3 Star Review: Rock Rebel by Tara Leigh

Monday 10 December 2018 No comments




Rock Rebel by Tara Leigh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story had so many layers to it which stemmed from the h’s abuse at the hands of so-called industry professionals. Covering the current and deeply emotive subject, namely the #metoo movement, the author managed to address this highly evocative area with grace and sensitivity. 

Rock Rebel introduces readers to an actress/pop-princess who is trying to re-invent herself via the music industry. Having been abused during her previous endeavours, Verity is trying to find her own way in life, and away from her parasitic, co-conspirator mother. 

When Travis Taggert, NBT’s manager, also becomes Verity’s manager, their paths were destined to overlap, especially when Verity becomes friends with Piper and Delaney. Having seen Dax at a party, Verity is stunned when she finds herself in an elevator with him especially when she realises he doesn’t recognise her, although the chemistry between the duo is immediately tangible. 

Despite not recognising Verity, Dax is stunned when he finds out who she is and immediately starts to distance himself from his feelings towards her. With a joint tour on the cards, Dax is keen to avoid a repeat of what happened with his ex. That said, Verity and Dax soon find more than music in common as their friendship grows. 

As the book progresses, Dax and Verity become close but Dax tries to resist his feelings towards Verity. Verity, with her own issues stemming from her past, also finds it hard to open herself up to potentially more heartbreak but despite her misgivings, Dax manages to reawaken something in her. 

The connection between Dax and Verity was very slow to develop, mainly due to their past and relationship misgivings, and I found my interest in their story waning slightly as a result. Despite my best efforts, I just couldn’t connect with the characters or the storyline on this occasion. I applaud the author for tackling such a sensitive subject as the #metoo movement but I felt that the subject matter made the story a little too reflective. For me, the story really kicked in around 70% at which point Dax and Verity suddenly find their pasts inexplicably overlapping and the story suddenly became captivating.

As always with Tara Leigh’s books, this was well written with some memorable quotes but on this occasion was less about the music and more about portraying a poignant message. 

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Review: Acquisition

Acquisition Acquisition by Chelle Bliss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An out of this world enemies to lovers story, I loved it, and need Merger NOW!!!

I want it all. I want her. I want Interstellar. I want everything. I’m the type of man who’s used to getting it too.


It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book in one sitting but that’s exactly what happened with Acquisition. Having had the book sitting on my e-reader for weeks, I am now kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I love stories which swing from enemies to lovers and whilst they are indirect enemies, as rival CEO’s, Antonio and Lauren’s story was breathtaking.

He flirted. I blushed. He smiled. I swooned.


Bringing me into an unknown world of the aerospace industry was a refreshing change and something which fascinated me in its own right. As mentioned, the key protagonists are each CEOs of their rival firms which set the story up for an interesting set of problems as each falls for the other but with a takeover on the cards, life for Antonio and Lauren was never going to be easy.

I’m only her enemy inside the boardroom, not in the bedroom.


From their initial meeting, where they each pretended to be someone else, I knew I was going to fall as hard for each of these characters as they did each other. Antonio was your usual powerful businessman but this time his character wasn’t overpowered by his ego. Lauren, equally as powerful in and out of the boardroom, knows that she will do anything to save her company from Antonio’s clutches and whilst not trusting him, she finds it hard to forget their one night together.

The kiss. The touch. The smell. The sounds. The taste. Everything in this moment is about Antonio and me, with a dash of Elizabeth and Lou.


With bodies ruling minds though, both Antonio and Lauren struggle with their feelings for one another. Antonio is determined to win Lauren’s heart but with her father’s memories ruling her mind, she is not prepared to lie down in front of this man again.

One minute I hate him, and the next I’m falling for the man. None of it is fair either. There’s no way we could have a future.


Lauren’s work life gets as problematic as her love life when her ex, and head of research and development, starts to cause ripples for her and it soon becomes clear that he still holds a torch for her but will their working relationship win out and can Lauren keep him as a friend and a colleague before things turn nasty?

So, from boardroom to bedroom, with some sea, sand and sex thrown in as well, I was treated to a captivating story and one which will has left me crying out for the sequel, Merger, which fortunately releases very soon.

This ebook was kindly provided by the author prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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Review: Merger

Merger Merger by Chelle Bliss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I want Antonio Forte. The complicated Italian man with an ego that preceded him and gave me pause.


I so wish this story could have been in one book. After loving and not being able to put down Aquisition, I found it difficult to re-ignite my interest in the story initially with Merger. That said, after a slowish start, I did manage to quickly fall in love with Antonio and Lauren again.

The whole merger part of this story seemed to be over and done with relatively quickly in this book and it left me wondering where Lauren and Antonio’s story would go next. Well, that’s easy to explain. With business aside, readers are introduced to Antonio’s delightful family. With his relationship with Lauren growing stronger day by day, Antonio is more than ready to introduce her to his mother and the rest of his family, much to Lauren’s initial reluctance. With their business dealings pretty much now opening the door to their relationship, it’s not long before colleagues realise that there is something going on between the two as they spend so much time together. As expected, there are one of two disgruntled employees unhappy at their personal “merger” but Lauren and Antonio are more than capable to quash any internal uprisings.

Thankfully, we get to revisit Antonio’s island again, with an extra treat in store this time, and we are also rewarded with a visit or two to Lake Como in Italy, where Antonio’s family live. During their time in Como, readers get to appreciate a different side of both Lauren and Antonio and at this point, the book’s story seemed to take on an altogether different focus. Gone was the hardened business minds, and in their place, we spend time with two people who are finding their way towards a HEA.

I did enjoy Merger but I would recommend reading both books together to experience the full effect of the story. There is one again fun times to be had between Lauren and Antonio between the sheets and although their initial connection has taken on a different feel to it, it is still a rewarding relationship to see develop. The large family we meet on Antonio’s side is clearly an important part of Chelle’s personal and book life and it would be a shame not to explore more of the characters in this book as was done with the Men of Inked series. With punky Violetta to the equally attractive but dangerous Stefano, I think readers would really enjoy more from the Forte family.

This duo of books had a different feel to them from what Chelle normally writes. Whilst Merger was an enjoyable story, I felt that it lost some of its business intrigue, or maybe it was intentional. There is the usual Chelle Bliss heat between the pages, so don’t worry about it being a tame romance, it just felt different, but in a nice way and the ending simply made the story all the more worthwhile, especially Lauren’s gift to Antonio.


This ebook was kindly provided by the author prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.

View all my reviews

Cover Reveal: The Kiss Thief by LJ Shen

Friday 7 December 2018 No comments




Blurb:

They say your first kiss should be earned.

Mine was stolen by a devil in a masquerade mask under the black Chicago sky.

They say the vows you take on your wedding day are sacred.

Mine were broken before we left church.

They say your heart only beats for one man.

Mine split and bled for two rivals who fought for it until the bitter end.

I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit.

Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage. 

They say that all great love stories have a happy ending.

I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter.

One kiss.
Two men.
Three lives.
Entwined together.

And somewhere between these two men, I had to find my forever.



Release Date: January 9th



4 Star Review: Rock Legend by Tara Leigh

Thursday 6 December 2018 No comments





Rock Legend by Tara Leigh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable story from the Nothing but Trouble stable of rock stars and another reason why the band carries the name it does!

This time, it’s Landon Cox’s story waiting to be told. Landon, the effervescent drummer with Nothing but Trouble, is all about the partying and rock star lifestyle and believes in taking his excesses to an impossible height. The women he takes to his bed are there for one reason only and relationships are clearly not an option. That is until he sees the girl who stole his heart many years before he became a rock God.

Unbeknownst to Landon, Piper Hastings works for Travis Taggert the band’s agent. Keeping herself firmly away from Landon’s presence, Piper has successfully avoided a confrontation with him, that is until Delaney, lead singer Shane’s girlfriend drags her to one of the Nothing But Trouble gigs. With emotions running high, Piper flees backstage and into what she assumes is a safe area but unfortunately for her, she finds herself in Landon’s room.

Landon is stunned to see Piper again and it is clear that their chemistry and feelings for one another have not diminished with time. Piper knows starting anything with Landon would be asking for trouble but unfortunately, her heart and mind don’t see eye to eye.

4 Star Review: Rock King by Tara Leigh







Rock King by Tara Leigh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When you’re a rockstar, you can buy anything you want, right? But does that include girlfriends designed to meet your every need? For Shane Hawthorne, that’s exactly what it means!

With no current “girlfriend”, Shane looks to his agent, Travis, to find him a pool of suitable candidates in order for him to find someone fitting to go on tour with him. In the eyes of the media/fans, girlfriends have to openly display affection towards Shane and anything else, well, that can be negotiated behind closed (bedroom) doors! For Shane though, his girlfriends must also act as sober companions and be distracting enough to steer him away from the many temptations of alcohol and drugs.

Delaney Fraser is living a life far from what was mapped out for her prior to her mother’s death. Working as a waitress, she has no idea how to get her life back on track. When an old school acquaintance walks into the steakhouse where she works, her prospects suddenly start to look up especially when her friend’s boss invites her to one of his infamous parties. Little does Delaney know that this particular party is to find Shane Hawthorne, rock star extraordinaire, a new girlfriend.

Corrupted Hearts Series by Tiffany Snow

Monday 3 December 2018 No comments

 



Follow Me (Corrupted Hearts, #1)Follow Me by Tiffany Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story, despite being slightly challenged by all the sci-fi nerd talk at times. The story was refreshingly different and with two male leads both vying for the attention of China Mack, I was kept intrigued right until the very end of the book.

China Mack was a fascinating character. A 23 old with a brilliant mind working in computer programming, she is sought-after for her skills and also her looks and quirky ways. Despite having OCD, and her religious routines, she intrigues those around her and especially her boss, Jackson Cooper. When Jackson employs her services on a special project, working closely with him, China is awestruck but jumps at the chance of spending time working alongside him. The only problem is that he leads her down a dangerous path which puts her life in danger and her skills to the test.

This was a real "who do you trust" storyline. With her new neighbour interested in her but having appeared out of the blue, China is suspicious as to why she attracts his attention, and add into the mix the sudden interest Jackson has in her, who exactly can she trust?

Although this book is part of a series, you could read it as a standalone but there is also a separate development calling you to read the next instalment.


Free Book by LJ Shen

Friday 30 November 2018 No comments

THE MUSE audiobook is LIVE! 🎉

Thursday 29 November 2018 No comments


Wow, this is one truly talented, and hugely underrated, author. The Muse was yet another beautifully written story and I loved it!!!

Read my full review HERE

Unstable by SE Hall

4 Star Review: Echoes of Fire (Mercury Pack #4) by Suzanne Wright

Tuesday 27 November 2018 No comments


Suzanne Wright definitely
puts the “A” in alphas!


I knew I would love Madisyn and Bracken’s story and I wasn’t disappointed. With their story came the expected new adversaries and the gruesome territorial fights which ran alongside their own battle of emotions as they unexpectedly find themselves as mates.

When Suzanne Wright's leading men are not exerting their dominance to those threatening the pack they are exerting their dominance in the bedroom and that is a common theme throughout the Mercury and Phoenix pack books. Despite the abundance of alpha males, their characters are surprisingly close to one another and their family/friendship dynamic is in part what attracts me to these stories. Each duo provides another exciting dimension to what is an already hugely successful series and instead of feeling that this is just another wolf story, each book gives readers so much more.

As with all of the books in the series, the other members of each pack continue to contribute to each subsequent novel and you feel like you are once again amongst old friends when your return to one of these stories.

This book had its usual amount of emotional highs and lows but this time we were also introduced to a particularly feisty Pallas Cat thanks to Madisyn. This definitely brought a refreshing and fun aspect to the storyline.

This is definitely a recommended series for all shifter fans out there.




5 Star Review: A Pack of Blood and Lies by Olivia Wildenstein

Monday 5 November 2018 No comments


Grab your copy here >> https://readerlinks.com/l/567041




This was such an exceptional story. It had me completely hooked right from the first page and I didn't want to put it down.

Kissing Liam Kolane felt like running through a starlight field in my wolf form-the purest form of power and sensation there existed in this vast, dark work.

There was plenty of depth to the story with a number of twists and enemies to lovers theme. It was extremely well-written and the author structured the story in a way to keep readers guessing. There were two deaths with the murderers to be uncovered and also a sadness to the story at times. There was also a challenge for pack leadership which was fascinating and I appreciated the strength behind Ness to enter it and to challenge the boys.

The characters were particularly rewarding and I enjoyed the slow and deliberate feel to the romance that built between Ness and Liam and I can't wait to read more.

Highly recommended shifter story.

This ebook was kindly provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley prior to release in return for an honest and unbiased review.





Erik: An Arizona Vengeance Novel
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: November 5, 2018



Synopsis:

The Arizona Vengeance are developing a reputation on the ice as one of hockey’s top teams. But one player’s reputation offthe ice might just keep him from scoring. . . .

I’m having the time of my life with my new brothers on the Arizona Vengeance. We may be an expansion team, but after notching some big wins, the entire league knows to watch out for Erik Dahlbeck. That’s me.

The only person who doesn’t seem to think I’m so great? Blue Gardner, the hot-as-f*** flight attendant on our team plane. I sure wouldn’t mind joining the mile-high club with her, but besides bringing me lukewarm coffee, she won’t give me the time of day. Whatever I did to rub Blue the wrong way, my teammates think it’s hilarious. After all, we’re used to women flocking to us. #puckbunnies

When I run into Blue back on land, I’m shocked to learn how she spends her time off: taking care of her handicapped brother. There are layers to this girl I never imagined, layers I can’t wait to peel away. And that’s a new feeling for me.

But first I’ve got to find a way to melt that ice-cold stare. Because as much as I try to pretend I don’t care what Blue thinks of me, how can you not care when you’re falling for someone?



New Release: Finding My Fight by RG Corr

Thursday 25 October 2018 No comments



A perfect marriage?
A beautiful home?
Things are not always as they seem.

To everyone they knew, Ginny’s life with Blake Daniels was perfect. When Blake’s job takes them away from home and the friends Ginny has known since childhood, things start to change. On their own, in an isolated house, the man who held Ginny up through her mother’s passing is no longer the kind, supportive man she thought she’d married. In his place now resides a cruel beast whose only desire is to control her. Ginny’s life as she knows it, becomes indelibly marked with every bruise he leaves on her, and every callous word he sends her way.

When the unthinkable happens, Ginny is forced to find the strength she needs to leave and rebuild her life without Blake. Yet nothing could have prepared her for what was still to come. Ginny believed the nightmare was over, but it was only just beginning. Her husband is back, and there’s only one reason he’s here.

For her.

New Release: WALLFLOWERS One Heart Remains by CP Smith

Tuesday 23 October 2018 No comments

5 Star Review: Lullay by Freya Barker

Monday 22 October 2018 No comments


Another beautiful and enchanting story. I loved it, especially Matt!

OMG that story has left me with a good old dose of the warm fuzzies. There’s something about a man taking on the care and love of a fatherless child that just calls to my psyche.

I’ve been wondering when Matt would receive his own HEA. Having been a stalwart at The Skipper, the bar where all of the other captivating Portland ME stories have been based around, Matt always seemed a little left out, but all that changes when he drives across the country to rescue his sister from his family of religious zealots.

Driving anywhere at Christmas is not without its challenges, especially with the anticipated inclement weather, but trying to undertake a drive like that with a young child who has an ear infection would break the strongest of mothers. Tana (Montana) is just such a mother but thankfully for her, she repeatedly comes across a stranger (Matt) who is more than ready to help her and her daughter, Flynn, out.

Cover Reveal: Hook by Chelle Bliss

Friday 19 October 2018 No comments

Coming Soon: Echoes of Fire by Suzanne Wright

New Release: The Seeker by Elizabeth Hunter

Wednesday 17 October 2018 No comments
 

The Seeker, an all-new standalone Contemporary Fantasy Romance in Elizabeth Hunter’s Irin Chronicles is NOW LIVE!




He’s a scribe looking for answers. If only a cagey—and frustratingly attractive—singer will let him help.

Summoned to the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Rhys of Glast, Irin archivist and scribe of Istanbul, must convince a legendary Irina singer to trust him. His success could shift the balance of power all over the Irin world and give singers an important key to their past.

Meera didn’t call for Rhys’s help and she doesn’t need it. The scribe’s mission is to bring more martial magic into the Irin world while Meera has been looking for a path toward peace. She’s convinced that some other motive is at work, and his stubborn arrogance doesn’t pass for charm in her hallowed opinion.

Discovering ancient Irina magic should be something both scholars can agree on, but can these two rivals find any common ground? Neither Rhys nor Meera can ignore the simmering heat between them, but will attraction overcome the caution that has shaped both their lives?

THE SEEKER is the seventh book in the Irin Chronicles, a romantic contemporary fantasy series by Elizabeth Hunter, USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Mysteries.


Grab your copy Today!

Amazon Universal - mybook.to/TheSeeker
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2x1yJVo

4 Star Review: Erik (Arizona Vengeance #2) by Sawyer Bennett

Monday 15 October 2018 No comments



Another Arizona Vengeance star and another highly entertaining story.

We had a taste of Erik Dahlbeck in Bishop’s story so we knew a little about his playboy ways. Unfortunately for Erik, so does team flight attendant, Blue. Despite Erik’s obvious interest in Blue, she appears oblivious to his charms, the reasons for which become clear as the story progresses. Erik is confounded by Blue’s obvious resistance to his flirting but he’s not about to give up trying to win Blue over.

When he sees another side to Blue, Erik knows that he has to make her see him for who he is and not just his womanising ways. Blue is not only a beautiful woman but a hardworking carer with a brother who has complex support needs. Clearly, a loving and loyal sister, Erik comes to realise that Blue’s time is split between working for the team and looking after her brother and in order to make inroads, where her heart is concerned, he must do so in the knowledge that she comes as a package deal.  What Erik doesn’t expect is to develop a new found friendship with Billy and an even greater appreciation for Blue.

5 Star Review: The Fall Before Flight by LM Halloran

Tuesday 9 October 2018 No comments


As always with LM Halloran, you know before you start reading one of her novels that you should expect the unexpected and that you will be treated to a story unlike no other. The Fall Before Flight was just that: awe-inspiring and a real treat to behold, it left me reeling from the emotions it portrayed. 

The story quickly drew me in thanks to the strength of the characters and strangely the setting. Both Mia (Amelia) and Leo are characters that were destined to be brought to life through the pages of a book. Mia is passionate but broken and Dr. Leo Chastain is just the man to put her back together despite the inner conflict he experiences in relation to his emotions and feelings towards Mia. Set initially in a mental health facility, this is Mia’s last chance to be saved, or so her brother and father think. Denying there is anything wrong with her, other than a penchant for dangerous sporting activities, she can’t understand her brother’s fears for her wellbeing as he begs her to accept his help. 

4 Star Review: Fragments of Ash by Katy Regnery

Monday 8 October 2018 No comments

 


What I loved about this story is the fresh concept that has been brought to life in this fairy tale adaption to Cinderella. It was so well done. Vivid, real and just like a true fairy tale a hint of dark before the light shines through. This story will twist, turn and surprise you with each turn of the page. 

Katy has such a talent for recreating these tales into something so refreshingly modern and inventive.

Coming soon by LM Halloran

Sunday 7 October 2018 No comments

THE FALL BEFORE FLIGHT
I didn’t try to kill myself. It was an accident.
No, more than that — a natural disaster.
Fate’s fickle lightning strike.

No one believes me.

I can't blame them, really.
There’s something wrong with me.
I'm incapable of emotions that come naturally
to others. Fear, compassion, love...

I might be a sociopath.

Everyone thinks I’m beyond help.
Everyone but Dr. Leo Chastain.
One of us is going to break the other...

Care to place a bet?


* price increases on release, 10/11

Cover Reveal: Finding My Fight by R.G. Corr

Saturday 6 October 2018 No comments

FINDING MY FIGHT by R.G. Corr

Check it out and pre-order your copy today!




Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Release Day: October 25th 

New Release by Katy Regnery

Friday 5 October 2018 No comments


Title: Fragments of Ash
(Inspired by "Cinderella")
Collection: A Modern Fairytale
Author: Katy Regnery
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 1, 2018



5 Star Review: Coming Home to Maple Cottage by Holly Martin

Thursday 4 October 2018 No comments

Coming Home to Maple CottageComing Home to Maple Cottage by Holly Martin
JG's rating: 5 of 5 stars


There something about these seaside stories from Holly Martin that just call out to me. Each story and each location are just too satisfying for words and add in the delectable mix of characters and I’m a done for!

I have to admit, it was this story, in particular, that’s had me climbing the walls whilst waiting for its release. Not to say that its predecessors were disappointing, that would be a practically impossible, but it was something about Isla and Leo’s story that had me salivating for the release of Coming Home to Maple Cottage.