Sunday 31 July 2016

Review: The Matchmaker's Replacement (Wingmen Inc. #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

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


This is book 2 in the Wingmen Inc. series and is Gabi and Lex's story and so it continues on from Ian and Blake's story in book one with just as much humorous banter if not more.
After expanding the Wingman business to take on male clients, Ian and Lex decide they need to hire a woman, so who better then Gabi. Huge problem though Lex and Gabi hate each other with a passion and can't bare to be in the same room as each other without a war erupting and Lex has to train her! However is this war just a front for real feelings but without each other realising that deep inside there's sizzling chemistry and all that jazz between them, plus Lex won't ever break his best friend's bro code because let's face it Gabi is Ian's best friend and he has already warned Lex that if he dares go near her it's finished and friendship will be no more! What Lex doesn't realise is that Gabi has major stress and worry in her life right now so when he catches her working in a gentleman's club he decides to dig and what he finds out he doesn't like, but that's not the complete picture and he can't work out the why's. Can Lex turn from Villain to Hero? Can enemies become lovers? Will friendships survive? well I ain't telling.
What can I say? another great read from Rachel Van Dyken!
I love Lex, he is cocky, caring, gentle and hilarious all rolled into one. However Gabi can certainly hold her own and give as good as she gets when it comes to witty sarcasm between the two. As usual the story is perfectly written with loads of laugh out loud moments, but it also has those moments where your heart melts or gets heavy at certain reveals in the book. You can't help but feel these characters and take the ride right along with them and get heavily invested in this book. The plot is along the lines of enemies to lovers and lets break the bro code kinda thing where you may lose your bestie and I must say it's very well done. I loved it as I knew I would and if you love a good laugh out loud book then you need to invest in this series.

Reviewed by Claire Lamb


Wingman rule number two: never reveal how much you want them.

Lex hates Gabi. Gabi hates Lex. But, hey, at least the hate is mutual, right? All Lex has to do is survive the next few weeks training Gabi in all the ways of Wingmen Inc. and then he can be done with her. But now that they have to work together, the sexual tension and fighting is off the charts. He isn’t sure if he wants to strangle her or throw her against the nearest sturdy table and have his way with her.

But Gabi has a secret, something she’s keeping from not just her best friend but her nemesis too. Lines are blurred as Lex becomes less the villain she’s always painted him to be…and starts turning into something more. Gabi has always hated the way she’s been just a little bit attracted to him—no computer-science major should have that nice of a body or look that good in glasses—but “Lex Luthor” is an evil womanizer. He’s dangerous. Gabi should stay far, far away.

Then again, she’s always wanted a little danger.





Thursday 28 July 2016

Review: Songs About a Girl (Songs About a Girl #1) by Chris Russell

***3 Stars***


This is the author's debut novel and I have to say that I didn't much care for it. I enjoyed reading it but it didn't hold my attention very well and I have to admit that I skimmed through a lot of it. I was instantly intrigued by the blurb and thought it was going to be a hot, sexy story about rockstars with maybe a love triangle thrown in like the blurb seemed to depict, but there was very little romance in this novel.
We have Charlie who is an amateur photographer, only using her camera as a hobby. When her recent photos of the school band gathers the attention of OIly Samson, an old classmate, who wants her to take backstage pictures for his band, Fire & Lights, she is suddenly thrust in a world that is completely different than anything she has ever known filled with paparazzi and backstage arguments. She is suddenly caught in the middle of sexy, mysterious frontman Gabriel West and his boy next door bandmate, Olly Sampson, who briefly went to school with her before he got famous. As Charlie is caught in the middle of the boys' fights with one another that threaten to tear the band apart, she comes upon a secret that could change everything!
I loved the camaraderie between the bandmates of Fire & Lights: Olly, Gabe, Yuki, and Aiden. They cracked me up with all the crazy stunts and jokes they pulled on one another! Other than that though, I didn't particularly feel a connection between any of the characters, especially Gabe, Charlie, and Olly. I would have liked a little bit more of a relationship development and definitely a lot more romance since I felt like the book revolved mainly around Charlie's photography and her mysterious past.
I started this book believing that it was a standalone but it ends on one hell of a cliffhanger that leaves you with way more questions than answers and wanting the next book immediately. While I didn't particularly love this book, I do want to read the second just to get closure and answers to all my questions that Book 1 left me with.

Reviewed by Ashley Ziegler


Charlie Bloom never wanted to be 'with the band'. She's happiest out of the spotlight, behind her camera, unseen and unnoticed. But when she's asked to take backstage photos for hot new boy band Fire&Lights, she can't pass up the chance.

Catapulted into a world of paparazzi and backstage bickering, Charlie soon becomes caught between gorgeous but damaged frontman, Gabriel West, and his boy-next-door bandmate Olly Samson. Then, as the boys' rivalry threatens to tear the band apart, Charlie stumbles upon a mind-blowing secret, hidden in the lyrics of their songs...
 




Review: Destroy by Nikki Sloane

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


I am a shameless Nikki Sloane fangirl. She could rewrite the phonebook and I would be clamoring to read it. When I found out she was tackling CD Reiss's Song of Submissions series now that it is a part of Kindle Worlds, I could barely contain my excitement. While you can go into this deliciously sexy short read without having read that series, it is likely you will have a pressing need to seek it out once you're done so you can fill in all the complicated backstory hinted at in Destroy.
Destroy continues the story of Jessica, Jonathan's ex-wife. I'll admit I wasn't a huge fan of her going into this, but I wasn't too worried since I knew Sloane would be able to get me invested in her story. Jessica is currently trying to rebuild her life and reputation as an artist after being convicted of murder. She has endured many things in the last several years, but she refuses to allow her work to be destroyed by Alex. He is also an artist and has his own special brand of infamy. Jessica knows he is a monster and she'd rather destroy her sculpture herself than let it fall into his hands.
Her convictions however put her in a precarious situation since she is on probation and he has the power and knowledge thanks to her vandalism to send her back to jail. She can't go back. Left with no other options, she is forced to collaborate with Alex and reinvent her sculpture. Once Alex has her at his mercy, how far will he go? Will be prove to be the monster she is convinced he is or will he be the savior she has been looking for all this time?
This story was short, but was so well done. Nikki Sloane really shined here. She managed to give us two extremely interesting and damaged characters and told a detailed story with a lot of tension (both sexually and plot wise). I enjoyed reading Destroy tremendously and highly recommend it. I loved the ending. As you read you'll most definitely be asking yourself if Jessica gets a happily ever after or if she has finally gotten the just desserts she deserves.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil


My entire life fell apart once. It took everything I had to pull it back together, and drag the Jessica Carnes name out of the gutter.

And now he threatens to destroy all I’ve worked for—my sculpture, my rebuilt reputation, and my life. All I have is my art, and I’ll do anything to save it from his predatory hands.

Even if it means offering myself instead.




Review: One by Jewel E. Ann

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


ONE is a spin off from the fantastic Jack and Jill series and whilst it is a standalone I highly recommend that if you intend to read the J&J series than you do so before reading ONE, as it does contain some major spoilers for the series. This is a perfect companion to the Jack & Jill series, it is the long soak in the bath kind of read after the full on drama of the main series.
Lake is a lovely character that is quirky and bubbly, an amputee that isn’t letting her disability stand in her way and has made a life and career for herself as a result rather than despite the injury and loss that devastated her life. When her hilarious habit of spying on her neighbour leads to a chance encounter with Cage Monaghan, the guy she met briefly for just ONE day but has been crushing on since, Lake’s life takes a turn she never expected. Cage is a dream and his obvious attraction to Lake is adorable. I love his attitude towards her disability and the way in which he cares for her from the offset.
This is a lovely story of not quite second chance love that whilst it isn’t heavy on the angst deals with two broken characters both keeping the grief of their pasts buried deep until they can no longer deny the past in order to fight for their future. It is a beautifully written book with plenty of humour and emotions with a slight sting in the tail end, everything I’ve come to expect from this author, who is a firm favourite of mine.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan


Lake Jones is a cover girl for cutting-edge prosthetic legs, a binge-watcher of Netflix, known to spy on her neighbor through her door’s peephole, and fond of laser games with her hairless cat. She’s also a bit sexually-frustrated.

Until …

God bestows a breath of mercy upon her in the form of Minnesota’s NFL starting quarterback. But this gift is no stranger. Lake met Cage Monaghan three years earlier.

It was one day.
One moment.
One kiss that resurrected her dreams of finding love.

His dimpled smile distracts from his imperfections, which include: a love for country music, fishing, and a feline-hating girlfriend.

When life finally gives them their chance, it’s a humorous and heart-wrenching journey to find their place in the world.

"We would be Cage and Lake. We would be unpredictable. We would be reckless. We would give normality the middle finger.”

***This book is a standalone. However, it is HIGHLY recommended that any readers who have not, but may consider, reading the Jack & Jill Series, do so before reading this book. It contains spoilers to Jack & Jill.




Tuesday 26 July 2016

Review: Meat by Opal Carew

****3.5 Stars****


Now please forgive me if I have got completely the wrong impression of this book. With a mind like a sewer, when I saw the books title, I knew I just had to read it. And from before I even began to read this book I was laughing out loud.
And then it began, giving me probably the best line ever...........“My God, that thing belongs on a horse.”.......Let's just say I'm pretty sure it wasn't referring to a saddle.
If I was meant to take this book as a serious piece of romance literature, then I'm afraid I completely missed the boat with that one, but as a light hearted, hilarious read, I have to say this book just worked for me.
My own immature sense of humour was sniggering at the innuendos and whether they were intentional or not, they still had me sniggering like a school girl in a sex education class.
We have characters which aren't necessarily unique and perhaps a little 2 dimensional for me. The storyline was a little predictable, the sex scenes weren't what I would describe as hot, because half the time, the size issue had me imagining, what I can only describe as, giving birth in reverse. But the fact that it was relatively short and gave me so much amusement, I have to say I found it completely refreshing. And if you often find your mind's in the gutter like mine, then I totally recommend this book.

Reviewed by Louise Dale


Just one taste isn't enough…

I ran into Rex Keene—literally—when I was trying to catch my flight and his muscled, tattooed arms stopped my fall.
Then our flight gets canceled, and we're stranded in the same hotel room together...it ended up being the steamiest night of my life.
All I knew is that I had to see him again.

I just didn’t expect him to show up a week later in the restaurant I manage…as our new head chef.
But the generous, tender man I spent that night with is gone; instead he’s arrogant, demanding, and terrorizing the staff.
But he won’t give up until we’re together – and I’m not sure I can stay away.
Which man is real?
Who is Rex Keene?




Review: Wicked Mafia Prince (A Dangerous Royals Romance #2) by Annika Martin

****4 Stars****


Well that's the first time I've read practically an entire book with a Russian accent in my head. But despite the fact that I was amused, this book (the second in the Dangerous Royals Romance series) had a much darker element to it than the first.
Victor and Tanechka's backstory is such a tragic one that I almost thought it would be impossible for them ever to find a happy ever after.
As far as adult romance stories goes, this one didn't really have very much sex going on, but when one of the characters is a nun, that has to be expected to a degree. I mean come on, big, hot, burly Russian/Albanian with a beautiful nun has the makings for a scorcher.
Personally I preferred the dynamics of the first book, but it was the emotion in this book that made me like it a lot and my only criticism is that Tanechka and Viktor's story didn't quite feel complete and whilst I know there's at least two books to come, I'm not sure that their love story will be revisited as each book focuses on a different couple.
Finally I have to say I'm super excited what is to become of this series, especially that I now know who will feature in these books. And for fans of the mafia/gangster/mob type books, this is one I highly recommend you add to your to be read list.

Reviewed by Louise Dale


Ever since killing the love of his life—beautiful mafiya assassin Tanechka Stepanov—Viktor has lived in utter torment. Now, years later, he comes upon a nun who will never show her face.

Viktor becomes convinced that this is Tanechka herself—that she has improbably, impossibly survived. Is it obsession? A figment of a guilty conscience? Or is this his second chance?




Review: To Have and to Hold (The Wedding Belles #1) by Lauren Layne

****3.5 Stars****



Book one in the Wedding Belles series, I liked this book but unfortunately I didn't love it. ...
Seth and Brooke had an instant attraction to one and other, but at the same time an instant dislike of each other's dispositions. Although this is the 'Wedding Belles' series I felt this story was more about Seth than Brooke. At the very beginning we meet Seth first and get a little info on him, that gets drawn out throughout the book. Then we meet Brooke and pretty much get her whole background in two chapters.
Brooke and Seth meet because she's planning his baby sister, Maya's wedding. Seth doesn't like, know or trust Maya's fiancé Neil and he needs an in to get to know him, this is Seth's way of doing that and looking like a supportive brother at the same time.
I think some of the secondary characters could have been developed a little more and I feel that some of the intended emotion didn't come across as it should in some instances. However, the writing it's self and the storyline was good and definitely something that would usually draw me right in.
I'm very on the fence about this book and I don't know why, it's quite probably me not being in the right frame of mind for it. It's a shame because reading the book I could see how good the story is, it's just I couldn't click with it this time around. I will definitely read it again in the future as everything deserves a second chance.

Reviewed by Paige Rymer


USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne is the “queen of witty dialogue and sexy scenes” (Rachel Van Dyken)! Now, Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, her sizzling brand new contemporary romance series about three ambitious wedding planners who can make any bride’s dream come true... but their own.

Discovering her fiance is an international con man just moments before they exchange vows devastates celebrity wedding planner Brooke Baldwin's business—and breaks her heart. Now a pariah in Los Angeles, she seeks a fresh start in New York City and thinks she’s found it with her first bridal client, a sweet—if slightly spoiled—hotel heiress. Then she meets the uptight businessman who’s holding the purse strings.

Seth Tyler wishes he could write a blank check and be done with his sister Maya's fancy-pants wedding. Unfortunately, micromanaging the event is his only chance at proving Maya’s fiance is a liar. Standing directly in his way is the stunning blonde wedding planner whose practiced smiles and sassy comebacks both irritate and arouse him. He needs Brooke’s help. But can he persuade a wedding planner on a comeback mission to
unplan a wedding? And more importantly, how will he convince her that the wedding she should be planning... is theirs?




Monday 25 July 2016

Review: Pennies (Dollar #1) by Pepper Winters

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


As if I didn't absolutely adore (love, crave, devour, need) Pepper Winters' books already, this one starts of with a WORD OF WARNING....I'm in!
It's the only thing I'd read before beginning this book. I've avoided all teasers, cover reveals and I haven't even read the synopsis. As one of my favourite authors, I am compelled to go in blind.
The result of going in so blindly, is that I'm putting my trust, my heart and my emotions in the hands of this author. Did it pay off? Have I survived?
I'm not sure that survived is the right word. I've been gutted. I've been thrown to the edge of my seat. There's a lump in my throat and butterflies raging a storm in my stomach! I actually felt a little sick, more than once.
Someone asked me whether it was dark enough? I don't even know how to answer that question. How has this incredibly talented author created such utter darkness and depravity without even giving a hint of the details. Don't misunderstand, there are plenty of details but to begin with, you're forced to dig deep and find in your imagination the devastation that is inflicted.
This is indeed a dark book and certainly not for the faint of heart. It's incredibly descriptive and pulls you in until you're taking ragged breaths along with the characters. Just when you think things can't possibly get any worse, you're blindsided. Can there be a sliver of hope? Hope has no place here so don't hold out for it. Hope could never flourish under such despair.
This is the first book in the new Dollars series and quite honestly, I'm not sure whether my heart and soul can wait for the next instalment. I need it, like I need my next breath.... For me, this is Pepper Winters' best work yet and that's saying something as I've loved every book she's written but this one? This one takes things to a whole new level!

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer


“At 18 I had pennies, but money didn’t make me bold. At 19 I had dollars, but it didn’t dull the pain of being sold. At 20 I had hundreds, but then I met him and was found. At 21 I had thousands, but all I wanted was to be bound.”

“At 23 I had dollars, but life changed and made me rich. At 25 I had hundreds, but it wasn’t enough to stop my killing itch. At 27 I had thousands, but my reputation didn’t set me free. At 29 I had millions, but I met her and could finally see.”

Tasmin was killed on her 18th birthday. She had everything planned out. A psychology degree, a mother who pushed her to greatness, and a future anyone would die for. But then her murderer saved her life, only to sell her into a totally different existence.

Elder went from penniless to stinking rich with one twist of fate. His lifetime of crime and shadows of thievery are behind him but no matter the power he now wields, it’s not enough. He has an agenda to fulfill and he won’t stop until it’s complete.

But then they meet.

A beaten slave and a richly dressed thief. Money is what guided their separate fates. Money is what brought them together. And money is ultimately what destroys them.

She was poor.
He was rich.
Together…they were bankrupt.




Review: Eminent Love by Leddy Harper

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


This book is an ugly cry that I was not expecting at all, there is a subject matter that some may find too much for them and I hate not saying what it is as it will majorly spoil the story. I have followed this authors work from her first book and for me she just gets better and better. The air of mystery I have come to expect really sneaked up behind me with this one even after I had dismissed the idea from my mind while reading.
This story is told from Creed’s POV and each chapter is split between NOW and THEN as we learn of the devastation Creed is feeling at letting the love of his life walk away in the NOW and witness the joy of his memories of their relationship as it developed with Layne in the THEN. We follow Creed in his cross country drive to chase Layne to California and as he deals with the emotions of hoping he hasn’t lost her for good.
I loved these characters and I was really rooting for them along the way. I have to admit initially this was a little slow of the mark for me and for the most part was going to be a four star read until my heart was ripped out by the author.
The last few chapters of this book were read through tears and with a lump in my throat as I hurt for poor Creed and Layne. This is a difficult book to review without giving away the plot but I will say it is a real rollercoaster of emotions.
I know the epilogue isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste but I loved it, I think it made perfect sense and ended Creed’s story perfectly.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan


Life doesn’t always start with once upon a time.
Love doesn’t always end with happily ever after.

After spending five years with the love of my life, I did nothing to stop her from walking away. She had her reasons to leave. I had my reasons to stay. But a year later, the realization of loss hits me, and I’ll stop at nothing to fix it. I leave everything behind to drive across the country to win her back, and I refuse to accept anything other than fulfilling old promises.

But the only certainty in life is: nothing is as expected.

The most valuable lessons don’t often revolve around a fairytale ending—frequently, they come from hurt and healing. They come from the kind of personal growth love offers. The mending of your heart, your soul, and your life. And every once in a while, you find the greatest gifts in the packages you never expected to open.




Review: Perfect Rage (Unyielding #3) by Nashoda Rose

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


Brace yourselves! It's Conner's story!! Conner is possibly one of the most intriguing characters ever written, the mentions of him and his appearances in the other books left me desperate for his story.
Conner was presumed dead by his family, thought to have been killed while on a mission for a secret task force, then it was discovered he'd actually been taken by Vault and used as a guinea pig for a drug they had developed to make the man into a killing machine. The drug made Conner forget everyone, forget himself, he became an unfeeling killing machine doing Vault's dirty work.
But Conner is now out from under Vault's thumb and off the drug, and after saving the life of a girl from his past he finds he cannot stay away from her.
Alina is settling into her new life after being saved from her nightmare old life by Conner. She hasn't seen him since he left her in the hands of Deck who has been looking out for her since. At work at the bar one night, Conner makes an appearance. He's unstable, full of rage, totally imbalanced from the drug and his withdrawal...but he remembers her.
This is probably the most highly anticipated book in this series, I always look forward to new books in this series but this one in particular, I think all fans of the series were waiting on this one. And it did not disappoint. Conner totally draws you in, you feel his struggle along with him, his fear, his anger, his rage. But even at his most unstable I was totally in love with his character.
I loved the way this book was written, the way the chapters are laid out, the way it flashes from past to present. The way Nashoda Rose ordered these chapters gives you the full effect of their story and ensures you feel all the emotions along with the characters.
I have to mention Alina as well, I adored her, what a great female lead. I admired her strength, determination and loyalty.
Now, at the end of the book Nashoda says she's keen to know which characters we'd like to read more about. My answer? ALL OF THEM! Lol! Vic has me seriously intrigued, he's obviously been through something awful, he's so serious and almost unemotional, I'd like to know what made him become so detached. Also Deaglan, what's going on with him and his brother in Ireland? Are we going to Ireland in the next book, Nashoda? Either way, I'm not fussy which character gets written next as long as this series continues, I don't want it to ever end!

Reviewed by Steph Lewis


This is Connor's story.

Unstable.
Unpredictable.
Consumed by perfect rage.
I was fighting who I’d become and what I’d done.

There was nothing I cared about except her.
She was mine.
But I’d forgotten her—my shutterbug.
And I lost her.

Until now.

I’d do anything to possess her again.
Anything to keep her safe.
Protect her against my biggest opponent.

The monster.

Me.




Review: Thor by L.P. Lovell

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


Phew! Thor Jameson is h-o-t! Besides the baggage he carries around of course.
This is the first book in LP Lovell's new series and it gets off to a scorching start, that keeps you turning the page.
Thor has those spine-tingling alpha/dominant tendencies but not in a BDSM way. Just in that all-male, all consuming way that gets your heart pumping faster. The strong hand that grips you throat and the strength that pushes you up against a wall.
The synopsis of this book doesn't give much away, so neither will I. What I will tell you is that there's one hell of a hot man, a girl who appears to be the black sheep of the family and a villain I wanted to punch in the face.
There's lots of things that are left unexplained but I'm sure as the story continues, we'll get to find out more.
It's a well written and edited book that absorbs you into its tale and whisks you away. It's a quick easy read, which only took me a couple of hours and I have no doubt that you'll enjoy it - and crave more - just as I did.

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer


I’m selling your fantasy. Are you buying?

They say that love is the most powerful force in the universe. They’re wrong. Sex, lust, passion, these are the emotions which human beings crave. And they’ll spend any amount of money for a taste.

I’m the guy that makes your heartbeat rise with a look, your breath falter with a touch. It’s my job. My name is Thor Jameson and I’m a male escort. No, I’m THE male escort. My reputation is unrivalled and well deserved.

I’ve always been for sale, until the one thing I didn’t even realise I wanted was thrust in my face by chance. For once, I’m not selling, and she’s certainly not buying.




Sunday 24 July 2016

Review: Bossman by Vi Keeland

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


To me, Vi Keeland is an author that just produces book after book yet the standard remains as high as ever. Her ability to write a story, with such memorable characters is something that happens time after time. Yet she's not always an author I immediately think of when someone asks me to recommend a book. So here, right now, I'm recommending this book.
I absolutely loved this fast paced story that didn't just rely on sex scenes, although I have have to say, those scenes were hot as is typical with Vi's books.
Reese Annesley is your typical heroine. She's sassy, flirty, intelligent and definitely makes the object of her desire work for it. I loved her character, especially her compassionate side.
Just like Reese is your typical leading lady, Chase Parker is perfect as the leading man and just when I thought the CEO book boyfriend had passed it's sell by date, along comes Chase. He's not just any CEO however, he has a certain amount of humour that makes you fall instantly in love with him. There are many other traits which guaranteed he would be a winner in my eyes, but as I cannot recommend this book highly enough, I say you find out these things for yourself.
Quite possibly this has been my favourite Vi Keeland book to date and even more of a bonus is that this is the first book in the Dirty Office Romance series. Because let's face it, who doesn't love a dirty office romance?

Reviewed by Louise Dale


From New York Times Bestseller, Vi Keeland, comes a sexy new standalone novel.

The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn't exactly make a good impression.

I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date.

He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice.

So I told him to mind his own damn business―his own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business―and went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn't help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked.

When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out.

But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us―telling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood.

My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I'd never see him again.

I mean, what were the chances I'd run into him again in a city with eight million people? Then again...

What were the chances a month later he'd wind up being my new sexy boss?