Saturday, April 23, 2016
RFTC I've Got a Secret Event with Author Lia Riley
ARC Review: 'Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick
When asked to describe this book the first thing that comes to mind is Sherlock Holmes-esk Victorian Gothic Romance. It may seem a little darker than her past books but it was great read. It was very reminiscent of her older series, Lake/March. Like with the Lake/March series the focus is mainly on the the mystery and there is always a good twist or two. I enjoyed it because it wasn't so cut and dry, it was several mini mysterious complied in to one. As soon as they solved one it had everyone thinking well if they didn't do it it who did? And so the story continues. I have been a fan of Amanda Quick/ Jayne Ann Krantz/ Jayne Castle for going on ten years and as much as I love the Arcane Society I'm glad she had decided to keep it in the Jayne Castle Futuristic setting. ‘Till Death Do Us Part is a fantastic Victorian Mystery and I hope to see more like this in the future.
Calista Langley has a very unusual business, she is in the Introductions business. She brings like minded individuals, people who are lonely and have trust issues afraid of fortune hunters together. She introduces them to people they might never have met otherwise. She is smart about it, her brother looks into everyone; they do a background check basically. She is very select about her clients so when one of her very good clients recommends her brother Calista doesn't think anything about it especially since the brother is none other than the famous mystery writer, Trent Hastings.
Trent Hastings is protective over his siblings, he makes the appointment with Miss Langley to make sure she isn't trying to con his sister. Trent is immediately fascinated by the woman. Even after she kicks him out of her office and after his sister gets on to him about what he just did and even when he is trying to write he is still thinking about Calista. But when Trent goes back to apologize what he finds is a mystery worthy of his main character, Clive Stone.
Calista is at her wits end, someone has been leaving death momentos with her initials. Even worse is that someone managed to sneak into the house and leave one on her pillow. When Calista receives her third, a coffin bell, she is terrified. Trent is quick to take matters into his own hands and with the insistence of Calista together the begin to solve this mystery. Calista and Trent together just makes sense; they are opposites attract in obvious appearance but when you find out more about them they have more in common then they think.
Overall, I loved this book, everything about it I loved. I really hope she writes more like this.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
Friday, April 22, 2016
ARC Review: Icing by Kelly Jamieson
Icing is the third story in the Aces Hockey series from Kelly Jamieson. Each book can be read as a standalone story, but I would recommend reading in order if possible as the characters are not only connected, but heavily active in each of the books. While this book did have some great moments, I had mixed feelings overall with the story.
After coming to the realization that his girlfriend Melissa was using him for his fame and money, NHL star Duncan Armstrong swore off women. That is until he meets a waitress that is unlike anyone he has met before. Amber is everything he could want in a woman, except shortly after meeting her he finds out that she is a model. Not looking to repeat the situation with his ex, Duncan knows he should stay away from her. Amber had enough going on in her life without adding a relationship to the mix, but she found she couldn't stay away from the sexy stranger she met at the bar. But when she found out that he was a professional athlete, she immediately knew she should run as she could. But despite both Amber and Duncan having reasons they should stay away from one another, they find themselves unable to fight the connection between them. But will their reasons prove valid and destroy anything between them, or will it turn into something more?
I had a really tough time here with Amber at first. She was judgmental and made assumptions. I understood part of that with her background and everything that had happened, but I also didn't like it after a bit because Duncan gave her no reason to believe that he was the same. Duncan was better for the most part, until the end when he turned around and did the exact same thing that he didn't want Amber doing to him, judging her based on past experience. It really frustrated me that both of them did this when they knew exactly how it felt! They could have benefited from better communication and I really think that if both of them hadn't been stubborn that it would have gone a long way. Amber was the worst about it though, and I found myself irritated with her often.
Besides some character issues, the story felt choppy and drawn out at times. I found myself wanting to skim and losing interest. Things were a bit repetitive and the back and forth got a bit old. While I liked these two when they were actually together and thought that they made a good couple, the issues between them just seemed to circle round and round and I just got to the point that I didn't care anymore. They did have great chemistry and were super hot together, but after awhile that just wasn't enough to hold my interest. I think that there was potential here, but unfortunately the story just seemed to get a bit lost along the way. If you like sports romance or hockey stories, you might give this one a shot as it is possible that these things were simply issues for me personally. I have read and really enjoyed stories from Kelly Jamieson before though and this one did have some good moments like I said, so I know I will read more from her in the future even if this one wasn't my favorite of hers.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
RFTC I've Got a Secret Event with Author Laura Kaye
ARC Review: Loving You by Kelly Elliott
Loving You is the conclusion to the Wanted, Broken, and Love Wanted in Texas series from Kelly Elliott. While I have been looking forward to this book for awhile now, I have also been dreading it. It is so bittersweet to get the conclusion to a favorite series, and while It was great to see so many familiar faces it was also really hard to say goodbye to this amazing world that Kelly Elliott has created.
Taylor Atwood and Jase Morris knew the moment that they met that there was something special between them. But Jase pushed Taylor away at every opportunity because he never believed that he was good enough for her and there were things that he was scared would ruin them before they ever got started. Just as they finally seem to have found a way to be together though, tragedy strikes threatening to tear apart the future they were planning together.
I really loved these two. I will admit that I was a little annoyed with Jase at the beginning of this story. I wanted to shake him for doing some of the dumb things he did. But he is a typical guy and they sometimes do really stupid things. Luckily though, he was able to come back from that and he won me over as he did with Taylor. I never once questioned the feelings these two had for one another. Though they had obstacles and both did some things that I didn't like, their feelings for each other were so genuine. They had such a strong connection and the chemistry between them just made things that much more intense between them. They were smoking hot together, and I loved that Jase was so great with Taylor. He was really sweet and I couldn't get enough of them together.
I will say that things tend to be a bit on the cheesy side at times with Kelly Elliott's books, and Loving You was no exception. Luckily for me that isn't a deal breaker, and I actually enjoy a bit of that. There were a few times that it felt a bit much though, and I think if you don't care for super sweet romance stories that it could be a bit of an issue at times with her books. I love the emotion she brings to her stories though, and her heroes are so sweet they will make you swoon. I am definitely excited to see what Kelly Elliott has in store next, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Though I am sad that this was the conclusion to such a great group of characters, I know I will reread these books over and over again in the future. If you haven't read the Wanted, Broken, and Love Wanted in Texas series they are definitely worth looking into for fans of contemporary and NA romance. If you have read some of all of these books though, this book is a must read.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
Thursday, April 21, 2016
ARC Review: Mr. and Mrs. by Alexa Riley
This is my first Alexa Riley book. It's more romance than the erotic stuff that I really like but it's honestly fun and super easy to read. This is a new AR series that focuses on the romance themes that I love and based on this book, I will definitely be back for more.
Mr and Mrs is the first installment in the new series. This is the Phillip and Molly Tanner story. I'm not normally a fan of already married couple books but this one had an interesting twist with the whole amnesia thing so I gave it a try. Phillip and Molly love each other but based on some questionable feeling hiding start to feel distance after one year. Things get interesting when Molly has an accident that leaves her with amnesia and Phillip starts woeing (I like that word...is that a word??) his wife back.
I like this book for some very basic reasons that you probably see in a lot of my reviews: insta-love, steamy sex and a bossy alpha male. My less than 4 or 5 star rating is because I had a difficult time getting into the actual relationship between the characters. I felt more like a story was being told to me than like I was experiencing a story. That might be because this book is super short, I'm not sure. I just know I wanted to be more invested in the main characters.
This wasn't a long book so this is not a long review. All in all, I think this quick hot read is worth a try.
**ARC provided by Ardent PRose**
Purchase: | Amazon |
RFTC I've Got a Secret Event with Author Kindle Alexander
Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!
I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!
Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.
I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I'll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died - weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn't have to be alone.
That time in my life was terrible. It's everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.
Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness - it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle eReader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.
Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn't a time she wasn't there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It's its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn't be here today without her.
ARC Review: Clash by C.A. Harms
I am a huge fan of C.A. Harms, so I pretty much don't even read the blurbs for her books anymore. If I see her name on it, I know I have to read it. Once I did read the blurb for Clash though, I was completely sold! I knew this book was going to be an emotional journey for not only the characters but for readers as well, and it definitely was. I will warn some readers that there are some difficult subjects dealt with here and if you have any triggers with violence you might want to keep that in mind before starting this one. I think this is a great story that is well worth the read though, even if it is difficult to get through at times.
After her mother left her behind at a young age, Payton was forced to endure a life no one should have to from the one man that was supposed to protect her. Approaching graduation, Payton knew that if she kept her head down, she would soon be able to get out and she would do whatever it took to make sure that she never had to see her father again. But all of that changes one night, and Payton turns to her best friend Casey. Casey's family has always felt like her own, and they take Payton in immediately. Though Payton has always had a crush on Casey's older brother Dylan, she knows that now he views her as a victim and will never see her as more than a little sister that he needs to look out for. But when Dylan finally starts to see Payton differently, can they find a way to have a relationship when it seems the world is intent at throwing obstacles in their way at every turn?
I really liked Dylan and Payton. Payton was a survivor and she was stronger than she even realized. I loved that she never gave up and that she sought out help. It was so refreshing to see a heroine that knew she couldn't do it all on her own, and she turned to her friends and a therapist to help her through the aftermath of a horrible situation. I liked that things with Dylan evolved in a natural way and that he was very supportive of her. He knew when to push her a bit and also when to just be there for her when she needed him. These two already had history and the beginning of a great connection, but I really enjoyed seeing as they transitioned into more. The chemistry between them was smoking hot, and you could really feel how much these two felt for one another.
The only thing that kept me from rating this one five stars was that I felt at times the drama got to be a bit much and things were resolved a bit too easily. Otherwise though, I really enjoyed this book. I loved Payton and Dylan and the secondary characters. There was a ton of steam and emotion, and as I said before C.A. Harms dealt with some really tough topics here. I felt like she showed them in a respectful way and showed that healing and growth is possible and how important it is to get help in situations like Payton's. I felt so much for Payton and at times my heart broke for all that she was going through. C.A. Harms is one of my go-to authors at this point, and I thought that Clash was a really great story. If you haven't read anything by C.A. Harms yet, you are missing out and Clash is a great place to start. If you are already a fan of Harms though, this is one you will enjoy. I am looking forward to more from her in the future, and I know that whatever she writes I will be reading.
**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
ARC Review: A Debutante's Guide to Rebellion by Kathleen Kimmel
Adorable is what this novella by Kathleen Kimmel is! It's book #1.5 in the Birch Hall Romance series, and it's well worth reading. There were so many scenes that would just make me smile from the cuteness.
Lady Eddie is a wallflower, but not by choice. Her mother is controlling and only ever points out Eddie's faults. The poor girl unfortunately has a low self esteem and no nerve to fight her mother and her dictates. Eddie's mother sets her focus on one particular lord who is about three times Eddie's age, and Eddie likes the idea because she doesn't feel she deserves more.
Mr. Blackwood (Ezekiel) is very close to a regency era Sheldon Cooper, but he isn't annoying. He is socially awkward and all of society finds him strange. At the young age of twenty he isn't looking for a wife and no one is nagging at him to settle down. The only exception is his cousin, who detects Ezekiels affections for Lady Eddie.
Because of their shy natures, the romance between these two is just too cute! Kimmel made the two so very perfect for each other that you're rooting for the match from the very beginning. Along with this adorable romance, Kimmel throws in a little sub plot and a dash excitement at the end.
It's my best understanding that the events in this book take place before the first in the series, A Lady's Guide to Ruin, but you can read either first and no spoiling will happen. This novella was a wonderful follow up to Kathleen Kimmel's debut, and I cannot wait to continue the series.
**ARC provided by Publisher**
ARC Review: River of Love by Melissa Foster
River of Love is the newest Bradens book by Melissa Foster. As with the rest of the books in the Love in Bloom series, it is a standalone story with interconnected characters. Though it isn't necessary to read these in order, I would definitely recommend it if possible. Seeing these characters from one story to the next allows full enjoyment, and it is so much fun to see familiar faces and watch as each one of the characters gets their HEA.
Sam Braden is known for working hard and playing harder. As the owner of a river rafting adventure company, he is used to living life to the fullest and not slowing down for anything or anyone. But as his family members start settling down one after the other, he begins to realize that he wants what they have and that it might be time to find a woman of his own. Problem is, Sam wants his brother's employee Faith Hayes who turns him down every time he asks her out. Faith knows exactly the type of man Sam Braden is and refuses to go down that path again after getting her heart broken. But can Sam show her that he is ready to be with one woman, as long as that woman is Faith?
I really loved Sam! He was amazing and he worked so hard to show Faith that he was interested in her for more than just sex. Him winning her over to get a first date was so adorable, and I really loved how much thought he put into it. He was such a good guy and went above and beyond for Faith. He was also super sexy, which never hurts! Faith on the other hand was hard for me to warm up to. On the one side, I really loved that she wasn't totally bitter and that she focused on taking her painful experience and putting a positive spin on it. She started something that helped so many other women, and I was so glad that she was able to be there for others that were going through similar situations. However, she also was extremely judgmental at first and couldn't seem to grasp the fact that cheating and sleeping around/being casual were two entirely different things! It came off as really immature and she annoyed me for much of the first half of this book assuming that people (especially Sam) couldn't change. Luckily, this didn't last the entire book and Faith did get better as the story continued. Sam was the highlight of this book though, and I absolutely adored him!
Overall, this was another great story from Melissa Foster. She never disappoints and always brings such emotion to her stories. If you are a fan of contemporary romance, you need to be reading Melissa Foster. If you follow my reviews at all, I know I probably sound like a broken record by now but I honestly enjoy each book I read from her! With love, family and friendship being the focus of all her books, there is something that everyone can relate to and I thoroughly enjoy each of her stories from start to finish. Sam Braden is definitely one of my favorite of Foster's heroes to date, and he is worth the read alone!
**ARC Provided by Tasty Book Tours**
RFTC I've Got a Secret Event with Author Sarah Castille
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Review: Can't Slow Down by Lizzie Hart Stevens
After reading and loving Fast Lane, the first book in the Consumed by Love series from Lizzie Hart Stevens, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book! Can't Slow Down picks up where the cliffhanger of Fast Lane left off and is the continuation of Coen and Lexi's story. These should be read in order, so make sure to start with Fast Lane if you are new to the series. While I was really excited to get this book, I have to say that after reading I was a bit disappointed. I still liked Lexi and Coen a lot, but the story left a lot to be desired here.
After the childhood he had, Coen Walker was unwilling to allow love into his life until he met Lexi Taylor. Right away he knew she was different, and for the first time ever he found himself wanting a relationship. But when Lexi's ex will stop at nothing to get her back, Coen and Lexi will have to survive the danger and fight for a chance at the future that they both want.
I thought that Lexi and Coen had such a great connection and chemistry right from the start, and they definitely still had that here. But things progressed so quickly, that it was just completely unbelievable to me. While I do believe that they cared for one another and were well on their way to something special together, falling in love with a complete stranger that you really haven't spent any time with is something that is impossible for me to find genuine in a matter of days. (As in two-three days, well under a week's time) The fact that they were both suddenly so into it full-on after Lexi had just broken up with her ex upon meeting Coen and he was suddenly a changed man with little to no adjustment of being completely against love or commitment just didn't feel realistic to me and didn't work.
I think that there was the potential for a really great story here, but these two installments were just too short to fully deliver. Everything felt so rushed and just didn't come off as realistic, no matter how perfect these two were together. They were great for one another, and I think with a longer story and more depth that this series could have been fantastic. Coen and Lexi had a ton of heat though, and I did enjoy these two novellas even if I didn't love them as much as I wanted to. I also think that this book could have used an editor. I found a lot of mistakes and it was distracting at times while I was reading. While this isn't a total deal breaker, it is frustrating for a reader, especially when there are so few pages to the story. That many errors in such a short book really stand out. While I was disappointed here, I do think that the potential was there and the parts I liked I really liked. I would read more from Lizzie Hart Stevens in the future, I just really hope that in the future her books aren't so short and rushed.
Purchase: | Amazon |
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