ARC: Protecting a Mate (Quick and Furry 7) by Celia Kyle and Mina Carter

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 out of 5 Stars

I love how worried Foster is about squishing Melanie, how adorable. Thank goodness Harvey got his just desserts, he was just too stupid to live. Poor Archer just can't win when it comes to these Baxter girls. I can't wait until Max gets his own mate, she is gonna be smacking him upside the head almost constantly :) Loving this series, can't wait until the next one.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1397730041

ARC: Stepbrother UnSEALed by Nicole Snow

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

This story was everything I expected of a Nicole Snow story: gritty, edgy, drama and a good girl taming the bad boy who steals her heart. I love that everyone who deserved it got their HEA and that the damage done by the psychotic one didn't last forever.
There was a lot of ups and downs. The military aspect was believable without getting overly technical and/or gory. However, the stepmom was a little too far over the line psycho. I was disappointed in the father for being sucked into her crazy sphere. I loved the crazy that her best friend brought even though I felt she took too much advantage of the heroine. That's besties for you tho.
Overall, a great read. Emotionally, I was all over the place and the ending brought a feeling of "that's been done right".

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376354699

ARC: Step Beast by Selena Kitt

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

I think this has become my favorite Selena Kitt book to date. This story was longer than most and very emotionally charged. I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns the plot took and there were so many home truths that the story really resonates.
I loved that while there was a happy ending, it wasn't all sunshine and roses. There is a lot of healing left to do for the characters and the ending of the story reflected that grief and loss aren't healed overnight. I was kind of hoping that her friend Frankie, would get her own story, if only so we can peek back into their lives and see how well things are going.
It never fails to amazing me the things we pass on to our children without meaning to and how one person's decisions can affect so many lives. It is a painful truth that sometimes a parents love can damage more deeply than neglect.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376347785

Cool for the Summer Symposium w/ Laurie Roma

First of all, thanks for having me! I'm here to talk about my favorite genre: paranormal romance. This includes (at least for me) everything from aliens to shifters to vamps to fae. It's a crazy world(s) out there to explore and there is always room for more. What I love best about paranormal is that you can mostly make your own rules. As long as the backstory is good and the mythology isn't too overly complicated or obscure, you're good to go.
Now, I love to read a variety of things so while paranormal romance is my go-to, I also love contemporary romance. Lately, there has been a well spring of step romance and I've been happy to read and read and read. I know that this isn't everyone's cup of tea and the idea of "relatives" (although they aren't legally related) freaks people out. What I love best about these stories is that the MCs find love in unconventional places. I think that love shouldn't be limited to what others out there think is right/wrong. If it feels right to you and no one else is getting hurt, follow your heart. It is your life to live, not theirs.
With that, I can be found writing reviews of many books in the genres I just talked about on my blog, Discussions With Demons.

Posted: http://laurieroma.blogspot.com/2015/08/symposium-cool-for-summer.html

ARC: Erun (The Ujal 4) by Erin Tate

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

I like that his past affects his outlook on life. It is unrealistic that events similar to his past wouldn't be a trigger for him. I love the way she stood up to her ex. I'm hoping Shon gets his own story as well as Sece/Niox.
This is the first book I have read from this series but definitely not the last. I'm glad I was able to read it as a standalone without any trouble.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376361010

ARC: The Sheikh's American Bride (The Sharqi Sheikhs 2) by Leslie North

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

I felt bad for Zoe and hope she finds someone, Daniel isn't good enough for her. Taleb is cute in his cluelessness but Claire seemed less affected by her actions than I liked. I love that her friends were supportive but sad that Zoe was shunned. You can't help who you fall in love with. People are judgmental and that's just human nature.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376365922

ARC: Southern Shifters: Impawsible (Buchanan Clan 1) by Celia Kyle

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

I love the prey/predator mate combination. I also love that her family came and supported her even if her dad is old-fashioned and crusty. Glad her mate isn't getting any trouble for the jerk. That guy got what he deserved. Overall, a quick, enjoyable read.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376361766

ARC: Hare Today, Bear Tomorrow (Mating Call Dating Agency 1) by Lynn Red

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

I love the MCs, most of the time shifters are confident, almost to the point of arrogance.It's nice to see those who are less confident, more human. Love that their friends helped out, even though they thought they were loners. They have touched many lives and have really caring friends. I can't wait to see what's next.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376368615

ARC: Hunting A Mate (Quick & Furry 6) by Mina Carter and Celia Kyle

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

While it's hard to beat being cute and adorable, every woman wants to feel sexy, especially when they meet their mate. I love how Archer goes from not wanting a mate to tearing off after her and clocking his brother over her. I felt so bad for Chloe and Paige, their moms are crazy! I was disappointed in Paige's mom, she was just mean.
I am hoping to see more of these characters, possibly in a story where Melanie is paired with one (or both) of the other brothers.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376357021

ARC: Wanting A Mate (Quick & Furry 5) by Celia Kyle and Mina Carter

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bad ass + Crazy Girl = One Awesome Story

5 Stars

One of the things I love best about the books in this series are that they are great for on the go, quick pick me ups. They are super funny and Chloe's family just has me laughing out loud with their antics. I love that even the big bad kitty cat is tamed/respectful of his mother *snicker*.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376357978

ARC: Roaring for Him (Wicked in Wilder 1) by Celia Kyle

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

Go, mama lioness! I love the two sides of the heroine, the shy human and her counter the badass lioness. She is fiercely protective of her friends and family, who just crack me up when they get together. Phoebe is a hoot! I even like that there were a couple of loose threads to tug on for future stories in the series. I am definitely looking forward to more in this series. Celia Kyle does a wonderful job of setting up secondary characters that suck you into the worlds she creates and this time is no different.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376356160

ARC: An Omega's Heart (The Under Wolves) by Amber Kell

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 out of 5 Stars

What did I like?
I love the Conley rescued his family. I'm a fan of the best things come in small packages. For such a little guy he had a big attitude.

What did I not like?
I'm sorry Conley had to be the one to deal with his father. Even if they deserve it, it's a hard choice to make.

Recommendation: I was left with some questions on where this series is going. Will his mom get another mate? What about Tesen?

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1354524040

ARC: Stepbrother Charming by Nicole Snow

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 out of 5 Stars

This one there was a lot of emotional back and forth. Sometimes you felt bad for him and others times you were like, "what a jerk!". I also had times when I felt the heroine was a prig and others when the attitude felt justified. Their initial meetings really set the tone for the book. I love that his dad got his comeuppance (what a douche) and her mom refocused on what was important. I felt that Dan should have been punished more (little twerp deserved to be strung up by his balls).

Recommendation: It took a while but they got their HEA.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1270291202

ARC Review: Semper Fidelis Anthology by S.A. McAuley, T.A. Chase, Devon Rhodes, LE Franks, Sara York, Kendall McKenna, Morticia Knight

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Semper Fidelis: 5 Stars

Anomaly: 5 Stars
*love the mix of geek and macho
*not too mushy
*love how humble they both are

Always Ready: 4 Stars
*Dean is such a sweetie.
*love how Phil's parents react to his news

A Ring and A Vow: 5 Stars
*the saber arch was a beautiful touch
*naughty cake antics were hilarious

My Marine: 5 Stars
*romantic without being sappy
*finding love in unexpected places
*Jordan's job was so heartbreaking and lonely, I'm glad that Kelly got to see both sides of his heritage/personality

Soul Sick: 5 Stars
*a sad reality for those who come back after a tour and their families
*Glad Tucker was able to get James the help he needed and that James was making adjustments to make his life better

Safe Shores: 4 Stars
*Barry (Cindy's boyfriend) was a jerk, glad he got the boot
*glad Joel learned his lesson and is paying back his dad
*rescue scene was scary when the kid panicked

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1260922168

Trusting Chance (Fate Harbor 1) by Caitlyn O'Leary

Received a copy of this book in a giveaway.

5 out of 5 Stars 

Love how they fit together. Story progression was easy to follow and believe. Love the realism, not everyone will support you but as long as your family and friends do, that's all that matters. I like that they were open about their relationship.

Recommendation: Adorable read

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1169337207

The Cattle Drive (The Armstrong Brothers of Cedar Creek 1) by Rebecca Joyce

Received a copy of this book in a giveaway.

4 out of 5 Stars

What did I like? 

The father loves his kids, despite the fact that he doesn't show it. The heroine has an amazing inner strength to keep going after the accident. Glad they ended up having kids, hoping they have more. 

What did I not like? 

The bad guy didn't come as much of a surprise.

Recommendation: Looking forward to more in this series. Hoping to see them again in the other books.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1169276978

Be Bad, for Goodness Sake by Tara Lain

Received a copy of this book in a giveaway.

4 out of 5 Stars

What did I like? 

Glad she didn't lose too much of her confidence because of that rat. I love how the hero takes care of her. 

What did I not like? 

Helena needs a swift kick, but she's young and sheltered. I'm hoping Ollie gets his comeuppance. 

Recommendation: Fun, quick holiday read.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1138052995

Taken by Her Alien Warriors (The Warriors 1) by Doris O'Connor

Received a copy of this book in a giveaway.

4 out of 5 Stars

What did I like? 

I love the heroine's spunk and attitude in the trial chamber. I also like that they all work on their individual relationships as well as the whole group's relationship. I'm also glad she got a mom figure, Gerunda, back in her life.

What did I not like? 

I find it hard to believe that the council would believe a charge against one of their own when the source is the enemy unless they were just using it as an excuse to be rid of their own men.

Recommendation: Fun read, no cliffhanger, looking forward to more

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1169229202

ARC Review: Pet to the Tentacle Monsters! by Lilia Ford

Received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 out of 5 Stars

This was a new one for me. Monster erotica is fun and can be sexy if done right. This one was fun but could be a little awkward with the pseudo-incest (adopted brothers are intimate). It was hard to pick a favorite character. Silver grew over the course of their interaction. Black was a great father and Kitty is just well, a beautiful soul. Benji and Silver's relationship is still evolving so while everyone gets their HEA, there is still room for growth and imagination to take over. I think my favorite part about this story is that he gets a family back. They help heal some of his pain. 

Recommendation: If you like monster erotica and BDSM and the possibility of pseudo-incest doesn't bother you, this is a fun read. It was easy to get into and stay sucked into the story. 

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1162925612

Sleeping Beau (Mischievous Fairy Tales 5) by Honor James

I won a copy of this book in a giveaway.

4 out of 5 Stars

What did I like?
I like that she didn't have to choose between the two, they were able to work out a way that worked for them. The lack of jealousy and the way she made time for both of them was good.

What did I not like?
His mother needs an attitude adjustment. There was a bit of repetition with the dialog.

Recommendation: I enjoyed this read. I might have to go back and check out the others in the series. It was an interesting twist on the fairy tale.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1135845773