Review / Quote-Tastic: Heated Pursuit by April Hunt

Quote-Tastic is a weekly meme hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats and 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.

Heated Pursuit by April Hunt

Series: Alpha Security  #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Forever on October 25, 2016

Pages: 304

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

TROPICAL HEAT

Penny Kline didn't come to Honduras on a pleasure trip. She's here to rescue her kidnapped niece, the only family she's got left. What she didn't plan on was walking into a covert ops mission---or being wrapped up in the hard-muscled arms of Rafe Ortega. The cool-as-ice operative's touch may get her all hot and bothered, but no man can have a hold on her heart until her niece is home where she belongs.

Even in the tropics, Alpha Security operative Rafe can take down the bad guys without breaking a sweat. Hostage extractions. Clandestine missions. Those are the things he's been trained to handle. Relationships? Not so much. But one look at this strong, sexy redhead and he's seized by a fierce urge to protect her at all costs. Now Penny and Rafe will have to up their game because they're about to go into a master criminal's lair without backup, and the danger---and passion---is about to explode . . .

Thoughts: Rafe and Penny were easy characters to fall in love with. As much as I adored Rafe I took a good liking to Penny. She can hold her own with anybody but at the same time have her weaker moments. That made her character feel real in certain situations. She is sassy and fun.

“No need to apologize to me, sweetheart. Let me know when and where and I’ll somehow manage not to crawl into a corner and hide.”

Rafe is protective of Penny but he is also gentle and caring. The best part of his character is how supportive he is to Penny. I loved his sense of humor especially in not so good situations.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go suction my lips to the man’s ass and see if we can get them back.”

These two had perfect chemistry with amazing sexual tension. They also worked so well together on their mission. I could not get enough of their flirty and fun banter.

"Is this your way of telling me you’re going to be touching my ass, Rafael Ortega? If it is, I should warn you that perk better go both ways.”

As much as I love main characters I also am a huge fan of having secondary characters in my reads. The men of Alpha Security have caught my attention.

(Logan) "That's if I can have children after that elbow drill. Shit. I think I need a medic, Kincaid."

“If it were an arm, leg, or even your head, I could be convinced to give you a hand, but I’ll be damned if I’m going anywhere near your junk…or your ass. You’re on your own, man,” said Chase Kincaid.

I had a good time reading Heated Pursuit. The flow was easy for me with enough action, suspense, romance, a few surprises I did not see coming and fun moments. Overall a feel good book.  I think I might of found a new Romantic Suspense series to get lost in.

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

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Review: Hidden Away by Maya Banks

Rating: 5 Stars - Amazing

Hidden Away by Maya Banks

Series: KGI #3

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Berkley Sensation on March 1, 2011

Pages: 336

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

A man who shoots first and asks questions later…

Most people would take an all-expenses-paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who’s in hiding after witnessing a murder by Marcus Lattimer, her half-brother—and a personal enemy of KGI. This gig may be beneath a disciplined soldier like Garrett, but if he gets a shot at Lattimer, it will all be worth it…

…and the ultimate moving target.

But Garrett hadn’t counted on falling for Sarah. He’d considered seduction as a tactical maneuver, but when he glimpses Sarah’s dark past, he feels an urgent desire to keep her safe—even after she disappears on him. Garrett doesn’t know exactly who, or what, Sarah’s running from, but whatever it is, she’s running for her life…

 

Thoughts: Hidden Away was another winner for me in Maya Banks KGI series. Who would ever thought that grouchy Garrett could be so sweet and loveable. The bag of books and wine scene had me swooning. Best part of the book for me was the slow burn romance. The island setting was perfect and different from the other books. Like with others in this series get some action and humor. Maya Banks knows how to write family in this series. They never take away from the story line as they are part or it. The Kelly family and friends are fun and realistic.  

 

 

Review: Tease by Geri Glenn

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

 

Tease by Geri Glenn

Series: Kings Of Korruption #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Geri Glenn on November 27, 2015

Format: Kindle

Pages: 195

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

Laynie

Smile when you’re happy, cry when you’re sad and don’t ever be afraid to try something new. These are the words I live by. We only get one shot at this life, and I intend to live the best one I can. I had it all growing up. Popularity, beauty, great friends and a perfect family. But then one day, it all changed – now I’m blind. I’ve never let that stop me though. Life is an adventure and I believe in making the best out of every moment.

I spend my days with a job I love, online friends and a sexy new book boyfriend every week. I know in my heart that someday, my own prince charming will come along and appreciate me for exactly who I am – I won’t settle for anything less. Meeting Tease seems like the beginning of my fairy tale … until he opens his mouth.

Tease

I don’t trust people – ever. Every single person I’ve ever loved has contributed, in one way or another, to the shit show that is my life. Keeping everyone I meet at arm’s length, I work hard at being the star of most people’s nightmares. People think I’m a monster and honestly – they’re right.

Laynie’s beauty is what caught my eye, but her personality is what held it. Laynie’s the only person to ever see past my appearance and break down the walls I’ve worked so hard to build. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her. When things heat up with a rival club, and Laynie gets caught in the crossfire, I will unleash hell on earth to protect the woman who makes me want to trust someone again. When bullets start flying and bodies start piling up, keeping her safe may be the last thing I ever do.

***Note: This book contains violence, strong language and descriptive sexual situations. It is intended for readers over the age of 18.

 

Thoughts: I am late on my  reviews and Tease was on my book boyfriend list for 2017.  He is a delicious alpha male biker who is moody,  broody and trust no one because of his past.  What I loved most was his actions with Laynie. Through out the novel he did not think twice about just grabbing her hand or putting her hand on his lower back to help guide her. He never felt sorry for her or acted different around her because of her blindness.

 

Laynie had the best personality and great out look on life. Instead of feeling helpless or sorry for her self when she lost her sight she decided to live life to the fullest. She does not think he is a monster. He is comfortable around her. Since her accident her family treats her differently. They think she is fragile and are still uncomfortable around her. She can hold her own with his moods.

 

“That’s awesome.  We’ve kissed twice, and both times, I was amazing!  You’re a lucky guy.”

 

They made a perfect couple. Opposites on their out look on life. She really needed someone that would not treat her different and he needed someone to show him how to really live.

 

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: Ryker by Geri Glenn

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

 

Ryker by Geri Glenn

Series: Kings Of Korruption MC #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Geri Glenn on August 14, 2015

Format: Kindle

Pages: 228

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

 

Charlotte

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve taken care of everyone around me, including my self-centered older sister, Anna. When her poor choices make us targets of the Devil’s Rejects Motorcycle Club, I grab her and we run like hell. A new city, a new job, a new life. It’s almost perfect – and then I meet Ryker.

He’s gorgeous, rugged and too cocky for his own damned good. But he’s a biker – exactly the type of man I’ve been running from. I have no business getting involved with a man like him. Too bad I can’t get him out of my head.

Ryker

As V.P. of the Kings of Korruption MC, I know all about violence and loss. In my world, getting involved with a woman never turns out well. Avoiding commitment isn’t something I have to work at – it’s just a way of life. Then I meet Charlotte. Drawn to her kindness and beauty, I know there’s no place for her in my world. I have to let her go.

Finding Charlotte battered and bloody late one night, I go against my own beliefs, making it my mission to protect her. The Devils are out for blood and it’s Charlotte’s they want. Maybe I can’t keep her but I will put my life on the line to keep her safe. If not, I face losing the only woman that’s ever made me feel alive.

***Note: This book contains violence, strong language and descriptive sexual situations. It is intended for readers over the age of 18.

 

Thoughts: I love my biker romances. Ryker was refreshing without the over the top shock moments too make it feel like it has some grit to it. 

 

The best was the heroine. I loved her character.  Charlotte is sweet, caring and loving.  She loves her nursing job at a facility for terminal patients. It gives her purpose to know that she was able to give family members/friends time to laugh, tie up loose ends and say goodbye to their loved ones before they die. I felt bad the only family she had since she was 17 is her older sister and she is a piece of work.

 

Ryker is a delicious alpha male hero who can also be gentle and caring. A bad incident from his past keeps him at arms length from her. He did have a few jerk moments. I still loved and enjoyed his character.

 

Awesome secondary characters that do add to the story. Look forward to reading their books.

 

Reviews: Darkfever and Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Series: Fever #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Delacorte Press on October 31, 2006

Format: Kindle

Pages: 382

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman. Or so she thinks…until something extraordinary happens.

When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death–a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone–Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed–a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae….

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane–an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women–closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book–because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands….

Thoughts: I knew going into Darkfever there would be no romance. I actually bought this book seems like ages ago in paperback when Borders Book Store was still open. At the time I was really into romance and this series was in the romance section. Well I did not know this was not a PNR till I tried reading it and was not able to get into it. Now many years later was looking for something different to read and this came to mind. Bummer as I already swapped by PB. A hold was on it for the Library thank goodness I got it on sale for 99 cents.

 

The format of the book is different than I have ever read. It is so hard to explain. Mac had a way at times getting ahead of her self. It is like she is talking about stuff that happened in the future and next in the present. But the kicker is she would stop and let readers know she got ahead of herself. So some good stuff I wanted to know what the heck she was talking about because it would be interesting. Never did find out and hoping in future books I do.

 

As for  MacKayla "Mac" the heroine. I was not too impressed with her character. She kind of got on my nerves at times. Just silly and immature. I know she is in her early twenties and her mom was not a fan of cussing. So Mac and her sister came up with regular words to use instead of cuss words. I do not know if  it was to bring some humor to the story but it just bugged me.

 

Jericho Barrons I am not sure about. I am curious to know more.

 

As for the plot I really was curious who killed her sister. I still feel like there is more to that part of the story. Nothing wowed me. But I was unable to put the book down and wanted to know more about Barrons so of course had to get book 2.

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

Series: Fever #2

Publisher: Delacorte Press on October 16, 2007

Format: Kindle

Pages: 337

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

I used to be your average, everyday girl but all that changed one night in Dublin when I saw my first Fae, and got dragged into a world of deadly immortals and ancient secrets. . . .

In her fight to stay alive, MacKayla must find the Sinsar Dubh—a million-year-old book of the blackest magic imaginable, which holds the key to power over the worlds of both the Fae and Man. Pursued by assassins, surrounded by mysterious figures she knows she can’t trust, Mac finds herself torn between two deadly and powerful men: V’lane, the immortal Fae Prince, and Jericho Barrons, a man as irresistible as he is dangerous.

For centuries the shadowy realm of the Fae has coexisted with that of humans. Now the walls between the two are coming down, and Mac is the only thing that stands between them.  

Thoughts: Bloodfever was a little better than Darkfever but not enough to give a higher rating.  Karen Marie Moning did great with the prologue, catching up with what happened in book 1.

 

Mac still annoyed me but not as much. I wanted more character growth then what I got. Plot wise I also I wanted more. I felt there was just more revealing of bad guys/monsters. I still feel that there is more about her sisters death. Again this book did not wow me but still was unable to put down. I am just waiting for something to shock me, I did not see coming. I know the plot has a lot to do with finding the Sinsar Dubh (black magic book) but for some reason I am more interested in her sisters death.

 

Again no romance but I am starting to see Barrons and V'lane showing signs of interest in her. This is not a love triangle. They both have their reasons for needing her help. V'lane I am starting to get a little curious about. Barrons really caught my attention more in this book. I know there is so much more to him. I really need to know who and what is in his garage basement, who does the second phone number belong too if can not get in touch with Barrons. I am loving their banter and bickering. They have a good like/hate relationship.

 

Hopefully I will get more in book 3.