5+++ Star Review: Elude (Eagle Elite, #6) by Rachel Van Dyken

Saturday 24 January 2015 No comments
Elude (Eagle Elite, #6)Elude by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


5+++ Stars

Words cannot express my love of this series. Yes, it’s far-fetched with young men, and women, running the largest Italian mob families in the USA but so brilliantly written that even the harshest of critics couldn’t take away from the truly gripping storyline.

In this instalment we spend time with the ghost that is Sergio. After his fall from grace in the eyes of the Italian families his only hope to survive the fallout is to accept an arranged marriage to the estranged daughter of one of the largest Russian mob families. Andi is beautiful, feisty and sassy but she's also dying of leukaemia. Knowing her time is short, she embraces her life with a determination and passion and despite not loving Sergio, she is more acceptant of the marriage than he is. Sergio is furious that his choice has been taken from him and Andi revels in his frustration and taunts him until he cracks and finally accepts her, if not married life.

5 Star Review: Elicit (Eagle Elite, #4) by Rachel Van Dyken

Wednesday 21 January 2015 No comments
Elicit (Eagle Elite, #4)Elicit by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is fast becoming one of my all time favourite series. The complexity and passion in the storyline makes your heart beat and your nerves tingle. What started off as a NA treat has become a Mob masterclass.

Tex Campisi is probably my favourite character. He is extremely funny, sweet, beautiful and above all an accomplished killer. The love of his life is none other than Mo, Nixon's sister and despite the threats Nixon rains down on him in a daily basis about staying far away from his sister, Tex is powerless to her charms. Mo is perfect for Tex, she too is a highly skilled fighter and with her knives strapped to her body, any man should fear her, including Tex. The real magic though appears when these two are together. Unable to resist their love for each other but knowing they can never be together, Tex and Mo's emotions explode.

This story continues with the families battling for control and with the Sicilian threat ever looming and Tex being expected to take the reins of the Campisi empire, the group have to work together to find the best way to alleviate the pressure they are facing and which will arrive at their door all too soon.

I love the passion and determination Mo shows throughout this story. She loves her man and nothing and no-one will stop them being together. The extremes she goes to to protect and keep Tex from harm is breathtaking as is her resolve to once and for all make this man hers for eternity.

I won't go into details about the storyline as it will spoil it too much if you haven't already read it but you will be blown away at the return of a ghost and also getting to know a couple of new characters a little better. I love the way everything is solved with a punch, gun shot or a stabbing in their lives. Far fetched, yes, but totally enjoyable and crackpot crazy!!!

I can't wait to read the next instalment but in the meantime there are some novellas to whet your appetite for more and to fill in some of the gaps. I don't know how Rachel does it though. With so many complex twists and turns she brings her readers to a crescendo only to leave them wanting more once again. For me that's the sign of a truly talented writer.



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5 Star Review: Hero by Samantha Young

Tuesday 20 January 2015 No comments
HeroHero by Samantha Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Copy provided by the author, Netgalley & Little, Brown Book Group UK in return for an honest review.

HERO: Such a small, inconsequential word but which embodies a love story that is captivating, fulfilling, enjoyable and rewarding. Caine and Alexa are two beautiful characters with sass, sex appeal, and unfortunately intertwined lives that have set them apart in the cruellest of ways but can they overcome their differences in order to be in the same room together let alone fall in love?

5 Star Review: Ember (Eagle Elite, #5) by Rachel Van Dyken

Monday 19 January 2015 No comments
Ember (Eagle Elite, #5)Ember by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If you love your mafia books then you’ll adore this series. It’s subtly dark and dangerous and your imagination runs riot as you visualise in graphic detail the horrors that are experienced at the hands of those with Cosa Nostra blood running through their veins.

This series really does get better and better and I never want it to end. What this book portrays is a story of hope and redemption which Phoenix firmly believes he isn’t entitled to after the atrocities of his past.

Review: Unblocked - Episode Two

Friday 16 January 2015 No comments
Unblocked - Episode Two Unblocked - Episode Two by Marni Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Derek is just what every woman needs but is too afraid to ask for!!! Domineering, tick, gorgeous, tick, built like a brick *beep* house, tick, and most of all dangerous and intimidating, double tick. So what is Frankie afraid of?

Knowing Derek Block is a client, Frankie is hesitant to get involved with him but at the same time she is desperate for a taste of what he has to offer but will she be able to stop at one taste or will she want more like a crazed junkie? Derek is a one time only man but Frankie has awakened something in him, something that he is afraid of, and something he may never be able to let go.

Derek and his sister are still trying to bring down the man who damaged their family but in doing so, they must focus their whole attention on Randy White and not allow any outside influences affect their mindset.

The pieces of this jigsaw are still floating around this story but slowly and surely they are starting to come together as the book begins to focus on how these characters lives are starting to overlap and intertwine.This story does end on a cliffie and it leaves a question hanging which I am dying to know the answer to.

Overall, this is another well written book that is not only hot and extremely sexy but one that is also developing into an exciting storyline.

Copy provided by the author in return for an honest review.



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Review: Unblocked - Episode One

Unblocked - Episode One Unblocked - Episode One by Marni Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An exciting and explosive start to a series which is looking to be one hot ride, thanks to Derek Block!!!

This was a nice scene setter to tease you into wanting more as you become intimately acquainted with Frankie Jordan and Derek as they meet and something ignites between them. Destined to work together, Frankie knows that anything sexual with Derek is out of the question but her body doesn't accept that as her whole being explodes into a quivering mess every time she sets her eyes on this stunning but "brutish and grizzled" man. Derek is also blown away by Frankie's beauty but with his past he doesn't trust himself to spend more than one night with any woman. Frankie is also recovering a painful past thanks to her ex, Reed Reynolds, but knows, if her dreams are anything to go by, that she needs to find her peace before her dreams can become a reality.

There is a competitive edge to this story as Frankie tries to secure Derek's lucrative business and her rival, Julia, is looking likely to become a significant thorn in Frankie's side if she is not careful.

A great start to this 5 episode mini-series. The scene has even set with questions bubbling and waiting, perhaps not so patiently, to be answered. This series is going to be one hot read and a real page turner.

Copy provided by Netgalley & the author in return for an honest review



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Review: The Fragile Fall

Thursday 15 January 2015 No comments
The Fragile Fall The Fragile Fall by Kristy Love
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After seeing this beautiful book cover and reading the emotive synopsis, I couldn’t wait to start reading this story. The author is unknown to me and I wasn’t sure what to expect but what I found was a heartfelt and painful story about loss, self-harming and ultimately hitting rock bottom before finding peace.

The focus of the story is on Will who is grieving the loss of his parents and trying to find himself in a new world outside of their protection. Moving to live with his Aunt, Will meets her neighbours, Ryanne and her brother Jax, and together they slowly try to support Will and to help him to heal from the pain that he is feeling. What they weren’t prepared for was the depth of depression that Will has spiralled into and keeping hidden from them as well as his Aunt. Rejection hits him hard and when he thinks everyone is against him is when this story really becomes one of survival.

The balance between the three characters was well thought out. There is an unexpected love triangle which causes Will more angst but with Ryanna, Jax and Will all determined to avoid hurting the other, things quickly get complicated and it’s a complication that Will is unprepared for and a battle he’s too weak to take on.

This is definitely not a book to read if you are looking for a light and easy storyline. It is brutal in its truth and reveals emotional depths so low that most people would be unable to understand or appreciate. The subject matter was handled well though without unnecessary angst as Will struggles to find a way to live in the shadow of his past.

All in all a well written book which covers difficult subject matter well and provides its readers with a long awaited happiness for Will as the story twists and turns towards its HEA.

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Review: One to Chase

One to Chase One to Chase by Tia Louise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who wouldn’t want Marcus Merritt to chase after them but this is one chase that leaves him wondering if he will ever catch his prey aka the woman of his dreams, Amy, or Amalie, Knight.

Sister of the lovely Patrick, Amy is an enigma, especially to Marcus, but after their tryst at Derek and Melissa’s wedding he assumes that he will never see her again, despite her remaining firmly in his thoughts.

Marcus, Elaine’s brother, is a confirmed bachelor but after an unexpected meeting with Amy, or Amalie, in his office (as a favour to Elaine), he quickly starts to re-evaluate his feelings on relationships. Amy, however, is untrusting and doubts herself at every turn where relationships are concerned but Marcus is not one to be deterred and giving Amy a job with his company, he sets his sights firmly in her direction.

This story reaches previously unseen heights in Tia Louise's books as we are wowed with glamour, wealth and opulence. We are treated to fashion and social hierarchies as we follow Amy and Marcus through the high life of Chicago but this is a highlife that Amy has spurned before, thanks to her previous partying lifestyle and the tragic result of a situation she found herself in.

Marcus is continually questioning what it is that makes Amy fear any sort of a commitment with him and as he pulls, she firmly pushes him away. Every time you feel that Marcus has had a breakthrough with Amy, she rejects him once again, that is until she knows she needs emotional support and there is only one man she is prepared to turn to, Marcus. As a result, we unexpectedly get to spend some time Patrick and Stuart towards the end of the story, along with their respective partners, but it's a fleeting mention in the storyline but one that’s no less delicious.

For me, this story was a little confusing. A lot of the references were lost on me, possibly due to me being a Brit, and this detracted from the story slightly, but that said, the story was still enjoyable and if you can appreciate the whole fashionista feel throughout it, you won’t be disappointed.

Next up is One to Take, and back to Stuart, so buckle up and prepare for the ride!

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Review: One to Save

One to Save One to Save by Tia Louise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Derek and Melissa are back for more fun…. and heartache!!!



We knew it was coming but boy did it hurt and I must admit to feeling slightly violent towards Melissa for putting Derek through what she did. I mean, didn’t Derek potentially save her from further harm? Didn’t he jeopardise his beliefs for her? Didn’t he dedicate himself 100%.... to her?!!!! Okay, time to calm down and think rationally.

Ok, what do we know so far…. We know Sloan is dead. We know Derek killed him. We know Derek was supported by Star and Patrick. So, who is holding the strings now and threatening Star and Derek? Who could possibly have evidence to implicate them in his murder? Funnily enough, Derek thought his biggest worry was telling Melissa the truth about what happened to Sloan but to find himself possibly facing prison, or worse… that’s a whole different battle.

I have to say it (please don’t shoot me) but I’ve never really been a fan of Melissa and sadly for me, this book didn’t put her in a more favourable light. Her mood swings could quite literally give you whiplash and the story for me was slightly spoiled because of them. Her change of mind about Derek came across too sudden but at least I was able to carry on and enjoy the book, despite witnessing Derek’s fight for freedom… and his life.

All the gang are back for this book and Stuart and Mariska’s story is built upon but more importantly, we get to enjoy Elaine’s brother, Marcus. Now he’s a character I’m looking forward to getting my hands on. The teaser at the end is quite delicious and from the sound of it, he is likely to have his hands full with Amy, Patrick and Stuart’s sister.

Another great instalment from Tia and the loveable gang from One To Hold. This story has lots of twists and turns, heartbreak, suspense, intrigue and most of all Derek. So what’s not to love?

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Review: For the Record

For the Record For the Record by K.A. Linde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ahhh, that ending was perfect!!! I really need more Clay though, stat!!!

I wasn't sure going into book 3 if it would continue to hold my attention but it did. It was the perfect conclusion to Brady and Liz's story.

Brady and Liz continue to struggle with their relationship being lived through the public eye. The reporters are still hounding them and especially Liz who's targeted repeatedly and this results in her dream job falling from her grasp. Brady continues to love and treasure Liz though and supports her through everything she faces with his own special brand of care.

Callie is still determined to bring Liz down though and despite feeling guilty for his treatment of Liz, Hayden tries to make amends by helping Liz stay out of Callie's clutches!

The supporting cast are as equally enjoyable. I love Savannah and Easton and can't wait to read more about her. Clay is Clay though and the loveable rogue continues to bait Brady and tease Liz throughout the story. His story will definitely be one to savour!

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Review: On the Record

On the Record On the Record by K.A. Linde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am really hooked on this series. I know that, as per usual, I'm a little late to the party, in true Savannah style, but at least I made it, right?

The increased angst in this instalment had me turning the pages frantically. Yes, it did suffer slightly from having a lot less Brady but when he joined the party, the story rocketed!

I did previously love Hayden but in this instalment he just....turned, and not in a good way! We were drawn in to love his sweetness but did Liz push him too hard and create a monster that she couldn't control?

I have to admit to having a crush on Clay. Yes he's a cheating rogue but still, he says it like it is and what you see is what you get. I loved the connection that he has with Liz and I hope that his character will continue to grow into something hopeful rather than even more devious!

So, now onto book three and to see if Liz and Brady can ever truly be together.

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Review: Off the Record

Off the Record Off the Record by K.A. Linde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another Audible read for me and one which had me captivated from the start.

I love a good forbidden romance story and the two characters in this, Liz and Brady, were just perfect. One a student and upcoming journalist and the other a politician, their connection was never going to be a straightforward one.

After Liz challenges Brady and subsequently catches his eye, they embark on a secret relationship but despite it being all they can have, they both find it harder and harder to keep their feelings secret from their friends, family and the public.

Liz also has an admirer in the form of her boss who she has had a crush on for 2 years. When she was free he pushed her away for professional reasons but now she's with Brady, Hayden has become interested in her and a juicy love triangle starts to develop.

I can't wait to get started on the next instalment. From the ending of this book, I can tell it's going to be an emotional instalment for Liz and Brady.
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Review: Deal Breakers

Wednesday 14 January 2015 No comments
Deal Breakers Deal Breakers by Laura Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

What a sweet story and one which pulled on my heart strings, hard! With a side order of adorable child, this story was a perfectly balanced dose of book magic medicine.

At the outset, I found this story a little disjointed as it jumped from year to year without much depth or complexity but reading on it became clear that it merely set the scene for what was to come; a powerful tale of a love being re-kindled after it was presumed lost forever. Right from the start we are thrust into a love affair between two obvious soul mates but who were afraid to risk their friendship by realising their feelings for one another. Riley and Devyn were clearly destined to be together but with Devyn facing a painful and recent loss, she asks Riley for friendship and nothing more. Riley being the typical boy that he is tries for more and despite their occasional kisses, their friendship remains intact for four long years and nothing more occurs until Devyn asks the one thing of Riley which affects their friendship, irrevocably.

Five years pass since their last encounter and Riley has never forgotten Devyn. He knows in his heart that she is the “one” for him and blames his own stubbornness for not realising sooner. In an attempt to win her back, he sets off to find her but will she accept his feelings for her or is their love too late?

This is an easy to read contemporary romance with quite a bit of spice thanks to Riley. That man has a vocabulary to rival any alpha and a tender heart to warm anyone’s soul. Whilst I enjoyed the story from the 5 year gap point, it did struggle to become absorbed by it before then and whilst this is an enjoyable and relatively short read, I believe it would have benefitted from having a little more depth, time and length added to it. With flavours of a writing style akin to Harper Sloan and Tara Sivec, this is definitely an author to follow and this is a series to keep in mind. I for one can’t wait for the next instalments as we get to spend time with Riley and Devyn’s friends/family.

All in all a really well written book which was enjoyable, fun to read (I especially loved Nate) and one which will be enjoyed by most contemporary romance lovers who like a bit of extra sexiness on top.

Finally, the award for best marriage proposal goes to………? You’ll have to read to find out exactly who wins Devyn’s heart but let me say this, “wow, swoon, hell yeah and I will if she doesn’t”!

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and to, honestly, review her book.

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Review: Beautiful Bastard

Beautiful Bastard Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a book that's left me in a state of confusion!!!

It started out well but it just seemed too repetitive. I loved the characters from Bennett's moodiness to Chloe's fieriness, it was a match made in heaven, or hell given the amount of heat and explosiveness but for me it was too much of the same, repeated again and again.....

They hate each other, so they have sex.

They glare at each other, so they have sex.

They argue, so they have sex.

And so on, and so on.

It was a really well written book, don't get me wrong and I gather there have been a lot of mixed feelings about this story and I guess I fall somewhere in the middle. I didn't love it but didn't dislike it. It hasn't made me want to read more from the series though and that's a shame and possibly something I will regret.

Having also had the book recommended to me as a funny read, the humour was also lost on me. It certainly wasn't quirky but I guess the outbursts between Bennett and Chloe could make some people laugh.... just not me!

I had a thought of "Mr Darcy" in my head throughout reading this story so I wasn't surprised to see other reviewers say the same thing. It was all a bit too much, "you are beneath me, know your place" to fully enjoy but I guess the HEA is what makes the story.

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Review: Slash and Burn

Saturday 10 January 2015 No comments
Slash and Burn Slash and Burn by Jade C. Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank the Gods, the Bulletin series has returned and this time it's for a story focusing on drummer, Nick. Nick is a real sweetie and not at all like the rough and ready rocker that his image portrays, sorry, but that’s the truth. He’s a heart-on-his-sleeve guy whether you like it or not!!!!

Val's new band, Val Hella has been formed but Val, Brad and Nick need to recruit a bass player but what they don't expect to find is Sabrina (Sinna) Moreno. An exceptional performer but with an icy temperament, Brina intrigues Nick and he immediately knows that he needs to find out exactly who this mysterious woman is.

Brina isn't what everyone expected. Preferring her own company, she works hard and plays harder but makes it clear that she doesn't want to enjoy the social company of the other band members. In an attempt to find out more about her, Nick soon finds that she has multiple layers to her personality. After finding out that Brina is in a relationship though, Nick presumes that he has made a mistake about her that is until he is invited to join Brina and her partner for a night of fun and games. Nick can't say no but he's unsure about wanting to share Brina with someone else.

Val Hella's tour starts soon after and assuming Brina wants nothing more to do with him, Nick is surprised when he realises that he is falling for Brina and assuming she feels the same way, he lays his heart of the line but he isn't prepared for her response.

On a personal note, can I say that I really hate Brina, the woman is a heartless bitch and I really wanted Nick to kick her into touch right from the start of the story. I'm not sure where her story will go but I hope she turns out not to have a heart of stone but if she does, that someone breaks it hard and fast!!!

Overall, it was heaven to be back in the arms of this loveable trio. I still miss Ethan though and even though he is mentioned in this story his character doesn’t appear. I would have liked this book to have had a harder edge to it, at the time it was too sentimental but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, I just like more sass from my rockers.



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Review: Christmas Stalkings

Christmas Stalkings Christmas Stalkings by Jade C. Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an enjoyable little festive treat courtesy of Jade C Jamison and the Bullet series.

Life is never easy for Val and Brad and when they finally think they've turned a corner, especially with Ethan, Val finds out she has a stalker.

Having escaped for a snowy retreat, Val is shocked to find that her stalker has followed her. Body guard in place, the group try to piece together who it may be that wants to harm Val.

I love the Bullet series and this was a lovely little extra something to make my holiday festivities complete.

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Review: The Pact

Friday 9 January 2015 No comments
The Pact The Pact by Karina Halle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

It took a while but I really got into this story. I listened to it so got the fully "Scottish accent" experience which I really enjoyed. The story was easy to enjoy, despite me being frustrated with the characters' behaviour throughout most of the book.

The story is about a classic love triangle between three best friends: James, Stephanie and Linden. James is in love with Stephanie and Stephanie and Linden are in love with each other but don't want to upset James' feelings by acting on their feelings, despite the "pact" Stephanie and Linden made to marry each other if the remained single by the time they reached 30.

This story had it all going on. Drama, drama, drama!!! James' jealousy of Linden was a little perturbing though. It seemed ridiculous that he would feel this way about his so called best friend and add that to his actions to stop Linden and Stephanie's relationship made me practically hate him but thankfully he pulled his head out of his butt long enough to see that his actions had cost him the loyal friendship of Stephanie and Linden.

Linden was really sweet, albeit it totally naive! I loved the way he wanted Stephanie so much that he was frightened to act on his feelings because he didn't want to risk their friendship. Who knew a game and an unexpected kiss would ultimately bring them together!

Not the best book by Karina Halle but something a little different which will call to the contemporary romance lovers out there, especially those looking for a good stand-alone read.

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Review: Autumn Reigns

Saturday 3 January 2015 No comments
Autumn Reigns Autumn Reigns by E.S. Maria
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This 2 book mini series was such a pleasant surprise for me, I wasn't expecting to read and review it but I'm so glad that I did, it was a real treat. Yes, as I said before it's a typical billionaire alpha story but there is more depth and suspense to it than most books in the genre.

After finishing on a cliffie, Autumn Reigns picks up where Autumn Falls ended with Billie running from Magnus's mother's fundraiser after coming face to face with Cooper Thornton and after overhearing Magnus's conversation with his ex-wife, Martine.

Billie is hurting beyond words and questions whether she can ever trust Magnus again. Deciding that she needs time away from him she refuses to speak to him or to hear his version of the conversation she overheard him having with Martine.

Time moves on and it's not long before Billie is afraid for her safety once again. After noticing a strange man following her she is shocked when he comes into her place of work and decides to find out once and for all who he is. Meet the story's side dish and the one person I truly wanted to know more about, Jacob. After finding out that Jacob has been hired by Magnus to protect her, Billie starts to question if she will ever get over Magnus or whether she is delaying the inevitable and the unbreakable connection her heart has with this man.

The story continues with Magnus and Billie trying to reconcile their feelings for one another whilst, in a side twist, Jacob adds a delicious distraction to Billie, and us as readers!

This story was more enjoyable for than than Autumn Falls and that is mainly in part to a reduced number of unnecessary sex scenes. I felt that at times they were forced into the story in Autumn Falls but this wasn't as noticeable in this book, that said, I really didn't enjoy the amount of repeated sexual proclivities which appeared again in this book, oh and certain anatomical adjectives were just too unsexy!!!

All in all this was an enjoyable book and mini series which left me feeling satisfied by its storyline balance and characters, it even had a perfect epilogue!!!

Now all I need to know is will there be a spin-off story featuring Jacob and some other characters?



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Review: Autumn Falls

Thursday 1 January 2015 No comments
Autumn Falls Autumn Falls by E.S. Maria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Copy provided by the author in return for an honest review.

This is one of those books that makes you wonder why it has not been a huge hit. I suspect it's the genre because I must admit I'm burnt out with billionaire playboys but this book has so much more to it than the typical books of its kind. It's got depth to it with an unresolved twist, it has unspoken truths, and it has two memorable lead characters.

Isabelle (Billie) Morrison is living a quiet life with her son Ethan. Working two jobs to keep her head afloat she has unknowingly caught the attention of billionaire, Magnus Grant. Starting as a temp at Grant Corp, little does Billie know that she will come face to face with the man who sparked her interest whilst working her other job at the restaurant, La Bocca.

Magnus has set his sights on Billie and draws her into his web and woos her to the point of obsession. Billie, knowing her own body, is unsure if Magnus will finally be the man to unlock her from her painful past. Magnus knows nothing of Billie's past though and with a dogged determination he pursues her and is determined to capture her heart. Billie is worried though and questions whether a relationship with a prominent business man will put her and Ethan into harm's way once again.

This story has a twist coming right from the beginning and of course it had to end on an inevitable cliffie. For the lovers of these types of stories though I suspect this would be a rewarding read but for me I felt it was just too long and dare I say it, had too many unnecessarily, repetitive sex scenes in it. I think I've moved on from just wanting an erotic theme to a book and look more for a element of suspense, intrigue and mystery, which this book has but perhaps has not been drawn out enough. That said, I will be moving on to read Autumn Reigns to see how Billie's story ends especially now that her past has caught up with her.

Reviewed on behalf of Jezabell Girl & Friends...

http://jezabellgirlandfriends.com



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