Wednesday 30 April 2014

Love, Lex (The Undergrad Years #1) by Avery Aster

The Book
Release Date: 10 april 2014

This summer, I’d planned to celebrate my eighteenth birthday in Europe with my fellow Manhattanites—Taddy Brill, Blake Morgan, and Vive Farnworth—until I caught my boyfriend screwing my mother. According to the police report, this vomit-inducing incident happened around the same time I’d supposedly blown-up my mother’s penthouse. Like I’m walking around Soho with a stick of dynamite in my Louis Vuitton purse—not! Now, my besties and I are in jail.

Officer Ford Gotti, the Harley-wheelin’ biker cop who arrested us, keeps sticking his perfectly-sculpted nose into my case. His inked body is jacked like a superhero, and he says I can trust him. He wants me to fess up. I won’t. Not again. Why should I? My friends and I had a previous stint in juvie that nearly destroyed us. I gotta protect them and keep my mouth shut. Right? —Lex Easton, women’s studies major, motorcycle enthusiast, and virgin. 

The Undergrad Years is a New Adult contemporary miniseries about first loves, independence, and everlasting friendships. 

Reader warning: Contains mature content intended for readers 17 and up.

My Opinion  5 STARS
**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Avery Aster for an honest review**

LOL. What can I say about this novella. Well if your an Avery Aster fan, then this series is a must. I mean, Officer Gotti is going in my fuck-it bucket. The man is seriously hot!!

This novella focuses on Lex and on how she not only loses her Lady V card, but shows again how her friends will always stick up for her. It also enforces the strained and weird relationship she has with her parents. 

A brilliant 'getting to know you' story for Lex.

Monday 28 April 2014

Don't Blackmail the Vampire (Sons of Kane #2) by Tiffany Allee

The Book
Release Date: 28 April 2014

Rachel Davis will do anything to get her sister out of a bad relationship with her fiancé. Even if it involves a few fibs, a little breaking-and-entering, and blackmailing the fiancé's potential boss, Charles, for his help. So what if the handsome Charles happens to be a vampire?

Charles Wright has found the perfect way to trap the man threatening his brother's wife: cozy up to him, get invited along on the skiing trip, and then search for incriminating evidence. How much better that audacious but gorgeous Rachel is just as eager to nail the bastard. As far as he's concerned, there's nothing wrong with a little blackmail between two consenting adults. Especially when it's time for Rachel to pay up.

My Opinion  0 STARS

** Copy provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

This book follows on from the first, but focuses on Noah's brother Charles and Kristin's younger sister Rachel.

Rachel thinks her sisters fiancee is a slime and wants to break them up.  That is the only reason she has agreed to skiing with them.  However finding out what Charles is doesn't scare her, in fact she blackmails him with the information, and uses his help to break the 'happy' couple up.

What she doesn't expect however is to find that the cold playboy is actually a warm-hearted man who is actually very tender and loyal to his family.

Its light, its fluffy and a bit funny at times and a good space filler between meatier books, but if you want a good light-hearted read then this is a book for you.

Sunday 27 April 2014

Accidentally...Cimil? (Accidentally Yours #4.5) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

The Book
Release Date: 7 January 2014

A Crazy Kind of Love

Meet Cimil. Yeah, she’s the Goddess of the Underworld, harbinger of all things evil and deadly, yadda, yadda . . . but she’s also crazy fun! While minding her own business in Giza, Egypt, around 3000 BC (give or take a few centuries), she spots the hottest mortal her immortal eyes have ever seen. And he’s not just any guy—he’s the strong, powerful pharaoh who’s fallen madly in love with her. But when he kills her pet unicorn, Cimil vows revenge, even if takes thousands of years to get even.

When Roberto meets Cimil, the king knows she’s his soul mate. It isn’t just her beautiful eyes or gorgeous body, but the godly power he feels simmering just beneath her fun-loving surface. They were the perfect couple . . . until the dead unicorn thing. Now after four thousand years, Roberto crosses paths with Cimil again, and his love for her is stronger than ever. But can he prove that he can once again be trusted with her heart?

My Opinion  5 STARS
** Copy provided by Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an honest review**

Although this book is labeled as 4.5, it REALLY needs to be read before book 4 in order to understand a few things Cimil and Roberto wise.

I loved this novella, we get to see a really bat-s**t crazy couple come together and what they do to torment each other and the lengths they will go to to be with the other.

We get to see why Cimil acts like she does, get a better understanding why she both 'helps' and how she doesn't

I love the tug of war and authority both Cimil and Roberto have, both are used to being obeyed and it is Roberto that goes through the most changes from the beginning of the book to the end.

I REALLY can't wait for the last book in the series which is due out in August….

Oh, and I want a Minky as a pet too!! :)

Vampires Need Not...Apply? (Accidentally Yours #4) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

The Book
Release Date: 25 March 2014

This is book 4 in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Accidentally Yours paranormal romance series. 

Meet Dr. Antonio Acero. Heir to Spain's wealthiest family, world-renowned physicist, and dedicated bachelor. While on vacation in southern Mexico, Antonio discovers an ancient Mayan tablet. Local legends say it contains magical properties, properties that could put his stalling research on the map. 

But is this really his lucky break? 

When Antonio attempts to put the tablet to use, he'll discover that Fate has other plans. Her name is Ixtab, and she's quite possibly the deadliest deity who ever lived.

Approx. 85,000 words.

My Opinion  5 STARS
** Copy provided by Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an honest review**

I love the writing style of this author, seriously, she cracks me up.  Borrowing one her expressions, her writing is completely 'cray-cray' but in a completely brilliant way.  I always end up snorting with laughter (yes snorting!)

This book follows on from the end of book three and although most of it is from Ixtab and Antonio's point of view we do get snippets from the others, such as Cimil, god I love that crazy woman.

New creatures are introduced, new names are dishes out and we get some happy endings along with lots of little author quirks that are just awesome.  Seriously you NEED to read this series.

I am quivering with anticipation for book 5.

Friday 25 April 2014

The Rising King (Keepers of Life #3) by Shea Berkley

The Book
Release Date: 23 April 2014

The summer before Dylan Kennedy’s senior year in high school is turning out to be anything but boring. Ridiculously hot girlfriend? Check. Killing evil Dark Souls who suddenly have aspirations of taking over the magical realm of Teag because its protective spell is gone? Check. Not even Teag’s King, Dylan’s father, Baun, can stop them. People are dying, and a dark magic that his girlfriend, Kera, received from Baun is growing stronger. Dylan wants to believe Kera is suppressing the darkness that’s in her, but every day he sees that control slip just a little more.

Baun sends Dylan to find a powerful magic that stop the Dark Souls, a magic so strong that Baun hid it so no one else could use it. When Dylan doesn’t expect to find along with it, are consequences that could end the lives of those closest to him.

My Opinion 4.5 STARS
** Copy provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

In this book, the last of the series, we find Dylan getting stronger and with his magic and as a character whereas Kera seems to struggle so much more with the darkness rising in her.  Everything she does though, she has an excuse for, until she doesn't know who she is an knows she needs help.

Baun turns out to be the man Dylan had thought him to be and worse, completely power hungry.

More humans die, and others show their strength in the midst of everything and show loyalty to Dylan as a friend and leader.

There are a few twists that you don't see coming and Dylan is shown again by his grandpa and grandma that he very much matters and that they love him no matter what.  They certainly let him know that they don't care what he is, he is still their grandson.

The ending is satisfying to an extent but the show-down happens all too quickly, even the last chapter, although good feels like something is missing, hence the not quite full star rating.

One the who though, this was a brilliant series to read.

Thursday 24 April 2014

The Fallen Prince (Keepers of Life #2) by Shea Berkley

The Book
Release Date: 25 June 2013

There is a magical realm that exists alongside the human realm, but it wasn’t always so. The firsts are beings who were created to nurture the land. The world was split into two realms, and the firsts were allowed to redeem themselves. Sadly, the majority continued with their self-indulgent behavior to the point where one of their own, a king, became so obsessed with power, he was secretly banished by the court in hopes his absence would calm the masses. But a spark of madness was ignited and not even the lost king's absence could curtail what he set in motion.

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

Though this book was much better than the first it was still a little on the slow side to begin with, but I guess it was needed to build the characters up a bit.  Still it could have been condensed a bit.

Most of the book however is completely full of twists and turns that you entirely know who to trust.  More creatures come out into the works and there is full out war and destruction in the land of Teag.

Kera and Dylan both go on their own journey, but whilst a lot is spent at the beginning in talking about Dylans irrational anger problems, they suddenly disappear not long after he comes back into Teag.  No fiery mention of them, but that could be because he is so busy dealing with so many other things.

I do hope that Dylans rather does turn out to be the good guy, and I have you can't help but love the disgusting little Bodog.  I do rather like the creature.

REALLY looking forward to starting book three in the series and finding how everything finishes.


Tuesday 22 April 2014

The Marked Son (Keepers of Life #1) by Shea Berkley

The Book
Release Date: 2 August 2011

Seventeen-year-old Dylan Kennedy always knew something was different about him, but until his mother abandoned him in the middle of Oregon with grandparents he’s never met, he had no idea what.

When Dylan sees a girl in white in the woods behind his grandparents’ farm, he knows he’s seen her before... in his dreams. He’s felt her fear. Heard her insistence that only he can save her world from an evil lord who uses magic and fear to feed his greed for power.

Unable to shake the unearthly pull to Kera, Dylan takes her hand. Either he’s completely insane or he’s about to have the adventure of his life, because where they’re going is full of creatures he’s only read about in horror stories. Worse, the human blood in his veins has Dylan marked for death

My Opinion  4 STARS
A good fantasy read in the realms of Robin Hobb and Maria V Snyder.

Loved that for a change we mostly had the POV from the male side and only a little from the female side.

Dylan really has had I rough in his life, and being dumped with his grandparents really doesn't make things any easier, even if he does finally meet the girl that he has been dreaming about since he was young.

Shea Berkley builds another realm/dimension that is fundamentally like ours, but with a few subtle differences.  Magic being one of them.  New creatures emerge alone with ones we have heard of like the Gryphon.

Lots of things happen within a very short space of time and it keeps you on your toes.  The cliff hangar is good, but you can kind of tell who the new person is when you get there.

A very good young adult series.

Saturday 19 April 2014

Suddenly Cinderella Bundle by Hope Tarr

The Book
Release Date: 4 January 2014

Operation Cinderella
Magazine editor Macie Graham devises a plan to masquerade as a modern-day Cinderella and get her revenge on infuriating Texan Ross Mannon. She’ll do anything to uncover the dirt on the famous radio personality but when she finally uncovers a secret that could destroy Ross's reputation, she faces losing her job or losing the fairy-tale ending she didn't even know she wanted.

The Cinderella Makeover
Chic fashion photographer Francesca St. James agrees to work as a "fashion fairy godmother" on a new reality TV show, but she doesn't agree to falling for one of the contestants. Tech company CEO Greg just needs some help transforming himself enough to find his happily ever after, and butting heads with his high-and-mighty fairy godmother isn't in his plan. The two couldn't be more different, but as Greg transforms into the smoking-hot, confident guy he was always meant to be, will his makeover find him his one true love?

The Cinderella Seduction
Four months ago, Nick’s bachelor-style life was turned upside down. Now the sole parent to a seven-year-old daughter he never knew existed, Nick doesn’t have time for pleasure. But he hadn’t factored in Stefanie or the intense attraction he’d feel for her. As her seduction heats up, so do the stakes, both professionally and romantically. Can he let business go long enough to allow Stefanie into his heart?


My Opinion  3 STARS
**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

Three stories that are linked by friends and family and a vintage pair of 1930's owned by a famous Hollywood star who finally found her happily ever after through wearing them.

These shoes however are being looked at from Happily Ever After and the Hollywood star and her husband who wants to give four women their own happily ever after.

Of course things don't go exactly smoothly to HEA but each story is sweeten its own way and they get better as each one goes through, my favourite however was Cinderella Seduction.

The stories are cute and the sex scenes hot.  the book won't leave you weeping or give you any revelations but they are a nice read.

Friday 18 April 2014

BLOG TOUR (Promo + Excerpt) Love, Lex (The Undergrad Years #1) by Avery Aster

GIVEAWAY
The Book
Release Date: 14 April 2014

This summer, I’d planned to celebrate my eighteenth birthday in Europe with my fellow Manhattanites—Taddy Brill, Blake Morgan, and Vive Farnworth—until I caught my boyfriend screwing my mother. According to the police report, this vomit-inducing incident happened around the same time I’d supposedly blown-up my mother’s penthouse. Like I’m walking around Soho with a stick of dynamite in my Louis Vuitton purse—not! Now, my besties and I are in jail.

Officer Ford Gotti, the Harley-wheelin’ biker cop who arrested us, keeps sticking his perfectly-sculpted nose into my case. His inked body is jacked like a superhero, and he says I can trust him. He wants me to fess up. I won’t. Not again. Why should I? My friends and I had a previous stint in juvie that nearly destroyed us. I gotta protect them and keep my mouth shut. Right? —Lex Easton, women’s studies major, motorcycle enthusiast, and virgin. 

The Undergrad Years is a New Adult contemporary miniseries about first loves, independence, and everlasting friendships. 

Reader warning: Contains mature content intended for readers 17 and up.

ONE-CLICK * $0.99 CENTS * LIMITED TIME ONLY

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Check out the rest of The Undergrad Years on Good reads here




Excerpt from Chapter Seven: The Ride of My Life

*the set up: Lex and Ford go for a ride on his motorcycle

The bike rolled into the garage and stopped. Ford pushed a button, and the garage lights came on as the door closed. Kicking the stand, he got to his feet and cut the engine.
Mindful of where I sat, he lifted his leg and got off the bike. When he removed his helmet, I noticed his eyes weren’t as dark as before. They had hints of hazel in them. His brow furrowed into a straight line when he caught me staring at him.
Quickly, I looked down at the bike and reached up to take my helmet off.
“Allow me.” His big hands came under my chin. He tilted my jaw upward. “Such a beautiful face, Lex. I like looking at you.”
“Thank you…”
I’d heard the “pretty face but” backhanded compliment my entire life. I waited for him to say, “But your body could use some work.” Or my personal favorite, “It’s a shame you forgot to take care of the rest of you.”
Ford didn’t say anything of the sort. He studied me just as he did back in the jail, from head to toe. I’m so uncomfortable. Not because of anything he’s doing, but because usually that is when men, and sometimes women, stop looking at me all together.
He unfastened my chinstrap and teased, “Let’s see if your hair has static.”
Trying to stand, I laughed nervously.
“Stay seated.” He removed my helmet and placed both his and mine behind me. He swung my right leg to the left side of the bike, framing my body with his. He cupped my face in his hands.
Hot cop fantasy? Heck no. This was real. He was going to…
Ford licked his bottom lip. His facial features strained, becoming serious. The tip of his nose touched mine. I smelled mint when he exhaled. “No roommate. Yup, I live alone.” Then he kissed me.
My head fell back into his grip.
With determination, he tongued me, deeply, clockwise, oh yes even his flippin’ tongue was strong and precise, just like the way he weaved his bike through traffic.
Enthusiastically he unbuttoned the straps on my overalls and then without even looking, still lip-to-lip, he worked the closure on the left side then the right.  The denim flaps fell to the front and the back.
“Stand for a sec.” Ford lifted me up in the air as if I were a weightless feather. He planted both my feet on the ground, and then he shanked the overalls to my ankles.
“Ford—” Before I could finish whatever I was going to say, he lifted up my shirt and swiftly placed me back on the motorcycle. Worried I’d fall, I dug my back into the seat, reached for each handlebar, pulling myself up as I gasped and garbled some words.
He slid his fingers through the purple waistband on my underwear.
My entire body stood to attention.
“I want you naked so I can admire your body, and fuck you, on my bike.”
Air, I needed to breath. Afraid I might pass out, I inhaled through my nostrils and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. “Umm, Ford,” I whispered when he came in to kiss me again.
What the heck was I going to say? “Excuse me, but as hawt as this whole bike thing sounds, my Lady V and I would be more comfortable on a bed, sofa, or even the floor.” I felt as if I might knock the bike over any second now.
“Nervous?” Ford sensed my apprehension.
“Very,” I replied without thinking.
“I told you not to be.” He repositioned himself holding my legs over his right shoulder.
The panties came off. Then he lifted one leg and rested it on his other shoulder. Leaning down, his hands scooped under my back and unfastened my bra. No directions necessary. This dude could do this undressing thing, in the dark.
“But Ford, ya see, I’m—”
That tongue of magic. Thick and velvety, warm and wetter than the spot between my legs, Ford slipped back into my mouth. This time he rotated counterclockwise.
Dang. Ford is an Olympic kisser. For round two, I braced myself in his arms.
Legs spread wide, my ass still sat on the bike.

Author Bio
I'm a thirty-something New Yorker who lives on the Upper East Side. I write THE MANHATTANITES, a contemporary romantic soap opera of full length, stand alone novels, and it's juicy prequel, companion series THE UNDERGRAD YEARS.

My novels that are out now include UNDRESSED, UNSCRUPULOUS, LOVE LEX, and YOURS TRULY TADDY. In 2014 I'll be releasing XO BLAKE, UNSAID, and UNIQUE.





GIVEAWAY

Wednesday 16 April 2014

Date with a Vampire (Tempted #1) by Raine English

The Book
Release Date: 1 October 2013

She gave him her heart, but he wanted her soul…

Melody Johnson dreams of meeting a man as dashing and wonderful as the heroes in the books she reads. Being a realist, she knows that’s highly unlikely. Besides, men always leave her for someone more exciting—until she wins the lottery, that is. Pursued by scores of men happy to help spend her fortune, Melody longs to have her quiet life back. When a network executive offers a reality show, she seizes the opportunity to show the world she’s off the single’s market. Melody leaves her quaint hometown in New York for a sunny island in the Pacific where twenty gorgeous bachelors will vie for her heart and where she can stage a phony engagement. What she never expects, though, is to fall in love with a vampire.

Guystof LeBreque is a four-hundred-year-old Romanian vampire who hates the taste of blood. He’s roamed the earth for centuries, loathing the monster trapped inside him. After his mother’s death at the hands of vampire-hunting assassins, Guystof vows never to turn a woman into a vampire. But when his father gives him an ultimatum to marry a rich woman in sixty days or lose his legacy to his bloodthirsty brother, Guystof battles his conscience. Does he keep the promise he made to himself, or does he keep his brother from power? Guystof resorts to drastic measures. He becomes a bachelor on a hit reality show. What he doesn’t anticipate is losing his heart to the woman whose mortal life he must end.

This book can be read as a stand-alone book.

My Opinion  2.5 STARS
**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Aspendawn Books for an honest review**

This book reminds me very much of another book I have read, but with an added twist to make it seem like another book. This therefore had me looking at how similar the two were than reading the story for the first time. This in turn left me feeling quite disappointed.

As a villain I also felt that Theo played the part well until near the end. Considering his supposed magical powers the man gave up FAR too easily In fact I would say that the last 20% of the book on the whole was unremarkable and dull.

I'm trying hard to think of the book that this reminds me of and I think its Bloodline A Sequel To Bram Stoker's Dracula by Kate Cary, although i'm not 100% positive.

On the whole though if I had not have read a similar book, I would have really enjoyed this book until the disappointing ending.

Tuesday 15 April 2014

BLOG TOUR (Excerpt + Review + Giveaway) - Deep Down (The OGs #1) by Elle Aycart

The Book
Release Date: 11 February 2014

Mike Haddican is a proud small-town gym owner, a renowned karate instructor, and all-around good guy. He’s never needed much to be happy: his family, his friends, his girl. Especially his girl. But when Kyra left him seven years ago to chase her dreams, she all but destroyed him.

Contemporary dancer Kyra Brims made it big, but it cost her dearly. With her life and career in shambles, she doesn’t need a do-over, she needs a friggin’ miracle. Injured, broke, and out of options after going through hell, she’s come back to Alden, the town she swore she’d never return to and home of Mike Haddican, the man who ripped her soul to pieces, to lick her wounds and recover.

Forgetting and letting go proved impossible when they were worlds apart; now that they’re stuck together they don’t stand a chance, especially with Mike’s grandma and her partners in crime plotting, meddling and refusing to give up on them.

As the passion that never died burns out of control, so do old hurts and unresolved issues. Both have reasons to be angry and feel betrayed, but now that they’re older, are they wise enough to make things work?
add-to-goodreads-button31

Excerpt
READ CHAPTER ONE (CLICK HERE)

My Opinion  5 STARS
**Copy Provided by the author for an honest review**

I loved all the characters in this book, especially the grannies. Seriously they were awesome and were very funny.

Both Kyra and Mike have made mistakes in their past, but they have never forgotten or stopped loving each other.
She whimpered. "Mike. Wait. What are you doing?"
He snorted. "Baby, if you don't know what we're doing, then I'm clearly doing it wrong."
The sex is hot, Mike is your typical alpha male and they both learn from their mistakes and learn to compromise.
Kyra cupped his face, feeling the bite of his stubble in her palms. "I love you, Mike. I've always loved you. Even when I was married to someone else, I still loved you. I loved you for so long I don't know how not to love you. It's you or no one. Without you I barely got by. I was not able to breathe. Not able to laugh. Not able to live."
The start of a very promising series.


The Author
After a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff. While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.
Elle loves to hear from readers!
elleaycart@gmail.com    
GOODREADS / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE

Giveaway
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Sunday 13 April 2014

One More Kiss (Pennistan #5) by Mary Blayney

The Book
Release Date: 30 April 2013

Mary Blayney, the acclaimed author of Courtesan’s Kiss,returns to the Pennistan family with this new historical romance—the delectable story of a free-spirited beauty with no interest in marriage who gets more than she bargained for when a seductive kiss leads to the possibility of love.

Dispatched by their ambitious father to snag a titled husband, Beatrice Brent and her twin sister, Cecilia, attend a house party with an array of eligible gentlemen. Defiantly ignoring her father’s wishes, Beatrice flirts shamelessly with Lord Jessup Pennistan, a gamer with scandal in his past—and the one man her father has warned her against. But when flirting goes too far, Beatrice suddenly finds herself engaged and, worse, estranged from her family. Though convinced that her fiancĂ©’s wicked ways will bring nothing but heartache, Beatrice is powerless against Jess’s masterful seduction and the anticipated delights of the marriage bed.

A gambling man who has lost more than his family is willing to forgive him for, Jess quickly realizes that compromising Beatrice was the best mistake he ever made. But to keep her he must right the wrongs of the past, reclaim his lost fortunes, and place the boldest wager of his life. For now he has everything to win . . . and everything to lose.

My Opinion  1 STAR
**Copy provided by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an honest review**

This is a DNF for me.. Seriously, this book although it can be read as a stand alone in the series was BORING.

The right up had me excited to read this however, I couldn't stop from yawning the entire way I managed to get through this.  I only managed to get 50% of the way through but even that was a struggle.

At times I struggled to decipher who was the speaker, whether it was Cecilia, Beatrice or at times Lord Pennistan.  I also would them incredibly dull.

I normally do not have a problem with Historical romances so I was disappointed that this fell so badly and I couldn't finish it.  For a book lover, not being able to finish feels horrible.

Resisting the Rancher (Three River Ranch #4) by Roxanne Snopek

The Book
Release Date: 14 april 2014

She's his best friend's sister, but he's ready to break all the rules…

Country veterinarian Celia Gamble is in trouble. A misunderstanding from her past is rearing its ugly head and the only person she can turn to is Jonah Clarke—her family’s lawyer and, as it turns out, her brother’s best friend and her childhood crush. She always wanted Jonah to see her as a bona fide woman, but as a woman who’s being blackmailed for seducing a married man? Not on her life.

Jonah is happy to help Little CeeCee Gamble, if only she’d come clean about why she’s being blackmailed. But with his best friend Zach’s wedding on the horizon, and Zach’s fashionista fiancĂ©e Desiree giving CeeCee a makeover, the little duckling Jonah remembers is turning into a definite swan. And the unwritten law on sisters is clear—hands off. Jonah must resist or lose the only true family he’s ever known.

My Opinion  3 STARS
** Copy provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**

Ok… This book had me crying at one point when Celia went to speak to her family lying everything bare.

This can be read as a stand alone story, but is better if read within the series to better understand some of the other characters mentioned and how they have changed.

CeeCee is a very strong woman, she just doesn't see how strong of a person she is.  She still wants approval from her brother and family.  It is both her almost sister-in-law and Jonah that shows her the person she is underneath where she finds that not only is she strong, but she's pretty.

Jonah has been alone for too long distancing people unconsciously and it is his bossy assistant and CeeCee that show him what he really wants.  He too finds a few things out about himself.

I only wish that they had sorted themselves out sooner and we had more sizzle between the two and that we had more than just the idea that they had been intimate.  Something the author seems to shy away from.

Saturday 12 April 2014

COVER REVEAL - Sandcastle Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story (The Kisses Series, #5) by Krista Lakes

The Book
Release Date: 17 April 2014

When Isabel Baker signed up to work the bar at a private party, she never imagined she'd get anything more than tips. However, on this resort island, nothing was ever that simple. When she arrived, she found herself paired up with a deliciously handsome bartender who was flown in for the special occasion. Noah had a quick wit, a charming smile, and eyes that she could drown herself in. At the end of the night, she barely managed to turn him away from coming home with her.

Noah had only come to the island for one of Jack Saunders' famous parties, but now that he had met Izzy, he couldn't just leave. After a steamy night together, he knew that he would do anything to keep her.

Izzy had promised herself that she wouldn't fall for another tourist, but Noah was one of a kind. When she shared her passion for marine life with him, he took to it so easily that it seemed like he belonged in her world.

It would have been an easy love story, complete with the happily ever after, except for one thing: Noah refused to tell Izzy his profession or that he was worth billions. When his company and her marine research project collided, their entire relationship crumbled into the sand. Will they be able to rebuild their beautiful sandcastle together, or will it simply wash away into the ocean as just a memory?


The Author
Krista Lakes is a newly turned 30 year old who recently rediscovered her passion for writing. She loves aquatic life and running marathons. She is living happily ever after with her Prince Charming and her bouncing baby boy.

Friday 11 April 2014

Fake Fiance, Real Revenge (Three River Ranch, #3) by Roxanne Snopek

The Book
Release Date: 12 August 2013

This cowboy doesn't know what he's in for...

Real-estate tycoon Mitchell Granger has a problem. In order to secure a lucrative deal with an eccentric client, he told the teeny white lie that he was engaged…and now he needs to prove it. Even worse? The only name that came to mind was Sabrina Becker, the girl he was never good enough for growing up, and who still lives near his family ranch.

Sabrina doesn’t mind posing as Mitch’s fake fiancĂ©e—no, she doesn’t mind at all. One, she’ll make him pay with new construction for her business. And two, Sabrina’s got a plan to exact revenge on her first love, the boy who left her and Three River Ranch behind. She’ll pretend so well, he’ll fall in love with her…and then he’ll get a taste of what true heartbreak feels like.

But as Mitch sheds his corporate skin and picks up his dusty jeans and cowboy hat, will both his and Sabrina’s grand plans get derailed by love?

My Opinion  3 STARS
I did enjoy this book, but I think the previous two were better.

The romance was sweet, with both finding that they couldn't keep their natural love for each other getting in the way. There was a few bits of kissing but their one time together was very much behind closed doors which was disappointing.

Both Mitchell and Sabrina have hurts to heal and time has made them see that they still want each other.

A sweet romance.

Thursday 10 April 2014

The Cowboy Rescues A Bride (The Cowboys of Chance Creek #7) by Cora Seton

The Book
Release Date:  5 May 2014

Ned Matheson is sharing a house with the woman he loves, but he can’t kiss her, or even touch her. In fact, she can barely look him in the face. He knows he needs to be patient; Fila Sahar has been to hell and back as a captive of the Taliban for over a decade. Now she’s safely back on American soil, but her fears hem her in so tightly, she might as well be a prisoner again. If he wants to marry her—or even date her—he’ll have to help her regain her courage. He thinks he’s found the perfect way for her to become a strong, independent woman—he’ll give her a restaurant of her very own to run.

Fila can’t believe she’s finally home, or that a handsome cowboy like Ned cares for her, but before she can give her heart to any man, she has to find the courage to stand on her own two feet. When Ned surprises her with his perfect solution—the restaurant he’s leased and renovated in her name—she’s overwhelmed—with fear, not gratitude. She can barely leave the house, let alone run a business. So when Ned’s father sends them out of town to check on the family’s remote hunting cabin, she’s grateful for the delay.

Ned knows his father hopes this trip will split them up, but he’s determined it will bring them together instead. When disaster strikes, all bets are off. Ned will learn what it’s like to be helpless. Fila will have to recover the courage she lost years ago.

Can they survive the weekend? Or will this trip be their last?

My Opinion  5 STARS
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and One Acre Press for an honest review**

Wow.... You really gotta love the bravery and strength of Fila in this book.  She really does not crumble with anything that is thrown at her in this book, instead, she womans up and takes on and deals with a lot more than most people can handle.

Ned really shows a soft side in this book even though hes not well through most of it.  He pretty much always thinks of Fila and what she must be thinking, but he doesnt let her feel sorry for herself.  He helps her come to terms with everything.  They really do make a lovely couple.

I'm really hoping that Mia and Luke's story is just as good.

Wednesday 9 April 2014

Blind Faith (Sin Brothers #3) by Rebecca Zanetti

The Book
Release Date: 6 May 2014

A betrayal he couldn't forget . . .

For Nate Dean, love is a four-letter word. As part of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be ruthless soldiers with an expiration date. They were loyal only to one another . . . until Nate laid eyes on the woman who stole his heart and blew his world apart. Now, years later, his family is still paying the price for his mistake. But as time runs out, there's only one person who can save his family: the very woman Nate swore he'd never trust again.

A love she couldn't deny . . .

The moment Audrey Madison spies Nate across a crowded ballroom, she can barely breathe. He's just as undeniably sexy as she remembers, yet there's an edge to him now that's as irresistible as it is dangerous. When he asks for her help, Audrey can't refuse. But she has secrets of her own-secrets that, if Nate ever discovers them, may cost them both their lives . . 

My Opinion  5 STARS
**Copy provided by Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an honest review**

I am currently acting like a petulant child stomping her feet. I don't want to wait until March 2015 for the next book in the series. I want it now!!

This is another brilliant instalment in the series and it really ramps up the drama and suspense.

Right at the beginning we learn that Audrey too was a victim of her mothers and of the commander. She too had never gotten over her love for Nate.

Nate really does show us in this one the lengths he will go to for any of the members of his family, let alone his new developing family.

We do get more villains and some more good people thrown into the mix, but I now REALLY want to see The Commander and Dr Madison get what is coming to them.

Sunday 6 April 2014

Sweet Revenge (Sin Brothers #2) by Rebecca Zanetti

The Book
Release Date: 3 December 2013

The One Man She Can't Have

Matt Dean was born to fight…and kill. A member of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be the perfect soldiers with an expiration date. Now, with time running out, he's gone rogue in a relentless quest for the one person who can save them. His mission leads him to Charmed, Idaho…and to a beautiful woman with eyes like emeralds and a body made for pleasure.

The One Woman He Can't Resist

Laney Jacobs knows the mysterious, handsome stranger is trouble from the moment he walks into her bar, looking for a job. She's spent years running from her own past—the last thing she needs is a romantic entanglement. But Matt's strong arms offer her protection, and his gentle touch promises passion unlike anything she's ever known. As lethal forces surround them, revealing explosive secrets about Matt's past and putting everything—and everyone—he holds dear in danger, can he save them all before time runs out?

My Opinion  5 STARS
Yep, this book was better than the first…

Matt is the oldest brother with the protectiveness of a father, mother and commander.

Laney has a very sweet loving side along with grim determination for survival but has always wanted a family and love.  She thought after having run from the facility she would never get it, but then she meets Matt in the alley behind her pub.

There is lots of fire and passion between the two along with more death threats towards Laney which brings out Matts pro activeness.  Hot nights abound with serious tension in the days and Matt twists himself into her life as he tries to find a doctor.

More family loyalty comes from his brothers along with some serious suspense and nail biting.  You will be itching at the seams by the end of the book for the next in the series and Nathans story.

Friday 4 April 2014

Forgotten Sins (Sin Brothers #1) by Rebecca Zanetti

The Book
Release Date: 28 January 2014

His Secrets Can Destroy Her

From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true . . . until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked by the hospital calls: Shane has been found . . . at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there.

Her Love Can Save Him

Shane can't remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside—or who he even is—but he knows something isn't right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he's ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew—one who carries such a deadly secret?

My Opinion  5 STARS
**Copy provided by Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an honest review**

I really love this series. Theres suspense, heat, intrigue, twists and turns, good guys, bad guys, you name it and you got it.

Loved the fact that Josie remained a fighter throughout the book and remained strong and helped her husband. The heat between here and Shane was awesome. Lots of passion and holy crap moment that weren't over-the-top.

Shane, well.... I want me one of him! A large powerful male with a possessive and protective streak? Where do I sign up!! Love the interaction with his brothers, you can see how terrible close they are.

I really cannot wait to start reading the next book in the series and get Matt's story.

Thursday 3 April 2014

Borrowing Alex by Cindy Procter-King

The Book
Release Date: 30 September 2013

She'll return him eventually. Or maybe not.

Nikki St. James wants to get married more than anything. But what’s she to do when her fiancĂ© spends his days sucking up to her rich father instead of helping with the simple task of, oh, setting a date? Why...fake a fling with the best man, of course!

Nikki is the first to admit that ambushing Alex Hart and whisking him off to secluded Lake Eden is a tad desperate. But maybe pretending she’s hot for the handsome history professor will kick-start the attention of her future groom. Besides, a sojourn at a lakeside cabin is exactly what uptight Alex needs. Not that Nikki cares what he needs or how sexy he is....

Alex is not on-board with Nikki’s plan. Yeah, he’d love a break from his quest to achieve tenure at warp speed, but getting kidnapped by a crazy blonde hardly tops his to-do list. If what he’s heard is true and Nikki is perfectly happy with her “open” engagement to his former college roommate, why bother getting married?

Quickly, he realizes Nikki isn’t a wild party girl at all. She’s cute, sweet—and faithful. Against his common sense, he’s falling for her. Should he spill the beans about her cheating fiancĂ©? Or will he ruin his own chance for a happy ending?

My Opinion  3 STARS
**Copy provided by Netgalley and Blue Orchard Books for an honest review**

This is a fun little read that at times can be a bit silly.

Nikki is a sweet and caring character, but she's more than a little nuts.  Alex is really quite sweet and a softie at heart.  They both make a good couple and i'm glad they got together, but the ending was a bit boring.