Review: The Brightest Sunset (The Darkest Sunrise #2) by Aly Martinez

*****5 STARS*****

Anyone that has read and loved The Darkest Sunrise, will understand the need for this book. Seriously, the wait was torture for me, but once again Aly has produced an absolute smasher of a read. 

This book picks up right where book one ended and almost immediately I sympathised with Charlotte once again, but it was Porter who really got to me. I've loved his charcter from the moment he appeared in the first book and the situation he found himself in in this final instalment gave his character so much more depth.

Like the first book this was one huge rollercoaster of a read with many twists and turns along the way. 

This book for me was equally as good as the first, if not better and if you haven't yet read a book by Aly Martinez, I highly recommend that you do.

Reviewed by Louise Dale 

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Bullshit.

Words destroyed me. 

“I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.”

“Daddy, he can’t breathe!” 

“There’s nothing more we can do for your son.”

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Lies.

Those syllables and letters became my executioner. I told myself that, if I didn’t acknowledge the pain and the fear, they would have no power over me. But, as the years passed, the hate and the anger left behind began to control me.

Two words—that was all it took to plunge my life into darkness.

“He’s gone.” 

In the end, it was four soft, silky words that gave me hope of another sunrise. 

“Hi. I’m Charlotte Mills.”

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2tMpLM7

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2uFEvJE

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Review: Devil by Ker Dukey

*****5 STARS*****

Wow this book was a trip and a half down deep dark lane! It has to be one of my favourite Ker Dukey books yet. I'm not going to rehash the story on this one. All you need to know is that it's extremely dark, disturbing in some places and extremely psychological. If you're not careful you will get lost so pay attention and concentrate when reading because the story goes back and forth in Evi's mind from past to present. There are quite a few twists to the story that you won't see coming and they will definitely leave you asking what just happened.

Evi is like a rubix cube that's being twisted one way then the other, you can't help but feel sorry for her and want to wrap her in cotton wool! Max is extremely lovable, he is kind and compassionate and he definitely proves the love he has always had for Evi and that he would do anything for her.

I loved this book! It's been a while since I have ventured into something really dark that has a mind boggling, screwed up psychological twist to it and boy have I missed it. I need more more more, I just couldn't get enough and I inhaled it all in one go. If you love a no holding back dark read with huge psychological twists then grab this as I promise you won't be disappointed.

Reviewed by Claire Lamb 

Evi Devil. 

Yes, that’s really my name.

The irony is not lost on me.

I was created from two evil souls and have the name to prove it. 

Devil worshipers, perverts, murderer. Is all terms used to describe the parents I refuse to remember. My mind won’t allow me to. 

And why would I want to? 

One born of dirty blood running through her veins can never truly be clean from its murky hue. 

No matter what they try to tell me happened in my past, my mind denies me access, therefore how can I know it’s true? 

How can I believe that’s what I’m born from?

Glimpses of my past haunt me, the screams of terror echo in the silent darkness of my memories, trying to remind me that my Mother went from room to room butchering our family. 

I’ve learned from scars that I suffered abuse and that my Father and siblings weren’t my Mother’s only victims. 

Hearing what they tell me.

Reading the words printed in the papers. None of it can prepare me for what’s to come. 

My biggest lesson is learning that some memories we suppress for a reason.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2w1xFho

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2uYHxeP

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Review: Tied (Voyeur #2) by N. Isabelle Blanco & Elena M Reyes

****4 STARS****

Tied is the second book in The Voyeur series and should not be read as a standalone. Noah and Ivy are still being held captive by an unknown sick and depraved individual forcing them to play her game or face their death and the deaths of their loved ones. I commented on my Taken review about how dark that book was and Tied is just as dark and twisted if not more so. I have no idea how I never ran across anything by these authors before, but I need to check out their back catalog stat. Again, this is not at all for the faint of heart. We are treated to some seriously f-ed events and situations. If you like your dark uncomfortable and have no problems reading with one eye closed this series is perfect for you. We get a peek into Noah and Ivy's friendship shortly before their abduction, but if that glimpse made it seem like questions would be answered, we're still in for more of a ride. I believe this will be a trilogy so am hopefully we will get answers in book three, but I literally have no idea what we can expect. Noah is determined to save Ivy and himself and make their captor pay, but how he'll do that even he can't quite figure out. I'm loving this insane ride and will be anxiously awaiting more. 

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 

That bloody bitch thinks she’s the biggest villain here . . .

And I’m going to let her keep thinking that. 

She thinks she knows how far I’ll go to save Ivy. 

In reality, she has no fucking clue. I’d kill for her.

My humanity recedes while a demon is born.

I want their blood on my hands. The stakes are beyond high, trapped in this sex dungeon with no way out. Our loved ones are being threatened while we’re being forced to endure.

But none of that matters to me as much as the endgame. I’ll be leaving here once I take the two things that matter most:

I’ll be claiming my woman. And once I find our way out, I’ll be taking our captor’s life too.

She thought she could threaten my girl. 

I’m about to show her just how wrong she is.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2utDJRP

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2uVrqyi

N. Isabelle Blanco 

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Review: Taken (Voyeur #1) by N. Isabelle Blanco & Elena M Reyes

****4 STARS****

Every fan of dark erotic/dark romance reads has read a story where the main character(s) is kidnapped. In Taken, that storyline is given a new and disturbing twist. Noah and Ivy are best friends who get drugged and kidnapped. They wake up to find themselves in a lush room filled with speakers. From the speakers they hear a distorted female voice that tells them they need to have sex with each other. Thus begins a twisted and dark game as Noah and Ivy are forced to entertain their captors.

Taken gets pretty dark and twisted and is definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone with a screamish stomach. This gets very gory and at times I wasn't sure if some scenes were just for shock value or helped the plot along. Regardless, this was an interesting and disturbing read and you're left anxious for book two.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 

I was drugged. 

Now, I’ve woken up in a dark, luscious room. 

A deviant playground. 

I’m not alone. 

The person that was drugged and taken with me is here, too. 

My confident. 

Someone that I had come to see as a brother. 

My best friend. 

Suddenly, there’s a voice coming through the speakers, telling us we’ve both been chosen to die. 

The only way out? Do everything we’re told to do. 

This person wants to watch us. They want to be entertained. As she says, “I want to see you come.” 

It’s simple: either we sleep together, or die.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2utEDNS

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2uTlaHH

N. Isabelle Blanco 

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Eye Candy (Real Love #1) by Jessica Lemmon

****3.5 STARS****

Jaqueline has been best friends with Vince since she helped him go through his divorce, a divorcee herself she knew exactly how that felt. They also both share a shared VP position at the firm they work for so are with each other almost daily. 

When Jackie is caught ogling the guy who runs by her window at work each day it brings out feelings in Vince who decides what better way to win her over than to be her dating coach. A strange way to go about things but none the less he goes for it but it makes his feelings even stronger and the green eyed monster starts to raise it's ugly head. 

Jackie starts to realise she may like Vince more than just a best friend status but maybe it's not wise to go in that direction as the last thing she wants is to lose her best friend. Can these two get it together enough to get by the friend zone without wrecking their already close knit relationship?

I struggled a little with this one. It wasn't terrible or anything it was just okay but I just found it lost it's way in the middle somewhere because not a lot was happening and it seemed to go backwards and forwards for a bit. Vince I struggled to connect with, he struggled with showing his feelings and walked away at the first hurdle which I found quite weak, however he got it together and was really sweet in the end. I found Jackie quite whiny and needy at times although she was strong in a lot of areas too which made up for the little blips. I did love the premise of the story which was quite amusing at times and it made me chuckle which is always a bonus. Overall though it's a really sweet best friends to lovers story with a tiny little bit of angst thrown in that I am sure a lot will love. I wish the author the best of luck. 

Reviewed by Claire Lamb 

Jacqueline: As an adult woman--and the vice president of a marketing firm--I shouldn't be waiting by my office window to ogle the mystery man who jogs by every morning at 11:45. Sure, he's a gorgeous, perfect specimen of the human race, but I can't bring myself to hit on a total stranger. However, my best friend-slash-colleague Vince Carson thinks I should do more than talk to the guy. In fact, he's borderline obsessive about "getting me laid." (His words.) But the more time we spend together, the more it's clear: The one I'm falling for is Vince.

Vince: Jackie Butler's got it bad for some pompous, over-pumped A-hole who struts his stuff past her window. That doesn't bother me. I know she deserves nice things. What does bother me is that she friend-zoned me big-time last year, so I can't ask her out myself. But what if I set her up with Mr. Steroids? Then, when he breaks her heart, I can swoop in and save her like the nice guy I am. Everything's going according to plan . . . until we share a ridiculously epic kiss. And suddenly anything is possible.

Amazon UK:http://amzn.to/2s8XIV1

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2r5Rge8

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Review: Too Scot To Handle (Windham Brides #2) by Grace Burrowes

****4 STARS****

Grace Burrowes gives us the second book in her series about the Windham cousins and, as I always expect from one of her books, it was a delightful historical romance.

Colin is trying to manage being newly titled while trying desperately to steer clear of marriage. He's out of place and missing his home, but he is not one to turn his back on family responsibilities. Despite the difficulties he is facing in London, he finds himself intrigued by Anwen, the young sister of his brother's wife. When she asks him help her at the orphanage she volunteers at, he immediately rises to the occasion and takes several of the boys under his wing. As they begin to spend more time together, their blossoming romance is threatened by people not wanting Colin to remain in London or keep his title.

I enjoyed this tremendously, both characters are so loyal, intelligent and creative in the way they handle problems. Their relationship was charming and sweet and I enjoyed spending time with both of them. There were just enough issues thrown in to keep things interesting. Another highly enjoyable read by Burrowes.

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 

A MAN WITH MANY TALENTS

As a captain in the army, Colin MacHugh led men, fixed what was broken, and fought hard. Now that he's a titled gentleman, he's still fighting-this time to keep his bachelorhood safe from all the marriage-minded debutantes. Then he meets the intriguing Miss Anwen Windham, whose demure nature masks a bonfire waiting to roar to life. When she asks for his help to raise money for the local orphanage, he's happy to oblige.

Anwen is amazed at how quickly Lord Colin takes in hand a pack of rambunctious orphan boys. Amazed at how he actually listens to her ideas. Amazed at the thrill she gets from the rumble of his Scottish burr and the heat of his touch. But not everyone enjoys the success of an upstart. And Colin has enemies who will stop at nothing to ruin him and anybody he holds dear.

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Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2uwd9FW

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Review: The Gift (The Butterfly Effect #1) by Margaret McHeyzer

*****5 STARS*****

When I read the blurb for The Gift by Margaret McHeyzer, my paranormal loving heart started beating faster. I haven't read much paranormal lately, but this one sounded right up my alley. I'm going to be purposely vague about plot details because this is the kind of book you should go into not knowing much about to fully appreciate the story.

This is a YA suspense with paranormal elements (namely the 'Gift'). Lexi is a normal sixteen year old girl who one day wakes up in the hospital and realizes something has changed. She is different n a way she tries to keep secret. This was smart of her because this new gift she possesses is something people will do almost anything to control. Enter Jude. Jude wants what Lexi possesses and will do whatever it takes to get her abs her gift. Jude is a bit of an asshole and you're not quite sure if you should grudgingly like him or hate him (Lexi faces a similar problem). 

This book kept my attention from page one. It's a fast paces read and I'm anxious for the second book to see what becomes of Lexi and how things play out with Jude. 

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 

The Gift

I have something people want. I have something they cannot take or steal. I have something they'd kill for.

The something I have, isn't a possession, it's more.

Much, much more.

It's a gift.

It's part of me.

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2vMIdAz

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2uUtZBn

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Review: Swink (Landry Family #5) By Adriana Locke

*****5 STARS*****

I have loved this series from the start and I'm gutted that this is the last in the series of the wonderful Landry family. I really hope that we will get more in the future because this feels like the time they took Dallas off air.

I was interested to see how this story panned out as it wasn't about one of the Landry boys but their little sister yet Adriana delivers as I'd expect with a lovely story filled with the hot sexy encounters that we have come to love. And a fitting match for the Landry men in the shape of Dom, a regular guy compared to the Landry clan.

Swink/Cam is the baby of the Landry family and is struggling to find her own place in life and the Landry dynasty. Dom is everything that is opposite to Cam, her upbringing and family but he is perfect. They have a number of issues to work through mainly the idea that they are too polar opposite to work. Yet the chemistry between them is blazing off the pages so much that you are desperately championing for them to put all the differences aside. I loved seeing another side to Cam and how she went about getting her man.

There are the usual catch ups with the Landry clan which are always my favourite part of these books and I sit smiling while reading the banter between them and at the obvious love they have for each other. I love how they take the respective partners into the family fold without question and how they took to Dom had my cheeks hurting.

If you haven't read the Landry series yet then I can't recommend it highly enough and your enjoyment of this book will be far greater for getting to know the whole family and the way they connect.

I'm excited to see how the remaining Landry, Sienna, takes us off in a new direction with a brand new series, The Gibson Boys and what those boys have to offer.

Reviewed by Vikki Ryan 

I’m that guy.

Camilla Landry rustles against me, the silky fabric of her overpriced lingerie slipping along my bruised rib. The porcelain perfection of her skin is even more innocent against the colorful ink dotting my own. It’s demure meets damaged, pampered meets punctured. 

So, yeah, it’s obvious I’m that guy. Dominic Hughes. Her attempt at rebellion. Her bid to see what the other side of the tracks feel like. I’m okay with being used because, from where I’m sitting, the other side of the tracks have never looked so good. 

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Review: Unconventional by Isabel Love

****4.5 STARS****

Quinn is over men after her divorce. She has zero desire for another relationship with one unless it only involves some quality time spent in bed. Lucky for her, her friend Charlie also doesn't want a relationship and happens to be excellent in bed. They have an easy casual friends with benefits arrangement that suits both just fine. When Quinn accidentally stumbles onto Charlie with another woman, she finds herself surprisingly turned on. This new kinky revelation opens up a whole host of new sexual options for the duo and soon dirty talk, sexting and threesomes are at the top of the menu. Nothing could ruin the great thing they have going except pesky emotional attachments. Good thing neither want a relationship...right?

This was a smut filled read that I enjoyed quite a lot. The first portion of the book focused more on the sex than character development, but I enjoyed Quinn and Charlie and enjoyed being in the sexy ride along with them.

Happily ever after - what a joke! I tried that once and ended up divorced. 

Now, I only want one thing from men. 

Charlie Nelson is good at giving me that one thing. Really, really good.

So good, in fact, I discovered a new side of myself. 

I never knew I liked to watch until I saw his talented hands touching someone else. 

I never knew I liked to be watched until I felt his searing gaze on me.

Maybe happily ever after isn’t always a white picket fence, wedding bells, and 2.5 kids. 

Maybe it's something a bit more...unconventional.

*Warning: this book contains dirty talk and threesomes. 

Intended for readers over 18 years of age. 

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2ujUPSi

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2tNZBa0

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Review: Stubborn As A Mule (Sex and Sweet Tea #2) by Juliette Poe

****3.5 STARS****

This is the second book in Juliette Poe's Sex and Sweet Tea series and while I loved the first book, this one didn't quite keep my attention. It was slow going and I really struggled with finishing it. Sawyer Bennett writing as Juliette Poe has a much lighter, romantic comedy feel to her words than her usual raunchy contemporary romance vibe. Stubborn as a Mule had a sweet, southern charm to it and other than it being slow to get into, it was quite enjoyable to read.

Lowe Mancinkus is a rough around the edges southerner who has charm and wit in spades. He gets all fired up when a fancy New Yorker comes into town and purchases a historic home that has been in his family for ages. He can't stand that the home isn't in his family anymore. He does everything he can think of to make her leave town and never come back but Melinda (Mely) Rothschild has different plans. She fights hard for what she wants and what she wants is the historic Mainer House.

Mely is feisty, sassy, funny, and smart and I loved her passion. Mely and Lowe are both stubborn and passionate and fight for what they love the camaraderie and witty banter between these two was downright hysterical at times. I enjoyed watching these two go from enemies to lovers. I had a smile and laughed my way through this whole book and I'm excited to see what the next book will bring.

Reviewed by Ashley Ziegler

Down in Whynot, NC, there are three things that hold true: 1) life moves just a little bit slower, 2) family means everything, and 3) you don’t mess with history. 

When his family decides to sell a home that’s been part of their history for over a century, Lowe Mancinkus is madder than a hornet. To add insult to injury, the woman who purchased it is some fancy pants, city girl looking to fix it up and sell it off. Doesn’t matter that she’s sexy as hell or that just being near her gets his blood racing like never before. That home belongs to his family, or at least it did until she came to town.

Well that just won’t do, now will it?

From the moment that she laid eyes on the historical home in rural North Carolina, Melinda Rothschild knew Mainer House was something special. The perfect escape from life in New York City, Melinda signed the papers and set to work restoring the house to its natural beauty. That is until an angry Lowe showed up on her doorstep one day. With a scowl on his handsome, chiseled face. And a shotgun in his strong, muscular arms.

Is it getting hot in here?

Melinda’s about to get a lesson on life in the south, but Lowe is about to learn a lesson of his own – this city girl doesn’t back down from a fight.

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Review: Bad Boss by Clarissa Wild

****4 STARS****

I love a smutty book that doesn't take itself too seriously. Bad Boss perfectly fits into that category. It gets pretty ridiculous at times, but only in the very best ways. I laughed continuously and has a tremendously good time reading this smutty, over the top gem.

TJ is a CEO with money, power and a fetish for used panties. Those qualities may turn women off, but he has the large package needed (yes, that kind of package) to keep women happy. In the midst of interviews for a new intern, he realizes one of the candidates is the former owner of his newly acquired panties. He should not even consider hiring her. One shouldn't mix business with pleasure and if he hired Lesley there would definitely be pleasure involved!

TJ and Lesley were so much fun together! I loved Lesley's spunk and sheer force of will. If you're looking for a sexy, over the top, funny read, you will be very pleased with Bad Boss!

Reviewed by Rosemary Feil 

What do men want more than anything? Money and women.

As the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the city, I am one lucky man.

Everyone wants a taste of what I’ve got to offer, and it’s massive. Girls fight over me in droves.

In my fantasy, of course. I had to make some sacrifices to get to the top.

To protect myself and the company, I always have to hide my dirty little secret…

I’m a panty sniffer.

What? A man has needs. Mine are just a bit more… outrageous. Instead of dating, I hoard panties.

Except it’s about to blow up in my face.

Why?

Because a beautiful girl just showed up for a job interview … the same girl I just bought a pair of panties from anonymously…

And what do I do?

I let my junk do the thinking, and hire her as my intern.

Author’s note: Don’t take it too hard, it’s just a book, not a big D. But this guy does have one. I’m not kidding. His schlong is huge and his ego is too, so beware. And as always … if you don’t like slapstick jokes and corny romance, don’t bother to read.

Amazon UK:http://amzn.to/2viiGjr

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2vBcEtu

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