My keeper shelf

Goodbye and thank you

2014-02-10T13:03:00.000+00:00

Hey everyone!

I've decided to close down My keeper shelf so this will be my final post. I started blogging three years ago with no clue about the time investment needed to keep a blog up and running and have fallen in and out of love with blogging more times than I can remember. I decided a few weeks ago I would stop blogging and since then have felt completely relieved so I know it's the right decision for me.

I want to say a giant thank you to everyone who has visited My keeper shelf, left a comment, read my reviews and entered my competitions and I want to also thank everyone who has been a guest reviewer for me especially Rebecca who's reviews have always been amazing.

I'm looking forward to reading the 5 bazillion books I have on my bookshelf and maybe re-reading a few of my old favourites as well as spending more time with my amazing daughters Kate and Erin playing Monopoly and doing more Family Tree Research (yes I am a complete geek!).

Love Lesley xxx

Magic Possessed by Jaime Rush excerpt and giveaway

2014-01-27T07:00:00.000+00:00

To celebrate the release of Magic Possessed the next instalment in Jaime Rush's fantastic dragon shifter series The Hidden I have a tantalising little except AND a giveaway in which you can win the whole series. Enjoy!

Magic Possessed
The Hidden #2
Jaime Rush
Publisher: Forever
Publication date: 28th January 2014

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

Her brother was mysteriously murdered with no witnesses, clues-or motives. Yet Violet Castanega knows he won't be the last to die unless she seeks help. But the Hidden's law enforcement won't come to the aid of her rowdy dragon clan, and the only person who will listen to her is one tough cop. Violet has tangled with him before, and it got rough. This time, it's getting hot . . .

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT

Powerful Guard member Kade Kavanaugh has been ordered to take out Violet Castanega. While assassination orders don't come with explanations, his instincts scream that killing the feisty beauty is wrong. Now Kade must put his career, not to mention his life, on the line to save her. But as the passion-and the danger-heat up between Kade and Violet, can they survive the darkest magick of all?

Here's a little excerpt

Kade watched Violet Castanega's sassy little ass sashay through the lobby to the entrance. He could tell she wanted to look back at him; she started to but snapped her head straight, pushed the door open, and slammed it shut behind her. Wow, did she look different from the last time he'd seen her.

When he'd arrested Arlo six years ago, someone jumped on his back, wrapping her long legs around his waist and arms over his shoulders. He'd known instantly it was a woman—her breasts crushed against his back had been the first clue. Her shrill voice blasting his ear with, "Let him go!" the second.

He'd reached back to dislodge her and accidentally grabbed her boob. Okay, maybe he'd lingered on that firm and soft and luscious mound of flesh. She'd nailed him in the eye with her elbow. It was only after he'd thrown her off that he realized it was Violet, the once-lanky, scrappy teenager he'd seen during an earlier investigation into Arlo's activities.

Before she could launch another attack, he reminded her that assaulting an officer would result in arrest, and she backed off. She'd been wearing tattered jeans, a muddy tank top and boots, and smelled of earth. A red scarf covered her dark brown hair, but her braid had hung down her back and tendrils of hair had escaped. To his surprise, her untamed self had tugged at the rebellious, wild side he'd had to stuff deep inside. And it still did apparently.

The spark between them was bizarre. Never would he nail a Fringer, doubly so, since they were all Dragons. Not even one with silky hair falling over her shoulders and a long, lean body. He returned to the pit, where several pairs of eyes were on him.

"Did you spank her for giving you that shiner, Kavanaugh?" Treach called out, followed by a chorus of guffaws.

"I think you were a little too distracted and let her get the best of you," Baker said. "You wanted to spank her."

Kade shook his head, learning long ago that to respond was the weaker action. He headed to his office, a tantalizing image of Violet sprawled across his lap while he spanked that lush behind flashing into his mind. That was not helping his hard-on.

His sister, Mia, sidled up next to him. "What was that about?"

"The shiner?" He waved it off. "She was fast, nailed me while I was dealing with her brothers." He wasn't getting into the boob part.

"No wonder you never mentioned who'd given you that black eye. These chauvinistic bastards will never let you live that down." She shot them a derisive glance and lowered her voice. "But that's not what I was talking about. There was an erotic vibe in the way you dealt with her, and ooh, the way the mist in your eyes is swirling now."

He kept all expression from his face, including annoyance at her observation. "I was making sure she didn't cause a scene. Nothing more."

She gave him a skeptical look, which he deserved because he knew exactly what she was talking about. He didn't have an answer for it either, because no way was he attracted to a Castanega. Even a sexy, sassy one. "Take note, little sister. With people like her, you've got to establish dominance immediately. The moment they think they've got the upper hand, they do."

The usual light of admiration returned to her eyes, the way it did whenever he imparted his wisdom to her. "I see that. You didn't let her get away with anything, while she completely got away from me. That's why you're one of the best Vegas in the department."

He loved her admiration, and he didn't. He knew too well how betrayed one felt when the object of your admiration fell and shattered to pieces. She was too young to remember when all the years of their father's sterling service to the Guard exploded in scandal. A woman had made wild accusations about a member of the Concilium, the government entity that oversaw the Hidden and instituted the rules. Somehow their father had gotten involved, emotionally, maybe romantically. Stewart Kavanaugh had helped the woman escape, and both were killed.

Everyone had kept the ugly details from Mia, then age seven. As far as she knew, a crazy woman escaped and attacked their father. Weeks later, their mother had taken her life, unable to deal with the betrayal and scandal. She was a selfish, weak woman who cared more about her reputation than her young daughter.

On top of that, Kade had been demoted to Argus. Some people complained that he'd been fast-tracked to Vega because of his father's influence and that he didn't deserve his position because his reckless behavior made the Guard look bad. Maybe that was true, but they conveniently forgot the thirty years that he was a Vega who closed almost every case. Five years of towing the line, exemplary work, and living by the rules had earned him Vega again. Humiliating, belittling years that changed him from cavalier and edgy to a sterling, model officer.

"Kavanaugh," Ferro called out, leaning out of his office. He saw Mia and added, "Kade." Ferro remained standing once Kade closed the door behind him, looking at the map with the tacks on it. "Take the Castanega woman out."

The words hit Kade like a cold slap, so out of the blue he had to clarify in case he'd misheard. "'Take her out'? You mean kill her?"

"I thought you were beyond needing the terms explained."

Kade bristled. "For barging into your office?"

The corner of Ferro's mouth twitched. "You're questioning the order?"

"It seems extreme, sir."

"It has nothing to do with her conduct here." Ferro lifted the paper she'd brought in. "We've been watching her for a while now. These killings are connected to her, and her act about being concerned is just that." He let the paper drift down to his desk. "Worthless pieces of trash, all of them. A blight on Crescent society."

Those words prickled across Kade's skin. He'd heard them spoken about his father after the debacle.

Ferro continued. "Their skirmishes act as population control, but in the age of the Internet and instant news, they threaten to expose what we are. Eliminating her will serve as a warning to anyone else involved."

The Guard didn't have people killed for less than a good reason. Kade wasn't always privy to the reasons, and frankly, he'd never been concerned about it. Orders were orders. Still, the prospect of whacking Violet sank his stomach. Because he'd felt her body against his? And felt arousal?

Think with your right head, Kavanaugh.

Vegas were akin to Special Ops, called in when the mission was dangerous, tricky, or required a special skill. He had to trust his superior. He would carry out his task as ordered.“I'll take care of it, sir."

JAIME RUSH ONLINE:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Up for grabs today is the full Hidden series, including DRAGON MINE, DRAGON RISING, DRAGON AWAKENED, MAGIC POSSESSED, and ANGEL SEDUCED!

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment below. US ONLY. Be sure to leave your email address!

Review: First to Burn by Anna Richland

2014-01-26T20:08:00.000+00:00

First to Burn
The Immortal Vikings #1
Anna Richland
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: 27th January 2014

What a story! When I read the blurb on Goodreads I was very intrigued by the possibility of an immortal Viking in a modern day setting and First to Burn certainly does not disappoint.

Immortal Viking Wulf Warsden is now Sargent Warsden, serving in Afghanistan alongside his elite and entirely human Special Operations team. When injured in a blast Wulf comes to in a medevac helicopter on route to hospital but the minute he's transferred he walks away fully healed as he's done many times before to ensure the secret of his immortality is not discovered. Captain Theresa Chiesa a doctor at Camp Cadwalader's combat hospital, is determined to find out how Sargent Warsden who was called in by the flight medic as having a serious leg wound is now fighting fit with no sign of ever having any kind of serious wound. On the trail of missing paperwork Theresa comes up against the impenetrable wall of Wulf's loyal team who will do anything to protect his secret. When Theresa finally meets the elusive Wulf there's an instant attraction burning between them.

I really loved the slow burn between Theresa and Wulf, their path to love is incredibly rocky but deliciously good. With their difference in rank Theresa knows that Wulf is off limits despite his heartthrob good looks. Equally, Wulf knows that he can never really have Theresa despite their obvious attraction to each other, if she were to discover and reveal his secret Wulf knows he would be forced to disappear again and leave what has become his band of brothers, his special ops team. Despite this there's a real flirty tension between them until Theresa witnesses first hand Wulf's body repairing itself in a matter of minutes after an almost fatal attack on their helicopter.

As the pieces begin to connect for Theresa Wulf cannot allow her to tell anyone his secret even if it means he has to lie to her and follow her to her mid tour leave in Rome. For Theresa, her leave could not have come at a better time she needs time and space to figure out what she saw and what her next move will be and more importantly, get Wulf and his lies finally out of her head. For Wulf, Rome gives him an opportunity to get closer to Theresa, despite being sworn off any form of relationship he finds it impossible to stay away her. But with his team investigating corrupt military contractors and Afghan heroin Wulf and Theresa soon find themselves on the run from some seriously dangerous old enemies.

When I said that First to Burn is some story I really meant it! From the army base in Afghanistan to the sewers and tunnels of Rome, to Wulf's stunning Italian castle, to the intensive care unit in Germany and finally on to suburban New Jersey, First to Burn is a real adventure and a half and full to the brim of action packed twists and turns. With an imaginative mixture of myth and legend, modern day military setting and good old fashioned romantic suspense I almost had to remind myself to breathe at times reading it. At one point I was forced to put First to Burn down to cry my eyes out (no spoilers here but be assured you will need your hankies) and although I was thoroughly shocked I thought the aftermath was handled incredibly sensitively and realistically by Anna Richland. Interestingly when I checked out Anna Richland's website (I just had to find out who's book is next!) I saw that she herself has a military background which explains the very authentic feeling military scenes. Equally, A-MAZ-ING and well worthy of a final special mention were the hot and steamy scenes between Wulf and Theresa, let me tell you that immortal Viking is a keeper!

First to Burn is the start of what looks to me to be a fantastic paranormal romance series, with thirteen immortal Vikings and an ancient immortal enemy I can't wait to see what the next book The Sinner has in store. 5 out of 5.

Favourite quote:

"He lifted Theresa's hand to his lips. "You know the seats recline almost flat in first class? And there's a privacy partition."
With her chin tucked to her chest and her eyebrows raised, she glanced left and right and then shot him a dubious look. "You can't be serious."
He adopted a puppy face. "We could just cuddle?"
Her lips twitched and her nose flared, as if she was fighting to hold in laughter. "Right."

ANNA RICHLAND ONLINE:
Website | Facebook | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

New series alert! The OGs by Elle Aycart

2014-01-26T13:33:00.000+00:00

I did a little happy dance when I found out that Elle Aycart has a brand new series coming out in February. Deep Down the first book in her OGs series (OGs stands for Original Grandmas and apparently these grandma's are hilarious!) and is due for release on February the 11th. You can see a little sneak preview of Deep Down here.

Deep Down
The OGs #1
Elle Aycart
Publication date: 11th February 2014

Mike Haddican is a proud small-town gym owner, a renowned karate instructor, and all-around good guy. He’s never needed much to be happy: his family, his friends, his girl. Especially his girl. But when Kyra left him seven years ago to chase her dreams, she all but destroyed him.

Contemporary dancer Kyra Brims made it big, but it cost her dearly. With her life and career in shambles, she doesn’t need a do-over, she needs a friggin’ miracle. Injured, broke, and out of options after going through hell, she’s come back to Alden, the town she swore she’d never return to and home of Mike Haddican, the man who ripped her soul to pieces, to lick her wounds and recover.

Forgetting and letting go proved impossible when they were worlds apart; now that they’re stuck together they don’t stand a chance, especially with Mike’s grandma and her partners in crime plotting, meddling and refusing to give up on them.

As the passion that never died burns out of control, so do old hurts and unresolved issues. Both have reasons to be angry and feel betrayed, but now that they’re older, are they wise enough to make things work?

Other books by Elle Aycart

More Than Meets the Ink | Heavy Issues | Inked Ever After

Other books I've been reading this month

2014-01-24T08:00:00.000+00:00

Asking for Trouble
Line of Duty #4
Tessa Bailey
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Publication date: 25th November 2013

Tessa Bailey's Line of Duty series is probably one of my favourites from Entangled, each hero gets hotter and hotter!

Brent is a cop and explosives expert moonlighting also as a mechanic to support his family, Hayden is a rich chick with an overbearing society mother, she also runs a charity organisation for kids. He thinks she's an aloof pampered princess, she thinks he's a crude and infuriating wham-bam let me get back to playing Grand Theft Auto, ma'am type but underneath the sarcastic banter there is a real opposites attract simmering appreciation.

I loved this enemies to lovers tale, Brent's particular brand of alpha maleness and dirty talking is worth a 5 out of 5 rating alone and a few re-reads! Their scenes together are scorching hot. I really liked that even as they started to learn more about each other it wasn't all plain sailing they still argued, fought and made up and the making up was really gooood. I also really liked that Hayden gave Brent as good as she got in and out of the bedroom despite the pressure she was under, and Brent (bless his enormous size 15 manly socks) was more than man enough to let her handcuff him and take over. Loved it, 5 out of 5.

Take Me On

Ross Siblings #4
Cherrie Lynn
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publication date: 17th December 2013

The Ross Siblings series is another steamy contemporary romance series that I love, I've enjoyed every single book devoured each one in a few hours and finished each one smiling.

Gabriella was jilted on her wedding day and has come back to her home town to lick her wounds and get her life back on track before heading back to medical school. Deciding to finally get a tattoo Gabby heads to her brother Brian's tattoo shop but he turns her down so the new guy Ian steps up and designs a beautiful phoenix tattoo that Gaby instantly adores.

There's an obvious attraction between Gabby and Ian, although Ian is wary of going anywhere near his new bosses sister who he knows has had a hard time recently when Gabby deliberately turns up at the bar Ian frequents and tells him exactly what she wants the attraction wins out.

Although I loved Gabby and Ian's steamy encounter (Cherrie Lynn does write good steam!) it was the very different characters of Gabby and Ian that made Take Me On such a good read. Gabby is a little older than Ian she was ready to settle down and get married to her doctor before being humiliated on her wedding day, Ian gave her the opportunity to have her one night with a sexy, tattooed, Harley-riding hunk and get over her recent heartache. When their one night stand results in some serious consequences Ian wants to step up and be there for Gabby but just isn't sure in himself if he can ever be enough for her. Add into the mix Gabby's overprotective parents who are worried that Ian is going to take advantage of Gabby and Gabby's ex-fiancé who wants back in her life I really felt for Gabby and the pressure she was under.

Take Me On is a great ending to a fantastic series, it's got the necessary steam factor and a great story alongside it. 5 out of 5.

Review: Broken Blade by J.C. Daniels

2014-01-20T19:55:00.000+00:00

Broken Blade
Colbana Files #3
J.C. Daniels
Publication date: 6th January 2014

I shed more than a few tears at the end of Night Blade the second instalment in J.C. Daniels Colbana Files series, after two weeks of being held prisoner by the vampire Jude Kit Colbana has been raped, beaten and treated like a vampire chew toy. Completely broken Jude has convinced Kit that nobody is coming to rescue her but Kit still manages to escape her prison although the escape Kit really wants is a permanent one.

Four months later, Kit no longer a warrior is a bartender at Wolf Haven. After months of crippling nightmares Kit knows that she has to stop hiding but can't face or even think about Damon her ex-boyfriend and shifter alpha. The woman Kit was is dead but she is now able to admit to herself that dead feels better than broken.

Initially dipping a cautious toe back into the investigation business it's not long before a simple case involving a girl pregnant to a shifter results in Kit not only having to face Damon and his shifters (who incidentally can't even look her in the eye) but an ancient and powerful woman who wants Kit to track down Pandora's box.

Although Broken Blade had me crying again it also had me cheering for Kit and even for Damon. It was heartbreaking to see Kit this powerful warrior feel so frightened and humiliated and at times it seemed like an impossibility that this broken and changed woman could ever really recover. Equally, heartbreaking Kit no longer has her trusted bond with her sword because Jude and his evil cohorts ensured that weapons would no longer sing to her. It's almost as though a part of Kit has died and as a reader I think it would be impossible not to feel for her. Broken Blade isn't all heartbreak though, we find out more about Justin, Kit's ex and friend, why he ended up working for Banner and more about his rare and particular kind of magic. Equally I loved seeing more of Doyle and his growing connection to Kit. One of the scenes that really stuck in my head was Damon trying to repeatedly crash through the protective spells around the bar in Wolf Haven to get to see Kit. Yes things didn't end well between them in Night Blade before Kit was captured but I was determinedly hopeful and optimistic that he would come through for Kit and that she would in time let him.

Broken Blade was as powerful and emotional as the second instalment. The story and characters again completely sucked me in and although I know that Kit will never be the same she's shown that she can most definitely adapt and I finished Broken Blade feeling hopeful for Kit's future.

Broken Blade more than deserves a 5 out of 5 rating this is a must read series for Urban Fantasy fans.

J.C. DANIELS ONLINE:
Website | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Review: The Arrivals by Melissa Marr

2014-01-18T17:42:00.001+00:00

The Arrivals
Melissa Marr
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Publication date: 2nd July 2013
Reviewed by Rebecca

Having read a couple of books before by Melissa Marr, I was interested to see what she had to offer with The Arrivals. It seemed like a departure from what I'd previously read so I was a little dubious but delved right in.

The premise itself seemed rather interesting. Chloe ends her long period of sobriety and upon waking finds herself in The Wasteland. People from all different times and places have also found themselves there and no one knows why they are there...or how to escape.

A big thing for me when reading books is investing in the characters and apart from perhaps Jack, I didn't feel anything towards any of the other characters including Chloe who is the main character. I felt like the whole book was very rushed and with little thought given to developing a background for the reader to feed on - you do find yourself with a lot of questions at the end of the book! I found it difficult to get to the end but I did manage to however, for something with such a good premise, this really fell short of my expectations.

2 out of 5.

MELISSA MARR ONLINE:
Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Some new series that have caught my eye

2014-01-17T08:00:00.000+00:00

January is a good month for new series, I have quite a few on my list that I want to check out, here's some that have caught my eye.

Dirty Magic
The Prospero's War
Publisher: Orbit
Publication date: 21st January 2014

The first in an all-new urban fantasy series by USA Today bestseller Jaye Wells.

The last thing patrol cop Kate Prospero expected to find on her nightly rounds was a werewolf covered in the blood of his latest victim. But then, she also didn't expect that shooting him would land her in the crosshairs of a Magic Enforcement Agency task force, who wants to know why she killed their lead snitch.

The more Prospero learns about the dangerous new potion the MEA is investigating, the more she's convinced that earning a spot on their task force is the career break she's been wanting. But getting the assignment proves much easier than solving the case. Especially once the investigation reveals their lead suspect is the man she walked away from ten years earlier—on the same day she swore she'd never use dirty magic again.

Kate Prospero's about to learn the hard way that crossing a wizard will always get you burned, and that when it comes to magic, you should be never say never.

Burn For Me
Phoenix Fire #1
Cynthia Eden
Publisher: Brava
Publication date: 28th January 2014

Under Fire

Eve Bradley was undercover looking for a story, not a cause. But something about the man they called Subject Thirteen got her involved. The scientists said he was a devil, and they had a decent case: Terrifying power. A bad attitude. And looks that could lead anyone to sin. . .

Cain O'Connor knows the minute he catches her candy scent that Eve could drive him wild. But she's a threat--in a way no one has been for him in years. She's safer away from him, too. But with a powerful conspiracy determined to shut Eve up for good, there's no time to argue. All they can do is trust their instincts--and their hearts...

Other new series out this month worth checking out

Review: Panic by Lauren Oliver

2014-01-15T21:28:00.000+00:00

Panic
Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: 4th March 2014
Reviewed by Rebecca

The concept of panic by Lauren Oliver seemed like a familiar one - teenagers participating in something that will put their lives at risk with love also on the horizon. It would be easy to muck this book in with others of a similar theme but this novel really did go above and beyond for me.

The main character of Heather is very likeable although she did irritate me at times when she pined after her ex boyfriend - he was a waste of space and Heather knew this, however throughout the book she would mention their time together - whilst this is something that happens in real life as no one gets over a breakup quickly, I felt that his presence, even though he wasn't a main character in the slightest, deflected away from the topic of her new love interest. As well as Heather, there is another main character: Dodge. Whilst Heather never intended to compete in Panic, a dangerous game played by graduating students in their town with sometimes devastating consequences, Dodge did mean to sign up - he has a score to settle and will do anything he can to see his loved ones are avenged.

I liked the dynamic between Heather and Dodge - from the book's blurb and the way in which the story begins, you would think they would end up together but I liked that Lauren Oliver twisted this and made the two main characters fall for other people instead all too often, main characters fall for each other and it was refreshing to see that these characters took a different path.

The whole novel is a roller coaster of emotions - with Panic being such a dangerous game, tensions are high and there are a lot of secrets that are uncovered along the way. This may possibly be the best book I've read in 2013, I can't even describe everything it made me feel. With such well developed characters, a fantastic plot line and a decent back story, Lauren Oliver really has got it right with this stand alone.

I would give this 5 stars.

LAUREN OLIVER ONLINE:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Hope Flames by Jaci Burton

2014-01-08T07:00:00.000+00:00

Hope Flames
Hope #1
Jaci Burton
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: 7th January 2014

I finished Hope Flames by Jaci Burton a little puzzled, it's the first time I've read a Jaci Burton book and not loved it immediately but a few things about the book just didn't really work for me.

I liked the characters, I really did, veterinarian Emma Burnett was perfectly lovely and hero Luke McCormack is the local cop who works with his police dog Boomer in the small town of Hope. Both characters have been burned by previous relationships and aren't looking for any kind of committed relationship. Emma wants to concentrate on building her new vet practise and Luke with a failed marriage behind him prefers to only spend one night with women waving them out the door the next morning. Although neither of them are really on the market there is an immediate attraction there and they agree to a no strings attached fling which develops into something more until Emma's past catches up with her.

On paper Luke ticks all the boxes for me, he's good looking, wears a uniform and as a cop he had that protective vibe and hey, he even loves his dog! but as a hero I never really warmed to him the way I have done with Jaci Burton's alpha male sports heroes. He seemed more distant to me, still holding onto his past and mentally determined not to fall in love with another woman despite what was clearly in front of him. I got a bit frustrated with him and kind of wanted to give him a bit of a shove at times. I think I understood Emma's reluctance to commit much easier, she had much more reason to be reluctant to open herself up to the possibility of a new relationship but Luke's reasons that he felt humiliated and dejected after his wife left him and decided to show the town he didn't give a shit by never falling in love again seemed bonkers and a bit juvenile to me. I think my frustrations with Luke resulted in me never quite feeling the zing between them as a couple. There's one other tiny thing that frustrated me, and I almost hate myself for saying it as a dog lover but the constant dog references got on my nerves towards the end. Silly I know, but I found myself rolling my eyes on more than one dog related occasion.

All in all, I liked the small town setting and will still read the next instalment Hope Ignites because Luke's brother Logan sounds very intriguing but I just wasn't a big fan of Hope Flames and would give it an okayish 3 out of 5.

JACI BURTON ONLINE:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Review: Before Jamaica Lane by Samantha Young

2014-01-07T08:00:00.000+00:00

Before Jamaica Lane
On Dublin Street #3
Samantha Young
Publisher: NAL
Publication date: 7th of January 2014

Before Jamaica Lane is another amazing contemporary romance from Samantha Young, with it's perfect balance of humor and smoulderingly hot scenes as well as some seriously heart breaking moments I know it will be up there as one of my favourites of 2014.

Olivia spent her youth looking after her sick mum so had no real time for flirting or boyfriends and as a result has had no real experience with relationships and has zero confidence when it comes to men. Nate however, is a complete ladies man and oozes confidence. Nate doesn't however do relationships and makes no promises to the many women who have ended up in his bed. For all their differences Liv and Nate are good friends, comfortable in each other's company they can laugh, watch DVD's and be there for each other despite the fact that Liv has had an unrequited crush on Nate forever.

After getting drunk at Braiden and Joss's wedding Liv suggests that Nate puts his expertise with the opposite sex into practise and teach Liv how to talk to and attract men in the hope that she will finally feel confident enough to have an actual conversation with the hot postgrad guy at the library that has words and sentences.

Liv honestly just about killed me I loved her that much. She's my kind of girl, funny, loyal and smart she looks in the mirror and doesn't see an attractive or sexy woman staring back at her and like most of us swears she'll take up Pilates in the morning. It takes Nate to change that. I loved Nate's methods! He starts off telling her what he sees when he looks at her, makes her face herself in the mirror and appreciate how gorgeous she really is as well as letting her into many man secrets such as "don't use the word "flab" around a guy you want to shag" priceless!! He shows her how to flirt, how to dress and as Liv's confidence start to increase Nate really gets down to business and the teaching becomes much more hands on and practical. Honestly, it was deliciously good. As they continue to sleep together it's obvious to Liv that this is more than just a friend helping out a friend as Nate initially wanted it to be but for Nate he just can't accept or face his feelings for her and Liv wants to be his big love not his friend or casual lover.

The longing, the heartbreak, the loss and the love of Liv and Nate's story is so agonizingly good I absolutely adored it. I gave On Dublin Street a 5 out of 5, I also gave Down London Road a 5 out of 5 so I'm giving Before Jamaica Street a 5 out of 5 and then some. Delicious.

Favourite quote:
"Liv's perfect. She deserves perfect. She won't be settling for anything less."

SAMANTHA YOUNG ONLINE:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Beck by Harper Sloan review and giveaway

2014-01-06T05:00:00.000+00:00

I'm a huge fan of Harper Sloan's Corps Security series, it satisfies my post-Kristen Ashley Rock Chick need for books with protective alpha males and heroines that I want to befriend so I was beyond excited to be part of the BECK blog tour and get my paws on an early review copy of BECK. You can check out my slightly fan girlie review below and don't forget to enter the fab giveaway at the bottom of the post.

Beck
Corps Security #3
Harper Sloan
Publisher:
Publication date:

It's official I'm addicted to this series! Although the title of the third book in the series is Beck this is really Dee's story and it's a gut wrenchingly emotional story at that.

Dee is the BFF of Izzy (the heroine in the first book Axel) on the surface she's this crazy, strong and independent woman, she's a fantastic friend and a fiercely loyal woman. There are however things in Dee's past that she hasn't told a single person about, she can't tell anyone, but these things have defined her life and as a result the Dee that her friends see on the outside is not how Dee feels on the inside when she's at her lowest. Although Dee hides it well Beck sees the real Dee.

Beck, OMG Beck! What to say? Harper Sloan has created another delicious alpha male hero to fall in love with. From the minute he saw Dee he wanted her. Right from the start Dee tells Beck she doesn't want forever, it's almost as if she feels she's incapable of it so they have a crazy push and pull relationship. To their friends their relationship looks unstable, full of passion with hints of possessive jealousy as Dee pushes Beck away time and time again. In the face of this Dee doesn't stop smiling but underneath she's broken and even her BFF Izzy doesn't have any idea about how bad Dee's low points are. Beck however, sees the real Dee and despite this he thinks she's worth fighting for, and is prepared to wait patiently for her.

As Dee's story unfolds it's impossible not to feel for both her and Beck and for her two closest friends Izzy and Cage who had no idea what Dee had been through. Her story is intense, emotional and heart breaking and the heart break doesn't stop there. Without giving anything away another part of the Beck story line took my breath away and broke my heart, it's one of those ones you have to read it for yourself, all I can say is the glitter just about ended me.

All in all Beck is an emotional and intense read. I was reminded slightly of Kristen Ashley's amazing Rock Chick Regret Sadie's story which also had me crying bucket load of tears. If you're a fan of the series you won't want to miss it and if you haven't dipped your toe into the world of Corps Security yet you need to rectify that immediately but bring hankies because you are going to need them. 5 out of 5.

HARPER SLOAN ONLINE:
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

As part of the BECK blogtour Harper Sloan has a fantastic giveaway ongoing all you need to do is enter via the rafflecopter thingy below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

January's new releases that have caught my eye

2014-01-02T08:00:00.000+00:00

I've been lucky enough to have a two of January's brilliant new releases for review both Broken Blade by J.C. Daniels and Before Jamaica Lane by Samantha Young were devoured over the festive period and both got a 5 out of 5 rating from me, two more different books you could not find!

I'm also looking forward to Up From the Grave the final Cat and Bones book *weeps* and really, really looking forward to Reaper's Legacy by Joanna Wylde, I cannot wait for that one. Thrash by JC Emery is another badass biker book that has caught my eye (you know I can't resist one).

Howling for You by Chloe Neill is a Chicagoland Vampires novella and since I've always had a little soft spot for Jeff I'm going to give it a whirl too. Finally, I've added Jaime Rush's Magic Possessed to my January TBR list as I really enjoyed Dragon Awakened the first book in her series The Hidden.

Two new series that are out in early January have also really caught my eye and luckily I have both of them for review!

Bitter Spirits
Roaring Twenties #1
Jenn Bennett
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: 7th January 2014

First in a new romance series: It’s the roaring twenties, and San Francisco is a hotbed of illegal boozing, raw lust, and black magic. The fog-covered Bay Area can be an intoxicating scene, particularly when you specialize in spirits…

Aida Palmer performs a spirit medium show onstage at Chinatown’s illustrious Gris-Gris speakeasy. However, her ability to summon (and expel) the dead is more than just an act.

Winter Magnusson is a notorious bootlegger who’s more comfortable with guns than ghosts—unfortunately for him, he’s the recent target of a malevolent hex that renders him a magnet for hauntings. After Aida’s supernatural assistance is enlisted to banish the ghosts, her spirit-chilled aura heats up as the charming bootlegger casts a different sort of spell on her...

On the hunt for the curseworker responsible for the hex, Aida and Winter become drunk on passion. And the closer they become, the more they realize they have ghosts of their own to exorcise...

Hope Flames
Hope #1
Jaci Burton
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: 7th January

Veterinarian Emma Burnett won't let anything or anyone sidetrack her from her job as new owner of the vet clinic in Hope. She let a man distract her once, with disastrous results. But when Luke McCormack brings in his injured police dog, Emma can hardly ignore him. Despite Emma's best efforts to keep things strictly doctor and owner of the patient, Luke's one hot distraction

The books I'm most looking forward to in 2014

2014-01-01T08:00:00.000+00:00

Happy New Year!

I might be suffering from a slight hangover as a result of a few too many French Martini's last night but I'm just about capable to make a list of the books I'm most looking forward to in 2014. Just!

Release date: 28th January

Goodreads | Amazon

Release date: 28th January

Goodreads | Amazon

Release date: 4th February

Goodreads | Amazon

Release date: 7th February

Goodreads

Release date: 11th February
Goodreads | Amazon

Release date: 25th February

Goodreads | Amazon

Release date: 25th March

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Release date: 1st April

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Release date: 8th April

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Release date: 6th May

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Release date: 3rd June

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Release date: 3rd June

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Release date: 22nd July

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Release date: 29th July

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Release date: 5th August
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Release date: TBC

Goodreads

This list looks remarkably like my author "auto buy" list!

My favourite contemporary romance books of 2013

2013-12-31T08:00:00.000+00:00

I did try honestly to compile a top ten of my favourite contemporary romance books of 2013 but it was completely impossible, there's been way too many fantastically schmexy books steaming up my kindle in 2013 so I've narrowed down errr slightly and sneakily added in a few of my top badass biker books of 2013 too.

Contemporary romance tugged at my heartstrings

Down London Road by Samantha Young put me through the emotional wringer and then some. I went from initially disliking the gold digger heroine Jo to absolutely adoring caring, protective and all round lovely Jo at the end. Also in Down London Road's favour is the gorgeous Scottish hero Cam who is to die for.
Review | Goodreads

Contemporary romance with an air of mystery intrigued me
I loved the second instalment in Lisa Renee Jones Inside Out series Being Me, it turned the whole story around with it's revelations and surprises I just wished the third instalment Revealing Us hadn't let the side down.

Review | Goodreads

Some contemporary romances were just plain schmexy
Tattoo artist Seth "Ghost" Warren from Leave Me Breathless by Cherrie Lynn was another to die for hero of 2013 that steamed my kindle up completely. Not only that he loves his Nana too.

Goodreads

Everything Ruthie Knox wrote or recommended in 2013 was amazing

Making It Last by Ruthie Knox was the final instalment in her fantastic Camelot series and I was up to all hours reading it. The final check in with Tony and Amber was so much more than a quick glimpse into their HEA, Making It Last was a realistic and thought provoking story that showed that when the romance wears off Tony and Amber, like the rest of us, had to work at making their marriage last. Ruthie is firmly on my author auto buy list and her recommendations are always immediately added to my "must read" list.

Review | Goodreads

I discovered that I wanted to be a Rock Chick
With the release of the final Rock Chick book I completely fell in love with Kristen Ashley's Rock Chick series. I think I've re-read the first book quite a few times now, I seem to need my Lee and Indy fix quite regularly. I want to be as cool as Stella. Sadie's book had me crying buckets of tears. And Ally, who doesn't want to be Ally? I'm determined to get all eight books in paperback so that I can have them on my shelf despite the cost. Rock On!

Goodreads

I decided I wanted to move to Australia to find myself an Onslow hottie

I devoured An Endless Summer and That One Summer by my favourite Aussie author C.J. Duggan. They both made me laugh and swoon in equal measure
An Endless Summer Review | Goodreads
That One Summer Review | Goodreads

I discovered Cara McKenna's special brand of heroes

I read After Hours by Cara McKenna on holiday and loved the realistic hero Kelly, he wasn't a billionaire, a biker, or a member of the hot bunch he was just a guy but I completely fell for him. After reading Unbound I realised that I really do love Cara McKenna's very character driven books her heroes may just be normal guys but they completely suck me into the story.
Review | Goodreads

Contemporary romance made me laugh in 2013
Wallbanger by Alice Clayton and Tangled by Emma Chase both had me laughing out loud, as far as I'm concerned hot and hilarious are the prefect kind of contemporary romance books.

Wallbanger review | Goodreads

Tangled Review | Goodreads

Dirty talking became popular

Phew! Officer Off Limits by Tessa Bailey was one steamy read, Daniel is a sexy cop with a dirty mouth and got a 5 out of 5 from me.

Goodreads

Badass bikers became my book of choice

It all started with Horse in Joanna Wylde's Reaper's Property, then I discovered Madeline Sheehan's Undeniable and Kelly Jamieson's Hot Ride and before I knew it I was one clicking pretty much anything with a biker/MC theme. I had to create a special shelf on Goodreads and share my love of badass bikers with the world in a special post. I felt it was my civic duty. When I realised Kristen Ashley was extending my beloved Motorcycle Man Tack's story into a new biker series I near enough died and went to heaven. 2013 has definitely been the year of the badass biker for me.

My favourite badass bikers post

My favourite Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy books of 2013

2013-12-30T08:00:00.000+00:00

Goodreads tells me I've read 200 books in 2013 which is about average for me but makes it very difficult to narrow down my favourites of the year so I figured I would cheat a bit and split them into categories starting with my all time favourite Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. So here's what floated my boat in 2013.

Night Blade by J.C. Daniels (aka Shiloh Walker) broke my heart and blew me away. Kit is in a race against time to investigate and clear her alpha cat boyfriend Damon's name and can't discuss her investigation with anyone, let alone Damon who is getting increasingly suspicious. The final 30% of the book honestly destroyed me I couldn't sleep for thinking about it. For Urban Fantasy fans this series is a MUST READ.

Review | Goodreads

Magic Rises By Ilona Andrews book six in the amazing Kate Daniels series became my favourite book of the series (and that's saying something because they are all fantastic). Full on action with epic battles and we see a more vulnerable side to Kate as my favourite Beast Lord Curran is a complete arse to her (I forgave him eventually). I kind of also secretly liked bad guy warlord Hugh D'Ambray and Kate's inevitable battle with her father Roland seems that little bit closer now. Another 5 out of 5 book for me.

Review | Goodreads

I almost had to remind myself to breathe during the final epic battle in Nalini's Singh's Archangel's Legion the sixth book in the Guild Hunter series. The Archangel of New York Raphael, his consort Elena and his Seven looked completely outnumbered in their battle to protect the tower. It was beyond tense! Again, this is a series that just keeps on getting better and better.

Review | Goodreads

I always seem to be playing catch up with Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series and By a Thread convinced me that I really do need to read faster. Gin finally gets to confront her ex boyfriend Mr Judgemental Donovan Caine and puts him right in his place. As a massive Gin fan It felt VERY satisfying.

Review | Goodreads

Lauren Dane's Bound by Magick series is another one of my all time favourites so I was beyond happy to get my paws on a copy of Going Under before it was published. Not only did I love Molly and Gage's very schmexy romance, the tension between the Others and the humans had me shivering with anticipation. Another 5 out of 5 book for me.

Review | Goodreads

Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh was probably my most anticipated book of 2013 and it more than lived up to the hype. I'm a long term follower of Nalini's Psy/Changeling series but bizarrely rarely review them because I just couldn't possibly do them justice. Heart of Obsidian was for me the best book of the series because everything has been building up to the big reveal of the Ghost and it was certainly well worth the wait.

Goodreads

Temping Is Hell by Cathy Yardley was one of my first reads of 2013 and has remained on my favourites list. Quirky and hilariously funny I was absolutely glued to the pages. I've been checking and re-checking ever since I finished it for details of the next instalment because I thought it had so much potential to be a brilliant series but there's no word as yet, I've got my fingers crossed for more from Cathy in 2014.

Review | Goodreads

Much love also for...

Shadow's Claim by Kresley Cole

Hot Blooded and Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Never Deal with Dragons by Lorenda Christensen

Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

Reaver by Larissa Ione

Last new books of 2013!

2013-12-28T16:17:00.001+00:00

Hey there!
I hope you had a great Christmas, I've been in full blown sloth mode since finishing work for Christmas but I have managed to buy and read a few books. I think I've only posted one "new books" post in December so I thought I would post my final new books post for 2013.
Here's what I got:

For review

I bought

I had pre-ordered Spider by Jennifer Estep months ago in the hope I would have caught up with the series (which I haven't!) so I really need to put this on my "must read" list for 2014. I've been buying the Kristen Ashley Dream Man series paperbacks when they are released even though I've read them all I just need to have them on my shelf, I want a whole KA shelf! I also bought Wallbanger by Alice Clayton because I want to get it signed at the Romance Author & Reader Event in Edinburgh July.

Some new badass biker kindle bargains

I can never pass up the opportunity to check out a badass biker kindle bargain these caught my eye and my birthday gift voucher was just burning a hole in my virtual pocket.

With a bit more time on my hands and in between a few French Martini's at Hogmanay I'm planning on reading a few of my review books and creating a few favourites of 2013 posts.

Review and giveaway: Dragon Awakened by Jaime Rush

2013-12-17T23:09:00.000+00:00

Dragon Awakened
The Hidden #1
Jaime Rush
Publisher: Forever Mass Market
Publication date: 17th December 2013

I love dragon shifter books so I'm always on the look out for a new dragon series to devour and Jaime Rush's series The Hidden is definitely one to look out for.

Fifteen years ago dragon shifter Cyntag Valeron was given the order to take out everyone on board the yacht Physikal out at sea. As an assassin Cyn was used to following such orders but didn't expect to see the couple he killed's young daughter sleeping soundly throughout the ordeal, this leaves Cyn with a real dilemma.

Fast forward to the present day and Ruby Salazaar has been brought up by her pseudo-uncle Moncrief believing that her parents died in a boating accident. When Mon calls Ruby urgently telling her there are some things he should have told her long ago, Ruby rushes straight to his house to find that that a strange bolt of green lightening has speared Mon to the wall and in his dying breath all Mon is able to do is warn Ruby that this is magick lightening sent by someone dangerous that will kill her also if it sees her. In his final words the only clue Mon is able to leave Ruby with is the name Cyntag.

As Ruby tries to piece together what Mon was trying to tell her, Ruby finds that the stories Mon created for her a child full of a hidden world of magick, angels, sorcerers, dragons and a dragon prince in a book known as The Book of the Hidden are actually true and that Ruby's world is going to change forever.

Ruby starts her journey convinced that the mysterious Cyntag is somehow responsible for Mon's death and is determined to find and confront his killer. Ruby traces Cyn to the mixed martial arts studio he now owns but Ruby has no idea whatsoever that Cyn is not only a powerful dragon shifter or that he is connected to the death of her parents. Protecting Ruby from her true heritage, Mon cast a spell to keep the magick in Ruby's eyes hidden but now that Mon is gone the spell is finally wearing off putting Ruby in extreme danger. With no knowledge about her true powers its up to Cyn her sworn protector and saviour to now train and protect Ruby the child he spared fifteen years ago.

I loved the world building of Dragon Awakened, basically Ruby should have been initiated or "awakened" at puberty to her dragon heritage but Mon had a real reason to keep Ruby hidden. With no real knowledge of the dragon world whatsoever Ruby has to get a crash course on being a dragon from Cyn and copes with it all quite well I thought!

The relationship between Cyn and Ruby with their complicated history is never going to be plain sailing. Cyn comes across as the older teacher/protector and therefore Ruby is very much initially off limits to him, he thinks she's too young and not actually his type but simmering away in the background their dragons are hot for each other. I liked that they both awaken each other, Ruby really brings back Cyn's passion for life and Cyn teaches Ruby about true dragon history.

All in all, I was really impressed with the start of this new series and with the next instalment Magic Possessed out on January the 28th I know I'll be tuning in for more from The Hidden. 4 out of 5.

Here's a little excerpt:

Cyntag slowly waved his hand in front of her face, his eyes staring straight into hers between his long fingers. “Crescents can identify one another by our eyes. Some are icy glitter, some swirling mist, and others burning embers.”

Her heart hitched. Hadn’t she seen a glow in his eyes?

He lowered his hand. “Moncrief cast an illusion spell to hide the magick in your eyes. You looked like a Mundane, a regular human. Now that he’s gone, the spell is wearing off. Soon it will be obvious to every Crescent who sees you.”

She walked over to a gilt-framed mirror on the side wall and stared at herself. No glow. He was full of it. “I don’t see anything like what you described.”

“Because you cannot see.” He came up behind her. “You have not been Awakened. Crescents are initiated in a ceremony at thirteen, when their powers begin to appear. It’s similar to those of many native tribes to celebrate a coming of age. But much more comes with being an Awakened Crescent.”

Thirteen. She remembered a gnawing hunger deep in her belly and vivid dreams filled with colors and longing and…dragons.

Cyntag brushed her bangs from her forehead, his thumb grazing the skin near her burn. “The orb did this?” She nodded, and anger shimmered over his face. “Unacceptable.”

“I thought so.”

He’d said it as though the attack on her was a personal affront to him. Like he owns you.

“Right now you’re like a baby chick fallen prematurely from the nest, without feathers developed enough to fly from danger or any way to fight enemies. Unable to even see them. You might get a glimpse now and then, but that won’t be enough.”

“You’re saying I have powers?” Could her disbelief be more clear? “Can I make one of those orb-lightning-bolt things?”

Another twitch of a smile. “Sorry, no. However, you are much more magnificent than mere magick.”

“I’m magnificent. Yeah.” She couldn’t help but glance down at herself. “Fine, how do I get…what’d you call it? Awakened?” Let’s play along.

“Considering the circumstances, only I can awaken your powers.”

Did his arrogance know no bounds? Dumb question, Ruby. “What do I have to give you for that?”

“You assume there’s a price?”

“There’s always a price.” She could see that he had one too.

He stepped closer, again breaching boundaries. She wouldn’t move away. If only she didn’t have to look up at him. Even being five-foot-eight, he was way taller. His heat reached out, beckoning her. She stiffened her stance. The dragon tattoo eyed her, but no, she did not see it move.

He waited until she drew her gaze back to his face. “The price is that once you see, you can never go back to being blind. Once you know, you can never forget. Once you experience your true nature, you can never ignore it.”

“Ignore what?”

He released a breath. “We’d better start with the small stuff.”

JAIME RUSH ONLINE:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Bookish

In celebration of the release of DRAGON AWAKENED into the wild there's a fab giveaway ongoing. 15 yes 15!!! winners will receive the Hidden prize pack, featuring a bound flip book of the first two novellas DRAGON MINE and DRAGON AWAKENED, a print copy of DRAGON AWAKENED, advanced copies of the next two books in the series, MAGIC POSSESSED and ANGEL SEDUCED, plus a series bookmark and a special Jaime Rush dog tag! How amazing is that? All you need to do is enter via the Rafflecopter thingy below.

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Release day review and giveaway- Reaver by Larissa Ione

2013-12-17T06:00:00.000+00:00

Reaver
Lords of Deliverance #5
Larissa Ione
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: 17th December 2013

Larissa Ione's Lords of Deliverance series has been one of my favourite paranormal romance series of late. Every book in the series has been thrilling and full of action with some pretty inventive smexy scenes along the way. Every time I've finished a book it immediately becomes my new favourite in the series, they have all been that good and Reaver is no exception, it was absolutely OUTSTANDING!

Larissa pretty much teased us throughout Rogue Rider of the possibility of a little something between Reaver and Harvester. Reaver is the angel with a past, the watcher and father of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, fellow watcher Harvester is the angel who gave up her wings to work undercover in hell alongside her Daddy not so dearest Satan. With Harvester's cover now blown she is being kept and endlessly tortured by Satan in hell. Larissa doesn't hold back when describing the torture Harvester has endured which makes Reaver even more of a hero in my eyes when he decides he's going to head into hell with a half baked but gutsy plan to rescue Harvester right from underneath Satan's nose.

Reaver and Harvester have a history stretching back thousands of years, they know they have some sort of a connection other than just a love hate attraction, but neither of them quite understand why. Reaver's memories have been mostly wiped so he doesn't quite remember what he did to Harvester and why and Harvester remembers a time when she was in love but can't quite put a face to the name she knows that hurt her so badly and changed her forever. It was agonisingly good as their story started to unravel. Harvester has always been bitchy, sarcastic and evil and I never really knew how much was her "in character" undercover or how much was her true personality and although we see a much softer side to Harvester in this instalment there's still plenty of sarcastic and hilarious banter between her and Reaver.

I knew starting Reaver that the path to Harvester and Reaver's happy ever after was never going to be a smooth one but I was beyond satisfied with their ending! Reaver has some pretty fantastic twisty plot turns that kept me on my toes and Larissa does a pretty amazing job of tying up all those loose ends as well as providing some pretty intriguing hints to where the series is heading next. As usual I will be eagerly counting down the weeks to the next instalment. Reaver gets a well deserved 5 out of 5 from me and has been added to my list of favourites of 2013.

Series reading order:

Eternal Rider
Immortal Rider

Lethal Rider
Rogue Rider

Here's a little Reaver and Harvester excerpt:

“R-Reaver?”

Reaver held Harvester’s frail body tight against his as he navigated the final steps of a winding ledge that dropped them into a world of weird. “It’s me. It’s okay. We’re safe.”

Relatively safe, anyway. Relative meaning that they weren’t dead. Yet. He just hoped the same could be said for Tavin, Matt, and Calder. When he’d left them to sneak into Satan’s realm, they’d been engaged in a battle they’d initiated as a diversion. It had been a risky move, and Reaver could only pray they’d make it to the rendezvous point.

A hunter’s horn sounded in the distance and was answered by another, closer horn signal. Satan’s minions hadn’t gained ground, but they were spreading out. Damn.

He scanned the landscape of thorny plants, hills of blackened earth and trees, and twisted, abandoned structures. Nothing moved.

He looked down at Harvester, and as before when he first saw her hanging over a pit of acid, he felt sick to his stomach. He didn’t like Harvester even though he was grateful for the things she’d done, but she didn’t deserve this; her naked body too thin and mottled with bruises and ligature marks, her once silken black hair tangled and dull, and worst of all, missing her gorgeous green eyes.

Under ideal circumstances, an angel could heal from even the most heinous injuries within hours. But these were far from ideal circumstances, and Harvester’s source of power, her wings, had been severed. Without wings or medical assistance, it could take weeks, even months, for an angel’s body to fully heal.

“I can’t risk healing you more than I did,” he said. “My power isn’t reliable right now, and I could do more harm than good.”

“Reaver,” she croaked, as if he hadn’t spoken. “Why…how…”

“Shh.” He tucked her face into his chest, quieting her. “We’re going to meet up with some friends, and then I’ll answer all your questions.”

Reaver and the assassins had worked out a plan A and a plan B. Plan A had been shot to hell when iron gates had prevented Reaver from getting out of Satan’s realm to the south, where his companions would have been waiting. Now, with demons in pursuit, they were on their way to plan B. Hopefully Tav, Matt, and Calder had realized quickly that Reaver’s escape route had gone bad.

Inhaling the stench of rotten vegetation that permeated this section of Sheoul, he started away from the skeletons of some burned-out buildings and toward a mountain range as expansive as the Rockies. He moved swiftly, outrunning the sounds of pursuit and pausing once to blast a group of imps with a ball of lightning. The sphere struck the leader, and from there sent electrical strikes at each of the surrounding imps, frying them all in a handy eight-for-one.

Harvester slept in his arms, barely stirring when he stopped to listen for anyone following them. By the time they neared the plan B meeting site, Reaver was sure they’d lost the demons—temporarily. Reaver wasn’t naive enough to think they were off the hook. The demons chasing them were only the first wave, the security detail unlucky enough to be guarding the dungeon Harvester was kept in.

Once Satan got wind of this, if he hadn’t already, Reaver and Harvester were going to have legions of minions on their heels.

LARISSA IONE ONLINE:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Bookish

Grand Central Publishing are holding a fab REAVER release day giveaway, one lucky winner will get the grand prize of a Kindle Fire and 4 winners will get a signed set of Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance Series: Eternal Rider, Immortal Rider, Lethal Rider & Rogue Rider! Enter via the Rafflecopter thingy below.

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Mini reviews: Axel and Cage by Harper Sloan

2013-12-13T08:00:00.001+00:00

Axel
Corps Security #1
Harper Sloan
Publication date: 8th July 2013

If you love Kristen Ashley's books especially her addictive Rock Chick series then you will love Harper Sloan's Corps Security series it's equally unputdownable.

Isabelle West and Holt Axel Reid (cool name or what?) were high school sweethearts but when Axel left to join the Marines seventeen year old Izzy is left home alone when tragedy strikes. As Izzy tries to put her life back together with the help of best pal Dee Izzy meets and falls in love with Brandon and discovers his true violent nature after they marry.

Six years later again with the help of Dee Izzy escapes and the ladies set up in a new town and befriend the very lovable and protective Greg Cage. When creepy Brandon starts terrorising Izzy again Cage calls in some favours from his badass pals one of which happens to be Axel, the same Axel from Izzy's past.

Axel has everything I love- protective alpha males, former badass marines, long lost love, drama by the bucket load and a gripping if slightly OTT storyline.

Cage
Corps Security #2
Harper Sloan
Publication date: 9th September 2013

Cage is the mucho alpha best friend and protector of Izzy before Axel arrived back on the scene, now that Izzy has Axel its obvious that this tough guy deserves his own HEA.

Cage's story is pretty heart-breaking, he failed to save his sister from her violent partner and has been hell-bent on getting his revenge ever since, Cage is now determined that no female on his watch should ever be hurt. Melissa also lost her sister to a violent partner so has that in common with Cage but what she doesn't know is it was the same violent partner and when Cage realises this, that he didn't act in time to save Melissa sister from s similar fate he is devastated and feels guilty. Melissa and Cage connect 100% and both realise early on it's the real deal but the truth about Melissa's sister's killer hangs very much over their relationship.

After devouring Axel I knew there would be heartache and drama from Cage and I wasn't disappointed with some pretty heart-breaking and intense scenes I enjoyed Cage ever more than Axel I think I might be a little bit addicted to this series now, can't wait for the next book Beck!

AUTHOR ONLINE:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

Review and giveaway: That One Summer by C.J. Duggan

2013-12-11T05:00:00.000+00:00

That One Summer
Summer #3
C.J. Duggan
Publication date: 17th December 2013

I adore road trip books, all that beautiful scenery and endless open road, the carefully chosen road trip music in the background (Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac naturally) and if you are Tammy Maskala you get the added bonus of sharing a confined space for three whole days and nights with the slightly bossy and frowny but oh so smoulderingly hot Onslow publican Chris Henderson of the guaranteed eye rolls and death stare fame. What's not to love about that???

In true road trip fashion C.J's fantastic Aussie late 90's tale starts with the slight awkwardness of both Tammy and Chris who thanks to the "assistance" of BFF Amy have been thrown together for 3 days as they try to catch up with the rest of the Onslow gang who are all determined that they will spend New Year anywhere other than Onslow.

Tammy and Chris are both kind of outsiders, Chris to me has always seemed a little bit older and responsible than the rest of the Onslow boys, in a I'm watching the hilarious banter with a raised eyebrow kind of way. Right from the first book Chris has absolutely intrigued me as I just lurve to see the serious and in charge hero fall for the girl. Tammy I loved right from the start, it's only with the return of her friend Amy that she's found herself on the periphery of the Onslow gang, she's stressy, shy but with a wicked sense of humour and her sarcastic one liners had me laughing out loud. Put Chris and Tammy together with Chris's beloved black van (who's name had me sniggering) that has a handy mattress in the back and we see a whole different side to both characters the further away they actually get from Onslow.

I loved that as the miles roll past we see this different side to Chris, not only can he actually laugh he has a killer smile and takes care of Tammy 100% when she's hit with a terrible migraine going out of his way to ensure she gets the medication she needs, and with that he'd won me over completely. I also adored that That One Summer was interspersed with all of my favourite Onslow characters when Chris and Tammy eventually caught up with them on the trip. I veered between wanting more Onslow gang time because they seriously crack me up, to wanting more quality alone time with the slow but delicious build up between Chris and Tammy it was so good.

Sometimes I forget we are only three books into the Summer series and that C.J. is still a relatively newish published author, but I absolutely know that when I open the first page of one of her books I'm guaranteed to get a huge helping of humour and will be swept away by her irresistible and swoon worthy stories. Her books make me want to be there in Onslow and get to know these amazing characters, I can't praise her enough she really is on my author auto buy list alongside the Kristen Ashley and Jill Shalvis's of the world. Fellow hopeless romantics will love That One Summer, I'm planning another re-read soon! 5 out of 5.

So, how about a little excerpt? This was one of my many favourites.

“So what do you think?” Chris stood with his elbow leaning casually on the open door of his jet black panel van. He looked up at me expectantly. “Pretty sweet ride, huh?”
“If you’re a serial killer,” I said, cautiously descending the steps.
Chris’s head snapped around with surprise, his eyes almost as dark as the van itself. He slammed the car door and folded his arms, glowering at me as I approached.
“I’ll have you know, Toby and I have spent the better part of six months fixing this old girl up.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Really?”
“It’s got a 308 and a four barrel carby.”
“Why, it could be grease lightning,” I smirked.
I didn’t think a death stare could vary in so many ways, but Chris had mastered a variety of pissed-off stares like no other. The one he was now casting me was a whole new level of anger.
Oops.

I cleared my throat and looked away, suddenly super aware that the last thing I should do was alienate my ride, but then the thought did occur to me: did I want to be trapped in a car with Chris Henderson for three days? Three long, insufferable days – could I subject myself to any more death stares, sneers, scoffs and deep sighs? Maybe I would be doing myself a favour if I gave him good reason to leave me behind. Before I fully acclimated to the idea, my attention was snapped back to the present and the duffle bag that landed at my feet.

I frowned toward the verandah where Chris had moved and was readying himself to turf my other bag down.
“Hey! Watch it,” I snapped. “You might break something.” It was a possibility, though I didn’t know exactly what. Maybe Mum had slipped in a crockery set? Who could honestly guess?
“Let me guess,” Chris said with a smirk as he slung my beach bag over his shoulder and trotted down the steps. “Hairdryer?” He threw a cocky smile and grazed my shoulder as he passed, heading for the van. My eyes burned into his back as he opened the double doors to chuck in my bag. He turned to me expectantly, his hand out for me to pass him the duffle. I snatched it up, trying not to let the strain of its weight show as I lugged it over and carefully placed it into the back. I attempted to, anyway. With a rather inelegant lack of grace, I hitched it up onto my knee, trying to be all cool and casual, as if I was totally in control …
I so wasn’t.
Chris plucked it from me as if the bag weighed nothing and turfed it into the back.
“Careful!”
“Relax, it landed on the mattress.”
Mattress?
I peered into the back. Sure enough, a mattress lined the whole floor up to the front bucket seats. The windows were blacked out and the inside walls were lined with black carpet. Oh, ick. All it needed was some leopard-print cushions and a disco ball.
It would seem that black was a common theme throughout Chris’s van, and the colour matched his mood.
Chris slammed the back shut. Viewing time was over.
I half expected him to say, “Let’s get this show on the road,” or “We’re burning daylight,” but instead I got a rather lacklustre, “Get in.”
Yep! Three long days.

C.J. DUGGAN ONLINE:
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Now how about a giveaway?

Up for grabs today as part of the THAT ONE SUMMER blog tour is the following:

A SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of the ENTIRE SUMMER SERIES

THREE EBOOK copies of the ENTIRE SUMMER SERIES

FOUR EBOOK COPY of THAT ONE SUMMER

All you need to do is enter via the Rafflecopter thingy below.

Good luck!

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Review: Born Wild by Julie Ann Walker

2013-12-09T08:00:00.000+00:00

Born Wild
Julie Ann Walker
Black Knights Inc. #5
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication date: 5th November 2013

I'm a big fan of this series, what's not to love about badass alpha male commando's who love bikes? Thankfully after the little blip of the previous book Thrill Ride Julie Ann Walker has got the series back on track again with Born Wild.

Eve Edens after 3 botched attempts on her life goes to William "Wild Bill" Reichert who also happens to be her best friend Becky's brother for help. The police and even her other father don't believe she's in danger only her cousin Jeremy seems to have her back demanding that the police department reopen her case. Eve and Bill however have history when means tonnes of unresolved tension on both sides. Twelve years ago when Bill left for his Navy Seal training Eve's manipulate and over bearing father manoeuvred and coerced Eve into dating and then marrying what he considered to be a much more suitable man than Bill.

Fast forward twelve years, Bill still feels betrayed by Eve although he has never really got over her and now she's at his doorstep needing his help. Bill being the slightly conflicted but ultimate protective good guy does everything he can to protect Eve and uncover who exactly is threatening her life.

I started off disliking Eve a fair bit she's portrayed as previously being a spoilt daddy's girl who did what she was told in her younger days, leading a fairly sheltered life she came across as being a little bit timid but Eve has really grown up and is actively trying to take control of her life despite the fact that her life is under threat and evidence shows that the threat may actually be from a person very close to her. Bill is exactly the kind of hero that I expect from this series all badass commando with a heart of gold who's main weakness if the woman he loves. It may be formulaic but I still love reading it! Eve isn't the normal kind of feisty heroine I expect and that's why I ended up really liking her. It's her love for her father that has allowed him to manipulate her for years and as a result of his manoeuvring Eve feels incredibly guilty about how she treated Bill.

I have to say the whodunit mystery kept me guessing, I made my mind up early who the culprit was and got it completely wrong so bonus points there! Bill and Eve dance around each other for a fair amount of time there's no instant forgiveness and again it made me appreciate both characters even more.

Mystery, badass Navy Seals, bikes and romance all made for another great addition to the Black Knights Inc. series. Well worth a read.

JULIE ANN WALKER ONLINE:
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SERIES READING ORDER:
Hell on Wheels
In Rides Trouble
Rev It Up
Thrill Ride

Review and giveaway: Wings of Arian by Devri Walls

2013-12-06T07:00:00.000+00:00

Wings of Arian
Devri Walls
Solus #1
Publisher: Stonehouse Ink
Publication date: 24th April 2012

Thousands of years ago the land of Meros was closed off from the outside world, and over the years the rulers of Meros have told their subjects that evil, lies and magic do not exist. So when village girl Kiora is told that she is the Solus a human gifted with magic who is destined to battle evil, she has a hard time understanding what is expected of her. Kiora learns that the visions she as seen since childhood are a tiny part of the magic that she must now learn to protect Meros from the evil Dralazar.

Wings of Arian is very much Kiora's story as she transforms from a young village girl into the powerful defender of her land, she can't however do it alone and in true fairy tale style she is given a protector who just happens to be the very gorgeous Prince Emane. Their initial partnership is an uneasy one with so much pressure and expectation on them. For Emane having no magical powers he feels useless and frustrated, fearing that he won't be able to be much of a protector for Kiora and for Kiora the scale of what she must learn and how quickly she must do it as at times very overwhelming. I have to say I loved that Emane the protector took a bit of a back seat to young Kiora as she quickly learned what she is capable of, a little bit of girl power is a good thing in my eyes!

Kiora and Emane's partnership turns into love in the most unlikeliest of background but it's actually very sweet and Emane is the perfect fairytale prince that Kiora needs. With dragons, shape shifters, guardians and Pegasus Wings of Arian has everything you would want from a young adult fantasy adventure book. If you are a fan of Maria V. Snyder's Healer or Study series then definitely give this one a go.

DEVRI WALLS ONLINE:
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BUY THE BOOK:
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As part of the blog tour Devri Walls has a fab giveaway ongoing in which you can win a $10 Amazon voucher, eBooks of the first three books in the series and some bookmarks. All you need to do is enter via the rafflecopter thingy below. Good luck!

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Review: Hard as it Gets by Laura Kaye

2013-12-04T08:00:00.000+00:00

Hard as it Gets
Hard Ink #1
Publisher: Avon
Publication date: 26th November 2013

If I was to sum up Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye I would say it has potential, the cover initially caught my eye and the blurb sounded right up my street with the mention of tattoos, ex military bad ass commandos and the promise of a hot romance. All of this combined should have meant that I loved it but I never quite got there.

Heroine Becca Merritt's arrives at Nic Rixey's tattoo shop Hard Ink Tattoo seeking his help in finding her missing brother Charlie. Becca is the daughter of Nic's ex-commander and the man responsible for the end of Nic's military career. To Becca her father is a military hero but Nic and his surviving team's version of events is completely different making him reluctant to help Becca initially. Thankfully Nic's alpha male protective instincts kick in sending them on a search and rescue mission.

Hard As It Gets definitely had that first book syndrome where the setting up of the characters and story slowed the book down dramatically in the first half and at times I did find myself getting a little bit bored. With the reforming of Nick's team there is obviously potential for each of the men to get their HEA too so I think I'll will the series and chance and pick up the next book I just hope it has more romance and a little less suspense.

LAURA KAYE ONLINE:
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Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper

2013-12-03T07:00:00.000+00:00

Legend of the Highland Dragon
Isabel Cooper
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication date: 3rd December 2013

Mina Seymour has worked hard to raise herself from her working class roots and change her accent and works as a secretary to a Professor Carter so when Lord Stephen MacAlasdair demands to see Carter and leaves the professor rattled to the core Mina decides she wants to find out more about this mysterious Scottish Lord.

Mina visits Stephen MacAlaisdair's cook to get the gossip on him but finds herself running for her life from a mysterious dark shadow straight into Stephen's private lodgings and a large scaly red dragon. With the strange shadow dispatched the dragon changes back into his human form that of Stephen. With everything Mina has now seen and the threat of an old enemy on the loose Stephen demands that Mina must stay with him under his protection but Mina isn't going to sit back and let him investigate on his own.

I really enjoyed this historical romance with a twist, it has so many different elements to it: the historical almost steampunk setting of London in 1894, the paranormal element of shape shifting dragons and mysterious manes, demons and sorcerers, a fantastic mystery and last but by no means least the slow burning romance between Stephen and Mina. I loved Mina, she's worked hard to change her accent and provide for herself, she's loyal, inquisitive and determined and actually becomes a real asset to Stephen in the hunt for his old enemy. As the story progresses Stephen actually admits he wouldn't want to be hunting his enemy without her which is music to Mina's ears knowing that most men would have kept everything from her worried about her womanly nerves. Stephen does seem very lonely, although his brother Colin (who I loved!) does arrive to help him, Mina is the only full human alive who knows about his other form but Mina knows that she will never be his equal and can't throw away all of the hard work she undertook to get her out of her working class position for a night of passion with Stephen.

Mina and Stephen make a really good investigative team whilst their desire for each other keeps increasing in the background. I loved the tension between them and when they do get together it's worth the wait although the location leaves a lot to be desired and had me giggling! I'm really hoping that we get Colin's story next, my one request however is that we get a better more apt cover. Although I do understand that half naked Scottish hero with a kilt equals book sales, the kilt and naked man chest though lovely, didn't really relate much to the story.

ISABEL COOPER ONLINE:
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