Friday, 8 August 2014

Book Review (372): Lay It Down (Desert Dogs #1) - Cara McKenna


Lay It Down (Desert Dogs #1)

Lay It Down by Cara McKenna is the debut novel in an all new series about a group of friends who form a bikie gang called the Desert Dogs lead by bad boy Vince Grossier.

In Fortuity Nevada, the town is soon to be home to an all new casino which has most of the residents up in arms, when Vince's friend Alex the towns Deputy contacts him one night spooked about something involving bones that he saw at the dig sight of the future casino he becomes concerned, especially when Alex is killed in a car accident that night and alcohol is blamed, Vince knowing that his friend would never drive drunk becomes suspicious, but nobody is willing to listen to him.

When Kim a photographer is sent to Fortuity to take site photos to promote the area and upcoming casino she runs into Vince, fresh from a break-up she's not looking for any kind of a relationship, but neither is Vince, as they start to spend more and more time together they'll discover that between the attraction and the chemistry something more may be developing.

When Kim is unintentionally drawn into Vince's investigation of Alex's death will she find herself in danger, or will Vince keep her safe at all costs?

Having never read a book featuring bikie gangs or especially one as a main character, I was a bit hesitant, but the synopsis drew me in and I can say that I found this to be quite an enjoyable contemporary romance filled with action, suspense, mystery and some steamy red hot sex scenes, that will leave you hot under the collar.

I look forward to the next book and the rest of the series.

I give this 3.5/5 stars.


Bio
Cara McKenna writes smart erotica—sexy stories with depth. A little dark, a little funny, always emotional. She also writes red-hot romance under the name Meg Maguire. Her wonderful publishers are Ellora's Cave, Harlequin Blaze, Penguin / InterMix, Samhain, and Signet Eclipse. She loves writing sexy, character-driven stories about strong-willed men and women who keep each other on their toes, and bring one another to their knees.
Before becoming a purveyor of red-hot romance and smart erotica, Cara was a record store bitch, a lousy barista, a decent designer, and an over-enthusiastic penguin handler.
Cara now writes full-time and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her bearded husband. When she's not trapped in her own head she can usually be found in the kitchen, the coffee shop, or jogging around the nearest duck-filled pond. She is a very proud member of the Romance Writers of America® and its New England Chapter. She was a 2010 Golden Heart® finalist, a 2012 Golden Leaf finalist, and a 2011 and 2013Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award nominee.
Have questions or comments? Email her! You can also find Cara on Twitter, Cara on Goodreads and Meg on Goodreads. And if you play Words With Friends, feel free to challenge Cara to a game—her user name is caramckenna.

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Thursday, 7 August 2014

(ARC) Book Review (371): Guarded (Tidewater #2) - Mary Behre


Guarded (Tidewater #2)

by 
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Guarded is the second book in the Tidewater series, I loved the first book and I couldn't wait to revisit this amazing series that Mary has crafted so cleverly.

Jules the heroine of the first book Spirited, was searching for her two long lost younger sisters after they were all separated and adopted by different families when they were younger, Guarded is all about the middle sister Shelly, a vet who is worried about the disappearances of quite a few animals from her local zoo which she assists at, putting a call through to an old college friend Dev who is now a Detective,  and who's partner Seth just happens to be engaged to her older sister Jules.

Each of the three sisters were born with a talent, Shelly can communicate with animals, and it's with this gift that she discovers through the animals that something sinister has been going on at the zoo, with Dev knowing about her ability he has no qualms about coming and helping Shelly, of course it has nothing to do with the fact that he's had what he assumed was an unrequited crush on her since they met in college, the chemistry between these two is hot, the reunion between Shelly and Jules is emotional and heartwarming and the story is exciting and suspenseful.

I really love this series, and I can't wait for the next book which I assume will be the youngest sister Hannah's book, I really look forward it finally seeing all three sisters finally reuniting.

Mary knows how to write a thoroughly engrossing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense, intrigue and utter captivation.

If you like books that feature romance, suspense and some paranormal elements then this is the series for you.

I give this 4/5 stars.


Mary Behre is the lone female in a house full of males and the undisputed queen of her domain. She even has the glittery tiara to prove it. She loves stories with humor, ghosts, mysteries and above all else, a good romance. When not writing, she enjoys reading, gluten-free baking, and hanging out at the beach with the most important men in her life, her family.
Her debut paranormal romance, SPIRITED (Tidewater Novel #1) was an award-winning manuscript before it sold to Berkley Sensation. The Tidewater Series is mix of humor, suspense, and a psychic love-connection. The first three stories are about three sisters separated years before in the foster care system. As they search for love, each other, and a way to live with their psychic abilities, they’re tossed into the middle of mysteries that only their unique gifts can help solve.
Mary loves to hear from readers. Find her on Twitter/@MaryBehre and Facebook/MaryBehre.Author.
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Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Book Review (370): Virgin - Radhika Sanghani


Virgin

Publication: 5th August 2014
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 304
Genre: Contemporary
Age Appropriate: New Adult
Okay, I admit it…I didn’t do it.

Yet.

This is normal, right?  I mean, just because everyone I know has talked like they’ve already done it doesn’t mean that they’re telling the truth…right?

It’s not like I’m asking for that much. I don’t need the perfect guy. I don’t need candlelight or roses. Honestly, I don’t even need a real bed.

The guys I know complain that girls are always looking for Mr. Right—do I have to wear a sign that says I’m only looking for Mr. Right Now?

Sooooo…anyone out there want sex? Anyone? Hello? Just for fun?

I am not going to die a virgin. One way or another I am going to make this happen.

Hey, what have I got to lose? Besides the obvious.
My Thoughts.
Virgin is a laugh-out loud contemporary novel that follows Ellie, a twenty-one year old student in her final year of college, and oh yeah she's a virgin, and she is determined to lose her V card before college is over.

Unfortunately Ellie has not had the best track record with guys, she feels left out whenever her friends talk about their sex lives, if only she could find a guy to lose her virginity to, or even to ask her out on a date.

With hilarious anecdotes and mishaps along the way, o.k a lot of mishaps, this book goes through what most females have had to deal with, and questions we've all had about our bodies and sex.

I also enjoyed the blog entries throughout after Ellie and her friend Emma start a blog about the aforementioned subjects.

I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did, Ellie is a character that all females can relate to, not perfect in any way but with all the same worries girls have had at one time or another.

I'm intrigued to see what Radhika releases next, if it's anything like this book I'll be all over it.

A fantastic debut novel.

I give this 4/5 stars.


Radhika Sanghani is a journalist for the Daily Telegraph, where she specializes in writing about women and women’s issues. She has an MA in newspaper journalism from City University London, a BA in English literature from University College London, and recently came in second in GQ’s Norman Mailer writing competition. Virgin is her debut novel.


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Saturday, 2 August 2014

Book Review (369): No Attachments (Woodfalls Girls #1) - Tiffany King


No Attachments (Woodfalls Girls #1)

Publication: 5th August 2014
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 304
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: New Adult
Ashton Garrison walked away from her current life to escape the one thing she’s unwilling to face. She knows her decision may be selfish, but in the end, leaving will be far less painful for everyone. Now she has one goal: live life to the fullest with no regrets and no attachments. What Ashton doesn’t count on is how fate always seems to find a way to screw up any good plan.
 
Nathan Lockton specializes in locating a mark. He’s done it over and over again—no attachments and no emotion necessary. What he thought was a routine lost-and-found job has forced Nathan to deal with something he has always ignored—his feelings. He’s never fallen for a target, yet he’s never met anyone like Ashton. Now deep in a dilemma, Nathan must decide to follow his heart, or complete the job he was hired to do.
 
Love can come when you least expect it. The question is: If the odds are stacked against you, how far are you willing to go for the one you love?
My Thoughts.
Ashton has run away from her former life, Nathan has been hired to find her and report back to his client her location, but when one night Ashton who plans on crossing an item off her list of twenty-seven things she must do, by having a one-night stand with a stranger, tries to pick him up at a bar (hilariously so as she's drunk at the time) he finds that he's charmed by her, better yet the attraction between these two is immediate and the chemistry is hot.

Against his better judgement Nathan holds off on divulging her whereabouts, and instead plans to get to know Ashton a bit better, from the start they both let the other know that they want no attachments, with neither knowing the other one's secrets they spend a lot of time together, but it isn't long before they both develop feelings for one another, when Ashton's reasons for running away finally catch up to her there'll be a long battle ahead if they are to have any kind of future together.

This book was extremely hard to put down once I picked it up, told in dual perspectives by both Ashton and Nathan, we got to see both of their thoughts as their relationship progressed, and when Ashton's shockingly unexpected secret was revealed I was a sniveling, ugly crying mess, especially the letter she wrote to Nathan, it killed me.

Tiffany has a way of writing that will keep you completely absorbed, the storyline was fantastic, the shock-factor was nothing that I was expecting and the characters will warm your heart, I look forward to starting the next book in this series which I will be picking up as soon as this review is finished.

A fantastic debut book in  a new series, I recommend everybody pick this one up.

I give this 5/5 stars.


USA Today Bestselling author Tiffany King is a lifelong reading fanatic who is now living her dream as a writer, weaving Young Adult and New Adult romance tales for others to enjoy. She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, zombies and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask.

Where to connect with Tiffany
Twitter- @AuthorTiffany

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(ARC) Book Review (368): Strange And Ever After (Something Strange And Deadly #3) - Susan Dennard


Strange and Ever After (Something Strange and Deadly #3)

Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 400
Genre: Steampunk/Paranormal
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Strange And Ever After is the final book in the Something Sweet And Deadly Trilogy, set in a historical time period, combining steampunk and zombies which gives every one of the books a gothic feel, and will send you on a journey across the world.

This book mainly takes place in Egypt, as Eleanor, the spirit-hunters and Oliver trek down Marcus to destroy him once and for all.

Without giving too much away, the power that Eleanor possesses is gradually increasing as is her hatred and fury for Marcus, still trying to keep away from the hellhounds that are after her, and also her will they-won't they relationship with Daniel will finally be resolved.

All questions are answered by the time the book comes to a close, but not everybody makes it out alive, and it's because of this that I disliked the end so much, after everything that all of these characters have suffered and been put through, I would expect all of them together to receive their well deserved happily ever afters, but instead we end up suffering the loss of a character that just ruined the whole series for me.

However I have enjoyed Susan's writing and imagery throughout the trilogy, and  I will certainly keep an eye out for her next release.

I give this 3/5 stars.


I’m a 30-year-old reader, writer, lover of animals, and eater of cookies. I used to be a marine biologist, but now I write novels. And not novels about fish either, but novels about kick-butt heroines and swoon-worthy rogues (I really like swoon-worthy rogues).
I live in the Midwestern US with my French husband and Irish setter, and you can learn more about my crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on twitter, facebook, or Goodreads.
My debut, Something Strange and Deadly,  is now available from HarperTeen along with its sequel, A Darkness Strange and Lovely. The final installment in the series, Strange and Ever After, will release 7/22/14. Plus, my new epic fantasy series–Truthwitch–will release from Tor in fall 2015!
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Friday, 1 August 2014

Blog Tour: (ARC) Book Review (367): Ugly Love - Colleen Hoover




Ugly Love

Publication: 5th August 2014
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 336
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: New Adult
#1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with a new heart-wrenching love story.

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn't think it's love at first sight. They wouldn't even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn't want love, she doesn't have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past. 
Don't expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can't handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated. 
Promises get broken. 
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.
My Thoughts.
The feels...the feels... OMG the feels....

Reading this book felt like Colleen Hoover had torn my heart out and stomped all over it, I sort of had a niggling suspicion of what had happened to Miles six years ago but to read and confirm what I had thought was just devastating.

Colleen's books have a way of pulling at my heartstrings, Hopeless and Losing Hope were two books that did just that, I didn't think that she could do it again, boy was I wrong!

This story told in dual perspectives of Tate and Miles was so well done, we have our heroine Tate who has moved in with her older brother Corbin, the day she moves in she comes across a drunk and passed out guy sitting against her new apartment door, that's our first introduction to Miles, we do eventually find out what got him so drunk that day *sob* but I won't ruin it for anybody.

The attraction and chemistry is hot between these two, but six years ago something happened to Miles that changed his life forever and turned him into the man he is today, unwilling to love or to be close to anybody, which brings me to his perspective his are told from six years ago, and each chapter comes closer to explaining the terribly devastating incident that made him into the shell of the boy he used to be.

They both decide to be friends with benefits, without the friends part, just sex, Miles tells Tate not to ask about his past and too never expect any kind of future with him.

But against her better judgement Tate finds herself falling for Miles, but his rules are clear, and although in the back of her mind she may be hoping that Miles will change his mind and come to care for her too, she knows this won't last forever and she'll need to break things off before she falls too deep in love with him.

Colleen has a way of creating characters that end up being unforgettable, Miles is one of those characters, damaged and in so much pain that you can't help but empathise with him and hope that he can eventually accept the past and move on, be happy and to live again.

Obviously this is one book that I will be recommending to everybody, this is up there with my other favorite books of Colleen's Hopeless and Losing Hope, do you see the pattern, the books that I love most of hers are the one's that shatter me the most and leave me bawling like a baby

A fantastic book that I cannot praise enough.

I give this a huge 5/5 stars.


Colleen Hoover's love for writing began in 1985 when she was five years old. Her first story was titled "Mystery Bob" and was a huge hit with her mother, who was really good at faking interest.
Colleen continued to write short stories for friends and family until December of 2011, when she decided to write a long story she titled, "Slammed." She self-published SLAMMED to Amazon in January, 2012 and it hit the NYT's bestsellers list in May, 2012. She has since signed with Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and now has six NYT's bestsellers. Colleen prefers to be called a writer, as the term "author" still terrifies her and makes this feel like a job with expectations. She doesn't work well under pressure and hopes writing will always remain fun and exciting.
Colleen's newest novel, UGLY LOVE, releases August 5th, 2014. She is currently working on a new novel, CONFESS, which she is writing as fast as she can before she wakes up from this crazy dream.
You can follow Colleen on Instagram and Twitter @colleenhoover. You can also find her on her blog at www.colleenhoover.com where she holds a daily book-a-day giveaway, or on her very active Facebook page at www.facebook.com/authorcolleenhoover where she loves to give away more free stuff when her husband isn't looking.
Colleen also wants the world to know that writing short biographies in third person is incredibly awkward.

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Saturday, 26 July 2014

Book Review (366): All Of You (Between Breaths #1) - Christina Lee


All of You (Between Breaths #1)

Publication: 1st July 2014
Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 304
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: New Adult
Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor. He's irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin.

Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating—she's perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother's bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, all Avery can handle is a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes.

When she meets smoking hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him—for just one night. But he won't accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straight-laced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.

Bennett sees something special in Avery and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him, too.

So she needs to make a choice—let Bennett go or finally let him in.
My Thoughts.
All Of You would have to be one of my absolute favorite books of the year, the first book in a new adult contemporary romance series, this book was fantastic.

Avery doesn't do love or relationships, after an incident(s) when she was sixteen changed her outlook on men, she decided from then on that she calls the shots and she has no problem with sleeping with random guys, so when she first lay's eyes on Bennett at a party she's immediately attracted to him, but what she doesn't know at the time is that Bennett is a virgin, saving himself until he finds the one, so even though the chemistry between these two is off the charts, she is not willing to make the commitment that Bennett so want's her to give him.

Both coming from dysfunctional families where they were both responsible for their younger siblings, they have a lot in common, but can Bennett melt the ice around Avery's heart, and get her to finally take a chance on him and love.

This was a one sit read for me, Christina's writing has a way of getting you so absorbed in the story that nothing else outside of it matters.

I cannot wait for the next book which will be Avery's best-friend Ella's book, although I don't know if that book will make as much of an impact as All Of You did, this was one of those amazing books that don't come around too often, but when it does wow...you're in for a treat.

Highly recommended.

I give this 5/5 stars.


Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son--her two favorite guys.

She's addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. She believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

Author of the Between Breaths series from Penguin. ALL OF YOU, BEFORE YOU BREAK and WHISPER TO ME available now, PROMISE ME THIS on October 7th, 2014.

Also Adult contemporary romance TWO OF HEARTS coming from Peguin/NAL on May 5th 2015.

Website + Facebook + Twitter + Goodreads
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