Review: Raphael (Vampire's In America #1) by D.B. Reynolds

Raphael by D.B. Reynolds

Series: Vampire's In America #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: ImaJinn Books (December 10, 2013)

Pages: 224

Format:

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich... and vampires.

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.

Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

 

I have a new Vampire crush and another favorite couple. Raphael is A Powerful Vampire Lord who is  head of all Vamps in his territory. No one betrays Raphael even his vampires or human workers and not pay a price. Every one that knows him or heard of him fears him as they should. Love that readers are shown how powerful Raphael is. He is to the point and has no patience for mistakes. He is protective of all his vampires. Loved that I got enough details on Raphael's past.

 

Cyn has a strong backbone but at the same time has personal issues like everyone else. Has no problem protecting herself from a vampire if it came down to it. She might fear Raphael and his vampires but she sure as not going to show it. She can hold her own with Raphael but also knows when to back off.

 

The Romance was not front and center or love at first sight. Their relationship develops right a long with the story. This worked just fine for me as I got to see Raphael slowly be intrigue with Cyn. Especially since Raphael and other Vampires see Humans weak. The more time Raphael spends with Cyn he does not see her this way.

 

Had some good secondary characters loved Duncan and Lonnie. Duncan is Raphael right hand Vamp. Lonnie is the head of the Feedlot for the vampires also is some what a friend with Cyn. His character did bring some humor to the book.

 

He shrugged and smoothed his hair back with hands that were shaking worse than hers. "I had no choice, Cyn. When Raphael says jump, I say, "Please don’t hurt me, Master."

 

The world building  was easy and right along with Cyn  I was learning about the Vampires ways. Most Vampires do not interact with humans more so in a business dealing. Loved that humans do know Vampires exist but some who have not met any think they are just rumors.

 

Plot was interesting with the kidnapping of Raphael's female vamp. Nice twist I did not see coming. Cyn did have me on the edge of my seat especially with one scene. I was so nervous and not sure how everything was going to work out for her.

 

D.B. Reynolds easy story telling has me wanting more. I think I might of found a new Vampire series.

 

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: Wolf's Mate by Celia Kyle

Wolf's Mate by Celia Kyle

Series: Shifter Rogues #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Forever (March 27, 2018)

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

Danger shouldn't be this sexy...

Cougar shifter Abby Carter always plays it safe. That's why she's an accountant--no excitement, no danger, and no cocky alpha males. She loves her quiet life, but fate has other plans. When Abby uncovers the shady dealings of an anti-shifter organization, she'll have to trust the too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind werewolf Declan Reed... or end up six feet under.

Declan Reed is starting over. After two years with Shifter Operations Command, it's time to put his past behind him. Now Declan is the only thing standing between the gorgeous Abby and an early grave, and if he's going to have any chance of keeping her alive, he'll have to embrace the darkness he's fought to keep at bay. But first he has to convince Abby that there's no safer place in the world than the arms of a big bad werewolf.

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

POV: 3rd

Thoughts: Oh Declan (wolf shifter) you had me the moment you defied orders to go after your mate. I just love a crazy ass alpha male shifter who does not care of the consequences. The slow burn romance was good. 

 

Declan is part of the SHOC (Shifter Operations Command). A group of different shifters enlisted not by choice to help the shifter community. Wow what a group of shifters. Loved that all the secondary characters had their own voice and personality. Play a good role in the book that makes me interested for their stories. They all had some great bickering and fun banter moments that had me smiling. 

 

While I loved the interaction with the secondary characters I did also felt at times it was a little over the top. Sometimes less is better. It almost at times felt childish and was more annoying than fun.

 

I am thinking this series is more on the fun, kind of quirky side. Celia Kyle is a new to me author and I do want to see how book two plays out.

 

Review: Fierce by Nina Levine

Fierce by Nina Levine

Series: Storm MC #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Biker Romance

Publisher: Nina Levine (February 27, 2014)

Pages: 298

Format: Kindle

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

 

She’s everything he’s never wanted. He’s everything she’s never known 

Scott Cole is a force to be reckoned with. As Vice President of the Storm Motorcycle Club he carries out his duties with a ruthless determination. He moves through life with a clear agenda - protect his club and his family at all costs.

He is intense.

He is loyal.

He is fierce.

He doesn’t give his love easily, but when he does, he loves fiercely. Settling down, however, has never been part of his plan.

Harlow James is a country girl who has never met a biker in her life. She is also done with men. In her experience all they ever do is lie, cheat or steal. When she meets Scott Cole she knows he is heartbreak on legs.

He is confident.

He is sexy.

He is bossy.

She knows she must fight her growing attraction to this complex man in order to guard her heart. When his world crashes into hers and danger comes calling, Scott’s fierce desire to protect kicks in and Harlow realises that she might just have found a man worth taking a risk on.

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

Thoughts: I liked Storm book one but did have a few issues. Being told instead of shown, good scenes brushed over and annoying heroine. I enjoyed author writing voice and storytelling but felt she was holding back. I knew I would be reading Scott's story in Fierce as he really saved the first book for me and was curious where this series is going.

Wow Scott's story had everything I was missing before. By 9% Scott had me swooning over his character. His neighbors daughter was a nice addition to the story. Played a good part in the story that helped see the softer side to him.  Everyone thinks he is an asshole but really he just tells how it is. He does not always have the best person skills. Only get one shot with him, does not apologize or forgive easy. As long as you do not cross him he will always have your back.

It was so easy to fall for Harlow's character. She is caring and a sweetheart.  Loved that she was there taking care of her mom. She might not understand the Biker life but when stuff gets bad she has no problem letting bad people get what they deserve.

I loved the slow burn romance. Sexual tension was amazing with a delicious dirty talking hero. Scott does not do relationships and really has no clue at it. No woman has ever challenged him until he met Harlow. They are so cute and fun together.

This is the second time now Nina Levine got me interested in a secondary character. Oh how I want Blades story.

 

Series / Rating

#1 Storm - 3 

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.