Sunday, May 31, 2015

Soul Stealer by Brenda Cothern


Soul Stealer
Soul Stealer by Brenda Cothern

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Having read book five in the Shadows series first, I was excited to get the opportunity to go back and read the rest of the series. As the first book in the series, Soul Stealer sets the stage for the series as it introduces us to Alec and his night club, Shadows. Enough time has passed since I read Shattered Illusions that I didn’t remember right off who Alec and Kira were, which made reading Soul Stealer feel exactly like I was delving into a brand new series for the first time. As Ms. Cothern has written the books as standalones, this feeling of newness remained with me the entire time and I must say that, as usual, it was an extremely enjoyable book for me.

I found Kira’s character absolutely fascinating. I wasn’t quite sure what she was in the beginning of the book and was rather stunned when Alec had the same lack of recognition as I did. Whereas my confusion was cleared up after her first feeding, Alec remained in the dark far longer. What surprised me was that even after he witnessed Kira feeding, he still didn’t know what she was. While Kira calls herself a Soul Stealer, the description of her feeding coincides with what I typically consider a succubus. However, her ability to detect auras and use them to choose her next “meal” and her behavior immediately after her feeding differ greatly from the succubus legends I am familiar with and made her designation as a soul stealer feel like a more apt name. But what really surprised me was the connection between Kira – one who feeds off souls – and Alec – one who has no soul and who feeds off human blood. It would seem that the two would not be a good match as neither could feed the other, and yet the chemistry and physical connection between the two was IN. TENSE! Vampire sex is hot for the same reason M/M sex is – the participants tend to be equally matched in strength, which tends to lead to really aggressive sex. Yep, you guessed it. The sex between Alec and Kira is HOT! HARD! and deadly.

I must give Ms. Cothern serious kudos for writing in scenes from Kira’s past that added to the story rather than detracting from it. I tend to find such flashbacks disruptive to my reading flow and the storyline, yet in Soul Stealer this was not the case and I actually relished reliving parts of Kira’s life. Equally impressive was the extremely human nature of the conflict of the story that enabled Alec to work his way into Kira’s life, especially considering their non-human natures. As I expected, I was sucked right into the story and was glued to my Kindle until I reached the final page. Well done Ms. Cothern. I cannot wait to read When Beasts Bite next.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Shadows Series Books 1 & 2 by Brenda Cothern blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Saturday, May 30, 2015

Courted by Understanding by Bree Cariad


Courted by Understanding (In Hyacinth Book 4)Courted by Understanding by Bree Cariad

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I do believe that Courted by Understanding may be my favorite of the In Hyacinth series to-date. As much as I love the perfect hero and heroine, I also adore those that feel like real people and Dora and Gaelic are perfect examples of people I would befriend. With her short stature, plus-size figure, and the complete lack of interest by the courting males of Hyacinth, Dora has relegated herself to spinsterhood at the ripe old age of 20. While I hated that Dora felt this way about her future, I loved that she threw herself wholeheartedly into working with Chris at the Inn, which gave us a chance to see how their sibling-style relationship has continued to develop since Courted by Trouble. Actually, because Dora works with Chris and because Chris and Stephanie still live with Dora, fans of the series get to catch up with both of them.

Despite how bleak Dora’s love life appears, she loves her job and the chance to meet new people on a near daily basis, the most interesting of late being Xan’s cousin, Gaelic. I thought it was so cute when Dora decided that she must have a thing for Covington men based on her reaction to Gaelic. Because it’s always easier to see attraction not directed at yourself, I was quite excited to see that Gaelic seemed to be taken by Dora and while their initial interaction was briefer than expected, I knew I only had to bide my time for his return and it proved to be well worth the wait. The group ski trip was not only fun to watch play out, but also rather insightful. I loved that Xan proved himself to be even more observant than we already knew him to be and that he pointed out the negativity associated with the age expectations of the courting system despite it having worked out well for him and Kathy. That the ski trip served as the unofficial beginning of Gaelic’s courtship of Dora just made it that much sweeter.

As much as I loved the way that Gaelic used his time while traveling for business to get to know Dora via their lengthy phone conversations and how the gifts he sent to her that showed she was never too far from his thoughts, my absolute favorite part of the book was when Gaelic walked in on Marjorie harassing Dora. As laidback as Gaelic had been to that point, I think that scene proved that he could be just as intense and commanding as his cousin Xan. Marjorie got a serious lesson in karma that I think may actually stick this time (hehehe). Yes, there are so many wonderful scenes in the book, but the adolescent fat girl in me loved that the mean girl got her comeuppance. Courted by Understanding is the first book in the series that left me wishing that the series wasn’t quite so sweet because I really wanted to see the heat that Gaelic promised to bring to the bedroom with his slippering technique. This is also one couple that I would love to see get a follow-up book as I think it would be a blast to see Dora Out of Hyacinth. Courted by Understanding was an absolute gem of a read that I have added to my reread list. As always, I’m already looking forward to Ms. Cariad’s next installment in the In Hyacinth series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Courted by Understanding (In Hyacinth #4) by Bree Cariad blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Friday, May 29, 2015

Third Debt by Pepper Winters


Third Debt
Third Debt by Pepper Winters

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?! What the heck was that? That wasn’t a cliffhanger. I’m not hanging from a cliff here! I’m sliding down the mother-freaking summit to end all mother-freaking summits!!! I understand how Jethro feels because I feel like I’ve been buried under an avalanche of emotions. I’m overwhelmed, yet numb. My mind has been boggled.

Third Debt is an intense series of highs and lows. I don’t want to call it an emotional rollercoaster because there’s not a lot of happiness found within and what bits of happiness do occur are tainted by the darkness that pervades the Hawks. It’s a bad case of whiplash in the very best way. This installment picks up right where Second Debt ended, with Nila’s liberation from Hawksridge Hall. Nila has no understanding of the repercussions her departure will cause and as awareness sets in before she has even left the grounds she tries to return to Jethro but is unable to. As Nila learns yet again that she has absolutely no control over her life, Jethro is forced to face his failure in collecting the debts. Cut’s cruelty knows no bounds, but he attempts to convince Jethro (and the reader) that he does love his son as he offers Jethro an alternative. Yet all are aware that there is no choice being given, rather Jethro’s trading of one cage for another.

As the third debt must be paid, it is obvious that Nila must return to Hawksridge. And while she does so with a plan, she underestimates Cut’s cunning and finds herself in a worse situation than in the beginning. The level of detachment and coldness that Jethro displays in Third Debt exceeds that of previous installments, yet Cut’s cage proves to be an unworthy opponent in the face of Nila’s love. But a woman in love can only endure so much abuse of her heart, body, and trust before that love is snuffed out and the third debt promises to do just that … cut the tie that binds Nila and Jethro once and for all. Yet again I found myself disgusted by the Weaver ancestor’s behavior that led to the third debt. Honestly, I’m not sure whose depravity disgusts me more – the Weaver ancestor or Cut and Daniel. Granted, Kes and Jethro are not innocent in their actions, but they don’t take pleasure in collection of the debts the same way that Cut and Daniel do. And that ending. I have not felt the fear for Nila in any of the installments that I do now for her. I see the Fourth Debt as a train wreck (and I’m not talking about the writing) – I don’t want to be witness to the horrifying events that are soon to become a part of Nila’s life and yet I can’t NOT see them. I HAVE to know what comes next. I have to know if the ending of Third Debt is as it appears or not. I take nothing for granted when it comes to Ms. Winters’ writing and thus begins the countdown to the Fourth Debt AND the Final Debt. Fingers don’t fail me now.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Vacant by Ker Dukey


Vacant
Vacant by Ker Dukey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Too short. I absolutely loved Empathy and Desolate. The way that Ms. Dukey has delved into the mind of a psychopath has kept me mesmerized and I have been looking forward to Vacant since the moment I finished Desolate. It is because of my fascination with Ryan and his relationship with Cereus that I am saddened by the fact that this was a novella, but mainly because I wanted more of the story. Yet despite its length, the author has given fans of the series an enticing look into the Ryan and Cereus’s life and did it in such a way that I didn’t feel like I was rushed through it.

As Vacant is primarily about the relationship Ryan has with his niece Cereus, the story is told from their dual points of view. This not only allowed us to see what Ryan was doing while he was trying to give Cereus the space he felt she deserved, but we also got to see the inner workings of her mind as well. What amazed me about the book is how well Ms. Dukey balanced the darkness of Cereus’s thoughts with age-appropriate angst consistent with what she’s dealing with as a college freshman. Although there is so much I cannot say because I don’t want to spoil the book for potential readers, I can say that while it was clear that Cereus harbored the same darkness in her that her uncle did, I really wasn’t expecting that it was anywhere near as pervasive as it was. Well done Ms. Dukey. Yet another insightful addition to the Empathy series. I can only hope that the next time Ryan and/or Cereus come knocking on your muse’s door again, that they decide to stay and torture her for a much longer time.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Vacant Release Blitz! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Thursday, May 28, 2015

Pucked by Helena Hunting


PUCKED
Pucked by Helena Hunting

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



OH! MY!! GOD!!! Pucked was freaking hilarious. The romance is heartbreaking and heartwarming. The sex is unbelievably hot. But it is the massive amounts of humor that Ms. Hunting infused throughout the book that completely made it for me. I chuckled. I giggled (I know!). I snickered. I snorted. I guffawed. I was even ROTBLMAO (B = bed) at this book. You give me a synonym for laugh and I probably did it at least once while reading Pucked.

Violet is a hoot. She is one of those unfortunate souls who is a tad bit nerdy (her opinion), socially awkward, and whose brain-to-mouth (B2M) filter malfunctions regularly. The problem with this is that her stepbrother Buck is a professional hockey player and her stepfather Sidney is a hockey scout, so she often finds herself thrust into social situations that just seem to highlight her B2M filter problems. Well, it’s a problem for Violet, not the reader because we are treated to so much intentional and unintentional humor with Violet’s propensity for mouthing off at Buck and her overall nervousness in social situations. And it seems as though her sense of humor catches the attention of Alex, one of her brother’s new teammates. A teammate whose manwhore reputation rivals that of her brother’s. A teammate who Violet finds herself immensely attracted to yet repelled by because he is a hockey player. But when Alex reveals himself to be more than just a pretty face, all bets are off and Violet gives him a chance to prove that he really does want to be more than his reputation.

Violet and Alex are a great couple. I loved their banter and that they were able to just have fun with each other. That they had chemistry that was only outdone by their sexual appetites for one another was one heck of a bonus because Ms. Hunting can write some REALLY great sex scenes. Their relationship develops gradually and proves to be very entertaining … until the shot heard ‘round the (sports) world. Just friends. I actually groaned in pity for Alex when Violet heard him utter those two words…to a reporter…during a national interview. At least when Alex does it, he does it big (pun intended and an inside joke you’ll get when you read the book). And after such a spectacular failure, Alex had to make an equally spectacular attempt to fix his mistake. I loved that Violet didn’t cave immediately when Alex attempted to apologize. I also loved that her friends and family were there to support her and run interference for her when Alex would try to see her. Thankfully she didn’t have that gaggle of girlfriends who thought that he deserved to be forgiven just because he was a hot hockey player (yep, those characters do exist in books). I absolutely loved the ending, especially the cape – yet another hilarious Violet incident. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I LOVED Pucked. I cannot wait to reread it and I will be purchasing a copy of it for my Kindle library (THAT’S how much I enjoyed reading it).

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Pucked by Helena Hunting blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Malavita by Dana Delamar


Malavita
Malavita by Dana Delamar

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Malavita was an intensely compelling read. I was glued to my Kindle for the first half of the book, and when I had to take a break for a couple of hours to do some paperwork, I could not get back to my Kindle fast enough. I connected to Toni’s character almost immediately and because of her upbringing – both as an Italian and as a principessa – I often forgot that she was only 16. The life into which she was born required that either she grow up with a maturity and understanding of the world that most her age don’t have or she grow up completely sheltered and naïve. What we learned of Antonella (Toni) over the course of the book is that despite his old school ways, her father, Carlo, seemed to have struck a nice balance between the two that gave her far more insight into that world than a female normally gets while maintaining her innocence. And ultimately, it is this combination of maturity and innocence that wins Enrico over.

In his own right, Enrico was put in an unenviable situation that left me feeling badly for him on many accounts. And while his lashing out at Toni was understandable, I was relieved when he finally saw the error of his ways – even if his initial reason for doing so was out of revenge rather than understanding. Because of this, he unintentionally gave Toni the opening she needed to unknowingly work her way into his heart. While Enrico’s path to revenge was a bit grisly, it was appropriate to the situation and storyline. This was one of those instances where I felt that the violence added to the book and Enrico’s character development rather than being added just to shock the reader.

I felt the author did an excellent job of striking a balance between the romance between Toni and Enrico and the machinations of the men in power – Carlo, Rinaldo, and Enrico. There was only one actual sex scene and it was glanced over, similar to fade-to-black sex scenes on television. As Toni is only 16 and a virgin, there were a few scenes showing her and Enrico making out and this served as an extended bit of foreplay that provided just a bit of heat while preserving her chasteness. Ms. Delamar demonstrated that an author does not have to include graphic sex scenes (which we know I’m all for) in order to ramp up the heat in a novel. Even knowing that Toni is considered a woman in her culture, I was quite pleased with the manner in which the author dealt with the sex (or lack thereof) scenes because it helped to maintain Toni’s overall innocence. This allowed for more of a focus on the romance that develops once Enrico takes the time to look past Toni's last name and give them an honest chance. Malavita was an exciting introduction to the Blood and Honor series and I hope to be able to read the next book in the series soon as I need to know what life (and Carlo) has in store for Enrico and Toni.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Malavita (Blood and Honor 0.5) by Dana Delamar blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

In The Moment: Part Five by Rachael Orman


In The Moment: Part Five
In The Moment: Part Five by Rachael Orman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I’m having a hard time determining if my disappointment with Part Five is because the journey is over or if it’s the installment itself. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy In the Moment: Part Five because I did. I liked that Ace stayed to true to his character and lashed at out Adam when he sent Alicia away after the discovery at the end of Part Four, which is where this installment picks up. I was surprised by the consequences of his rash decision and reckless behavior that Ms. Orman wrote into the story, but they were realistic and I applaud her willingness to do that to one of her main characters. I loved that Adam’s arrival was once again perfectly timed when Alicia’s past came skulking back into her life and that he had the chance to administer a little justice before the police arrived. That the guys accompanied her to the police station and were there to support her emotionally helped to show that maybe, just maybe, Ace was finally getting his act together and that they had a chance for the long-term ménage relationship they had been working toward. Of course, the sex scenes were as hot as ever – even with the position maneuvering that was required to accommodate physical conditions at different times in the story. But I suppose I had hoped for just a bit more closure to their story. Did I enjoy In the Moment: Part Five? Absolutely. Was it a complete story? Yes it was. Were all the questions answered? No, but no book can do that and the questions that were left hanging were left hanging because of when in time the story ended. Ultimately, I just wanted a bit more of their story. But in the end, In the Moment: Part Five is still a 5-star read for me because I will reread it and I look forward to being able to read all five installments back-to-back.

Check out the In the Moment: Part Five by Rachael Orman is Now Available & Reviewed on Wicked Reads.


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Monday, May 25, 2015

Texas Winter by R.J. Scott


Texas Winter
Texas Winter by R.J. Scott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ms. Scott takes us back to Texas and the Double D Ranch in Texas Winter. Well, after a side trip to the Caribbean that is, as the book opens with Riley and Jack finally taking their honeymoon a year later. Unfortunately their trip is cut short when Riley’s sister Eden calls to tell him that his 8 year-old daughter is on her way to live with him. Yep, the WTH? thoughts running through your head are pretty much what Riley was dealing with too – except his were coupled with the fear that an instant family would send Jack running. Not surprisingly, Jack took the news in stride and was not only accepting of Hayley, he embraced fatherhood head on. Of course, it didn’t hurt anything that Jack wanted a family with Riley and that Hayley is actually Riley’s blood just made it that much better. But what made the instant family circumstance perfect was Hayley herself. She is such a sweet little girl and exactly the kind of child these two men needed as she is independent, intelligent, understanding, and has no problem letting them know what she needs and wants, or when they’re messing up. The conversation about shutting the bedroom door had me laughing out loud.

But even when life is good in the Campbell-Hayes family, it’s rarely smooth sailing and Texas Winter saw the guys dealing with more than one bump in the road as they adjusted to fatherhood. Despite the fact that Riley’s father and brother are both dead, he is still cleaning up the messes from their unethical business practices at HayesOil. I absolutely loved how Jack responded when Riley finally confessed to him about what he was dealing with. It would have been so easy for Jack to get offended that Riley kept secrets or didn’t trust in his support, but instead he reiterated that he would always have Riley’s back, but that he understood Riley’s fears (even if they were unfounded). The way in which Riley got to show Jack that he had his back as well was hilarious. Well, after Jack calmed down and no longer wanted to kill his mother’s boyfriend, that is. While the biggest twist in Texas Winter relates to Hayley and is far too spoiler-riddled to discuss, Riley’s handling of the situation was impressive and the author had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Texas Winter was a joy to read. There is plenty of action and suspense, but it’s blended well with the sweetness that is Hayley and her entry into Riley and Jack’s life. I loved watching Jack and Riley’s relationship continue to grow over the course of the book and how they seemed to instinctively adjust to Hayley’s presence – or at least knew when the other needed a swift kick in the rear. My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed; or perhaps I just wasn’t ready for the book to be over when I got to the end. Either way, I enjoyed Texas Winter and am already looking forward to reading Texas Heat soon.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Texas Winter (Texas #2) by R.J. Scott blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Friday, May 22, 2015

No More Talking by Rhian Cahill


No More Talking
No More Talking by Rhian Cahill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



No More Talking was a fast read that combined just the right amount of sweet romance and spicy sex that has secured it a spot on my reread list. Zac is best friends with Freddie’s brother and has known her since they were children. But when she turned 25, he stopped seeing her as West’s little sister and started seeing her as the sexy woman he had to force himself to keep his hands off of… until one night he didn’t. While he has managed to avoid Freddie in the six months since that night, he hasn’t forgotten a single second of their encounter. Being best man at West’s wedding puts her directly in his sights and Zac decides he doesn’t want to deny himself any longer. However, after ignoring her for six months, it might not be that simple.

What I liked about this novella was that their built-in history allowed Freddie and Zac to move forward without it feeling rushed. In their case, this meant some smoking hot sex almost immediately and they did not let up. Boy howdy! Zac seemed intent on making up for the six months he avoided Freddie and she (and I) were quite happy with that – two words for you: Shower Sex!!! Of course, West finding out about his little sister and Zac made for two wonderfully entertaining scenes, although I’m sure Zac would disagree with my assessment. Despite the plentiful amounts of sex, No More Talking is a romance and it was up to Zac to decide just how far he wanted to take his relationship with Freddie. I was just glad that when he FINALLY decided he was all in, Freddie made Zac work for it for a bit – she didn’t just forgive and forget him walking away from her not once, but twice. Ultimately Freddie knew what she wanted, but she refused to be a pushover and that bodes well for their future. As the next book in the series is about Zac’s brother, I do hope that Ms. Cahill gives us a chance to see how life is progressing for Zac and Freddie. Until then, I’ll keep No More Talking in the queue for when I’m in need of a quick and steamy read.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the No More Talking (Hearts Are Wild #1) by Rhian Cahill blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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My Salvation by Michelle Dare


My Salvation
My Salvation by Michelle Dare

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I had such high hopes for this book, but unfortunately My Salvation ended up being just an okay read for me. The biggest hindrance to my enjoyment was that I never connected to either of the main characters. Right off the bat with the opening scene, Cali rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe if Ms. Dare had provided a bit more detail as to why Cali was quitting her job I would have been able to sympathize with the predicament she found herself in and connect with her. Without it – for me – the scene becomes quite stilted and Cali comes off a bit like she’s spoiled. As it stands, the scene feels contrived simply to set the stage for her to go the lake and ultimately reunite with Owen.

Once Cali heads home after joining the ranks of the unemployed, she decides that a trip to the lake house is just what she needs. That she learns after she arrives that she will be treated to the occasional glimpse of her neighbor while he’s shirtless is a major bonus. Even though the two haven’t seen each other in ten years and only shared a single kiss the night before she left for college, Owen has always been in love with her and decides that now is the time to let her know how he feels. The speed with which they embark upon their relationship was a bit too quick for my taste. Even though it’s been a decade since they last saw each other, Owen is ready to make a life with Cali almost immediately. A LOT can happen over ten years and 18 year-old Cali and 28 year-old Cali are not the same, yet Owen doesn’t care as long as he has her in his life. Add to this, romantic suspense elements that were so predictable that it was unbelievably frustrating when the characters didn’t figure it out until the actual reveal. Seriously?!?! Needless to say my enjoyment of the book just went downhill and continued to do so the more I read.

Typically I don’t comment on spelling, grammar, etc. in a review copy because I don’t always know if the copy I received is the final version or not. However, the errors, overuse of commas, awkward phrasing, incorrect use of past and present tense, and incorrect word use (affect vs. effect) kept pulling me out the story while reading. I can only hope that the copy I received was not the final version and the majority of the issues will be corrected before the masses receive it. I hate that I didn’t enjoy My Salvation more because it has a good premise, but the execution was lacking for me. This is one of those books that I recommend you download a sample of and decide for yourself; just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean you won’t love it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the My Salvation by Michelle Dare blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Thursday, May 21, 2015

Initiation by Fire by Cassandra Carr


Initiation by Fire
Initiation by Fire by Cassandra Carr

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Initiation by Fire is the third installment in the Underground series and while it was better than parts one and two, it’s my final stop on this journey. There is far more action in this installment than before because Ethan is going out into the field for recon and we get to see him take part in a mission. I liked that Ms. Carr showed Ethan actually learning skills – making errors and learning how to do things correctly or better. It’s expected that he will master some tasks quicker than others because he’s a professional athlete, but thankfully there was no “Boom, he’s a natural born genius who masters everything on his first attempt” scenario going on. Also enjoyable was Ethan’s continued bonding with his colleagues. I liked that we got to learn more about the various team members and that certain ones seem to have taken him under their wing. Unfortunately, the romantic connection remains a hint and is suggested more by the series blurb than the installment itself. The mission was intense and action-packed, which is what helped to elevate Initiation by Fire over Off the Grid and Creating Slapshot. Regrettably it ended too soon to finish reeling me in. Would I like to know what happens to Ethan? Yes, but I’m not willing to sit through seven more installments to find out. I think that had parts 1-3 been released as one novel, I probably would have continued on with the series. But at its current rate, it feels like the story is dragging on and on without making enough progress to keep my attention. As always, I recommend that you check it out for yourself because it is an enjoyable storyline, it’s just not working for me at its current pacing. Who knows? Maybe once all 10 parts have been released, I’ll give it another shot.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Underground Tour Stop! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Hunter by Mandy Harbin


Hunter (The Bang Shift, #2)Hunter by Mandy Harbin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Hunter. Hmm…. Where do I start? I’m in a bit of a quandary on how to rate this book. While I did enjoy reading Hunter, it just didn’t pack the same punch as Brody did. I appreciated that Ms. Harbin gets straight to the action in the first chapter because it helped set the stage for the romantic suspense elements. I also liked the use of Hunter’s dream flashbacks and memories as an appropriate vehicle for providing background on his past and explaining his protective attitude over his sister Heather. But once the foundation for the story was laid, it felt like there were a few too many scenes where Ms. Harbin skimmed over what was happening. This failure to develop the scenes fully reduced the intensity level of Hunter. I should point out that I’m not saying that I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did. Rather I felt like something was missing from Hunter that made it not quite as good of a read as Brody was.

When Heather’s best friend and roommate gets targeted by a stalker ex, she does what any friend would do if their brother was part of a government-backed black ops organization – she drags her best friend off to another state to ask for help. Fortunately for Maya, Hunter isn’t the only one who has a soft spot for his sister and the men of Bang Shift agree to look into her ex. While they do, Hunter finds himself on babysitting duty with a woman who makes his blood boil and THAT feeling is mutual. Yet despite their instant attraction, neither Hunter nor Maya acted on it in the beginning. Quite the contrary, these two played the avoidance game admirably considering they were stuck together in the same house almost 24/7. We’re around 65% into the book before Hunter and Maya find themselves unable to deny the attraction between them and it was HOT! I’m starting to think The Bang Shift might have another meaning altogether.

Even though I felt like the suspense elements weren’t developed as fully as they could have been (especially when compared to Brody), there were still a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I was glad that Maya didn’t cave immediately to Hunter’s non-apology apology when the evidence proved her innocent – his accusations were hurtful and his lack of faith in her required more than an “we heard everything” statement to make things right. Thankfully the guys of Bang Shift seem to know how to grovel when they need to and Hunter executed that particular mission successfully. Overall, I enjoyed Hunter, I had just hoped for a bit more. But Ms. Harbin did set things up quite nicely for the next few books in the series and I’m really not sure whose story I hope to see next – Roc’s, Bear’s, or Blade’s. Any one of them works for me and I will be adding it to my reading list as soon as I can.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the HUNTER Tour Stop! blog post at Crystal's Many Reviewers!


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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

In The Moment: Part Four by Rachael Orman


In The Moment: Part Four
In The Moment: Part Four by Rachael Orman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

And here I thought the cliffhanger ending from Part Three was intense. I will say that while Ace’s reaction did NOT surprise me in the least, I was quite shocked by Adam’s behavior. But, I’m getting ahead of myself here. In the Moment: Part Four continues on from Part Three and we find Ace reeling from Alicia kicking the two of them out. What do two testosterone-fueled men do when the woman in their lives shows them the road? They engage in some seriously hot M/M sex. Adam has come to realize that Ace sees their sexual encounters as a way to reaffirm their connection and he is more than willing to give that to Ace… or should I say, take it from Ace. I’ve gotta hand it to Ms. Orman, even after four installments, she is still keeping the sexual encounters HAWT!

When Alicia dropped her bomb on Adam about her past – what she endured at the hands of her father – and that he seems to have found her, I was just as taken aback as he was. I knew from the previous installments that Alicia had a stalker, but I never imagined it to be her father or the level of abuse she suffered. I was glad to get to see Adam step up and be there for Alicia. That it led to yet another scorching ménage scene with Adam taking point… um, yeah! Whew! As Ace is still dealing with the fallout from the video of him and Adam together, Alicia and Adam’s relationship is given a chance to strengthen as they spend more time together. And this is why I was so surprised at the hostility he showed her at the end of this installment.

I will admit that I find myself flip-flopping on my feelings toward Ace. While I like his character, he comes off a bit whiny at times and has a tendency to get his panties in a twist. Yeah, I know, it’s hard to imagine saying that about an alpha male biker. But then I reconsider and think that maybe, just maybe, he lets Adam and Alicia see his turmoil because he sees them as his “safe place” and trusts them enough that he doesn’t have to maintain his macho biker image around them all the time. So with only one more installment left and the MAJOR cliffhanger Part Four left me with, I guess I have to reserve my final opinion of Ace until I get to read In the Moment: Part Five.

Check out the In the Moment: Part Four by Rachael Orman is Now Available & Reviewed blog post on Wicked Reads.


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Monday, May 18, 2015

The Heart of Texas by R.J. Scott


The Heart of Texas
The Heart of Texas by R.J. Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The Heart of Texas gave me everything I love in a book – drama, suspense, secrets, lies, betrayal, murder, romance, love, really hot m/m sex, cowboys, and there was even a barroom brawl. I laughed. I cried. I smiled like a loon. I was so swept up into Riley and Jack’s story that I read into the wee hours of the morning, only stopping when my eyes refused to stay open any longer and picking it back up as soon as I could today – which was not quick enough for me. There are so many layers to the story that I am afraid to talk specific details for fear of revealing spoilers.

Riley is the middle son and one of the heirs to his father’s multi-billion dollar oil company. But when his father attempts to cut him out of his fair share of his inheritance, despite the fact that it is Riley’s success at the company that has helped make Hayes Oil as financially sound as it is, Riley is forced to stoop to his father’s level and play his game. Taking advantage of a loophole in his father’s contract that requires him to be married for a year before the company’s shares will be redistributed, Riley approaches Jack Campbell and proposes. Although we really don’t know Riley very well at this point in the book, I never once questioned his motives for trying to thwart his father’s efforts to cut him out of the company. There was just enough said about and by Riley at this point that I knew his actions weren’t motivated by greed. While it was clear that he chose Jack as a way to stick it to his father, I couldn’t fault him for it. The means to which he went to secure Jack’s agreement were cold and calculating, but Riley’s apparent discomfort at how far he was taking things again made it impossible for me to dislike him for it. As the story unfolds, I was relieved to learn that my faith in Riley was well placed because when push came to shove (which it did several times) he stepped up to the plate.

Now I don’t want you to think that just because I’m focused on Riley that I didn’t like Jack. I loved Jack. Although not the oldest son, he seemed to be the man of the Campbell family. I loved how he took care of his family and how he took on the challenge of Riley. The chemistry between the two of them was so freaking intense and the sex scenes were hot, especially the one in the barn! YUMMY!!! As everything I want to say about Jack screams spoiler, I have a hard time espousing his virtues, but man that’s one hot cowboy with a huge heart. Ms. Scott has created a richly complex story that has so many overlapping and intertwined plotlines that it is ripe for confusion, yet never once was I confused about the events and secrets and lies. Her writing is concise and powerful. I am so glad that The Heart of Texas is the first book in the Texas series because that means I get to spend more time with Riley and Jack.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out The Heart of Texas (Texas #1) by R.J. Scott blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Sunday, May 17, 2015

Sight and Sinners by Susan Mac Nicol


Sight and Sinners
Sight and Sinners by Susan Mac Nicol

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I cannot even begin to explain how much I loved this book. Even though we just met Taylor in Love You Senseless, the first book in the Men of London series, I feel like I have been waiting forever for his story. But that’s the kind of characters Ms. Nicol creates – ones you are so fully invested in because you feel like you’ve always known them. Even knowing what Taylor’s visions looked like from the outside based on Eddie and Leslie’s descriptions in Love You Senseless, I was not prepared for how harrowing it would be when experiencing them from Taylor’s point of view in Sight and Sinners. Bloody heck were they intense and, at times, terrifying – and I was just the passenger. But there was something worse that Taylor had to deal with … Draven Samuels and his scorn.

Ms. Nicol does an excellent job of crafting a romance that is the epitome of the saying, “It’s a fine line between love and hate.” Because the men have met before and don’t recall it initially, it’s a serious case of lust at second sight when they encounter one another in Gideon’s restaurant. I suppose because of his occupation, Draven remembers their initial meeting first and his lust quickly turns to derision. I will admit that I was just as confused as Taylor was with the way Draven’s switch was flipped and it wasn’t until several scenes later that I realized exactly why he held Taylor’s gift in such disdain and while I understood it, knowing Taylor caused me to dislike Draven for quite a bit. When an unfortunate set of events occur that throw the men back into one another’s path – repeatedly – they finally air out their dirty laundry and their lust is unleashed. FINALLY!!! What an encounter that was. And thankfully they exuded that intensity every time.

Unfortunately, that intensity did not present itself well on Draven’s part when he felt threatened and Taylor bore the brunt of some rather vicious comments when Draven lashed out. While I was glad that Taylor understood where Draven was coming from and forgave him the first time, I was cheering him on when he stood up for himself the second time – even as my heart broke for him at the same time. Needless to say I was relieved when Draven finally got his head out of his arse and set about making amends with Taylor, especially when he had to call upon Taylor’s Rottweilers – Eddie and Leslie – to help him. Sight and Sinners was an amazing rollercoaster ride with plenty of laughs, heartache, heartbreak, loss, acceptance, friendship, sexy fun times, and love, but it was the final scene that gave me the best warm fuzzies I’ve had in a while. Thank you Ms. Nicol for another splendid read and I am already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series – which I really hope is Leslie’s but will be almost as happy if it’s Clay’s instead.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Sight and Sinners (Men of London #2) by Susan Mac Nicol blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Saturday, May 16, 2015

Passion's Dream by Julie Shelton


Passion's Dream
Passion's Dream by Julie Shelton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



What impressed me most about Passion’s Dream is that despite being interrupted what felt like a hundred times while I was reading it, I was drawn right back into the story after reading just a few sentences each time I was able to return to my Kindle. The connection between Clay and Leah was so strong that I couldn’t help but feel the sparks between them. Of course, I knew this meant that the sex between them would be intense, so I was even more motivated to get back in the thick of it. And Ms. Shelton did not disappoint on any account.

I enjoyed the flashback scene of Leah and Clay’s first meeting. There was an obvious connection between the two, yet neither character proclaimed their love lost but rather lamented the loss of the chance at what could have been. This provided a sound base from which their relationship could develop quickly without making me feel like they rushed into it. That Leah was being stalked by her ex and was resistant to a relationship with Clay, no matter how much she was drawn to him, made their story feel real. Because of the circumstances, her mixed messages (what she said vs. how she reacted and responded physically) didn’t come off as angsty to me, but rather the actions of a justifiably cautious woman. When Leah finally gave in to the inevitable and Clay let his inner Dom out in full force… Whew! Well I’ll just say those were some seriously hot sex scenes that I was more than happy to read more than once. While I obviously enjoyed the relationship development and smoldering sex scenes, it’s the way in which the author wove them together with the romantic suspense elements of the story that made Passion’s Dream such a pleasurable read for me and one I look forward to reading again WITHOUT the constant interruptions.

While The Doms of Passion Lake is a spin-off from Ms. Shelton’s Loving Sarah series, it is not necessary to read that series first. I suspect that readers of the Loving Sarah series will enjoy catching up with Sarah, Jesse, and Adam, as they do make appearances in Passion’s Dream, but not in a way that will leave those readers who, like myself, have not read that series. It may, however, make you want to go back and read the series so that you can learn more about the trio. As much as I would like to know more about Clay’s CO and family, my reading list is a bit packed at the moment and includes the next book in this series, Passion’s Fury, and I am so excited to see if the triplets get their sexy-ly ever after in Passion’s Lake.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out The Doms of Passion Lake Spotlight! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Friday, May 15, 2015

Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas


Promised
Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I reviewed my personal copy of this book on behalf of Wicked Reads.

So I have been patiently biding my time for Ms. Malpas to complete this series before I began it. Having read and loved her This Man trilogy, I wanted to be able to read the One Night trilogy back-to-back. The upside to this is that I managed to snag the first two books on sale. The downside is that it feels like I’ve had to wait forever – but that’s just me being whiny because it hasn’t taken that long. Having just finished reading Promised, I am soooooooooooo glad I waited because as soon as I finish writing this review, I will start Denied.

Because Promised is the first book in the trilogy, there is a lot that I don’t want to say because of the potential for spoilers, even spoilers that I may not know are spoilers. That said, the author does a great job of building the foundation for the series. Even though Livy and Miller are the focus, I found several of the side characters absolutely endearing. Livy’s grandmother Nan is a spunky, spitfire of a lady who reminds me of my own grandmother in many ways. Because of that, I could empathize with Livy’s desire to both hug her nan tight and throttle her. Livy’s best friend Gregory is perfect. Their easy flowing banter and affection insults speak of a well-established bond. And while Gregory is the source of many a laughs, it was the “semi and lingerie scene” that had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt … he did say he was 80% gay. But it is the chemistry between Livy and Miller that is the driving force behind the book. Their connection is instant, electric, frustrating, overwhelming, moth-to-a-flame hot, and oh so erotic. Let me clarify that by an instant connection, I am not saying insta-love but rather that instant attraction that leaves one mesmerized in the other’s presence. Ms. Malpas once again brings her “A-game” and treats the reader to seriously intoxicating sex scenes. Good grief!

With Livy and Miller, Ms. Malpas has created a rather fascinating set of characters that are made even more so as their pasts and secrets are revealed over the course of the novel. Because of the prologue, we have a foreshadowing of Livy’s secrets about her mother’s past and how it affected her choices in life. Although we don’t learn as many specifics about Miller – which only adds to his mystique – his OCD screams loudly of a troubled mind. Even knowing Ms. Malpas’s penchant for revealing the unexpected, Livy’s secret surprised me but Miller’s secret left me with my mouth hanging open – literally. It wasn’t even an OMG moment because I was just as stunned as Livy was. And in true Malpas style, Promised ended on a cliffhanger that left me screaming “NOOOOOOOOO!” while relieved that I waited to read the series all at once and chomping at the bit to begin Denied. Off to book two to spend more time with Livy and Miller.

Check out the One Night: Unveiled by Jodi Ellen Malpas Blog Tour post on Wicked Reads.


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Denied by Jodi Ellen Malpas


One Night: Denied
Denied by Jodi Ellen Malpas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I reviewed my personal copy of this book on behalf of Wicked Reads.

Denied is the continuation of Livy and Miller’s story and picks up where Promised left off. Livy is left reeling from Miller’s revelation and their last encounter in the hotel. And if that were not enough, coming face-to-face with her mother’s pimp was too much for her to deal with. While Livy attempts to recover from her break with Miller, Fate seems intent on throwing him right back into her path. Unfortunately, Fate is not the only one invested in their relationship and the number of obstacles these two encounter (including themselves) is constantly increasing and potentially dangerous.

As if Denied being the second book in the trilogy isn’t bad enough, it is also a romantic suspense novel with an ever-increasing element of mystery that makes writing a spoiler-free review that much more difficult. I shall soldier on with my impressions of the characters and storylines. Ms. Malpas is one of a small pool of authors who can write on-again, off-again relationships without driving me bonkers. In all actuality, I expect it from her. The starts and stops to Livy and Miller’s relationship feel appropriate to the situation at the time – with each of them responsible for their own share of the break-ups and make-ups. There is a LOT of drama in this installment due to the sheer number of people who are against their relationship. Although Miller remains a rather elusive quantity, we do learn a fair amount about him and his past. I was just as heartbroken as Livy when learning about Miller’s past. The physical and emotional connection between the two seems even stronger than in the first book, which is to be expected as their relationship continues to deepen. I was appalled at Gregory’s ultimatum. I was pleased that William’s love for Livy outweighed his dislike of Miller. The action scene at the end of the book felt like a cliffhanger, until I got to the actual OMG-cliffhanger. Looking forward to finding out how it all ends in Unveiled.

Check out the One Night: Unveiled by Jodi Ellen Malpas Blog Tour post on Wicked Reads.


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Unveiled by Jodi Ellen Malpas


Unveiled
Unveiled by Jodi Ellen Malpas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

One Night Unveiled is the final book in the One Night trilogy and the conclusion of Livy and Miller’s story. Their tale resumes with them in New York, having fled the people that Miller works for. I really enjoyed the time that they had together in New York. It was nice to see Miller in a more relaxed environment because even though the threat was still there, it wasn’t breathing down their necks. Despite the mental turmoil Livy was experiencing from what she thought she saw when she boarded the plane, I found their time together there to be peaceful – well as peaceful as it could be with Miller’s OCD – and I felt like it helped to finish cementing their relationship. Boy was I wrong! Ms. Malpas took that quiet contentment, shattered it, shook it up, and I spent the rest of the book on edge waiting to learn how everything was going to play out.

With their return to London being just as frantic and unexpected as their departure, Livy soon finds that she is in far more danger than she realized. Livy’s recklessness and seemingly complete disregard for her own safety is my only complaint about Unveiled. Her recklessness is not new, but in the previous books it often mirrored that of her mother’s behavior and at times was the result of not being informed and therefore unaware of the consequences of her actions. However, in Unveiled she knows that she is in danger and yet she still sneaks away more than once because she doesn’t like being treated like a child. I just wanted to shake her and tell her to stop acting like one. Her curiosity and recklessness bordered on fatalistic – after all, curiosity killed the cat and she seemed hell-bent on learning that first hand.

As expected, the danger intensifies, the drama ensues, and Fate continues to throw curve balls at Livy. There are so many secrets revealed in this book that I was rendered speechless on more than one occasion. I was freaking out during the “father reveal” and even though I wasn’t surprised to learn who Livy’s father was, I was shocked at the circumstances surrounding it. The showdown between Miller and his “keeper” was astounding and perfect – couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy. And I have to express my gratitude to Ms. Malpas for the Epilogue. Not only did we get a glimpse into how Livy and Miller’s relationship has evolved, but we got to see it from Miller’s point of view. I LOVED being in Miller’s head and I must agree that 5 pairs of unmatched socks are 5 pairs too many. ;) One Night Unveiled is the perfect conclusion to Livy and Miller's story. I have thoroughly enjoyed the One Night series and I know that it is one that I will definitely reread, especially when I’m in the need for angst, drama, suspense, and superbly hot sex. I look forward to Ms. Malpas’s next endeavor.

Check out the One Night: Unveiled by Jodi Ellen Malpas Blog Tour post on Wicked Reads.


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Thursday, May 14, 2015

Creating Slapshot by Cassandra Carr


Creating Slapshot
Creating Slapshot by Cassandra Carr

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



While I enjoyed Creating Slapshot more than I enjoyed Off the Grid, I’m still not hooked on the series. Ultimately a geek at heart, I found the information that was disseminated via Ethan’s training quite interesting. Although I wasn’t surprised that he did well in the testing for skills that relied on hand-eye coordination, I was fascinated by the fact that he scored so much better than everyone else – yet he still questioned his ability to eventually contribute to the team. I really should give the guy a break as he is trying to find his way in a new life after having his old life ripped away from him so brutally, but his lack of confidence doesn’t ring true from someone who is a professional athlete who has helped his team win the Cup… twice. I do like that Ethan is not afraid to ask questions and has been encouraged by everyone so far to do so. And the way that the various team members have relayed their personal stories has helped fill in more of the blanks regarding the team and certainly helped make this installment more interesting as well. That said, I believe that parts one and two would have been more effective had they been combined into a single novella rather than two novelettes. I will be starting Initiation by Fire tomorrow and can only hope that it lives up to its name and finally brings the level of action and adventure that I was expecting. A good dose of romance would not be amiss either.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Underground Tour Stop! blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Collision by Evie Harper


Collision (Portland Street Kings, #1)Collision by Evie Harper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



WOW! That was a seriously intense read. So much happened and there are so many things I can’t talk about because of potential spoiler issues. I loved it though, I really freaking loved it. Collision is an adrenaline-filled read that kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to my Kindle. I couldn’t read fast enough and just when I thought I had a handle on what was going on, Ms. Harper would throw a twist in the mix to shake things up. Of course, THE TWIST (and when you read the book, you’ll know what I’m referring to) wasn’t even on my radar. I never saw that coming. Unfreakingbelievable!

Collision's Prologue is devastating. Learning what those children witnessed and endured is absolutely heartbreaking and it makes their actions, especially Slater’s, as adults understandable. Of course the fact that Slater is serving up a beat down on a bully – an adult bully I might add – for making fun of a woman who stutters pretty much made me fall in love with him instantly. The bathroom sex that he and Piper engage in shortly thereafter … YOWSER! Seriously hot! I am not a fan of public bathroom sex, but Slater could change my views on that location. The voyeur in me definitely enjoyed their repeated trysts, but the romantic in me was giddy when Slater asked Piper out on a date. But the moment the author revealed Piper’s profession, I braced for heartache because the writing on the wall was in glow-in-the-dark neon paint for what was coming when Slater found out. As expected, Slater delivered some serious fireworks when he learned where Piper worked and the street thug revealed that his tongue was just as damaging as his brass knuckles.

When Slater’s interest in her puts Piper’s life in danger, he does what comes naturally to him and assumes responsibility for her safety. I loved how Piper meshed so well with Slater’s family and that as she spent time with them and they got to know her, they let go of their resentment toward her profession and embraced her as a person. Despite the gang wars, the illegal street racing, the fights, and the danger that permeates the lives of the Portland Street Kings, Collision is ultimately a tale of forgiveness and acceptance that just happens to be packaged in a seriously hot and sexy story. Again, I was completely blown away by the twist at the end and the drastic measures that Slater took to insure Piper’s safety floored me. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next, so please Ms. Harper, write quickly!

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

In The Moment: Part Three by Rachael Orman


In The Moment: Part Three
In The Moment: Part Three by Rachael Orman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

When I first opened In the Moment Part Three, I couldn’t quite remember what had transpired at the end of the previous installment. However, within a page or two, it all came flying back – the sex, the video, the hot sex, the argument, and did I mention the HOT SEX! Considering Ace’s response to the long list of the video’s recipients, it’s not surprising that I was the only one in this situation thinking about the sex. Needless to say, Adam was not happy with Ace’s reaction to the video, surmising that Ace’s anger over it getting out meant that Ace would never be comfortable taking their relationship public. As Adam lives his life openly as a bisexual man, he refuses to hide who he is for anyone, especially the man he is in love with.

I loved watching Adam stand up for himself and how he let Ace know in no uncertain terms that he would not be anyone’s dirty little secret. While witnessing the demise of their relationship was sad, Alicia giving Ace a much needed kick in the arse re-instilled hope for Adam and Ace’s future. Much of this installment is Ace coming to terms with his past, what he wants for his future, and whether or not a relationship with Adam is possible, assuming that Adam will even give him another chance. Being as this is part three of five, I was not surprised that Adam gave Ace another chance and Ms. Orman rewarded readers with a fabulous bout of makeup sex between these two testosterone-fueled men. Bossy Adam is sexy! What did surprise me was Alicia’s reaction to Adam and Ace, but what really threw me for a loop was the freaking cliff that the author left me hanging from. Yes, In the Moment Part Three actually left me frustrated because I don’t know what’s coming next. And while I will probably be able to get In the Moment Part Four a few days early, I want it NOW!!! Well done Ms. Orman, that’s exactly how a serial is supposed to work – but please, for the love of all that is holy, please stick to your release schedule and don’t disappear on us before the end arrives (sadly, I have had that happen).

Check out the In the Moment: Part Three by Rachael Orman is Now Available & Reviewed blog post on Wicked Reads.


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Monday, May 11, 2015

Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan


Carry the Ocean
Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Totally and completely, one hundred percent, loved this book. As someone who works with persons with autism, I was taken aback with how well Ms. Cullinan portrayed Emmet, especially how well his actions and thought processes reflected what we know and what we believe we know about autism. That she included other characters with autism to illustrate the similarities and individuality of the spectrum was brilliant. As if that were not enough, Jeremy struggling through life with major depressive disorder and clinical anxiety while dealing with parents who seem to think that he can just “snap out it” elevated the complexity of Carry the Ocean. And while each of these characters’ story is compelling on its own, it is how their relationship develops over time and how they become one another’s anchor in the world that truly made Carry the Ocean an inspiring read for me.

As the book is told from both Emmet and Jeremy’s points of view, the reader gets to see firsthand how their disorders affect them and the lives they lead. I connected with both characters almost immediately and was sucked into their stories completely. I found myself rocking with Emmet when he was upset and wanting to crawl under the covers with Jeremy when his depression bottomed out. Because of this connection, I found myself cheering for them when their friendship began to evolve in the way that Emmet had hoped. It is why I was so appalled by Jeremy’s mother’s reaction when she caught them cuddling and practically accused Emmet of taking advantage of Jeremy. It is also why it broke my heart when Emmet’s mother tried to discourage his relationship with Jeremy. While I understood her maternal drive to protect Emmet from heartbreak, I hated that in doing so she was sending seriously mixed messages to Emmet. I’m not sure which I enjoyed most: move-in day to The Roosevelt, the Blues Brothers’ dance through Target, Jeremy finding his purpose in life, Emmet and David becoming friends, or one of the many other achievements the characters made in the book. I think it would be easier to point out what I didn’t like about the book and that was Jeremy’s parents’ reaction to Emmet but mainly because of the realism of it.

Carry the Ocean was such a beautifully moving tale and I feel woefully inadequate in my ability to express just how much I enjoyed reading Emmet and Jeremy’s story. I suppose the fact that it led me to start my Top Ten list for 2015 is rather telling. This book was a wonderful look at the human condition that shed light on several disorders that are near and dear to me on both a professional and personal level. That it is the first installment in The Roosevelt series and said series will obviously be focused on the residents of The Roosevelt gives me hope for many more inspiring stories to come. With just one book, Ms. Cullinan has made a fan of me and I look forward to checking out her other books while I await my next visit to The Roosevelt.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

Check out the Carry the Ocean (The Roosevelt #1) by Heidi Cullinan blog post on Crystal's Many Reviewers.


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Served Hot by Annabeth Albert


Served Hot
Served Hot by Annabeth Albert

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Served Hot was such a sweet M/M romance. Robby has a crush on David, one of his customers, but hasn’t been able to figure out if he is gay or straight. With the Pride celebration being held during the upcoming weekend, Robby finally works up enough courage to make a nonchalant mention of the weekend’s events and is STILL unsure about David’s sexuality, although now Robby suspects that David may indeed be straight. Poor Robby. So when David shows up at the Pride festival and makes a point to seek Robby out, Robby finds himself even more confused until David asks him out for coffee. Priceless! Ask the coffee guy out for coffee.

But David’s faux pas was exactly the kind of ice breaker these two needed so that the courting could commence, and courting was how their relationship felt. Mind you there was the modern day twist on it as we’re not only talking about two men, but also a couple of really hot bedroom encounters. Yet David comes off as an old-fashioned guy and while he seems quite taken with Robby, he’s unsure of how to proceed. My heart actually broke for David when he told Robby about Craig and their non-relationship. With both Robby and David having been in closeted relationships, neither wants to be someone’s dirty little secret again and that should make things easier for them, right? Sadly it does not because David has no actual relationship experience and because neither man wants what they have together to be threatened, neither is willing to voice their wants, concerns, and insecurities. Eventually situations align in such a way that Robby is forced to speak up and ask for more out their relationship. But Craig’s ghost and David’s baggage may prove to be more the Robby can handle.

This novella has couple of rather sad scenes that left me looking for my tissues. I didn’t quite need them, but Robby and David are such sweet guys that it seemed to make the sad parts even sadder. Thankfully Served Hot is a stand-alone novella and this cute couple got their happy ending, complete with a Coconut Frappé. This was an adorable story and I am already looking forward to reading Baked Fresh, the second book in Ms. Albert’s Portland Heat series.

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