How Beauty Saved the Beast (Tales of the Underlight #2) by Jax Garren

Jolie Benoit left her old life behind to become an agent of the Underlight. Training under Sergeant Wesley Haukon, she’s honing her combat skills, all the while coping with the intense sexual attraction she feels for Hauk. She keeps their friendship casual, but when his high school sweetheart transfers into their division, Jolie finds herself grappling with jealousy.

The Underlight gave Hauk a purpose, but he can’t escape his past completely. The physical and emotional scars from the fire that killed seven fellow Army Rangers will mark him forever. Jolie sends his protective instincts into overdrive, but he’s convinced he’ll never be worthy of her love.

Hauk is determined to keep Jolie from harm. But when the Order of Ananke ambushes them with a new weapon that neutralizes Hauk, making him vulnerable, it’s Jolie who must tap into her hidden strengths to rescue him—or risk losing him forever…


4/4 stars

I really like this series.  It's like a modern day steampunk series.  I love that it's also a modern day fairy tale, obviously Beauty and the Beast.  Having Beauty's occupation a burlesque dancer and Beast being a scarred beyond recognition Army vet was a great change-up to the regular story.  The first book was good, this one was much better.  I liked seeing the play between the two and the tension kept me rooting for them to just get together and put themselves out of misery.   I'm looking forward to more stories about this group of people. 

Silver/Steel (Arcada #2) by Belinda McBride

When dream hunter Dylan Ryve spots a beautiful shapeshifter raising hell in a bar, he knows he wants the wild young man. But Travis Feris is more to Dylan than a few hot minutes outside in the snow; he's the assassin's ticket into the magical town of Arcada. He didn't plan to rescue the kid, but when he found the shifter being attacked, the opportunity to play hero was too good to pass up.

Through the solitude of a long winter night, Dylan walks in Travis's fevered dreams, learning about Arcada and the pack, and showing the shifter the man he'd been so very long ago. When morning comes, both men know their lives will be forever entwined.

From Dylan, Travis learns that he is a strong, valued member of the pack. The dreamwalker sees his own worth reflected back at him in the dark blue eyes of the wolf. Yet when Dylan has the chance to free himself from centuries of enslavement, can he betray the man he has come to love

3/5 stars

Definitely didn't like this book as much as the first.  Travis seemed like an immature teenager (doing drugs, starting fights, random hook-ups, etc.) instead of someone we're suppose to take seriously and root for them to have a HEA.  I also got really bored with the dream walking scenes.  Maybe I'm being unfair to the characters because I just didn't care about them.  I mean we met them in a bar and they're both checking out chicks to hook-up with even though they're drawn to each other. Some stuff happens to bring them together and it was traumatic (or would've been to the average person) instead they decide to mess around then they're pretty much a couple.  Most of the book wasn't even about them.  I felt as if their story was back ground or filler til the next book.  Just wasn't to happy with it. 

Wait Until Dark (Night Stalkers #3) by M.L. Buchman

Name: Big John Wallace
Rank: Staff Sergeant, Chief Mechanic and Gunner
Mission: To serve and protect his crew and country.

Name: Connie Davis
Rank: Sergeant, Flight Engineer, Mechanical Wizard
Mission: To be the best...and survive.

Two Crack Mechanics, One Impossible Mission

Being in The Night Stalkers is Connie Davis's way of facing her demons head-on, but mountain-strong John Wallace is a threat on all fronts. Their passion is explosive, but their conflicts are insurmountable. When duty calls them to a mission no one else could survive, they'll fly into the night together—ready or not.


3.5/5 stars

I just read the entire series to be able to accurately review this book.  I found that while I enjoyed reading a military romance about a division that never gets written about I found my eyes glazing over quite a few times when it started using acronyms (I kept forgetting what they stood for) and when describing the helicopters (I've never actually seen a military grade helicopter so couldn't really picture what they were talking about).  I've liked the character of Big Bad John from the beginning and was glad he was going to have a nice romance,  but I'm not sure how much I liked Connie.  She had absolutely no personality until the last chapter.  From John's POV we read that she was funny and loving but we were never shown that part of her.  My favorite part of the book was when they visited his family.  I must say that even though I didn't get into the military aspect of this series I did recommend it to a friend of mine who is a Security Medical Evacuation/ Air Medical Supervisor working in Saudi Arabia.  I though he'd get a kick out of them.  I'll still probably read the next book just because I'd like to see Crazy Tim get tamed.

Blacque/Bleu (Arcadia #1) by Belinda McBride

Lukas Blacque is a deeply closeted werewolf, and almost more than anything in life, he desires his neighbor, Oliver Bleu. Oliver is a vampire who is slowly dying from insomnia. More than anything, he needs Lukas Blacque and the rich blood that flows through his veins.

On the day that Blacque makes an important commitment to his family and pack, he also succumbs to temptation and agrees to a passionate weekend with the alluring vampire. At sunset on Friday, it's all about urgent lust and the drive to lose his virginity. When the sun rises on Monday, lust has shifted to love and devotion. He's not sure he can walk away, even for the commitment he's made. He's even less sure Bleu will let him go.

In Blacque's world, vampires and werewolves make uneasy bedfellows, and a gay werewolf is an impossibility. In Bleu's world, all living creatures are little more than vessels for food and sex. But in the mysterious and magical town of Arcada, the unexpected is always waiting right around the corner. Now Blacque and Bleu just need to survive long enough for Arcada's magic to work for them. 


4/5 stars

I really liked this book because I really like the dynamic between werewolves and vampires and really like when those two are males fighting internal conflict.  Blacque being tattooed and pierced and definitely alpha made him uber sexy, throw in the fact that he's fighting a losing battle against feelings for an equally sexy vampire just seals the deal for me.  The secondary characters were also well written and I actually cared enough about them to not be bothered when they interacted with Blacque and/or Bleu.  The names of the main characters kinda confused me at times since they were so similar and a few times I had to reread certain parts to make sure I had the right person with the right name.  I'll probably read this book again sometime in the future and am looking forward to the next in the series even though the next book is about the character we learned the least about only appearing briefly a couple times and not enough to be invested in his development, so here's to hope he's interesting enough to carry his own book.

 

Savage Angel (Earth Angels#2) by Stacy Gail

Feel nothing. Sara Savitch's personal mantra has been hard to live by ever since her torrid one-night stand with army doctor Gideon Mandeville. Descended from the Seraphim, angels known as heaven's soldiers, Sara may be an expert fighter, but she's an amateur when it comes to relationships.

Physically unharmed, but still battle-scarred, Gideon has returned to Dallas in the hopes of regaining his faith in humanity—and in himself. Instead he's walked into a nightmare. His father is on a serial killer's hit list, and has hired a personal bodyguard—the very woman who has haunted Gideon's dreams for a year.

As Sara works to build an impenetrable fortress around her client, she yearns to tear down the one around Gideon's heart. With his bitter rejection of warriors, will he ever be able to accept her true nature? Sara must find a way to trust Gideon with her secret as the killer closes in.

4/5 stars

Well, I definitely liked this book better then Nobody's Angel, the first in the series, but still could care less about the characters. I liked Gideon more then Sara since he actually had a personality even though for most of the book he was a jerk, but he had his reasons I guess since he was suffering from PTSD. I didn't get the flip he did in his feelings though. One minute he almost seemed to hate Sara then two paragraphs later he'll do anything to have and protect her. Sara was just too stiff for me and I understand that's how she was suppose to be since it was brought up repeatedly that she's not good with people, but she has a best friend that liked her, her sparring partner who has been with her since she was a toddler, the hacker seemed to be in awe of her and she sat with her father's friend during recovery from major surgery. Those all add up to her being good with people. I'm not sure if I'll read anymore books in this series. 

Lady Eve's Indiscretion (The Duke's Daughters, #4) (Windham #7) by Grace Burrowes

Lady Eve's Got The Perfect Plan

Pretty, petite Evie Windham has been more indiscreet than her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Moreland, suspect. Fearing that a wedding night would reveal her past, she's running out of excuses to dodge adoring swains. Lucas Denning, the newly titled Marquis of Deene, has reason of his own for avoiding marriage. So Evie and Deene strike a deal, each agreeing to be the other's decoy. At this rate, matrimony could be avoided indefinitely...until the two are caught in a steamy kiss that no one was supposed to see.







3.5/5 stars

I'm actually giving this book 3.5 stars.  As this was my first Grace Burrowes book I wasn't sure what to expect.  I felt a little lost and not because I picked up a book that is in not one but two series, but because half the time I didn't know some of the places that I was obviously suppose to know or some of the people, who I would've known had I read the previous books.  I couldn't keep the names and couples straight, again if I had read the series I would've known them, so that was my own fault.  As to the plot of this book I enjoyed it , but found some parts kinda dragged on.  Yes, we know Eve had a terrible fall from a horse while running from her ruin...it was explained quite a few times.  I also didn't understand why he was trying so hard to get his niece away from her father.  I understand it was a death bed promise, but it wasn't like the father was beating or starving the girl.  She was well taken care of and loved.  So what was the problem?  And for someone who was ashamed and scared for anyone to find out she wasn't pure, Eve sure threw herself at Deene an awful lot.  The book wasn't to bad, but I won't be rereading it.

Checkmate, My Lord (Nexus #2) by Tracey Devlyn

A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s sent to betray.

Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Lord Somerton, has spent the last decade protecting England’s shores against a French invasion. Known for his cold logic and ability to sacrifice anything for the greater good, few can outwit him, and even fewer dare challenge him. Until now.

After being exiled to his country estate, Sebastian is surprised when his beautiful, no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him. But years of intrigue have left him wondering why a respectable widow would risk scandal for a few nights in his bed. Sebastian takes his time unraveling the widow’s secrets, for he quickly realizes she might be the one sacrifice he is unwilling to make.

Living a quiet existence at Winter’s Hollow, Catherine Ashcroft spends her days doing little more than caring for her precocious six-year-old daughter and negotiating her neighbors’ various complaints against their absentee landowner, the enigmatic Earl of Somerton. But, all her boredom comes to a searing halt after learning her newly returned neighbor might have had something to do with her husband’s murder.

Catherine's orderly existence soon upends and she now finds herself in a desperate bid to save her daughter’s life. But she must betray the earl to do so, even though she no longer suspects him of foul play. Lauren succumbs to the the earl’s passionate kisses and recognizes the same loneliness she has felt for years lurking in his hard, crystalline eyes. As her lover’s enemies close in, will Catherine be able to save both her beloved daughter and the handsome spy who has stolen her heart?


3/5 stars

 I had to give this book three stars and that is not because it's a mediocre book, but because as per my usual I didn't realize this was part of a series. I felt like I missed a huge part of the story, which I did by skipping the first book, but it wasn't so bad that I had no idea what was going on.  The book is full of reoccurring characters and subplots but not enough to distract from the story between Sebastian and Catherine.  Once I got into the story a few chapters it picked up and was very enjoyable, but I would recommend to read these books in order for the best possible pleasure.  This was the first time I read this author but it won't be the last.
 

Out in Blue (Return to Sanctuary #1) by Sarah Gilman

In a violent world where fallen archangels are hunted for their valuable plumage, Wren knows one thing for certain: the human woman who saved him from a poacher attack will die if she stays with him. The demon responsible for his parents’ gruesome deaths two decades ago pines for the chance to rip apart any woman who stands under Wren’s wing.

Wren doesn’t expect Ginger to stay by his side once she discovers his ability to drain life with a mere touch, yet she lingers. When an unusual talent of her own reveals the location of Wren’s father, Wren’s isolated world implodes. With the help of the demon protectors he’s sworn never to trust again, Wren risks everything to rescue his father, confront the demon who stalks his and Ginger’s every step, and claim his eternity with the most courageous woman he’s ever known.



3/5 stars

I just couldn't get into this book and not because it was a bad book, but because to me it read as a YA with an insta-love plot.  Wren is an archangel who lost both parents to a horrific murder by a close friend who then runs away to live by himself.  Ginger was brought up by a demon and has been sent away to experience human life.  This brings us to them meeting by Ginger saving Wren from poachers (three armed poachers).  Ginger takes him to a place to recover and BAM- starts falling in love.  Next day they take a shower and BAM- their in love.  If it would've been spread over a few weeks as opposed to a few days I think I would've enjoyed it more.  I like a slow build to a relationship not immediate.  That being said I will probably still read the next book just because I'd like to see where this series is heading.

Wild Man (Dream Man #2) by Kristen Ashley

While filling her display case in her bakery, the bell over the door sounds and Tessa O’Hara looks up and sees the man of her dreams. Within thirty seconds he asks her out for a beer. Thirty seconds later, she says yes. But after four months of falling in love, she discovers he’s an undercover DEA Agent investigating the possibility she’s involved in her ex-husband’s drug business

Obviously Tess decides this means it’s over.

But DEA Agent Brock Lucas disagrees. A man on a mission who’s really committed to his job, he’s spent years in the underbelly of Denver with the dregs of society. And spending four months with Tess who’s as sweet as her cupcakes, he seriously enjoyed his job. But during Tess’s interrogation, Brock learns the devastating secret Tess is carrying and he’s determined to be the man who helps her heal as well as take her back as she walks on the wild side.

As wild and sweet mix, they face challenge after challenge of family struggling with history and terminal illness. Not to mention, Tess’s ex-husband, the drug lord and Brock’s ex-wife, who has a very big playbook are scheming to tear them apart.

But Brock Lucas has wild in him and once in his past on the trail of vengeance he let that wild loose, making a mistake that he would have no idea years later will put his sweet Tess in the position to pay his penance.


5/5 stars

 
“You wanna tell me, sweetness, how dessert for seventeen people translates into seven pies and two cakes?” Brock asked.”

 I swear, I'm packing my stuff and heading to Denver. The first time we met Brock it was not a pleasant meeting, but he definitely made it up to us in this book. He's such an alpha male that sometimes it comes off as a little abrasive, but it somehow works with him. Tess is sweet and made a great addition to him and his family. At first I didn't see how they would mesh together considering she came off as kinda a damaged wet noodle and of course she surprised me by standing up for herself and her man. I love this series and love Elvira. She cracked me up. I'm definitely going back to read the Rock Chick series since those guys pop up every once in a while during these books and I didn't realize this series was a spin-off series. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes romance with totally alpha men and a dose of comedy to break up the tension.

All He Ever Dreamed (Kowalski #6) by Shannon Stacey

Josh Kowalski is tired of holding down the fort—better known as the Northern Star Lodge—while his siblings are off living their dreams. Now that his oldest brother has returned to Whitford, Maine for good, Josh is free to chase some dreams of his own.

As the daughter of the lodge's longtime housekeeper, Katie Davis grew up alongside the Kowalski kids. Though she's always been "one of the guys", her feelings for Josh are anything but sisterly. And after a hot late-night encounter in the kitchen, it's clear Josh finally sees her as the woman she is.

Katie's been waiting years for Josh to notice her, but now that he has, she's afraid it's too late. Giving her heart to a man who can't wait to leave town is one sure way to have it broken. But Josh keeps coming up with excuses not to leave—could it be that everything he's ever wanted is closer than he could have imagined?

5/5 stars

Really, is there a Kowalski that isn't damn near perfect? Because I have yet to read about one.  I'm so glad that Josh finally got his head out of the sand and saw what, or rather who, was standing in front of him all along.  Took him long enough!  And really Katie should've smacked him around til he figured it out.  And to think all it took was a pair of boxers....and nipples.  I loved their story and thought it was pretty sweet.  I just hope Liz gets her a new man next.  Then maybe a new branch of the Kowalski family tree will suddenly appear, because frankly I'm not ready to see this series end.  I've recommend this series to my friends and family and now I'll be recommending it to anybody who'll listen. 

Dirty Laundry (Tucker Springs #3) by Heidi Cullinan

The course of true love doesn’t always run clean. But sometimes getting dirty is half the fun.

Entomology grad student Adam Ellery meets Denver Rogers, a muscle-bound hunk of sexy, when Denver effortlessly dispatches the drunken frat boys harassing Adam at the Tucker Springs laundromat. Thanking him turns into flirting, and then, much to Adam’s delight, hot sex over the laundry table.

Though Denver’s job as a bouncer at a gay bar means he gets his pick of geek-sexy college twinks, he can’t get Adam out of his head. Adam seems to need the same rough play Denver does, and it’s damn hard to say no to such a perfect fit.

Trouble is, Adam isn’t just shy: he has obsessive compulsive disorder and clinical anxiety, conditions which have ruined past relationships. And while Denver might be able to bench-press a pile of grad students, he comes from a history of abuse and is terrified of getting his GED. Neither Denver nor Adam want to face their dirty laundry, but to stay together, they’re going to have to come clean.

3/5 stars


I have mixed thoughts on this book. Mixed because I liked the story, I liked the characters and I liked the issues facing them as a couple. What I didn't like was the BDSM element and that's only because that is not my thing. Some kink is okay with me, but I just didn't like some of the things they did. Also, taking pictures of their scenes on a cell phone was just bad, though I see why it was done and it did move the story to a new level or at least their relationship to a higher level. It was nice to see characters from previous books. I always like getting to see their lives beyond their HEA. Hopefully there will be more Tucker Springs books.