Full Contact by @sarah_castille #Review @Sourcebooks

When you can't resist the one person who could destroy you...

Sia O'Donnell can't help but push the limits. She secretly attends every underground MMA fight featuring The Predator, the undisputed champion. When he stalks his prey in the ring, Sia is mesmerized. He is dominant and dangerous and every instinct tells her to run.

Every beautiful thing Ray "The Predator" touches he knows he'll eventually destroy. Soft, sweet and innocent, Sia is the light to Ray's darkness-and completely irresistible. From the moment he lays eyes on her, he knows he's going to have to put his dark past behind him to win her body and soul.

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Sia O’Donnell has been through some scary things in her past, and it’s caused her to change the way she lives, she’s mostly happy as a tattoo artist and doesn’t need her past artist lifestyle back. She also finds Ray “The Predator” incredibly sexy, he’s art in motion, he’s everything she shouldn’t want, but they both mutually want each other to distraction.

This story has a lot of angst and tension and some serious pulse pounding action. Also the sex is off the charts sexy, these two really burn up the page. The fact that these two have amazing chemistry is not disputed at all, it’s in every interaction be it sexual or not, these two definitely ramp up the tension every time they meet on the page.

This is a first person story, and while that doesn’t normally appeal to me, something about Ms. Castille’s first person draws you in and just holds your attention. Or at least it did mine, I was fully invested in these characters.

I highly recommend this read, and will be going back and reading previous books in the series.

Vampires Never Cry Wolf by Sara Humphreys - #Review @sourcebooks @authorsara

Vampires are nothing but trouble…

As far as beautiful vampire Sadie Pemberton is concerned, werewolves shouldn’t be sticking their noses into New York’s supernatural politics. They don’t know jack about running a city—not even that hot-as-sin new vampire-werewolf liaison who’s just arrived in town.

Werewolves are too sexy for their own good…

The last thing Killian Bane wanted was to end up in New York City playing nice with vampires. Unfortunately, he’s on a mission, and when he encounters the sexiest, most stubborn female vamp he’s ever met, he’s going to have to turn on a little of that wolfish charm…and Sadie’s going to learn a thing or two about what it means to have a wild side…

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Vampires and Werewolves don’t mingle, it’s a rule. Yet, vampire Sadie Pemberton and Killian Bane cannot keep their hands off of each other. The more the resist, the stronger the attraction seems to get. Unfortunately their love, could easily be the cause of an interspecies war, and there are lots of people on both sides that are against their pairing.

I really liked Sadie, she’s snarky and independent and knows her mind. I love her as a heroine, she’s super strong and doesn’t need a mate, yet she does crave a mate.

Killian Bane wants to live on his own, he wants to run a club, and doesn’t necessarily want a vampire mate messing with that freedom before he goes home bows to his father’s wishes. Of course he’s an Alpha male and a very sexy one at that, Sadie is a lucky woman.

I really enjoyed their byplay. I also loved this world, this was my first book by Sara Humphrey’s and I’m not a lifelong fan. I look forward to going back and reading the previous books, and I’m excited to see where she takes the world in the future.

I read this as a standalone, and I really think other readers can easily do the same. It’s definitely a must read for both vampire and werewolf fans. 

Romancing the Billionaire by Jessica Clare - Review @BerkleyRomance

The New Billionaire Boys Club novel by the New York Times bestselling author.

The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society. Six men of astonishing wealth. But there’s one thing money can’t buy. When it comes to love, success doesn’t come so easily…

Jonathan Lyons. Playboy, billionaire, and adventurer, he lives life on the edge. When he hears that his mentor, Dr. Phineas DeWitt, had a secret journal that leads to a legendary artifact, Jonathan takes action. It stirs his blood, but it comes with a heady challenge: DeWitt’s daughter Violet. She has what Jonathan needs. And she’s not giving it up it to the man who broke her heart.

Violet is Jonathan’s weakness—he’s still in love despite their volatile breakup a decade ago. But Violet’s memories have a sharper edge. She’s never forgiven him for abandoning her. Or so she thought. When Jonathan’s attentions turn seductive, she’s in danger of falling for him all over again. And she can’t help but wonder…does he really want her, or just what she's hiding?

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Two young college students fall in love, but fate and a meddling father ends things tragically, years later they aren’t those young kids anymore, but the love still exists even if Violet denies it vehemently.

Jonathan doesn’t have all the details of why Violet is so adamant against their love being rekindled, but he is a grown man, a billionaire, and he doesn’t let a simple no stop him for going for what he wants, and he definitely wants her.

I enjoyed the way Violet’s father seemed to be trying to right old wrongs posthumously, and I understood Violet’s reaction to her dad’s meddling from the grave. I also understood Jonathon’s reactions to various situations, and I couldn’t blame him for expressing his feelings the only way he knows how.

I really enjoy all of Ms. Clare’s Billionare Club books and this was an interesting and good addition because the main characters were second chance lovers, which was a great new trope to explore.

I highly recommend this book, with solid writing and two characters who you never doubt their love, just their ability to learn to live and love again with years of pain and misunderstandings and lack of communication to get through.  

I received a copy for the purpose of review. I was not compensated for my review. 

Snow on the Bayou by Sandra Hill - Review @ForeverRomance

THE BAYOU'S BADDEST BAD BOY IS BACK!

Joining the Navy was the second best thing that ever happened to Justin "Cage" LeBlanc, the rebel son of a no-account convict. The first was Emelie Gaudet, the love of his life . . . until he was forced to leave town and swore there would be snow on the bayou before he ever returned. Now, only his mortally ill grandma can bring the injured Navy SEAL back to Terrebone Parrish, where he must face his past-and Emelie, who's even more beautiful than she was all those years ago.

Bourbon Street blues singer Emelie is once bitten, twice shy. When she learns that Justin is back in town, she wants nothing to do with the once wild Cajun teenager who fled with the law on his tail-and broke her heart. But she can't deny the red-hot attraction between them . . . or his efforts to prove he's finally changed his hell-raising ways. Can she trust that this time the bad boy of the bayou will be the best man for her?

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Tante LuLu is back, and I’m even more in love then I was before. I’ve always loved the Bayou books by Sandra Hill and this newest one is a throwback to the magic that started that love for me.

Justin “Cage” LeBlanc, was dealt a bad hand, but he took charge of his life and returns to the bayou a Navy SEAL, unfortunately he’s not returning for any kind of happy reunion, instead the grandmother who raised him is dying. He also runs into the woman he loved at the tender age of seventeen, and with so much baggage and bad road between them it doesn’t seem like they’ll ever get their happily ever after. But never underestimate Tante LuLu and St. Jude, after all they specialize in hopeless causes.

The best part, Ms. Hill throws in an intriguing terrorist plot that keeps the yummy SEALs busy and close to the bayou to celebrate Mardi Gras. I adored both Emelie and Justin as characters, they’re both hurting and they’re both stubborn, but they were definitely meant for each other.

I seriously want to buy all my friends a copy of this book, it’s that good. I really think that just one taste of Tante LuLu will hook everyone on these books. 

I received a copy for the purpose of review. I was not compensated for my review. 

Big Furry Deal by Celia Kyle - Review

Panther shifter Millie Walker is finally free, finally knows her real name, and finally… has a mate? Well, crap.

For Millie, having a mate is a horrible, no good, he’ll end up very dead, bad idea. She’s got what some refer to as a “control problem.” In other words: she has no control and that’s her problem. So, she stays away from others, keeps to herself, and generally tries not to kill people. Except the pride Prima—Maya—has this “awesomesauce” idea and suddenly Millie’s at a pride picnic surrounded by people… and then she meets her mate. Her tall, delicious, please-may-I-lick-you-from-head-to-toe mate. Now she prays her powers don’t suddenly decide Wyatt is better off six feet under.

Lion shifter Wyatt Dane knows he’s not the kind of man who takes a mate. His own mother proved he wasn’t worth loving. But then he meets Millie. Millie with her fiery hair, generous curves, and dangerous powers. He tries to resist her, forces himself to reject her, but then she returns and he realizes he can’t let her go. Her powers will just have to figure out how to deal with his presence. He’s keeping her. Period.

But someone from her past didn’t get the “she’s mated” memo and he’s determined to have her, no matter the cost.

Warning: Big Furry Deal contains kick ass violence, some potentially trigger content (what do we expect from the bad guy), and copious hilarity. Be prepared for laughing, crying, and cringing. As always, curvy women rock, boys drool-girls rule, and your mileage may vary.

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From the moment we meet Millie in this book, I was rooting for her. Give her a mate like Wyatt who is flawed in his own way, then you have a fabulous set up for an equally fabulous story.

Millie and Wyatt both have their issues, they aren’t perfect and I love them for that. It’s a great example of the characters that Ms. Kyle is known for. They are sassy, snarky and full of life and I always want to best friends with the women and want to jump the men. She didn’t disappoint with this story. She also threw in an outer conflict that helped move the story along.

I highly recommend this story to fans of shifter romance with curvy heroines and very Alpha males.

I bought my very own copy. This is my honest review and I was not compensated for it. 

Wild Wolf by Jennifer Ashley - ARC Review

Graham McNeil knows that his pack is unruly, but he’s not sure he can take the next step toward pack stability. After losing his first mate long ago, Graham has worked hard to keep his heart in check. Besides, even if he was inclined to choose a new mate, his girlfriend, Misty, is human—a fact that won’t sit well with Graham’s old-fashioned pack.

But Misty is going through a crisis of her own, one that brings danger and death to the pack. With the wolves doubly convinced that there needs to be a shake-up, Graham must now defend his leadership and save the woman he has grown to love—before Shiftertown is pulled into an all-out war.

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Graham McNeil is a wolf shifter who is used to being in charge and keeping it together for the other wolf shifters under his care. He should mate another wolf shifter, but unfortunately or more likely fortunately he falls for the very human Misty.

Misty has slowly fallen in love with Graham, even if he does keep sending her mixed signals. Throw in some Fae interference and this is a love story full of action, intrigue and a whole lot of sparks flying.

This is a great installment to the wonderful created by Ms. Ashley. I enjoyed it and getting to spend some time in the Vegas Shiftertown.

I look forward to more Shifters Unbound and I highly recommend this story and series.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange a honest review. I was not compensated for my review. 

Bound by Lorelei James - Review/Giveaway

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession.

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Amery Hardwich is one my favorite new heroines, she was full of spunk, attitude and just a touch of innocence that allowed her to be able to embrace all that Ronin Black has to teach her. There was some serious moments of unbelievably sexiness between these two characters.

The little bits of back story we get about both Amery and Ronin build them up and really portray excellent characters. I have no complaints about the storyline, it was well executed and the characters are well fleshed out with just enough mystery surrounding Ronin to keep me hooked and wanting more.

I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I wasn’t expecting the story to end in such a way since I believed this was a beginning of a new series and not the beginning of a two part story. Up until the surprise sudden ending, I was so hooked into this book that I read until three AM and couldn’t put it down. I do look forward to reading the next book and continuing Ronin and Amery’s story.

I do recommend this story, but be prepared for the story to continue in the next book but up until then I do believe that Ronin and Amery will keep you entertained and invested in their story.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.

Lorelei James is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Blacktop Cowboys and Rough Riders series as well as the steamy new Mastered series.  She lives in the Black Hills of western South Dakota with her family.  Visit her online at www.loreleijames.com, www.facebook.com/lorelei-james, and www.twitter.com/loreleijames.

Lorelei’s publisher is offering up a print copy of Bound to one lucky commenter. Leave a comment with a valid email address. Winner chosen February 9^th.

Blog Tour/Review: Offside by Bianca Sommerland

Offside by Bianca Sommerland

Dartmouth Cobras #4

Blurb: 

A pace ahead of the play can send you back to the start. And put everything you’ve worked for at risk.

Single mother and submissive Rebecca Bower abandoned her career as a sports reporter to become a media consultant with her brother’s hockey team. A failed marriage to a selfish man makes her wary of getting involved with another. Unfortunately, chemistry is hard to deny, and all her hormones are dancing when she gets close to the Cobra’s sniper, Scott Demyan. 

Zachary Pearce ‘came out’ to the world last season to shift attention away from a teammate. And his one night with Scott Demyan had been unsettling. There could be more there, if only Scott was a different person. Instead, a night of sensual BDSM play with Becky leaves him wanting more, but she thinks he’s gay and questions his interest. It’s been a long time since a woman has attracted him both as a man and a Dom, and he’ll do everything in his power to prove she’s the only one he needs. Or wants. His one time with Scott was a mistake.

Scott might have forgotten what happened in his childhood, but the effects linger, and he specializes in drunken one-night stands…until he meets Zach and Becky and sees what he’s missing. But neither one believes Scott can be faithful. Although he’s trying hard to clean up his act to avoid getting kicked off the team, they want more from him. He’s willing to make changes, but the most important one—putting their happiness before his own—means he’ll probably end up alone.

Warning

This e-book contains material not suitable for readers under 18. It also contains scenes that some may find objectionable, including BDSM, ménage sex, bondage, anal sex, sex toys, and one man erroneously labeled as vanilla. Author strongly advises care be taken when using ladders and gym equipment in ways other than originally intended. And sex on cruise ships whenever possible. The author advises that as well.

My Review:

I love the Dartmouth Cobras series by Bianca Sommerland. They are long and delicious reads and I tore through the first three in less than a week. I was so excited to get Offside. Scott, Zach and Becky were all characters that I loved from past books and waited anxiously for their turn.

I haven’t read a story that made me cry, swear, yell and stress so much in a long time. When I started I thought Zach and Becky’s relationship would be easy and that they just needed Scott to come around. I should have known that this wasn’t that simple of a story.  Scott grew so much and revealed so much about himself, that I loved him so much by the end of the book. Zach and Becky need each other, and have a sexy Dom and sub relationship, but I loved that they couldn’t be complete without Scott. They need him just as much as he needed him.

The sex was smoking hot, something I’ve come to expect from Ms. Sommerland. The tenderness between characters and how much they seem to care about each was beautiful. I’m not even talking the core characters; the way the Dartmouth Cobras interact as a hockey team and look out for each other added an extra layer of realism for me. That’s one thing I know I’ll always find with these books, believable characters, which is so nice to find these days.

I liked catching up with characters from other books and getting to know some of the other players of the hockey team. Having read the other books, I was more emotionally invested in the other characters and I think that’s why I’m not going to recommend this as a standalone. It could definitely be read as a standalone but I think it’s more enjoyable as the fourth in an amazing series. I was so immersed in each of these books I was sad to see my time with the characters end, Offside was that same kind of all-consuming story, that I hope to re-read many times.  So, I think everyone should read this series, they are long but they are very good and definitely worth the time! 

4.5 Books

About Bianca:

Tell you about me? Hmm, well there's not much to say. I love hockey and cars and my kids…not in that order of course! Lol! When I'm not writing—which isn't often—I'm usually watching a game or a car show while working on promo. Going out with my kids is my only down time. I get to clear my head and forget everything.

As for when and why I first started writing, I guess I thought I'd get extra cookies if I was quiet for awhile—that's how young I was. I used to bring my grandmother barely legible pages filled with tales of evil unicorns. She told me then that I would be a famous author.

I hope one day to prove her right.

To find out more about me, swing by my website: www.Im-No-Angel.com

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Review: The Heart of a Hero by Janet Chapman

Originally from the ancient mythical island of Atlantis, Nicholas has spent the last year deep in the mountains of Maine, serving as Director of Security for the Nova Mare and Inglenook resorts. Fully embracing his life in the twenty-first century, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to a trouble-prone employee, and is determined to keep her safe.

The last thing Julia Campbell needs is a man with a hero complex, especially one as handsome and imposing as Nicholas. All she has to do is keep it together until her younger sister turns eighteen, and then she can focus on her own life. But strange things have been happening at the resort—and it’s Nicholas who keeps coming to her rescue. When Nicholas is suddenly the one in trouble, Julia realizes he’s not quite what he seems—and that she’ll do anything to help the man who’s stolen her heart…

My Review:

I was still in a book coma from my last read, and needed something lighter and something I knew I’d enjoy. So I pulled out the newest from Janet Chapman, they are mainstream romance that are on the sweet with a just a hint of sexy. 

We met Nicholas in the last book, and I loved him as the gruff but fun bodyguard to Carolina “Lina” Oceanus. He was mildly in love with the princess and we already had a glimpse of the great hero he would make to his soul mate when he met her. 

Julia Campbell works at Nova Mare and adds her own brand of style to the resort cabins, she is struggling with small town life and the vicious gossips spurred on by her past relationship. Her father is the town drunk and she’s just trying to survive and protect her siblings, she doesn’t have time for a hero. I loved and hated how independent Julia is, I love strong heroines and she had that in spades. I found myself telling her to just give in and fall in love already; I just couldn’t see how she could resist Nicholas. 

Nicholas was persistent and fought for their love, and that made me love him more. Overall, he was a little less “old-fashioned” then most of the other heroes in this series and the connecting series by Ms. Chapman, that was refreshing, though I do read and enjoy these stories knowing I’m going to find that level of masculinity with the heroes. The animal secondary characters add just that extra amount of charm that I’ve come to expect from Ms. Chapman,  and I would love to spend the weekend in Maine with all of her characters. 

I loved this book and recommend it to all of my friends, in fact just buy the whole Spellbound Falls series, and maybe her whole backlist while you’re at it. The magic, love and quaint setting of small town Maine is great for light-hearted enjoyable romance any day of the week. 

                                                                 4.5 Stars