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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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.

BUY LINK

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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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.

http://www.cecilialondon.com

Twitter: @authorclondon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcecilialondon

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25162813-dissident

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25526206-conscience

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26497658-sojourn

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 18^th 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)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25162813-dissident

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)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25526206-conscience
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1LlJi7u
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/xvaSNA
Amazon CA: http://goo.gl/miuq2L

Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/QRyIEt
B&N: http://goo.gl/E5dikx
Kobo: https://goo.gl/wJ6w3x
iBooks: https://goo.gl/1tDm6P
Smashwords: https://goo.gl/koUv21

Sojourn (Bellator Saga #3)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26497658-sojourn
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1IpFTPP
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/eLco2s
Amazon CA: http://goo.gl/FKFQ4b
Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/c3Dpvd
iBooks: https://goo.gl/smxVZT
B&N: http://goo.gl/Ndd20w
Kobo: https://goo.gl/Hp2MYe
Smashwords: https://goo.gl/3PdeTT

Angels & Whiskey (Saddles & Racks #1) by Kimberly Knight

Angels & Whiskey (Saddles & Racks #1) by Kimberly Knight

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

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a half Whiskey Hearts)

Book Summary

Whiskey, women and sleepless nights…

United States Army Captain Gabriel Hastings knew he would always follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Serving his country was his destiny.

Until he fell in love…

When Gabe’s love affair is cut short, he turns to whiskey for comfort and swears he will never fall in love again.

Until he bumps into an unexpected angel…

By all appearances, Autumn Jones has the perfect life. Her husband, Richard, is a loving man who wants to be a father to her unborn children. But Autumn knows the truth. Richard has a controlling, dark side that leaves nothing to chance, especially Autumn. He’ll stop at nothing to make her the trophy wife he wants her to be.

When Autumn bumps into Gabe, he consumes her every thought, but she can’t act on her feelings. She’s married to a dark man she can never leave.

When he learns who Autumn’s husband really is, Gabe knows he will stop at nothing to protect her. Or is it too late for him to save his angel?


My Review

The story grips you from the beginning as you are transported in time to where things began for both of the love interest. Immediately, you care and want to know more. In fact, the beginning of the story is gut wrenching. I didn’t read the blurb, so I thought… (well, I don’t want to spoil it for you).

Two people have a chance meeting and a chance for love. It’s not your typical second chance love story. And most importantly it’s not a typical predictable story. There were twists I didn’t see coming.

Overall, I was really impressed with this author. This was my first read by her. I found the story entertaining and sexy as all hell. If you are looking for a solid read, pick this one up.

My book boyfriend is Gabe.

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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.

Tequila & Lace (Saddles & Racks #2) by Kimberly Knight ~ HAPPY RELEASE DAY

Tequila & Lace (Saddles & Racks #2) by Kimberly Knight

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

Book Blurb

Army Strong and dripping with sin ...

Paul Jackson had his dreams mapped out. He’d graduate from high school, attend college, go pro for football, marry his high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. Until his high school sweetheart threw away everything he never knew he wanted. Throwing caution to the wind, he put his country's dreams before his own.

The Army was a perfect distraction from her. It helped him become a man. To serve, to protect, to fight, to become strong. But when Paul returns home after three tours, he knows there’s nothing better than sexy woman, a shot of tequila and a pocket full of cash. 

But he still thinks about her … 

Joselyn Marquez’s life changed the night of her seventeenth birthday. A forty-eight hour roller coaster trip sent her running for her life. She was homeless, and her family had disappeared. All odds were against her. 

But sometimes the odds work out.

Years later, she’s an FBI agent serving as an undercover escort to investigate sex trafficking in Las Vegas. When the investigation connects her past, will she be able to do the right thing or will she still keep running from the night of her seventeenth birthday?

Tensions will rise.

Sparks will fly. 

Passions will soar. 

And the past will come knocking …

PICK THIS ONE UP TODAY. SEE LINKS BELOW.

Amazon- http://amzn.to/1LkVeqC

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/1TVc5jg

B&N - http://bit.ly/1LnmqoR

Kobo - http://bit.ly/1NIh6K9

iTunes- http://apple.co/1PCoibS

X (Kinsey Millhone #24) by Sue Grafton

X (Kinsey Millhone #24) by Sue Grafton

This is an adult mystery/crime solving novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥1/2

(Three and a Half Lack Luster Hearts)

Book Summary

X: The number ten. An unknown quantity. A mistake. A cross. A kiss.

X: The shortest entry in Webster’s Unabridged. Derived from Greek and Latin and commonly found in science, medicine, and religion. The most graphically dramatic letter. Notoriously tricky to pronounce: thinkxylophone.

X: The twenty-fourth letter in the English alphabet.

Sue Grafton’s X: Perhaps her darkest and most chilling novel, it features a remorseless serial killer who leaves no trace of his crimes. Once again breaking the rules and establishing new paths, Grafton wastes little time identifying this sociopath. The test is whether Kinsey can prove her case against him before she becomes his next victim. 

My Review

Sue Grafton is one of a few authors that I’ve read so many book in a series. J.D. Robb and J.R. Ward are probably the other two.

While I normally love her writing and story, this one after two years of waiting fell completely flat for me. Kinsey is 38 and alone and I feel bad for her. It just seems that she will die alone even without Henry because he will outlast her.

Anyway, the story was too predictable and there wasn’t any twist I didn’t guess. I also think the whole neighbor thing pissed me off. The laws… Well, no spoilers.

Overall, I’m too invested in the series not to read the last few books (Y & Z). However, I hope that they turn out better than this one. And can Kinsey get a HEA, lol. Let her ride off in the series sunset not alone.

Audio Review

Judy Kaye does a wonderful job of narration and bringing the story to life.

My book boyfriend was Henry.

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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.

Boundary Crossed (Boundary Magic #1) by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Crossed (Boundary Magic #1) by Melissa F. Olson

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

♥♥♥1/2

(Three and half Witchy Hearts)

Book Summary

After her twin sister’s brutal murder, former US Army Sergeant Allison “Lex” Luther vowed to protect her niece, Charlie. So when two vampires try to kidnap the baby, it quickly turns into a fight to the death—Lex’s death, that is.

She wakes up to two shocking discoveries: she has miraculously survived the fight, and baby Charlie is a “null,” gifted with the ability to weaken supernatural forces...and a target for creatures who want to control that power. Determined to guarantee her niece’s safety, Lex makes a deal with the local vampires. She sets out with the mysterious—and undead—“fixer” Quinn to track down whoever’s responsible for the kidnapping, sharpening her newfound magic skills along the way. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her powers become.

Boundary Crossed is a dark, thrilling journey into a world where the line between living and dead isn’t nearly as solid as it appears...

My Review

First let me say that the initial setup of the story/series is pretty strong. The backstory is interesting enough to draw you in. The author doesn’t dump everything out at you all at once. She gives you information along the way in such a fashion to keep you reading. Great Job there.

The romance is an undercurrent of the story to the point of almost non-existent. But that is to be expected in an urban fantasy novel. However, by the end, you can’t help but wonder where the two will go. There is almost a feeling of a love triangle, but trust me, it’s not there and I’m so glad for it.

MILD SPOILERS

Lex’s brother in law John is a total douchebag in my opinion. He’s interested in Lex and they have a minor fling (like sex and stuff) like right after or during her last year of high school. He admits he has feelings for her and she admits hers. However, she’s determined to enlist and does. While she’s away, he starts dating her twin sister. And I don’t care that they are fraternal twins. It’s her sister and worse her twin. John and her sister end up getting married and having a kid. If that’s not bad enough, her twin dies in the other series (Dead Spots). It’s almost a year after her death and John tells Lex she needs to move on and not think so much about her dead twin. AND that he’s moved on, he’s seeing someone. Total douche. I don’t like him at all, not that he’s not entitled to move on, but it’s the way it comes across in the story that bothers me.

There was one part where Lex is told about a party for her father. Immediately, I knew who Lex would end up going with even initially he’s going alone (yeah, right). And things don’t change until later in the story. I also knew what would happen to Charlie. And all the attempts to get Charlie, I can’t believe they didn’t anticipate and have protection for her. I thought that whole part was an epic fail

END OF SPOILER

I did figure out the who done it pretty early. I can’t believe that Lex didn’t figure it out.
The way the book ends, you can see that things have the potential of being an outstanding read. I sure hope so. Only, I want more of the Dead Spots series (whatever that series is called) and it looks like this author has moved on to this series. I’m sort of sad.

Audio Review

Kate Rudd does a good job. Her separation of voices was pretty easy to follow.

My book boyfriend Quinn.

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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.

Sense of Deception (Psychic Eye Mystery #13) by Victoria Laurie

Sense of Deception (Psychic Eye Mystery #13) by Victoria Laurie

This is an adult mystery/thriller novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Deceptive Hearts)

Book Summary

In New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie’s newest Psychic Eye Mystery, Abby Cooper senses a convicted killer is innocent, but she’ll need hard evidence to save the woman before it’s too late… 

A ticked-off judge has tossed Abby in the slammer for contempt of court, and during her brief but unpleasant stay she learns the story of a condemned woman who is facing a far more serious sentence. Skylar Miller has been found guilty of murder and faces the death penalty. Everyone believes she’s guilty, including her own family and her ex-husband—everyone, that is, except Abby, whose finely honed intuition tells her this woman doesn’t belong behind bars.

With the help of her husband Dutch and her friend Candice, Abby launches into her own investigation to clear Skylar and find the real killer. But after a final appeal is denied and Skylar’s attorney scrambles for a stay of execution, time is running short—and the list of suspects keeps growing. There’s no margin for error as the life of an innocent woman hangs in the balance…

My Review

I really enjoy this series. It’s fun and light-hearted. I know I can count on Abby stumbling her way through an investigation.

This installment wasn’t a disappointment in that respect. I did figure out who did it early on. I thought the motive was flimsy. Anyway, I can’t say more without giving too much away. I think the choice of killer might have been to throw the reader off, but it didn’t really. I am glad it was fiction.

I look forward to another installment of the series. Dutch was in the book but not. Oscar was really the one in the supportive role with Abby this book. But I love how Dutch and Abby’s marriage was real and how Abby knew what she had to do to help keep the marriage going on a good foot.

Audio Review

Elizabeth Michaels did a good job with narration.

My book boyfriend is Oscar.

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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.

Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

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

♥♥♥1/2

(Three and a half Beachy Hearts)

Book Summary

For more than three hundred years, Bluff House has sat above Whiskey Beach, guarding its shore - and its secrets.

To summer tourists, it's the crown jewel of the town's stunning scenery. To the residents of Whiskey Beach, it's landmark and legend. To Eli Landon, it's home...

A Boston lawyer, Eli has weathered an intense year of public scrutiny and police investigation after being accused of murdering his soon-to-be ex-wife. And though there was never enough evidence to have him arrested, his reputation is in tatters as well as his soul. He need sanctuary. He needs Bluff House.

While Eli's beloved grandmother is in Boston, recuperating from a nasty fall, Abra Walsh has card for Bluff House, among her other jobs as yoga instructor, jewelry maker, and massage therapist. She is a woman with an open heart and a wide embrace, and no one is safe from her special, some would say over-bearing, brand of nurturing - including Eli.

He begins to count on Abra for far more than her cooking, cleaning, and massage skills, and starts to feel less like a victim - and more like the kind of man who can finally solve the murder of his wife and clear his name. But Bluff House's many mysteries are a siren song to someone intent on destroying Eli and reaping the rewards. He and Abra will become entangled in a centuries-old net of rumors and half-truths that could pull them under the thunderous waters of Whiskey Beach...

Passion and obsession, humor and heart flow together in a novel about two people opening themselves up to the truth - and to each other.


My Review

This isn’t one of my better reads of Nora Roberts. While the premise of the book is good, too much is put into making the characters different that I found Abra a little unbelievable.

I liked that Abra was self-confident, but I didn’t think she’s was Eli’s match. Their relationship seemed a little too convenient and forced to be believable. They also felt more like friends than lovers. I didn’t actual buy it when they said I love you. And I think that’s what made the story not work for me.

Other than that, I enjoyed Eli. I thought he was believable and strong.

For a little while I became confused as to the who done it, probably before I DNF it. But when I came back to the book, I knew without a doubt who did it which was kind of a disappointment. I’m not sure why the police never really looked into that option. Yes, the one was focused on Eli. Still.

Overall, I can’t really recommend this one. Nora has hundreds of books. Plenty that are really good. Why waste time on something a bit mediocre. Then again, give it a shot it you like. You may enjoy it more than me.

Audio Review

Luke Daniels does a good job with the narration.

My book boyfriend is Eli.

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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.

Ride Steady (Chaos #3) by Kristen Ashley

Ride Steady (Chaos #3) by Kristen Ashley 

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

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a Half Joker Hearts)

Book Summary

The ride of her life . . . 

Once upon a time, Carissa Teodoro believed in happy endings. Money, marriage, motherhood: everything came easy---until she woke up to the ugly truth about her Prince Charming. Now a struggling, single mom and stranded by a flat tire, Carissa's pondering her mistakes when a vaguely familiar knight rides to her rescue on a ton of horsepower.

Climb on and hold tight . . . 

In high school, Carson Steele was a bad boy loner who put Carissa on a pedestal where she stayed far beyond his reach. Today, he's the hard-bodied biker known only as Joker, and from the way Carissa's acting, it's clear she's falling fast. While catching her is irresistible, knowing what to do with her is a different story. A good girl like Carissa is the least likely fit with the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Too bad holding back is so damned hard. Now, as Joker's secrets are revealed and an outside threat endangers the club, Joker must decide whether to ride steady with Carissa---or ride away forever . . .

My Review

This is my first time reading a Kristen Ashley book and thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for giving me a copy.

Wow, I’ve been recommended this author many times. However, in recent years I find that sometimes the hype is just hype. So I stick to book and authors I know, so my reading experience will be enjoyable. (Except review, beta, and Arc books I receive).

I’m glad I was granted this book. Now being that this is my first KA book, I haven’t read the other books in this series. I’ve been told by reading friends that it isn’t necessary. And it isn’t. However, I can see how having read the others books would have acclimated me to the cast/players a lot easier.

This book is fantastic from the start. I love a broken man and Carson surely had it rough from the start. I’ve been rooting for him and actually her.

And can I just say, it’s unlikely that Kristen Ashley has read my reviews seeing I’ve never written a review about her before. However, it’s like she saw into my brain. Her characters say weeks into the relationship, I’M FALLING IN LOVE. They don’t jump in and say I’m in love. BRAVO!

So why not five stars? Why the half? This is an ARC provided to me, so I’m not sure if this is fixed. However, there is a house and it’s described as having one bathroom. Then later, the woman says she’s in the master bathroom. Small plot hole and a few grammar errors which I didn’t take off for.

I think what bugged me most is in the prologue, Carissa makes it seem like she won’t fall into the trap of a relationship with someone because she doesn’t love that person. However, in the following chapter, we learn she is in love with that person and goes the next step with that person. I’m trying to be cryptic. But it bothered me. It’s almost like why say that in the prologue if it’s not true.

The other thing, Carson’s biker name is Joker and I don’t really get why. He’s not a joker (someone that goes around telling jokes or kidding around). And he’s not sadistic like the Joker in the more recent installments of Batman. So why the name and it’s never really explained to us? If it was in previous installments, seeing that this is his book, I would think it would be explained again.

Anyway, excellent book. I will read the first two books in the series. I think KA has found a new fan in me.

My book boyfriend Carson/Joker.

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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.

Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels #8) by Ilona Andrews

Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels #8) by Ilona Andrews

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

♥♥♥♥♥

(Five Outstanding Hearts)

Book Summary

In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

My Review

No, this installment was not about romance. But then again, romance was in the air. And our author duo treated up to a love scene for all love scenes in this series. And we don’t get them often. I was quite shocked and satisfied at the same time. I hope they aren’t setting us up for this being a one-time deal.

This book answers some questions and foreshadows the future. It is sweet and heart-wrenching what Kate experiences with this book, so be prepared. This isn’t an easy journey for her or the reader.

And Curran. I love that man even more. I’m still sad what he gave up but for the fact that he makes Kate see he’s made peace with it and she’s worth it, makes me swoon. And the damn ending… it’s not a cliffy that I’m talking about. It’s the sweetness that is Curran that made me wish there was more to the story.

Oh, one more thing. This book made me cry. This author duo pulled out all the stops and made me feel so much, I was balling at one time in the story. And hell, how often does that happen in an urban fantasy book. Two thumbs up for them (author duo).

Audio Review

Renee Raudman did an excellent job with narration.

My book boyfriend is Curran. (He is who I would cast)

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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.

Spider's Trap (Elemental Assassin #13) by Jennifer Estep

Spider's Trap (Elemental Assassin #13) by Jennifer Estep

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

♥♥♥♥

(Four Metal Hearts)

Book Summary

The next thrilling book in Jennifer Estep’s New York Times andUSA Today bestselling Elemental Assassin series—“an extraordinary series… One of the most intriguing heroines in the genre” (Romantic Times Book Reviews).

Keep your friends close but your enemies within stabbing distance.

One important lesson I’ve learned in the assassination business is that to be the best you have to roll with the punches. Now that I’m queen of Ashland’s underworld—by default, not by choice—a lot more punches are being thrown my way. But I suppose that’s the price of victory for taking down some of the underworld’s top dogs. Good thing I have my Ice and Stone magic to help me survive my volatile new position. Just when I think things are finally settling down, someone tries to murder me during a hush-hush underworld meeting. But the real surprise is how strangely familiar my shadowy assailant seems to be.

My job is to maintain order among killers, crooks, and thieves, and soon I’m embroiled in a bloody game where the ability to keep secrets could be the greatest superpower of all. My enemies have all sharpened their knives and laid their traps, waiting for me to fall. But this Spider weaves her own webs of death…

My Review

With a long standing series, you want to read more about the characters at the same time, you hope for new innovated storylines.

It’s never a bad day to read about Gin and her struggles to survive. So here is the good and bad.

The Good

-We finally get some extra smexy time with Owen. The scene doesn’t seem like a last minute add to make the reader happy. It had all the feels. And I felt especially because it reminds us when disaster strikes.

- Kinkaid. Oh how I miss him. Parts of me wish Gin could be with Finn, Owen and Kinkaid. I love all of them. Kinkaid barely shows up these days. And a part of me feared that I wished to hard when something bad happens to someone in the book.

- I like that Gin is taking on a different role in the city.

The Bad

- I can’t imagine how Gin would forget Lorelei. Too much happened for her to forget. I wish it was more of Lorelei didn’t look familiar. So much time past and she didn’t recognize her from the girl she’d been??? But to conveniently have a dream to all of a sudden remember felt contrived.

- A couple of times weapons that wouldn’t be useful were brought into a fight and it seemed stupid on the part of the players using them to not choose better in advance as they weren’t sneak attacks against them.

- I just wish the storyline would change more to evolve around Gin’s new position instead of the same old fight. (She goes in and is unsuccessful against her foe, she fights again and the foe gets away, she fights again and barely overcomes to be the victor). (How about she goes in and defeats the foe but lets them live, they come back and kidnap someone, then she has to go in and save the day and off that person) IDK. Something different.

- I wonder why Owen and Gin haven’t progressed their relationship. Most of the time, they spend their nights separate. For two single people with their own place who claim to love each other so much, I’m shocked at the lack of “nights” they spend together. And I don’t mean we need to see (or be shown) the smexy time. But Gin spent a fair amount of time in the book at night home alone.

Audio Review

I couldn’t image anyone else other than Lauren narrate this series. However, with new players, Lauren is forced to use voices for players long dead but remembered for new characters. Not her fault.

Overall, I do look forward to the next installment. Based on the info we got at the end, I’m curious to see how things play out.

My book boyfriend is Owen.

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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.

The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files #2) by Steven James

The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files #2) by Steven James

This is an adult crime/mystery novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Drowning Hearts)

Book Summary

An arsonist has struck a top-secret research facility at a key US naval base. But it's not just a random terrorist attack. These people were after something specific. When Special Agent Patrick Bowers is called in to investigate, he is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue and deception. With his own criminology research being turned against him and one of the world's most deadly devices missing, Bowers is caught up in a race against time to stop an international assassin before it's too late.

Full of fast-paced action and mind-bending plot twists, The Rook is an adrenaline-laced page-turner that will keep readers up all night. Book 2 in the Bowers Files, this riveting look into the criminal mind is the perfect follow-up to James's well-reviewed The Pawn.

My Review

Mystery/Thriller/police Procedural books are my first love.

While the first book had me excited, this book left me a tiny bit disappointed. I didn’t go through the changes of trying to decide who did it, well, that’s not true. There was one player I couldn’t decide on.

This book sinks us into another mystery. What’s nice is there is somewhat of a tie into the previous book. However, I think if you skipped the first book, you wouldn’t have a hard time following.

The characters are well developed and you feel a part of the story. The plot isn’t convoluted and is plausible.

I also love that this author has a secondary storyline that is somewhat separate from the main mystery which keeps this a series. And the realism in the relationship between Pat and his stepdaughter and her choices are brilliant.

I will dive into the next book after I read a few books that were recently released that I was waiting for. Not that this isn’t’ good. But it has been around the block and isn’t going anywhere, lol.

Audio Review

Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.

My book boyfriend is Patrick.

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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.

Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden #1) by Charlaine Harris

Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden #1) by Charlaine Harris

This is an adult mystery novel (Rated R)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Fluffy Hearts)

Book Summary

Though a small town at heart, Lawrenceton, Georgia, has its dark side-and crime buffs. One of whom is librarian Aurora "Roe" Teagarden, a member of the Real Murders Club, which meets once a month to analyze famous cases. It's a harmless pastime -- until the night she finds a member killed in a manner that eerily resembles the crime the club was about to discuss. And as other brutal "copycat" killings follow, Roe will have to uncover the person behind the terrifying game, one that casts all the members of Real Murders, herself included, as prime suspects -- or potential victims.

My Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel. What I found out, the more and more I read of this author outside of Sookie Stackhouse is she’s not really a romance writer at all. She enjoys writing mystery. I’m beginning to wonder if it was her agent who pushed her to write the sexy Sookie Stackhouse.

I say this because there isn’t much in the way of romance even though a big part of the character development of Aurora is that she’s single and doesn’t want to be. She goes on dates throughout the book, but they are pretty much glossed over. There is no sex, and we barely get a glimpse at a kiss or two. So don’t go in looking for a love or romance story. More on this later.

What we have is a mystery that in a way took me by surprise. If I’d stuck to my initial who done it, I would have been right. But this author fooled me into thinking it was someone else. Bravo.

At the end I was wondering about the relationships semi-formed in the book. It was enough to get me to pick up the next book.

SPOILERS AHEAD – don’t read if you don’t want to know about book 2.

So by the end of this book, we are left to wonder will Roe end up with Arthur or Robin. Guess what, at the very beginning of book two, time has passed and neither guy is in the picture. I think because the author left it as a mystery/cliffy at the end of book 1 who’d she’d end up with, I was annoyed that we didn’t get to “see” what happened with either. So I decide to do a little investigation after she starts to date someone else in book 2. And come to find out this is a theme. At the end of a book, she with one guy and the beginning of the next, she’s moved on. All in all, I DNF’d book 2, not interested in going further. I read enough reviews to know how the 8 book series turns out and there are several plot holes with time passage. Like Roe’s brother is 6 in this book, Roe is 30. By the end of the series, Roe is 35 and her brother is 15. The math doesn’t add up where the brother is concerned. There are other problems in the book. And it’s almost like this author is forced to end the book a certain way and she doesn’t like it. So she does a piss poor job of it, like Sookie’s ending, lol.

END OF SPOILERS

Audio Review

Thérèse Plummer did a good job at narration. I didn’t have a hard trouble following all the different characters.

Overall, I liked this book but can’t recommend the series.

My book boyfriend is Arthur. (same model in both pics)

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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.