Romance Readers Retreat: January 2016

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

Review: Play Me by Katie McCoy

****4 Stars****

After reading Katie McCoy's debut novel, Game On, I was really excited to get more from her and she did not disappoint! The cover and the blurb will draw you in and once you start reading you won't want to stop. She excels at twisting a whole lot of sexy and sweet into a story that will pull you in and make you fall in love with each and every person you encounter! Play Me was completely different from her first novel but still oh so good!

Ella and Jake are both driven to succeed, but take different paths to doing that. We have Ella Thomas who is a serious classical musician who has hidden her whole life. She is shy and lacks confidence. She absolutely hates the spotlight being on her. On the other hand, we have Jake Matson who is living his dream of becoming a head chef in the restaurant world. He has worked his butt off to get to where he is today and even works the crazy hours to maintain his success. These two complement each other and make the other a better person. The chemistry is just off the charts explosive between them! I loved watching both characters grow throughout their story.

Play Me was a great combination of humor, passion, and drama. I loved all the side characters, like Dakota (Jake's best friend) and Ella's whole family was just hysterical. This was overall a good book. The only thing I didn't like was that the ending was a little bit too abrupt for my liking, with not even an epilogue as a conclusion. I definitely can't wait to see what else Katie McCoy has in store for us next!

Reviewed by Ashley Ziegler

Recipe For:
~~A Roll In The Hay Hot Crossed Buns~~ Love

Ingredients:

1 Chef (equal parts sexy and carefree)
1 Pianist (equal parts uptight and endearing)
1/8 inch of drywall between their apartments
2 opinions on everything

Combine all ingredients, mix vigorously, and be prepared for an explosion of heat.

Pianist Ella Thomas is training for the competition of her life. Finally in an apartment of her own, she can practice from dawn till dusk.
But she didn't bet on the sexy and frustrating neighbor keeping her up all night - even if he does cook like a maestro and kiss like it’s his job.

Jake Matson is living his dream as Head Chef at one of the most popular restaurants in San Francisco. He's easy going, flirtatious and not looking for love. He didn't expect to be completely distracted by the girl next door, whose buttoned-up appearance hides the seductive firecracker underneath.

What happens when opposites attract? As their tension fires up, can they create a new kind of music together or will everything boil over?

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1PBXiHa

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1JGclDJ

Facebook

Goodreads

Review: Resisting the Moon (Royal Shifters #2) by L.P. Dover

****4 Stars****

This is book 2 of the Royal Shifters series and Tyla and Sebastian's story. We met both of these characters in the first book but got to know Sebastian a bit better, he was the royal assigned to protect Bailey (the lead woman of book 1). We get to know Tyla a lot better in this book, it's dual POV but the majority of the chapters are written in Tyla's POV.
Tyla has a tragic past that means she's reluctant to give Sebastian the time of day when he makes his intentions to pursue her clear. She's been in love before and that love was tragically snatched away from her so she's determined not to succumb to her feelings and leave herself vulnerable. But little does she know how her stubbornness is affecting Sebastian. As an unmated male who has found his mate, only to have that mate deny him, he's being driven crazy with rage with his need to make her his.
There a bit more to this story too with Tyla's cousin going missing, her and Sebastian set out to search for her and find themselves in a whole heap of trouble.
I really enjoy these books, I like L.P. Dover's writing style and I love a good shifter tale, especially one that has a meaty and well thought out plot to it.
I'm looking forward to more from this series, I'm intrigued where the author will take it and what she'll do with the other characters.

Reviewed by Steph Lewis

The past was pain.
The present unclear.
For Tyla Rand, her future couldn’t be bleaker. Death follows her everywhere, especially to those she loves. Being a member of the royal pack, she believes her time of happiness will come. That is, until wolves from her old pack show up missing. Her mission is to find them, but she won’t be going alone.
Sebastian Lyall, a true born royal and the one man Tyla loathes, has offered to help in her quest. Their journey not only brings out their true desires, but attracts the attention of another, someone from Tyla’s past. However, nothing is as it seems. Death is not done with her and now he wants her to pay. He won’t be satisfied until he’s taken everything away . . . including those she loves.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1QEjh5A

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SkhJ0H

Facebook

Goodreads

Review: Infinity by Shanora Williams

*****5 Stars*****

This book slayed me, it’s been a while since I read an ugly cry book and Infinity certainly made up for it. Just the authors footnote giving some background to this story had me crying and I would recommend reading it to understand the authors mind-set in writing this story. For me it hit very close to home at this time and I doubted if I should read the story but I’m glad I did as there is always hope.

Shannon is dying, she is at peace with what seems to be her fate and we find her trying to prepare those around her for life after Shannon. She has had a tough life and fought to find stability for her and her younger sister and so this card she has been dealt seems especially cruel. Shannon had two great loves in a relatively short space of time and though it is obvious she loves he husband dearly facing her own mortality has her reminiscing over her life. The flow of the story between current time and Shannon’s flashbacks is flawlessly done.

My heart was just breaking for those around Shannon especially her husband John who would and was doing anything to find a cure for his wife, to prevent her death, he wasn’t ready to let her go even though Shannon kept pushing him to face life without her. The emotions in this book and very very real and very raw but it was superbly written. I just wanted to hug John as he faced the most challenging time anyone can go through.

Maxmillian Grant is Shannon’s ex, her first love and quite a character, he encourages Shannon’s crazy rebellious side and is just the outbreak she needs from the routine of doctors and medication. He encourages Shannon to chase her lifelong dream and in doing so gifts her the ultimate dream. Max’s love for Shannon was infinitive and it was heart breaking to read them putting the ghosts of their failed relationship to rest but it was cathartic for them both. I must add this includes a subject matter that I know is difficult for some to read and so only think it is fair to point out there is discussion involving abortion.

The ending to this book was very bittersweet and I was prepared for the inevitable outcome for the author to pull the rug with the unexpected twist that still left me sobbing. A beautifully written story that I loved despite its tough subject matter and would recommend if your heart is up to it, just remember the tissues.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan

I am going to die.
I can’t change or fix it.
It is just something that is bound to happen.

I have fought for so long that all I want to do is give up, but I can’t because I have a sweet, devoted husband.
I have a sister, who I am deathly afraid to leave behind because I am all the family she has left.
And then there’s Maximilian Grant—the ex that I can’t seem to shake or get rid of.

I want to remain a warrior, but when what’s left of my life is tested, and my love becomes a jumbled up mess, all I can think is one heart shattering thing.

How can I leave this world peacefully knowing not only is there one man that would die for me, but two?

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1QttfVo

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1lTZzpw

Facebook

Goodreads

Review: Dazzled by Jane Harvey-Berrick

****4 Stars****

This is the first book by author that I've read and I had very mixed reviews throughout my reading. On one hand, I loved it! I absolutely love the new cover and I overall liked and enjoyed the characters. But on the other, I just really wanted to strangle and yell at the characters most of the time. This book is just filled with angst! It will definitely take you on a roller coaster of emotions through happiness to anger to sadness to love.

Miles Stephens is a young actor from London who gets the chance of a lifetime to star in a big Hollywood film. The film propels him to worldwide fame and the pressures are on. Throughout the film he is supported by his best friend Clare, who has secretly been in love with him his whole life. Will fame and fortune be all he's dreamed about?

I just wanted to strangle Miles for pretty much the whole book because he was so dense and didn't realize that Clare was in love with him and because of how he took her for granted most of the time. And I didn't like how the author put a big emphasis on weight. She described Clare as being fat and chubby, Miles as being buff, and Lilia, a major side character, as bone skinny. It just put me off a little bit. I did love all the British speak because I haven't read too many books set in London before and it was very refreshing to me.

Dazzled was an angsty, funny, romantic read and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next!

Reviewed by Ashley Ziegler

When Hollywood calls, is the price for fame too high?

Miles Stephens is a young actor from London. Out of work, unemployable, and fired from his last job, he gets the chance to star in a break-out role in a big-time Hollywood film.

The film is a great success, propelling him to worldwide Hollywood fame – but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, and the pressure starts to get to Miles.

Throughout, he is supported by his friend, Clare, the girl next door whom he grew up with – and who is secretly in love with him.

Miles finds out that fame and fortune isn’t everything he’d dreamed about.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1TovgFi

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/205YqxW

Facebook

Goodreads

Tuesday, 26 January 2016

Review: Dark Room (Society X #1) by Heidi McLaughlin & L.P. Dover

*****5 Stars*****

Firstly this is a standalone, secondly i have to admit this is my first book from either author but definitely won't be my last i will be checking these two authors out.

The plot is based on Parker, Mia and the dark room at Society X club.

I was reading in bed until the early hours as i couldn't put it down, Dark Room is one of the books that draws you in from the first page and has you 100% addicted.

The plot mainly centres on Society X strip club, Mia wants to re discover who she is and Parker is a silent investor but one night of Dark Room hot, passionate secret sex has them both hooked the only twist is they already know each other Parker is Mia's brothers best friend they have known each other for years, will they find out or will it forever be a secret?

I loved all the characters, plot is addictive and extremely well written, couldn't ask for more.

Reviewed by Gemma Curran

The rules of Society X are simple . . . break them and you're out.

Rule #1 - No names
It doesn't matter if you want to know, it's forbidden.

Rule #2 - No exchanging numbers
It doesn't matter if you want to call, it's forbidden.

Rule #3 - Everything is to remain strictly anonymous
It doesn’t matter if you want to tell, it’s forbidden.

The Dark Room is the only place you can live out your fantasies and no one will ever know it’s you.

For Parker, what started out as a business transaction has turned into an addiction.

For Mia, it's been a chance to discover who she truly is.

What happens in the dark will have you begging for more . . .

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1S8LVxz

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1UoFt2H

Heidi McLaughlin - Facebook

Heidi McLaughlin - Goodreads

L.P. Dover - Facebook

L.P. Dover - Goodreads

Review: LOVE on the Horizon (Breaking The Rules #1) by A.M. Madden

****3.5 Stars****

This is a difficult review to write, I really struggled to get into this book at first, I just found it lacked that usual spark that completely emerges me in an A.M. Madden book and has me totally engulfed in the story and characters. But around halfway through it suddenly gripped me and whereas for the first half I had picked it up and put it down multiple times, once it had me in its claws I couldn't put it down and was riveted by the second half. Very odd, I've never experienced that before. It's had me questioning if my not being able to get into it at first was more to do with me and my attention span at the time as opposed to the story itself. There was only really one thing I can point out that could have contributed to my initial struggle with this book, and that was Marco and his Italian-ness, for me sometimes it did feel a bit cliché how he would say the odd world in Italian in a sentence of English, it just felt a bit stereotypical. But that must have be one less noticeable for me or I just got used to his character but I didn't feel this to an issue further into the book.
This is a story of the hurdles and obstacles a couple very much in love have to go through, the problems that can arise in a relationship, but overall it's a feel good story that has us hoping that the adage of love conquering all turns out to be true. Marco and Rebecca came across many problems on their road together, some mountains that seemed insurmountable but you really do root for these two to succeed.
Overall I found this to be an enjoyable read, something different from A.M. Madden. I'm definitely intrigued about Sam's story and look forward to it.

Reviewed by Steph Lewis

Love isn't always smooth sailing.

Graduating from college is supposed to be a promise for excitement and limitless possibilities. But for unemployed Rebecca Stanton, the highlight of her day is sitting in her parents’ home with a pint of Chunky Monkey while watching The Bachelor. Desperate for change and inspired by a late night commercial, she stumbles onto a job opportunity with a new cruise line, packs her bags, and sets sail toward her new destiny.

Life is full of an endless supply of exciting possibilities for Marco Puglia. The tall, dark, handsome, ITALIAN Cruise Director with Sunset Cruise Lines is practically a celebrity in the cruising industry. When Marco adds Rebecca to his staff, he soon discovers it is both the best and worst decision he's ever made. The beautiful siren has captured his attention and ensnared his heart. An intense attraction like theirs doesn’t follow the rules, even one that forbids a boss/employee relationship.

Will their blatant mutiny force their newly found love aground, or will Rebecca and Marco find love on their horizon?

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Shcxug

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OMNKMg

Facebook

Goodreads

Review: Pandemonium (MC Sinners Next Generation #1) by Bella Jewel

*****5 Stars*****

It's here!!!!! The next generation of the SINNERS MC!!! I've been so looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint!
This first book in the series is about Ava, Jackson and Serenity's daughter. What I absolutely loved about this book, as well as the story of Ava and Lucas, was getting to see some of my favourite characters 20 plus years down the line. The kids of Addi and Cade, Spike and Ciara and Muff and Janine. It was great to see where their stories went after that series was over, a total treat because it's something we all crave when a series we love comes to an end.
This book had me hooked from the get go, had me up til 4:30 in the morning until I literally couldn't keep my eyes open, I absolutely loved it!! The best book I've read so far this year!
The premise is enough to have you itching to get hold of this, you remember Jackson and how protective he was? Well, consider what would happen when his youngest daughter finally becomes interested in a guy. Yeah, the poop hits the fan. Now consider what would happen if said guy was a cop? Yep, you've guessed it, it ain't pretty. But on top of all that when the MC drama that Jackson has worked so hard not to touch his family affects his baby girl in the worst way, well, let's just say you get some bada$$ bikers and a broody cop on the war path out for blood.
I loved the way this was written, it's dual POV but Ava's chapters are written in the present and for the most part Lucas' are written in the past. It's confusing at first as you wonder how the story is going to get from point A to point B but it all comes together and that just has you racing through the pages to find out what happened in the past to get us to where we are in the present.
I don't really need to say any more, if you've read the MC Sinners series then this is a no-brainer for you, you'll definitely want to pick this up. And if you haven't, where the hell have been? This is a must-read series, no excuses!

Reviewed by Steph Lewis

I am the good girl, the one who does no wrong.
Daughter to a ferocious and strong MC President, I know what protection feels like.
Until one night changes everything - and not a single person in the world can protect me from it, not even my dad.
Suffocating. Alone. Desperate.
I let my problems live deep inside until there is no longer anywhere to run.
I need an escape. Anything to make the pain go away.
Trouble comes for me, and I don't fight it.
I tried so hard to believe in what I was,
But nobody understood.
Not until him. Not until Lucas.
He sees me. He believes in me.
He refuses to let me drown.
He’s my way out. My escape.
But Lucas is forbidden. He’s a cop. I’m in danger. And my father is trying to protect what can’t be protected.
There can only be one outcome.
Pandemonium.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Qz1rRn

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1RKYP4j

Facebook

Goodreads

Review: Chasing Down Changes (Moroad Motorcycle Club #6) by Debra Kayn

*****5 Stars*****

Well, this may just be my favourite book in the Moroad MC series. Don't get me wrong, they're all good and I particularly loved Jacko's story but this was a bit like a tale coming full circle.

Without giving away any spoilers to the previous five books, let's just say that although 15 years have passed and a lot has changed, a lot also remains the same. The club is thriving and most of the favourite characters are there to peek in on.

But in truth, this is Jeremy's story - who we met way back in book #1. It's a story of growth, love and loss. It's about learning to trust and depend on others but also about second chances.

Can Jeremy adapt to the outside world or is he destined to be looking over his shoulder permanently?

Jeremy has grown into a bearded man - he is no longer the young boy we grew to love. He's grown! And along with that comes an alpha personality and that special something that raises goosebumps along your arm as you turn the page.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and I'm genuinely excited to get my claws into the next series - closely related but definitely different and Maddison is the perfect place to start!

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer

He is his father’s son.

After fifteen years in the Idaho State Penitentiary, Jeremy Aldridge walks out of prison with the knowledge and skills that made his dad a legend in the gang wars within the system and the driving force behind Moroad Motorcycle Club. Outside of the Cyclone fence, Jeremy reaches for the familiar…Lola, the lifers, his Harley.

But, the one woman he owns and expected to find waiting for him has pulled away from Moroad. He discovers Tiff running the biggest illegal business Federal has ever seen, and her time is up. She belongs to him, and he’ll risk everything to keep her.

Stop loving him.

Tiff’s mantra since losing Jeremy falls to the wayside when he walks into Silver Girls and claims she still belongs to him. At one time, Jeremy was her whole world despite her tendencies to test him at every turn with petty fights, temper tantrums, and jealousy.

The man who returned from prison no longer plays games. Bigger, stronger, smarter, scarier, Jeremy’s presence threatens her business, resurrects old insecurities, and has the ability to destroy her.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1PhWPy7

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OMHHrg

Facebook

Goodreads

Review: Aced (Driven #4) by K. Bromberg

*****5 Stars*****

Wow! Just when I was beginning to worry that this series was losing its momentum, Ms Bromberg goes and produces a book that had me crying big, fat, ugly tears in the middle of the day. I'm talking to the point where I had to put off leaving the house because red, puffy eyes is not a good look to be seen out and about with.

The past couple of books had me struggling to connect with the characters and I was worried that Rylee and Colton's story had been exhausted. But boy, am I so glad to be wrong.

Something in this book really struck a cord with me. One of my favourite fictional couples have been happily married for some time and unlike the other stories starring these two, there was never a moment that had me questioning any fragility to the relationship. But that's not to say that it's a smooth ride towards the checkered flag.

Colton was not only his usual sexy as sin self, but he also had a maturity and strength that made me love him so much more than I ever thought possible.

Rylee was the one though that really really got to me. We see a side to her that we've never seen before. I felt every single one of the emotions she was feeling and that I ultimately put down to the fact that K Bromberg more than likely has had some first hand experience of a certain subject, either that or she has really done her research.

Simply put this book has restored my absolute faith in the series and that makes my five star rating even that much more deserved.

Reviewed by Louise Dale

Rylee and Colton's ride continues...

One moment. Six years ago.

The night she made the world around me so much more than just a blur. Now it's the catalyst that threatens to tear us apart.

Our happily was supposed to be ever after. So why do I feel like it's slipping through my fingers?

How can one moment, when our world seemed so right, resurface and cause our perfect life to spiral out of control?

I can't lose her.

She's my checkered flag.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/20qFXJl

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/23qEKnP

Facebook

Goodreads

Sunday, 24 January 2016

Review: The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey

*****5 Stars*****

So being the good little bookworm that I am I decided I better get this ticked off my TBR list before I go to watch the movie, because you know, you can't see the film before you've read the book, that's just sacrilegious!
Within minutes of starting this book I began questioning why the hell I'd left it sitting on my TBR list for so long. Apart from the fact that it was impeccably written, had outstanding plot development and world-building and characters that you take to your heart, it also had that 'thing', that je ne sais quoi that you don't come across often. It's just that feeling you get when you start a book and you know, this is gonna be good, and you absolutely just cannot put it down and even when you're not reading it you're thinking about reading it and wondering what the characters are getting up to while you're away. I can't quite pin down a definition or a name for this feeling but I'm sure you all know what I mean and have experienced it yourself many times, basically sometimes a book just has a certain feel to it and you just know it's going to blow you away.
This book was brilliantly written and the plot so well thought out and very cleverly laid down on paper. I was very impressed by the way the story was written with the different characters' POV's and the story separated into parts telling us one part of the story at a time.
I can't recommend this enough, a fabulous and gripping read that at times is so nail-bitingly intense it makes you consider hiding this book in the freezer! I cannot wait to see the movie now, I just hope it does this book justice!

Reviewed by Steph Lewis

Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSlmUsSJON4

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother--or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.