Thursday, October 31, 2013

Release Day Review: Fighting Dirty for His Girl (Wylde Bears 3) by Jenika Snow

Sweet

5 out of 5 Stars

What did you like?
Bram is sweet. A perfect match for His deer shifter. Viciously taking down her abuser while still listening to her. I love that he listened to her. Definitely what she needed. Deer tend to be non predatory but despite her dislike for violence she was ok as a bear mate. Needing to be protected, helped Bram keep his bear in check. She was strong enough to survive a destructive obsession, while scarred she wasn't broken.

Would you recommend this book? Yes, absolutely. Would like to see Luke's story, next. While the story is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/754212840

Happy Halloween!

Hope you an  your families have a safe and fun filled holiday!

May you avoid all the tricks,
And only get treats.
A night full of fun,
And a belly of sweets.



Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Release Day Review: Return of the Assassin (All the King's Men) by Donna Lynne

Enthralled

5 out of 5 Stars

What did you like? Everything. Especially her female style vengeance. There was just the right amount of angst. Can't wait for the brothers to reunite with their dad. That's gonna be crazy.

What did you not like? Nothing it was flawless.

Would you recommend this book? If you've read the series, definitely. If not you should read the series in order, it helps.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/751486635

Monday, October 28, 2013

Release Day Review: Whitney (Alpha Marked 3) by Celia Kyle

Badass!

5 out of 5 Stars

What did you like?
This story totally rocked. Was so happy to see Whitney get her mates. Was super losses at the elders and I approve of the beat down they got from her and her mates.

What did you not like?
Nothing I didn't like but, I hope this isn't the end as it sounds like there is a battle in the future that the sisters need to take care of.

Would you recommend this book?
Absolutely, while I loved her sisters, Whitney has always been my favorite. She got such a lot of crap that it's good to see her get what she deserves.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/750925827

Friday, October 25, 2013

Beyond the Breaking Point by Zena Wynn

Personal Preferences Aside

5 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an author giveaway.

What did you not like:
I will state that before I read the book, the blurb noted that there was cheating. I am not a fan of cheating in stories nor am I a fan of cliffhangers and this story had both. Despite the fact that the blurb notated cheating I was intrigued and interested enough to want to read the story.

What did you like:
The story was indeed intriguing. It kept me interested right up until the end and the snippet for the next book made me interested in the upcoming book. The circumstances were such that the cheating was so interwoven into the book that the person being cheated on (past the initial incident and backstory), the husband, actually felt like the interloper. The characters were very relatable and their real world problems and beliefs very obviously shaped them into they were. Despite the cheating and the cliffhanging ending, I was very impressed with the story. There were many plot twists and turns along the way but the story flowed quite smoothly.

Would you recommend to a friend: If you don't have major issues with cheating and/or cliffhangers. I would recommend this story to read. The author does a marvelous job of progressing the storyline and keeping you connected with the characters.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/750081620

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Captured by Two Alphas (Alpha Legend 1) by Tara Rose

I won this book from a giveaway.

Shifter Spin-off
3 out of 5 stars

What do you like?
The story had good flow; the introduction of new characters was smooth. This book wrap upped some of the characters  from the previous series. There was some nice foreshadowing hinting at the next ménage.

What do you not like?
I felt that I really missed a lot since I haven't read all the books from the former series. This book felt more like a suspense book with a romantic relationship as a side story, rather than a romance with suspense. While the book did seem to focus on the suspense most of the actual suspense takes place off screen. There was a lot of doubt and cynicism in the characters. Despite their abilities to read each other they didn't trust and believe in each other. I was also not comfortable with the interrogation room scene, it was just too over the top for me.

Recommend it to a friend? If you have been keeping up with the series and the spinoffs, this would be a good read to have. You can also read it as the beginning of a new series but there might be some nuances that you don't understand. Overall, it was a good read.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/748495201

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip!

Today, Kathryn's class had a field trip to the McGrath Pumpkin Patch in Ventura. Mommy went along as a helper and so brother got to go too :) They listened to someone talk about the differences between squash, gourds and pumpkins. We took pictures with the scarecrow and big pumpkin. They checked out a few animals while they waited to board the hayride. Rode the hayride out to the field to pick out their pumpkins. Josh's was small with a long, twisty stem. Kathryn's was a little bigger but slightly lopsided. After arriving back to the pickup area, it was time to go. Kathryn went back to school for her pizza party and Mommy and Josh went home to rest. Such a tiring but fun day!


Listening to a talk about pumpkins.
Picture with scarecrow and big pumpkin.

Kathryn on the hay ride.
Josh walking thru the pumpkin patch.

Josh's Pumpkin
Kathryn's Pumpkin
                         

Monday, October 21, 2013

Release Day Review: Mine to Hold (Mine Series 3) by Cynthia Eden

Up Late on Release Day

5 out of 5 Stars

1. What do you like?
I couldn't put it down. It was amazing! Suspenseful, down to the last bit.  My brain is on overload. The heroine was strong, just amazingly emotionally and mentally strong. The characters in this series are just rock solid. I think they can't get any better, then I read the next one in the series.

2. What do you not like?
There was just so many villains in this piece. It was just unbelievable. Every time one went down, another popped up. Heck they even come back from the dead.

3. Recommend to a friend? Yes, go, go get it now...you won't regret it.
Posted: http://www.amazon.com/review/RRV33M28PFMN9/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00FN3FA9K&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Release Day Review: The Billionaire's Angel by JS Scott

Adorable

5 out of 5 Stars

This is one of the stories in the book: A Maine Christmas...Or Two: A Duet by JS Scott and Cali MacKay.

What do you like?
There is no other word to describe this story but adorable. I have a deep and absolute love for nerdy heroes. The heroine is a kindhearted klutz. The H/H are so relatable and you just want to cuddle them, perfect for a Christmas story. I can't wait to read more about the siblings and watch them get their HEA. The tie-in to the Billionaire Obsession series was nice. It was cool to hear from Simon but his cameo was short and didn't really interfere with the story. The continuity was nice and the length perfect for introducing new characters and a holiday romance.

Recommend to a friend? Definitely the story to read curled up in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate.

Posted: http://www.amazon.com/review/R25C8810BTWL6Y/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00EYFDXS8&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Costume Shopping

Mia:
Tilting my black beret a little to the right, I check the mirror to make sure my horns are covered. Shopping today! *happy dance* I really need a costume for the Halloween Party in a couple weeks. With no idea what I want to go as I need to do a little browsing. Not wanting to go as a demon, again this year, I would have to be creative. Strolling down the sidewalk, I peek inside shops as I make my way down the street. Nothing appeals. What am I going to wear? — with Holly Woede.

Holly:
* She had spent the better part of the day trying to find things that would fit. She was just starting to show but none of her skirts were getting a bit uncomfortable. With an arm full of bags and she reached for her cell phone, to let Cade know where she was. Rounding the corner not paying attention she ran smack into Mia as her phone and bags went flying* Oh Gosh Im so sorry, Mia? How are you?

Mia:
*Helps Holly pick up her bags and phone* I'm feeling frustrated, Holly, very frustrated. I'm trying to find a Halloween costume for the party in a couple week but I'm having no luck. Nothing screams "Me! Pick Me!" for an outfit and I don't want to go as a demon again this year. *sigh* I don't suppose you've picked a costume for the party or have a suggestion on where I should look for one?

Holly:
Actually I need to get one I almost forgot about the party. We could go down to the party store and see what we can find, there has to be something. What have you always wanted to be?

Mia:
I don't know what I want to be, that's the problem. I just know what I don't want to go as, which isn't very helpful. I do know, I'm not going in anything pink. *shudders* Black is more my color. Gothic works, but I want something more cute than dark. Animals are cute, right? Something fluffy and cuddly but with claws. *snaps fingers* I know, a cat, a black cat. *tilts head to the side, thinking* Kitty cat ears would cover my horns too.

Holly:
Oh they would cover your horns and with your body Mia you would look great! Cade may kill something but you would look hot. *Points to a costume shop* Lets go see if we can find both of us something hot to wear!

Mia:
Ooh, that would be fun to watch. *snickers, as we head inside the costume shop* Have you thought about what you want to be this Halloween? Are you and my brother planning on going as a matching set or individual costumes?
*walking out of the shop with their purchases* Holly, do you need a ride back home or is Cadeon coming to get you? *hears a car and turns* Nevermind. *Waves as she sees Cadeon pull up to the curb* I'll see you guys later.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

A Glimpse into the Future?

The leaves turn red, orange and brown
Then they fall all over the ground.
Sweep, Sweep, Sweep
Rake, Rake, Rake,
These damn things are all over the place!
In my house and on my walk
Looking at the tree, I yell "Don't you ever stop?"

Turning around I spy the twins faces
Peeking out of the leaf pile bases
"Oh boy, you guys are gonna regret that."
They smile at me, with their cute, innocent faces.
"Auntie, you love us. Now we play 'Chase Us'?"

Release Day Review: A Fox Between the Bear's Sheets (Wylde Bears 2) by Jenika Snow

Healing Her Mate

5 out of 5 Stars

What did you like:
The heroine is a plus sized beauty and was able to start the healing for the damaged hero, Ford. Mina did her best to ruin the men in her life and I'm glad that Talia's brother got out of her trap. I loved when the heroine, Talia, clocked Mina. That one really had it coming and it felt so good to see her get her comeuppance. The ending was nice, showing everyone moving on. I'm kinda hoping that Talia's brother gets a HEA too.

Would you recommend to a friend: Absolutely. Can't wait for the next book.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/743628963

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Release Day Review: Fury of Desire (Dragonfury Series 4) by Coreene Callahan

Plot Twists

3 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

What did you like:
This was a nice continuation of the series. It helped tie up some loose ends from previous books and add plot twists and introduce new characters.

What did you not like:
The relationship between the h/h felt a little weak. They didn't seem to have the spark the other couples have had so far in the series.

Would you recommend to a friend: If you have read the previous books, definitely read this. If you haven't I would recommend going back and starting with Fury of Fire (Book 1).

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/644081713

Skye's Challenger - Excerpt from the Elements Series

Skye ruffled through his desk, his head on the table. When he had full control of his territory he was never this bored. He made sure there was always a war he could lead his troops into. Flash claimed there were bound to be times of battle, but so far Skye had yet to see any and paper work was slowly killing him.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Mia's Cars

Ferarri F12 Berlinetta

Ferrari 458 Italia
Lamborghini Aventador LP700

Mia's Formal Wardrobe

Fairy Princess
Dark Blue
Blue and Breezy
 
Beautiful in Black
Royal Purple Strapless
Cotton Candy
Blue with Gold
Pale Yellow
Purple Swirls
Sea Foam
Sunshine Yellow
Dark Purple 
Blue and Silver



Mia's Casual Wardrobe

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Deadly Target (IAD Agency 3) by Laurie Roma

Fight Club: It's Like it Never Happened

5 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an blog hop contest.

What did you like:
My heart cried for the heroine. It takes such a toll on her, doing what's right. I didn't want to like the hero, he was a douchebag at first. However, he redeemed himself and showed love and worthiness. For all the serious business in the story, it has a great deal of hilarious humor. Two wounded souls come together to both save the world and each other.

Would you recommend to a friend: Absolutely.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/740218707

One Shot (IAD Agency 2) by Laurie Roma

His Fierce Warrior

5 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an blog hop contest.

What did you like:
It takes a strong man to be a match to a strong woman, it takes an even stronger man to admit when his woman is stronger than him. Save the world or taking vengeance on her torturer? Why can't she have both. The heroine is a strong warrior with a wounded heart. While the hero is an alpha male, he's putty to his mate. Foreshadowing the next books, which I can't wait to read, while not taking away from the main storyline. Still the same characters we've grown to love and even some new ones.

Would you recommend to a friend: Absolutely.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/740199387

Under Pressure (IAD Agency 1) by Laurie Roma

"You LoJacked Me?"

5 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an blog hop contest.

What did you like:
The heroine was the heart of the team. She is the soft spot of the commander (alpha hero). This was a great beginning to a series, enough secondary characters that I can't wait to see more of. The info about the characters was interspersed nicely and well paced within the story. There was a nice bit of foreshadowing for later books and the relationships revealed between characters was that of a solid family group.

Would you recommend to a friend: Definitely

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/740197600

Rage and Sorrow

Disgust rolled off her in waves, as she watched the head fly away from the body. Filthy parasites, she thought, weak and useless.

Remind you of anyone a voice purred, taunting her with the past. Ignoring the voice, she brushed dust off her leather jacket and strode towards her baby, Linnet, a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. As she started off in the direction of home, she let her mind drift back...

The rage and sorrow consumed her. The anger pushing, destroying, tearing her apart from the inside out. As her vision washed red, she thought, This wasn't how it was supposed to be.

She felt raw, cold and alone. Her heart shattered. Gone was the sound of children's laughter, the warmth and happiness she had previously known. Falling to her knees she lifted a handful of soil. "Ashes to ashes and dust to dust," she whispered.

The world suddenly felt awkward and strange, painful to be in. She longed to be free of the memories, tainted as they now were. Most of all she wished to be free of the sorrow consuming her soul. Cutting all ties, she decided, that was the key. Complete disassociation, leaving only room for vengeance. Vengeance and anger and rage.

No longer holding back but freeing her rage; she felt cleansed, powerful and ready to destroy. Bring the rain, she thought, let my rage burn bright and long. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, destruction comes for all who litter my path. May the gods have mercy on you for I have none in me.

Snapping back to the present, she realized she was already home. She pulled into the garage, parked the car and heading inside...

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Part 1: Wolves

First writing attempt: The King comes across a cottage far away from the local shifter village. Upon discovering the woman living there he demands an explanation.

Extra Credit by JC Szot

M/M Love Story

4 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an author giveaway.

What did you like:
The story was realistic and nicely paced. It showed both the drama and issues associated with a young man coming to terms with his sexuality. Relationships are difficult especially when each of the couple is in a different place emotionally and mentally. The unspoken peer pressure from the "rite of passage" was well written. Overall, the story was emotionally engaging.

What did you not like:
There were times that the wording in the story felt harsh, redundant and awkward. This did momentarily detract from the story.

Would you recommend to a friend: If you enjoy m/m I would recommend this book.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/738427217

The Accidental Submissive (The Mansion) by Leah Michaels

First Time Sub

4 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an blog contest.

What did you like:
The sub felt very relatable and she made me smile. The proposal scene was beautiful. The story was very emotionally engaging and made me want to beat the evil Dom.

What did you not like:
There was the reference to the actor in the beginning that I didn't understand. That distracted me in the beginning. While the twist and turns in the story helped to move the h/h relationship along it didn't make me want to find out what happened to the side storylines.

Would you recommend to a friend: Absolutely. Great story.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/738425630

Seducing Carma (Passion Peak, Colorado 1) by Tara Rose

Spin off series

4 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an blog contest.

What did you like:
There was a lot of twists and turns to keep my interest. The characters had lots of depth and there was a nice bit of setup for the next story. The relationship had built-in trust from long time friendships.

What did you not like:
I didn't like the way that after her family found out about the past they treated her like she was an idiot and couldn't take care of herself. It put a damper on a previously happy friendship.

Would you recommend to a friend: Definitely a great read even if you haven't read the previous series. Would recommend reading the other series though since at times I felt a bit lost with the references.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/738423295

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Through the Portal

"Are you sure this thing is safe Ninnian?" Syoko eyed the demonic portal into the aether.

"Oh yes, yes. It is perfectly fine for the umpteenth time," Ninnian said pushing Syoko closer to the portal.

"Yeah, but that last portal I came out on the other end with my head facing my back!"

"Oh but I got it fixed, right? It's fine. Nothing my magic can't fix!"

Ninnian pushed her through green abyss. Syoko felt herself being pulled through the darkness, so far from the Light. It felt dirty. She was still uncomfortable with trusting a warlock but Ninnian had never steered her wrong.

Syoko was drawn to her destination that Ninnian had prepared. They were scouting out a new region under Azeroth newly made by Deathwing. It was supposedly untouched, even after his fall.

"Hear.. Feel... Think..."

"Ninnian, is that you?" Syoko cried out into the abyss.

"Hear... Feel... Think..."

"Nin, stop it!! So help me I will 'cleanse' you again!"

Syoko was jerked about. Now where is this crazy warlock taking me?! A light opened ahead. She was more than happy to be out of the dirty, Light-ridden place. Trees spread out in her view. A sky dotted with clouds blanketed the area.

"I thought this was suppose to be a subterranean area." Syoko looked over expecting to see Ninnian beside here. A battle was taking place and where Ninnian should have been standing, a tall figure resembling a Night Elf stood in her place. She immediately guarded her self and put some distance between them.

"What are you?! Help us! Can you heal?!" The Night Elf wanted her help?

"Yes, I can." Syoko reached back grabbing her mace. "What the..." A weird sensation ran up her back. She turned. She had sprouted a tail! She was going to make sure that warlock wouldn't be able to sit for weeks!

Syoko joined the battle with her Night Elf cousin. She touched the Light. It felt... thick. More abundant and took more restraint not to smother her targets with its grace.

The battle won. Syoko looked around for any sign of Ninnian.

"Salutations, Adventurer. I am Noelle Pellicier. I thank you for answering my call for help."

"I am Syoko Alchymes." Syoko bowed her head in honor. "What do you mean I answered your call for help?"

"I summoned you here out of the Aether. Normally I get Fey or other creatures but you came through the portal this time."

"I did? Where am I, cousin?"

"Cousin? We are not one in the same. You are a Miqo'te and I Elezen. See?"

Noelle grabbed her cat-like ears. Syoko began to purr as her touches were soothing to her. "I've always wanted to do this."

"Stop stop!" Syoko pushed her away. "So I'm no longer even a Blood Elf."

"Blood Elf?"

"A long story short. I was traveling through the Aether by a friend of mine. She seemed not to only change my heritage, but what realm I reside in."

"Well then traveler," Noelle hugged her close. "Welcome to Eorzea."

Who is Syoko?

Syoko grew up in a Silvermoon City, at the time of when the war against Kael’thas and the Burning Crusade took place. Her family earned a high social ranking due to her father being a captain in the war. Sadly, it came at the price of his life.

Syoko dedicated her life to following her father’s footsteps and joining the Blood Knights. She carried his shield into every battle. Instead of making her enemies bow down to her power, she chose to use her power to heal her allies in battle so that their families would have that Father, Mother, Son or Daughter return to them.

After her sojourn across Azeroth, Syoko befriended many allies in her battle against the Scourage. One unlikely friend was a warlock named Ninnian. She wielded dark magic. A source of power the Blood Knights once tapped into but not sought to destroy. However, Ninnian was skilled at her powers and used them to help her allies and Syoko many times in battle. Ninnian managed to convince her to join a guild, Chaos Risen.

The beginning of a heroin’s tale. With the guild’s aid and her aiding the guild, they led many raids upon the Scourage eventually ending the Lich King’s tyranny.

Syoko saw a new era as the Aspects sacrificed their gift to destroy one of their own. She helped tame the Elements and brought peace to the Emerald Dream. Now with new allies in the mist, the Panderan bring many new plants for her collection. Mixing up new concoctions to help aid her fellow guildmates.

With Orgrimmar now under siege of another Tyrannical leader. She readies shield and mace to protect those she loves, her heritage, her homeland.

Miyako

Thank you to Carlie Futch for allowing me to use one of her characters, the inspiration for this story. This story may be a little more graphic than the rest of my writings. It is not an actual portrayal of the original character.
Always and forever, enjoy!

Burning Hunger (Evans Brothers 3) by Tory Richards

Done Playing the Field

4 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an author giveaway.

What did you like:
It was a good wrap up to the trilogy, no lose ends. Everyone got their HEA.

What did you not like:
The relationship didn't solidify until the last page. While I did enjoy the story, it just didn't grab me like the two previous books.

Would you recommend to a friend: Yes

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/720314784

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Mia Woede

Mia Woede is a character in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark Series. Her first mention is in Rydstrom's book, Kiss of a Demon King.

She is a Rage Demon Princess, sister to King Rydstrom and Cadeon the Kingmaker. Her other siblings include a sister, Zoe Woede. Her home, Castle Tornin, located in the plane of Rothkalina, was seized by Omort the Deathless, an evil sorcerer rumored to be immune from death. Whoever controls Tornin, controls the kingdom. Her brothers Rydstrom and Cadeon have since recaptured Tornin.


Noelle Pellicier

FFXIV: A Realm Reborn

Race/Clan: Elezen/Duskwight
Nameday: 3rd Sun of the 3rd Astral Moon
Guardian: Thaliak, the Scholar

Classes:


Who is Ninnian?

Ninnian is a Sin'dorei (Blood Elf) Warlock, I started her when I came back to WoW after The Lich King expansion was released.

Soon after she was created, I joined Chaos Risen. After joining in March 2009, I have spent the last few years working my way up to the position of Hand of Chaos. As second-in-command, I had many responsibilities: Guild Bank, Social Media, Raid Leader, Secretary. I helped create and maintain our FB page and websites. I organized our guild bank and kept it stocked. I lead Black Team thru the icy North to assault the Lich King in Icecrown Citadel  and all the way to the Maelstrom to defeat Deathwing after the Cataclysm. All guild and officer meeting notes/minutes were recorded and posted for those who couldn't attend. After all these years of playing, I have decided to take a break.

The city of Orgimmar is under siege and Garrosh's downfall is nigh. Many a night, I gathered with my guildies to defeat those who were bent on the destruction of Azeroth. Sadly, the spark is gone; I have lost the desire to raid. The WoW community has changed much over the years, lately it seems that the only thing that matters is the DPS meter. Talent, skill, gear...none of it matters in the face of flashy numbers. Too often, those who play feel it is acceptable to put down and harass players during encounters. Zerg is a play style that has become more and more prevalent while Blizzard continues to cater to those who demand instant gratification and power leveling/gearing.

Ninnian has spent a number of years building both her character and her circle of friends within her realm. Many a friend has partied with Nin while we invade the Alliance Inn in Dalaran. WoW has always been a social game for Nin: friends to do retro runs, achievement whores spending hours plotting and rep grinding, xmog goddesses who scavenge for those rare recipes and gear to twirl and spin down the catwalk, and pet collectors showing off that rare pet that took hours to capture. So many fond memories to reflect on.

The time has come to move on, at least for a little while. Perhaps, there will come a time when Ninnian is ready to once more pick up her wand and call forth her faithful demon, Flaafazag, and protect the Azeroth she has grown to love. For now, Al diel shala.

Surrender to Desire (Evans Brothers 2) by Tory Richards

Running with Bulls...I mean, Running from a Bull

5 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an author giveaway.

What did you like:
Sexy scenes with a hot alpha male. He beat up the bad guy stalker. Good lead in for the third book in the trilogy. Their meeting was absolutely hilarious, getting chased up a tree by a bull. Priceless.

Would you recommend to a friend: Yes.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/720314434

A Perfect Fit (Evans Brothers 1) by Tory Richards

Sexy, Sassy Heroine, Smokin' Hot Cowboy

5 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an author giveaway.

What did you like:
While the heroine was a plus size beauty, there wasn't any of the insecurities that seem to come with it. She was headstrong and self confident. I was also happy to see that she didn't give up her life and just fall in line when her cowboy came along. She maintained her independence and made it work for them both.

What did you not like:
While the story did wrap itself up nicely, I wouldn't have minded if it was longer. It was so good, I would have loved to keep reading.

Would you recommend to a friend: Absolutely. Sexy Cowboys, Plus Sized Beauty with Attitude to match, what's not to love?

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/720314372

Taken by Her Mate (Northern Silver Pack) by Sam Crescent and Jenika Snow

Shifter Story

4 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an blog contest.

What did you like:
I love shifter books and this was a good one. A change of guard, going back to the true heart of what it means to be a shifter: mates, worthy alphas and magic.

What did you not like:
I didn't like it that he left his opponent alive. I know that it was useful to make the story longer and get in more plot twists but it just wasn't realistic. I mean this guy abused his mate for years and he shows mercy, knowing what kind of worthless carcass he is.

Would you recommend to a friend: Yes, if you are a fan of shifter stories. I would definitely recommend this one.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/736710112

Monday, October 7, 2013

Sasha's Lion (Sin City Shifters) by Hazel Gower

Not My Preferred Genre

4 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an author giveaway.

What did you like:
Despite the age/attitude issue, the relationship build up was decent and there is enough lead in for subsequent books in the series. The story flowed nicely.

What did you not like:
I will note that NA/YA is not my preferred genre. It has too much high school drama to suit me. A lot of selfishness on the parts of the h/h and secondary characters.

Would you recommend to a friend: If you are a fan of NA/YA I would recommend this book for you. It is well written and interesting.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/736697887

Vampires Among Us (Vampires Among Us 1) by Alice Brown

Excellent Start to a New Series

4 out of 5 Stars

What did you like:
The author did a good job setting up this new world. There was lots of information and a believable community. There is a good basis for a series, as the secondary characters are well developed. It was a nice change of pace to see that the community, while well developed still had improvement and places to grow. I predict that the underground community will grow along with the storyline in the following books. The hero was just what the heroine needed; he was patient, loving and yet still an alpha male able to give off protective vibes. It was nice to see his vulnerabilities but not have them be debilitating ones or ones that would weaken the heroine. The heroine had a nice twist (her ability to dream events) which saved everyone, balancing her contributions, so it wasn't just the hero saving people.

What did you not like:
The only part that I had issue with was implied inconsistency. In the beginning Shawn was in a rage and obviously stronger than a human but while he managed to beat her, he didn't actually kill her. I find it hard to believe that if he was so intoxicated and out of it mentally (reliving his service days) that he was able to control his strength enough to avoid killing her. Especially as it seemed as if she was being beaten multiple times in a quick succession.

Would you recommend to a friend: Absolutely, it was a great start to a new series and I look forward to more stories from this author.

Review Post: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/736637138

Letters to Her Soldier by Hazel Gower

In Love with her Best Friend's Older Brother

3 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an author giveaway.

It was a slow start. I know many plus size heroines feel bad about themselves and are down on themselves but the excuses she came up with why he would want her felt appalling and her accepting that it was ok for him to "use her" was just unacceptable. They jumped right into the sex despite the fact that neither of them seemed ready. She's supposed to be seeing the doctor at the hospital and he wants to marry her not just a quick fling. The emotional depth in the beginning was shallow; it wasn't until about midway thru the book that the story started to deepen into a relationship. The romantic gesture he planned was beautiful, up until she ruined the moment. Even better was when his mom invites his rival to his coming home party and everyone knows it but her...awkward. It took a while but they finally got it together at the end and acted like adults instead of hormonal teenagers.

Would you recommend to a friend: I just couldn't get into this book, so I wouldn't recommend this one. I would recommend Hazel Gower as an author and would definitely buy more of her books, though, especially her Bears Series.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/644075026

Blind Bet (Pushing Limits 1) by Susan Hayes

Kinky Guess Who

5 out of 5 Stars

I received this a copy of this book from an blog contest.

What did you like:
I love to read poly stories. Even more, I love to read about shifters and other non human characters. This delivered a riveting mix of characters, from the sassy heroine (Laurli) to the sexy teddy bear (Mattero) to the catlike blue man (G'arn) to the captain with the soft side (Cass) and finally the emotional quicksilver (Jax). The different personalities played well to the multiple sides of the heroine's personality.

Would you recommend to a friend: Absolutely.

Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/736550275