Review: Hard Rules by Lisa Renee Jones

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

 

Hard Rules by Lisa Renee Jones

Series: Dirty Money #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pubisher: St. Martin's Griffin on August 9, 2016

Pages: 304

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

Wall Street meets the Sons of Anarchy in Hard Rules, the smoldering, scorching first novel in the explosively sexy new Dirty Money series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones.

How bad do you want it?

The only man within the Brandon empire with a moral compass, Shane Brandon is ready to take his family’s business dealings legitimate. His reckless and ruthless brother, Derek wants to keep Brandon Enterprises cemented in lies, deceit, and corruption. But the harder Shane fights to pull the company back into the light, the darker he has to become. Then he meets Emily Stevens, a woman who not only stirs a voracious sexual need in him, but becomes the only thing anchoring him between good and evil.

Emily is consumed by Shane, pushed sexually in ways she never dreamed of, falling deeper into the all-encompassing passion that is this man. She trusts him. He trusts her, but therein lies the danger. Emily has a secret, the very thing that brought her to him in the first place, and that secret could destroy them both.

This is book ONE of FOUR in Shane and Emily's story.

 

Thoughts: "Wall Street meets the Sons Of Anarchy" grabbed my attention. Sadly Hard Rules over all did not do that. I was all ready to meet this messed up Brandon family and get sucked into their crazy family drama. Everybody in the family business as their own agenda and not sure who to trust. I did enjoy the family and Shane's secretary more than the couple. I would get excited anytime any of the other family members had any page time. Even though I did enjoy the family I still feel like the plot with them was missing something.

 

The beginning was a slow start but I was still able to enjoy getting to see how Shane and Emily met and get a little of the bickering with the family. But from there nothing really moved forward except the relationship with Shane and Emily. As I connected with them in the beginning I was losing that connection as the story moved along. There were no ups and downs or  no wow moments with them.

 

Emily is still a mysterious character. There are hints here and there that she is up to something or running away from someone or something. I did feel like both characters had the same tone of voice and no personalities. There were at times I thought I would see a different side of Shane a more darker side but he would revert quickly to himself. I feel like she made him more at ease with what is happening with his family. I really do not know why they like each other or what attracts them to each other.

 

Readers get to get the scoop on what is going on with the family business and have to say it was boring and long at times. I enjoyed getting the info but for me less would of been enough.

 

Written in dual 1st POV and loved that it was not repetitive. The last 20% was amazing and felt like a whole different tone with the characters that I wanted through out. This did feel like a set up with lots of fillers for the series. Lots of unsolved answers and more questions which I am sure will be solved in book 2. Nothing I am axcious to read right away but I am sure as time goes by if I get curious I can see me reading book 2 for my answers.

Review: The Black Wolf by J.A. Redmerski

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

The Black Wolf by J.A. Redmerski

Series: In The Company Of Killers #5

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: J.A. Redmerski on August 29, 2015

Format: Kindle

Pages: 302

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

Since devastating secrets were uncovered by Nora Kessler, Niklas Fleischer and Victor Faust have been divided as business partners and brothers. But ultimately Niklas is persuaded to lead a mission to Italy, and he sees it as an opportunity to set in motion forgiveness—or retribution—for his brother’s betrayal.

The mission: play the role of a wealthy German investor and kidnap a beautiful, notorious madam named Francesca Moretti. No stranger to these types of roles, Niklas is the best man for the job, but this time the risks will be much greater as he will not be doing it alone. Izabel Seyfried, still fresh out of a life of imprisonment and sex slavery, could be negatively affected by the things she will see in Moretti’s mansion, and Niklas must keep her in line so she does not blow their cover and get them killed.

But Niklas isn’t the only one who must play a role—Nora takes on the humiliating task of playing Niklas’s slave, and Izabel must play the role of his lover.

On one hand, Niklas couldn’t be enjoying himself more. On the other hand, the emotions that continue to rage inside of him may be too much for him to control, and it may be Niklas—not Izabel—who needs to be kept in line. He cannot forget what Victor has done, and this mission may just be the beginning of his downward spiral.

Can the blood bond that Niklas and Victor share as brothers be stronger than resentment? Or will vengeance dig the blade so deep that their bond be eternally severed?

Thoughts: Love this series and  Niklas was a character that was slowly growing on me through out. He really caught my interest in Seeds Of Iniquity #3. I really want to get to know more about him than what I got with his book. The begining started out amazing learning how much he really has always looked up to his brother Victor since they were kids.

The mission started out good in the begining and enjoyed the rolls that they had to play. The plot did go down hill from there for me. For a bunch of bad ass assassins more so Niklas they were dumb. I knew right away who they were looking for it was obvious. I could not grasp how they could not of known. Knowing right away who they were after was a shock for me because J.A. Redmerski is so talented with never knowing what is happening. While on their mission the story just never moved foward. Loved that a few things happened that was not expecting with the characters and of course this is J.A. Redmerski. Who is known to not hold anything back when it fits the plot.

The story did pick up again the last 15%  and was back to being amazing. The Black Wolf was still a good read but it was for me the weakest in the series. As always you never know what kind of read you are going to get In The Company Of The Killers series. My dear Niklas what have you done.

Review: Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

 

Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: de Vincent #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Avon on January 30, 2018

Format: Kindle

Pages: 405

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers the unforgettable story of a woman whose new life has just begun—but may end in murder...

Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she learned a very painful lesson. Now Julia’s starting over with a job in the Louisiana bayou—and a scorching encounter with a stranger, only to discover he’s Lucian de Vincent... her new employer. The de Vincent brothers share a massive fortune and a dark reputation. Julia cares for their troubled sister, but a menacing presence in the mansion—and the ever-present temptation of Lucian—prove dangerously distracting.

Lucian’s grandmother claimed de Vincent men fall in love once—and hard. Apparently, it’s Lucian’s turn. Julia’s compassionate care of his twin makes Lucian want to lay himself bare. But some secrets are better for Julia not to know.

The recent “suicide” of Lucian’s father is the latest in a string of deaths on the estate. Someone is eliminating the de Vincents. And the best way to get to Lucian may be through Julia...

Thoughts: The beginning was amazing with the mystery of Lucian sister. Loved how Julia and  Lucian met and once she was brought to the mansion. Lucian was cute flirting with Julia. The banter and bickering with the brothers were so much fun. Not a normal family and they all had their own voice and personality.

 

The beginning had a good balance of mystery, start of a romance and getting to know the family. But somewhere a long the way the romance took over and I was missing the mystery and more of the brothers. As I was connecting and enjoying the couple in the beginning I started getting bored with them and lost that connection.

 

The plot started picking up more the last 15 % of the novel that really came out of no where with a huge twist that was eye rolling, over the top unrealistic. I had my own scenarios going on in my head through out that I was not even close. I did love that it was unpredictable and I really thought one scene was going to go into a whole new direction with Lucian, Gabe and Julia. Thank goodness it did not but felt that scene was out of place and was not sure of the reason for even being in the book.

 

I love Jennifer L. Armentrout  YA Paranormal Romance  Novels and NA novels writing as J. Lynn. She is amazing writer as she was the only author to date to get me to read a YA suspense Don't Look Back and it was amazing 5 stars. It was full of twist, unpredictable,  nicely layered through out and the ending was perfect. This is my 3rd adult book I have read from her and was not a hit with me with the couple.

 

Review / QT & L4C Meme: Confess by Colleen Hoover

Hello. Today I am sharing my review, Lusting For Covers Meme and Quote-Tastic meme for Confess by Colleen Hoover

 

Spoil Free Review

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

Rating 3 Stars - Liked It

After watching the mini series trailer for Confess I had to bump it up on my TBR pile ASAP.  Colleen Hoover is a mastermind when it comes to originality. I loved the confessions and actual paintings.

 

Well I did not love Confess has much I was hoping for. On the other hand I did not hate it either. What happened to her alpha male heroes I love to read about. Emory who is Auburn's best girlfriend has more balls than Owen. I understand why Owen at times did have to stand down but I really needed him on quite a few occasions do some serious ass kicking. I was actually shocked a few times he did not step in. In one scene I actually did not like him for not stepping in.

 

I was missing the sexual tension and  couple chemistry Colleen Hoover is known for in her books. Owen and Auburn were cute and a bit awkward together. I liked it but was still not always feeling their chemistry.  I loved and respected them as individuals. They are both selfless and the sacrifices they endure for their loved ones is sad and beautiful.

 

Confess is broken down in Two Parts. Part One was boring. I kept waiting for something major to happen and nothing did until the last chapter. Part Two was a bit better than Part One as I could not swipe my kindle fast enough but still I needed some situations to be dealt with more.

 

Overall Confess was not a bad read. I did feel that there was too many serious themes happening.  I felt a lot of  times certain scenarios were rushed and not fleshed out. I was really shocked by this because Colleen Hoover is a amazing story teller who can bring out different emotions. Confess should of been one of those books where I could laugh, cry, get angry and go all fan girl on the hero. Unfortunately the execution and emotions were not there for me.

 

I think this will be one of those occasions where I will like the on-screen better. 

 

Free! Review / Quote-Tastic: Incandescent By River Savage

Still Free at time of Review if interested. Wish I would of waited. I did enjoy book 2 better.

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

Series: Knights Rebel MC #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: River Savage

Publication Date: August 9, 2014

Format: Kindle

Pages: 301

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

Synopsis By Goodreads

Phoenix ‘Nix’ Knight thought pulling his club out of the illegal shit his Pops got them into was difficult.

Until he meets Kadence.

Kadence Turner has no business lusting over a student’s father, especially the president of the Knights Rebels MC. Nix is crass, obnoxious and dangerously sexy and for some reason, Kadence can’t seem to hate him for it. The bossy biker breaks down her defenses, but unlike the old Kadence, the woman she is today won’t give in without a fight.

The tension is undeniable, the attraction fierce. A man that wants what he wants and a woman that will fight him every step of the way.

Review: Push by Claire Wallis

    Dark Romance

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

Series: Push #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: MIRA

Publication Date: May 1, 2014

Format: Kindle

Pages: 274

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

Synopsis By Goodreads

I feel like I am wrapped in a cyclone. Everything is whirling around me, drawing the air out of my lungs and filling me with the best kind of turmoil. Every time his tongue slides against mine, a prickle in my gut tells me how right we are together. How much I need David. How much I need us.

I hope the cyclone never stops.

Emma Searfoss has spent a lifetime trying to escape her abusive stepfather. It's why she moved far away from home. It's why she's kept no ties with her remaining family. And it's why she's got a major rage problem. When her neighbor shows up to fix the kitchen in her new apartment, his enigmatic charm calms the fire in her. David is cool and collected, and he makes Emma feel safe for the first time ever. But David has his own chilling past—his six previous girlfriends have all disappeared without a trace. Emma's walking a dangerous line, but David's pull is intoxicating. And impossible to resist…

This is a new adult romance with mature content for readers 17 and up.

Reviews: Out Of Time & A Gift Of Time By Beth Flynn

 Double Review

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

 

Series: Nine Minutes #2

Publisher: Author

Format: Kindle

Pages: 457

Source: Bought

 

Goodreads

 

I am doing a double review for the last two Nine Minutes Trilogy since I read all three books back to back. These are not stand alone books so best be read in order.

Review: Tamed by Rebecca Zanetti

Tamed (Dark Protectors #6.5)

by Rebecca Zanetti

Paranormal Romance

Bought

Hot ~ Fan Yourself

 

Blurb

Caleb Donovan was never meant to be a prophet. At heart he's a conqueror, his appetites far more carnal than spiritual. He's not inclined to repress his passions and surrender to fate. After all, that's what cost him Lily—three centuries ago. She married another, because it was ordained. Now that he's in the same benighted calling—and forced into proximity with her—all the old desires are roaring back to life. . .

After widowhood and centuries of celibacy, Lily is eager to explore the wild side of life, except now she's vulnerable to another forced relationship, with an enemy. But this time she's determined to choose her own path. And if hot, furious Caleb comes charging to the rescue, it might just change both their destinies. . .

Love is about to start conquering. . .

Loved Caleb and Lily together and thought they were a good match for eachother. Caleb is another yummy alpha male hero written well like all others in this series. I did swoon a bit over him as he was more  gentle than others in this series.

 

Review: Staking His Claim by Tessa Bailey

Staking His Claim (Line Of Duty #5)

by Tessa Bailey

 

Synopsis

He wants her. All of her.

NYPD sniper Matt Donovan is in Hell. Instead of driving his best friend’s little sister home from college, he’s stuck with her roommate—a fresh-faced ray-of-sunshine with a body that makes grown men weep. There’s no way he’ll allow himself to taint the little vixen, no matter how hard she tries to tempt him, so he resigns himself to the longest—and hardest—drive of his life.

Matt’s obvious attraction suits grad student Lucy Mason just fine. She had no idea her brother’s best friend was so deliciously hot. Knowing he’d never have his wicked way with his buddy’s sister, she lies about her identity and seduces him. But Matt’s no fumbling college boy. His desires run deep—and dark—and he wants to teach Lucy what wicked really means.

Matt’s demanding appetites only make Lucy want more. But when her cover's blown, he’s furious—even as his hunger for her becomes insatiable. Matt can’t trust anyone, least of all himself. And he knows all too well that darkness always destroys the light…