Category Archives: book review

BOOK REVIEW: Tormenter Mine by Anna Zaires #DarkRomance

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About the Book

He came to me in the night, a cruel, darkly handsome stranger from the most dangerous corners of Russia. He tormented me and destroyed me, ripping apart my world in his quest for vengeance.

Now he’s back, but he’s no longer after my secrets.

The man who stars in my nightmares wants me.

Get your copy here: Amazon | B&N Nook | Apple Books | Kobo

My Review

4-stars

I stumbled across this intriguing book through an Amazon ad on my Kindle. I almost swiped it off my screen, but something made me hesitate. This was my first time reading this author so I downloaded a sample — and I was hooked!

Let me say this book does have a cliffhanger. I despise cliffhangers when I don’t know they’re coming (which is a large part of why I deducted 1 star). But the writing was very well done, and the story just sucked me right now. When I got to the end, I was disappointed their tale was unresolved. Normally, I’d refuse to move forward if I hadn’t been warned about the cliffhanger, but this book… this one is different. I had to know! Needed to find out what hapened next. So I one-clicked book 2.

This is a darker romance with violence, bloodshed, and stalking. If any of those are triggers for you, pass this one by. But if you love an anti-hero, a book with twists and turns, heartbreak and love, then you definitely need to this one a try.

*Disclaimer: The review above is merely my opinion. Neither the author nor publisher requested a review. I purchased a copy through Amazon.

BOOK REVIEW: Mari’s Mistake by Ruby Dixon #SciFiRomance #KindleUnlimited

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About the Book

I’ve ruined everything.

I had a mate. Resonance. Happiness. But then T’chai’s attacked by ravenous sky-claw and almost killed. To help him recover, I tell the healer to turn off our unfulfilled resonance. It’s temporary…or so I think.

Big mistake. Because now my khui acts like it’s dead and it hates T’chai. But I still love him. How do we move forward when I can’t bear his touch? Is there a way to get back our happiness together, or is it time to give up on what we once had?

T’chai has other plans, though. He’s not giving up on us. If it means crossing the world, he’s ready to do it at my side.

Purchase/Borrow at Amazon

MY REVIEW

5 – stars!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series, even though I got a little behind in my reading. Mari’s Mistake was a bit different from the others. In an awesome way. I loved seeing the struggle between Mari and T’chai. Not because I enjoyed their pain, but because it made them different. I don’t want to say too much and give away the bigger parts of the story, but Mari and T’chai had to work hard to stay together. They were willing to do whatever it took to make their relationship work. And yes, it still has all the hot sex you’ll find in the other Icehome books! Mari’s Mistake is probably my favorite in the series (until I fall in love with the next one).

*Disclaimer: Neither the author nor publisher requested a review of this title. I purchased/borrowed from Amazon and the above review is merely my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Say It Ain’t So by Lani Lynn Vale #ContemporaryRomance #bookreview @LaniLynnVale

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Say It Ain’t So

Lani Lynn Vale

Release Date: September 8, 2020

About the Book

He should’ve never left his house. He should’ve stayed at home. He has a legitimate excuse—he’s running a fever and he’s fairly sure he’s developing pneumonia. He should have called in sick…but he doesn’t.

He goes to work, because his team is relying on him.

First, he has to sign about eight thousand calendars—all from women who purchased said calendars to benefit the Fallen Officer fundraiser. And when he’s done with that, he has to endure a television interview along with the rest of the SWAT team seeing as they made national news with their ‘Hot SWAT’ calendar that’s sold a million copies to women all over the world.

Needless to say, when Samuel Adams walks into the pharmacy hours later, he only has one thing on his mind. Ibuprofen.

Sadly, he never gets to the Ibuprofen. Mostly because before he gets there, he finds a junkie waving a gun around threatening to kill anybody that moves.

He’s running a fever. That has to be the reason that the girl in the corner begins cursing up a storm and drawing the junkie’s attention. Has to be.

***

Stop it, stop it, stop it!

She tells herself to take a deep breath. Tells herself that she needs to calm down. Tells herself that if she doesn’t get her act under control, things are going to get ugly.

And, of course, that’s when the curse words start flying.

The more nervous she gets, the worse her Tourette’s becomes. Which is, of course, why she stands up and gives the man a perfect target.

Thank God that the coughing giant in the corner makes the same move and saves her life.

And how does she repay him? By calling him every awful word in the dictionary.

Thank you, Tourette’s.

Purchase Links

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Ei2esx
Amazon Intl.: https://geni.us/kFLr

Apple: https://apple.co/2EflA1h
Nook: https://bit.ly/2E6xdYK
Kobo: https://bit.ly/324SEl0

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2Ei2JCV

About Lani Lynn Vale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

Website: http://www.lanilynnvale.com/

Facebook: https://bit.ly/LLV-fb

Instagram: https://bit.ly/LLV-IG

Twitter: https://bit.ly/LLV-twitter

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/LLVgoodreads

BookBub: http://bit.ly/LLVbb

My Review…

5 stars!

Ms. Vale has done it again! I keep saying there’s no way she can top the last book, and yet with every new release she proves me wrong. Now, I never like to give things away in my reviews, so there won’t be spoilers… if you want all the gritty details, go read the book!

I love that our heroine, Hastings, has a noticeable difference to others around her. She’s struggled and at times feels awkward or embarassed even though it’s out of her control. Even better? Our hero accepts her as she is, and takes her Tourette’s in stride. Could their possibly be a sweeter man? Sammy is perfect for her in every way. He’s the alpha male she’s always dreamed of, and while they do have a few hiccups along the way because of miscommunication, it’s clear he adores her.

Add in some suspense, a few heartbreaking moments, and a romance that makes your toes curl and you have one hell of a book you won’t be able to put down — I know I couldn’t!

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this title for an honest reivew. The review above is strictly my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: The Rogue (Rogues and Gentlemen #1) by Emma V. Leech #historicalromance #pirates #BookReview

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About the Book

1815
Along the wild and untamed coast of Cornwall, smuggling is not only a way of life, but a means of survival.
Henrietta Morton knows well to look the other way when the free trading ‘gentlemen’ are at work. Yet when a notorious pirate, known as The Rogue, bursts in on her in the village shop, she takes things one step further.
Bewitched by a pair of wicked blue eyes, in a moment of insanity she hides the handsome fugitive from the local Militia. Her reward is a kiss that she just cannot forget. But in his haste to escape with his life, her pirate drops a letter, inadvertently giving Henri incriminating information about the man she just helped free.
When her father gives her hand in marriage to a wealthy and villainous nobleman in return for the payment of his debts, Henri becomes desperate.
Blackmailing a pirate may be her only hope for freedom.

My review…

5 stars!

Pirates. A feisty heroine. And a lord who isn’t as he seems… All the makings of a delicious read.

Henri (Henrietta) is far from conventional for a woman of her time. She wants adventure, but even more, she wants to be loved. Money and titles aren’t enough for her. Needless to say, the day she saved a pirate changed her life forever.

Captain Savage isn’t just a pirate. There are mystery and intrigue surrounding him, and a past he thought long gone. He’s not the sort to settle down, and certainly doesn’t think he’s good enough for the likes of Henri, but she’s determined to prove him wrong.

There were moments I laughed out loud, sighed, or frantically flipped the pages to see what happened next. With just enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat, a rogue who tries to do the right thing, and a woman who will settle for nothing less than the man she loves, this book is definitely worthy of 5-stars and then some.

*Disclaimer: Neither the author nor publisher requested a review. I purchased/borrowed via Amazon and am leaving this review strictly as my opinion of the title.

BOOK REVIEW: Thorn (Salvation’s Bane MC) by Marteeka Karland #ContemporaryRomance #RomanticSuspense @MarteekaKarland

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About the book

Mariana — If it weren’t for bad luck… Yeah. That’s me. I found myself stranded on the side of the road after my boyfriend threw me out. My mother, bless her heart, thinks I’m dragging her to the pits of hell because I got myself knocked up.

All of which I could deal with. What nearly put me in a panic was the big, muscle-bound, tattooed biker who pulled up behind me, ordering me to “pop the hood.” I was scared, but, God, the man was smoking hot! Had I not been hot, tired, and pregnant, I might have gotten on my knees and begged him to take me. Instead, I kept that part of myself tightly under control. Sort of.

Thorn — Ana isn’t like anyone I’ve ever come across. If there’s a woman in this world who needs pampering, it’s her. She’s half starved, on the verge of heat stroke, and I steamrolled my way into her life.

But I wasn’t prepared for the call I got from the hospital or the sight of her broken body. I’m all about vengeance, and someone is going to pay for this. Dearly. And my little Ana is going to have to learn to take on a man like me. Because somewhere around the very first time I saw her, I might have gone and fallen in love with her.

WARNING (Spoiler Alert): Traumatic pregnancy loss and explicit violence which could be triggers for some readers. As always, you can expect a HEA with no cheating.

Buy a copy from Changeling Press

My review…

5 stars

Do you love an alpha hero with a soft heart when it comes to his woman? Want a heroine who ends up being stronger than she realized? Then look no further!

Thorn is the third installment in the Salvation’s Bane MC series and it will keep you hungering for more. Not only is our hero a complete badass who will do anything it takes to protect those he loves, but he knows when to stand aside and let his woman handle matters herself. Thorn and Marianna were perfect for one another.

Be warned, there are scenes of abuse that could trigger some readers, but it wouldn’t be an MC book without those! They aren’t over the top by any means. I think the author gave us just the right amount of violence mixed with hot sex and a dirty-talking biker.

Five stars. Two thumbs up. Bring on book 4!

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: To Tame a Savage Heart by Emma V. Leech #historicalromance

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About the Book: 

Lucretia ‘Crecy’ Holbrook has a secret, a secret she has kept for many years. Even her dearest confident and sister, Belle, would not understand what Crecy is prepared to do, the risks she is prepared to take, to get her heart’s desire.

For Crecy is not like the other smiling débutantes; she despises poetry, thinks dancing a chore and is quite prepared to throw something at the next fool to compare her to Aphrodite.

Far more likely to return from a country walk with a badger’s skull and some bloody, injured creature than a posy of wildflowers, Crecy is drawn to the dark, the damaged, and the unlovable.

Her heart longs for one man alone, one with a wounded soul, one so dreadfully damaged that even her tender care might not be enough to save him.

Viscount Demorte is everything she dreams of.

With a reputation that covers blackmail, murder and madness, cruelly handsome Lord Gabriel Greyston, Viscount Demorte, is far more dangerous than any wounded dog, and his bite … just might leave Crecy ruined beyond repair.

 

My review…

5 Stars!

I discovered this author, and series, about a week ago and now I can’t stop reading these books! Once I start one, I don’t want to put it down until I’ve read every last word. If you enjoy historical romances, you must give this series a try!

To Tame a Savage Heart is perhaps one of my favorites so far. Who doesn’t love a tortured hero? I loved that Crecy wasn’t your typical Regency lady, but then DeMorte needed someone a bit unusual. I loved the witty banter, the heated moments, and the sweet way she tried to help the love of her life, even when he didn’t want it.

 

DIsclaimer: I purchased a copy of this title or borrowed through Kindle Unlimited. This review was not solicited by the author or publisher and is merely my opinion. 

 

BOOK REVIEW: Any Day Now (SWAT Generation 2.0) by Lani Lynn Vale #ContemporaryRomance

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About the book:

Amelia loves her good friend, Avery. So much so that she agrees to do the stupidest thing ever.

A stranger photo shoot.

You know the type. The photographer takes photos of two individuals. Two individuals that, until that day, have never met in their life.

The moment she shows up at the photo shoot, she knows that she made a terrible decision.

Why? Because the total stranger about to be in an intimate photo shoot with her is the hottest thing that’s ever walked the streets of Kilgore, Texas. If not the entire US of A.

***

Adam wasn’t sure why the hell he agreed to something so stupid.

Call it temporary lapse of sanity.

When the photographer who shot his photo for the Kilgore Police Department’s benefit calendar asked him for a favor, he couldn’t say no. Not without looking like a jerk seeing as it was benefiting the Fallen Officer Foundation that he played a rather large part in.

Whatever it was that made him agree, he quickly realizes that it’s not worth it. Not when he walks into the studio and sees the massive bed with blood-red sheets dominating the middle of the room.

So uncomfortable he is at the sight, he’s about to head straight out the door and not look back when she walks in.
Amelia steals his breath away with just one glance, and all of a sudden, getting this stranger into his arms with his mouth on hers sounds like the best idea ever.

 

My review…

5 stars!

I’ve been addicted to Ms. Vale’s books for a little over a year now, and they never disappoint! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the second generation of her characters from her previous KPD SWAT series.

The chemistry between Amelia and Adam was explosive. I loved their initial reaction to one another, and it immediately hooked me. I was unable to put the book down from page one. As with all Lani Lynn Vale books, the sex is hotter than hot, the romance is sigh-worthy, and there’s always a dash of suspense in the mix. While her heroines tend to fall into some sort of trouble, they’re by no means weak.

If you like alpha males, a toe-curling romance, and feisty women, then look no further — I’d recommend every book to date in the SWAT Generation 2.0 series!

 

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book. The author and/or publisher did not request a review. The review above is my personal opinion of this title.

BOOK REVIEW: The Prairie Doctor’s Bride by Kathryn Albright #historicalromance

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About the book: 

Wedding bells in Oak Grove…

Raising her son alone, penniless Sylvia Marks has had enough of being the subject of town gossip. But when her son is seriously injured she’ll do anything to save him…even kidnap handsome Dr. Nelson Graham!

Nelson knows what he wants in a wife; she’s to be amiable, biddable and skilled in domestic chores. Gun-toting Sylvia Marks isn’t what he had in mind, but as the two are forced together he realizes she’s exactly what he needs!

 

My review…

5 stars

I’ve enjoyed the Harlequin Historical Romance line for many years, and this book was no exception.

Imagine living in a time when, as a woman, you had no rights, very few respectable ways to earn money, and were solely responsible for the care of a small child. It’s no wonder Sylvia takes drastic measures to ensure her son receives the medical attention he needs. I found her to be brave and bold, with just enough insecurity to make her a well-rounded character.

Dr. Nelson Graham wanted a wife beyond reproach, but sometimes fate has something else in store for us. As he gets to know Sylvia, he sees her as more than a penniless mother. He notices her compassion, her need to help others, and realizes she may be exactly what needs after all.

I loved the slow build of romance between them, filled with enough witty remarks and tender moments to leave me yearning for more. I can’t wait to see what other books are available from Ms. Albright.

 

Disclaimer: This review is merely my opinion. I purchased a copy of this title. Neither the author nor publisher requested a review.

BOOK REVIEW: Haunting the Deep by Adriana Mather #youngadult #paranormal

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About the book:

Samantha Mather knew her family’s connection to the infamous Salem Witch Trials might pose obstacles to an active social life. But having survived one curse, she never thought she’d find herself at the center of a new one.

This time, Sam is having recurring dreams about the Titanic . . . where she’s been walking the deck with first-class passengers, like her aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, in Sam’s waking life, strange missives from the Titanic have been finding their way to her, along with haunting visions of people who went down with the ship.

Ultimately, Sam and the Descendants, along with some help from heartthrob Elijah, must unravel who is behind the spell that is drawing her ever further into the dream ship . . . and closer to sharing the same grim fate as its ghostly passengers.

 

My review…

5 stars

This has been an amazing series and I’m hoping there will be a third installment.

I’ve always been fascinated by the story of the Titanic, and I really enjoyed Ms. Mather’s spin on it. The mix of paranormal elements and historical events was intriguing. Ghosts, a spell, and a mystery to be solved… once I started reading, I couldn’t stop!

BOOK REVIEW: Fury (New Species) by Laurann Dohner #scifiromance

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About the book:

Ellie is horrified to discover the pharmaceutical company she works for is doing illegal experiments. Company scientists have spliced human and animal DNA, creating exotic new species. One such “experiment” captures her heart and she’ll do anything to save him—even if he hates her for it.

Fury has never known compassion or love. He’s spent his life in a cell, chained and abused by humans. The one woman he allowed himself to trust betrayed him. Now he’s free and set on vengeance. He vows to end her life but when she’s finally in his grasp, harming her is the last thing he wants to do to the sexy little human.

Fury can’t resist Ellie—the touch of her hands, her mouth on his skin, her body wrapped around his. He’s obsessed with the scent of his woman. And Ellie wants Fury—always has. She craves his big, powerful body and wants to heal his desolate heart.

But loving Fury is one thing…taming him is another.

 

My review…

5 stars

I stumbled across the New Species series quite a few years ago, but even now, they’re my go-to when I want to re-read something. I love sci-fi romances, but heroes with their mixed DNA give the books almost a shifter type of feel. Overall, I find the New Species books to be unique.

Fury brings new meaning to the word “alpha.” After having lived a horrific life as little more than a lab rat, it’s no wonder he distrusts Ellie, especially considering their history together. Even when he feels the need to punish her, he can’t bring himself to cause her true pain. These New Species men have a tough exterior but hearts of gold, especially when it comes to women.

Action. Suspense. Melt-your-panties sex. And a romance that will make you wish you had a New Species male of your own… What’s not to love?

 

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this title (more than one, actually) and the review above is merely my opinion. The author did not request a review.sci