ARC Review: Jessica Sorensen – Breaking Nova

Nova Series:

Book 1:

Breaking Nova: Nova Reed and Quinton Carter

 

Expected publication: September 3rd 2013

Purchase on Amazon:  Jessica Sorensen – Breaking Nova

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she’s getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn’t want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he’s done, what he’s lost. He’s sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he’s too damaged to get close to her, yet she’s the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?

Review:

Jessica Sorensen has quickly climbed the list to one of my favorite authors. She creates such in depth emotional characters. From the very prolog we are taken on one of the most emotional books I have read in a while. I swear I was almost crying from the prolog, I mean seriously who gets emotionally attached to the characters from a prolog, but it is IMPACTFUL!

Both Nova and Quinton about break my heart, the sadness and loss they both carry around just tears at your heart. Nova and Quinton are both characters that will pull at your heart strings and you’ll remember long after you’ve finished the book. In fact I’ve been thinking about these two since I finished the book about a week ago. While I was reading the book I didn’t want it to end, I saw the ending approaching and I was dreading it.

I’m not going to say a whole lot happens in this book, because not a ton does. This story is about the characters and their emotional journeys. Nova lost her dad at a young age, she was there when his heart gave out, that stayed with her. When she met Landon her new neighbor, he quickly became her best friend and then later her boyfriend. When he left her too, what was left of her heart was shattered and man can you feel it. Her pain is palpable, when she gets to college, things get a little better but come crashing around her when she goes home for the summer. At home, everything is too raw and fresh and she starts on a downward spiral.

Quinton, his pain if possible is worse than Nova’s. A year ago, he was a good guy with ambition and a drive to do well, he wanted to be an artist and to marry his girlfriend Lexi. **spoiler** Then an accident happened that killed Lexi, his cousin and…him… only Quinton was able to be revived. **end spoiler** Since that fateful night, Quinton has been doing his best to forget life and to slowly drown himself in alcohol and weed. The angst, oh the angst.. so good is this angst…

I’m not usually all about the angst, but with this book it was so very good. Nova and Quinton find in each other kindred spirits. Both are carrying around so much loss and heartbreak, as each spirals further out of control in each other they find some peace, but the guilt they carry around may destroy them both. Through the entire book you want these two to find the peace they both so desperately need. Nova and Quinton take you on this emotional rollercoaster that will have you in tears or close to it. There are certain aspects of this book that I really identified with. **spoiler** having lost three friends from suicide I could really identify with the thoughts that swirled around in Nova’s head when it came to Landon. The thoughts of were there signs? Was there something you could have done to save them? Why didn’t they love everyone enough to stay? **end spoiler**

The only thing I didn’t adore was the constant references to smoking, it gets to the point, where you are like ok, I get it, they are all pot heads. LOL! At times it was over emphasized but the rest is so good, I could live with it. When you pick up this book and you definitely should, make sure you have your Kleenex handy!

Rating:

 

*This book was provided to me through NetGalley for an honest review, no other compensation was provided.

*You can also view this review on http://paranormalromancenovel.com 

There is this song that reminds me so much of Quinton. Its by Stone Sour – Bother. I don’t usually include video clips but in this case it is so perfect I can’t resist.

 

 

 

Review: Kait Ballenger – Twilight Hunter

Execution Underground Series:  

Book 1:  

Twilight Hunter: Jace McCannon and Frankie Amato

 

 

Expected publication: August 27th 2013

Purchase on Amazon:  Twilight Hunter (The Execution Underground)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but what happens when danger collides with desire?

Jace McCannon has one loyalty: the Execution Underground. Despite his mixed blood, his hatred for the werewolves he hunts is legendary. But in his search for a sadistic killer, Jace finds himself face to face with a stunningly seductive packmaster…and longing for a night with his mortal enemy.

Nothing can stop Frankie Amato from defending her kind–or catching the rogue responsible for killing women in her territory. For that, this alpha female needs Jace’s skills more than she wants to admit. But as their investigation exposes evil truths, need burns into a passion that dare not be fulfilled. For to do so will have deadly consequences for them both…

Review:

Another great book from Kait Ballenger! TWILIGHT HUNTER is a sexy, dark, intriguing, action packed roller coaster ride of emotion and hard hitting action with a twist on my favorite supernatural species thrown in. The Execution Underground is an elite force to take out rogue supernaturals. Jace is the best werewolf hunter on the east coast, but this case is his hardest yet. Women are dying, and dying horrific death, mutilated beyond recognition. It’s been weeks and Jace is still no closer to catching the bastard that is killing these women. He’s hunting when he comes across Frankie. The attraction is instantaneous and fierce, but she’s a werewolf. The one species that he abhors even though he is half wolf himself, a secret he has kept from all of the Execution Underground, except his childhood friend and Demon Hunter David.

Jace is a lost soul with some serious daddy issues. Totally flawed, but good hearted despite himself. He is a total protector even if he doesn’t particularly think of himself that way; he would be the first to admit he can be an a-hole. Despite his many flaws and anger issues you really can’t help but love Jace anyway. As a character he has a lot of growing to do, he’s basically racist against his own kind and kills werewolves pretty much indiscriminately since becoming a hunter. He thinks all were’s are the same until he meets Frankie and he can’t keep his hands or his emotions in check. She has him questioning all of his beliefs. By the end of the book you are helplessly in love with poor Jace and happy to see how much he’s grown as a character.

Frankie is not hard to like, she has her packs best interests in mind and pretty self-sacrificing. She is basically slated to marry a man she doesn’t love because it is expected of her. She actually misses her mating ceremony because Jace took her captive. Jace is the first thing she takes because that’s what she as a person wanted and not what her parents or her pack wanted. For a while she just couldn’t seem to spit out what she really wanted to say, causing man a miss-communications and causing Jace even more hurt to his fragile self-worth when it comes to being loveable. I just wanted to yell at her, just say what you mean woman! But if there is no conflict then they can’t “make up”, so I couldn’t be too mad.

The story is fast paced and as previously mentioned action packed. From beginning to end, something is going on which keeps you captivated and those pages turning. There is no room to get bored. The chemistry between Jace and Frankie is explosive from the beginning, they can certainly steam up the pages and have you fanning yourself off. The side characters of Shane and David were great, I can’t help but look forward to their books. It is looking like David’s will be next and I am really excited for that one! Oh and Damon, damn, I know you had it rough at the end of your novella, but ish do you have to be such an a$$!?! He’s gonna have to have a lot to atone for once he becomes happy again, for now, I’m going to choose to forgive his attitude because I know how is novella SHADOW HUNTER ended and I know he is hurting, but he better make it up to us! I can’t wait to see where this series takes us! I am totally on board and looking forward to IMMORTAL HUNTER in January 2014.

Rating:

*This book was provided to me by the author and no other compensation was provided.

*This review can also be seen on http://paranormalromancenovel.com

ARC Review: Christine D’Abo – Choose your Shoot: An Interactive Erotic Adventure

Long Shots Series:

Book 5:

Choose Your Shot: An Interactive Erotic Adventure – Tegan, Master Grant, Eli or Adam

 

 

Purchase on Amazon:  Choose Your Shot: An Interactive Erotic Adventure (Long Shots)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Come explore the newer, naughtier Maverick’s, where you are in control of the story.

It’s been a year since the decadent BDSM club was gutted in a fire. Tegan has scored an invitation to the grand reopening, where she can finally indulge the needs she’s ignored for too long. On her wicked wish list: a thorough spanking, adventurous playmates and complete erotic satisfaction.

As a switch, Tegan can find pleasure as either a sub or a Domme. The question is, what—and who—is she in the mood for tonight?

Master Grant: dominant and drop-dead gorgeous, he hasn’t forgotten their last encounter. He’ll make sure Tegan gets what she craves—if she submits to him alone.

Eli: the sexy switch has always wanted more from Tegan. But taking their relationship to the next level could mean risking their friendship.

Adam: the last man Tegan expects to encounter at the club, but one she’d love to see more of—if he behaves…

Choose which ending you want for Tegan, or explore all of the sensual possibilities.

Review:

What a great concept for erotica, you get to choose where the story goes; you can pick different scenarios and then go back and try something new. Due to the nature of the story(s) I’m not quite sure how to go about reviewing this book but I’ll do my best. . It’s like 3+ stories in one. I did go back and try different scenes and take Tegan through different possibilities. It was quite fun, I do have to admit.

So the choose your own adventure part of the book is fun and intriguing you get to take Tegan through her paces. Decide you don’t like one of the scenes, that’s ok, go try a different one. There are several scenes within scenes that you can choose from making this all sorts of fun.

As for the story(s) itself, I have been a fan of the Long Shots series by Christine D’Abo for a while so I was excited to see this one pop up. Mavericks is back after a year absence after the fire, only now Paul is in charge. If we met Tegan in one of the previous books, I don’t remember her, but that’s ok. I like that Tegan is a switch that allows for more opportunity to choose your own adventure. For me I preferred the scene as her as a Sub, I have to admit, I found Master Grant sexy. So this was my favorite scene, I also tried her out as a Domme. For me the Domme scenario didn’t seem as natural to her. I do admit that I skipped the Eli scenario, I was curious about him but I read the Master Grant scene first and Eli lost his appeal, I’ll probably go back to it but for now, I’m letting it lie. Adam was enjoyable as a character, he’s a sub, but not too submissive. He really just wants to please a woman, he gets off on it. Who wouldn’t want a man that all he wants to do is make you happy? It’s an intriguing concept, but as mentioned this scene felt a little more forced.

What I didn’t like about the choose your adventure is I felt like we didn’t get to know the characters as well. It’s like little snippets of who they are. The endings are also very abrupt to me. The romance lover in me wanted to see more of a conclusive outcome for each of the scenes. I think that could have been elaborated on more, instead of.. BAM “The End”. I didn’t feel like I got my HEA with any of the scenes, we were on our way to it, but it gets cut off.

Overall, I really enjoyed this concept which may not be new in general, but is new to this genre. It is different and fun. I do feel like there is some room for improvement, but it’s a great start and if Christine D’Abo decides to do another, I’d probably read it. Do I want to see all my erotica this way, no not really, but as a once in a while treat, sure. Maybe, we can get a Tegan 2^nd go around to see how these scenes turned out after they leave the club or all new scenes.

Rating:

 

 

*This book was provided to me through NetGalley for an honest review, no other compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Olivia Cunning – Wicked Beat

The Sinners On Tour:

Book 4:

Wicked Beat: Eric Sticks and Rebekah

Purchase on Amazon:  Wicked Beat (The Sinners on Tour)

Summary:

From goodreads.com

From the moment he lays eyes on Sinners’ new front of house soundboard operator, drummer Eric Sticks knows he has to make Rebekah his. Unfortunately, she’s too busy trying to seduce guitarist Trey Mills to pay him much attention. Rebekah never planned to fall for the tall, goofy drummer with the weird sense of humor and a heart the size of the galaxy. But Eric makes her laugh and his constant attention makes her feel sexy and irresistible–exactly what she needs after the things her last lover said to her. A woman who gives as much as she takes, Rebekah makes Eric feel like a total stud–exactly what he needs after surviving a decade of watching the incredibly talented members of Sinners from the wings.

Review:

So I’m sad for the end of this series. It’s been a crazy ride but alas all good things must come to the end and since we are out of band members it time to move on, thankfully we still have Exodus End and they are on tour with the Sinners, so we’ll still get glimpses of our guys!

Eric, up until now has been a bit of a mystery we don’t know that much about him. We know he is the creative genius of the band, yet probably the least celebrated as the drummer of the band, oh and we know he LOVES to watch! We probably saw the most from him in Jace’s book and I think my heart broke a little for him when he was so despondent. I think of most of the guys, he’s the one that wanted someone to love the most. As an orphan who was bounced around the system he never really had any love and he is more than ready for it. Who would have thought that goofy Eric is really a hopeless romantic? I didn’t really see it coming, but he turns out to be such a sweet one he had me in tears at the end of the book which is why this one gets a five! (if I hadn’t cried, I would have given it a 4 or 4.5 but I have a rule!) I really enjoyed Eric! He’s not my favorite Sinner, but he definitely moved up the list after this book.

Rebekah may be my favorite Sinner chick of the series, which truthfully isn’t really saying that much. The women of this series are not my favorite heroines of any series but Rebekah she was fun and spunky. After she almost lost her life she has such a zest for life and to live it to its fullest. She attacks things head on and really goes for it. She’s a bit of a tomboy and a car enthusiast. When she first goes on tour with the Sinners its Trey she has a thing for, but as Eric makes her laugh he quickly turns her hear in his direction which makes me happy. Trey would have been all wrong for her. At first I had a bit of a problem with how she just started the job and she is messing around almost immediately but whatev’s I decided to take it all in the spirit that its intended. Rebekah is very patient with Eric, he is a bit quick on the trigger, be she is more than willing to work with him on it. In fact she likes his excitement. When we meet Rebekah I am sad to say her self-esteem when it comes to her sex appeal was in the toilet. After what her ex said to her, I don’t blame her. Eric’s enthusiasm goes a long way to healing those hurts.

As a couple, I really enjoyed Eric and Reb. They are all sorts of fun, I loved all the costumes and role play, it adds a bit of humor to an act that tends to not lean towards humor but I think every couple should have a bit of fun in the sack. I am afraid we have to live through some insta-love in this book. I will say it wasn’t obnoxious like a lot of other insta-love situations and it sorta worked since both characters are pretty loved starved, but I would have preferred that they held off a bit on the exclamations on love. The sex was hot hot hot, which was the main plot of the book. For as much as this book centered around sex, I’m surprised we knew the characters as well as we did, but there wasn’t much else that happens in the book. Don’t get me wrong it’s still entertaining and I highly enjoyed this book. Overall, it’s not the best book in the series but it is a solid one. It was a good way to end the series. Now I want to re-read the entire series in order.

Rating:

*This book was provided to me through NetGalley for an honest review; no other compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Tiffany Reisz – The Mistress

The Original Sinners Series:

Book 4:

The Mistress: Nora Sutherlin

Expected publication: July 30th 2013

Purchase on Amazon: Tiffany Reisz – The Mistress (The Original Sinners)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

There’s punishment-and then there’s vengeance.

Nora Sutherlin is being held, bound and naked. Under different circumstances, she would enjoy the situation immensely, but her captor isn’t interested in play. Or pity.

As the reality of her impending peril unfolds, Nora becomes Scheherazade, buying each hour of her life with stories-sensual tales of Søren, Kingsley and Wesley, each of whom has tempted and tested and tortured her in his own way. This, Nora realizes, is her life: nothing so simple, so vanilla, as a mere love triangle for her. It’s a knot in a silken cord, a tangled mass of longings of the body and the heart and the mind. And it may unravel at any moment.

But in Nora’s world, no one is ever truly powerless-a cadre of her friends, protectors and lovers stands ready to do anything to save her, even when the only certainty seems to be sacrifice and heartbreak….

Review:

So I just finished the book and at the very end, i kept clicking thinking there was no way she was going to end the series like that! click click away until I finally had to admit defeat and alas it was the end. =(

Love her or hate her you have to admit that Tiffany Reisz can write a damn book! The characters are developed the scenes so real you feel like you are there with them. Surprisingly funny and yet intense at the same time. She pushes your comfort zone sometimes to places you don’t want to go, but you can’t stop reading anyway. Although this is probably the tamest book in the series sex wise this series as a whole is not for the squeamish.

For me this book pulls things together, the things that may have made you uncomfortable in previous books are brought into better light in this book, more understanding behind the feelings or thought processes of some of the characters. Tiffany Reisz has this way of explaining the lifestyle in a way that I think even the most “vanilla” would have an easier time understanding, they may not agree with it, but they have a better understanding of the kink lifestyle.

As previously mentioned kink wise this book is probably the tamest but it s still highly entertaining. Nora becomes our sensual story teller as she takes us through some of her previous sexcapades. In the Prince sometime the the switching from present to past was jarring as you are yanked out of one scene into another, this time the transition is more fluid and natural. You don’t feel jarred as we move from the present into story telling mode. For me the transitioning between timelines and characters was flawless and I expect nothing less from Reisz. I loved this book as much as the previous. By the end I was pretty satisfied with everyone’s paths and there a few extra surprises thrown in. It also looks like Reisz left it open for some novellas for the future as this is supposed to be the last full length of this series. Although Griffin and Michael aren’t in this book much and I missed them. They are my favorite M/M couple!

Rating 4.5 Romanticals

ARC Review: Lindsey Piper – Blood Warrior

The Dragon Kings Series:

Book 2:

Blood Warrior: Tallis and Kavya

 

 

 

Expected publication: July 30th 2013

Purchase on Amazon: Lindsey Piper – Blood Warrior: Dragon Kings Book Two (The Dragon Kings)

 

Summary:

As a young man, sarcastic, violent Tallis Pendray believed the Dragon Kings’ survival depended on a prophecy delivered in dreams by a woman named “the Sun.” His role has been to complete inexplicable, even reprehensible tasks. First, by murdering a priest, he united his fragmented clan in their hatred of him. Dubbed “the Heretic,” Tallis fled his family’s Highland estate. Now disillusioned, he seeks revenge on the woman he holds responsible for two decades of exile.

 

Telepath Kavya Indranan is a charismatic, seductive cult leader born to a prominent family. However, she grew up terrorized by the ominous threat of her powerful, insane twin brother. On the run and hiding among the poor, she witnessed the destruction wrought by her clan’s centuries-old civil war. Maturity nurtures Kavya’s determination to end the cycle of bloodshed. Those who follow her call for peace have nicknamed her “the Sun.”

 

Review:

For me this book was much anticipated. I really enjoyed the first two books and found them both memorable and unique, so for the past few months I had been waiting in anticipation to get my hands on a copy of this book. When I finally got it, I dove right in, only to be left somewhat underwhelmed by this installment. It wasn’t bad, but it just didn’t have the punch that the first two books had. At least for me. The first book SILENT WARRIOR was humorous, action packed and steamy as all get out. The second book CAGED WARRIOR while pretty dark was intriguing, interesting, and seriously action packed all making this book as page turner. With BLOOD WARRIOR I was expecting a book loaded with action, but all we really got was a bunch of talking. Not much of anything happens, which makes the book drag in places.

 

Tallis was at least funny, so we got some laughs out of the book. As a character I actually liked Tallis, we met him in CAGED WARRIOR and he leaves an impression. As berserker he has great strength and speed and he knows how to wield them both, it’s a shame we don’t get to see it more. The action scenes there are, he’s pretty fierce! I wouldn’t want to tangle with him. He’s an intriguing character that I think Lindsey Piper could have done so much more with. He spends a lot of time swinging back and forth between liking and bashing Kavya, which can leave the reader with a bit of whiplash. A little push and pull is fun, but too much can just leave the reader doubting the romantic connection between characters which is what ended up happening for me. I didn’t doubt the attraction, but the “more” was tough to swallow.

 

Kavya, was a character I just never got into; which may also be part of the reason I wasn’t fully sold on the romance. She is supposed to be charismatic to the point that she starts a whole cult that basically worships her. What I found her to be was wishy washy and her character and ability was full of holes. Bu here is the thing, so Tellis started getting visits from the Sun at 20 years ago, when Kavya was 12. I find it very doubtful that at 12 when the Sun was just fully coming into their power it was able to find a certain mind halfway across the world (The Sun was in India, Tellis in Scottland) invade their mind in dream and with very graphic sexual dreams convince him to basically be its pet assassin. How was the Sun even find his mind and what did it know what it was looking for?? And how the hell did she build up her following? This was never really explained. There was something else with the Sun plotline that was really bugging me but I can’t discuss without some serious spoilers. The whole Sun plotline was just full of holes and too farfetched even by paranormal standards. Even if you take the whole Sun plotline away she just seems too weak, wishy washy, naïve and doesn’t have much in the personality department. I’m just not quite sure what Tellis sees in her.

 

The book wasn’t all bad, it was very well written and flowed very nicely. We get more in depth into the Dragon King world and I am still intrigued by the series as a whole and really want to see where it is going. The action scenes there are, are pretty great. I gotta say I really liked the blizzard scene. It had you perked up in your seat for a bit. The final show down there is a “twist” that you may or may not have seen coming to some degree. The fighting in the finale was pretty good Tellis gets to show off his skills. The sexy times while I wasn’t much of a fan of Kavya, I do have the admit the scenes were pretty hot. Tellis gives a pretty good strip tease; I wouldn’t have minded trading places with Kavya for that one. Oh to have a berserker of my very own! I wish! Although this book will not be my favorite of the series, I am not giving up on this series. I am still looking forward to the next book it definitely looks interesting.

 

*This copy was provided by the author for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

 

Rating: 3.5 Romanticals

 

*This review can also be viewed at paranormalromancenovel.com

ARC Review: Michelle Willingham -To Sin with a Viking

Forbidden Vikings Series:

Book 1:

To Sin with a Viking: Styr Hardrata and Caragh Ó Brannon

Expected publication: July 23^rd

Purchase on Amazon:  Michelle Willingham – To Sin with a Viking (Forbidden Vikings)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Playing With Fire!

Caragh Ó Brannon defended herself bravely when the enemy landed—only, now she finds herself alone with one very angry Viking…

Styr Hardrata sailed to Ireland intending to trade, never expecting to find himself held captive in chains by a beautiful Irish maiden.

The fiercely handsome warrior both terrifies and allures Caragh, but he is forbidden territory. He is the enemy…and he is married. Yet Styr harbors a secret that just might set them both free…

Forbidden Vikings

Resist them if you can!

Review:

I love love love historical Vikings! It’s a weakness right up there with bad boys and berserkers. There is just something about Vikings, maybe they because they are tall and very rough around the edges. Me take my woman! Sort of attitude. So when I saw a Michelle Willingham title I peeked up in interest as she is one of my favorite historical romance writers and then I saw it featured a Viking! SOLD!

I was not disappointed that I requested this title; I pretty much devoured it, cover to cover. Well theoretically since it is in ebook format but you get the idea. When we meet this proud Viking his marriage is in shambles, he wants to start his life anew with his wife by his side so they can work on their marriage. First, I got to say how much I loved that he wanted to work on his marriage and make things work. He is very loyal, and I loved how Willingham approached this. So Styr, his wife and his men leave their homeland and end up in Ireland after a particularly nasty storm, exhausted and half starved. They landed in a starved land, Caragh villiage is literally starving to death and her little brother takes it into his head to attack the Vikings to take their resources. So he takes Styr’s wife hostage and disappears. As Styr is about to strike a blow against Caragh she bashes him in the head and takes styr hostage while her brother gets away with his wife.

What is it with Viking stories with one of the characters taking the other as a captive?? I swear it is every damn one of them. LOL! In this case Styr isn’t captive for very long. Maybe only a day or two, but he kind of gets Stockholm syndrome and starts to feel protective of Caragh because he knows she is literally starving to death and still shared her food with him. He vows that even when he gets free he will teach her to survive and then take her with him to find his wife. He tells himself that he will need her to find her brother and not that he wants to protect her. Caragh for her part genuinely feels bad for her part in his captivity and her brother’s part in taking his wife hostage. So she agrees to help him find his wife. Caragh is genuinely a sweetheart and cares for others even to the determent of herself. You can’t not like her, she’s a sweetheart but she’s also no push over. A great balance.

So off they go to find his wife and her brother. More and more, these two find that they are more and more attracted to each other, but the circumstances are impossible. Styr is otherwise taken and he refuses to give up on both making his marriage work and finding his wife. You would think that the way this story is set up that there would have been creepy and that things would have gone further than they actually did. For the most part Styr stuck by his vows to his wife, even when his emotions were in turmoil. I really respected the way Willingham went about this as I hate cheating in a story and I could have been quickly been turned off. As these two went on their quest it looked more and more like finding his wife would be more difficult than expected, which gives Caragh and Styr more time to get to know each other in a non-physical way. From beginning to end Willingham takes you on an emotional charged tale with some action thrown in to keep things interesting. My only wish was that things with the wife could have come to a conclusion earlier so we could have gotten in some more sexy times, because when it happens it’s pretty explosive. =)

Rating: 4 Romanticals

*Copy was provided through NetGally for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Rebecca Zanetti – Forgotten Sins

Sins Brothers Series:

Book 1:

Forgotten Sins: Shane Dean and Josie Dean

Expected publication: July 2nd 2013

Purchase on Amazon:  Rebecca Zanetti – Forgotten Sins

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

His Secrets Can Destroy Her

From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true . . . until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked by the hospital calls: Shane has been found . . . at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there.

Her Love Can Save Him

Shane can’t remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside—or who he even is—but he knows something isn’t right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he’s ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew—one who carries such a deadly secret?

Review:

I think that Ms. Zanetti has another hit on her hands. Here we have an action packed, intriguing, highly entertaining tale about military brothers with a few extras. I have to say I LOVED the brothers! There is something heartbreaking about kids that never get to be kid and I adored that against all odds the brothers banded together and gave only each other their loyalty. Matt is the oldest brother that kept them all together as kids and gave them hope that something else was out there for them, even if they had no idea what it was.

Shane is the second youngest brother, he was in deep cover for his brothers when he is attacked and loses his memory. He doesn’t remember much, be he does remember feelings and he remembers that he loved Josie. From the instant she enters his hospital room and he finds out they have been separated for two years, he knows only something intensely important could have kept him from her for so long and that he has been given a second chance and he is NEVER giving Josie up again. I loved Shane, an over protective alpha male that knows what he wants. He sets his sights on something and does not give up until he obtains it. Right now, his sights are set on Josie and keeping her protected. It seems that he has brought danger right to her door and he is determined to protect to her at all costs. Things get complex pretty quick as the threat to Josie and Shane gets more intense. The body count is increasing and the attempts on Josies life are getting more serious, there may be a threat that Shane didn’t count on and he may need some back up. The more he remembers the more realizes he is not quite normal and maybe leaving Josie is the best thing for her, even if it breaks his heart. After all a broken heart is nothing compared to knowing the one person you ever loved will be safe from your dangerous life.

Josie, I could take or leave. There were times I really liked Josie and then there were times that she annoyed the crap out of me. She was so damn concerned about her accounting job; I mean I get the desire for stability especially when you have a disappearing husband. But trust me when I say there is no job worth my life or the life of anyone I love. If going to my job means I’m am more visible to be kidnapped, raped, murdered, or attacked there is no way I’m going because if I’m dead, I’m dead and my job will no longer matter. Josie didn’t seem to understand that concept and insisted on going back in even though she kept getting attacked there. My a$$ would be long gone, on a leave, thank you very much. At times, she was pretty strong and others whinny, she was so cold and cold I was getting whiplash. At times I could see what Shane saw in her, I mean she is sweet, but sometimes I just didn’t get it. Don’t get me wrong she is not all bad and most of the time she was fine, but I wanted more for Shane since I loved him so much.

Overall, Zanetti spun a wildly entertaining story that I enjoyed from beginning to end. We met Shanes two remaining brothers and they intrigued me just as much as Shane did. I cannot wait for Matt’s story which I believe to be the next book. At times certain phrases got repetitive, enough so that I noticed but it wasn’t too distracting and may get cleaned up in final edits. This book was action both in and out of bed from beginning to end. You can expect to be wildly entertained by super sexy military men with a few special abilities! Enjoy the ride, I know I did!

Rating: 4 Romaticals

*This book was provided through NetGalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

*This review can also be seen on www.paranormalromancenovel.com .

ARC Review: Anna Campbell – Days of Rakes and Roses

Sons of Sin Series:

Book 1.5:

Days of Rakes and Roses: Simon Metcalf and Lady Lydia Rothermere

 

 

Expected publication: July 2nd 2013

Purchase on Amazon:

Anna Campbell – Days of Rakes and Roses

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Lady Lydia Rothermere has spent the past decade trying to make up for a single, youthful moment of passion. Now the image of propriety, Lydia knows her future rests on never straying outside society’s rigid rules, but hiding away the desire that runs through her is harder than she could have ever dreamed. And as she prepares for a marriage that will suit her family, but not her heart, Lydia must decide what’s more important: propriety or passion?

Simon Metcalf is a rake and adventurer. But for all his experience, nothing can compare to the kiss he stole from the captivating Lydia Rothermere ten years ago. Simon can scarcely believe he’s about to lose the one woman he’s never forgotten. The attraction between them is irresistible, yet Lydia refuses to forsake her engagement. With his heart on the line, will Simon prove that love is a risk worth taking?

Review:

This is a super quick novella in the Sons of Sin Series. I had read the first book in the series and loved it! I’ve been anxiously awaiting the second books, so I was happy to see this novella to help us bide our time until book 2. From the blurb I had no idea who this book was about, I didn’t remember mention of either of these characters from the first book and that’s because they weren’t. But that is ok, I still enjoyed both characters and there was a connection. Lady Lydia is the Duke’s sister, and he is a Son of Sin with questionable parentage.

Lydia comes from a childhood riddled with scandal. Her mother was the talk of the Ton with her flagrant affairs. Lydia’s father was extremely harsh in her upbringing, but there was one thing he never took away and that was Simon Metcalf, her neighbor and friend. One day, she was finally getting what she wanted, Simon, when her father walked in. He banished Simon from the continent and for ten years he wandered until it was safe to come home to his Lydia. For ten years Lydia has been the perfect model of decorum and behavior. She was practicing on of my favorite sayings “Fake it Til you Make it”. She was so boring, she bored herself. Her betrothed, even more boring and her life even more boring than that, until Simon walks into her engagement party and sparks fly.

Ahh rekindled love, how I love the. This is one of my favorite themes in romance. It’s just so much more believable then we meet and 10 seconds later we are in love. There are also typically more obstacles to get over, such as in this case a broken heart or a disapproving family. Now that Lydia’s father is dead, Simon feels like he may have a chance, as he never stopped loving Lydia (enter an AWE!! Here) . It’s been 10 years but the site of her still makes his heart race and other things rise to the occasion. Lydia keeps him at an arm’s length as long as she can, as he did break her heart, but eventually he breaks her down. The chase was entertaining and steamy. Since this is such a short novella it was quick but I don’t feel like there was anything missing. It was a quick fun read that I enjoyed and would recommend to those who enjoy historical romance and in particular enjoyed the first story in this series.

Rating:

3.5 Romanticals

*This copy was provided through NetGalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

ARC Review: Shona Husk – The Outcast Prince

Court of Annwyn Series:

Book 1:

The Outcast Prince: Caspian Mort and Lydia Callaway

 

 

Expected publication: July 2nd 2013

Purchase on Amazon.com: Shona Husk – The Outcast Prince

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Caspian Mort can feel the history in anything he touches, a gift he inherited from his father, the Crown Prince of Annwyn. Devastated over his ex-wife’s infidelity, Caspian has withdrawn from human contact except when working as an antiques dealer.

While assessing the contents of the historic Callaway House he encounters the beautiful Lydia Callaway and senses that her home is haunted by a banished fairy. But what does the dangerous exile want? Unbeknownst to Lydia, she’s the owner of the last remaining portal to Annwyn—a mirror hidden somewhere in the house. To keep Lydia safe, Caspian will have to divulge the secrets of his heritage, and risk losing his heart again.

Review:

I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did. I never should have doubted Ms. Shona Husk! She has such a great way of pulling you into the story right from the beginning. This story is fast paced, interesting and the chemistry between Lydia and Caspian is scorching! The intense emotion between Caspian and Lydia is captivating and engaging. From the outside it would not appear that Caspian and Lydia would have anything in common, she is in PR and he is in antiques; however, as they spend time unraveling the secrets of her grandmother’s house the more they find that they have in common.

I loved how these two related to each other, they may have just met but they bond quickly. Both Caspian and Lydia had unusual upbringings and they both understand value of a secret. This makes it easier for each of them to open up to the other. Caspian has never opened up to anyone, no one knows what he really is and what he can really do other than his mother. When he meets Lydia he instantly finds himself more attracted to her physically than any other female he has ever met but more importantly he feels like he has finally found someone that he can finally be open and honest with for the first time in his life. He feels like he found someone that can understand how he grew up and his special abilities. I loved how accepting Lydia was when she found out about his ability. She realized pretty quick that she has found someone special and that a strange ability isn’t a deal breaker in the grand scheme of things. Having grown up in unusual circumstances herself she also understands his own unusual parentage.

While this book isn’t exactly action packed, as previously mentioned it is fast paced. Before I knew it, I was almost finished with the book and I was sad to see the book end. Shona Husk has set us up with an interesting new series featuring the Fae. I do have to admit as far as the paranormal genre goes, I do enjoy the Fae. They aren’t quite bad guys, but they definitely are not the good guys either. Their moral compass code is quite flexible which keeps things interesting. I am very curious to see where this series goes and will be looking for the next book in the series.

Rating:

4 Romanticals

*This book was provided to me through NetGalley for an honest review.

*This book can also be viewed on www.paranormalromance.com