Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Hunter by Jacquelyn Frank, Jax (Pseudonym)

This can’t be happening to her. A random break down…an isolated mountain road, a seemingly chance meeting with a hotter-than-hot stranger. Tatyana is a modern gal who can handle any crisis, but before she knows what’s hit her, she’s sensing a hideous threat, not to her but to this man who draws her like a moth to flame. Hunter.

“I know things…I saw it.”

When the attack comes, she is his protection from a diabolical enemy, even as he initiates her into a startling world of magic, sorcery and sensuality. For in a moment of terrifying danger a spark has been struck, and neither can escape the erotic fire to come…






4/5 stars

I really liked this book, but it really confused me. I liked the world it took place in and the people were interesting. I love reading this genre of books and usually read about vampires and shifters so reading about witches and warlocks was a nice change of pace for me. My only complaint was that this book read like it was the second in a series. So much so that I put the book down and started looking around on the author's website and on other book related websites to make sure I hadn't missed the first book. I found no other book so I picked this one up again and continued reading. Super happy I did because the father into the book I got the more I liked it.

The whole good vs evil, brother vs brother and nature vs nurture was played out to perfection. I really liked Hunter and Ryce and thought their friendship helped move this story along. Hunter's internal fight to make sure he didn't turn into a monster like his brother was something I would've liked to see more of. Tatyana was a good fit for Hunter and brought a level of playfulness that he desperately needed after his self-imposed exile from his family.

I hope this turns into a series because I'd really like to get a better understanding of the other witches like Gracelynn and Lennox and especially Ryce. Plus they have all those fledgling witches hanging around. Maybe even a prequel telling Dimitre and Annali's story. 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Trying to Score (Assassins #2) by Toni Aleo

In a captivating novel of second chances and healing hearts, the newest member of the Nashville Assassins pulls a power play to make things right with the one that got away.
 
Fallon Parker’s dream has always been to turn her family’s wine company into a runaway success and eventually start a cellar of her own. Since graduating from college, she has worked relentlessly to make that dream a reality, especially after taking a chance on love—and losing. By the time Fallon becomes an official sponsor of the Nashville Assassins, she feels like all her hard work is finally paying off. And then the man who broke her heart skates back into her life.

On the ice, Lucas Brooks is the NHL’s leading scorer—at least when he’s not in the box. Off the ice, he’s a mess, with all his anger and misery bottled up inside. He threw away the most important person in his life and has regretted it ever since. But when Lucas returns to Nashville in a trade, he’s determined to convince Fallon that he’s a changed man. The attraction is still there. The tension is electrifying. But the odds are stacked against them—especially after Lucas finds out that Fallon has been keeping a devastating secret.



4.5/5 stars

I've mentioned before about how much I love hockey and hockey men so reading about them is a such an easy thing to do. I watch the sport religiously and attend the games as much as possible, which isn't very often cause it's a four hour drive to both Nashville and Columbus so I only go once or twice a season when they play my favorite team. That being said, when I found this series I was so excited to read about the men who play and the women who are strong enough to hold onto them.

Lucas was awesome. He had been through so much before he was traded to the Assassins and needed that second chance that they gave him. And of course running into Fallom wasn't to bad either. That the two had a past history only made the story better. At times Fallon really got on my nerves. I just wanted to shake her and scream "it was seven years ago...give him a break!" but then I would try to think about if I were in her position I would try to protect my son and feelings too. Aidan was adorable and reading about his interactions with Lucas brought on a few happy tears.

I can't wait to read more books in this series and see how Ms. Also plans on topping this book. Definitely recommend this book to all lovers of the romance genre. You don't even have to be a fan of hockey either since it only plays in the background. 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Hot Blooded (Jessica McClain, #2) by Amanda Carlson

It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.
Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.
Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers. Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.
All in a day's work for a girl.
The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...






5/5 stars

 This book was non-stop action from beginning to end. It picked up right after the first book, Full Blooded. We had Jessica, Tyler, Danny and Ray but we also added two new characters, the sibling vampire duo of Eamon and Naomi. This group of may not be on the best of terms, but they do learn to work together to rescue Rourke and make it back alive.

I really liked the new beasties we were introduced to in this book and look forward to what we'll see in the next book. The group was always on their toes to see what was coming at them next. And the final showdown was pretty intense. I kept looking for clues to see how they planned on taking Selene down.

This group definitely needs a vacation, but I see next up is the Vampire Queen's party so that's not going to happen anytime soon. Maybe in the next book Jessica and Rourke can have at least a day or two when they can actually relax.

Can't wait for the next book. Would also love to see a spin-off series cause these guys (James, Danny, Tyler and even Callum) need a little lovin' too.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Taking Shots (Assassins #1) by Toni Aleo

No matter how hard she tries, Elleanor Fisher never thinks she’s good enough, from her job to her weight to her love life. After enduring years of abuse at the hands of an ex-boyfriend, Elli has been drifting through life in a daze. Until, that is, she meets Shea Adler on a promotional shoot for the NHL’s Nashville Assassins. Before Elli knows what’s happening, the gorgeous Shea breaks the ice and shatters her world.

A brilliant athlete inside the rink, Shea Adler is tired of the life he’s living outside of it: the women, the money, the drinking. But everything changes when he meets Elli. After laying eyes on this feisty, witty, beautiful woman, he feels like he’s just taken the hardest hit of his life. No matter how skeptical she is, Shea knows they are meant to be together—if only he can convince Elli to put her insecurities aside before she misses out on a shot at love.



4.5/5 stars

 
I love hockey and am pretty much obsessed with the men who play it, so being able to read and review a book about a whole team of sexy men needing some loving...yeah, I was sold. This series is about the Nashville Assassins and those women strong enough to hold onto them.

We first meet Shea and Elli at a photo shoot for the new team pictures. When Shea spots Elli he totally knows he wants her and will stop at nothing to make sure she realizes that she's perfect for him just the way she is. Of course, Elli just doesn't have enough faith in herself to believe an incredibility gorgeous man could want her. Their courtship is a thing of beauty and I'm glad I read it. Shea gets Elli to see herself as he sees her and it wasn't an easy thing to do, but he does it with perfection.

I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Built 4 It (Love Bots #3) by Daisy Harris

Book three in the Love-Bots series.

When a riot erupts in Built4’s stein-building lab, the alpha stein Kee drags a submissive young lab assistant into his cage. Kee’s been studying the human. Ben’s sad eyes and slender form call to Kee—urging him to equal parts lust and possessiveness.

Prisoner to the alpha, Ben surrenders to the stein’s fierce determination and gentle seductions. He’s long hated his job, feeling like a monster for following his boss’s orders, especially once he’s seen intelligence flickering in the alpha’s green eyes.

If Kee’s to escape, he needs Ben’s help to learn about the world outside the laboratory—a world full of people, sex and experiences Kee’s only beginning to discover. And guilt-ridden over the things he’s done, Ben can only forgive himself if the alpha forgives his sins first.



4/5 stars


Well, this is a new take on zombies or steins as they are called in this series (a take on Frankenstein) but it's basically a reanimated corpse so call it what you will. I had seen the first two books from this series on different book sites but was never interested in them enough to want to purchase them, so when I got the chance to review this one from Netgalley, I jumped at the chance. And I'm glad I did. The world is interesting and the characters were enough to make me change my mind and give the others in this series a try. Although the first to are m/f pairings this one was m/m.

I loved how Kee started out as the alpha male in the relationship and took total control of Ben and the other steins that were kept at the laboratory. But as soon as they left the lab the position of alpha was switched with Ben and Kee became the one needing protection and guidance. I was definitely rooting for their HEA.

Will definitely be going back to the previous books and looking forward to more in this series. I would love to see how these two men settled into their relationship and would like to see some of Kee's fellow cage mates get a chance at happiness too.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Flirting Under a Full Moon (Flirting with Fangs Trilogy #1) by Ashlyn Chase

If Brandee Hanson ever wants to go from waitress to photographer, she'll have to take some once-in-a-lifetime shots. But when she catches the gorgeous private investigator, Nick Wolfensen, on camera— transforming into a werewolf—she is thrown into a world of vampires, shapeshifters, and other paranormal misfits.

In order to keep his secret and stay clear of the supernatural council, Nick will have to convince Brandee not to release the photo. Fortunately, he was looking for an excuse to spend more time with the beautiful waitress anyway.









3/5 stars 


I have Ashlyn Chase's Strange Neighbors series, but haven't read it yet and didn't think I would need to in order to read this book since it's a start to a new series. Yeah, I was wrong. Nick is the twin brother of Konrad from book 2 of SN and there was a scene in this book talking about things that happened in the other book and didn't really explain it here so I was confused about what they were talking about.

A lot of stuff happens in this book and it happens quick and is resolved even quicker. The girl gets kidnapped (we're kinda told why) and Nick solves the case in one day. Next there's a problem with a picture being taken and it's solved by a gust of wind. The noise in the apartment resolved in one night. There just wasn't enough drama involved in anything in this book. Even the girl who got kidnapped was fine with it. No crying or freaking out or anything. She just accepted it like it happens all the time.

Nick was okay. He didn't really stand out as anything special. Brandee was annoying. Instead of cussing she would use all these really stupid expressions. Not saying she needed to have a filthy mouth, but all her little "oh my......" were enough to put me off any further books in this series. Not even sure if I'm going to read the SN series, cause I don't really get Ms. Chase's humor. I also couldn't figure out if this book was suppose to be YA or just juvenile PNR.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Own the Wind (Chaos #1) by Kristen Ashley

Too hot to handle...

Tabitha Allen grew up in the thick of Chaos--the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos' leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby's thinking about much more than friendship...

Tabby is everything Shy's ever wanted, but everything he thinks he can't have. She's beautiful, smart, and as his friend's daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more--much more--he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn...




5/5 stars

 
Man, Kristen Ashley knows how to write a book. I've been waiting to read this since I read Motorcycle Man and was beyond thrilled to get an ARC. Shy is Tack 2.0 in that he acts just like him, which means he's a total badass and he's just smokin hot. And Tabby....where to begin? When I first meet her (in MM) I didn't really like her because she just acted like a brat, but the more I read about her the more I started to see that that was mainly her mother's influence and her immaturity. So, having her grow up and actually reading about it I began to really like her. That poor girl goes through some terrible stuff and thankfully Shy was there to help her pull through it all to become a stronger person. Of course it wasn't an easy road, but Shy was man enough to get her to the other side of it all. That being said, this book had me laughing, smiling, getting mad and even brought a few tears for both Tabby's loss and Shy's grief. This book was just a kick-ass start to a series that is definitely going to be a favorite for me. And it's always cool to see peeks from characters from Ms. Ashley's Rock Chick and Dream Man series, both of which are in my top 10 favorite series. I tell anyone who will listen to me that they need to read this author and recommend her every chance I get. It will be a long couple months til the second book comes out, but thankfully I can always reread my other KA books. So, in short....READ THIS BOOK!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Full Blooded (Jessica McClain #1) by Amanda Carlson

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.









5/5 stars 


I really didn't know what to expect when I received my ARC of this book even though it had a description of the book it wasn't a very detailed one. I was really surprised how much I liked this book. It starts with a pretty intense change from human to wolf that gripped me and didn't let go until the final page of the book. The main character, Jessica, was a woman that actually grew stronger as she learns to adjust to becoming the first female werewolf in the world. She started as an unsure girl, as anyone would be in such a situation, and doesn't hide the fact that she has no idea what's going on inside her. The secondary characters were well written and were interesting enough that I have hopes of either more to their stories written into the next couple books or even a spin-off series. I would really like to see James get his own book or a novella, because outside of Jessica and Rourke he was the one that NEEDS his story told. I'm looking forward to reading the next book to see how Jessica plans on helping Rourke. And with the sexual tension that started in this book between those two, the next book must be explosive. Definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the paranormal genre.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Thrill Ride (Black Knights Inc. #4) by Julie Ann Walker

He's Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won't Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist
very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…



5/5 stars

I love this series! This one took us from the rain forest of Central America to the familiar hang out of Chicago and the ride was thrilling. I loved Rock and Vanessa and was looking forward to their HEA. This book did not disappoint. I could not put this book down, the action of running from the CIA and then trying to clear Rock's name was just too exciting to miss. This is one series that I definitely put on my pre-order list.