Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Silver Bastard (Silver Valley #1) by Joanna Wylde

Silver Bastard (Silver Valley #1) by Joanna Wylde
 
This is an adult contemporary biker romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
 (Four Bastard Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
First in the new Silver Valley series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reapers Motorcycle Club Novels

Fourteen months. For fourteen months, Puck Redhouse sat in a cell and kept his mouth shut, protecting the Silver Bastards MC from their enemies. Then he was free and it was time for his reward—full membership in the club, along with a party to celebrate. That’s when he saw Becca Jones for the first time and set everything in motion. Before the night ended he’d violated his parole and stolen her away from everything she knew.

Five years. It was five years ago that Puck destroyed Becca and saved her all in one night. She’s been terrified of him ever since, but she’s even more terrified of the monsters he still protects her from... But Becca refuses to let fear control her. She’s living her life and moving forward, until she gets a phone call from the past she can't ignore. She has to go back, and there’s only one man she can trust to go with her—the ex-con biker who rescued her once before.

Puck will help her again, but this time it’ll be on his terms. No more lies, no more tears, and no more holding back what he really wants...
This edition only: A new Silver Valley story.
 
 
My Review
 
Let me say this up front, the author has yet to top her first book Reaper’s Property with Horse. However, she manages to make me enjoy each story every time. This might have been the most predictable book of hers so far, but I loved Puck.
I will also say, I loved the bonus chapter with Shane and Roark (Not sure on the spellings as I listened). Can I just say I’m in love with Roark. Yes, I am. I hope that’s the next story and not with Painter. I like Painter but that bonus chapter had me wanting to see Shane and Roark’s story.
Okay, back to this book. This author knows how to build a story. My only problem with this one is everything was too damn predictable. It was so obvious what was going to happen miles away from when it did. The good thing is that usually turns me off, but in this case, I was so enamored by the characters, I wanted to read on anyway.
Thus, I gave it four stars instead of three. It was still a hot ass book. And that bonus chapter was hot too. Can’t wait. Love this author, love all the series and how they all tie together somehow. Love Horse is in each of them even if it’s only one line. God, I love that Reaper.
Audio Review
Allyson Ryan and Johnathan McClain did good jobs. The only thing I would say with this one is that they both portrayed through voice Becca differently. Allyson made her sound more timid and feisty at times, where Johnathan made her seem a bit stronger and pissed off. Other than that, they did a good job.
P.S. I got to meet the author at a Vegas signing event last year. I really wanted a signed copy of Reaper's Property but all the copies were sold out. I would love to get a personalized copy of that book. If anyone knows how outside of another signing, let me know.
My Book Boyfriend Puck.(ignore the scar not there, maybe on other cheek???lol)

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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Talon (Talon #1) by Julie Kagawa

Talon (Talon #1) by Julie Kagawa
 
This is a young adult paranormal romance book (Rated PG-13)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Dragon Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.
 
 
My Review 
Okay, let’s get it straight. It was obvious from the very beginning what the arc of this book was going to be. It was almost too obvious that I hoped she would pull a fast one on me and take the story in a different direction.
Well, she didn’t unfortunately. However knowing exactly how things would play out, I still wanted to listen. Therefore, I’ve given it four stars instead of three. And I also want to listen to the next book which comes out soon, so that’s a plus.
I do like this story better than the Fey book which annoyed me because the author sent in my opinion the wrong message to the young adult readers. In the story it came down to one of the persons in the relationship having to make the decision to ultimately and fundamental change who they were down to their (race/ethnicity) DNA in order to be with the other person. And for that reason, I couldn’t finish the series. It’s the wrong message to send that you can only be with someone if you are the same. Yes, I got the storyline, but there were other ways to handle the situation than making the person change their “race”.
Also unfortunately, I can see how this story might go down the same path and I’m hoping it doesn’t. I think it’s a decent start. So far however, if you like YA paranormal stories about dragon shifters, you might try Firelight by Sophia Jordan. It’s not as predictable in book one and a great series. The series is also complete, so you won’t have to wait for each book.
Overall, I’m cautiously optimistic about this series. It’s one of two very predictable books I read back to back this week. :/
Audio Review
Caitlin Davies did a great job narrating Ember’s parts. MacLeod Andrews and Chris Patton also did great jobs narrating Garret and Riley.
My book boyfriend is Garret (although I do have a thing for Riley too).
 
 
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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Dark Instincts (The Phoenix Pack #4) by Suzanne Wright

Dark Instincts (The Phoenix Pack #4) by Suzanne Wright
 
This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥♥
(Four You Got Me Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
It happens whenever wolf shifter Roni Axton is near Marcus Fuller: a crackle of sexual awareness that’s intoxicating…and deeply annoying. Marcus is a pack enforcer who oozes power, but Roni is lethal in her own right—nothing like the flirty females who flock around him. Even still, his possessive gaze makes one thing clear. Marcus has singled her out for seduction, and he wants to make her sit up and beg.

No matter how aloof and unfazed Roni acts, Marcus can tell she wants him. When a brutal attack by a jackal pack forces them to work together, it’s the perfect opportunity for Marcus to chip away at her defenses—until he falls into his own trap, completely unprepared for the intensity of their connection. Roni is the only one who’s ever seen past his shifter charm and discovered the man hiding beneath it. And for Marcus, claiming Roni once will mean needing her forever.
 
 
My Review
 
I was super excited to read another book in this series. I’ve come to really love this author. While I wasn’t thrilled with book two in the series, I’m glad I continued on because books three and four have delivered.
I’m not sure anything can top book one, but this book comes at a close second. I love Marcus. Honestly, I would have loved more about his friendship with Trick, but fan fiction is running in my head. And Roni was pretty great with her humors one liners.
I definitely felt I got my money’s worth in entertainment with this book. It has sexy time along with several laughs. After two urban fantasy series installment disappoints (wow, mouthful), I’m extremely pleased this book delivered.
If you haven’t read this series, I totally recommend it. If you don’t like shifter stories, you might want to give this one a try. Out of all the shifter series I’ve read, this is lighter on the aspects of shifter’s change due to the world building. What you have are hot sexy alpha males, who love to protect their mates. Gotta love that.
Overall, this is a winner in my book.
Audio Review
Jill Redfield continues to do a stellar job of narrating.
My book boyfriend Marcus.
 

 
 
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Monday, April 13, 2015

Dark Heir (Jane Yellowrock #9) by Faith Hunter

Dark Heir (Jane Yellowrock #9) by Faith Hunter
 
This is an adult urban fantasy novel (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥1/2
(Three and a Half Dark Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Shapeshifting skinwalker Jane Yellowrock is the best in the business when it comes to slaying vampires. But her latest fanged foe may be above her pay grade…

For centuries, the extremely powerful and ruthless vampire witches of the European Council have wandered the Earth, controlling governments, fostering war, creating political conflict, and often leaving absolute destruction in their wake. One of the strongest of them is set to create some havoc in the city of New Orleans, and it’s definitely personal.

Jane is tasked with tracking him down. With the help of a tech wiz and an ex-Army ranger, her partners in Yellowrock Securities, she’ll have to put everything on the line, and hope it’s enough. Things are about to get real hard in the Big Easy.
 
 
My Review 

I can’t say this was my favorite installment of this series. It kind of felt like Jane spent most of the book running in circles. Also, I don’t have to have romance, but I missed it in this book.
I’m not exactly a Leo or Bruiser fan especially after what happened many books ago. You can say I’m a team Rickybo fan despite all his bull shit. I’m a stand by her man kind of guy and Rick got a raw deal in this series (and by the author). He can’t be blamed for everything that he’s done. However, I was pissed with how he ended up with the chick he has no choice but to be with if he wants a relationship at all. He is a guy. Can’t blame him.
However, I’m still not team Bruiser. Although both he and Leo are taking small steps in each book to get on my good graces.
But I’m TEAM Eli and Alex. I love the Younger guys. I wish…
Overall, this book had a lot of action. We learned what we needed to learn to solve this mystery of this installment. However, I can’t say we learned much for the overall series arc. The book moved to slow for around the first half. For that, I can’t give the book any more stars for picking up in the other half. Fans of the series won’t be overly disappointed. Can only wait to see what will happen in next installment.
Audio Review
Khristine Hvam continues to do an excellent job with the narration.
My book boyfriend Eli.

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Thursday, April 9, 2015

Vengeance of the Demon (Kara Gillian #7) by Diana Rowland

Vengeance of the Demon (Kara Gillian #7) by Diana Rowland
This is an adult urban fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)
♥♥♥♥
(Four Demon Baby Hearts)
Book Summary
Demon summoner Kara Gillian is on the wrong side of the law, and there's evidence to prove it. Too bad the courts don't accept "fighting demonic forces" as justification for murder and mayhem.

Yet Kara has problems that go way beyond her legal woes. When the enemy demonic lords spur their human accomplices into high gear, master summoner Katashi aggressively pursues their goal to establish a permanent gate between Earth and the demon realm. To hell with the consequences for humanity.

The line between ally and enemy blurs as Kara gathers the remnants of her posse to prevent a devastating demonic incursion, but a shattered trust may cost them the war and put Kara behind bars. With treachery rife, and her loved ones in danger, Kara must call upon the essence of who she truly is in order to rally back from a crushing loss.

And if she can't, the world is going straight to hell.
My Review

A lot of good books were released this week, so I chose which book I wanted to read first carefully. I can’t say that this was the home run I’d been expecting.
Let me first say, one of the best things about this series was the mix of supernatural and police procedurals genres. When Kara (MC) went to the demon realm, some were mad that the police procedural part was gone. I on the other hand defended the series because the story has remained interesting.
However, in this installment, we really got neither. Not only was the romance aspect gone (not that I need romance, but the little bit we’d gotten in previous installments was gone) but there wasn’t much of anything else happening. Kara ran around like a chicken with her head cut off most of the book.
When something happens to Kara, (I won’t say for spoilers), she has a point where she is in the presence of the person who did it to her. And she asked no questions to the person. NONE. Unless, I missed something. I get she thinks she knows the answers but she doesn’t even asked which seems ridiculous. Anyone would ask. There was a lot of time to ask the question too. And she doesn’t know the answer for sure. She asked others questions that seem less important in that same scene. (The real reason why she didn’t ask question, is because the author didn’t want us to have the answer).
Overall, I think I hung on with baited breath while reason simply because I hoped something would happen and nothing much does. This book felt more like a set up for what’s to come. Honestly, the more I think about it, I should give it 3 stars, but I’ll go with my initial grade.
Audio Review
Liv Anderson did a stellar job with the narration. I didn’t have a hard time following the characters. I’m not sure she used unique voices on every one, but never once did I question which character was speaking.
My book boyfriend was a toss-up between Pellini and Bryce. I’m going with Bryce.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

A Thin Dark Line (Doucet #4) by Tami Hoag

A Thin Dark Line (Doucet #4)

 This is an adult crime, police procedural, thriller (Rated R)
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a Half Then Red Hearts)

Book Summary

Terror stalks the streets of Bayou Breaux, Louisiana. A suspected murderer is free on a technicality, and the cop accused of planting evidence against him is ordered off the case. But Detective Nick Fourcade refuses to walk away. He’s stepped over the line before. This case threatens to push him over the edge.

He’s not the only one. Deputy Annie Broussard found the woman’s mutilated body. She still hears the phantom echoes of dying screams. She wants justice. But pursuing the investigation will mean forming an alliance with a man she doesn’t trust and making enemies of the men she works with. It will mean being drawn into the confidence of a killer. For Annie Broussard, finding justice will mean risking everything—including her life.

The search for the truth has begun—one that will lead down a twisted trail through the steamy bayous of Louisiana, and deep into the darkest reaches of the human heart



My Review

I’m so happy that audible has this book as a daily deal. I’ll be honest, I’ve seen this author’s name several times. But I didn’t know her. So I past her books over. When the daily came up, I’m like why not give her a try for $4. You can pay that much for an e-book and this is an audio. And after reading, she’s found a new fan.
One other thing to note, while reading I had no idea this was the fourth book in a series. It read like a standalone book. My guess is that the series represents a theme not following a set of characters. So don't shy away from picking this one up without reading the others.
I’m a who done it kind of girl and this book had that in spades. She wrote a complex crime novel that went in so many directions, she had me guessing at who did it in the end. I will admit I was wrong, but I was close. I won’t say more for spoilers.
But what made me like the author more than anything was the writing. Talk about a wordsmith. She writes like a woman painting a picture with words. She uses adjectives, adverbs and metaphors like a professional.
Anyway, if you like authors like Patricia Cornwell, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, etc., you should give this author a try.
Audio Review
Karen Peakes did a wonderful job with the narrations. The voices she used captured the characters spirit, the dialect of each, and she kept them all pretty much separate. Great job.
My book boyfriend is Nick.

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Saturday, April 4, 2015

The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13) by J.R. Ward

The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13) by J.R. Ward

This is an adult paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)

 ♥♥♥♥1/2
 (Four and a Half Shadow Hearts)


Book Summary

Two brothers bound by more than blood fight to change a brutal destiny in the heart-wrenching new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.

Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice...


My Review


I enjoyed this book for the most part. I enjoyed seeing life through Selena’s eyes. I didn’t think I would like this book about the Shadows. I just didn’t care all that much about them. I love the brothers and there are so many characters, it’s hard to love them all equally.
However, Ward knows her audience. Much like Quinn and Blay (sorry for spelling, I listen to the book not read), book there is so much other going on that it doesn’t feel really like the Shadows book at all.
But in the end, Ward made the Shadows very interesting and I found myself very intrigued with them. I always wondered if iAm was gay and we get our answer in this story. She also made a bit of joke about that (him being gay or not) in the story. My guess is Ward herself didn’t know his sexual orientation until this book.
Also, I was left wondering if Trez and iAm would be like Phurry and Zadist. Would iAm continue to be the sexless martyr like Phurry was to Zdasist. And Ward makes a joke about that too. I will say that the outcome of the Shadow twins is different than the outcome of the brotherhood twins.
One of the best parts is that all the brothers make an appearance in this story. But one in particular. Rhage hasn’t had a second storyline like some of the other brothers. And he is very much in the forefront of this book. So much so, I worried for his safety.
Vishous, my absolute favorite brother, also makes several appearance but not as much as Rhage. Quinn and Layla show up. My secret wish was that Layla would tell Quinn what she hungered for. And since Blay and Quinn shared women in the past we would get some much needed threesome action going on, lol. But that’s never going to happen much to my dismay.
Someone new makes an appearance and I think of John’s storyline when he shows up. Lucas is in the story and I thought that he and Precious (I think that’s her name) might get together. I won’t say whether or not it happened.
And if Layla was in the book, you know Xcor was there. And well, I want to beat both of them with an honesty stick to get their shit together. All I can say is that they both should start telling the truth.
While reading, I worried because people talked about controversy. And I did my best to stay away from spoilers, which was a good thing. I will say I had a hard time with what happens in the story when it happens. But there was enough story left that I had a chance to simmer down before the story was over. So I’m okay, sad but okay.
Overall, another great installment of the brotherhood. So much is going on; I wish there had been more pages. Oh well.
Audio Review
Jim has read this book from the beginning I think. So I wonder why he changed some of the pronunciations. I don’t read this book, so when he starting calling Xcor (Core instead of Score) for a while I didn’t know who he was talking about. Then he called John’s mate Hex instead of Zexs. I get that a shadow also was called Zexs (pronounced that is), but for a while I was left wondering who Hex was and had my memory left out someone.
My book boyfriend Trez (& iAm) they are twins.

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Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Kestrel (Hart Brothers #3) by A.M. Hargrove

Kestrel (a Hart Brothers novel) by A.M. Hargrove
This is an adult contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a Half Swoon Worthy Hearts)
Book Summary
 Kestrel (A Hart Brothers Novel)


**This is the 3rd book in the series, but it is a Stand Alone Novel


**Not intended for readers under the age of 18 due to its mature content and strong language.

Two lives with horrific pasts. One chance meeting that changed them both forever.

“One look at her and I want to run. Frizzy hair, thick glasses, mom jeans, and ruffles up to her neck. Who the hell wears shit like that? What decade is she living in? My mother doesn’t even dress like that!”

Raised by a monster, Kestrel Hart somehow survived. Now that the monster is dead, he’s trying to move on, to pull himself together. Struggling with issues no one can imagine, he moves away from his family, from the brother who loves him, and the sister-in-law who supports and understands him the best.

Charleston, South Carolina is his new home. And he has a purpose. He’s opening up a new division of his brother’s corporation. But a surprise awaits him. Her name is Carter Drayton.

Carter’s past is also a painful one. She is dealing with the tragic death of her family. She’s healing in the only way she knows how.

Carter needs love. Kestrel craves human contact. Neither of them recognizes what’s right before their eyes. Will they see it before it’s too late?
My Review 
This is a story about two broken people with totally different past. One wants to protect and the other doesn’t want to get close. Talk about opposites attract.
Oh how I love a story about a broken man. I don’t want to give anything away, but Kestrel’s story runs deep, but so does Carter’s. These two have a chance meeting that will spark a future to come but it won’t come easy. And what would the fun in that be it happened too easy. There will be some laughs in the story too.
The tension between the two will build and when the damn breaks, talk about holy hotness. Kestrel will make you swoon and make it hard to put the book down.
But this isn’t all about sweet nothings, this book has meat. It has a dash of danger and mystery to spice up the dish to one book you’ll want to get your hands on. This author has a way of keeping things interesting by not giving us a boring tried romance.
If you like a romance with a bit more grit than your mother’s old harlequin romances, check this one out.
My book boyfriend Kestrel. 



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