Sunday, November 27, 2016

The Beast in Him

Book Review of The Beast in Him (Pride Series)


Title: The Beast in Him

Series: Pride Series


Author: Shelly Laurenston 


Date Published: April 1st 2008


Date Read:   August 29, 2015


The Blurb:

Some things are so worth waiting for. Like the moment when Jessica Ward "accidentally" bumps into Bobby Ray Smith and shows him just how far she's come since high school. Back then, Jess's gangly limbs and bruised heart turn to jelly any time Smitty's "all the better to ravish you with" body came near her. So, some things haven't changed. Except now Jess is a success on her own terms. And she can enjoy a romp-or twenty-with a big, bad wolf and walk away. Easy.

The sexy, polished CEO who hires Smitty's security firm might be a million miles from the loveable geek he knew, but her kiss, her touch, is every bit as hot as he imagined. Jess was never the kind to ask for help, and she doesn't want it now, not even with someone targeting her Pack. But Smitty's not going to turn tail and run. Not before proving that their sheet-scorching animal lust is only the start of something even wilder…
 

My Review




4 Hillbilly Stars



*Spoilers*



“This is serious. I won’t get between you and your family.” “You’re not, darlin’. This is what one friend
does for another. And we’re friends. Just like me and Mace.” She gave him a wicked little smile. “You fuck Mace too?” “Only when he’s feeling needy.”


The Beast in Him is the 2nd book in the Pride series and it is just as funny as the first book. Shelly Laurenston has a Knack for writing hilarious stories with realistic, fun loving characters. After meeting Smitty in the first book I was really looking forward to his story, and it didn't disappoint.

Smitty stared at the disconnection message on his phone in horror. “She hung up on me.” Ronnie patted his leg. “I’m sure she didn’t—” “On me!” 


What this book is about

Back in high school Bobby Ray Smith "Smitty" Had a thing for little nerdy Jessie Ann Ward. Poor Little Jessie Ann was bullied by all the she wolves especially Smitty's own sister Sissy. Smitty did his best to protect her until he left for the Navy. The Night before he leaves for the Navy he stops another attack on Jessie Ann. While talking, Jessie Ann and him almost kiss. He stops it because he doesn't want to hurt her by starting something then leaving. Years later Smitty and Mace's security company is working a party held by a very rich, beautiful and all grown up Jessica Ann Ward. Smitty is blown away when Jessie Ann acts as if she barely remembers him. Smitty sets about to make Jessie Ann apart of his life again. Even if everyone thinks Jessica is out of his league.

She heard him turn in his seat to face his wife, Sabina. “Golly gee, darlin’,” he said in what had to be the worst rendition of a Southern accent Jess had ever been forced to listen to. “You sho’ look good in them fine shoes.” “And you are... I can’t quite place you,” Sabina responded in her Russian accent that was suddenly that much thicker. “Why, I’m the young man you once had a big ol’ crush on and I’ve now grown into a manly buck of a wolf. Don’t you remember?” “Um... no.” Finally, Jess couldn’t take it anymore. She burst out laughing, her Pack joining with her. “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” she playfully yelled at Phil. “I wasn’t that bad.”

Smith is all Country, Southern Charm. Sexy, sweet, playful, and very protective. The Smiths are all known for their wild, fighting crazy hillbilly ways, and Smitty has been fighting his Smith side his whole life. Worried that if he lets his feral side out he will turn into his daddy, Bubba Ray, a roughneck with a mate that wants to killing him half the time. When Smitty falls in love with Jessie Ann and wants to claim her, he learns he will have to accept all of who he is or lose the woman that is meant to be his!

“Well,” he said clearly, for the entire street to hear, “we’re going to go home now and have some hot and dirty sex.” Jess let out a startled gasp and tried to pull back, but Smitty held her tight against him. “Yup,” he continued, “we’re gonna go have some nasty, dirty, whore sex.”



Smitty muttered even as he sat up. “I don’t know, hoss. Maybe my daddy was right. Maybe I am an idiot.” “Your daddy is certifiably insane.” “In the South we call that eccentric.” “Well, in New York, we call the cops to get ’em away from the front of our building.” 



Jessie Ann made this book for me. She is funny, playful, sassy, loyal, and smart. She is a overcomer who makes a great loving family and full life for herself. She wants a mate and babies of her own. She has always wanted Smitty bad, but she is worried about letting him into her life and giving him the power to break her heart again like he did back in high school when he pushed her away instead of kissing her. 

“Forget it. I’m not telling you guys anything.” “Why not?” She liked how Phil had the nerve to sound so indignant that she wasn’t filling them in on all the details of her night with Smitty. “Because it’s none of your business.” “We told you about our first time,” Phil coaxed. “You didn’t tell me anything. I was there. In a sleeping bag across the room desperately trying to mind my own business. But you, sir, are a screamer.”



“That’s what I deserve? That? You know what? The biggest mistake I ever made was falling in love with your hick ass.” "Jessie Ann—” “No, we’re done. I’m done. Done, done, done. I’m cutting you out of my heart. Because you don’t deserve me.”

“You hungry?” “Starving.” Not bothering to open his eyes, he kissed her and placed his hand on top of her head. He started to push her under the covers and she slapped his hands away. “I’m starving for food, you barbarian!”

Smitty and Jessie Ann have a cute and sexy relationship. I will say I wish Smitty would have wanted her without fear of her not being strong enough to be his mate, but I get it is a wolf thing whatevs! I loved Sissy Mae in the first book, but I didn't like the bully side of Sissy in this book although she did the bullying when she was a teen I wish she would have at least said sorry as an adult. I did like that Jessie Ann knocked Sissy out when they meet back up. I was yelling at my Kindle " Yeah in your face !! You ain't talkin hardcore, now is ya? Lil' bitch!"



I really like that we get to see Smitty's parents who I loved. We also get to catch up on the lives of Mace, Dez, Mitch, Brendon and Ronnie lee. I was a little confused about the whole Eggie thing. In "Like A Wolf With A Bone" Eggie and Bubby Ray(Smitty's Dad) are brothers in this book they are cousins. HMM Okay. Sissy Mae lost some points with me in this book. I know that her and Mitch's book is next I am looking forward to seeing if she can redeem herself to me in her book. I loved the ending . Smitty and Jessie Ann HEA was very sweet. I am on to the next book. Below I leave my favorite quote from this book:

“Come on, Smitty,” she whined. “I need my wild dog morning greeting.” “Which is?” “Ummm... let’s see. Hugs, chaste kisses, and nose rubs between Packmates.” Smitty shook his head. “Nah, I can’t do all that.” She pouted, looking more adorable than was fair. In resignation, he offered, “I can fuck you until you pass out.” Jessie shrugged and sighed. “Well... if that’s the best you can do.”




Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Hers to Heal

Book Review of Hers To Heal (Black Eagle Ops Series)


Title: Hers To Heal 

Series: Black Eagle Ops Series


Author: Vonnie Davis


Date Published: November 22nd 2016


Date Read:  November 22, 2016


The Blurb:

In this powerful, sensual romance from the author of Her Survivor, a broken woman meets a shattered warrior—and discovers a passion strong enough to heal each other’s deepest wounds.


Navy SEAL Reece Browning sacrificed body and soul in the line of duty. He survived torture at the hands of America’s enemies, but lost his career and his voice in the process. Traumatized and desperate to get his PTSD under control, Reece escapes to Eagle Ridge Ranch. Under the big Texas sky, he finds peace, a renewed sense of purpose—and a woman who makes him feel like a man again. Her smile lights up his dark days, and her caress helps him forget the night terrors.

Ex-Marine Gina Wilson also bears painful scars: emotional wounds inflicted by men she once trusted with her life. She has fought hard to overcome her demons and build a good life for her daughter, and Reece is too intense, too damaged, too raw to let into her heart. Yet she’s drawn irresistibly to his steely gaze and heated embrace. No one else understands what it’s like to suffer in silence. And when Gina’s daughter is threatened, it’s Reece who risks everything to save the day.


My Review



3 Wounded Warrior Stars




Hers to Heal the 2nd book in the Black Eagle Ops series was hard for me to rate. I had mixed feelings about this book. There were things I really liked about this book. I liked Reece and Piper, and the dog Nance. I thought Gina was okay but at times she really got on my nerves. I liked the wounded warrior PTSD theme of the book. But there were things that just didn't work for me. One thing that really didn't work for me was Reece and Gina's relationship. It was insta-love which I'm normally good with but this didn't feel real. I didn't feel a connection to them as a couple and I didn't feel chemistry between them. Another thing that didn't really work for me was there was some really over the top cheesiness going on in this book. I am all for cheese. I love super sweet romance but there was a few things in here that I felt just was too cheesy. The last thing that didn't work for me was the whole book felt rushed. Everything was rushed, insta-love, insta-family, insta-healing, Insta-bad guy, insta-rescue, and insta-hea. That rush kept me from getting too invested. I will say that the book had some really fun parts, and some super cute parts with Piper. Piper was my favorite part of the book. Who doesn't love a sassy 6 year old. Overall not a bad read. I feel if this book had a little more meat it would have been a real hit. If the book would have slowed down a bit, added some more pages, more relationship, and personality development it could have been a 5 star for me. I would read this author again!




Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Sarai's Fortune

Book Review of Sarai's Fortune (Shadowcat Nation Series)


Title: Sarai's Fortune 

Series: Shadowcat Nation Series


Author: Abigail Owen


Date Published: May 13th 2015


Date Read:  November 17, 2016


The Blurb:

Zac Montclair's first priority is to protect his people. With the escalating war between factions of shifters over land and resources, he has agreed to an alliance between his polar bears and the Shadowcat Nation of cougar shifters. But the treaty comes with a condition…he must accept one of their Seers into his Timik and put her under his personal protection. 


Sarai Bouchard doesn't need her supernatural gift to know that Kyle Carstairs's obsession with controlling her ability will eventually result in her misery and demise. Her power is essential to her people's survival, so when Kyle goes rogue, she's sent to Zac Montclair to keep her safe. However, her visions reveal that while staying will lead to their becoming lovers, it also leads to his death. Leaving Zac will result in her own. 

If Sarai can't find a way to change the future, she will be forced to choose…save her lover or save herself.


My Review




4.5 Yummy Zac Stars




May have spoilers and adorable Polar 

bear gifs

Sarai's Fortune the 2nd book in the Shadowcat Nation series was amazing. I was so excited for this book when I finished book 1. This book was better than my expectations. I loved Sarai and Zac as a couple. Sarai was just so cute and Zac the big yummy Polar bear.... omg he was sexy! I loved how protective he was. I also love how smart Sarai was. She didn't freak out and do stupid things she solved problems!



Zac and Sarai had a strong connection. There was more passion and heat in this book than there was in book 1 which I enjoyed. But this book was still on the milder side when it came to erotic scenes, so for all my friends that like less sex in books, this is perfect for you. I loved getting to catch up with Andie and Jaxon again. This book had a great plot and a good amount of action. I found myself liking Shane(side character) and wondering about his back story. Overall I really loved this book. I enjoyed every minute of it and thought the peek at Sarai and Zac's future was adorable! 







Sunday, November 20, 2016

Holiday with a Twist

Book Review of Holiday With A Twist


Title: Holiday with a Twist


Series: Novel


Author: Shannon Stacey


Date Published: November 21st 2016 


Date Read:  November 19, 2016


The Blurb:

After a messy breakup, Leigh Holloway is ready to start her life over. Until her parents put the family home on the market and call her back for one final, memory-making Christmas. The last thing she wants to do is deprive her mom of the perfect holiday, so she'll lie her way through the visit and worry about her future in the New Year. Too bad the only bar in town is owned by a guy she seriously wronged in high school. 


Leigh's best friend broke Croy Dawson's heart, and Croy knows it was Leigh's fault. They've never liked each other, but Croy isn't cruel: he'd never turn away a pretty woman in need of some family-Christmas fortification. He doesn't expect her to drink just enough candy-cane martinis to tell him her secrets—and he definitely doesn't expect to get caught up in her holiday madness. 

Despite the surprising love and laughter, Croy and Leigh can't escape the truth: he can't walk away from his family obligations and she has a life and career to reboot. But anything is possible if your holiday comes with a twist…


My Review



4 Secret love Stars




Holiday with a Twist was a really cute, really quick read! In this little Novella we get ex best friends that parted ways badly, years later their paths cross again and there is a strong attraction between them. Croy was a charming, sweet guy. I really liked him. Leigh was likable but I felt I didn't get a really good idea of her personality. I didn't really understand her reasoning for lying to her family about her life changes. Croy and Leigh were very cute together. I also liked Croy's brother's Lucas and I really liked Leigh's sister Hope. Right now this book is a standalone novella but I am hoping the author writes books for Lucas and Hope because they intrigued me. This little holiday read was sexy, fun and gave me tons of happy feels. I would recommend it to anyone in the mood for a sweet holiday romance.





Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Lucifer

Book Review of Lucifer(Vampires in America Series)



Title: Lucifer

Series: Vampires in America Series


Author: D.B. Reynolds


Date Published: November 18th 2016


Date Read:  November 14, 2016


The Blurb:

Lucifer Scuderi is a vampire—handsome and charismatic, a powerful hunter of unusual skill—who arrives in Montreal to take on the most important hunt of his life. Someone has kidnapped the mate of Canada’s ruling vampire lord, and it’s up to Lucifer to find him before his death sets off a crisis that could engulf the entire continent.


Eleanor Morel lost everything—including the love of her life—when she became a vampire. But now, twenty years later, she’s a trusted bodyguard to the Canadian lord, Sophia, and the only person Sophia can count on to lead the search for her endangered mate. But what Eleanor doesn’t know is that the special hunter she’ll be working with is none other than her long-lost love. And he’s demanding answers.

Lucifer’s love for Eleanor burns as hot as his anger towards her for leaving him. But they’ll have to find a way to set history aside and work together if they’re going to unravel the twisted betrayal that threatens not only Sophia and her mate, but the whole continent. Because the European vampires are on the move. And if Canada falls, the rest of North America could follow . . .


My Review


4 Lost love Stars



I love the Vampires in America Series. I fell in love with it when Cyn and Raphael stole my heart back in 2014 when I bought book 1, and the series just keeps getting better. Lucifer the 11th book was so good I power read through it. I love the building story line of the European vampires trying to take over America. It's got me on pins and needles wondering what will happen next. Plus it lets me keep in touch with past couples as they join together to help each other keep America theirs. This book had two love stories in it. The big second chance love story of Lucifer and the long lost love of his life Eleanor. It also has the on going love story of Sophia vampire Lord of Canada and her Mate Colin who was kidnapped and tortured. 



I loved getting to see Sophia and Colin again, but my heart broke over all they went through. I loved Lucifer and Eleanor's love story. I really enjoy second chance loves and they had a sweet one filled with passion and plenty of I love yous. Lucifer was charming, sexy, and really badass. Eleanor was loyal, brave, and kicked ass in her own right. They made a very cute couple. Something I really love about this series is not only do I get an amazing love story I get tons of action. The end of this book gave a idea of what's coming in the next book and I can't wait! Another great book in an awesome series. 




Sunday, November 13, 2016

His to Cherish

Book Review of His To Cherish (Fireside Series)



Title: His To Cherish

Series: Fireside Series


Author: Stacey Lynn


Date Published: November 15th 2016 


Date Read:  November 06 to 12, 2016


The Blurb:

Can two hearts entwined by hardship move on to form a healthy bond? From the author of His to Love and His to Protect, this tender, bittersweet romance brings together a man who loses everything—and a woman with everything to give.


Chelsea Dwyer arrives home from her job at the middle-school library in Latham Hills, Michigan, expecting another quiet evening—until she hears the screams for help through her living room window. As the first witness to a terrible accident involving two local students, Chelsea doesn’t anticipate how her own life will be irrevocably changed by the father of one of the boys. In the wake of tragedy, she’s the only one who seems to understand his grief. Chelsea’s a survivor, too—and she knows that there are brighter days ahead.

As a single father, Aidan Deveraux worked his entire life to provide a stable home for his son, Derrick. Without him, Aidan feels the deepest despair imaginable. The one thing that keeps him going is his connection with the woman who tried to save his son. Hard as he tries, Aidan just can’t stay away. Chelsea’s warm embrace is the comforting solace he desperately craves—and it doesn’t hurt that Aidan had noticed the beautiful librarian and wanted to ask her out for years. Now that she’s in his life, he doesn’t ever want to let go.


My Review



4 OMG will the tears stop Stars




*Mild Spoilers*

My God this book wrecked me. I was a hot mess starting with page one. His to Cherish, book 3 in the Fireside Series, picks up right where book 2 His to Protect left off. This story deals with loss and grief and made me cry so many times I had Rudolph nose. I don't want to give too much away but I do want to put a trigger warning in my review for those that want to know 
the hero's 14 year old son dies in a accident the first few pages in.   I loved the hero Aidan. He was so raw. His pain felt so real that I truly did cry many times in this book! Aidan was charming even through his grief and my heart ached for him. I felt a deep connection to him and Chelsea the heroine. Chelsea was a great heroine. She was giving, loving, and had a big heart. She was there for Aidan giving everything she had to him. She was also hurting and she has felt loss deeply before so she was relatable to Aidan.


They made a cute couple but their love was rooted in deep pain. They had a rocky and volatile start with sorrow so deep it filled the pages. It had my feels all over the place. Don't get me wrong though, there was tons of sweet moments too and lots of passion not all pain and tears! I would have liked to catch up more with Declan and Trina from book two but instead I only got a glimpse. I did like the budding romance between Dave and Camden and I'm looking forward to seeing were things go with that! This book was a great read that really got me emotional. The only reason it's a 4 star instead of 5 is I wanted more of an epilogue. The book had more of a hfn feel than a hea.