At The Viking's Command by Anne Marsh - #Review

Tyra didn’t ask to be turned into a werewolf. She also didn't want to fall in love with a Berserker.

All she wants is to get on with her life. But a prophecy foretells that the werewolves will bring about the end of the world, so now the entire paranormal world is gunning for her new Pack.

A mercenary and soldier of fortune, Calder clawed his way to the top of the modern Viking world and he’ll defend his brothers-in-arms to the last breath. But nothing prepared him for his reaction to the newly turned werewolf who shows up and demands his help.

There’s no denying the intense sexual chemistry between them--a bond forged before they faced this danger--and soon the lines between duty and pleasure blur. But if Tyra wants to keep her Viking, first she’ll have to learn the sweet pleasures of submission…

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Vikings, werewolves and a forbidden love, sign me up. This book was fantastic, I’ve loved Anne Marsh before with her contemporaries, but her paranormal is now my new favorite. I adore Viking and werewolves and Calder is a very sexy Alpha male. I easily wanted to trade places with Tyra, and I enjoyed the way she confuses Calder, since by rights he should kill her kind on sight.

Tyra is a strong heroine, even if she starts off as this weaker scared female, she easily and quickly shows that she has the right amount of backbone to be the mate of such a strong male. I definitely loved her by the end.

It’s a shorter story, and I really hope there is more in this world. I have not had my fill of these sexy Vikings and I will definitely be back to more, to see what else Ms. Marsh has in store for this world. 

Rough Justice by Sarah Castille - #Review @sarah_castille @StMartinsPress

IT TAKES A GOOD, STRONG WOMAN

Raised in a motorcycle gang, tough, beautiful Arianne Wilder has always dreamed of a normal life. But no sooner does she escape her father’s domineering grasp than she wakes up to find herself in a rival gang’s clubhouse—at the mercy of the dangerously sexy Jagger Knight.

TO TAME A MAN WHO’S HELL ON WHEELS.

The alpha leader of the notorious Sinner’s Tribe, Jagger Knight is all muscle, all biker, and all man. But somewhere inside this hard, tattooed outlaw, Arianne senses a kindred spirit—and she can’t ignore their tempestuous attraction. Can she beat him at his own game in a revved-up blaze of glory? Or will their passion spark a war that’s the end of the road for them both?

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Holy hell, seriously, holy hell. I should have started this book a while ago. I started reading this book and could not, and I mean could not put this book down. Arianne “Vexy” Wilder and Jagger Knight were perfect for each other, and a lot of stuff goes down in these books.

Arianne and Jagger meet under some stressful circumstances, and the stress never really lets up in the whole time they’re together. They live in a violent world, but a very fascinating world. I easily could read this story several more times and probably still not catch all the intricate details, the author does a great job weaving little pieces together until it forms this one brilliant story.

I highly recommend this story and I look forward to more Sinner’s Tribe. I really really need another fix soon. I'd say more but this is the kind of book, that a reader just needs to buy, and find out for themselves. 

Inspire Me by Jenna Dales - Review

On a stormy night in Portland, Oregon, cynical ad exec Lily Bishop crashes into a stunning classic car driven by a dark, handsome stranger with strong hands. His powerful touch makes her remember old dreams she thought she abandoned twenty years ago. Back then, she traded her MFA in photography for a lucrative advertising position that twists people’s deepest desires into just another data point.

Though he’s struggling to take his hot rods to the big time, mechanic Raine Reyes won’t accept help from anyone -- certainly not an uptown woman like Lily whose miles-wide reckless streak brings out the repressed bad boy in him. He knows he should run from her offer to be the new face of her next expensive advertising campaign, but he’s too tempted… by her. He sees right through her to the forgotten needs, the neglected fantasies, and the woman she always wanted to be.

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One of the hottest books I’ve read in a long time, I really fell in love with Lily and Raine, they are one of the sexiest couples I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed the way they kind of fell into each other’s path almost literally.

I really loved that it wasn’t an easy courtship, they had the physical relationship from the moment they met, but they needed to build the foundation for a real relationship. There are some ups and downs, and some misunderstandings and some serious fabulous moments. These two are meant for each other, and yes, there is an age difference but it goes to show that age is just a number, and when you click you click.

I seriously recommend this story, and will be watching and following this author. She’s won me over with her style and ability to create a story that immersed me fully in the world.

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

Rebel by Skye Jordan - Review

Sassy, smart, and sexy, former supermodel-turned-tech guru Rubi Russo has it all—looks, money, confidence and freedom. Her life is a whirlwind of fast cars and fleeting affairs—and she likes it that way. With a past like Rubi’s, forever isn’t part of her vocabulary. So when studly Renegade stuntman Wes Lawson wants to take their friendship to the next level, she’s all out.

Raised a simple country-boy, Wes knows the brazen Rubi isn’t his type. But after spending time with her, he discovers she’s everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. To win her wild rebel heart, he’ll have to prove he sees behind her smokescreen to all the goodness she tries to hide. Then it’s just a matter of crushing her fears, shattering her barriers, and convincing her that loving him is everything she’s been missing in her life, too.

Piece of cake.

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I really should have read this book sooner, I fell in love with Rubi and Wes together. They’re both so afraid to screw up a relationship that they aren’t sure that they’re right for each other, after all they are best friends, and relationships and sex ruin friendships.

Wes Lawson has a lot of patience even if at times it’s obvious he has no idea how to approach Rubi, but he’s in love and determined to win her over. Rubi has some serious trust issues, and she has every right to her issues. When these two come together, it’s some of the hottest scenes ever. I love this book, Ms. Jordan writes flawed but amazing characters that are some of my favorites.

I look forward to more Renegades stories, and I will definitely be starting them right away so I can bask in her amazing writing style.

I purchased my own copy. I was not compensated for my review. 

Cole's Redemption by J.D. Tyler - Review

Once, they were Navy SEALS. Now they are the Alpha Pack: a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers who take on the darkest dangers on Earth. But sometimes the greatest danger lies within their own hearts....

Healer and black wolf shifter Zander Cole has survived horrors that would have broken a weaker man. But when a battle leaves him deaf and his powers dimmed, Zan is devastated. Believing himself to be a burden to his team, he sees only one option: leave the Pack forever.

White wolf shifter Selene Westfall knows pain—she is certain her father was responsible for her mother’s death. And she lives to exact revenge. So when she is challenged by a savage black wolf, she puts up a vicious fight—only to become the black wolf’s Bondmate as a result of his bite.

Two damaged souls—one filled with hatred and one who’s lost his reason for living—are forced together as they come to terms with their unlikely, turbulent bond. A love neither expected may be all that stands between them and a killer trying desperately to keep the past dead and buried....

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My first experience with J.D. Tyler but certainly not my last. I loved the cast of characters and the unique world she’s created. It’s definitely a well fleshed out and well done world that I will be back to visit. Starting with going back and reading the previous four books since Cole’s Redemption is book five and easily read as a stand alone.

Zander Cole is the kind of man who would do anything for his ‘brothers’ even die for them. He’s easy to love and like, and it’s also easy to see why Selene Westfall would fall in love with them so quickly.

The premise of this world and book is refreshing in it’s unique and fun twist and turns it takes. I really enjoyed that they were shifters but also had special abilities that made them unique. I definitely recommend this story to fans of shifters!

5 Books

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

Once in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis - Review

After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?

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I always approach series book and look at them as if they could be read as a stand alone and Once in a Lifetime is definitely a book that can be read by itself. The story of Ben and Aubrey is a perfect love story. Mostly because they aren’t perfect for each other, or at least they don’t think so.

I enjoyed watching Aubrey try and make amends for her past mistakes, it lead to some interesting situations that only pulled Ben and Aubrey closer.

Lucky Harbor is a great place to visit and I always enjoy catching up with the wonderful cast of characters that populate the town. I highly recommend this story because I fell in love with Ben right along with Aubrey.

I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review.

Haunt Me by Heather Long - Review

Recently divorced author MacKenzie Dillon has lost her writing mojo. When she inherits her great aunt’s haunted house in Virginia, she is determined to make a new start. The creepy old house provides inspiration but at what cost?

Successful architect and paranormal skeptic Justin Kent returns to Penny Hollow to fulfill his father’s dying wish of revitalizing their small town. To do that, he needs the allegedly haunted estate at Summerfield. Mac, the new owner, may be gorgeous and spunky, but she refuses to sell.

These two have a dangerous history that spans the ages, but will they discover the truth in time to save their lives?

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I enjoy anything Heather Long writes, and Haunt Me has it all, a great hero who has patience and is almost perfect and a heroine that has been wounded before and has to learn to trust again and a haunted house at the center of it all.

MacKenzie “Mac” Dillon is excited to inherit her great aunt’s house in Penny Hollow, it’s the perfect place to hole up and get back to her writing roots. I really liked Mac, she was dedicated to her craft and when she interacts with Justin, she has a lot of attitude and personality that I enjoyed.

Justin Kent, is a pretty close to a perfect hero because he dives right in and helps Mac even when she doesn’t even know she needs help and even when she makes it difficult for him.

This book had me on pins and needles as everything built and I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen and how it was going to in. That’s what elevates Haunt Me from good to great, it produced real emotions in me and I want everyone to read it so I can discuss it.

I highly recommend this story and I really want more Penny Hollow! I need more Penny Hollow, there were so many interesting characters introduced. 

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

Jaded by Anne Calhoun - ARC Review

After life as a cop in Denver leaves him burned-out, Lucas Ridgeway returns to Walkers Ford, South Dakota, to serve as their chief of police. He’s hoping to start over with a clean slate and avoid any emotional entanglements—even after his next-door neighbor kisses him senseless. Alana is passionate, dedicated, and most importantly leaving town soon. So why not have some fun?

Alana Wentworth comes from a larger-than-life political family, yet all she wanted was to be a librarian. Then after an embarrassing marriage proposal from Mr. Not-For-Her, she jumps at the chance to live her dream for a few months. She wasn't supposed to get involved with the community—or sexy, troubled Lucas. But when the time comes for Alana to put Walkers Ford behind her, she’s not ready. And Lucas may not be ready for her to go.

Pre-order:

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I loved this book, it was both fun and sexy. They chemistry between Alana and Lucas is off the charts and I enjoyed the way that just being in each other’s arms taught them both about what they really wanted out of life. It’s a story that really is about finding and forgiving oneself on top of the very well done romance. It’s obvious that Lucas and Alana were meant to be.

Even if they both see their relationship as temporary, I really liked that aspect of the book. Not to mention the very adorable and very entertaining sidekick in Duke, Lucas’ retired police dog, this book really has a bit of everything for everyone while maintaining that small town romance feel. It’s a small town romance with a heavy dose of the erotic when Lucas and Alana get together.

There was a great cast of characters that made Walker’s Ford both fun and quirky. I highly recommend this book and will be checking out others by Ms. Calhoun soon.

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

The Wrong Billionaire's Bed by Jessica Clare - Review

The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success--at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They're just not always as successful when it comes to love...

 

Audrey Petty's always been the responsible one. The good twin.  Successful, dependable, and trustworthy--that's Audrey. She'd be the perfect girlfriend for her childhood crush, billionaire Cade Archer...except that she's pretty sure she's not even on his radar. But when fate (and her chaotic twin) come together, Audrey finds out that she'll be spending the next month with Cade at his remote cabin retreat. It's a dream come true...

 

Until she meets her worst nightmare.

 

Billionaire playboy Reese Durham is used to seducing women to get what he wants. But when stiff, too-proper Audrey bursts into the private mountain lodge and scares his companion out the door, it's time for a little revenge. It's clear that Audrey's in love with his buddy, Cade...and it's clear to Reese that blackmailing Audrey with this information can get her to agree to just about anything. Like furtive kisses in the dark, or a secret rendezvous in the woods. Audrey may think she knows what she wants, but Reese is determined to show her what she needs.

 

And as Reese discovers the volatile minx behind the buttoned-up exterior, he starts to think maybe she's just what he needs, too.

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Have you ever read a book and then immediately had to go and buy the rest of the series, and check out her other series because you just found an author who writes with that voice that you adore? That was this book and Jessica Clare for me. She drew me in and I immediately fell in love with and related to Audrey. She’s a great heroine, who’s smart, snarky and so capable of so much passion and love.

Throw in Reese Durham, a billionaire playboy who met his match in Audrey. He is full of snark, sexy one liners and melts for Audrey at times. I loved that he wasn’t afraid to tease her and that love blindsided him and the way he was a bit grumpy about it. Mostly I loved the way they interacted with each other, it was just enough funny and tension that I couldn’t put this book down.

I highly recommend this book. I have purchased the first two, and I haven’t read them and enjoyed this book so it’s definitely a great stand alone. I look forward to reading them as well.

I received a copy from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review. 

Review: The Weekend Proposition by Ella Jade

The Weekend Proposition

by Ella Jade

Blurb: 

One weekend—no strings, no expectations, and no commitments. On Sunday afternoon it all ends, or does it?

No-nonsense businessman Spencer Cannon has a dilemma. He's headed to Connecticut for the weekend to attend his cousin's elaborate wedding. His whole family will be there in addition to his obsessed ex-girlfriend Ava. According to Spencer's brother, Ava has been telling her friends she's planning a magical reunion with her favorite ex-boyfriend. Spencer's not in the mood to deal with her, but he can't miss the wedding. He needs a plan.

Struggling Brooklyn waitress and aspiring graphic designer Dakota Vercelli has fallen on hard times. College debts, pending eviction, and her sick mother are taking a toll on her. A chance encounter with Mr. Cannon, CEO of Cannon and Carrington Advertising, leads to a proposition that may be just the thing to solve both of their problems. Spencer's offer—spend four days with him during the wedding festivities and keep his ex off his trail. In return, he'll compensate her generously for her time. He needs a weekend girlfriend, and Dakota needs the cash.

It was just supposed to be a business deal, but after sharing a room, kissing under the stars, and attending a wedding, their attraction is undeniable. Will the illusion end when the weekend is over or is the proposition just the beginning?

Content Warning: contains mature language and graphic sexual content

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My Review:

A spicy version of Pretty Woman, The Weekend Proposition by Ella Jade captivated me from the very beginning. I really enjoyed both the characters. Spencer Cannon is this practical no nonsense businessman yet he comes up with a plan that will help out Dakota “Coda” Vercelli and himself at the same time. Spencer has some major baggage in the form of his vindictive mean ex Ava, and that adds a pretty big conflict. Coda and Spencer have some amazing chemistry and it was fun to root for them to realize that they can be more than just crazy physical attraction.

I recommend this story, I really enjoy Ella Jade’s stories and this was an excellent addition to her backlist.

5 Books

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review.

Review/Giveaway: Gianni by Melissa Schroeder

Gianni

Melissa Schroeder

May 17

Blurb:

The youngest of the Santinis, Gee has always been the biggest flirt. He usually has no problem charming women. That is until he spies Kianna Jones across the room. For once in his life, he is unable to charm her into a date.

Kianna is a woman who doesn’t expect romance, especially with a sexy PJ who is five years younger than she is. But, he just won’t give up so she agrees to a date, which turns into several and eventually to the best sex of her life. Still, she isn’t ready to commit beyond their present status.

Gee isn’t happy when Kianna resists taking their relationship to the next level but he refuses to give up. If there is one thing a Santini understands is that nothing worth fighting for comes easily—and he is prepared to launch the fight of his life.

My Review:

Gianni Santini is the youngest Santini brother and my favorite so far. He’s a PJ in the Air Force and he meets college professor Kianna Jones, a sexy woman five years his senior. There was this instant chemistry that I loved, it was  a cool contrast to have the eldest sister falls for the youngest brother. The dynamic they both have with their siblings was an interesting layer to this story.

Gianni Santini, is smooth, sexy, and fun. I would love to find a man like him. He treats Kianna like this rare treasure that is meant to be pampered and held above all others. He was swoon worthy. Kianna is smart and sexy, and willing to let a younger man sweep her off her feet. The ways that Ms. Schroeder has their relationship grow and build is beautifully done. We got to catch up with Leo and MJ and got to see a taste of Georgia with this book.

I recommend this Santini for the sensual side of Gianni, he’s the smoothest brother yet! This is a story of love that’s just the right length for full satisfaction.  

5 Books

I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Buy Links:

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Check out the final Santini brother coming May 24!

Vincente

Melissa Schroeder

Releases May 24

  

Blurb:

Vince Santini considers himself the last man standing. Being the only unmarried brother is a badge of honor, until the woman had always been in his heart returns. Acting on his attraction hadn’t been an option seeing that she was his best friend’s girl, but now she is single and free for him to pursue.

Julianna Andrews is a survivor. It took her years to walk away from her abusive husband, and now all she cares about is building her business. She doesn’t have time for Vince or the temptation he represents. He is a reminder of her past. One argument leads to a heated kiss, and the passion that threatens to consume them both.

Vince knows that Jules might not be ready for happily ever after with anyone, but he is bound and determined to convince her that he can give her that—and more. This Santini is happy to be the last man standing—as long as he is HER man.

Giveaway:

Enter to win 1 of 4 awesome swag packs! 

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Review/Giveaway: Plan Witch From Out of Town by Heather Long

Plan Witch From Out of Town

Publisher: Champagne Books

Release Date: May 6

Blurb:

Life should be getting back to normal...

Chance survived a serial killer returning from the grave and said yes to a date with her ex-lover Jack. But survivor's guilt eats away at her and her world turns upside down when earthquakes begin to rattle the landscape and devastate the region she calls home.

Madness becomes her...

Terrified that she is the source of earthquakes devastating her land, she tries to shut down her connection to Earth. But when enemies aware of how to shatter her bond to earth kidnap her, Chance faces her most desperate hour.

When the earth shakes, the witch bleeds...

Staring into the face of madness, she must learn to trust her allies or risk losing everything - and everyone she loves.

Buy Links:

ARe            Amazon               Bookstrand                    Champagne Books

My Review:

This is the second Chance Monroe book in Heather Long’s urban fantasy series. I loved the first, Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, and that book was action packed but Plan Witch from Out of Town steps it up by about five notches. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let go. Chance Monroe’s world is literally shaking apart, and she isn’t even sure if she’s to blame. Chance is a character that we can all relate to at some point in our lives, at some point there is always something that shakes the very core of self we all have. Chance has great friends to fall back on, if she can let go enough to do so.

In the first book, Chance and Jack are kind of together and kind of not but in this one she agrees to date him. The chemistry is off the charts between them and the love is already there, this deep love that transcends so much pain and life, that got in the way over the years. Now, this isn’t a romance, it’s not a love story, though Jack and Chance are in a relationship and in love. It’s a story of Chance, and her growth and coming to terms with what it really is to be a Hedge Witch, to finally embrace her true heritage.

Ms. Long writes a heroine that I want to be best friends with. Someone I would love to be able to call if I needed a shoulder or someone to kick my ass. Then she takes it one step further and surrounds Chance with this cast of characters that not only love her, but are so real and lifelike that I want them for my support system.

The plot with story is so intricate and beautifully set up that when it’s mixed with all the action, it was a book that kept me reading late into the night. This is a story that I will re-read I don’t know how many times. All of the Chance books, they are now on my re-read Urban Fantasy shelf, right next to Patricia Briggs and I plan on revisiting Chance Monroe often. I can’t recommend this book or series enough please go buy them, I don’t think they’ll disappoint.

5 Books

I think after reading Plan Witch From Out of Town that you’ll be counting down to Bad Witch Rising that is out in October right along with me! 

Aren't these the prettiest covers, you've ever seen?

Giveaway:

I recommend this book so highly; I’m offering a copy of this one or the first one (if you don't have it yet) to one lucky reader!

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Review: Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston

Blurb:

Ricky Lee has no plans of getting serious about anyone, but he will protect Toni Jean-Louis Parker. Not just because he’s been hired to do so, but because it’s the right thing to do. And if that means traveling around the country with one complicated She-jackal, dealing with chocolate-eating wild dogs, instigating trouble between his brothers, and having the most amazing sex he’s ever had…well, who said his job didn’t have perks?

Toni doesn’t know how she keeps getting herself into these situations. But even she has to admit there’s something about Ricky Lee Reed that she finds kind of interesting…and downright sexy. Now they just have to survive long enough to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for…

Buy Links:

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My Review:

From the very first page, this book had me giggling and then laughing out loud.  I haven’t read something so funny in a while. Ms. Laurenston knows how to write a steamy love story that also makes me laugh out loud.

Toni Jean-Louis Parker has her hands full dealing with all of her many siblings and their demanding personalities. She’s a jackal shifter and family is the most important thing to them.  I love Toni, and I understand Toni. She’s overworked and it’s a job she can’t escape since she lives with them.

Ricky Lee is a laid back go with the flow wolf shifter, and has no desire to settle down. That is until he starts following around Toni, the She-Jackal who brings entertainment with her in the form of her wild siblings. I like Ricky Lee, have since we were introduced to him earlier in the series, the way he interacts with his siblings and pack and just kind of sits back and watches makes me smile.

When these do finally get together, they burn up the pages and sheets and it’s a wild ride. I was rooting for them to find time alone and to make it work. Toni wasn’t sure she could ask anyone to plunge into the middle of her crazy family but Ricky Lee doesn’t give her much of a choice.

The secondary characters in this book had me guessing and screaming she didn’t, but she did. She went there and it made me smile. The wild dogs are always a favorite of mine and they are back and just as fun as always.

I recommend this read for the laughter, the hot sex and the subplot that has you guessing up until the very end. This can be read by itself but honestly, I recommend the whole series and her other series. I don’t think there has been anything that she’s written that I haven’t loved.

Give Wolf with Benefits a try, I don’t think it will disappoint. 

5 Books

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review