Category Archives: Contemporary

Quote-tastic: The Beast in Him by Shelly Laurenston

This quote is from one of my favorite Shelly Laurenston books.  And let me tell you, it is hard for me to say any of these books are my favorites.  I love them all.

The Beast in Him is the second of the Pride series and features Smitty and Jessie Ann.  Smitty is a wolf of the Tennessee wolf pack and if you have ever read any of this series, you know that means something . . . and it’s not good.  Jessie Ann is  the alpha of a wild dog pack.  Like domesticated dogs, they can be goofy and obsessive and absolutely adorable.  Jessie Ann is all of those.

The quote I selected is from Smitty.  He hears what he wants to hear and that is not what Jessie Ann tells him.

The beauty of wolf hearing.  You heard only what you wanted to, made up what was never said but should have been, and the rest meant little or nothing.

quote-tastic final with green bordersmitty

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Curious Minds (Knight & Moon, #1) by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton

Curious Minds (Knight and Moon, #1)Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Title: Curious Minds
Author: Janet Evanovich & Phoef Sutton
Series: Knight & Moon, #1
Pages: 336
Publisher: Bantam Dell
Date: August 16, 2016

Summary:

Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Good thing he’s also brilliant, rich, and (some people might say) handsome, or he’d probably be homeless. Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard Business and Harvard Law. Her aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with mega-bank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight.

What starts off as an inquiry about missing bank funds in the Knight account leads to inquiries about a missing man, missing gold, and a life-and-death race across the country. Through the streets of Washington, D.C., and down into the underground vault of the Federal Reserve in New York City, an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon can stop it.

Review:

I loved this book – absolutely loved this book. Five stars is not enough. I cannot wait for the next one and there’s not even a title yet on Goodreads. I want it NOW!

Okay, I have that out of my system.

This is the first book in Janet Evanovich’s new series and it is cowritten with Phoef Sutton. It’s really funny just like the Stephanie Plum books, but for some reason doesn’t read like a Plum book. The zaniness and humor are there, but it just doesn’t seem the same. I can’t really explain it.

The book is written from Riley’s point of view, but Emerson is my favorite character. He is so brilliant and so rich that he doesn’t follow normal societal rules and that’s what makes him my favorite. When he is told he can’t do something, his response is not “why not?”, but “I’m already doing it.”

I don’t normally use a lot of quotes in my reviews, but I’m making an exception for this one. None of them are spoilers and you have to see why I think this book is so great.

“You don’t seem especially worried,” Emerson said. “I drink a lot,” Irene said. “And I smoke dope. It keeps me more or less happy.”

That will do it.

In this next quote, Riley wants her breakfast and has told him she gets irritable if she isn’t fed.

“I like you fine.” “I’m not irritable yet.” “You’re not?” Emerson said with surprise. “Very funny.” “I wasn’t trying to be funny,” . . .

Emerson can definitely try anyone’s patience.

Riley reminded herself that she was a professional, and stabbing Emerson with her nail file wouldn’t be appropriate.

And just throwing this one out there,

“Attempted murder is something a lot of couples can’t get past.”

Emerson is not inexperienced with women.

“You have that look,” Emerson said to Riley.
“What look?”
“Squinty eyes, jaw clenched, shoulders hunched. I’ve seen that look on women before and it’s never turned out well.”

And this is a workout program I could get behind.

Irene Grunwald got up early every morning to work out. And by “work out” she meant have a pitcher of sangria while lying in a lounge chair in her backyard and watching the sun rise over the river.

Read this book. You will not regret it.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Shadows of the Stone Benders (Anlon Cully Chronicles, #1) by K. Patrick Donoghue

Shadows of the Stone Benders (The Anlon Cully Chronicles, #1)Shadows of the Stone Benders by K. Patrick Donoghue
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Title: Shadows of the Stone Benders
Author: K. Patrick Donoghue
Series: Anlon Cully Chronicles, #1
Pages: 316
Publisher: Leaping Leopard Enterprises
Date: May 14, 2016

Summary:

World-renowned scientist Anlon Cully is unexpectedly swept into the thick of a suspense-riddled adventure when his archaeologist uncle, Devlin Wilson, dies under suspicious circumstances.

Prior to his “accidental” fall off a New Hampshire mountain trail, Devlin made the discovery of a lifetime – unearthing undeniable proof that a technologically advanced society thrived on Earth long before archaeologists thought possible!

The key to this shocking evidence lies in a set of mysterious stones forged by a long forgotten race of ancient mariners. Instilled with formidable powers to build, communicate, fight and heal, the stones draw the ruthless attention of villainous thieves hell bent on their acquisition by any means possible…including murder.

Aided by friend Pebbles McCarver and police detective Jennifer Stevens, Anlon follows traces of bewildering clues left by his uncle in a dangerous chase to unravel the stones’ secrets before the killer strikes again and escapes with the priceless artifacts.

Peppered with the thought provoking intrigue of a Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child thriller, Shadows of the Stone Benders leaves readers questioning the technological prowess of modern man and the belief that Neolithic humans were nothing more than unsophisticated cave dwellers.

Review:

This is a hard one to review. I really liked the plot. It was out there, but this is a science fiction novel, so out there is good. There is a romance, but it is definitely a subplot – important, but not critical to the story line.

This is the first book in the series, so I was concerned there might be a cliffhanger ending. I hate cliffhangers, but no, the author does an excellent job of bringing everything together while leaving room for the next book.

So, why did I give it only two stars.

It was the over-the-top dialogue. The personalities of the characters were established and then the author would have them react in this dramatic fashion. Not just once, but throughout the book.

For example, one of the characters, Eleanor/Pebbles, has just figured out something about the black stone. Now, she and Jennifer, a police detective, have just met. Jennifer’s response is “Way to go Eleanor!” shouted Jennifer. She shouted, not stated, not exclaimed, but shouted. It just didn’t fit the personality that had already been established for Jennifer.

Later on, Jennifer has been interviewing a bank president. He is Asian and she is knowledgeable enough to know how to address him properly and respect his culture. However, at the end of the interview, when he has given her some much needed information, she says, “Min-Jun, you da man!”

This is to an older Asian gentleman!

And it goes on. It’s not just Jennifer’s part either. The same thing happens with Pebbles and to a certain extent with Anlon – the male lead.

I couldn’t get past it.

The plot is good. Without the dialogue issues, I would have probably given this book a 3.5 at least. I do know this is a debut novel, so surely the author will get better. I just don’t know that I’m willing to give him another chance.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Quote-tastic: The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones

I told you last week would not be the only time I participated in the Quote-tastic challenge.  The new Charley Davidson book came out on Tuesday and there was no doubt in my mind there would be quotable lines.  Her chapter openings can be the best part of the books.  The one I chose for today is

“I think senility is going to be a fairly smooth transition for me.  — TRUE FACT”

I can remember telling my mother years ago that she didn’t have to worry about getting Alzheimer’s.  We would never notice the difference.  She didn’t appreciate it, but my dad almost fell out of his chair laughing.

24154660 quote-tastic final with green border

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Quote-tastic: Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston

This is the first time I have participated in Quote-tastic, but it will not be the last.  Bear Meets Girl is the seventh book in Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series and one of my favorites.  I have read this series since its beginning for many reasons:  shifters, hot shifters, kick-ass females, and most of all, the books are hysterically funny.  This one is no exception.  Crush was briefly introduced in the first book in the series:  The Mane Event: Christmas Pride.  I can still remember Dez screaming “There are bears?”

We never really saw anymore about Crush until he got his own book.  His personality is not what I expected, but he is adorable.  He doesn’t like Cella or at least he doesn’t want to, but he certain lusts after her.  Of course, they eventually get their happily ever after and when Cella’s ex tells her to be happy, she responds,

“I’m always happy,” she told him.  “It annoys people.”

And that describes Cella’s personality perfectly.

Bear meets girlquote-tastic final with green border

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Shadow Rider (Shadow, #1) by Christine Feehan

Shadow Rider (Shadow, #1)Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Title: Shadow Rider
Author: Christine Feehan
Series: Shadow, #1
Pages: 480
Publisher: Jove
Date: June 28, 2016

Summary:

Whether it’s fast cars or fast women, Stefano Ferraro gets what he wants. When he’s not fodder for the paparazzi, he commands Ferraro family businesses—both legitimate and illegitimate.

While their criminal activity is simply a rumor yet to be proven, no one knows the real truth. The Ferraros are a family of shadow riders capable of manipulating light and dark, an ability Stefano thought ran in his family alone—until now…

With little left to her name, Francesca Cappello has come to Chicago in hopes of a new life. She wasn’t expecting to attract the attention of a man with primal hunger in his eyes, driven to claim her as his to protect and to please. And if he discovers her secret, it could ruin her…

Review:

Any fan of Christine Feehan knows she does not write “light” books. Her most famous (to me) series is even called Dark, although I always think of it as The Carpathians. Her Ghostwalker series is even more intense and even the Drake sisters is more dark than happy.

The new Shadow series is no exception. It definitely leans (and sometimes falls over) to the dark side . . . and I love it.

I have to admit it started out slow. I understand that any new series is going to have some world building, but I swear I was a third of the way through the book before I figured out where it was going. That is the reason I only gave it three stars. It was well worth the time though.

Stefano takes the whole alpha male/protector personality to an extreme . . . sometimes too much for me and definitely too much for Francesca. He could be hard to like. After his family background is explained, he becomes, if not more likeable, definitely more understandable.

SPOILERS — SPOILERS — SPOILERS — SPOILERS — SPOILERS — SPOILERS

I did not like the fact that the Shadow Riders could only mate/breed with someone who has Shadow Rider blood. There is only one actually mate for a Rider, although they can breed with another with the right bloodline. The one mate thing was not really the problem (Carpathians, anyone?); it was the fact that they also had to be of the Shadow Rider line as well.
I guess that leaves me out.

The other thing that bothered me was not with the book itself, but with this blurb which is on Goodreads.

The #1 New York Times bestselling “queen of paranormal romance”* is back with a sexy new series starring a Chicago crime family that hides a dark, mystical secret…

The Shadow Riders are NOT criminals. They are assassins, and yes, in my world there is a difference. They only go after the bad guys that the law can’t touch.

I think this is a great beginning to a new series and I can’t wait for the next one. Hopefully, since the author is so prolific it won’t be long in coming.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Big Easy Temptation (The Perfect Gentlemen, #3) by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake

Big Easy Temptation (The Perfect Gentlemen, #3)Big Easy Temptation by Shayla Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: Big Easy Temptation
Author: Shayla Black and Lexi Blake
Series: The Perfect Gentlemen, #3
Pages: 384
Publisher: Berkley
Date: May 3, 2016

Summary:

The New York Times bestselling authors of the Masters of Ménage series present the third scintillating novel featuring the privileged, wealthy, wild men of Creighton Academy—the Perfect Gentlemen.

Years ago, Naval officer Dax Spencer and NCIS agent Holland Kirk indulged in a steamy affair—until she betrayed him in the wake of his father’s death. Dax tried to put her behind him with a payback of his own. But he never forgot Holland…

Now, as Dax and his fellow Perfect Gentlemen unravel a web of lies, he discovers his family’s tragedy is part of a much larger conspiracy. Soon, all clues point him back to New Orleans…where Holland waits, protecting her deadly secret and holding a torch for the only man she’s ever loved.

Once reunited, they can’t fight the passion flaring hot and wild. But something sinister lurks around every corner, from the elegance of the Garden district to the beauty of the bayou. Dax and Holland may find their way back to each other—if they survive…

Review:

This is the third book in “The Perfect Gentlemen” series and I finally feel like I know what is going on. I have read other series with overarching plots, but I don’t remember another one where the series plot was so integral to the individual book plots. It was hard to get used to and I felt I was left hanging in the first two books. This book was not any better in regards to finishing the major plot, but it did give a lot more information that made the ending more satisfying.

Probably half or even more of this book takes place in the past. It supplies quite a bit of backstory, but I thought it was excessive. I kept thinking, “Okay, move it along. Let’s get back to the real story.”

Speaking of backstory, this is not a series that should be read piecemeal. You really, really need to read each book in order. I kind of wish I had waited until the entire series was released and read them back to back. Of course, they are so engrossing, I plan to do that anyway when the last book comes out. Now, if I only knew if that was going to be five books or six!

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Last Mile (Vicious Cycle, #3) by Katie Ashley

Last Mile (Vicious Cycle, #3)Last Mile by Katie Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: Last Mile
Author: Katie Ashley
Series: Vicious Cycle, #3
Pages: 336
Publisher: Signet
Date: May 3, 2016

Summary:

After her father was murdered in the line of duty, ATF agent Samantha Vargas is determined to take down the scumbags of the drug trade. When her partner takes on a case to infiltrate the Hells Raiders MC, Samantha agrees to go undercover as his old lady but is surprised to find herself drawn to the very man she is investigating.

Benjamin “Bishop” Malloy has worked hard to carve a place for himself both in and out of the MC world. Working days as a mechanic, he spends his nights rebuilding motorcycles with the hope of one day owning his own shop. After taking one of the club’s new hang-arounds under his wing, Bishop is conflicted over his growing attraction for the man’s girlfriend.

Even though she’s determined to bring down the Raiders, Samantha discovers their world isn’t as black-and-white as she thought. And as the stakes grow higher, she’s in danger of losing more than her heart.

Review:

This is the third book in the Vicious Cycle series and this is the first series about motorcycle gangs I have ever read. I had a really hard time with the first book – Vicious Cycle. There was a lot of violence and the language was really rough . . . what you would expect from this plotline. I stuck with it however and I am so glad I did. I ended up loving the book.

I enjoyed book two, Redemption Road, even more. I either got used to the violence and language or there was less of it. Either way, it was a great book.

I couldn’t wait for book three and I wasn’t disappointed.

Bishop, by his own words, is a man whore. The beginning of the book illustrates that quite definitely. However, once he makes a commitment to Samantha, those days are over. Unfortunately, the secret Samantha is keeping is going to be hard to forgive.

I am afraid I have a stereotypical view of biker gangs as does Samantha. All three of these books have made me rethink my opinions. The books do not sugarcoat the gang world, but they do illustrate that not all of them are alike. This last book even mentions Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) an organization which actually exists. Look it up. They are doing important work.
Biker gangs will never be one of my go-to plots, but I am so glad I had the chance to read and review these books. And yes, if there are more in the series, I will definitely buy them too.

No matter what you think you know and feel about biker gangs, give these books a try. I think you will enjoy them in spite of yourself.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Asking for More (Asking for It, #2.5) by Lilah Pace

Asking for More (Asking for It, #2.5)Asking for More by Lilah Pace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: Asking for More
Author: Lilah Pace
Series: Asking for It, #2.5
Pages: 108
Publisher: InterMix
Date: March 15, 2016

Summary:

How far is too far?

Finally sure of each other’s strength and love, Jonah and Vivienne continue to explore their darkest fantasies together. However, what should be a night of ecstasy takes a dangerous turn, injuring Vivienne. She shrugs off the incident, but Jonah is haunted by it, particularly by the fear that others may believe he abuses her, or even glimpse the truth of their erotic obsession.

Then Jonah receives a call from his younger sister, Rebecca, who’s dealing with trouble of her own in South America. When Vivienne travels with him to aid Rebecca, she learns yet more about his tortured history—and Jonah opens up to Vivienne as never before.

Can Vivienne help Jonah cast off the shadows of his past forever?

Review:

At only 108 pages, this book/novella/short story was too short. It didn’t add a lot to the series, except some additional information regarding Rebecca, Jonah’s sister. There has got to be a book for her in the works somewhere.

Having said that, I was delighted to get to reacquaint myself with Jonah and Vivienne. I love both of these characters. I was hesitant when I received the first book due to the subject matter, but it is handled so well I can’t help but be engrossed in their stories.

Jonah is still having more problems than Vivienne in accepting their relationship. At times, I want to tell him to “get over it already.” Of course, his suffering was longterm and horribly abusive. I’m not downplaying what happened to Vivienne, but she is handling it better.

Anyway, the only negative thing I have to say about this book is it is too short. I want more and I want it soon.

Please??

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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White Tiger (Shifters Unbound, #8) by Jennifer Ashley

White Tiger (Shifters Unbound, #8)White Tiger by Jennifer Ashley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Title: White Tiger
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Series: Shifters Unbound, #8
Pages: 336
Publisher: Berkley
Date: April 6, 2016

Summary:

A woman is lured into the shadows of a dangerous manhunt…
Wanted and on the run…

For twenty years, Kendrick, a white tiger Shifter, has been the Guardian of un-Collared Shifters who spend their lives living in secret—and in fear of being shunted into Shiftertowns. When Kendrick’s group is discovered and forced to flee, Kendrick is more desperate than ever to protect them

His only salvation was in a beautiful stranger.

In a diner in the middle of nowhere, lonely waitress Addison Price has seen a lot of unusual drifters come and go, but none has ever captivated—and intimidated—her like the imposing fugitive who wields a broadsword with incredible skill. But when he risks all to protect her, Addison’s fear turns to empathy—and empathy to desire as she learns more about her savior. Soon she’s more than willing to help the crushingly sensual white tiger and his cubs in a passionate bid for freedom. Whatever the cost.

Review:

I had waiting anxiously for this book ever since the first chapter was included at the end of Bad Wolf (#7.5) back in July. Talk about leaving a reader hanging and White Tiger is not due out until April. Therefore, I was thrilled to get an early reviewer’s copy a couple of weeks ago.

It was worth the wait.

The intense, exciting beginning just set the stage for the relationship that was already developing between Addison and Kendrick. But this book was not just about fighting the bad guys. It was more about protecting family, which may or may not have anything to do with blood. It was about trying to do what you think is the right thing, even if it means giving up what you really want.

And, it’s about finding out you can do the right thing and still get what you really, really want.
It’s about love and family and pack and, let’s not forget sex. After all, this is a Shifters Unbound book and the sex is always hot.

I think this may be my favorite Shifters Unbound book and I have enjoyed them all.

Now, how long until I can get my hands on the next one?

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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