Monday, December 14, 2015

Sojourn (Bellator Saga #3) by Cecilia London




Sojourn (Bellator Saga #3) by Cecilia London

This is an adult romantic suspense with a dystopian twist (Rated NC-17)



Book Summary

Haunted by her experience at The Fed, Caroline tries to create a new identity. A new present, a new future. She can’t escape the memories that dog her when she least expects it, leaving her mired in a depression that she finds difficult to escape. Caroline needs to regain her physical and mental strength if she intends on surviving the journey to find the elusive rebellion. But that’s easier said than done with the ghosts of the past constantly whispering in her ear.

The road is long and dangerous, and there are no guarantees. She and her companions have no idea what they will find when they arrive at their destination. And what they finally discover may change everything.

Part Three of a Six Part Saga. Sojourn (approximately 89,000 words) is not a standalone and must be read after the first two books in the series. Ends in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This book contains adult situations including explicit sex and violence.


My Summary

There isn't a whole lot I can say without giving away spoilers, but let me try.

This book starts off where we left off in book two. We continue to move forward in the story with flashes of the past to give us more of what we want. (You have to read to understand that comment).

I have to admit, this book shows a side of Caroline I didn't always like but understood given her circumstances. In fact, I can't totally blame her for most of her actions, but it didn't mean I had to like them all. 

The end of this part leaves us satisfied and unsatisfied at the same time. How? Well, I think there are some good things there, only the freaking book ends. And its a good thing when you're left wanting more.

The major goodness about this series is that although there are six parts, this story isn't dragged out with fluff. Things happen that keep you turning the pages and wanting more. I'm scared and excited for what's to come, which makes this series so thrilling.

You are missing out if you haven't read this one. If you don't like dystopian, this isn't your typical "Divergent or Hunger Games" dystopian story. And although the world has changed in major ways, the landscape of the story remains the same. So you not walking into a strange new world. There are just a few government type changes that have occurred that have made life difficult. So don't be afraid of the word dystopian and dive into this one.

My book Boyfriend will always be Jack.



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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1) by J.R. Ward

Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1) by J.R. Ward

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

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Blood Hearts)


Book Summary

The legacy of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues in a spin-off series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author…
Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.



My Review

So this book starts off a little slow, which is reasonable in a new series. There is world building that needs to be done. But oh, wait. This is the same BDB world. So for me, it was slow. I’ll also admit that I didn’t like the flow between changing of POV in this book.

I think personally I missed the lessors or some side story that keeps the plot moving. That’s not exactly what we got here and it took me a while to get on board.

However, once I did, I loved it. I love all the characters especially V who is forever mine (step off). There were times where I thought his presence would have been interesting (say a specific club Butch goes to). But in the end, the story flowed well after a slow start.

I think I love Craig like a lot. He is that combination of male that turns all my buttons to red alert. Yum.

I have to hand it to this author. She made the predictable unpredictable. I was so wrapped up in the story I didn’t see the who done it. After the reveal, I was like that was so obvious. But JRW did a wonderful job of not making me see it. Which is a feat.

And oh Lassiter. I love him too. (Not as much as V). You  will have some laugh out loud moments and maybe some sad ones. But definitely super hot ones.

I should mention I'm not sure where the title fits into this story. I almost feel like this book and Kresley Cole's new one Sweet Ruin mixed up their titles. I think if they switched, the titles would make more sense for each of their books.

Overall, I loved it. If you are a fan of the BDB series, you should like this one. I wouldn’t suggest anyone to start here though. There is too much you would miss out in backstory. However, I don’t think you would be lost. I just think you would get more out of if you started with BDB first.

Audio Review
Jim Frangione is a wonderful narrator. However, he mysteriously changed the name Zex (John Matthew’s shellian) to pronouncing it as Hex. I’d forgotten he did that in the last book and found myself wonder who Hex’s was until John Matthew’s name was mentioned. Maybe she was always Hex in the written book. But as someone who has only listened, this was hard change. Plus, this book, Jim seemed not to differentiate the characters as much as he usually does with the inflections in his voice. There were a few parts, I couldn’t tell you who was speaking as there weren’t dialogue tags and no context clues to go off of. Oh well. Other than that, I still enjoyed the narration.

My book boyfriend Craig. 



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Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2) by Jennifer Estep

Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2) by Jennifer Estep

This is a young adult urban fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥1/2
(Three and a Half Dark Hearts)


Book Summary

Something Wicked This Way Comes...

As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there's no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.

Even though he's my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what's supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious "accidents," it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.

As if I didn't have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone's going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing's for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else...



My Review

What to say? This story isn’t smarter than a  fifth grader. This is YA, but I think the only group of readers who might have been surprised by the outcome of the story would have been middle grade readers.

The who done it was so obvious from the first. There wasn’t much mystery or surprise. And I was aggravated with Lila for not finding out sooner. The signs were all there. Clearly, Lila is more brawn than brain. And all the clueless people around her.

Then you add the frustrating romance and I wanted to claw my eyes out. I get that she’s young, but she pretends to be smart. And her reasons for not doing what’s she wants to do don’t make sense. I won’t rehash my rant from the review in the first book.

The bit of a twist wasn’t a shock either. Granted I assumed the bonds between were paternal, but I knew that the bond existed. I’ll leave it at that and not say whether I was right or wrong.

Overall, thank goodness for the ending or I wouldn’t read the rest of the series.

Audio Review
Brittany Pressley does a great job at narration. She nails the spirit of all the characters.

My book boyfriend Devon. 


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Monday, December 7, 2015

SOJOURN Release Day Blitz + Excerpt




BLURB

Haunted by her experience at The Fed, Caroline tries to create a new identity. A new present, a new future. She can’t escape the memories that dog her when she least expects it, leaving her mired in a depression that she finds difficult to escape. Caroline needs to regain her physical and mental strength if she intends on surviving the journey to find the elusive rebellion. But that’s easier said than done with the ghosts of the past constantly whispering in her ear.

The road is long and dangerous, and there are no guarantees. She and her companions have no idea what they will find when they arrive at their destination. And what they finally discover may change everything.

Part Three of a Six Part Saga. Sojourn (approximately 89,000 words) is not a standalone and must be read after the first two books in the series. Ends in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This book contains adult situations including explicit sex and violence.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cecilia is my pen name. I may or may not live in San Antonio, Texas. I've been known to apply quotes from 'The Simpsons' to everyday life. I live for baseball season.

Twitter: @authorclondon


EXCERPT 
She slid the key in the lock and opened the box. A set of five books lay inside, arranged in order. She stared at the binding. “Decameron de Bocace,” she read.
“Very good,” Jack said. “I was afraid you’d forgotten how to read French.”
Caroline was tempted to smack him but contained herself. She examined the books closer. “This set is exceptionally old.”
“1757, I believe. One of the more valuable 18th century editions.”
It would have been too easy for him to pick up a paperback copy from a normal bookstore. “Why French?”
“You are fluent,” he pointed out.
As if the classics weren’t challenging enough in English. “You bought me Boccaccio in a foreign language?”
“I do love how you enjoy the oldies,” Jack said.
The Decameron is more than an oldie. It’s one of my favorite books.”
“I know.” He smirked. “I read that interview you did for Philadelphia magazine.”
“You set up that interview,” Caroline said.
“I remember. Did you tell them that you only mentioned that book so you could sound intellectual?”
She very rarely spouted off about that sort of thing but they’d asked about it and she’d answered. She’d also mentioned her favorite childhood reads and a host of dystopian tales, but Jack had clearly forgotten that part. “It’s a wonderful example of medieval literature. Hush up.”
He glanced at her nervously. “What do you think?”
Was he worried that she would be disappointed in such an incredible gift? “Do I even want to know how much you spent on this?”
“I’m not going to tell you,” he said. “Not without a little bit of prodding or a lot of sexual favors.”
She could work on that later. The book set was in near perfect condition for its age. “This is beautiful,” Caroline said.
He looked a little too proud of himself. “I thought you’d like it.”
“I want first editions of Harry Potter next,” Caroline said. “The U.K. versions.”
“Instead of telling me to stop buying you things, you’re giving me ideas?”
“Damn right.” She leaned in to kiss him, long and hard. A gift like this deserved more than a peck. “Thank you, darling.”
“Read it to me,” Jack said.
He didn’t speak French. That request made no sense. “What?”
“Read it to me,” he repeated.
Maybe she’d misheard him. She was thoroughly confused. “In French?”
He moved behind her and leaned toward her ear. “Bend over the desk and read it to me,” he whispered, taking one of the volumes and carefully turning the pages to where a bookmark marked the spot.
Caroline scanned the words, swallowing hard. She recognized the tale immediately. Rustico and Alibech in the desert. The randy monk exposing himself to the curious virgin and seducing her. Possibly one of the most salacious tales in the entire book. “You want me to read this to you?”

“Yes,” he said. “If you promise to translate it correctly and are very, very good, you might even get a reward.” He slid his hand under her skirt. “You can do that, right?” 
PURCHASE LINKS:

Dissident (Bellator Saga #1)
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1H2DBLi
Amazon CA: http://goo.gl/iqTFhY
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/DP1lrS
Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/cErx49
B&N: http://goo.gl/eGq1cl
iBooks: https://goo.gl/yXNV8k
Kobo: https://goo.gl/wr8ziq
Smashwords: https://goo.gl/4BjYw8

Conscience (Bellator Saga #2)

Friday, December 4, 2015

Reaper's Fall (Reapers MC #5) by Joanna Wylde

Reaper's Fall (Reapers MC #5) by Joanna Wylde

This is a motorcycle club adult contemporary romance (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥1/2
(Three and a half Painter Hearts)


Book Summary

He never meant to hurt her.

Levi “Painter” Brooks was nothing before he joined the Reapers motorcycle club. The day he patched in, they became his brothers and his life. All they asked in return was a strong arm and unconditional loyalty—a loyalty that’s tested when he’s caught and sentenced to prison for a crime committed on their behalf.

Melanie Tucker may have had a rough start, but along the way she’s learned to fight for her future. She’s escaped from hell and started a new life, yet every night she dreams of a biker whose touch she can’t forget. It all started out so innocently—just a series of letters to a lonely man in prison. Friendly. Harmless. Safe.

Now Painter Brooks is coming home… and Melanie’s about to learn that there’s no room for innocence in the Reapers MC.

My Review

Well, I love the series and I could enumerate the ways. However, this story fell flat for me. I think all the jumping through time, isn’t my thing as I had another book disappoint me in the same way. I think it is harder to connect with characters and story when you continue to jump through time too much.

For me, if she would have told the story from the present and flashed back to the past when relevant, that would have worked better for me.

Anyway, it was an interesting story I just didn’t get the connection between Painter and Melanie. I did love that the author didn’t totally explain away Painter’s thing with Eme and devalue it totally.
The crux of this story is the push and pull about I’m not good enough for you and that can get old. But I think JW did a good job at not letting that be my problem with the story.

I’m not sure I loved either of the character’s actions throughout, but the interference from Mel’s friends annoyed me. And she waited far too long to tell them where to go.

I loved Painter’s best friend, now Mel, there’s a true friend. But then again, men seem to handle friendships better than females.

Overall, it’s a Reaper’s story so where can you go wrong. Pick it up.

Audio Review
Nelson Hobbs and Saffron Martindale did good jobs with narration from what I can remember now.


My book boyfriend Painter.


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Thursday, December 3, 2015

Slide (Black Addiction #1) by T. Gephart

Slide (Black Addiction #1) by T. Gephart 

This is an adult contemporary rockstar romance (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Amazing Stars)


Book Summary

Touring with a huge rock band and landing a record contract means you’ve hit the big time, right? Sadly neither of those things gave Rusty Crawford, lead guitarist of the band Black Addiction, worldwide fame and fortune. Which was a shame because he had the lifestyle down to a fine art—without the clichéd stint in rehab. Even being back in the Bronx, paying his dues didn’t rattle the charismatic axe man, ladies loved him and men wanted to be him. Fate would just have to catch up. Seemed like fate had more than just a platinum album planned for his future.

Alison Williams had the perfect life. Or at least she did until her world came crashing down around her, in the most epic way. With her future no longer a certainty she finds herself out of her comfort zone and into unchartered territory—a place where Rusty Crawford likes to spend most of his time.

Would the charming and ridiculously hot rock god help her find her feet, or send her further down the rabbit hole? One thing was for sure; both of them were in for the ride of their lives.
BUY LINK


My Review

I’ve only read the power station series by this author. But I tell you, I’m super excited for this new series. Rusty doesn’t disappoint as a loveable hero. He’s the kind of guy you want to take home to meet mom and dad.

Allison, also makes for a girl I wanted to root for. There was something about her that I really liked. And if not for a poor choice at the end, this story and Allison would be candidates for five stars in my book.

Overall, this story won’t disappoint. You’ll laugh until you almost pee in your pants and you’ll get your smexy times that will have you crossing your legs.

So don’t delay. Pick this one up and you will have a read that will keep you smiling.
Oh, and on a side note, I really like this cover.

My book boyfriend Rusty.


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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Spiral of Need (The Mercury Pack #1) by Suzanne Wright

Spiral of Need (The Mercury Pack #1) by Suzanne Wright

This is a paranormal romance (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Hot Hearts)


Book Summary

Ally Marshall isn’t just a wolf shifter — she’s a Seer.

But a girl doesn’t exactly need special powers to know that Derren Hudson despises her entire kind. Disdain practically rolls off the Beta of the Mercury Pack . . . disdain mixed with a healthy dose of desire. And no matter how much the ruggedly handsome male appeals to her, this is one call of the wild she’s determined to ignore.

After one betrayal too many, Derren doesn’t have much use for Seers — except for Ally.

Forced into acting as her protector, he finds himself intensely and passionately drawn to the woman who incites his primal instinct to claim.

And when enemies target the pack, Ally’s gift may be just what the Mercury Pack needs.

Can he put his distrust aside, or will he force himself to turn his back on the one woman who makes his inner beast howl?



My Review

The story has some predictability because we know there is going to be a HEA. But in this case, I enjoyed the ride.

There were twist in the story I didn’t see coming and others I did. All I know, is I don’t think I’ve enjoyed one of the books in the “series” since Trey as much until this one.

Ally’s family almost ran away with the story and I can’t wait to read more about them.

It was hot, smoking hot. And I can’t wait for her to write more books no matter what series it is.

Audio Review ->  Jill Redfield does a decent job with narration.

My Book Boyfriend is Derren.


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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Boundary Lines (Boundary Magic #2) by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Lines (Boundary Magic #2) 

This is an urban fantasy novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥
(Four Boundary Hearts)


Book Summary

Fitting into the Old World isn’t going very well for Boulder boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther: she may have earned a place in a vampire’s service, but now it seems as if every supernatural creature in town has found a reason to hate her. And when Lex and her partner are assigned to investigate the suspicious disappearance of two vampires during the night of the full moon, they find themselves with more questions than answers.

Was it murder…or mutiny?

The crusade for answers will lead Lex all over the Colorado Old World, from a prison cell for a broken werewolf to a haunted Denver brothel. And when Lex determines the responsible party, the hunt is just beginning: something has been awakened in Boulder, something as old and powerful as it is terrifying. Only the woman with death in her blood can stop what’s coming.

My Review

I was disappointed with the first installment of this series, but this installment was much better. There was still some predictability. In fact, I knew who “done” it right away. However, the story was good enough I soldiered on.

I have to say, even though my loyalty is to Quinn and Lex, a small part of me crushes on Simon.
This story has a good message about overcoming old prejudices. It’s a solid story that answers some questions and leaving us with new ones. Which is a mark of any good series.

I have to say, with the story giving us information that takes place in the author’s other series, Scarlett Barnard, I miss that series and wonder if we will get more.

Overall, solid installment and I can’t wait for more.

Audio Review à Kate Rudd does a good job with narration.

My book boyfriend Quinn


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