May 2, 2016 · 4:54 pm

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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April 3, 2016 · 10:52 am

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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April 2, 2016 · 4:44 pm

The Devil You Know (McKenna Brothers, #2) by Jo Goodman

The Devil You Know (McKenna Brothers, #2)The Devil You Know by Jo Goodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: The Devil You Know
Author: Jo Goodman
Series: McKenna Brothers #2
Pages: 416
Publisher: Berkley
Date: May 3, 2016

Summary:

WHAT HE DOESN’T KNOW . . .

After a horse drags him through the countryside, Israel McKenna awakes bruised and battered in a field in Pancake Valley, Colorado. He can recall where he came from and where he was going, but the memory of how he came to be on the Pancake homestead eludes him. He’s certain he did something wrong to deserve such a harsh punishment—and so is the beautiful woman who reluctantly comes to his aid.

. . . COULD HURT HER.

Wilhelmina “Willa” Pancake must focus on running her family’s ranch. With Israel’s hazy memory, she is unsure if she can trust him, let alone handle the budding attraction between them. And as men fight to steal her land and the truth about Israel’s past rides toward them, love is a risk she cannot easily take.

Review:

This is my first book by Jo Goodman, but it won’t be my last. Although the main plot and subplots are serious, there are some laugh-out-loud parts as well. And I love that about a book.

The first character introduced is Annalea Pancake. It was a few pages before I realized she was not going to be the female lead. She is only ten years old. Well, almost. She will be ten in eight days as she is quick to tell Israel. Anyway, she is a wonderful character. She says whatever is in her head and there are some strange things there.

Her sister Willa, however, is not so quick to trust people. She does not keep her opinion to herself, but she does not let anyone in either. Given that Israel has amnesia and can’t be honest even if he wanted to be, there were bound to be problems.

I thought the book was a little long. It didn’t really drag, but I kept wanted something to happen. Then all of a sudden it did. There was a “yeah, I saw that coming” bit. Then there was a “wow, I didn’t see that coming at all” twist. And finally, a “Holy Cow! I wasn’t expecting that!” Yeah, when this book got going, it really got going.

I did not realize that this was the second in a series. There was nothing on Goodreads about it (a correction I have made) and even the author site does not list the connection between the two books. However, book one, A Gun for Hire, is definitely part of the same world. It’s okay to read The Devil You Know as a stand alone. I did, but I wish I had read the other one first.

Of course, now I have it to look forward to.

As I said to start with, this will not be my only Jo Goodman book.

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

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March 14, 2016 · 7:25 pm

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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February 15, 2016 · 9:04 am

Marked in Flesh (The Others, #4) by Anne Bishop

Marked in Flesh (The Others, #4)Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Title: Marked in Flesh
Author: Anne Bishop
Series: The Others, #4
Pages: 416
Publisher: Penguin/Roc
Date: March 8, 2016

Summary:

For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community…

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

Review:

I read the original book in this series, Written in Red, when it was first released. I just happened on it at our public library and decided to give it a try. It was and is wonderful. Somehow or other, I missed the release date of book two, Murder of Crows, and decided to wait for the third book, Vision in Silver, so I could read them straight through. Again, they are absolutely wonderful.

Finally, finally, I was able to get a copy of Marked in Flesh as an early reviewer copy. There is no doubt in my mind that they just get better and better. I love the entire concept of humans not being the top of the food chain. All you have to do is look around and you know we are not doing the best job of taking care of the earth. Maybe we need someone/something to slap us down.

Anne Bishop’s writing is magnificent. These are not just novels; they are works of literature, but so very readable. Each of her books are nearly impossible to put down, so I strongly suggest you wait for a weekend or take a sick day from work (grin) before starting one. You won’t be happy if you get interrupted.

My only criticism of Marked in Flesh is I wanted to see more of Sam. He’s in there. It just wasn’t enough to suit me.

Now, when will book five be released?

Arooooo!

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

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January 23, 2016 · 7:58 pm

‘Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick

'Til Death Do Us Part‘Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick

Title: ‘Til Death Do Us Part
Author: Amanda Quick aka Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: n/a
Pages: 352
Publisher: Berkley
Date: April 19, 2016

Summary:

Calista Langley operates an exclusive “introduction” agency in Victorian London, catering to respectable ladies and gentlemen who find themselves alone in the world. But now, a dangerously obsessed individual has begun sending her trinkets and gifts suitable only for those in deepest mourning—a black mirror, a funeral wreath, a ring set with black jet stone. Each is engraved with her initials.

Desperate for help and fearing that the police will be of no assistance, Calista turns to Trent Hastings, a reclusive author of popular crime novels. Believing that Calista may be taking advantage of his lonely sister, who has become one of her clients, Trent doesn’t trust her. Scarred by his past, he’s learned to keep his emotions at bay, even as an instant attraction threatens his resolve.

But as Trent and Calista comb through files of rejected clients in hopes of identifying her tormentor, it becomes clear that the danger may be coming from Calista’s own secret past—and that only her death will satisfy the stalker…

Review:

The description of this book is not correct regarding the “trinkets and gifts” Calista is receiving from what we would nowadays call a stalker. However, they are the same sort of thing. The term, which I had never heard before, is momento mori and I am completely creeped out.

Who knew there was ever such a thing?

It’s not like Calista doesn’t have enough problems. She is a businesswomen in an era when respectable people did not work, much less a woman. Her “introduction” agency is doing well, but the slightest bit of scandal will drive her clients away. She has a nineteen-years-old brother who is staying out late and probably associating with the wrong sort. She is being left funerary trinkets by an unknown person . . . one of them in her bedroom.

And then there is Trent. Trent, whose sister is a client of Calista’s. Trent, who thinks Calista might be after his sister’s money, or at the very least will introduce her to a fortune hunter. Trent, who is the most interesting man Calista has ever met.

Many of Amanda Quick’s books have a mystery and suspense element to them. This one, however, takes it a step further. I think it is the whole momento mori aspect that makes this book seem more disturbing than the others.

Which does not mean it isn’t good.

The primary characters are classic Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. The hero is strong and protective and the heroine can think for herself. The secondary characters have well developed personalities and the villain is easy to hate.

The only difference is that the villain in this book is really, really creepy.

Which doesn’t mean that the plot is completely serious. Trent is an extremely popular author and everyone who meets him thinks he needs their advice on how to improve his books. Watching him trying to remain polite to his readers was fun to read.

All in all, this book was a pleasure to read and that is never a surprise by this author. It does not appear to be part of a series, but who knows?

By the way, momento mori jewelry can be purchased on Etsy and Ebay. I am NOT looking into it myself. Did I mention I find it creepy and disturbing?

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

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January 23, 2016 · 1:34 pm

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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January 23, 2016 · 1:05 pm

A Beautiful Blue Death (Charles Lenox, #1) by Charles Finch

A Beautiful Blue Death (Charles Lenox Mysteries, #1)A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Title: A Beautiful Blue Death
Author: Charles Finch
Series: Charles Lenox, #1
Pages: 309
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Date: June 26, 2007

Summary:

On any given day in London, all Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and armchair explorer, wants to do is relax in his private study with a cup of tea, a roaring fire and a good book. But when his lifelong friend Lady Jane asks for his help, Lenox cannot resist another chance to unravel a mystery, even if it means trudging through the snow to her townhouse next door.

One of Jane’s former servants, Prudence Smith, is dead — an apparent suicide. But Lenox suspects something far more sinister: murder, by a rare and deadly poison. The house where the girl worked is full of suspects, and though Prudence dabbled with the hearts of more than a few men, Lenox is baffled by an elusive lack of motive in the girl’s death.
When another body turns up during the London season’s most fashionable ball, Lenox must untangle a web of loyalties and animosities. Was it jealousy that killed Prudence? Or was it something else entirely, something that Lenox alone can uncover before the killer strikes again — disturbingly close to home?

Review:

What to say? What to say? I almost didn’t finish this book. If I had not made a commitment to review it, I probably would have quit a hundred pages in.

And that would have been a mistake.

It’s one of those books that grows on you. It is slow moving, but not slow if that makes sense. The story takes time to build. It is a murder mystery, of course, although there is a touch of a relationship developing. It is far more concerned with friendships than romance and that is a nice change of pace.

Twice, I figured out who the murderer was and I was wrong both times. That, to me, is a sign of a good mystery. When the crime was finally solved, I never saw it coming. Again, a good sign.

So why did I almost give up on this book?

I think Charles Lenox is misrepresented. He comes across as a 60+ old man with a querulous nature who only wants the comforts of home. He’s an armchair traveler who never quite actually goes anywhere, no matter how much planning he does in arranging trips.

He’s forty-years-old.

Forty!!

I like him. He has a Sherlockian mind and, like Sherlock, helps Scotland Yard with crimes they cannot solve . . . whether they want him to or not.

But he does not come across as forty.

And that’s my only criticism of the book. Charles Lenox is just not believable in the way he is portrayed.

I liked the book, but I didn’t love it. I’m glad I finished it because it really was a good mystery. I’m tempted to read the rest of the series (there are nine of them so far), but I don’t feel compelled to jump into the next one.

Again, what to say? What to say?

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January 3, 2016 · 6:29 am

Alejandro’s Sorceress by Alyssa Day

Alejandro's SorceressAlejandro’s Sorceress by Alyssa Day
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

He’s a warrior, hardened by years of protecting his town from vampire attack. She’s a garden witch who sees the world in shades of sunshine and delight. Opposites don’t only attract, they go supernova in this sizzling tale of magic and mayhem.

REVIEW:

Okay, this book was fun. I mean really, basilisks in the garden?

Rose and her family are wonderful and Alejandro is the classic Latin lover. He is so, so serious about his job and Rose is comfortable with who she is and happy with her life. Of course, they fall in love.

I would love to read more in this series, but the author seems to have stopped after just this one book. Alejandro does show up in her new book, Dead Eye, which I highly recommend. Maybe there is hope for another.

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January 1, 2016 · 6:37 pm

The Offering (Bannon, #1) by Desiree Bombenon

The OfferingThe Offering by Desiree Bombenon
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Jake and Amanda Bannon had planned to unplug in Oahu for a much-needed vacation, but the mai tais will have to wait—they have a kidnapping to solve.

Jake’s got a winning smile and a head for business strategy. His wife, Amanda, has a quick wit and a knack for sensing things before they happen. The Bannons may look like the perfect picture of a power couple, but when Jake and Amanda hang up their BlackBerries for a week of R & R in Hawaii, they never expect to need an arsenal of firearms, knives, and climbing gear to finish out their trip’s adventures.

As the couple clinks glasses on a breezy lanai overlooking the Pacific, terror is brewing on the Big Island. High in the steep jungle mountains, the Bannons’ friends from back home in Canada have crossed paths with a fate worse than they could ever have imagined. Depressed since her parents’ divorce, teen Taylor Wright met a fellow brooding soul online, Carlos, and agreed to arrange a meeting with him during her family’s Hawaiian vacation. Now the Taylor, along with her mother and stepfather, has vanished.

When Jake and Amanda receive an alarming call from Taylor’s father, they’re on the case. From shootouts to death-defying vertical climbs, the Bannons embark on a rescue mission to find Taylor and reveal the dark motives of Carlos and his voodoo cult.

REVIEW:

I couldn’t finish this book. From the very beginning, the writing felt stilted. The very small amount of dialogue was okay, but the excessive descriptions were difficult to get through. The main characters were not believable and I could not make myself waste anymore time on this book.

I received this book through NetGalley for an honest review.

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