Sunday Post / Stacking The Shelves: What a sweetheart

 

Sunday Post is a weekly recap hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly recap hosted by Tynga's Reviews & Reading Reality

 

 

Life: Hi everyone. Hope you all had a beautiful week. Yesterday my baby turned 28. Happy Birthday to our son. Planned on dinner night out but our son decided he rather do a movie night seeing Avengers: Endgame. Did not want to ruin the movie for others with my annoying cough I had all week. I decided to stay home. All is good as Dad and Son went. Honestly they really need some dad/son time. They had a great time and enjoyed the movie. Brats did not bring me home any popcorn.

 

 

Book Haul: Had a rough few weeks. May have notice have not been blogging as much. One of  our hair stylists mom was in reading J.D. Robb. We got to talking about her books and of course I was swooning over Roarke. Few days later her husband was in and handed me Apprentice In Death by J.D. Robb (the book she was reading) for me to keep. What a sweetheart. It is the little things in life that make me smile.

 

 

 How was your week? Get any good books?

 

 

Review: Cash (The Henchmen MC #2) by Jessica Gadziala

Cash by Jessica Gadziala

Series: The Henchmen #2

Genre: Erotica/Contemporary Romance, Biker Romance

Publisher: Author (February 2, 2016)

Pages: 237

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

The Henchmen return, this time with CASH as our leading man.

CASH

My life has been about three things- brotherhood, good times, and women. Easy. Nothing complicated. That was until Willow Swift came barging back into my life, face bloodied, banging at the gates of The Henchmen compound calling in a favor owed. Now a marker is a marker and I had to make good, but if there was one woman in the world I didn't need in my life, it was the hard-as-stone, hot-as-sin Willow Swift and whatever mysterious ghosts from her past that were haunting her present.

WILLOW

My life has been nothing but two things: hard and complicated. The last person I wanted in my business was the notorious love-em and leave-em Cash, but I needed help and he was the only one I could lean on without worrying about him finding out about my past. But I was starting to wonder if maybe he was his own kind of dangerous bent on tearing down some things I had long since learned were not possible for me- like falling for a guy I could not, ever, let see the real me.


While this can be read as a stand-alone, you will get more out of this book if you read "Reign" and "Monster" first.  

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

POV: Dual 1st

 

Thoughts: Started off good with some fun time bickering with Willow and Cash. Adored his flirty laid back attitude. His personality did help me to cope with her over the top kick ass attitude. He was the perfect guy for her. He had a way of breaking down this huge wall she has built to never let anyone get close to her. I have no experience what she went through in her past and never would want to. I at least have a understanding at why she became the woman she is today. The bad guy is full on creepy. 

 

Was looking forward to Cash and Willow story. Was not a hit but also was not a bust either. Did have the same scenario with Cash not letting his MC brothers in on what was going on with Willow like the first book did with its hero/heroine. Wanted something different in that direction. Same as book one, good plot idea but a lot happens last half of book. Once again repetitive Dual 1st POV.  

 

Noted that this can be a stand alone. But better if read Reign (Henchmen MC #1) the first book and Monster (Savages #1) a different series. I did read Reign first and enjoyed Cash and Willow as secondary characters. I did not read Monster as was not lost. I assuming the one new character is from there. There were 3 groups in this book. I am curious if this series is really going to be focusing more on each couple and the MC life taking the back burner. I was hoping to get more of the MC life and their doings. Once again I am interested in the secondary characters.

Series / Review
1: Reign - 3

Books From The Backlog: Necessary Risk (Bodyguard #1) by Tara Wyatt

 

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. Hosted weekly by Carole's Random Life In Books.

Necessary Risk by Tara Wyatt

Series: Bodyguard #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Forever (February 23, 2016)

Pages: 352

Format: Kindle

 

Amazon / Goodreads

Trained to protect against all danger, a professional bodyguard can provide all the muscle a woman needs. But when their hearts are on the line, love is the riskiest business . . .
SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME

Former child star Sierra Blake is making a stunning Hollywood comeback-and attracting a scary amount of attention. When her home is vandalized and her safety threatened, she knows it's time to bring in the professionals. But from the moment she sets eyes on her indecently sexy new bodyguard, Sierra's thoughts are anything but professional . . .

Few things in this world scare Sean Owens-until he realizes he's in serious danger of losing his heart to his new client. No matter how much he wants to, Sean won't let his feelings for the smart and gorgeous Sierra get in the way of doing his job. Because as the attacks against her escalate, crossing the line between business and pleasure could get them both killed.

 

"If you love tough guys with a side of sweet, strong heroines with a hint of wild, and suspense with a spark of humor, this is definitely the book for you. Every woman should be lucky enough to have a man like Sean Owens guarding her body. Tara Wyatt has created a swoonworthy bodyguard series with primal passion, unexpected twists, and surprising laughs!"―New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti

Thoughts: Romantic Suspense with a bodyguard which I love and my favorite author giving her thumbs up. I am pretty sure Rebecca Zanetti praise for Necessary Risk is my reasoning for buying it. How have I not read this book sooner.  It has been awhile since I read a bodyguard hero time to bump this up on my TBR list.

Do you love a Bodyguard hero? Have your read Tara Wyatt before or this book?

 

 

Sweet Temptation: Switch Hitter (Jock Hard #0.5) by Sara Ney

 

Sweet Temptation is a feature on Wickedly Delicious Book Blog. That centers around books that have caught my attention. Whether it be a quote, snippet, teaser, excerpt, synopsis or a review.

Switch Hitter by Sara Ney

Series: Jock Hard #0.5

Genre: New Adult - Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Three Legacies, LLC  (March 15, 2018)

Pages: 146

Format: Kindle

 

Amazon / Goodreads

I knew something was wrong the second she walked in the door tonight; I just couldn’t put my finger on what it was.

 

Same hair color.

Same legs.

Same face.

 

Except…I look harder.

At the small dimple beneath her lip that wasn’t there the last time we went out. And her laugh—that laugh isn’t as loud.

 

This isn’t the girl I’ve gone out with the past few weeks.

It’s her twin sister, and they’ve switched places on me.

 

Only I’m not quite ready to let them switch back.

Thoughts: Hello. Look what I found from Angie Elle @ Books & Beauty Are My Bag. Switch Hitter was on her Cover Reveal post  that caught my attention. This is a spin off from How To Date A Douchebag series. Nothing comes to my mind of ever reading about twin girls switching places. Sounds refreshing. First time author for me so I am thinking this might be my book introduction. Bonus always looking for a New Adult series.

Had this saved in my draft since Feb. 2018. Thought I would share since I am still interested.

Have you read this author or book? Do you have it on you TBR list already?

Double Quickie Review: Water Bound / Bound Together by Christine Feehan

Read these last year and never gotten around to do a review. I had no plans of finishing Sisters Of The Heart Series anytime soon.  Love my Biker reads and was so excited one of my favorite authors Christine Feehan was coming out with a Biker series Torpedo Ink. Bound Together the last book in Sisters Of The Heart series introduces readers to the Torpedo Ink MC. I had to read it before I started Torpedo Ink series. Personally for me I have no problems reading any Christine Feehan books out of order. Some might so if not sure I would definitely check other reviews. I did feel the last book gave me enough details to what has been happening with the characters that I am curious about.

Water Bound By Christine Feehan

Series: Sisters Of The Heart #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Berkley Books on July 21, 2010

Pages: 480

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

The last thing Lev Prakenskii remembered was being lost in the swirling currents of the ocean and getting sucked deeper into the nothingness of a freezing black eddy off the coastal town of Sea Haven. Just as quickly, just a miraculously, he was saved—pulled ashore by a beautiful stranger. But Lev has no memory of who he is—or why he seems to possess the violent instincts of a trained killer. All he knows is that he fears for his life, and for the life of his unexpected savior.

Her name is Rikki, a sea~urchin diver in Sea Haven. She has always felt an affinity for the ocean, and for the seductive pull of the tides. And now she feels drawn in the same way to the enigmatic man she rescued. But soon they will be bound by something even stronger, and their tantalizing secrets will engulf them both in a whirlpool of dizzying passion and inescapable danger.

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

Thoughts: I really wanted to like this book more. I did not hate it but did not love it either. Rikki has some personal issues do not remember what exactly was wrong with her. I did feel for her struggles in life as Christine Feehan portrayed her personal issue good.  But was also frustrated as the story became repetitive with her personal issue. If a fan of Christine Feehan you will understand how she likes to go into every detail of her books. Usually in her books do not bother me but this time less would of been better for me.

 

Loved Lev as he was Christine Feehans typical alpha male hero. He was so patient with Rikki and her needs.

Bound Together by Christine Feehan

Series: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance, Biker Romance

Genre: Sisters Of The Heart #6

Publisher: Jove on March 21, 2017

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

For five years, Viktor Prakenskii has put his life on hold in order to take down the world’s most feared motorcycle club from the inside. But carrying out the insane violence and seeing the club’s exploitation of the innocent has brought his traumatic past roaring back. And there’s only one cure: to see the wife he left behind...

Blythe Daniels thought she’d never see Viktor again after he murdered her stepfather and left without a word. She rebuilt her life without him, becoming a personal trainer and physical therapist...becoming strong enough for others to lean on. But when Viktor comes back to Sea Haven, he’ll make Blythe question everything she thought she knew about good and evil—and the dark desires of the heart...

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

 

Thoughts: I think Viktor might be one of Christine Feehans most stubborn heroes she has created and loved it. Blythe definitely had her hands full with him. Loved her character and thought she was perfect for him and his crew. The secondary characters were amazing. Really do not know how to live a normal life because of their past. It was nice to see them try to  fit in socially thanks to Blythe who becomes like a mother to them all.

Review: All Chained Up (Devil's Rock #1) by Sophie Jordan

All Chained Up by Sophie Jordan

Series: Devil's Rock #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Avon (March 29, 2016)

Pages: 384

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

There are bad boys and then there are the men of Devil’s Rock . . .

 

Some men come with a built-in warning label. Knox Callaghan is one of them. Danger radiates from every lean, muscled inch of him, and his deep blue eyes seem to see right through to Briar Davis’s most secret fantasies. But there’s one major problem: Briar is a nurse volunteering at the local prison, and Knox is an inmate who should be off-limits in every way.

Knox feels it too—a shocking animal magnetism that drives him to risk his own life to protect Briar’s. Paroled at last, he tries to resist her. She’s too innocent, too sweet, and she has no idea what Knox is capable of. But a single touch can lead to a kiss—and a taste . . . until the only crime is denying what feels so right . . .

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked it

POV: 3rd

 

Thoughts: Enjoyed the beginning while in prison had a intense moment. Once Knox was paroled I was not feeling  his and Briar's connection. Was very easy for me to put the book down and pick back up. Finally hit around 50% and started to really get into it.

 

They have casual hook ups, do not know anything about each other and I did not know anything really about them either. Like why was Knox in prison (found out later than I wanted)? They are both hot and cold with each other. I understand his push and pull with her. He thinks she can do better. He is trying to put his life back together and finding out it is harder than he thought.

 

"I'm not in prison anymore, but I'm still paying for my crime. I'll pay every day for the rest of my life."

 

Briar took some time for me to warm up to and was not feeling she was the best choice for Knox. Poor guy really has no one left. He has guilt over the event that led him and his brother in prison. He already feels he does not deserve happiness. Has no one really left as his brother is still in jail. He feels she is ashamed of him by her actions. Her actions broke my heart for him.  Briar has her reasons for her push and pull with him. It just took me a while to really get on board with it and understand her reasons. Once I warmed up to her I was rooting for them to have their HEA.

 

I am curious and nervous about Reid. I believe his story is up next. I am a bit nervous for his story because I do not know how realistic it is going to be.

Books From The Backlog: Dirty Trick (Perfectly Matched #1) by Christine Bell

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. Hosted weekly by Carole's Random Life In Books.

Dirty Trick by Christine Bell

Series: Perfectly Matched #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Entangled: Brazen (September 23, 2013)

Pages: 192

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

This matchmaker's about to meet her match...

Grace Love is lousy with men. She can spot a match for someone else a mile away, and her balls-on instincts are why her matchmaking business is thriving, but finding her own Prince Charming? The only guy who makes her sixth sense tingle is her playboy best friend, Trick, and no way is she risking their friendship, no matter how hot she knows the sex will be.

SWAT officer Trick Mathews is a patient guy, but Grace’s inability to see what’s right in front of her is grinding on his last nerve. Yeah, he blew his shot at breaking out of the friend zone when he tamped down the urge to lick her from head to toe the day they met, but he’s got a plan that’ll change her mind. Incognito at Salem's hottest Halloween party, he’ll show her exactly how good they could be…and that he’s the man for her.  

Thoughts: I bought Dirty Trick on sale and have no idea why I have yet to read it. Christine Bell is  a new to me author and the synopsis still sounds interesting.

Have you read this book or Author?

Review: Shadow Falling (The Scorpius Syndrome #2) by Rebecca Zanetti

Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti

Series: The Scorpius Syndrome #1

Genre: Post - Apocalyptic, Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Zebra on January 26, 2016

Pages: 384

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny. Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.

If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk. And the way his arms wrap around her tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

 

Thoughts:  Shadow Falling was a great follow up to Mercury Striking book one. Once again Rebecca Zanetti gave me an alpha male hero to fall for. Anybody Raze cares for it is in his nature to protect them. He has his reasons for being in Vanguard the safe-haven where Jax from Mercury Striking is the leader. Jax still does not fully trust a lot of people and the one who he really is not trusting is Raze. Interesting moments with these two.

 

Vinnie I just adored her character. She was kind of quirky and had a tendency to speak what she was thinking without really wanting to. She really needed a place to feel wanted. Loved the friendship she had with Lynne. Their girl time was fun and never took away from the story. It showed that they are still human and trying to survive as best as they can.

 

Jax and Lynne from book one play a big part in Shadow Falling. Loved seeing how they are doing. He is a hard ass leader and is set in his ways. Love that she is there to help him feel for others emotions. While I was missing the close knit community before I started to feel that everyone is slowly becoming close. Loving the secondary characters more. Like Rebecca Zanetti style always part of the story and this time around were so much fun seeing them interacting. Not only does Rebecca Zanetti teases her readers with one possible couple but two. I have not read any of the synopsis for future books so I am really hoping a certain couple who the possible hero I have no clue if he is a bad or good guy get a story.

 

Few plots going on that help break up the book for me. Not only have the plot with Raze his secrecy and the follow to that but inside Vanguard drama dealing with the Priest.

Series/Rating
1: Mercury Striking - 4

 

 

Review / Quote-Tastic: Saddled and Spurred (Blacktop Cowboys #2) by Lorelei James

Quote-Tastic is a weekly meme hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup. Share a favorite quotes that's grabbed your for one reason or another. You can ad a review or post just a quote

Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James

Series: Blacktop Cowboys #2

Genre: Erotic Romance

Publisher: NAL (March 1, 2011)

Pages: 336

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

This beauty is no greenhorn-and she's about to rope the man of her dreams.

Cattleman Bran Turner is left shorthanded during busy calving season when a bull tramples his hired hand. Rural Wyoming isn't exactly a hotbed of qualified candidates, and the only applicant for the position is the pampered town beauty, Harper Masterson. The curvy cowgirl gets under Bran's skin at every turn, but with no other options, he reluctantly hires her.

When sexual sparks ignite, down-on-her-luck Harper enjoys convincing Bran that not only is she capable of pulling calves, feeding livestock, and handling backbreaking ranch chores, but she doesn't mind getting down and dirty, either. Harper also discovers the hot-bodied cowboy isn't all work and no horseplay...and he's got more than a few tricks up his sleeve.

Bran will learn quickly that Harper is no country mouse-and that she might just have what it takes to stick around for the long haul.

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

Thoughts: Lorelei James is not a new author to me as I loved her Rough Riders series. It has been some time and I knew I would eventually get to her Blacktop Cowboys.

I admired Harper the heroine. Her mom is a piece of work and is left raising her younger sister who is finishing high school. Her mom has a bad rep in town and that leaves Harper with not a lot of work options. She is a girly-girl and former pageant queen. Love that she is not whiney or poor is me that life did  not plan out like she hope for. She works twice has hard and will do anything to make sure her sister will go to college. Love that she is a hard worker and takes any job serious. She might be a girly-girl  but has no problem getting dirty and never complains. The best part is she knows how to hold her own towards grouchy Bran.

Bran was an interesting character. He has a chip on his shoulders. His friends from childhood have made a life for themselves. He feels like he is a boring hometown guy and just a rancher. His grandparents raised him and has been running the ranch since he was 17. He took over fully when his grandparents died. There are 2 sides to Bran. Sweet Bran and Grouchy Bran. I loved both.

I had so much fun with them. Nice slow burn romance. Became friends before lovers.  Had perfect chemistry even when bickering. He sends mix signals. She does not know if he likes her or hates her. They were so cute and playful could not get enough of them.

He slapped his bare thighs. "Okay. Now you can sit on my lap."

Harper whirled around, her eyes immediately zeroing in on his erection. "My, my. What a hard, hot poker you have there, Mr. Turner."

"All the better to stoke your fire with, baby."

Loved the secondary characters. All have their own personality and voices. His friends are his family and have good amount of page time. I want Abe and Janie story. Celia who is her best friend and Brans best friend little sister was a hoot.

"Drop your cock and grab your socks, Bran. Your new hired hand will be on your front stoop within the hour." The phone went dead.

It has been a while since I laughed so hard reading a Erotic Romance. I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard with the goat scene. August Fletcher "Fletch" the veterinarian scene was a giggle moment too. Overall a feel good book that I could not help but smile through out.

I loved experiencing right along with Harper everyday ranching. Lorelei James is the Queen of Erotic Romance, Delicious Cowboys and families in a small town setting. I feel this can be read as a stand alone book. I did not read the first book as was not in the mood for a ménage and was not lost. There is some minor family drama but nothing you can not get on board with.

 

Review: Beyond The Cut by Sarah Castille

Beyond The Cut by Sarah Castille

Series: Sinner's Tribe Motorcycle Club #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Biker Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (June 2, 2015)

Pages: 352

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

She's Holding On Tight.

As a teen, Dawn ran from a life on the streets straight into the arms of Jimmy "Mad Dog" Sanchez, a biker who promised to be her knight in shining armor. But his love was just another cage. Years later, Dawn's former life still has its hooks in her and she'll do whatever it takes to break free. When Cade "Ryder" O'Connor, a member of a rival club, makes her an offer, Dawn finds herself in a different, hotter kind of trouble with one irresistible Sinner…

Will He Give Her The Ride Of Her Life?

Cade is an outlaw biker with allegiance to one thing and one thing only: The Sinner's Tribe Motorcycle Club. But when it comes to the stunningly sexy, fiercely independent Dawn Delgado, Cade finds himself…hungrier for more. Trouble is on Dawn's heels and he wants to be the answer to her prayers, whether she wants him to be or not. What can't be denied is the red-hot attraction between them. However, as they fall deeper, the danger rises and Cade may have to sacrifice it all…

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

Thoughts: I adored Cade especially when he was spending time with Dawn and her 7 year old twin girls. Love family and kids in my reads. Sarah Castille did a great job with Dawn's daughters. Loved  seeing him interact with the kids. Seeing a badass alpha male biker be gentle and trying to understand them was a so much fun.

I felt so bad for Dawn. It is hard enough to raise kids as a single parent on your own. But to have a crappy ex who is just evil and to top it off his shit of a sister making her life hell is the worst. Poor thing could not catch a break from them.

I am loving this series.

 

Series/Ranting

1: Rough Justice - 4

Review / Quote-Tastic: Claimed by Elle Kennedy

Quote-Tastic is a weekly meme hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup. Share a favorite quotes that's grabbed your for one reason or another. You can ad a review or post just a quote

Claimed by Elle Kennedy

Series: Outlaws #1

Genre: Erotic Romance, Dystopian Romance

Publisher: Signet (October 6, 2015)

Pages: 370

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

The bestselling author of the Killer Instincts novels “knows how to write scorching sexual tension” (USA Today). Now she really sets it on fire in a new series about men and women living on the edge of violence, sex, and life and death.

After a devastating war decimated most of the world, Hudson Lane has only known the oppressive life under her own father’s tyranny. She finally escapes, branding herself an outlaw and hunted by the Enforcers. Her best chance at survival is Connor Mackenzie, an aggressively sensual fugitive who opens her eyes to the wicked possibilities of a world without rules.

As the leader of a band of outlaw fighters, Connor can’t resist the beautiful stranger who asks for his protection. Despite his reservations, he agrees to introduce her to a whole new way of life. But when Connor discovers Hudson’s connection to the enemies of liberty, he wonders how far he can trust the woman who has abandoned all inhibitions to challenge every forbidden desire.

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

 

Thoughts: What an interesting world Elle Kennedy has created. Have Global Council that run a strict controlled environment where Hudson the heroine is running from. Then have the outlaws who live in the moment. What a bunch of highly sexual characters. Sexual encounters (M/F/M and Voyeur) is part of their life and not embarrassed. Love their out look on life in a Dystopia world. As for the Erotic in Claimed loved it. Well written sexy times with a delicious dirty talking hero. The sexual tension was amazing.

 

"He's close, baby. Suck harder. Work that cock until you get him there."

 

Connor was an interesting character as Hudson was trying to figure him out I was right there with her. I was just as frustrated like Hudson wondering why he will not give her what she wants sexually. He is a grouch, jerk and straight to the point and  I loved it. Once I found out about his past everything made sense. 

 

 "You started all this by licking Ry, remember? Next time, if you want me inside you, I suggest you lick me."

 

This is the second novel I have read by Elle Kennedy and once again loving her heroine. Wow was she a sexually aroused  sweet heart. Loved that now she is free from her world of being controlled she is not shy and wants to experience Connors world. Seeing her form a friendship with the secondary characters was wonderful. Really feel her fitting in with Connor's small tight group of not by blood family.

 

I loved that I already have my favorite secondary characters and want to know more about. Pike with his she devil wolf could not get enough of. What is up with his grouchy ass. Rylan the charmer I want and need to know more about him and The Reigning Queen of Foxworth.

 

I knew going in this was an erotic novel. As much as I loved all the characters in Claimed I needed a good balance between the erotic moments and the overall story. Beginning and ending was amazing but the middle did feel like a sex fest filler. Maybe I am just greedy and wanted more time spent with all the characters.  I do want to find out what is happening with the other characters.