Tuesday 28 February 2017

Review: Throne of Truth by Pepper Winters

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



Pepper Winters is a master at leaving everything balancing on a knife-edge and this conclusion to the Crown of Lies Duet is exactly that.

Throne of Truth is the conclusion to this duet, following Crown of Lies (book #1) which ends on quite a cliffhanger. We seamlessly pick up where we left off and as you become swept away in the flow of this nail biting story, you're suddenly thrust into something that pulls you deeper, repeatedly.

The characters' lives are as intwined as ever and still so filled with passion, lies, vengeance and lust. It's palpable and instantly carries you away.

This duet is not as dark as some of Pepper Winters' work but it perfectly encompasses everything we come to expect from her. They seduce, ensnare and beguile. 
I highly recommend these two books.

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer 



The thrilling conclusion to Crown of Lies from New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters

“My body blinded me while his lies destroyed me. Penn Everett swept me from my world and into his, and when his lies fell apart, I finally opened my eyes to the truth. The awful, terrible truth.”

Noelle Charlston had it all: her company, a love affair, power and protection. 
However, she didn’t pay attention, and in one night, everything she believed in, everyone she trusted turned out to be worse than fake. 
Now, she has no one to help her. No one to free her. 
She’s on her own and has to make the choice. 
Who to believe? 
Who to fight?






Review: Dirty Wife Games by Clarissa Wild

*****4.5 Stars*****



Dirty Wife Games is the second book in Clarissa Wild's Indecent Games series. It can be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading Dirty Bride Games first so you can fully appreciate Hyun who we met in book one.

There was a lot happening in this story did this is one if those books you step carefully through as you review because you don't want to give too much away. This was just as dark and twisty as book one, but not quite as over the top. I really enjoyed Hyun's character. You feel sad for what she gives through, but at the same time, you get pulled into her special brand of crazy and she is pretty kick ass in her own way.

The premise of a scorned wife on the run and falling for her stalker is an interesting one and there is a twist at the end that will have you doing a double take. I'm not sure how I feel about Drake. There is always that special magic an author of dark romance weaves to have you fall for the male lead you should hate on paper and I felt that at work here, but part of me didn't completely warm up to him. Definitely a book I would recommend to those who love dealer romance and want to read something different.


Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 


* This is a Standalone novel *

A scorned wife on the run, and a stalker who follows her every move… Match made in heaven?

After being forced to marry a tyrant, Hyun Song flees his home in a desperate attempt to save what’s left of her dignity … and her life.
Now on her own, she tries her best to move on with her simple life. But she quickly realizes she can’t escape her past … and that she’s not alone …

He watches her through her window.
Sends her indecent notes.
Stalks her everywhere she goes.

He wants her badly, and when she finally lets him in …
It’s time for the wife to play a dirty game.

Author’s note: This story contains sensitive content that may be upsetting to some readers.






Review: Blackbird by Molly McAdams

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



I finished this book a few days ago and have been struggling to write a review ever since. We all know what to expect from a Molly McAdams book: ugly cry, angst, anger, and broken hearts. Molly really stepped out of her normal genre with this one. It was different than any of her other ones which I all loved. This one was dark and suspenseful and angsty and made me want to scream at times. I don't normally read dark books but this one just may have been changing me mind about the whole dark romance genre. I jumped at the chance to read this, even before I even looked at the blurb.

I loved Briar and Lucas and I loved them together although I had a love-hate relationship with Lucas at first. And I felt for them every step of the way in this book. These characters will absolutely gut you and break your heart and have you screaming and crying and every emotion in between. Their story was definitely an emotional roller coaster of a ride but I enjoyed every single second of them and never wanted it to end! There was twist after twist and you never see any of them coming till they smack you right up side the head and you are left reeling.

This book was definitely an emotional experience in itself and I think this book will stay with me for awhile. All I can say is go out and one-click this book, what are you waiting for?! One click this bad boy and I promise you won't regret it! Molly McAdams has one heck of a brilliant talent and I can't wait till her next book!

Reviewed by Ashley Zeigler


I live in a world few know exist. I’ve trained for this. I know what to say, what to do, and how to act. I’ve perfected the lethal calm required for this life. 
Now it’s time to buy my first girl. But all it takes is one look at the brave girl who starts singing mid-auction for that calm to slip.
Briar Chapman is going to be the death of me, and I don’t care. I’ll take every day with her until that death comes, and I’ll welcome it when it does.

On the outside, Lucas Holt is what nightmares are made of. A man cloaked in darkness, with sin-filled eyes and an enticing grin. A devil so devastatingly beautiful and cruel that his very presence instills fear.
But beneath his terrifying, ever-calm exterior is an affectionate man haunted by a past that refuses to stay buried. And Lucas looks at me as though he’s finally found the only person who can make it all go away.
We’re a battle of the brightest day and the darkest night—and I want to lie in the wake of our war.







Review: Mister Wrong by Nicole Williams

****3.5 Stars****






Jacob and Matt are identical twins and best friends. Cora is that girl who has always been in their lives since they were little and she is about to marry Jacob but what she doesn't know is that Matt has been in love with her for years but has harboured it extremely well. When Jacob fails to turn up at the alter to marry Cora, Matt gets an idea in his head and runs with it. Matt will marry Cora by pretending to be Jacob. Not only that but when Jacob still doesn't turn up that evening at the reception Matt decides to go with Cora on their honeymoon. The morning after the very naughty night before Cora may just find out what's been going on and Jacob surfaces and so a storm brews and people want answers and everything is chaos. Will Cora follow her heart or will she break down and forgive?

I really liked this book but I am sorry I didn't fall in love with it. This was a rather sweet read in the end from Nicole Williams but just a couple of things niggled at me. There's a lot of angsty parts in this book which keep the story line from becoming too monotonous. Initially I wasn't enjoying the story and wanted to slap a couple of characters but it definitely picked up by the halfway mark. I loved Matt immensely, he was sweet and caring but wanted to punch Jacob and then tell Cora to grow up a little. I just think she could have had a little more backbone in her so she could open her eyes and see what was in front of her. I would liked to have seen an epilogue based on what happened when they got home although the ending was satisfying enough. Nicole has the knack to keep a reader invested in the story right until the very end and always comes up with an original plot line which is one of the things I love in a good author. I have loved the majority of her books so I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Reviewed by Claire Lamb 



Cora Matthews grew up with the Adams’ boys, twin brothers and best friends who wouldn’t let anything come between them—except for her. One of them became her best friend; the other, her fiancé.

She always knew she’d wind up marrying one of them, and Jacob Adams is the epitome of Mister Right. At least until he fails to show up for their wedding.

As Jacob’s best man, and identical twin, Matt makes a split-second decision that will affect the three of their lives forever—he steps in to take his brother’s place. In front of the altar, exchanging vows with the woman he’s secretly been in love with for years.

But Cora finds out about the groom swap. The morning after the wedding. As if realizing she just slept with her fiancé’s brother isn’t disturbing enough, she’s forced to confront the feelings for Matt Adams she thought she’d buried years ago.

Through the course of her real honeymoon with her fake husband, she uncovers truths both Adams brothers were hoping to keep hidden, for opposite reasons. One to protect himself, the other to protect her.

She married the wrong brother, but what if he’s been the right one all along?






Review: For 100 Nights by Lara Adrian

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



Nick and Avery are back and they are as compelling and sexy as ever. When we last left them in For 100 Days, immediate lust had turned into a slow burning and deeper passion. For 100 Nights picks up right where the first book left off and Nick and Avery are ready to take their passion to the next level and see where an actual relationship with each other could lead.

The secrets hinted at in the first book are still lurking in the shadows and as we follow their hot and passionate relationship, there is a sense of concern. We learned quite a bit about Avery's past that could catch up to her and dismantle this dream life she finds herself now living. In this book, Nick's secrets take the forefront and as more and more is uncovered we are lead to a cliffhanger that leaves me anxious for book three.

I am a long time Lara Adrian fan and I would was all aboard the erotic journey she took us on in For 100 Days. For 100 Nights ramped that up for me and was almost more enjoyable. I love Nick and Avery. Their dialogue is delicious, their love scenes sizzle off the page and I am as invested as humanly possible in seeing where Adrian takes them in the final volume in this trilogy. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 



Passion knows no bounds...

Avery Ross is living a dream. After struggling all of her life to make ends meet, a chance encounter with a powerful, darkly handsome man has catapulted her into a dazzling new world of penthouse luxury, elegant parties, and a wild, consuming passion with her billionaire lover, Dominic Baine. Nothing is out of his reach in business or in pleasure, yet the only woman he wants is her. Nick sweeps her to sensual heights she has never dared explore, commanding her body the same way he commands her heart. Yet Avery knows the fantasy she’s living cannot last.

With dark secrets and a dangerous enemy haunting her past, Avery must find a way to trust Nick with the truth before it destroys everything they share. But Nick is harboring secrets of his own as well. And when they come to light, Avery will be forced to decide if the love she feels for Nick is strong enough to endure a betrayal she may never be able to forgive.







Review: Cheater (Curious Liaisons #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

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


OMG the laugh out loud moments this book gave me hurt my cheeks and stomach more than once. 

Yes Cheater is the title and you would presume you knew the route it was going to go down but sometimes you need to take that chance to find out all isn't as it seems. 

Avery is really funny and smart and knows what she wants in life so when she lands an internship and finds out her boss in none other than her sisters ex fiancé it brings back the hatred for him for what she and everyone else thinks he done the night before her sisters wedding. That night split the families up after their parents being best friends for years it had all fell apart. Avery continues with the new job but after a drunken night out with her friend and Lucas coming to her rescue since her friend got it on with Lucas's friend, Avery is caught at his apartment next morning by his sister and things get blown out of proportion with little white lies resulting in a fake engagement and the parents finding out. Can they keep up the false pretences or will the old feelings that neither admitted to having lead to something more? One problem though Lucas currently has a girl for each day of the week except Sunday. They all know about each other but can he give that up? 


I loved this book! It was funny, sweet and a joy to read. RVD always has that knack of keeping me truly entertained with her fabulous writing skills. I can't wait to read the next in this series which is Thatch's story. 




Reviewed by Claire Lamb 




Lucas Thorn wasn’t born a cheater. All it took was a single moment—say, a certain disastrous incident on the night before his wedding—and boom. Reputation destroyed forever and always. So now he owns it. He has a lady friend for every night of the week (except Sundays—God’s day and all), and his rules are simple: No commitments. No exceptions.

But a certain smart-mouthed, strawberry blonde vixen is about to blow that all to hell. 

Avery Black has never forgiven Lucas for cheating on her sister. And suddenly being forced to work with him is pretty much a nightmare on steroids. Of course, it does afford her the opportunity to make his life as difficult as possible. But no good revenge scheme comes without payback. Because he didn’t become the Lucas Thorn without learning a few things about women. 

Now Avery’s lust for vengeance has turned into, well, lust. And if Lucas stops cheating, it’s definitely not because he’s falling in love… 





Review: The Wright Brother by K.A. Linde

*****4.5 Stars*****


Meet the Wright Brothers Jensen, Landon and Austin, there are sisters too Morgan and Sutton but this is Jensen's story and it doesn't disappoint.

Jensen is divorced, extremely rich and and lives his home town of Lubbock. Jensen has inner battles, he keeps his secrets close to his chest and will only hook up with women who are from out of town.

Emery lives and attends the University of Texas in Austin where she has been seeing her professor boyfriend Mitch for 2 years, that is until she walks in on Mitch with a blonde in his lap. Emery finishes with Mitch, quits her course, packs up her car and hightails it back home to Lubbock to stay with her sister.

Once home Emery's friend Heidi decides she is dragging her to the Sutton Wright's wedding but Emery is dreading it as she hasn't seen her ex boyfriend Landon Wright in 10 years but she reluctantly goes. In walks Jensen and he doesn't recognise the woman that was once his brothers past but he also can't tear his eyes away from her and the stares are returned. Landon is also at the party with his cruella deville wife Miranda and he doesn't recognise Emery either but then it has been 10 years. After initially rejecting advances from Jensen at the reception, Emery finally gives in and they have a kissing session before Emery realises it's wrong and runs off. The next day once Jensen finds out who Emery really is and that she is back for good and not from out of town will he still chase her and let her in?

Awwwww Jensen and Emery are just the sweetest couple ever and I hope it's not the last we see of them. This is the first K.A. Linde book I have read and I really really liked it. Emery and Jensen's story has all the sweetness and angst that we truly love in a book and they are both equally lovable characters. Most of the side characters also seem to have a bit of their story hinted at and that makes the readers mind crave answers and more books. I will definitely be following this series to see if all the Wright siblings get their stories told, especially Landon and Austin.

Reviewed by Claire Lamb 




I'd dated his brother.

He didn’t remember and I wish I could forget.

I may have sworn off the Wright family a long time ago. But when I returned home, Jensen Wright crashed into my life with the confidence of a billionaire CEO and the sex appeal of a god. Even I couldn’t resist our charged chemistry, or the way he fit into my life like a missing puzzle piece.

Too bad he’d forgotten the one thing that could destroy us.

Because Jensen Wright doesn’t share. Not with anyone. And if his brother finds out, this could all go down in flames.

When it all was said and done, was he the Wright brother?






Review: Four Crows by Lily White

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




In Four Crows, Lily White brings us a story of family, passion, revenge, loyalty and obsession. If you've ever read one of White's books, you know to expect a compelling read filled with compelling characters, complex storylines and uncomfortable moments. Four Crows holds true to that tradition and was an immensely enjoyable and gripping read.

Eliot returns from the Marines to an empty house. Determined to discover the whereabouts of his wife and son, he soon finds himself engaged in an obsession that leads him right to Maggie's (Magpie) door. He plans to use her as an instrument of revenge, but along the way, passion begins to battle with his obsession for revenge?

For Maggie, her whole life has been a sheltered one where she is protected by her family, one she loves, but has grown to fear. She cannot fight the passion she feels for Elliot, but she has a loyalty to her family she can not easily forsake.

This is a wild, passionate, heartbreaking and at times disturbing read that I found impossible to put down. Elliot and Maggie are characters you will cry for while also hating at times. Lily White puts you through an emotional rollercoaster and it was worth every nail biting minute. You'll be just as caught up and obsessed with revenge as Elliot and you'll question who is truly worthy of loyalty right alongside Maggie.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 




“You’ll have to forgive me, Darlin’, for all the unforgiveable things I’m about to do…”

Loyalty is never easy – especially when you’re forced to choose between family and the man you would do anything to possess…

Born into a world that no child should endure, Magpie “Maggie” Crow is doted on by her loving father and over protective brothers. As much as she loves them, she fears them, especially when she learns secrets they've kept hidden.

Elliot McLaughlin joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school to provide for his wife and son. He’d never intended to become a father so young, but was willing to do what it took to give his family everything they needed.

After Elliot’s family goes missing, he returns from war to an empty home. Obsessed with discovering who took his family, he investigates their disappearance and plots his revenge.

Passion brings Maggie and Elliot together. Obsession pushes them apart. As a bitter battle begins between Elliot and the Crows, Maggie’s heart hangs in the balance.

**Disclaimer: This book is intended for audiences 18 years of age or older. The subject matter of this book discusses sensitive topics that may be a trigger for some readers.**







Review: Something In The Way by Jessica Hawkins

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


Have you ever loved someone you just can't have? 
Have you ever loved someone for your sister to swoop in and steal him away from you, even though he wasn't yours in the first place? 
Have you ever known deep down that the person you can't have also reciprocate's those feelings towards you but neither of you can act on them? I think a lot of us woman may have been there in our past, I know I have. 
Lake knows what all of the above feels like and can't do a thing about it and with only being 16 and Manning 23 it's a forbidden love that would have serious consequences and so her heart is about to be broken in more ways than one.

I'm not going to rehash more of the story because what I have said above and what you can read in the blurb is all you need.

This book is more than I hoped for and I need the next instalment like yesterday because the ending was just a big HUHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO you can't end it like that moment. Jessica Hawkins never disappoints me when it comes to wanting an all the feels amazing book. As always the story comes from the heart and sweeps you along for the ride, leaving you breathless and screaming for more. The characters are well portrayed and play each of their parts perfectly within the book. Lake is that gullible inexperienced 16 year old and Manning is the manly mature 23 year old who has a sad past, but thankfully his head is screwed on enough to know right from wrong. Tiffany, (Lakes sister) I initially wanted to slap for her cruel mouthing off but she gets slightly more sympathetic towards Lake as the book goes on. Okay I am lying I still want to slap her but hopefully in book 2 she redeems herself more. I think there was more than one time I was championing for Lake and Manning knowing I shouldn't go there but I couldn't help myself because the chemistry and dialogue between the two was pulling me like a magnet. If your looking for a book with hot, fast and dirty then I will be honest and say you won't find it here. If you want a story with actual feelings and actual story then pick this up and see where it takes you because in my opinion you won't be disappointed.



An epic, three-book saga of forbidden love coming 2017.

It was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents’ house. Under the sweat and dirt, Manning Sutter was as handsome as the sun was bright. He was older, darker, experienced. I wore a smiley-face t-shirt and had never even been kissed. Yet we saw something in each other that would link us in ways that couldn’t be broken...no matter how hard we tried.

I loved Manning before I knew the meaning of the word. I was too young, he said. I would wait. Through all the carefully-chosen words hiding what we knew to be true, through his struggle to keep me innocent, and through infinitely-starry nights—I would wait. But I’d learn that life isn’t always fair. That no matter how much you achieve, none of it matters if you suffer the heartbreak that comes with falling for someone you can never have. Because even though I saw Manning first, that didn’t matter. My older sister saw him next.





Review: Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg

*****4.5 Stars*****





If this book taught me anything it was that beard burn is an actual thing and also that even if I don't fully understand what's going on with certain aspects of a story, I can still totally enjoy a book.

This is a short story featuring Harper and Ryder. There has been a competetive nature to the pair since college and things are no different years later when their worlds collide once more when both find themselves competing for the same business opportunity.

To be honest, I didn't entirely get what it was they were working towards in a business sense, but that really didn't matter to me because what worked was the chemistry between the couple. There was plenty of sexual tension, there was just the right amount of resistance between each other that made the build up to a reunion, pretty damn hot.

My only wish is that we get to read about Harper and Ryder in future books because theres a definite feeling of 'Over too soon' with this book, but a great, quick read all the same.


Reviewed by Louise Dale



Ryder Rodgers had a plan.

He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.

Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.

When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.

The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.






Friday 24 February 2017

Review: Pre-War by Nicole Lynne

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


Pre-War (War series, book #0) by Stevie J Cole and LP Lovell, writing as Nicole Lynn


I have to start this review by shouting from the rooftops about War Poppy (War, #1). It was the first book released in this series and its brilliant! It takes you on an emotional journey, that will stick in your throat and linger in your mind.

This book, Pre-War (War series, book #0), is the prequel and it's soul-stirring and poignant. You're given an insight into the characters that you would undoubtably have forged an attachment to.

The only criticism, and it's a small one, is that there was a part in book #1 that's refers to the timeline in book #0 and I was really looking forward to reading about it - it wasn't in the prequel. It's a personal niggling feeling that fellow (obsessive) readers will appreciate but it by no means detracts from the story.

I read book #1 first and I'm not sure whether the authors have a reading preference but I think they could be read in either order. Personally I think they should be devoured in the order they were released, book #1 then book #0.

A powerfully moving 5 stars.







“Friends forever, pinky promise.” 
And we always were. I thought we always would be, but war changed that. 
This is the story of us: the pikey, the fat kid, and the half breed before everything was tainted, before everything became complicated, when everything was simple. 
When we had no way to know everything about this would one day be an epic story of love.






Review: Ripple Effect by Keri Lake

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



Despite being a really quick read, this book had my stomach in absolute knots. It's dark, gritty and just getting started.

I can't say too much about the plot because quite honestly, you just need to dive straight in. I have no idea what the synopsis says, as I haven't read it but I'm sure it tells you what you need to know.

The characters are great! If this is your sort of book, then you're bound to love Ripley and his ominous aura. There are quite a few background players and lots still to be revealed, which keeps you hooked throughout the story.

This gripping tale ends on a cliffhanger and with my heart beating a frantic tempo in my throat. I need episode 2 asap!

Reviewed by Vivienne Kauffer



Ripley

They call me RIP. 
I’m a killer. A murderer. A psychopath. 
In the eyes of the righteous, I’m a monster, born of sin and depravity.
I want to protect her, but I’m not a good man.
I want to love her, but I no longer feel.
She gets under my skin, though, and has awakened something inside of me.
Something I’d kill for.
I’m not her savior—not even close. In fact, I’m worse than the hell she’s already suffered.
I’m her vengeance. Tit for tat, as they say.
And if she’s not careful, I’ll be her ruin.

Dylan

For months, I’ve watched him.
I’ve fantasized him as my savior, my lover. My ticket out of the hell I’ve lived in for the last six years.
I never dreamed he’d be my nightmare.
Had I known what he really is, I’d have never gotten in the car that night, but life is full of cause and effect.
And sometimes the choice on offer isn’t a choice at all.
It’s the result of something already in motion, and we’re merely left to survive the ripple effect.

*This is an erotic suspense/erotic romance not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to graphic violence and sex.