ARC Review (YA): Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Secret (Elemental #4)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington Books

Source: Publisher at NetGalley

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.

Nick Merrick is stretched to breaking point. He's trying to keep his grades sky-high or he won't get in to college. He's trying to keep his brother's business afloat or the Merricks will be out on the street. He's trying to keep the secret of where he's going in the evenings from his twin brother Gabriel - or he fears he'll lose his family. And he's trying to keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who is his 'girlfriend's' partner.

And then Quinn takes to hanging around his sworn enemy, and an Elemental Guide is counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. Storms are brewing. On all sides.

SECRETS IN THE WIND. DANGER IN THE AIR.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoil Free Review:

 

Brigid Kemmerer knocked it out of the ball bark with Secret. A page turner and unpredictable.

 

I was excited and curious to see how Brigid Kemmerer wrote a m/m relationship especially with Nick  not sure about his sexuality and coming out. Then with Adam who is opened about his sexuality. Brigid Kemmerer writing skills shined in the m/m department. I felt every emotion between Nick and Adam as individuals and as a couple. Each new novel in the Elemental series is getting hotter and hotter. There were a few times I was anxious but at the same time eager  to swipe my kindle, because I had no idea how far Brigid was going to go in the bedroom department. Nick and Adams chemistry was off the charts hot and sweet. The caressing, the kissing was well written and loved every minute of it. I was a bit shocked after reading Breathless (Elemental 2.5) that in Secret Adam was not as aggressive, but considering his past I understand. Who would of thought Nick would be the aggressive one.

I am finding with each new novel the brothers are more intense and distant with each other. I am loving this direction  and fits great with each brothers story but I will admit I am missing the fun banter between all brothers. I loved how all brothers found out about Nick sexuality and how they all reacted. Their finding out was nicely paced through out the novel.

I liked Quinn in the beginning but then she started to annoy me. But once her storyline took a different route she was not as bad. I get she has a terrible home life with her mom and brother but her reactions towards Becca her best friend was uncalled for. I felt she took it over the top.

Aside from loving Nick and Adam storyline I was so flipping nervous about Tyler having some serious book time. I thought his side story added so much to the novel and flowed in with the plot, never  taking away from Nick and Adam. Brigid Kemmerer for sure had me on the edge of my seat with his scenes that I could not wait to read more about him, because I had no clue how is storyline would play out. Is he the bad Tyler from earlier novels or a good guy after all? Loved the layers with his character because at one point readers finally find out if he is bad or good.  No worries will not spoil it for you. I think it is best to not know what is going on with him going into Secret.  

Secret to date is my favorite Elemental novel. Now I am ready for Michaels story in Sacrifice (Elemental #5) coming  September 2014.

ARC provided by publisher, Kensington Books at NetGalley for an honest review.

I had a blast as always buddy reading with TBQ's Book Palace. Love ya babe and loving more that we are still on the same page when it comes to our Merrick brothers.  Curious on her thoughts of Secret check out her review.

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ARC review (NA): True by Erin McCarthy

True (True Believers #1)

by Erin McCarthy

Publisher: Penguin Publishing

Blurb by Goodreads

When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…

Spoil Free Review:

The blurb for True automatically caught my attention with  friends hiring a tattoo bad boy to help their friend Rory lose her virginity with out her knowing. To me this screamed lies and betrayal and usually with that kind of mixture get an intense read. To my disappointment that did not happen.

The books started off with me already disliking Rory and her girlfriends. The inner thoughts going through Rory head while almost getting raped and the fact that her girlfriends did not even go back to the dorm with her to comfort her was a big turn off. Before all this Rory annoyed to me no end with her negative inner thinking about herself and everything around her. I guess I should of known I was not going to like her friends I mean after all what kind of best friends would hire someone to take away another friend virginity. I get she is insecure and had almost everyone crap on her, whole entire life. But she did not grow with the novel.

Tyler was okay nothing to swoon over.  Yes he said the right things that were sweet but where was that tatted up bad boy. Yes he loved his brothers and tried his hardest to take care of them since their home life really sucked. Yes he is pierced down below and that is sexy but the outcome of the sex scenes were boring and nothing to get all hot and bothered about. Do not get me wrong I have read many NA novels that have somewhat lacked in the sex department but at least the sexual tension was hot enough or the plot execution was good to at least outcome the bad sexing. There was no build up or sexual tension.

As the story progress it dealt with a lot of real issues lies, betrayal, drug addiction, almost rape. But the outcome for all was rushed and unbelievable. I did not get to feel their pain and heart ache. I will admit I did feel a little for Tyler when he brought Rory home to deal with his drug addict mother. He did break my heart when he was trying to comfort his mom and the terrible things she said to his younger brother who has Down Syndrome, but then it was rushed.

I almost did not finish at 50% when Grant who almost rapes Rory wants to apologize and everyone is okay with it even Tyler. I was so disappointed by the outcome when Rory found out about her friends paying Tyler to sleep with her. Because of this I  needed to find out how, when and reactions were going to be like when Tyler finds out Rory knows. A another huge disappointment. The ending was also rushed.

True should of had some angst and drama with all the issues it had going on but the execution for all was poorly done. For me when reading a NA story that is going to have real issues I need the angst and drama that comes along with it,  sadly this series is not for me

ARC Review: The Professional: Part 2 by Kresley Cole

The Professional: Part 2 (The Game Maker #1.2)

by Kresley Cole

Publisher: Pocket Star

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes The Professional—the second scorching installment in her Game Maker series, an erotica collection that has readers asking: How hot is too hot?

He makes the rules...Mafiya enforcer Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well—on his own wicked terms.

Rules are made to be broken...
PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. With every day she spends under his protection, she falls deeper under his masterful spell.

Are you ready to play?Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy’s reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest—and most forbidden—fantasies can come true...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoil Free Review
 

The Professional: Part 2 leads off right where Part 1 ended and Wow when I say Kresley Cole knows how to get her readers sexually frustrated. The continuation of the jaw dropping cliffhanger from Part 1 did not disappoint. Trust me when I say as a reader you will be right along with Natalie never wanting anything more than to have Aleksandr cock buried deep inside her.

 

"I want you to see the need I'll be battling." He fisted his cock, swiping his thumb over the head, glossing it with moisture. "Want you to see how badly I crave you."

 

After falling head over heals for Aleksandr in Part 1 I did not think I could of fallen harder for  him, boy was I wrong. He is so intense and  to his surprise he has become very possessive and more obsessive of Natalie.

 

"If you became mine, I wouldn't let you go." His words were clipped, as if he was biting back frenzy. "Understand me, if I'm your first lover, I will be your last."

 

The ringing tone of finality chilled me.

 

"And I would kill any man who thought to touch what was mine."

 

He also has a tender side to him when it comes to her. Love that in my alpha male heroes a nice blend of dominance  but also at the same time know when to be sweethearts and care for their lover. He is still a mystery  but got a little bit on his past. Not a whole lot but enough that I can not wait to find out more of what has made him broken inside. Seeing Aleksandr this hot and cold enforcer breakdown tore at my heart. I wanted so bad to jump in my kindle and be the one to make all his pain go away.

 

I also have fallen in love more with Natalie. I love that she is not afraid to get what she wants from Alexsandr and she knows how to play dirty to get what she wants. What she wants is this BDSM game that he started.  I am a little nervous for her because she is playing with fire with him and is she going to be able to handle what she thinks she wants. 

 

I love when Alexsandr uses Russian endearments towards Natalie and it is even better when Krelsey Cole lets the readers know what they mean. I thought the intimate scenes in Part 1 were scorching-panty changing. Kresley Cole outdid herself in this installment.  Each new erotic scene is well written, unpredictable, refreshing, sexier and more exciting with a dirty talking-sex on legs Alexsandr that I could not swipe my kindle fast enough to see what she would come up with next.

 

He positioned me back on his lap, his engorged shaft in front of my mons. It stood like an idol to be worshipped, making my mouth water and my hips rock. I couldn't keep myself from grinding against the damp base.

 

"Grasp it"

 

I did.

 

"Stroke it. Learn it. My cock is the only one you'll ever need or know."

 

Enthralled, I put both my hands on him, pulling, masturbating him in front of the mirror. "Oh, God, Sevastyan..."

 

"If you want it back, then beg me for it."

 

Technically if this was already a finish novel as it being the 2nd installment to a 3 part serial this would be the middle of the story and like many novels sometimes the middle tend to be slow. Not happening here, The Professional: Part 2 deserve more than 5 stars. It is all around  well written, intense read  with  all  characters jumping off the pages with reality. So many twist and turns with many surprises that kept me well past my bedtime. I was so invested in Sevastyan and Natalie that I was happy and heart broken right along with them.  Make room lovelies because the book boyfriend you have now just got bumped down with an intense, super possessive and obsessive Sevastyan.

 

Now for those lovely cliffhangers readers get in serial series. Kresley Cole outdid herself with this cliffy. Better than the jaw dropping first one. This cliffy invaded my dreams with a few scenarios that I look forward to see if any of mine play out in The Professional: Part 3 (The Game Maker #1.3) .

 

My review will never do justice and come close to how amazing Part 2 is.  I am throwing this out there and let all know I am a huge KC fangirl and had the opportunity to review The Professional: Part 2 by publisher, Pocket Star at NetGalley for an honest review. If you follow my reviews and know me well you know I do not hold back no matter if I am a fangirl of an author or review an ARC copy. If I do not like a novel or just like it or love it I will let readers know no matter who or where I got my copy from. Trust me when I say I have left ok reviews for authors I adore and ARC copies. 

 

With that being said I can not recommend this serial enough. For me The Professional so far is what I have been looking for with a broken hero who is possessive and obsessed with the heroine. It is an emotional, well written novel that is about showing. It is not just slap together with meaningless words that are all about telling and not enough showing that seem to be showing up last year or so trying to get on the broken-possessive-obsessed hero bandwagon.  Huge Thank you to Kresley Cole for not only getting my mafia theme fix but so much more. 

 

ARC Provided by publisher, Pocket Star at NetGalley for an Honest Review

 

Other books in series with my ratings:

The Professional: Part 1 - 5 tars

 

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ARC Review: Torn From You by Nashoda Rose

 

Torn from You (Tear Asunder #1)

by Nashoda Rose

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Love is like an avalanche. It hits hard, fast and without mercy.

At least it did for me when Sculpt, the lead singer of the rock band Tear Asunder knocked me off my feet. Literally, because he’s also a fighter, illegally of course, and he taught me how to fight. He also taught me how to love and I fell hard for him. I mean the guy could do sweet, when he wasn't doing bossy, and I like sweet.

Then it all shattered.

Kidnapped.
Starved.
Beaten.
I was alone and fighting to survive.
When I heard Sculpt's voice, I thought he was there to save me.

I was wrong.

(It is recommended to read "With You" the novella first, however not necessary).

*Warning: This book contains some disturbing situations, strong language and sexual content. Over 18 years.


This is a love story with some dark elements. Dark contemporary romance. No cliffhanger and next in the Tear Asunder series is Ream's story (the band's lead guitarist).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoil Free Review

 

The synopsis caught my attention but sadly it was nothing like it says it is suppose to be. First off there is only a small prologue with them together and in that I did not get Sculpt knocking her off her feet, I did not get "he taught her how to fight or taught her how to love" before it all shattered. Right in the prologue I could not connect with the hero and heroine. It was quick and seemed more like a recap of what went on in With You (Tear Asunder 0.5).  It says it is recommended to read "With You" first, but not necessary. I would disagree and feel it is necessary to read "With You" first because readers do not get enough on their relationship with in the prologue before the story starts off  with her being kidnap. After her abduction I hated the hero ASAP. I tend to like my romances with maybe the hero a bit mystery and then falling in love with his character or falling in love with his character, then maybe wanting to strangle him and then he redeems himself. Not in this case. The hero watches while she is being tortured, literally getting smacked around, ribs getting kicked and then to top it off the bad guy playing with her private parts.  Then came when she got whipped many times in the back and I had no clue who was doing the hitting, At first thought it was maybe the hero and about that point I was ready to call it a DNF.  But I stuck with it and glad I did because the hero was not the one hitting her. Yes it was hard at times to read especially while she was held as a sex slave. Reading during this time especially with other sex slaves in very descriptive writing was not faint for the heart and love that in reads when reading a dark novel.

 

There is a huge twist that I loved and was unpredictable. Then things started getting interesting and I was caught with another surprise. But for me the damage was already done in the beginning and I still could not like Logan the tattoo-underground fighter-member of a rock band-alpha male hero. After the beginning he could not redeem himself in my eyes. Things through out the novel did not move smoothly. One minute he is standing by watching a bad guy basically fondling her and in the next when the guy says he is going to sleep with her he gets all possessive and is about to beat the crap out of him. He is hot and cold and later on he had a few more jealous, possessive moments that I love in my heroes but still was not enough for me.

 

As for the heroine I could not feel her pain while being a sex slave. At one time she says she can not go back to being in the dark again she was afraid and could not do it. Not once was never aware how this affected her the first time she was in a dark room.

 

I love Dark Captive reads but this was all over the place. I really do not know what I read. At times it reads like a dark contemporary with a Captive element then it reads as a romantic suspense with a smidge of BDSM more so on the erotic side with some scorching panty changing scenes and then it reads like a contemporary romance with a rock band. Then there are too many characters that are not who they seem to be. There was one I was shocked about towards the end and wonder if he would play more roles in future novels. I hated him in the beginning and do not know if he suppose to be a good guy or is a bad guy.

 

Now for the secondary characters I can see Georgia and Deck, Kat and Ream having their own story and was interested in theses characters. With Ream and Kat I am curious as to what happened between them. It is so hard to tell because I felt like their part at times is not complete and felt coded. Like I was missing something. Then to top it off Ream does something towards the end that already I hate his character for. I am so bummed because I was really getting interested in him and Kat but not now. At this moment I do not know if I will continue with Ream story just like with Logan he has already got me ticked off about his character. In my opinion not a good way to start a story off but over all I am still curious about what happened between them.

 

Torn From You has potential to be a good read and a good start to what seems like it would be an interesting series. But for me there was way too much going on and at times confusing. Too many times jumps around and readers are slapped in the face with what just happened. Needed more leading up to a lot of scenes. Too many times had no idea who was doing what and felt like I was missing something.  Very choppy with not enough layers and when a layer is finally peeled readers are left with something choppy again and so on. I know I will not read the first novella "With You"  which by the way wish it would of came out before this and not the same time as I have no interest in seeing how their life started before Emily's was shattered.  Now about continuing the series,  Not only am I curious about Ream but I am also curious if this sex slavery is going to be part of the theme for the series.  I am sure the curiosity is going to win as it always does.

ARC provided by author at NetGalley for an honest review.

 

 

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ARC Review: After Hours by Cara McKenna

After Hours (InterMix #1)

by Cara McKenna

Publisher: PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

A dangerous infatuation with a rough and ready man…

Erin Coffey has been a nurse for years, but nothing’s prepared her for the physical and emotional demands of her new position. Needing to move closer to her dysfunctional family, she takes a dangerous job at Larkhaven Psychiatric Hospital, where she quickly learns that she needs protection—and she meets the strong, over-confident coworker who’s more than willing to provide it.

Kelly Robak is the type of guy that Erin has sworn she’d never get involved with. She’s seen firsthand, via her mess of a sister, what chaos guys like him can bring into a woman’s life. But she finds herself drawn to him anyway, even when he shows up at her door, not eager to take no for an answer.

What Erin finds even more shocking than Kelly’s indecent proposal is how much she enjoys submitting to his every command. But he can’t play the tough guy indefinitely. If they want to have more than just an affair, both will have to open up and reveal what they truly need.

 

 

 

 

 

I am a cover junkie and the first thing that caught my attention was the sexy cover for After Hours. I had no problems visualizing Kelly with his smooth hard abs and massive arms.

 

After reading Willing Victim (5 star Read) had to dive into After Hours ASAP. I was not dissapointed. I did feel like the story started off slow in the begging but at the same time interesting as the setting is set in  a Psych ward. Different as I never read a romance like this before. The title After Hours fits perfect. There is no way I would be able to have any kind of relationship with Kelly and work with him. Kelly does not play fair when it comes to after hour.

 

He put his lips to my ear. "Ride my cock. Wreck yourself. Feel how fucking hard you make me, and remember it every goddam time we pass eachother on the ward."

 

Kelly is the alpha male as a hero can get. He is bossy, his way or the highway.

 

"I told you no." I said plainly aiming my self towards the steps.

"And I'm telling you get in."

 

He has no patience when things do not go his way. He works forty to fifty hours a week at everybody's beck and call. When he is off, he wants what he wants, they way he wants its. He is honest and would never hit or yell at a woman in an argument. His flirting is refreshing than I have ever read before.

 

"This is your room, so I'm letting you get your way-"Letting me?

"Come by my place some weekend and maybe I'll show you mine."

"Your way doesn't sound like it takes no for an answer."

"Your welcome to find out. "Good night"

 

He is a sexy-dominate- dirty talker that a cold shower is needed after ready.

 

"You feel that? Another inch drove inside. "Feel that cock? Feel what you do to me?

 

Loved Erin as she has a  backbone and the love she has for her sister. My heart did break for her as what she has to go through with her family.They are perfect for eachother since they have so much in common on how their past has made them who they are today.

 

Cara McKenna writing voice and heroes have for sure caught my attention.

 

 ARC provided by publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW at NetGalley for an honest review.

 

 

 

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ARC Review: First Temptation by Joan Swan

 

 

First Temptation (Covert Affairs #1.5)

by Joan Swan

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker knows the Mexican cartel smuggling game. But posing as part owner of an adult store to ferret out the newest tunnel into the US is a first. So is Zoe Brooks, his partner, new to undercover and a sex-toy virgin. Taft’s up for the sexy challenge. At least until he sees the real Zoe beneath her tough façade and realizes, for the first time in his life, he’ll have to risk his heart to win.

After the death of a teammate, Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a chance to work investigations with ICE. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires. Or the fact that she’ll have to break her own rules to grab hold of the passion she’s always wanted.
 

 

The cover alone caught my attention. Sexy and eye catching. First Temptation starts off with great action with a kick butt heroine Zoe. Loved how it started and how her and Taft first meet. I was not big on the insta-love but like a lot of novella's that is what happens sometimes. It is a hot fan your self and enjoyable read. I did like Joan Swan writing voice and writing style but I was hoping to be more wowed with Zoe and Taft relationship. I do already have a few of her other novels that I will be trying.

 

ARC provided by author at NetGalley for an honest review.

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ARC Review: The Professional: Part 1 by Kresley Cole

 

 

 

The Professional: Part 1 (The Game Maker 0.1)

by Kresley Cole

Publisher: Pocket Star

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

He makes the rules . . .Mafiya enforcer Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well—on his own wicked terms.

Rules are made to be broken . . .PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. With every day she spends under his protection, she falls deeper under his masterful spell.

Are you ready to play?Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy’s reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest—and most forbidden—fantasies can come true…

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoil Free Review
 

Is there anything Kresley Cole can not write about. Instantly became a fan girl with her Paranormal Romance series Immortals After Dark. She has wowed readers with her Historical Romance series Sutherland Brothers , Highlander series MacCarrick Brothers and Young Adult series The Arcana Chronicles now she has ventured into Erotic Romance with  The Game Maker series and nailed it.

 

Perfect timing as I was in need of a good new author in a  Mafia theme Romance. Been searching and digging  to get this Mafia theme itch and well known author Kresley Cole's The Professional scratched it with a well written novel and a specific  wicked-sexy dominate-arrogant-alpha male-Tattoo Mafia Enforcer hero, Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan.  He is cold and hot and in know means like to be teased. He is one who acts on his promises. He is a bit jealous and possessive   when it come to Natalie, he might not like it, but she is his. He also can be bit on the tender side, not really with words but more so with his actions.  He likes to dominate in the bedroom as he is not one for surprises.

 

Natalie is his biggest surprise yet and she is not one to hold back and play fair. Neither is Aleksandr with his dirty talking mouth and WOW does he know how to use his mouth. Alexsandr has met his match when it comes to Natalie. Loved her inner thinking as she had me giggling a few times on what she had in store for him and his wicked teasing ways. Love the banter between them and Kresley Cole is to date the Queen of sexually teasing. The professional is one scorcher-panty-changing read that will leave you hot and bothered on so many levels. You will be right there with Natalie screaming for release and plotting some kind of payback. 

 

Thank you Kresley Cole and Pocket Star publishing for a well done cover that is wickedly delicious and not just an object. It might not be a shirtless or sexy hunk on the cover but love that it has the heroes semi face. Goes really well with the Mafia Theme Romance. If I was not already a  Kresely Cole Fan girl, the cover alone would catch my attention enough to have to check out the synopsis.

 

It is hard to find a good serial series. Too many authors like to shorten their serial where there is not enough to get a feel of the characters or right away rush their relationship with insta love.  The Professional is perfect and it is how I love my reads, good length,  no insta love but two characters that are infatuated with each other and look forward to when they will fall in love. Love that Kresley Cole stayed true to her writing style. She was able to bring an erotic tale with humor. I for one am a huge cliffhanger fan. Love the anticipation for the next novel. Kresley Cole wrote the best jaw-dropping cliffhanger of all time. I am still in shock, can not stop thinking about The Professional and on how it ended. Kresley Cole that ending is wrong on so many levels and that is why I love it and am a huge fan girl of yours. Freakin Brilliant. You all know what I will be buying on Jan. 6, 2014 and a great way to start of the New Year,  The Professional: Part 2 (The Game Maker 0.2).  

 

ARC Provided by publisher, Pocket Star for an Honest Review

 

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ARC Review: Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster

 

 

Getting Rowdy (Love Undercover #3)

By Lori Foster

Publisher: Harlequin

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

An alpha hero's attraction to the one woman he can't have could draw him into a killer's snare in the sizzling new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn’t the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance—including a past that might come back to haunt them both.

Avery spends her nights working for tips… and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy’s protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she’s finally found… and the passion she’s always wanted..

 

 

 

Spoil Free Review
 

It was my pleasure to read Getting Rowdy with a very nice descriptive image of him from his cover. 100% hotness Rowdy has going on.

 

I was excited but at the same a bit nervous to read Rowdy's story. Rowdy has been a huge character since the beginning of Love Undercover Series and one of my favorite secondary characters. He has always been a ladies man and never apologizes for it. Since the beginning readers just knew Avery and Rowdy would get their own story. I knew going into their story Lori Foster would deliver a well match couple but for me I was nervous to see if Lori was going to keep him true to his character from previous novels. What was I thinking. Really this is Lori Foster and she has always had her characters true from previous novels. Thank you Lori for having his character like he has always been. 

 

Readers are either going to love or hate his character, especially after the "Office Scene". I loved it and happy it started out that way. Rowdy has had a rough childhood and because of his past he does not believe in love or settling down. He is a sweet hero who does have a alpha male attitude when it comes to people he cares about.  He has never had to pursue any lover to his bed but with Avery she was not going to be one of his one night stands.

 

Love that Avery was not a broken character just had a bad incident that left her running to start a fresh life. Their relationship starts off as friendship before getting intimate and loved that there was no insta-love. While she is falling in love with him and lets him know it she never once expected him to do the same. She knew what his feelings were about love and settling down.  She knew deep down he really cared for her by his actions and that work well for her. I will admit my heart broke for her when she would tell him she loved him and he would not respond back. Lori Foster did an outstanding job developing his character. Little by little readers get to see and experience Rowdy falling in love with her. Rowdy and Avery have beautiful chemistry and hot fan-your-self bedroom scenes. Another couple to add to my favorite book couples. 

 

Loved that a new character was introduce Cannon and hope we get to see more of him.  As always love seeing how the other characters from previous novels are doing and how some get to be a part of Rowdy's story too. Was a little bummed did not get Dash and the lake house. But happy it was not in Getting Rowdy as I do not think the way the plot was going the lake house would fit in the story line. Wish Dash was more in Getting Rowdy like in earlier novels but can not complain too much as got to get a little bit of him and Lieutenant Peterson. Nicely placed to set up for their story in Dash of Peril (Love Undercover #4). Excited to see how these two are going to work together.

 

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ARC Provided by publisher, Harlequin at NetGalley For an honest review.

 

Other books in series with my ratings:

Run The Risk (#1) - 4

Bare It All (#2) - 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARC Review: Jagged by Kristen Ashley

Jagged (Colorado Mountain #5)

by Kristen Ashley

Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

An old flame rekindled . . .

Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.

 

 

 

 

 

Spoil Free Review 

 

I am torn as I am a huge Kristen Ashley fan but Jagged was a disappointment. Right from the start I could not connect with the characters.  Jagged is full of telling and no showing that leads to no chemistry between the characters and the sex scenes flat.  Had to put Jagged down many times and was very hard to pick back up. Scenes felt like they were thrown in, some scenes were just nonsense rambling and lots of scenes felt pushed. 

 

Jagged is shorter than Kristen Ashley older novels and love that it is like this, but it missed it mark having the novel fleshed out nicely. Where did all the sexy alpha males go that are so well fleshed out through  her novels? I love her unique writing style and absolutely love her alpha male heroes and the twist and turns that come with them. She is also known for her corky sidekicks with woman friends and for me they usually work and think they work for me because I am already in love with the alpha male hero by then and so engrossed in the story. In Jagged I would of rather of  have less of them and more of a fleshed out alpha male hero.

 

She is known for sometimes having silly nicknames but Cookie and Ham to date are the worse. Graham Reece is a very sexy name for a hero and I would of rather have his nickname be Reece than Ham.

 

In Jagged and her Chaos series I notice each Chapter starts off with 5 months later, 3 weeks later, 2 days later etc. I am not liking the time line with each chapter. 

 

Kristen Ashley is the Queen of best epilogues and yes some are more my favorite than others but readers do not get this in Jagged. How it continues with Graham and Zara HEA is sweet but felt a little coded and would of loved to have a real epilogue that I have come to love when finishing a Kristen Ashley novel. 

 

I love the idea of the plot but the execution was not happening.  Jagged was very close to becoming a DNF for me but I held on hoping something would wow me and a few times Reece became sexy and would say something smart mouth like her older heroes would do and then that would be it. So for the 2 stars-ok rating Jagged had so much potential to be a good intense read with a sometimes sexy alpha male hero just itching to come out.

 

I still have many books to read in Colorado Mountain and Burg series and look forward to reading them. Even though Jagged was an Ok read for me I still get excited when Kristen Ashley has a new book release. I look forward to reading Kaleidoscope (Colorado Mountain #6).

 

ARC provided by Publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) at NetGalley for an honest review.

Other books in series with my ratings:
The Gamble (#1)
Sweet Dreams (#2) - 5
Lady Luck (#3)
Breathe (#4)

 

ARC Review: Shadowed by Rebecca Zanetii

Shadowed (Dark Protectors #6)

by Rebecca Zanetti

Publisher: eKensington

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Jase Kayrs was the fun brother. The warm, charming, easy-going brother of the vampire leaders. Until he was taken and tortured by demons with their evil mind tricks for nearly five years. Upon his return, he’s dark, violent, and not the man they all thought they knew. Not the man he once was. He’s haunted that the only reason the demons would have let him live was to use him as a weapon against his family—but he can’t figure out when or how he’ll explode. Plus, once again the demons are after Jase with a vengeance…or rather, a female demon he rejected is out to destroy him.

Then the king asks Jase for a favor…a big one. To mate with one of their allies in order to save her. She’s everything that’s good and light in the world…while he’s at home with darkness. Yet he agrees…knowing mating may be the only chance to save them both.

 

 

Spoil Free review

 

Shadowed is an intense, edge of your seat read with action, revenge, romance and a few giggle moments. Rebecca Zanetti is a talented and brilliant writer that amazes me with each new installment of Dark Protector series. A brilliant writer to me is one that can have me biting-my-nails-edge-of-my-seat one moment then the next having me giggling.

 

I loved the direction Jace story was going. The layers through out are perfect. He is dark, violent, that his only mission in life is to get revenge at the demons who took him away and a ticking bomb just waiting to go off. Little by little he starts to come back to his old fun, charming, playful way. It is Brenna who is able to bring the light in his darkness out.

 

Brenna is a strong will character who knows how to handle Jace. I thought she was a perfect match for him. Their relationship starts off with both agreeing to mate. Both have their reasons to mate each other. The chemistry is hot with them and it helped that they both have already known each other and already had some kind of interest before. Loved that their is no intsa-love but a couple working at their relationship and falling in love. They are a hot-fan-yourself couple and the first time making love is beautiful as they both have not been with someone sexually in a  long time. Both really have to work on their relationship more so Jace than her. His revenge on the demons overpowers him and he at times will choose revenge over his mate. Jace is your typical Kayrs brother with an alpha male attitude. As their relationship grows he becomes possessive and over protective. This attitude does not go well with Brenna. She is use to fighting her own battles and she needs to be at the same level with him. Love the journey of their relationship wondering if he will ever see her as equal and if she will ever come first before his revenge.

 

As like all of  Dark Protector novels get insight on what is going on with the secondary characters. Love these parts. The best parts for me are Janie, Zane and Kalin. Zane fans are not going to want to miss Shadowed. 

 

In Shadowed readers get more of Garrett. Loved his scenes and have to wonder if there is something there with him and one of the wolf cheerleaders. I hope his book is next in Tamed (Dark Protectors #6.5) due out May 2014, as I think the name fits his character at the moment.

 

ARC provided by publisher  eKensington at NetGalley for an honest review. 

 

Other books in series with my ratings

 

Fated (#1) - 5

Claimed (#2) - 5

Tempted (#2.5) - 5

Hunted (#3) - 5

Consumed (#4) - 5

Provoked (#5) - 5

Twisted (#5.5) - 5

 

 

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