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Saturday, June 20, 2015

ARC Review: Arctic Bound by Tigris Eden


I’m new to Tigris Eden, I have heard good things. Now that I have read her work I have to agree her stuff is good; good and dirty. It had a good start and just kept building; going more in depth character and story wise. This is the first in a new series called Arctic Wolves it introduces Talkeetna, a small town in the Alaskan wilds completely populated by wolf shifters. You met the alpha family and somewhat about their politics and some of their history. I enjoyed it but there were certain things that just rubbed me the wrong way but that’s just personal preference and it wasn’t anything so major it ruined the book.

Nerina Simpson is hiding out and grieving the death of her parents. She was caught in a house fire trying to save her parents and received major burns over her body. On the run for a while from her uncle who wants her dead all because she is the illegitimate daughter of a notorious crime boss and she is a liability; so she has been on the run and now she hopes the little Alaskan town is far enough out of civilization to stay hidden. The house she bought came with two dogs, not that she minded she liked the company. The town doesn’t really like her there, she doesn’t care she likes the solitude. Everything is going good until Victor Canidae comes back to town.

Victor Canidae is the next pack Alpha and it is his duty to unite his pack with another one by mating their Alpha’s daughter, even if she is a manipulative bitch. When he first met Nerina he dismissed her immediately as weak because of her injuries; but that didn’t stop the attraction he felt for her. Not wanting to admit to his feelings he tries to find out who she really is to make sure she is not a Hunter. Hunters are pretty self explanatory, they hunt the wolf shifters.

The truth of who Nerina is comes up when friends from her past show up with a job for her to do. With a crime boss as a father and growing up in that life style she became an assassin. Her target she finds out is Victor. Nerina chooses her new life to her old and warns Victor. This is where everything goes downhill. When they think they are safe back in town getting ready for a winter storm Nerina notices one of her dogs is missing when she goes in the woods to look for him she is attacked by a bear she is saved by a white wolf. She thought she was going to die but she wakes up later huddled in a cave with a very naked Victor. In order to save Nerina, Victor shared his blood with her which also meant he had to reveal the secrets of the town which Nerina takes very well. They give in to their desires with the understanding that after they leave the cave it’s all over.

Victor is confused, he knows his duty as Alpha for his pack but he cannot stop thinking about Nerina. He wants to push her away but can’t stop feeling protective over her. Their worlds collide as Nerina past catches up with her and an unlikely tie between their families is revealed. It has an evenly paced story with excitement and erotic evenly balanced and just the right amount of bondage. The follow-up novella comes out in the fall but good news it’s free, I have already put in my pre-order for it. I look forward to the rest of the series especially if Blue, bondage master extraordinaire, gets his own book.

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes |



ARC Review: My Cowboy Promises by Z.A. Maxfield


My Cowboy Promise is the fourth book in the Cowboys series by Z.A. Maxfield. Each book can be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read the previous books you won't have any problems understanding this one. While I did like things about this story, especially the characters, I did have mixed feelings overall. I was wanting more, and unfortunately this one didn't quite deliver everything I had hoped for. 

Ryder Dent appears to be a normal guy at first glance, he is young and married with a son. But he is also living a lie. When he was young his friend got pregnant, so they decided to get married and raise her son together to help protect his secret and provide for Jonas. But when Ryder gets hurt at a party, his son's new doctor comes to the rescue and there is an immediate attraction between them. Ryder and Declan's connection is strong and undeniable, but can he leave the family that he has built for what his heart truly wants? 

I really liked these characters, especially Ryder and Jonas. I loved that Ryder was such a good guy and that he would give up the life he could have had in order to help a friend out, but I also felt for him because of the way that changed his life as well. I know he truly loved and cared about Andi and Jonas, but you could tell that he wanted more as well. Declan was great as well, he was very easy to like and I knew he was going to be good right from the start. Not only was he good, but I also thought that he was super hot. Ryder and Declan had a ton of heat and chemistry together. I really enjoyed seeing them grow closer, and I was glad that Ryder was able to open up to Declan.

I will say that this story was pretty slow for me though, and it also ended in a way that was not satisfying to me. I wanted more, and I felt like this book was unfinished. It was as though more was coming, only there wasn't. This one very much seemed to be a happy for now rather than a HEA. I just wish that we had been given more or that I knew another story was coming but that wasn't the case here. So while I enjoyed parts of this story, overall I was left disappointed. I do think that there was a good story here, but in my opinion it needed something else.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes |





Surf, Sand & Books Event with Naima Simone


Naima Simone's love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey and Linda Howard many years ago. Though her first attempt at writing a romance novel at age 11 never saw the light of day, her love of romance and writing has endured. Now, she spends her time creating stories of unique men and women who experience the dizzying heights of passion and the tender heat of love.

She is wife to Superman—or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent—and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

ARC Review: Do Not Disturb by Stephanie Julian


Do Not Disturb is (I think) the third book in the Salon series. The Salon is a freaky sex club where most of the characters in the book have gone to play....well, freaky sex games. Dane is one of the freaky sex players who most recently was involved in a threesome with his best friend and his fiance. When the book begins the friend, Jared is marrying the fiance, Annabelle so the three way is over and despite Dane's intense attraction to Annabelle, he doesn't love her so he finds himself needing to move on. Enter Talia. Talia is an event planner and one of Annabelle's best friend's who has no idea that Annabelle has been getting her bread buttered on both sides by Dane and Jared. Talia is instantly attracted to Jared and begins a relationship with him. Well, she begins a one night stand with him that slowly morphs into a relationship when they find they can't get enough of each other in or out of bed.

As you might imagine, the book is fraught with tension over what will happen when Talia finally discovers that Dane has been giving her best friend the business. What you might not imagine is that Talia has some giant secret of her own regarding her past that also haunts the developing relationship between her and Dane. That's pretty much the set up for the book.

On a positive note, Dane and Talia are a good match for one another. Although they jump into bed pretty early on in the book, I was ok with that because the actual relationship is developed later on in the story. You will not find me complaining about the instant gratification of hot sex followed by a decently developed plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between Dane and Talia, they both push each other in the right ways but give in enough that their connection is believable. I liked that Dane was trying to find his place in his family's empire and I liked that Talia was career oriented and ambitious.

On a less positive note, it was hard for me to get past Dane's past relationship with Annabelle. I really really don't want to read about a male lead who begins the book obsessing about another chick. I also was not at all feeling the fact that Annabelle was jealous of Dane's burgeoning relationship with Talia even though she was marrying Jared! I don't like threesomes to begin with but the way the one played out in this book was even less appealing than usual. It just added an ick factor for me that tainted my enjoyment of the story. The resolution of the situation that eventually came was believable but I just don't know... I didn't like it.

So I guess at the end of the day I would say this is a good book. It's well written and fast paced, you should have no problem turning the pages. If threesomes don't bother you, I highly recommend you read this. If threesomes do bother you, just proceed with caution but this is still on my recommended list.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo |


Friday, June 19, 2015

ARC Review: Never Let You Go by Katy Regnery


Never Let You Go is the second book in Katy Regnery's Modern Fairytale Series. Each book in this series is a standalone story with none of them connected, each one inspired by a classic fairy tale. Never Let You Go was inspired by Hansel and Gretel. I have read Katy Regnery books before, but I have to say that there is something about this series that really grabbed my attention. I love the idea of taking old stories and making them new and different, and I thought Katy did a fantastic job. I could not put this book down! 

Griselda and her foster brother Holden get abducted as children are forced to live with their captor for three long years until they finally get the opportunity to escape. Unfortunately their escape doesn't go according to plan and while Griselda is able to get away, Holden is left behind. Holden is told that Griselda died, and his captor takes him away and changes their names. Griselda never gives up hope about reconnecting with Holden though, and continues to search with little results. Ten years go by and Griselda's awful boyfriend drags her to a fight, and she is shocked when she comes face to face with Holden. Even though their connection has never died, ten long years have changed who they both are and things won't be as easy as picking up where they left off. 

I loved these two so much. They had both had such horrible things happen to them, and yet they had never stopped loving one another. Their love was so strong and undeniable, there was nothing that they couldn't get through as long as they had each other. Though their journey was heartbreaking and horrible at times, these two always looked to each other. Holden was impossible not to love. He was sweet and thoughtful, and his love for Griselda was fierce. Though he had thought she was dead and he hadn't stopped living his life, he had never been able to let go of her or the connection they shared. Griselda never stopped searching for Holden, and everything she did was to help her try and find him. I felt so badly for her because of the guilt that she felt for so many things. I was glad that Holden never blamed her or held a grudge. These two were always meant to be together, and their connection and chemistry was so unique and rare. I can't even describe how powerful and beautiful it was. 

Never Let You Go was beautiful and emotional, and I was captivated right from the start. Katy Regnery took the inspiration for this story and completely re-imagined it, transforming a familiar favorite into something new and fascinating. I honestly cannot recommend this story enough. Holden and Griselda's love is one that will stick with me, and I already can't wait to get lost in their story again. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series, and I know that I will be looking for more from Katy Regnery in the future.

**ARC Provided by RockStarLit PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes |





Surf, Sand & Books Event with Nicola Marsh



Competitors by day, lovers by night…

Allegra Wilks has had the worst month of her personal and professional life. To save her company, she must go on her would-be honeymoon and land the luxury eco-island resort’s lucrative advertising account. But when a lingerie mishap leads her into the arms of a wickedly distracting Australian, Allegra’s tempted to skip the trip and explore the most sensual kiss she’s ever experienced. Too bad their chance encounter at the airport is just that.

Having recently lost his company to his former best friend’s shady business tactics, Jett Halcott is headed to a South Pacific resort to secure an advertising account that will resurrect his reputation and career. Realizing the tantalizing Allegra Wilks is on his flight, Jett envisions a week filled with business and pleasure. But Jett doesn’t know Allegra’s fighting for the same account, or that there’s more at stake than his heart.

Purchase: | Amazon | B&NiTunes | Kobo |  

Thursday, June 18, 2015

ARC Review: The Undercover Scoundrel by Jessica Peterson


When reading this book, all I could help thinking is almost. It was almost great. I was almost convinced that they fell in love with each other. I was almost happy with the ending. Many of the scenes and reactions I was expecting never happened. The book was by no means horrible, but I truly felt it could have been so much more.

What I did really like with this story was the mystery of the French Blue. I’m not 100% sure it’s the same diamond that is in the Titanic movie, but that is the vibe I got from it. I also like men who think they know the best things for the women they love, but they are so very wrong. It’s sometimes like they feel they need to punish themselves because they don’t believe they’re enough. I find it heart wrenchingly adorable (if somewhat misguided)!

Caroline and Henry meet when they are very young, and after just a few weeks they secretly elope. After spending the night together, Caroline goes home. Later a mutual friend comes to tell her that Henry has left and will not return. Of course Caroline thinks the worst, that she is a gullible female who let a boy use her. Because of this pain, she builds a wall around her heart and quickly enters into another marriage. This marriage however, is one strictly of convenience and friendship.

Fast forward about twelve years, and we find Henry stressed because he has to return to England. He works for the crown as a spy and he finally tracked down the French Blue (a large blue diamond) that he plans to use to bribe Napoleon with to save many English soldiers’ lives. Even though Henry plans to avoid Caroline as much as possible, he finds he cannot fight the magnetism between them. She is staying with her brother since she is recently widowed and becomes tangled up in the mess of the diamond as it is stolen at a masque that she attends.

Together the two try to find the missing gem, all the while old feelings reemerge. This is where I think I get lost with the love story. They never really go back to that time when they first fell for each other. I was expecting flashbacks of some sort, but they didn’t come. I believe it would have helped tremendously. The ending was somewhat predictable; however, I felt it was too easy. I don’t know a better way to describe it. They are facing the knowledge throughout the whole book that Henry will be leaving back to France once his business with the diamond is over. The fix for this problem was just too convenient.

I did enjoy this book, and it had some funny bits. It needed a little more though for my standards. I would rate the intimacy for 18 years and older. The author and the book have a lot of potential. The mystery behind the French Blue still has me intrigued, and I will be adding the rest of the series to my to-read shelf.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | iTunes |


ARC Review: Taking the Fall Bundle by Alexa Riley


Taking the Fall was released as a serial by Alexa Riley. The first three parts center around Layla and Carter with part four featuring their friends Jeanette and Saint. The Taking the Fall bundle contains the entire series as well as a bonus of letters that Carter wrote Cherry while in prison. 

Taking the Fall: Vol 1 

Taking the Fall is a four part serial by Alexa Riley. Though each part does end with a cliffhanger, the reader knows that Carter and Layla are going to be together going in. I have to say that is what convinced me to read this one. While I have really liked everything I have read by Alexa Riley, I am over serials. They frustrate me and I tend to lose track of release dates and then completely forget the story by the time that the next part comes out. But with this one, I knew that I was going to feel better going in and that is what made me want to read it.  

Layla O'Leary has tried for years to remember what happened one night. When she goes to the one man that could answer everything, he turns her away. She vows to never return and that everyone from her past life will never hear from her again. Four years later, she lives somewhere else and has a new identity. But Carter has waited eight years to finally claim her, and he will do whatever it takes to show her that she is his.  

I really liked Carter. I felt bad for him seeing how much he wanted Layla and yet there were so many obstacles standing in his way. He was sexy and alpha, and I loved how possessive he was of Layla. She was his, and he would make sure that everyone knew it. But he also had a lot that he wasn't telling her, and I felt like things would have been so much easier if he would have just filled her in on some and talked to her. Layla was strong and determined, yet she could never fully move on and forget Carter. I felt bad for her as well, and I don't know what I would have done had I been in her situation. It was clear that they both had feelings for one another, but I really just wanted them to talk to one another and have better communication between them. I didn't see why Carter didn't talk to her about what he had to do, even if he couldn't give her any details. He should have been able to at least let her know what was ahead of them. The one thing that was never a problem though was how hot these two were together! They were perfect for one another when it came to their desires and they just clicked on that level. 

Overall, this was a good first installment. I like these two together and they were definitely on the same page when it came to the steamy stuff. I will be interested to see what happens next after where we left off in this part. Alexa Riley always brings the heat with her stories, and she writes some of the hottest sex scenes I have ever read. Though I love her stories, I always feel like I want more. Luckily this time, it feels like we are definitely going to get that since there are four parts instead of just one. If you are looking for something short and sexy, I definitely recommend giving any of her stories a try. Carter and Layla's story is one that I enjoyed so far, and I cannot wait to get more of.

Purchase Vol 1: | Amazon

Taking the Fall: Vol 2 

Taking the Fall Vol. 2 picks up where the first installment left off. These need to be read in order, so make sure you have read Vol 1 before starting this part. Carter has claimed Layla, but he left her behind in order to finish his business. As he goes about setting things up so that he can protect and keep her, old demons begin to resurface. Carter returns to Layla to keep her safe and finds things more complicated than ever. Can he keep her safe while also taking care of making sure that they never have to look over their shoulders again?  

In this installment we get more of Carter's background and find out what put him in the position he was in to have been sent to prison. It was good to get more of him, and I think it helped the reader and Layla to understand more about what makes Carter the way he is. He would do absolutely anything for his Cherry, but he was so worried that once she knew everything that she would run from him. I liked that Layla was so supportive though, and she showed him that what they had was worth fighting for. She wasn't afraid of what she found out, but was afraid for Carter. She loved him just as fiercely as he loved her, and she was ready to fight right along side him. Carter and Cherry have so much chemistry, but I really liked seeing their connection continue to strengthen in this part of their story. They really opened up to one another, and it was good to see them being honest and laying everything out on the table.  

Overall, another great one from Alexa Riley. I am really enjoying this story, and I can't wait to find out what happens next. With the way things were left in this part, I need to know how things will play out. Alexa Riley continued to bring the heat, and I am convinced that she writes some of the hottest scenes ever. If you are looking for something straight up sexy, you have to give her books a shot! I am looking forward to the next installment to see the conclusion of Carter and Layla's story, but I also can't wait to get more of Saint and Jeanette.

Purchase Vol 2: | Amazon

Taking the Fall: Vol 3 

Volume 3 is the final installment of Carter and Layla's story, picking up right where volume 2's cliffhanger left off. Things are more at risk than ever for these two as Carter tries to protect Layla and finally get his vengeance. But will Carter be able to keep Layla out of danger and protect the family he is building, or will he wind up losing everything?

I really enjoyed seeing these two in this installment. They have come so far since the beginning of this series, and I really liked them together. They love one another and aren't afraid to admit or how much they need each other. It was great to see a softer side to Carter here, along with his normal sexy alpha personality. I was glad that he was so protective of Layla, and I really loved how much he took care of her. Layla had come a long way as well, and I was glad that she was able to really embrace the family that she was building and chose and leave her past behind. 

Overall, this was a great ending for Carter and Layla. These two were hotter than ever, but they also had an undeniable love that was surprisingly sweet. I love that they never lost their edge though, and they really had it all with each other. I also loved that Alexa Riley gave us more of Saint and Jeanette as we head into volume 4 which centers around them. I am interested to see more of them as the focus shifts to their story. 

Purchase Vol 3: | Amazon | 
Falling In: Vol 4 

In Volume 4, Falling In, Alexa Riley gives us more of Saint and Jeanette. Jeanette thought that they had randomly met, but then found out that it was all a lie. Saint had been working to keep eyes on Layla for Carter. But Saint wasn't willing to give up on Jeanette, and he would do whatever it took to make sure that she was his forever. 

I had really liked these two throughout the previous three installments, so I couldn't wait to get more of them. While I did like seeing Jeanette and Saint as the focus for a change, I felt like it was so brief they didn't really get all that they deserved. Saint and Jeanette were super hot, and they might have even been sexier than Layla and Carter. But I really wanted to see more of these two together and I felt like this was kind of like a highlights reel for them. I wanted to dig a bit more into their pasts to see what made them the people they were. I also felt like though we saw them together physically, we really missed the build up when it came to their emotional connection. 

It was good to see them together and happy though, and it was easy to see that these two belonged together. Saint was so great for Jeanette, and I loved how devoted he was to her. He would do absolutely anything for her and that made me love him so much more. I wanted more of these two and I think that there was so much more that Alexa Riley could have done with their story. It was nice to see them over the course of the previous three installments, but I really did think that we could have been given more here. There were some huge jumps in time at the end of this one that could have been expanded upon, but it was good to see how things worked out for these two. I would have loved to have seen more of them with their kids though, and how they settled into life after everything that happened.

Purchase Vol 4: | Amazon

Overall 

Overall this serial was good, and I liked all the characters. They were all put in tough positions, but what made them strong was by leaning on those around them. Carter and Layla were a great couple, but so were Jeanette and Saint. I have to say I am very intrigued by the relationship between their children Tony and Mary, and I would love to read their story! I also really loved seeing the letters from Carter to Cherry, and I would have loved to see her read them as well. Carter really poured his heart out in a way that wasn't typical for him, and it was good to see a bit of him beneath the surface. Alexa Riley is great for giving short and sexy stories that will leave you hot and bothered, and the Taking the Fall Bundle does just that. I look forward to more steamy stories from Alexa Riley in the future.

**ARC Provided by Flirty Subs PR**

Purchase Bundle: | Amazon