Book Review (411): Burn For Me (Hidden Legacy # 1) - Ilona Andrews

Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy #1)

by Ilona Andrews

Publication: 28th October 2014

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 382

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Age Appropriate: Adult

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire…

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

My Thoughts.

This is the very first Ilona Andrews (husband/wife team) book that I've ever read, and I don't know why I waited this long, I looooooved this book so much, full of magic, action, witty repertoire, sizzling chemistry and of course the incomparable Connor 'Mad' Rogan.

Nevada Baylor works as a private investigator, after she is threatened with having her business taken away and her family being left homeless she agrees to the case even though the chances are that she won't survive it, in this world people have magical powers and she has been sent after Adam Pierce, a Prime who are the strongest magic users there are, his power is fire and he's extremely dangerous not caring if he hurts or kills anybody, whilst trying to convince Adam to turn himself in to his family she is kidnapped by Mad Rogan who ended up with the moniker for a very good reason, another Prime he is very powerful and against her better judgement Nevada agrees to team up with him and help stop Adam and his nefarious plans.

The main reason I adored this book so much was the interaction between Nevada and Mad, the dialogue between these two was hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit, add to that the attraction and sexual tension between these two and it was extremely hard to get myself to put this book down.

Another thing I loved is the fact that although this is an adult urban fantasy there was no sex in this book which we don't see much these days, although there were a couple of steamy kisses, the reason I loved it is because it just prolongs the tension and makes for an interesting storyline, drawing it out so the readers have something to eagerly await.

The concept of this story was so good, I enjoyed that magic was the main aspect.

I cannot wait for the next book, I need some more Mad Rogan, I commend the authors for creating such a fantastic character, I can see myself becoming quite addicted to this series, it was just incredibly written and awesome all around.

I can't recommend this highly enough, a great start to what appears to be an incredible series.

I give 5/5 stars.

Authors – Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. author2smIlona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)

Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children, and many dogs and cats. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.

Book Review (410): Christmas At Tiffany's - Karen Swan

Christmas at Tiffany's

by Karen Swan

Publication: 28th October 2014

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Pages: 592

Genre: Chick-Lit

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Amazon ☀ B&N ☀ Book Depository ☀ Goodreads

What do you do when the man you pledged your life to breaks your heart and shatters your dreams? You pack your bags and travel the big, wide world to find your destiny--and your true love . . .

Ten years ago, a young and naive Cassie married her first serious boyfriend, believing he would be with her forever. Now her marriage is in tatters and Cassie has no career or home of her own. Though she feels betrayed and confused, Cassie isn't giving up. She's going to take control of her life. But first she has to find out where she belongs . . . and who she wants to be.

Over the course of one year, Cassie leaves her sheltered life in rural Scotland to stay with her best friends living in the most glamorous cities in the world: New York, Paris, and London. Exchanging comfort food and mousy hair for a low-carb diet and a gorgeous new look, Cassie tries each city on for size as she searches for the life she's meant to have . . . and the man she's meant to love.

My Thoughts.

One of the best surprises as a reader is when you pick a book up thinking this'll be alright, not expecting to be blown away by how fantastic it ends up being, and that's just what Karen has done here, truth be told I was expecting a fluffy and typical chick-lit story instead I got so much more, once I started this book it was so hard to put it down again.

On the night of her tenth wedding anniversary Cassie discovers that not only has her husband been cheating on her with one of her best-friends but they also have a three year old son, devastated she makes a plan with her three childhood best-friends to spend four months with each of them, Kelly in New York, Anouk in Paris and Suzy in London, along the way Cassie finds heartbreak, happiness and love as she discovers herself and the person she's meant to be, with a cast of characters that are entertaining and uniquely different from each other and the landscapes of three big cities around the world as this stories backdrop.

With vivid descriptions, a great storyline and in Cassie a heroine that I can surely relate to, this book will keep you entertained and completely absorbed as Cassie finds herself in the experiences she has throughout.

I will be sure to pick up any other Karen Swan books that I come across, and keep an eye out for further releases.

A great Christmas read, I definitely recommend this one.

I give this 4/5 stars.

About Karen Swan

Karen Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and an ADHD puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her first novel, Players, was published in 2010, followed by Prima Donna and Christmas at Tiffany’s in 2011.

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Book Review (409): Sunflower Lane (Lonesome Way #4) - Jill Gregory

Sunflower Lane (Lonesome Way #4)

by Jill Gregory

Publication: 4th November 2014

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 304

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It: Amazon + Barnes & Noble + The Book Depository

A heartwarming new novel by New York Times bestselling author Jill Gregory about taking a chance on passion, trust, love—and finally healing the past…

For Annabelle Harper, summer in her hometown of Lonesome Way, Montana, means a chance to make a home for her orphaned young nieces and nephew. It’s also a chance to find a new direction for her life—one that doesn’t include romance. So when rugged Wes McPhee shows up back in town, she has every reason to keep him at a distance…

Even unhappy memories can’t keep Wes from returning to Lonesome Way to help his grandmother recover from an injury. And his fear of commitment isn’t enough to make him resist the tantalizing heat that he feels whenever he’s near Annabelle. But can a wandering man like Wes ever settle down? When an old enemy comes to Lonesome Way, and their dreams of love are threatened, Wes and Annabelle must fight for the future.

My Thoughts.

Sunflower Lane is the fourth book in the Lonesome Way series.

This year is when I discovered my love for small town contemporary romance books, series especially, there's nothing like picking up a first book in a series and becoming absorbed in the lives and loves of small town life, and eagerly awaiting each new release.

Based in Lonesome Way, Montana a different couple is at the heart of each book, but as with all romances the journey to happily ever after is never a smooth one as problems and obstacles must be overcome before they can start their lives together.

Wes McPhee left Lonesome Way at eighteen, determined never to return after having one too many fights and arguments with his Dad vowing to never speak with him again, years later his Dad is dead and Wes returns when his Gran injures herself, not planning on staying past the Fourth of July, he rents a rundown, ramshackle cabin from Annabelle Harper who has become guardian to her orphaned nieces and nephew, sparks fly between the two but with Wes determined to leave will this romance be over before it's begun?

With a cavalcade of appearances from past couples and even some new characters there's something here for everyone.

A fantastic series full of warmth, love, laughter and heartwarming stories that will leave you with a smile in your face.

I look forward to the next book and the next couple to fall in love with.

An extremely enjoyable series by an author that knows how to write a good romance.

I give this 4/5 stars,

Jill Gregory is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of more than thirty five historical and contemporary novels and has been honored with the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as with back-to-back Reviewer’s Choice awards for Best Western Historical Romance. Her books have been published in more than twenty-four countries. Her contemporary novel SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE, co-written with Karen Tintori, was adapted into a CBS TV movie of the week and was excerpted in Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Jill’s most recent series is her contemporary Lonesome Way book series (SAGE CREEK, LARKSPUR ROAD, BLACKBIRD LAKE, SUNFLOWER LANE), set in Montana and published by Berkley Sensation.
Jill grew up in Chicago and received her bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of Illinois. An animal lover, Jill loves long walks, reading, hot tea on a winter’s day, and the company of friends. She lives in Michigan with her husband, and enjoys her home overlooking the woods where the deer, rabbits, squirrels, and an occasional owl or hawk come out to play.
I love hearing from my readers and they can email me at JillyGreg@aol.com, or find me on Facebook, Twitter (@Jill_Gregory), and Pinterest. To see my latest news, readers can get the scoop at my website, www.jillgregory.net

(ARC) Book Review (408): The Maverick Of Copper Creek (Copper Creek Cowboys #1) - R.C. Ryan

The Maverick of Copper Creek (Copper Creek Cowboys #1)

by R.C. Ryan

Publication: 30th September 2014

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 400

Genre: Western Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It:  Amazon Barnes&Noble  Books A Million

In the New York Times bestselling tradition of Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer, comes R.C. Ryan's stunning new western trilogy about the MacKenzie brothers of Copper Creek, Montana.

First love always burns hotter . . .

Ash MacKenzie broke his share of hearts when he left Copper Creek all those years ago and struck out on his own. Tall, tough, and proud. That's how Brenna always remembered him, and from the looks of things, he hasn't changed much. Once, she thought he could save her—whisk her away from her rough childhood home and start fresh together. Now she knows better . . .

Ash isn't planning to stick around town long. As soon as he uncovers the truth about his father's death and makes sure the family ranch is safe, he'll be back out on his own. And then he runs into Brenna Crane. It broke his heart to leave her once—a herd of stampeding horses couldn't make him do it again. But Brenna has made a new life for herself, one that doesn't include him. Now he just has to convince her to give their first love a second chance.

My Thoughts.

The Maverick Of Copper Creek is the first book in an all new western romance series.

At the age of nineteen Ash MacKenzie left home after one too many fights with his Father, Bear MacKenzie, eventually settling down on his own ranch in Wyoming.

The story skips forward ten years and we're there when Bear is shot and killed by an unknown assailant, when Ash hears the news he rush's home to Montana and the family ranch that he hasn't been back to once since the day he left, running into his best-friend and first love Brenna, he discovers that she's now engaged and has moved on with her life, after seeing her Ash realises that his feelings for her haven't changed one bit.

With the mystery of Bear's murder and with no idea of a motive in why he was killed, suspects are hard to find, there also seems to be someone targeting Brenna, with no enemies that she's aware of and the incidents only increasing and getting worse, will Ash and Brenna discover who is behind all this before someone's life is lost?

I've become a big fan of western romances lately and this is another great addition to the genre, with a great cast of characters who all gather when there's somebody in need and made this book a joy to read.

I look forward to further books in the series and of course more of the MacKenzies.

I give this 4/5 stars.

New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety fiction novels, both contemporary and historical.  Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer.  In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan.  She has also appeared on CNN News, as well as Good Morning America.  R.C. Ryan is a pseudonym of New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ryan Langan.

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Book Review (407): On The Edge - Allison Van Diepen

On the Edge

by Allison van Diepen

Publication: 25th November 2014

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 304

Genre: Contemporary

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

Buy It: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound 

From Allison van Diepen, author of Snitch and Street Pharm, comes a sexy, dangerous novel about a teen who witnesses a murder and gets caught up in the seedy world of Miami’s gangs.

Maddie Diaz never should have taken that shortcut through the park. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have seen two members of the Reyes gang attacking a homeless man. Now, as the only witness, she knows there’s a target on her back. 

But when the Reyes jump her on the street, Maddie is protected by a second gang and their secretive leader, Lobo, who is determined to take down the Reyes himself. Lobo is mysterious and passionate, and Maddie begins to fall for him. But when they live this close to the edge, can their love survive?

On the Edge is a compelling story about fighting for what’s right and figuring out where you belong. The novel showcases a gritty, realistic voice and earth–shattering romance that will intrigue readers of Simone Elkeles and Paul Griffin and captivate fans of Allison van Diepen's other novels.

My Thoughts.

Ever since this book first appeared on Goodreads I've been intrigued by it, I would even say this was one of my most anticipated books of the year, so when I received a copy for review I was ecstatic, the concept is what initially drew me in, I find that I quite enjoy books that feature gangs and girls who fall for gang members, it also helps when it's compared to Simone Elkeles who's Perfect Chemistry series I adore.

One night while walking through the park after a party Maddie witnesses two gang members from the Reyes attacking a homeless man who subsequently dies, reporting the crime to the police Maddie knows that the Reyes will be after her for payback, when she ends up getting jumped she is saved from further injury when Lobo the head of the Destinos and his gang save her and offer her their protection, Maddie is drawn to Lobo but since his face is always covered whenever she see's him she never knows what he looks like.

Torn between her attraction to Lobo and also Ortiz the hot guy who works at her local corner store, her choice is made for her when Lobo stays away to keep her safe, with all out war coming to a head between three gangs tension is brewing and retribution is coming.

This book once picked up is hard to put down it's a quick read, and while I did guess Lobo's true identity as soon as he appeared in the book it didn't take anything away from the story once it was revealed, full of action and fast paced this book will keep you enthralled the whole way through.

I give this 4/5 stars.

Allison van Diepen is the author of seven teen novels: Takedown, Street Pharm, Snitch, Raven, The Oracle of Dating, The Oracle Rebounds, and The Vampire Stalker. Her novels have been named ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers and New York City Public Library Books for the Teen Age. 

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Book Review (406): Mistletoe On Main Street (Briar Creek #1) - Olivia Miles

Mistletoe on Main Street (Briar Creek #1)

by Olivia Miles

Publication: 30th September 2014

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 400

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: Adult

Buy It:  Goodreads / Amazon / B&N

Sleigh bells, snow, and second chances . . .
Briar Creek's quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of--for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father's death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter's night.

Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life?

Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it's time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe.

My Thoughts.

To say I loved this book was an understatement, there are no words to describe how much I adored this book, as soon as I started reading the first page I was hooked, I could not put it down, my house could have been burning down around me and I wouldn't have known, Olivia's writing grabbed hold of me from the start and wouldn't let go, this book is filled with everything I love in a contemporary romance, it's like Olivia crawled into my head pulled them out and wrote this fantastic book, it has:
* small town romance
* second chance at love
* the story take place at Christmas time
* it features a bookstore
* our main heroine Grace is a best-selling author
* the gorgeous cover (I know that has nothing to do with the story but it's so pretty).

Grace has returned home to Briar Creek for Christmas, having left five years ago to escape her first love Luke and all of the memories, she settled in New York and became a best-selling author just like she'd dreamed off, after her last book received less than stellar reviews Grace has almost given up on her writing career, her one goal while here is to avoid Luke but when driving into town she finds her car stuck in a snow drift and who should come to her aid but the one person she didn't want to see Luke, both shocked at seeing each other again and with a painful history between them things are awkward to say the least.

Arriving home, for the first time since the death of her Dad, Grace is shocked to find her family's house which has in the past won numerous awards for the best decorated house at Christmas with her Mom being known around town for her competitive decorating, barely decorated with just a skinny excuse for a tree and her Mom just a shell of her former self haven't not yet come to terms with her husbands death, when Grave goes to visit her Dads bookstore in town which was his pride and joy she comes to discover that it's been closed, her family knowing how much the shop meant to her were too afraid to tell her knowing how upset she'd be when she found out, Grace decides to try and save the store to be able to afford the next years lease, with a plan in mind to hopefully expand with a cafe into the empty store next door, but things don't go to plan when the owner refuses to give it up, Grace has to come to terms with possibly closing the last link she has to her Dad and also dealing with the tension she incurs every time she's around Luke, will these two ever reconcile the past and realise that they are meant to be?

Filled with love, loss, grief and the rediscovery of the Christmas spirit, this is definitely a great book to pick up over Christmas to get you in the mood and bring you some Christmas cheer.

I eagerly await the next book and I look forward to immersing myself once again in the small town of Briar Creek, Olivia is an author that I will follow closely and who's books will be an auto-buy for me.

Loved the writing, story and the characters, a definite reread, especially closer to Christmas.

Highly recommended.

I give this 5/5 stars.

Olivia Miles lives in Chicago with her husband, young daughter, and two ridiculously pampered pups. As a city girl with a fondness for small-town charm, she enjoys incorporating both ways of life into her stories. Not a day goes by that Olivia doesn’t feel grateful for being able to pursue her passion, and sometimes she does have to pinch herself when she remembers she’s found her own Happily Ever After.

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Book Review (405): Caged In Winter (Caged In Winter #1) - Brighton Walsh

Caged in Winter (Caged in Winter #1)

by Brighton Walsh

Publication: 4th November 2014

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Pages: 304

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: New Adult

Buy It: Amazon Barnes and Noble iBooks Kobo

In this emotional and sexy New Adult debut from Brighton Walsh, the only thing more frightening than commitment is hope…
 
Aspiring chef Cade Maxwell is immediately, viscerally attracted to Winter Jacobson. But it’s not her mouthwatering curves he’s drawn to—it’s the strange emptiness in her eyes. When Cade saves her from a drunken customer with grabby hands, he’s shocked at her response…
 
Winter doesn’t need Cade’s help. After a lifetime of getting by on her own, she’s happy to rely on herself. She’s exactly seventy-six days away from graduating college, and if she can hold it together that long, she’ll finally be able to rise above the crappy hand she was dealt.
 
But now, every time she turns around, Cade is there, ready to push her, smile at her, distract her from her plans. Winter knows she can’t afford to open up—especially to a man she’s terrified to actually want…

My Thoughts.

Every time I pick up a new adult novel it's with a sense of anticipation, I've yet to read a book in this genre that I haven't liked, knowing that this book has had nothing but good reviews and praise heaped upon it, made me quite eager to pick this book up and immerse myself in the world that Brighton has created writing this book.

And I'm delighted to say that I didn't just like this book I adore it, I fell completely in love with the story and the characters, I shed a few tears and ended up putting this book down with a smile on my face.

Winter's secret is heartbreaking, I can understand why she is so closed off and determined that she won't ever have to depend on anybody but herself, life has been hard on her, when we start the book she is seventy-six days away from graduating college with the hope of finding herself a job in her chosen field of graphic design, meanwhile to make ends meet to afford rent and food she works nights at a bar, hating the job but knowing it's the only one she can find that fits around her college classes she gets used to the customers who think that because she has to wear a skimpy uniform that that gives them the right to touch her inappropriately, one night when a guy gets a bit grabby she's saved by Cade who is drawn to Winter immediately, unable to stop thinking about her he shows up every night desperate to know her name and take her out on a date, she eventually relents and they tentively start a relationship, and it's not long before Winter's insecurities, issues of trust and belief that anyone would want her rear there ugly head, can she finally open up to Cade and let go of her past before she loses the best thing that she's ever had in her life.

There's so many things to love about this book, the writing will keep you immersed so that you won't know what's going on around you, forget about putting the book down once you pick it up no matter how many times you tell yourself just one more chapter, before you know it the book is finished and you're left wondering where the time went.

The characters are a highlight here: Winter who is a strong, independent woman struggling to make ends meet but determined that she will do it on her own without anyone's help, but also broken inside and never able to rid herself of the baggage she's been carrying around for so long, never letting anyone see her softer side, too afraid of getting hurt again, and then we have Cade: sexy, strong, caring and more worried about making sure he's there for everybody else than worrying about what he wants, even willing to give up his dream job as a chef so he's there for his sister and niece.
Through being together they'll overcome obstacles and might just make their dreams come true if both of them are willing to let go and give life a chance.

I eagerly await the next book which will be Tessa and Jason's, just from the sneak peek I've read I can tell I'm going to love it already, if you love new adult contemporary romance's then be sure to check this book out, it's amazing.

I give this 5/5 stars.

Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before deciding to take her storytelling in a different direction and reconnect with writing. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children.

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