ARC Review: Revenge (Revenge 1) by JJ Knight

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

Intern to Eye Candy in 3 Days

5 out of 5 Stars

We're introduced to the main couple, Jess and Dylan. Jess is a naïve farm girl trying to break into the music industry in LA as an intern. The day before she starts her new job, she is mugged while watching a guy, Dylan, play guitar. Unfortunately, this seemingly random mugging is in fact a setup by Dylan as part of his way to break into the music industry via YouTube. We leave off with Jess out to win Dylan's trust for her job while questions of his murky past swirl in her consciousness.

Recommend to a friend?
I personally dislike cliffhangers, just because I'm impatient, I want a HEA before I finish the last page of a story. However, if cliffhangers or reading a story in parts isn't an issue of yours, this is a good intro, part 1 of 5. It gives enough to set up the relationship and ends with keeping the reader guessing. I'm interested in where this is leading.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/851583717

NBC Flash Fiction Jan. 2014

Written Prompt (Phyllis Williams - FB): I love roses especially on a lady. I love the way they smell. He bends over and slowly breathes in her scent. He whispers in her ear...You are intoxicating. The plans I have for you...

Write a short story (200 to 400 words) based on the picture.

He brushed the petals down her torso, watching her face as she absorbed the soft, gentle caress. "I've finally got you covered in rose petals. Isn't that what you wanted, my dear?" She shivered at the anger in his voice, so at odds with his gentle stroking. She felt the bed dip as he brushed his mouth to her ear, "You want to be mine, don't you, pet?" Confusion swamped her. She didn't understand why he sounded so angry. He asked her if she trusted him. She did, physically, but she was staring to have doubts about the safety of her heart. Tears slipped free, dampening the blindfold. She waited so long and she loved him so much, why was he tormenting her like this. Seeing the anguish on her face and the rapidly dampening cloth, his expression softened. "Oh, darling girl" he crooned as he gathered her in his arms. massaging away the marks the restraints had left on her wrists. "What am I going to do with you, foolish girl." [word count 172]

Game Misconduct (Dartmouth Cobras 1) by Bianca Sommerland

I won this book in a giveaway.

5 out of 5 Stars

It's Complicated...

This book is a good start to a new series. There are a lot of people being introduced, including a lot of villains. I felt bad for the guy paid to throw the game, since he was only doing it to pay for his daughter's specialist. I was sad that the other daughter got the team. That was a crappy move on her father's part, even if it does set up the next book. There were so many relationships and connections that it was easy to be confused on who was in the relationship. There was a good balance to the ménage though and I like who she ends up with, hoping the other guys get their HEA too. This was a great read, while complicated it definitely captured my attention.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/814877084

ARC Review: Bear King's Curves by A.T. Mitchell

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

Different Take on Bear Shifters

3 out of 5 Stars

What do you like?
I liked that the heroine was a strong character and that there was a HEA with a baby on the way.

What do you not like?
Both the heroine and the hero were too easily manipulated, even at the end. He should have taken the scrolls to his mate rather than burn them. It would have been nice to have been able to find out if there was a way in the old laws to make the H/H more compatible. Also the heroine rec'd nothing but scorn for being a human and stealing but much wasn't said to condemn the bears who massacred the humans.

Recommend to a friend?
It was a good read with interesting concepts. I like reading about bear shifters and it was an interesting take on how leaders are picked to lead, different than what I've read before.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/849396259

ARC Review: Howl For Me (The Alpha's Kiss 3) by Lynn Red

I was given an ARC in return for an honest review.

A Fitting End

4 out of 5 Stars

I bought Change for Me a while ago, but had yet to read it. I was given an ARC of Howl for Me (Book 3) and it seemed, now it was time. I read both Change for Me and then Shift into Me this morning. Finally, this afternoon it was time to read the end. In Howl for Me, we learn a lot about the past: who the boys' parents were, why they were separated and given to the different clans, even why Lily is able to do things "normal" humans can't.

What I liked:
Though this is the end, there is hope for the future. Cat finally gets her man (Hunter as expected from Shift into Me). I was glad that Devin was able to "redeem" himself, although I felt he got the short end of the stick. Even though it was expected, it was still hard to say goodbye to Poko. Despite the fact that Damon can talk to spirits, it's just not the same as being there, especially in light of their newly revealed relationship.

What I didn't like:
Although, there really wasn't any other choice but to end it that way, I felt bad that Devin died. Perhaps he will have a better life with his real parents in the spirit world. I also felt that the battle was a little anti-climactic. There was a big build-up and yet such a little thing defeated the "wolf god".

Would I recommend this book?
Each book picks up where the previous one left off so I would suggest that you read the first two books to learn why everyone feels the way they do and fill in some background on why things unfolded the way they do. Each book fulfilled its purpose within that book so there wasn't really any cliffhangers. It was definitely an enjoyable read and if you have read the previous books, this is a must buy.

Posted: http://www.amazon.com/review/R108ZJD10HNQD/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00IAR46FK&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text

Sam's Review by Jan Irving

I won this book in a giveaway.

5 out of 5 Stars

Animosity turned Attraction

There was a fair amount of intensity between the main characters. The owner of the building was a jerk, coming onto the architect, even though he was with Sam. The villain was a surprise and I'm glad that they came up with a plan to rejuvenate the neighborhood.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/801884694

Unexpected Find (Royal Pride 1) by Nancy Corrigan

I won this book in a giveaway.

Interesting Take on Shifter Biology

4 out of 5 Stars

I'm surprised that it took them so long to find the bad guy, especially after all the bad things he had done. I felt bad for the boy's biological mom and hope they can recover the nieces later on in the series. I think Meagan should get to stay with Josh. I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series and learning more about this world.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/801869418

It was a good day...

It was a quiet evening in the guild hall. Syoko was feeling at home with her guild mates. The time off to adventure by herself took its toll but nevertheless, it felt great to be home. Syoko met up with some of the new promising guildies.

Syoko heard someone yelling over the crowds in town:
"Here ye, here ye! Come join Chaos Risen and help me with my fight against the great Otoah!"

"Polywiz? Help you fight against the great Otoah?"

"Yeah, she keep biting me!"

"Oh is that so."

Armuna was walking up to Polywiz and Syoko when Syoko pointed at her.

"Ok, so this is what you do, Poly. You grab Armuna here." Syoko proceed to pick up Armuna.

"Hey! What are you doing!" She screamed.

"And then you toss her at Otoah when you see her coming for you."

Syoko tossed Armuna across the alleyway.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

"That way, she will be dazed and confused. And this is where you take your chance and run!"

"But will that work?" Polywiz silenced his recruiting efforts.

"I'm sure it will work! Right, Armuna? Armuna? I wonder where she went. I know she was here just a moment ago."

Later that night, Polywiz and Syoko set in motion their plan of attack on Otoah. As Otoah zoned into the guild hall.

"Hello everybody."

"Now, Poly!"

Both Polywiz and Syoko picked up Armuna flinging her at Otoah.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

"What the?"

"RUN!" Both screamed as they bolted for the Guild's doorway.

"Oh no you don't!" Otoah with her mighty strength caught Armuna. "Are you ok, Armuna?"

"Yeah, I'm fine-- EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

Otoah tossed Armuna back at the bumbling duo knocking them into the door way.

"So, you two thought you could get away from me?"

"No, Otoah! It wasn't my idea. It was all Syoko's plan. Bite her! I had nothing to do with it."

"NEVER!!"

***

On that day, everyone in guild learned not to cross Otoah.

Release Day Review: The Lady and the Pirate (He Wanted Me Pregnant!) by Victoria Wessex

It's always the brainy ones...

5 out of 5 Stars

This story is a historical breeding romance. I thought it was a little hard to believe that a navy captain didn't know how to read boat plans, especially in a historical setting. There was a couple sex scenes during which most of the main characters' pillow talk was about getting her pregnant, or breeding her. The hero and the heroine became romantically involved, even it they didn't confess to falling in love. I expect Faith's story, as the story ended on a twist.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/834335653

Release Day Review: Wilde Chase (Wilde Brothers 1) by Susan Hayes

And Your Little Dog Too 

5 out of 5 Stars

Note: This review may contain spoilers!

A Visit to the Guild Hall

Ninnian stepped out of her house into the Four Winds. Checking the orders for the farm, she saw several orders were overdue to be planted. After planting her farm, she transformed into her dragon form and set off for the Vale. Much has changed since the Gate to the Vale was opened. Garrosh had tainted this once beautiful land with his war machines and greed. Touching down in her dragon form, she morphed back as she strode through the doorway of the Shrine. After a quick check of her mailbox and bank, Ninnian set off once again, wondering what to do. Lately, she had been getting restless, her feet itched to explore new lands and conquer new enemies. The current regime was dulling her edge.

Syoko, she thought, she'll know where the action is. Hearthing to the guild hall, Ninnian came to a screeching halt. She blinked, surely she had not been gone so long as the vision before her implied. She looked around, but could see no familiar faces. Striding forward, she skimmed the guild roster. Where was Syoko's name? Her long-time comrade's name was no where to be found. Shaken, she looked for any familiar names, perhaps they could tell her where Syoko had gone. Spying one of Hell's alts, she shot off a quick message. "Where did Syoko go?" Not long after, the reply came: "To Hyjal". To Hyjal, what was she doing on Hyjal?


 

Pick Your Pleasure (Pick Your Pleasure 1) by Jayne Rylon

I was given this book.

5 out of 5 Stars

This is a choose your own adventure book. The first read through, I choose a route. After completing the story, I go back and explore the other options. I love that all the choices end in HEA.

My storyline:
Beginning: Underground
Linley Picked Ryder (yea, I go for the bad boy)
Take Me to the Basement (I prefer kink)
More the Merrier (gotta love menages)
Ending: Ryder Epilogue

There is something for everyone. You can choose to make the story as hot or as romantic as you please. Definitely a fun read.

Posted:https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/17193832

Prompt: He found the hot pink stiletto heel in the grass under the bridge. (FB - Stormy Glenn)

The shoe belongs to a troll princess. They aren't ugly, like most would believe. Damn those Grimm brothers and their lying, manwhoring ways. Trolls do however pick a bridge to visit in hopes of finding their mate (assuming its another troll). Once he discovered the stiletto, he knew he had to find the woman it belonged to, curiosity being a major personality trait of cat shifters. Taking a whiff of the shoe, "hmm, troll, delicious troll".

Now finding a troll might sound easy, after all they are taller and bulkier than humans, however Las Vegas is the home to all sorts of paranormals. "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" isn't just a fun vacation line, its the law that keeps paras safe from their human counterparts. Learning to blend in is a must for paras, even in a "safe" place like Las Vegas.

Sword's Call (The King's Riders 1) by CA Szarek

I won this book in a giveaway.
Medieval Adventure Romance

5 out of 5 Stars

The quest, the journey, the love interest, the misunderstanding, the HEA its all in this book. We start off discovering the hero, heroine and her quest to vanquish the evil that has abused and murdered her family. Powerful swords, magic and a little help from others gathered along the way make this an interesting read. The "bad" minions turned good (well, more abused than bad) finds a special place in my heart reserved for those I want to smother in affection. He finds a home with the hero and heroine as do many of their friends from their journey. Love the HEA where she gets to train the archers. Looking forward to more from this author.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/801892795

Jeanne-Claude and Eugene's Magic Lamp (I Dream of Jinns 1) by Trinity Blacio

I won this book in a giveaway.

Heroine Needs to Kick the Heroes' Behinds

4 out of 5 Stars

I had trouble with the heroes in this story. They needed to be smacked upside the head a few times. I really like the high priest and hope he gets a book later. I also really like the heroine, she's strong. The heroine had a few breakdowns due to previous vampire attacks but she was strong enough to overcome the trauma left behind and find the info she needed using the link the vampires left behind. I can't wait to see if the info saves them due to her forewarning. I'm looking forward to book 2, where the king gets his mate, although I'm hoping that the lamp brings him a male mate to share with Amy. Definitely an interesting take with vampires as the bad guys.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/814962219

Release Day Review: Dark Wolf (Carpathians 25) by Christine Feehan

Dmitri and Skylar

5 out of 5 Stars

IT'S HERE!!!!! Ok, so now my anticipation is over. I got this last night at around 11:30p ish and I stayed up until 5:30a reading it. I couldn't put it down. I love all the Carpathian books but this one has been a long time in coming. I love Skylar and Dmitri. I can't wait until the next in the trilogy (Dark Blood) comes but for now I'm still fan-girling over this one.

I love that Skylar, Joseph and Paul were able to do it by themselves (they are definitely underestimated by the other Carpathians). I'm glad that Skylar was finally able to break past the last of her reservation and accept her past and abilities. I am glad that there was a "failure" (according to Skylar) during their lovemaking, just to show that even though they are lifemates, trauma doesn't disappear that quickly. It's a tribute to her strength that she survived mostly mentally intact but she definitely still has a way to go. I am constantly amazed by the characters in this series. The amazing things they can do, such as their healing - both emotional and physical, are just awe-inspiring. It keeps me clinging to the edge of my seat to see what they will be able to do next, especially the women. They have such amazing gifts and its great to see them in the spotlight.

I'm sad the Lycans are having issues with the Lycan/Carpathian hybrid differences. It would be nice if they could come to an alliance. You know the first (and last) time they come after MaryAnn or Skylar, well....it's just not gonna be pretty. They are lucky that they haven't been annihilated for the trauma they've already caused. I doubt the twins or the De la Cruz brothers will hold back a second time. The Lycan council needs to get their heads out of their backsides and deal with there drama.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/569394291

Release Day Review: The Bear's Reluctant Wolf (Sweet Water, 2) by Jenika Snow

Grumpy Bear Meets His Match

5 out of 5 Stars

As expected, Trace was crazy intense. I'm glad the psycho ex, Karla, didn't cause to much trouble. I like that Candace has quiet strength. She's both able to calm and match her grumpy bear when it comes to attitude. Love the stripper pole scene, super hot. I can't wait to see more from this series, especially Melissa, Maverick and Liam.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/813678508

Necessary Roughness by Ann Jacobs

This paperback includes books 1-4 of the Necessary Roughness series by Ann Jacobs. I won this book in a giveaway.

5 out of 5 Stars

Sackmaster
I was frustrated with the heroine's ex. Identity confusion is hard but he was just a douchbag about it. The hero's ex just needed to be slapped for cheating. I love the idea of Rebel's Roost. I loved the inclusion of charity, too. Although, the couple was a cliché (model and football player), their kinks dove-tailed beautifully, giving the story a nice twist. Love the ending!

End Run
This was a nice IR BDSM story. I was intrigued by the idea of male chastity. Their intro to their later temporary third was intense and I'm happy that he found his correct partner. The M/M scene was nice.

Best Reception
There was a lot of hard truths in this story. The seriousness of the head injuries to football players was really highlighted in this book and I'm glad. It is a dangerous sport and there are serious consequences when you don't pay attention of your body's limitations. The heroine was a pure submissive and that made it very hard, if not impossible to leave the Dom who was abusing her. I'm glad she was able to recover and find love with a better Dom, especially after their almost disastrous first attempt. I'm love reading about Shibari, such a beautiful expression of art and kink.

Prime Defender
This story is probably my favorite out to the series. Matt Rubin is a big man and although his wife is a BBW, she's also smaller than him (it's the Asian in her) and his tragic past leads to him fearing that he will hurt her. I love that he is able to switch, just enough to force her to take care of herself and recover. I also loved that he attended therapy while she was recovering to help deal with some of his personal issues (so they could have a baby). While pony play isn't my favorite kink to read about, it does bind them together and gives you a gauge for their personal fitness. I loved the scene where they renewed their vows, beautiful, just beautiful.

Would you recommend this book?
The author does a wonderful job on introducing the players and their significant others in each previous book as well as staying connected to all the couples throughout the series. I would definitely recommend reading this series.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/771816576

Welcome Home (Pike's Run 1) by Kara O'Neal

I won this book in a giveaway.
An Emotional Read

5 out of 5 Stars

This started as a really sad story with a number of discouraging moments. It took a while, but everyone finally go the truth and straightened out their relationships. The hero was a stubborn one, but his heroine's tenacity was more than a match. There was an unexpected twist and a surprise villain to finish off the story.

The author really had me engaged and I felt happiness and sadness right alongside the characters. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/801873760

It's 2014!