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Review: The Beginning of Connie and Isaac (The Blue Butterfly #3) by D H Sidebottom

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

How do you write a review for a book which has left you utterly speechless? This is the dilemma I find myself in.
A book with such brutality but also a glimmer, a flutter, of hope like the wings of a blue butterfly taking flight in your stomach.

This is the eagerly awaited third book in D H Sidebottom's Blue Butterfly series. A series that rips your heart apart and slowly pieces it back together but mixed in with your repaired heart will be devastation, hope, anguish and love.

If you haven't already, I urge you to read book #1&2 first but prepare yourself! You will be changed, affected, after reading them.

The young Connie is subjected to the most brutal training of the Phantoms. She is both loved and despised and through her sheer determination to save the life of the one person she loves, she is hardened into the Phantom's most prized assassin.

This book is beautifully written. It draws you in and you become meshed with the characters and all they experience. You feel their joy, their pain, their struggles, in a way few books are able to truly suck you in.

I'm sure I've said this before, about a D H Sidebottom book, but I don't know how she manages to outdo herself time and time again - yet she does. She takes things to a new level, always challenging your thinking and daring you to invest further than before. This book is once again a masterpiece. 5 devastating stars, bravo!

Synopsis

My name is Connie Swift. I am thirteen. I am a typical teenager, my life full of boys, make-up and music. I love my sister, Mae, immensely but she can be an embarrassment at times, her quiet and withdrawn personality driving a wedge between us. You wouldn’t think we are twins, we are totally different people. She’s artistic and gentle and I’m creative and crude but nature gave us a link that would never be broken.
Life is good. My family loves me and we aren’t short of money. We have homes in four different countries, three sports cars lined up on the driveway and cash stashed in numerous accounts and hidden places. My father is a cop and my mother is just a secretary for the local council. They owe no –one.
Yet, on the night of my fourteenth birthday my own debt is due. The debt I promised him to save Mae’s life. But it isn’t money I owe. It’s me.
However, I am ready. My things are packed and await by the side of the door. My tracks have been covered. My soul is primed and as the door opens and he stands looking at me, his stare as evasive as his chilling smile, I take one last look at my beautiful sister then slip my hand into his and softly shut the door behind me.
Over the next ten years I am trained to become exactly what he wants me to be.
A soldier for the Phantoms.
An assassin with no conscience.
A shadow of the girl I once was.
And one of many women that feeds his sick and twisted sexual desires.

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Review: The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers #1) by Gena Showalter

****4 Stars****

This is my first book by Gena Showalter and that surprises me somewhat, especially as my introduction into adult reading was in the Paranormal genre and that is the genre I associate Gena with.

My first thoughts about this book were the cover was a little old fashioned and reminded me of a Mills & Boon novel, but as the saying goes, 'Never Judge a Book by its Cover' and this has never been more true with this book.

I had a few minor issues with this book to begin with, but as this series seems to be very character driven, its hard not to get into the story, even if it is a little too wholesome for my usual taste.

Brook Lynn, a small town girl, who seems to spend more time reigning in her sister and has little time for herself, especially romance, meets Jase in a rather compromising position and it was at this point I began to wonder what Brook Lynn's attraction to him was, but let me tell you that soon changed.

Let me just take a moment to swoon over Jase Hollister. In typical romance genre fashion, Jase has a dark past that prevents him from settling down with a girl and although there isn't anything in this book that particularly WOW'd me, there is something addictive about it.

The sex scenes were pretty hot and I did get that little heart fluttering feeling I so often get when reading books like this.

I can't wait for Beck and Wests book and may have to start reading some of Ms Showalters paranormal books as I've heard some very good things about those.

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers, where three not-quite-reformed bad boys are about to meet the women who will bring them to their knees.

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has a dark and twisted past. And now, he has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. But model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty…

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been responsible. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and fun-deprived. Until Jase comes along. He is dangerous, stunningly protective, breathtakingly sexy and as tempting as sin, and the passion sizzling between them is undeniable. But can it melt her resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what they both need.

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Review: The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings #1) by J.R. Ward

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

Well after I felt that Ms Ward was losing her way somewhat with her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, I am truly ecstatic to say she is back to her best with her first contemporary romance since writing under the alias J.R Ward. Her Black Dagger series was what introduced me to the power of reading. I'll never forget the feeling I had when I read Dark Lover for the first time, so the fact that I thought the series wasn't up to her usual standard simply breaks my heart. But like with most things, taking a step away might breath new life into it, but I'm not here to talk about those sexy as sin vampires, this is the book I want to tell you about.

This story is what I can only describe as the human version of the Glymera and fans of Ms Ward will know what I mean when I say that.

The Bradfords are a family who have been extremely wealthy over the years, beginning with their ancestors, by producing and distributing Bourbon. My first thoughts were this was a family that have everything, but in this case money most definitely doesn't buy you happiness.

A family crisis has Lane returning to Easterly, the family estate, after being gone for two years. He will once again come face to face with his one and only true love, Lizzie, the Head Gardener.

Lane is one of four siblings, the others being his eldest brother Edward, his sister Gin and his other brother Max. All but Max have a prominent role in this book, but it's more about Lane and Lizzie's story and the lies, deceit and corruption within the family. And if I'm truly honest it wasn't the love story that had me hooked, but the drama within the family itself. I love that this is so much more than a romance story.

It did take me a while to get used to Ms Wards style of writing again, because she writes in the most unusual way and this book was certainly typical of her. Using lots of abbreviations. Some I was familiar with and some I had to go and research. I think unless you're from the U.S. it is quite possible you will experience the same. It was also written in multiple points of view, so once one point of view leaves you wanting more, it then switches to someone completely different, leaving you totally in suspense, but the switch is clear and defined, so there was no confusion.

I imagine that if I went back and reread this book, I would find that I have missed lots of details, but just like when you watch a film for a second time and notice things you hadn't seen the first time, it doesn't take away the feeling you had the first time you watched it.

I simply cannot wait to find out what happens to the Bradford family and can't wait for Gin and Edwards story and hopefully Max, because he was very much a mystery. I also hope Sutton and Samuel T feature prominently.

This series could possibly be the future for Ms Ward and my faith in her has been restored. Amen!

Synopsis

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal....

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.

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Review: Typecast by Kim Carmichael

****3.5 Stars****

I’m glad to say that book kind of snowballed for me. I found the beginning to be a little rough in terms of writing style with both the narration and dialogue a little staccato in delivery. But the book really picked up and soon I couldn’t put it down. Ivy Vermont starts off a little bland but as the book progresses you see that she’s actually quite a complicated character. When you meet her family and start to see the building blocks of Ivy’s life then you realize how amazing she is and exactly how perfect she is for Logan. Her sense of humor and compassion are a few of the things that he’s been missing in his life. I really have to admire her courage because most women (even fictional ones) wouldn’t take a chance on a guy with his reputation. I really dug the whole Hollywood movie plot line; the twentieth anniversary of an epic movie and the casts’ deep dark secrets that are hinted at throughout the book. Logan Alexander has everyone convinced that he’s a baddie both on screen and in real life. But you can see by the way he treats people and the love he has for his friends that he has a heart of gold. It was difficult to see the mistrust and doubt that both Ivy and Logan has with each other but it made for really suspenseful reading, at some points I really didn’t think my heart could take anymore. But just like in the movies, true love always finds a way. Around 25% into the book the author really settles into the plot and writing style and from then on the book is a real joy to read. The secondary characters are amazing and provide depth and much needed humor during dark times. Looking forward to the next book although not sure my heart can handle it! Also, always say no to sex nuts!

Synopsis

Twenty years ago, the movie Hollywood Stardust defined a generation of teens and changed the four actors’ lives forever.

Typecast as the villain both in front and behind the silver screen, Logan Alexander has purposely allowed his star to fade. Now with the 20th Anniversary of the movie on the horizon, he is the only one fit to step into the spotlight, deal with the unwanted publicity, and make sure that things meant to be left on the cutting room floor remain there.

Ivy Vermont has always longed to be a leading lady, yet her paralyzing stage fright has relegated her to stay behind the scenes as a fact checker for Chargge.com’s entertainment webcasts. However, when her one-time poster-boy crush walks in to the studio demanding only she be in charge of his story, she knows she must take advantage of her big break.

Now, Logan tightropes between old loyalties and new love, while Ivy struggles to stay in reality with her ultimate fantasy.

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Review: Lukas (Ashes & Embers #3) by Carian Cole

****4 Stars****

I absolutely loved the two first books in this series and have been highly anticipating this one. Luke's always intrigued me. He was always in the background, the quiet one. The wait was so worth it. Carian did an amazing job again with this book. ...

You get glimpses into Lukas and Ivy's story in Vandal and I'm so glad he got his own book! You get the story told in both POV and thus resulting in going back over some scenes from previous books, giving you a different sight of what happened and make your heart break for some of the characters all over again.

The story is well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. This book is sweet, touching, funny and kinky. The perfect combination for another amazing book.

Lukas is a very sweet young talented man and Ivy is equally as sweet but older than him and hasn't dated in 18 years. This combination makes for an amazing story.

I can't wait for the next book. The glimpse we get promises for another amazing read!

Synopsis

Storm’s younger cousin.
Vandal’s little brother.
You’ve met him in the background.
The sweet one.
The nice one.
The one they can all rely on.
The good one.
He’s a tattoo artist. He plays metal and classical music - on the violin.
He’s got a body built for sin.
He’s 24.
In comes Ivy. She’s a 36 year old single mom who hasn’t dated in 18 years.
All she wanted was a tattoo.
She got a helluva lot more :)
Being good has never been so bad.

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Review: Souls Unfractured (Hades Hangmen #3) by Tillie Cole

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

OMG! I was so excited to be lucky enough to get an ARC of this, the third book, in the Hades Hangmen series.
If you haven't already read books #1&2, you must read them first - they are phenomenal 5 star reads!

In this third book, we get to know Flame better and I'll let you in on a secret....shhh....this twisted, tormented man has been my favourite since book #1. I was immediately captivated by him and was desperate to find out more!

I've loved this series right from the start but I have to tell you that Tillie Cole has outdone herself with Flame's story! It's got absolutely everything you could ask for from a book. It's dark, it's heart-wrenchingly sad, it has hope and love and it has two fractured souls who see no way to ever have a normal life.

It's so beautifully written and draws your emotions from you piece by piece, as if Flame himself were cutting them from you....almost forcing you to invest in a man who is damaged and dangerous. But as you delve further into the story, you willingly go with him, discovering just how and why he has become the feared Hangman that he is.

I honestly can't recommend this book highly enough. You'll need a box of tissues with you as you read and I guarantee a book hangover as you strive to overcome the emotional overload....it's almost too much to take but you will and you'll love it!

A phenomenal 5 star read!

Synopsis

"For fractured souls are like magnets.
Drawn to collide into an impossible bliss…"

Labeled a ‘Cursed’ woman of Eve from birth, Maddie has endured nothing but pain and repression at the hands of The Order’s most abusive elder, Moses. Now living with her sister in The Hangmen’s secluded compound, finally, Maddie, is free. Free from the suffocating faith she no longer believes in. Free from endless years of physical and mental torment.

Just… free…

At age twenty-one, the timid and shy Maddie is content to live within the confines of her new home—safe from the outside world, safe from harm and, strangely, protected by the Hangmen’s most volatile member; the heavily pierced and tattooed, Flame.

Flame.

The man who ceaselessly watches over her with his midnight dark and searing eyes. The man who protects her with a breath-taking intensity. And the man who stirs something deep within her numbed heart.

But when circumstances conspire for Flame to need HER help, Maddie bravely risks it all for the broken man who has captivated her fragile soul.

The Hangmen’s most infamous member, Flame, is ruled by one thing—anger. Plagued by haunting demons from his past, an all-consuming rage, and isolated by an abhorrent hatred of being touched, Flame's days are filled with suffocating darkness, pierced only by a single ray of light—Maddie. The shy, beautiful woman he cannot purge from his thoughts. The woman he has an overwhelming need to possess…
... the only person who has ever been able to touch him.

Flame’s mission in life is to protect Maddie, to keep her safe. Until a trigger from his troubled past sends him spiraling into madness, trapping him in the deepest recesses of his disturbed mind.

His Hangmen brothers fear that Flame is beyond saving.

His only hope of salvation: Maddie and her healing light.

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