ARC Review: Wolf Moon

I'm so behind with Lisa Kessler's Moon Series, but better late than never. I have read the first book (Adam's story) and the sixth book (Logan's story), but when an email came through asking if I wanted to read the newest and seventh book (Luke's story), I couldn't resist. Check out my review below.

Title: Wolf Moon
Series: Moon Series
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Release Date: February 6, 2017
Pages: 248
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | BN

Blurb:

As the last Pack member without a mate, Luke Reynolds has become an outsider. When he takes a job as the head horse trainer in Sedona, Arizona, he’s looking forward to starting a new life. But everything changes the night he finds a beautiful woman stranded on the side of the highway.

Raven Wood has been bitten and turned against her will. Luckily, her spirit is stronger than most, and she has every intention of escaping the Sedona Pack. Somehow. The sexy lone wolf who rescues her might be just the answer she’s looking for.

But the Sedona Pack Alpha has a mission, and unless Luke and Raven can stop him, they’ll lose everything.

Action-packed and quite epic!

I have been reading this series out of order, and this has been the third book I've read from the series. I must say that this was my favorite book so far! I loved it so much!

Chapter 1 was such a great example of how to write a proper story. If that doesn't sell this book to you, I don't know what would.

Luke was afraid he'd never find his mate, but when he did, wow, what a dilemma!

There was a part when Luke was beaten to a pulp and he couldn't fight back. That was such a gruesome thing to read, but it was necessary. I thought it only strengthened his resolve to successfully infiltrate the pack of misguided wolves led by a sinister Alpha. 

Raven was a headstrong woman who was bitten to become part of an army of werewolves. The instinct to protect was just as present as it was inside Luke's. It was so energizing reading about Raven and Luke trying to protect each other. 

One of my favorite things from this book was in chapter one when the author inserted all kinds of ironic things that the readers would have already known, but Raven didn't. It was fun waiting for her to piece things together and figure things out.

Raven: "You're very sexy when you lift saddles like they weigh nothing."

Luke: "And just so you know... I lift saddles multiple times a day."

Raven: "Is that a challenge?"

Luke: "Nah. Just thought you might want to know."

Another thing I really enjoyed was how Luke kept trying to teach other wolves in the pack he'd infiltrated how to properly greet each other. I thought it was so honorable and... right. 

I also really enjoyed the part when they all turned under a full moon and someone had to bite Luke's tail in order to prevent him from giving away his cover. It would seem that his wolf wasn't in on the secret ;)

Overall, this book made me glad I started reading paranormal romance again. That's not to say I'd actively seek them out now, but I'm glad I'm reading this series. 

"I'd rather have a little place so I can keep accidentally bumping into you."

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ARC Review: Southern Nights and Secrets

I met Robin Covington at the RWA Conference last July. I'd previously read her books before and I really enjoyed them. So, when I saw that her new release was up on NetGalley, I immediately requested it. Check out my thoughts below!

Title: Southern Nights and Secrets
Series: The Boys Are Back In Town, #4
Author: Robin Covington
Publisher: Entangled: Indulgence
Release Date: September 19, 2016
Pages: 208
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

Blurb:

Being a doctor is everything to me, but I’m not going to let bureaucrats tell me how to practice medicine. It’s about saving lives no matter what, screw them and their paperwork.

When the one woman I could never forget, Ginger Crawford, shows up as my boss all bets are off. The heat between us is tough to ignore but I have to if I want a future at this hospital. It isn’t easy. Every time we argue, I want her even more.

But I’ve got secrets she can never know, and she’s always going to be way too good for me. So it’s best if she hates me…at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

I love, love, love this book! From the very beginning, it was action-packed, and frankly, that was how you properly start a story. Well done, Ms. Covington!

"These are people. Patients. Not outcomes."

Dr. Beckett Sutherland... Gee, where to start? Oh, let's start with the cover. One thing I noticed was the model's lips. How appropriate were those lips to represent Dr. Sutherland? So sexy. Anyway, Beck was a complicated character, but he had the biggest heart. It might not have been obvious, however, because he chose to hide his true self. He didn't think his actions were enough to atone for his mistakes when he hadn't a choice as a kid. 

"Dr. Sutherland. Didn't your mama ever tell you that you get more flies with honey than vinegar?"

"My mama didn't stick around long enough to teach me shit, and you know my tongue can be mighty sweet when I want it to be."

Virginia, aka Ginger, was a force to be reckoned with. Being the daughter of a NAVY Seal, she learned many skills including the ability to shut off her emotions most of the time. To be honest, I found that very admirable. Her character was fiery when she wasn't hiding behind a mask. She was a firecracker when Beck was able to push her boundaries. Their chemistry was explosive!

Ginger had always spent a ridiculous amount of money on underwear that barely covered the fun parts.

Who could resists Beck's charms? He had the ability to even charm some men, but I bet that had something to do with his pure heart rather than him actually trying. I'd say he was probably one of my favorite book boyfriends this year. 

The serpent in the Garden of Good and Evil had nothing on Beckett.

The cameos of the other boys from this series made me want to read the previous books. Where had I been living? A rock?! I totally missed out!

Want some more? Check out the sexy snippet below by clicking on the button... if you dare. 

He moved forward, his arms raised and his hands placed flat against the door.

"Gin, baby, let me in," he whispered against her ear, his warm breath brushing the tendrils of her hair against the skin of her neck. She arched her neck involuntarily, her silent plea answered by the fleeting brush of his lips against her lobe. She shivered, her keys almost slipping from her fingers.

Fuck, she wanted him. Beckett didn't have to wear her down like the waves crashing against the shore, his power was like the undertow, swirling around her, playfully enticing her farther out into the water. The harder she fought against the pull, the more seductive his movements became. Take this move--she should have expected him to show up at her door, but she didn't. It didn't fit in her ordered plan for her world, and the surprise delighted her inner romantic who refused to see that being swept off your feet usually led to a painful crash. She couldn't let him in no matter how much she wanted to.

Virginia braced her trembling hand and inserted the key into the lock, twisting until the tumbler gave way and she released the keys to grab the doorknob.

Beckett's hand closing over hers halted her movement and prevented her escape. Or was she planning to invite him in? She had no idea.

All she knew was that her blood was hot, her sex was wet, and her heart rattled against her chest like it was trying to escape.

"Let me in." His voice was deeper, rougher, and accompanied by a tender scrape of his teeth along her shoulder, lingering on the spot where it sloped upward into the exposed skin of her neck.

She let out a long, shuddering breath.

"If you let me in I will fuck you until you cannot move. I know how to make you feel good, and I promise you will feel the pleasure a week from now." He huffed out a breath caught between a laugh and a moan against her flesh. "You know I can fucking do it."

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ARC Review: Claiming the Enemy

When I read the blurb of this book, I wanted to read it right away. I didn't realize that it was part of the Pulse series, in which I reviewed Seducing the Boss by Mari Carr previously. Check out my thoughts of the story below!

Title: Claiming the Enemy
Series: Pulse, #3
Author: Lauren Hawkeye
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Release: September 12, 2016
Pages: 144
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

Blurb:

Piper Dawson has spent a lifetime living by other people’s rules.
She’s worked hard to get what she wants—a residency at her first choice hospital—and no one will ever tie her down again, not even her severe yet incredibly sexy supervisor, Dr. Alexander “Ace” Lennox.

Ace is done with love. He’s had his heart shattered, and he never wants to go there again. But when he’s inexplicably enticed by the sexy, tattooed woman with blue streaks in her hair and a perpetual smile on her lips, he figures that maybe he can keep it to just sex.

The problem? He thrives on control, and Piper dances just around the edges of it.

But when they're together, control is the first thing to go...

This book was explosive, there were times when I was afraid I'd explode while reading it!

Ace and Piper didn't like each other. They always butted heads; Ace thought Piper was crazy, and Piper thought Ace was a jerk. Ah well, opposites attract, right?

I really liked that Piper was a smart ass in the beginning. She enjoyed messing with Ace for the most part, and reeling him into pretending to be with her was just the cherry on top.

Once Ace was on board with the game, he was proven a great player. Oh, and did you know Ace was a dirty talker? Oh boy, he was good. No wonder Piper was all over him. He also had weird little things that he liked about Piper like her tan lines and her back. Sheesh, he was gone before he even knew it.

"Piper had an orgasm over her dessert."

Piper was just a joy in all kinds of ways. She was open and confident, though she did feel insecure at times about how she looked. See, Piper wasn't rich, but Ace was. I couldn't blame her if she felt intimidated sometimes.

I recently developed a thing for men dipping their women. Ace clearly knew what was good because in one of the scenes, he dipped Piper just to say something sexy to her. Piper's reaction was: "Holy. Shit."  Yep, exactly.

There were so many other delicious surprises in this book, but I wouldn't spoil it. Let me just say that Ace couldn't keep his hands to himself as a result. 

Lastly, I really enjoyed that Kellan from Seducing the Boss made a cameo. He was such a great man, and funny as well!

Kellan: "Fill these (sexual harassment forms) out while I go check on Dr. Alvarado." He was halfway out the door before he hesitated and turned back. "Do not have sex on my desk."

So, what are you waiting for? Get this book now!

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Review: Seducing the Boss

Remember when I reviewed my first ever Mari Carr book, Blank Canvas? I said in that review that I'd definitely be reading more of her books, so when I saw that her new release is up for review from Entangled, I immediately signed up. Read my thoughts below!

Title: Seducing the Boss
Series: Pulse, #2
Author: Mari Carr
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Release Date: August 1, 2016
Pages: 157
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | Google | BN | Kobo

Blurb:

Kellan James is unwinding at Score when he spots the last person he’d ever expect to find in his favorite bar. Sara Connelly—ER nurse, do-gooder, charitable crusader, and frequent pain in his ass. Both grew up privileged in swanky Southampton, but that’s where the similarities end. Kellan’s made it his mission to seek out life’s pleasures; Sara gains pleasure from lecturing him on his lifestyle. Kellan would never date someone like her. Ever.

But when Kellan discovers Sara’s been stood-up by an online date, something fierce and protective awakens inside of him. Typically, Kellan would enjoy teasing the jilted Sara, but something in her face sends him over to her table with a plan. He encourages her to take a walk on the wild side, one weekend of sin, no holds barred.

She accepts, but it quickly becomes apparent that one night isn’t enough. As the pull between them grows stronger, Kellan discovers it’s a very dangerous thing to say never.

Humorous, Romantic, and So Hot!

From the very beginning, I was hooked to this book. I giggled, I swooned, but I also fell in love very quickly with the characters. Kellan had such a charm that was irresistible. He was the eternal playboy who was the whole package: tall, dark, handsome, and intelligent. Well, damn. I wanted him for myself.

Sara was commonly known as Scrubs. Who knew she was hiding a sexy body underneath the unflattering nurse scrubs? But you'd be happy to know that she wasn't all good looks. Underneath, her heart shone like a beautiful star, if only one would pay attention *ahem, Kellan, ahem*

It was funny because I could relate to Sara's unplanned celibacy. When Kellan appeared so shock, it reminded me of my friend feeling so sad for me, just like Kellan did for Sara :)

The familiarity between the two characters was so refreshing and their chemistry was explosive. Gee, if this book never ended, I wouldn't have minded. Also, did I mention I really loved the little jabs at Kellan here and there?

"The man had an ego the size of California."

One thing that really touched me was when Kellan, the eternal playboy, asked Sara for more time. At that time, I witnessed his vulnerability and I felt so honored to be reading this book. Seriously.

Towards the end of the book, Kellan's family started getting involved and I just loved it, especially his mom. You know you're in trouble when you decide you need your mom. Kellan was in big trouble.

This book was not fun and games, however. There was a part in the book that was very serious and in it, I saw how Kellan's character changed and sort of grew up in a way.

Seriously, writing this review reminded me just how much I loved this book. I can't wait to tell my friends and coworkers about it!

Check out some of my favorite quotes/scenes below.

Sara: "Did I faint?"
Kellan: "I'm pretty sure you just lost your balance, but let's go with that passing out story. Makes me sound like a total stud."

Sara: "He thinks we're making a mistake, doesn't he?"
Kellan: "It's Josh. If there's a more impulsive, hedonistic guy on the planet, I'd like to see you point him out."
She raised her finger and pointed in Kellan's direction.

Kellan: "Give me thirty seconds." She tilted her head, giving him a quizzical look. "Condoms are in the bedroom."
Sara: "Oh. Some playboy you are. Sort of figured you'd have a box in every room."

"What part of 'naked' are you struggling with this weekend?"

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ARC Review: Hands On

Have I mentioned Entangled Publishing is my favorite publisher? Which is why I'm back reviewing a new release from their Scorched imprint. Check it out below!

Title: Hands On
Series: Hands On, #1
Author: Cathryn Fox
Publisher: Entangled: Scorched
Release Date: July 18, 2016
Pages: 80
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

Blurb:

When hot as hell Danielle Lang showed up and asked me to teach her about sex, I thought I was hallucinating. Turns out the beautiful psychologist needed an extra bit of schooling in all things sexual so she could teach a class.

I’m always up for helping a friend. I mean, it’s the least I can do. What I wasn’t expecting is for her to turn the tables and teach me a few things. Only this short-term promise of two weeks in her bed is going by a little too quickly. Not that I’m thinking forever or anything.

I’ve got a football career to get back to. And she doesn’t want to be a part of my world. There’s no way we can be together—so I’m going to make sure I enjoy every sexy second….

This is the first of a three-part series full of mind-blowing sex, featuring a dirty-mouthed football player who knows the score and an inexperienced therapist who needs to learn it. HANDS ON is sure to leave readers begging for more. The next installment, Body Contact, will be published August 2016.

The Hands On serial is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Hands On
Book #2 Body Contact (available in August)
Book #3 Full Exposure (available in September)

Humorous and sexy, Hands On is a must-read and I wish all three books were already published!

Danielle's character was so likeable that I was left wanting the rest of the series as soon as I finished this book. She was so naive and downright cute when she was in Jack's presence. 

Jack definitely was a dirty-mouthed guy, and to be honest, that was one of my favorite traits when reading a book like this. However, besides that little tidbit, he was also "not an asshole" as he said. He didn't want to just take what she was offering, but instead, he wanted it to be good for her. Who knew, maybe even the best one she'd ever have.

The cliffhanger of this book seriously had me gasping and sputtering in confusion as to why a book would be ended in such a way, forever wishing it was one full novel instead of a novella. The struggle was real when it came to my desire to finish the story closer to midnight with a great disregard for the fact I had work the next day. 

I just... I need the next book now! please :)

Grab a copy of this book; you won't regret it.

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ARC Review: Blue Moon

I swear, Lisa Kessler is one of the few authors that could get me to read a paranormal romance these days... I'm so glad I did!!! #TeamLogan

Title: Blue Moon
Series: The Moon Series, #6
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Release Date: June 27, 2016
Pages: ~300
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | Kobo | iBooks | Entangled |

Blurb:

She’s his muse, his mate, and completely off-limits…

He’s a jerk, a recluse, and her newest assignment. 

Until he broke her heart, Vivianna Lopez loved Logan Reynolds.

Five years later, she’s an aspiring music journalist and he’s the camera-shy lead singer of Logan and the Howlers. 

Armed with a backstage pass, Vivi’s back in her hometown of Reno, nestled in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada mountains. She must score an interview with Logan to land her dream job - otherwise it’s back to Boston, with no scoop and no job. It’s just business–at least that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Logan still loves Vivi, his soul mate, but there’s something even she doesn’t know about him: He turns into a werewolf every full moon and a secret organization is hunting down his Pack. 

Vivi may not have Logan’s senses, but she can sniff out that he’s hiding something. He knows it’s only a matter of time before the truth about him - and his Pack - is revealed. 

And then he really will lose her.

I love the chemistry between the characters. You know it's true love when the passion is still explosive even after a few years. Plus, who doesn't love a sexy rockstar?

There's something about starting over that gives a fresh spin to things, and Logan and Vivi definitely needed a fresh start. I really appreciated Logan's patience when Vivi was confused or scared to try again. I also loved the support that the Pack provided Logan when he needed it most.

I couldn't put this book down. Every page had either romance or action injected in it, and putting it down gave a jolt of pain every time. If I'm not mistaken, this might be the first book that I've read of this series, and now I want to read the rest. What rock was I hiding under that I didn't realize how amazing this series was?!

Did I mention Logan was such a beautiful wolf with blue eyes. Ooh, I'd love to have him as a pet if I could ;)

Anyway, I can't wait for Luke's story, but to be fair, I'd rather keep him to myself. 

Want a taste of the story? Check out the little excerpt below:

He frowned. "Did I hurt you?"

I shook my head, warm all over. "No."

He bent to kiss away the tear. "Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just happy, and maybe a little scared."

A wrinkle formed between his eyebrows. "Why are you scared?"

"Because..." I could barely get the words out. No man would've been able to hear them, but my guy was a werewolf, and he had no trouble. "Because you feel like my Logan again."

His eyes shone with tears he didn't let fall. "Anna, I was a stupid, angry, terrified kid, but even after I walked away, I have always been yours. Always."

*heart eyes emoji*

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Review: His Temporary Fix

Title: His Temporary Fix
Series: Love at the Beach
Author: Sofia Grey
Publisher: Entangled: Select Contemporary
Release Date: October 26, 2015
Pages: 111
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

Blurb:

One night is all it takes...

Holly Jacobs loses her heart a little too easily. Never again. But when she meets the sexy soldier on the beach, Holly knows she's in big trouble. Zack Winter is gorgeous and in pain, and when he kisses Holly, all of her resolve melts away...

Zack is on short-term leave to attend a funeral, and he's walking a fine line. The loss is unbearable...and he'll do whatever it takes to distract himself from it. Especially if it means a night of searingly-hot sex with Holly Jacobs. Only his brilliant idea isn't exactly going according to plan.

One night isn't nearly enough. But if it goes much longer it might end in broken hearts…

The twist and turns and the obvious chemistry between the characters were amazing!

I loved reading about Holly's internal struggle when she tried to change her personality, but her old habits kept coming back. Wounded men were her weakness and it made her an easy prey. However, there was something about Zack that tugged at her heart.

I also loved how Zack wasn't the scary type of soldier. He was human and it didn't sound like he had been completely broken by the army just yet... except that he was broken over something else. Holly was the perfect distraction and I definitely loved the public encounters they had ;)

They were very aware of each other's feelings and they were also very open. I enjoyed witnessing the honesty between them.

Besides the romance of this story, I really appreciated that I couldn't predict what would happen next. I was pleasantly surprised that the author was able to inject mystery in such a short novella. I think if you were looking for well-developed characters in a novella, this book would be the one to read.

Arianne

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Review: Tempting the New Boss

Title: Tempting the New Boss
Series: Sleeping with the Enemy
Author: Angela Claire
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Release Date: October 19, 2015
Pages: 200
Buy Link: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

I was provided a copy of this book for an honest review.

Blurb:

Sometimes you have to break the rules…

When Camilla Anderson loses her job just as a position at Talbot Inc. opens up, there's no way she's questioning the lucky break. Working for the quirky, reclusive CEO will pay off her student loans within a year, and they're flying to Europe in his private jet.

Mason Talbot isn't good at talking to women. Well, to anyone, really. But when his new lawyer boards his plane, biology kicks in. But he can't tell if her adverse reaction is to him or his painfully awkward attempts at flirting.

As the flight gets bumpier, Mr. High IQ gets calmer. And…he holds her hand? Maybe the guy is redeemable after all. As soon as they land, she'll have to teach her endearingly awkward new boss how to seduce a girl properly.

That is, if they don't die in a fiery plane crash first.

One of the most enjoyable books I've read this year!

From the very beginning, this book hooked me. It was so interesting and so funny! I was literally laughing out loud in my room while I read it. The funniest part was when Mason was absolutely clueless about life. Although, he certainly wasn't clueless about one thing: you'd have to read the book to find out ;)

I loved the dynamic between Camilla and Mason. Camilla was such a bright presence while Mason was a mystery. I loved that Camilla was a well-rounded person, and even when she was upset, she was able to explain why she was upset to her new boss. Very mature indeed.

Mason: "You don't look like one of my normal employees. Except for the suit and everything. You look like a woman I'd want to have sex with."

Camilla: "You jerk!"

Mason: "How am I being a jerk by wanting to have sex with you?"

Camilla: "You're being a jerk by saying so."

Mason: "Even if it's true?"

Camilla: "Yes!"

Mason: "Even if I'm thinking it?"

Camilla: "Yes. For instance, I'm not saying right now that I think you're the biggest asshole boss I've ever come across in a long, long line of asshole bosses."

Mason: "I think you did just say it."

Camilla: "Is there something wrong with you?"

Mason: "Like what? I'm horny right now, but otherwise, I'm okay."

As for Mason, completely ignorant of the world around him made him quite adorable. I could just imagine his facial expressions when he said such ridiculous things to Camilla.

I also really loved the relationship that Camilla had with her family. They had a very close relationship and everyone really cared and loved each other. It made for a refreshing read.

Camilla: "Not that it's any of your business, but he was very hot in bed."
Brandy (Camilla's sister): "Of course it's not my business. Tell me more."

I would highly recommend this book. It's a novella, but I wish it had been a full novel. I wanted to know what exactly it was that Mason did for a living. Ah well, I guess I'd never know. Still, buy this book, it's amazing :)

Arianne

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