Monday, July 29, 2013

review: Ravenous by Eden Summers

RavenousRavenous ~ Eden Summers
3 of 5 stars
Expected publication date: 8.1.2013
DRC provided by NetGalley

She’s a small town caterer, he’s a big city chef, but they don’t need a kitchen to make things sizzle...

Erin McDonald likes her simple life in her small town: no drama, no fuss, no uncertainty...until Jesse Hackett breezes back into town. Erin never quite got over how he left for the bright lights of the big city, and took her heart with him.

Jesse never regretted his decision to leave small town life behind and chase his big city dreams, but he’s always regretted leaving Erin behind. No woman has ever compared, and once he convinces Erin to let him touch her again, he’s never going to let her go.

Sparks fly and fires are rekindled, but the basic divide still remains: what really matters in life — location or love? (thanks to GoodReads.com for the summary)

My thoughts -
This story was ok. I liked it, I liked the characters and I liked the setting. Jesse and Erin had great chemistry and I thought their history together made their new relationship so much more intense than that of a "I love you at 1st/2nd sight" kind of romance. The way Jesse's family feels about Erin is special and amazing and vice versa.

I liked this a lot until Erin totally gave in and did what her man wanted. Jesse didn't compromise with her at all. I mean, his family was still in the small town - didn't he think about that when he was trying to have Erin follow him? That's really my only issue with the story - women's lib and all I guess.

This was short, fast paced, easy to read and chocked full of some hot, steamy lovin'. Great job Ms Summers:)

review: Along Came a Spider by Kate SeRine

Along Came a Spider (Transplanted Tales, #3)Along Came a Spider by Kate SeRine
 4 of 5 stars
Expected publication date: 8.1.2013
DRC provided by NetGalley

Along came a spider…

When Trish Muffet is attacked at a grisly crime scene, the last person she expects to come to her rescue is Nicky “Little Boy” Blue. But since walking away from everything two years before, Nicky’s been doling out vigilante justice as “The Spider,” taking on the vicious predators of the night in hopes it’ll lead him to his ultimate target – Vlad Dracula. And he needs Trish’s help.

Although Nicky’s renegade style goes against everything Trish stands for, she’ll do what she must to bring Dracula down. With danger stalking her, Trish knows the only person she can count on is the one man who has the power to leave her breathless. There’s no way she’s letting this spider frighten her away… (thanks GoodReads.com for the summary)

My Thoughts -
Different. Interesting. Great read! I thought it was great. I really like the unique idea of taking the old fairy tales and twisting them into something new and intriguing. I love fractured fairytales:)

Who ever though little Miss Muffet and little Boy Blue would have so much chemistry? Trish and Nicky were hot - they had great chemistry and really should have been together all along. I enjoyed the expansion of the lives of these characters and more. I thought the idea was super original and executed very well.

The mystery/suspense/danger aspect of the story is drawing and pulls you in almost immediately. Vlad, vamps, ghosts and the covert human agency. I loved it.

I wish I would have read the other books in the story. Although this is book 3 in the series, I didn't really ever feel like I was missing a chunk of the story like I've experienced in others. I thought it was well written, easy to read/comprehend and fast paced. All around great!!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

review: A Night To Forget by Jessica Wood

A Night To ForgetA Night To Forget ~ Jessica Wood
4 of 5 stars
DRC provided by NetGalley

A Night to Forget is the first book in the two-book series, Emma's Story. The second book in this series, The Day to Remember is scheduled to be released in August 2013.

What happens in Cancun doesn’t always stay in Cancun.

When Emma Anderson and her friends decided to spend their senior year Spring Break in Cancun, she expected some crazy memories to end their final college days. What Emma didn’t expect was to meet Brandon Fisher. Tall and sexy, with dimples that would make any girl swoon, Brandon Fisher was literally the man of Emma’s dreams. She couldn't quite believe that this stranger, who seduced her every night in her dreams, actually existed.

After serendipitously bumping into each other, Emma could not resist Brandon’s pull and spent an unforgettable night with him. Passing it off as a spring break fling, Emma never expected to see Brandon again. But when she started her first day at her new job a few months later, there he was. The only problem was, Brandon didn’t even remember her. (thanks Good Reads for the summary)

My Thoughts -
I thought this story was great. Emma and Brandon's instant chemistry was just destined to be. Emma was a cool chick and she deserved to be happy. She was kind of clueless that she didn't make the connection when she knew what Brandon did for a living and where her future job was. Brandon was a pretty awesome guy. He wanted to call her, but knew it would be a bad idea after he found out that she'd be working with him. This story made me laugh, jealously sigh and mad a few times. Good book when pull those emotions from me. I read it fast and can't really complain about anything. LOVED IT!! I'd love more from this couple/series.

review: Super Bad by Vivi Andrews

Super Bad (Superlovin', #2)Super Bad by Vivi Andrews
3 of 5 stars
DRC provided by NetGalley

When your mind is a prison, love can set you free.

Ever since her supervillain father experimented on her as a child, Mirabelle “Mirage” Wroth has been able to project unbreakable illusions into the minds of those around her. But when a run-in with an evil Mind Bender snaps a delicate thread in her psyche, she loses control of her gift and can no longer tell where reality ends and illusion begins. Only sanctimonious superhero Captain Justice is immune to her gift and can help her find the truth again — if Mirage can trust another man to define her reality.

Justice is sick of saving damsels in distress – he just wants someone to look beyond the cape to see him — but he can’t turn away from the hauntingly vulnerable Mirage. Suddenly Justice is helping her hide from the police, willing to be downright villainous to be her hero. But as they work to save Mirage from herself, other forces are circling to threaten them both. Tangled in illusions and mind games, can love be real? (thanks Goodreads for the summary)

My Thoughts -
This was a different kind of story for me and I wasn't sure at first, but I thought it was great. It was quick, sexy and easy to read/follow. I was happy to not be lost in this 2nd book of the series.

Mirabelle was broken and wasn't sure if she could be put back together. She'd been mind controlled almost all of her life and could only rely on her brother for clarity and stability. She was betwixt - didn't want to be a hero but also wasn't really a baddie. Justice was a burnt out hero who had just been dumped and wanted to be alone. He'd been the hero for so long and wanted to be loved for being himself.

They have almost and instant connection. He doesn't want to help her, her being a villain and all, but the moment he sees her - he's hers. I like how their powers almost counteract one another's abilities - like he can see through her crap and she can't easily be controlled by him. I liked it - a lot. I want the next one:)

review: Not Your Average Joe by Nell Carson

Not Your Average JoeNot Your Average Joe ~ Nell Carson
3 of 5 stars
DRC provided by NetGalley

Reality TV just got real in this Cinderella story about a factory worker and a CEO’s son…

Jennifer Wright is finishing a long shift on the assembly line at Brickman Foods when she meets her newest trainee, Jason Baxter — only that’s not his name and she knows it. She recognises him instantly as Jared Brickman, internationally renowned playboy and son of the CEO of Brickman Foods, working undercover to film the reality show, Joe Average.

Jared is also the father of Jennifer’s son, Chris, although he doesn’t know it. The six years since they dated have been momentous for Jennifer, but it’s clear when they meet again that Jared doesn’t even remember her. Jennifer knew Jared the boy — irresponsible and reckless. Now she has the opportunity to discover Jared the man. She’d like to tell him about his son, but fears his reputation as depicted in celebrity magazines.

Is Jared an infamous heartbreaker, or is he the man she sees now: sweet, shy, and dependable — someone who can be trusted in her son’s life…and maybe even her own? (summary thanks to GoodReads)

My Thoughts -
How could he not remember her? OMG I wanted to deck them both.

I thought this was a cute, quick, steamy read. Jennifer is a character with a great sense of direction. She was kicked out at a young age, pregnant on top of that and all by her self. She overcame her circumstances and showed the world that your situation doesn't define you, your actions do. Jared is still a but reckless, but a bit arrogant as well when the story starts - it's nice when that goes away a bit. The connection between Jennifer's son and Jared is special and perfect. The chemistry between Jared and Jennifer is almost instant and sizzlin'.

I really liked this story. I liked how Jared and his sister fought for the Colorado factory workers didn't think moving jobs out of country was a good solution to making more money. I liked Jen and Jared together, they were a sweet couple. Like I said earlier -I thought this was a cute, quick, steamy read. Try it, you'll like it:)

Monday, July 15, 2013

review: A Mating Dance by Lia Davis

A Mating Dance (Ashwood Falls, #2)A Mating Dance ~ Lia Davis
4 of 5 stars

DRC provided by author for fair/honest review

Senior enforcer, Cameron Nickels has found her perfect mate. Blaine Andrews, leopard Pack Marshal, is strong, dominate, loyal, and passionate. He knows all her strengths and weaknesses—not to mention her pleasure points. Cam’s known Blaine most her life, but she’s always felt like something was missing and her jaguar refuses to fully accept him. Yet, she can’t walk away from him. When architect and sexy mountain lion shifter, Graham Griffin, comes to town to design the new den nursery and school, Cameron finds herself in a mating dance that throws her and her jaguar into flight mode while Blaine must decide if he can not only share his mate, but welcome another.

After his lover walked out on him a year ago, Graham has no intentions of entering another relationship any time soon. But he realizes that the fates have other plans for him when he meets Blaine and Cameron. When his ex-lover’s children are chased into Ashwood territory by a group of rogues, he discovers the male he shared a life with had died freeing the kids from the Onyx Pack. Graham must work side-by-side with the two enforcers to uncover lies from the past while his heart opens to his true mates.

Warning: Contains one-hot headed leopard, a man who thought he’d lost it all, and a woman who is about to rub up against both in the best possible ways. (thanks GoodReads for the summary)

My Thoughts -
I liked this read quite a bit. It was fast paced, wicked hot and easy to read. I did feel somewhat lost because I didn't read the first in the series, so I lost a bit of the world building aspect. I enjoyed the chemistry between the three main characters as well as the side characters.

Cameron had a unfortunate thing happen to her and she, I think, lost her self confidence and began to doubt herself and worthiness. I think she was great with Graham kids, but not kids, and could really feel the connection she made with them. I didn't get a lot from Blaine, but what I did get was hotness and bad-ass. His love for Cameron was fierce and he was willing to do what ever it took to make their bond complete. Graham was that whatever. The moment they were all in the same room, they knew - they just didn't want to admit it.

I thought the sensual scenes were super hot and well written. I also enjoyed the action/danger aspect of this story. Great story Ms Davis - I look forward to more!!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Author guest post!! Lia Davis, excerpts + Giveaway!!

Welcome author Lia Davis!

 About the Author
Lia Davis is a mother to two young adults and two very special kitties, a wife to her soul mate, a paranormal romance author, graphic designer, and co-owner to Fated Desires Publishing, LLC. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers. But it’s her home and she loves it!
An accounting major, Lia has always been a dreamer with a very activity imagination. The wheels in her head never stop. She ventured into the world of writing and publishing in 2008 and loves it more than she imagined. Writing and designing are stress relievers that allow her to go off in her corner of the house and enter into another world that she created, leaving real life where it belongs.
Her favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties.


A Mating Dance, Ashwood Falls #2 by Lia Davis
She’d fought fate against one, but she’s no match for two. 
Senior enforcer, Cameron Nickels has found her perfect mate. Blaine Andrews, leopard Pack Marshal, is strong, dominate, loyal, and passionate. He knows all her strengths and weaknesses—not to mention her pleasure points. Cam’s known Blaine most her life, but she’s always felt like something was missing and her jaguar refuses to fully accept him. Yet, she can’t walk away from him. When architect and sexy mountain lion shifter, Graham Griffin, comes to town to design the new den nursery and school, Cameron finds herself in a mating dance that throws her and her jaguar into flight mode while Blaine must decide if he cannot only share his mate, but welcome another.
After his lover walked out on him a year ago, Graham has no intentions of entering another relationship any time soon. But he realizes that the fates have other plans for him when he meets Blaine and Cameron. When his ex-lover’s children are chased into Ashwood territory by a group of rogues, he discovers the male he shared a life with had died freeing the kids from the Onyx Pack. Graham must work side-by-side with the two enforcers to uncover lies from the past while his heart opens to his true mates.
Warning: Contains one-hot headed leopard, a man who thought he’d lost it all, and a woman who is about to rub up against both in the best possible ways.


A closer look at the heroes of A Mating Dance
Two heroes are better than one, right? Well if they are anything like Blaine and Graham they are. *grins* I loved writing A Mating Dance. I loved Blaine and Graham and their connection to one another and to Cameron. I also loved how different they.
Blaine is the Marshal of Ashwood Falls. His Pack duties are to aid his father, the Alpha, in ensuring the Pack is safe and stepping in his father’s place when needed. Blaine also leads the enforcers and sentries. He strong, possessive, protective, and his hard shell can only be softened by those who are closest to him.
Graham is the stepbrother of Nevan Mathews, mate of the leopard Healer, and has a beta male personality. He’s compassionate, but strong. He’s the adopted father of his ex-lover’s two kids—Max and Sammie. He balances out Cameron’s and Blaine’s dominate personalities.  His job as an architect will be an added value to Ashwood Falls in times when they need to expand and with the new plans the wolf Alpha, Luna, has for the nursery and school.
Together these two are sexy, powerful, and holds the key to Cameron’s heart, next to Max of course.
You can find out more about this hot couple and their mate in A Mating Dance.
 

 Excerpt from A Mating Dance by Lia Davis:

Cameron sat at Dani and Nevan’s dining table with Max balanced on one knee as she helped him cut his waffle, dip it into the syrup, and bring it to his mouth. When he dropped the fork and stuck his hand in the syrup, she squeaked and grabbed his wrist. Graham came over with a wet cloth to clean him up. Max grunted his frustration then gripped Cam’s hair with his sticky fingers, tangling his fingers around the strands. “Oh, Max.” Cameron stood, only to come nose-to nose with Graham.
Her skin heated and her heart skipped a few beats. His blue eyes darkened slightly, then a flash of bright blue told her that his puma wasn’t far from the surface.
Graham gripped Max’s hand and tried to unwrap her hair from his sticky fingers. Cameron laughed, trying to ignore the heat blooming between them. “You’re making it worse.”
Graham drew his brows together, making him even more handsome. She let her gaze travel over the masculine lines of his face. His skin was tanned, as though he worked long hours in the sun. He had high cheekbones and an average size nose that was just right for him. When her gaze fell on his lips, she wondered what they would feel like against hers. His lips were slightly full, the bottom one begging for her to bite it. When his blue gaze met hers, a wash of desire rushed through her, heating her skin even more.
Good Lord, what the hell was wrong with her? She had a mate, or could have one if she’d get past her commitment issues. She damn sure didn’t need another.
The front door opened, drawing her attention to Blaine as he walked in and shut the door behind him. Cameron immediately met his glare with one of her own.
Damn possessive male.
She stepped away from Graham and went to the kitchen sink to wet her hair and untangle Max’s hands. A moment later Blaine was at her side, he pressed a kiss to her cheek and then took Max from her. Her heart lurched as the little guy started crying and kicking his feet.
Graham appeared and took the wailing child from Blaine, and Cameron swore she heard a growl come from one of them.
Drying the ends of her hair with a kitchen towel, Cam stepped between them, giving Blaine a narrow-eyed glare. “Are you done?”
His leopard flashed in his eyes, and he leaned in to growl, “Not with you.”


Other Ashwood Falls books:













GIVEAWAY!
As part of the tour-wide giveaway, TWO lucky commenters will be chosen to win $10 Amazon GC and a swag pack. Just follow the Rafflecopter instructions to enter. Giveaway ends 8/03/13.

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Monday, July 8, 2013

review: The Only Exception by Magan Vernon

The Only ExceptionThe Only Exception ~ Magan Vernon
3 of 5 stars
DRC provided by NetGalley

**Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good. (thanks to GoodReads for the summary)

My Thoughts -
This story was pretty good. I thought a liberal, kick-ass, female lead was awesome - until she tried to hide who she was from from the guy's parents. Monica had something horrible happen to her, but she never really told anybody about it or got over it. I thought her views on family planning were good. Trey was a typical Alex P Keaton. When shown the other side of the issues, as they related to Monica, he grew and saw what he father was shoving down his brain wasn't always the best answer.

I liked this story, I liked Mon and Trey's chemistry and I liked the general plot line of the story. It was a quick, fluid read and did not disappoint.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

review: Real by Katy Evans

Real (Real, Raw & Ripped, #1)Real ~ Katy Evans
5 of 5 stars
DRC provided by NetGalley

A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.
A competition…

He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting…

Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I’ve never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong–but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents . . .

But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.

I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.

If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

REAL – Book #1 of The Real, Raw & Ripped Series - April 9 2013

Mature New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 18 and up. (thanks GoodReads for the summary)

My Thoughts - 
Great story! This book was fast paced, easy to read and I couldn't put it down or stop thinking about it. I loved the integration of great music and the explanation that a great song can really say something that's often hard to be said. The song choices were perfect and made me want to listen to them right away. Brooke and Remy are such a perfect pair together. You can really feel their chemistry right when the story starts out.

Brooke was a cool chick. She was a super athlete until major injury derailed her from her path. She overcame her injuries and set herself on a new path, despite her biggest blunder being posted on YouTube. I don't like how she flew off the handle and just gave up at one point - she almost wrecked the relationship for good.

Remy had a hard, hard past. He was abandoned, institutionalize and misunderstood. Being a manic depressive, Remy was intense and passionate. He had bouts of 'blue' and 'black' as they called it. He had jealousy issues, trust issues and alpha issues. He didn't want to take meds to control his diagnosis, but in some cases (like his) something really should had been in place for him. Keeping his diet healthy and a low level/lack of partying helped, but it just wasn't cutting it. Tranqs and whores weren't the answer for him either.

Brooke knew the moment she saw him and so did he. He saw her and didn't want to stop seeing her. Their coming together was an adventure, a wicked great adventure. This story was intense and emotional and one awesome read!! Great work Ms. Evans:)