be that much Irish in him.

This taster has certainly given me the want to try out the rest of the series.

Indulgence by Caitlyn Black

The Book
Release Date: 30 August 2012

Katie Jade, an outgoing and assertive young woman, lands an exciting new job at a prestigious New York brokerage firm. Her boss, Lance Hardy, is a mysterious, handsome man who doesn't talk much. Katie immediately sets her sights on him.

Even though Lance is an Executive Director at the firm, his personality does not fit the mold of the stereotypical egomaniac that Katie would expect in that type of position. He keeps her at a distance, but that only sparks her interest more.

With one flamboyant move after another, Katie slowly breaks down Lance's protective exterior. Even though their personalities are so different, deep down inside both harbor hidden pain and loneliness.

In the fast paced financial services industry, individuals may easily lose themselves. But Katie and Lance finally learn to slow down enough to find and appreciate one another.

My Opinion  2 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Smith Publicity for an honest review**

First I have to say that I hated the cover.  It was only the blerb that pulled me in to try this book.  The cover seems really childish and I think it needs a much sexier cover.

I struggled completely to identify with Katie.  I found her really immature and annoying and she seemed to fall apart far to easily after have been really aggressive at getting a taken man.

Lance it was good to see was not the CEO but more of a more ordinary man.  He seemed much more normal even though he did act a bit erratic around Katie.  He seemed more honest in what he felt and seemed the more professional of the two.

It would have been nice to have an epilogue that showed us how things panned out between them.

The Troubled Texan by Phyliss Miranda

The Book
Release Date: 6 March 2014

Small-town Texas isn't big enough for the both of them. . .or is it just right?

Sheriff Donovan "Deuce" Cowan has seen his share of trouble, but when he nearly hauls in Maressa Clarkson for speeding, he's suddenly in over his head. These days his long-lost high school classmate is calling herself Rainey Michaels and she sure hasn't come to Kasota Springs by accident. It seems the Los Angeles Deputy DA has chosen the West Texas town to hide out from a dangerous convict. It's all Deuce can do not to corral the sexy spitfire—in the name of keeping her safe, of course. Problem is, Rainey isn't letting anyone in on her big secret, least of all a hard-bodied, former pro-footballer sheriff with an overactive protective instinct. So now she's trying to keep him in line, one slow kiss at a time. . ..

My Opinion  3 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Kensington Books for an honest review**

I liked this story, but I didn't love it.

Although I liked the romance between Rainey and Deuce I felt like something was missing. I mean how could they sleep in the same bed together for all those weeks with nothing happening if they were that charged with each other.

The writing flowed well and there was a good amount of suspense to the plot, the romance was rather flat.

A very soft read