Review: Love Redeemed

I'm plowing through the Market Series, so here's my review of book #2 :)

Title: Love Redeemed
Series: The Market, #2
Author: Sorcha Mowbray
Publisher: Amour Press
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Pages: 94
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | ARe | iBooks | Kobo

Blurb:

Brennan Whitling wants for nothing but the love of a good woman. He has a close family, good friends, and a successful textiles import business. But, a beautiful and elusive young woman he has only seen from afar haunts him. Until a chance meeting leads to far more than dinner. 

Serena Freemont has only ever known the life of a prostitute. When an invitation to dinner by a handsome gentleman provides her an opportunity to experience life as a young lady, it’s too tempting to pass up. Much like the man issuing it. After a night of passion she must disappear or face his reaction when the truth is revealed. 

To find happiness Serena must shed her past long enough to realize she is worthy of a future. To win her heart, Brennan must show her the redemptive power of love.

This book had dash of romance and a healthy sprinkle of sexy.

The attraction between Brennan and Serena were instantaneous. The push and pull of the two characters were quite interesting to read. I liked Serena's righteousness despite her livelihood as well as Brennan's persistence. The man really did not want to give up no matter what!

There were moments when the characters would say something silly and those were the moments I really enjoyed! It showed a bit of depth to the characters instead of just being so focused on the sex or the courting. 

Brennan: "You, madame, are only permitted to wear this dress for me, here in our home. Are we clear?"

Serena: "Quite."

Brennan: "I have other demands I shall enumerate for you at our earliest convenience, but for the moment I think I shall investigate this gown further."

I also liked the possessiveness that overtook Serena sometime during the story. I do love a fierce woman, and she was feisty when she was angry! Overall, this was an enjoyable short read. Check it out!

Read More

Review: Rough

This is the very first book of Skye Warren that I've read. Shall we talk about how it made me feel? Hint: OMG.

Title: Rough
Series: Chicago Underground, #1
Author: Skye Warren
Self-Published
Release Date: May 24, 2015
Pages: 164
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | BN | Google Play | Kobo

Blurb:

Survival doesn't come easy...

I'm a cautionary tale. A single teenage mother from the poor part of town. A victim. Most of the time I'm too busy working and struggling to care what people think. 

And men? They aren't afraid to take what they want.

Then I meet Colin. He takes more than a few stolen hours. He demands more than my body. He wants my heart and soul--my happily ever after. I never thought I'd be Cinderella. I never thought a man that rough could be my prince.

I've never felt like this before. The desperation to get the rest of the series is so strong. Or at least get the next two books to learn what happened to Colin and Allie. Wait... am I getting ahead of myself? Let's back track and talk about these two amazing people.

Allie was "damaged goods". Somehow, she lived her life thinking that she deserved pain and being taken roughly...until she met Colin.

I swear, I said it out loud that men like Colin surely don't exist. I mean, he was just too good to be true! He was absolutely perfect, even though he had secrets of his own.

Colin gave Allie what he knew she needed as opposed to what she thought she needed. Colin touched Allie's soul, and in return, Skye Warren touched a place of my heart that no. other. author has ever done before. BOLD CLAIM.  I know. 

Now, I don't know what to do with myself. I need to get the rest of the books or I might lose part of my sanity. I mean, just read the excerpt below and you'll know what I mean.

***

The tears fell in streams then, making my voice all high and wavery as I tried to explain. "I'm sorry. I know you said dinner, and I tried to make it, but I just didn't...I didn't have time, you know? Or the ability to cook, either. I'm so sorry."

"Stop apologizing," he cut in.

"But--"

"No, listen. I didn't mean you'd have to cook. I can cook, or we can go out. Don't stress out."

"I am so beyond stressed," I said, watery.

"Let's order pizza."

The consideration and utter simplicity of the gesture touched me. "Really?"

He handed the ice pack off to me and pulled out his cell phone. "Ordering now. What do you want?"

"But the organic," I said. "And the grass feeding. I know you don't just order pizza."

"Pepperoni with extra chemicals? Got it," he said to me before he turned to the phone to place a real order.

I swiped at the tears, but they didn't want to stop. While relief flooded me, I toyed with the empty box of lasagna noodles on the kitchen table. Idly I read the fine print.

"Hell," I said. "You're supposed to boil these first?"

"Silly mommy," Bailey said.

***

You see? Please get this book. It's free so you all can meet Colin and Allie, too. Oh wait, did I mention I started reading this book and I never put it down until I finished it? Okay, go get the book :)

Read More

ARC Review: Billionaire Blackmail

I'm excited for this review because Alison has become one of my favorite authors. I met her when I edited her debut novel. I didn't get to edit this one, but I was so grateful I got to read it! I'm also really excited that she's with Entangled - my favorite publisher! Anyway, without much rambling, check out my review of her first Entangled novel :)

Title: Billionaire Blackmail
Author: Alison Aimes
Publisher: Entangled: Indulgence
Release Date: July 11, 2016
Pages: 213
Buy Links: Amazon | BN

Blurb:

After a childhood spent on the streets, ruthless billionaire Nik Valenti has had his share of dealing with crooks. He thought that was behind him. Until the woman he's been casually dating turns out to be the biggest con artist of them all. Now, with pride, money, and his company's survival at stake, he won't rest until she's experienced his own brand of justice.  

Sara Turner knows she's no angel, but a few deliberate omissions...well, compared to the rest of her family, that's choir girl behavior. But now the one man whose heart she'd hoped to steal is accusing her of embezzling from his company. Worse, he wants answers. And he's come up with a foolproof way to ensure he gets them. One Sara must accept if she doesn't want to end up in jail. 

Nik might be trying to save his company, but he has a tough time ignoring the way Sara makes him burn. The passion between them is all-consuming, and each time he peels away a layer, he discovers there’s more to her than first meets the eye, but he can’t give in to his need. Nik will put everything on the line to find the truth...except his heart.

So relatable, I almost wish I'd meet a billionaire and fall in love!

When I started this book, it was interesting, though it didn't grip me quite as immediate as I had expected. However, when the ball got rolling, I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to read it through the end, but at the same time, I didn't want it to end. You all know what I mean if you're a bookworm like me.

Nik Valenti was one ruthless bastard - literally. He didn't know his father and he was really ruthless when it came to business. Running his company was all he'd known, so everything in his life was a business deal. Except, he didn't realize that there was no such thing as a love contract. His struggle with trust was so relatable because I felt the same way. 

Sara, on the other hand, was believed to have been the villain of the story. Poor woman, she worked so hard to have people's respect, only to be accused of a crime. It was just as well that Nik couldn't keep his hands off her. He felt such a protectiveness towards her, which I really enjoyed reading about.

Overall, I loved how stiff Nik was at times, but Sara was the one that broke down all his defenses. I also enjoyed a bit of comedic breaks once in a while. Even when Nik was negotiating, his bossiness would show, and to me, it was very entertaining.

Check out two of my favorite scenes below.

Nik: "There's no going back. You belong to me now."
Sara: "My time. My time belongs to you."
Nik: "That's what I said." 

~~~

Nik: "Open this damn door, woman."

Sara: "Two more minutes. You know what happened last time you talked me into a quick shower together. I'm not sitting through another lecture from Alatza on scheduling. Mrs. Rogers insisted we be ready by eight."
Nik: "Using Mrs. Rogers against me? That's cold. You know that woman scares me."

Read More

Review: Love Revealed

Who doesn't love a good love story that starts in a brothel? :)

Title: Love Revealed
Series: The Market, #1
Author: Sorcha Mowbray
Publisher: Amour Press
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Pages: 80
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | ARe | iBooks | Kobo

Blurb:

Lady Katherine Drummond plays by society’s rules, even after the Ton turns on her. Shunned by her peers, she keeps up appearances by day but allows her true self out in the privacy of The Market. There, in the arms of one man, she comes alive. So much so, she signs a contract to be his for six months. Despite never having seen his face and knowing him only as Sir, she fears losing her heart to the man who breaks through her defenses. 

Lord Raymond Tarkenton, the Earl of Heathington, despises being one of the most sought after bachelors of the Ton. He could never ask a woman of his circle to submit to his sexual needs, and a mistress would never be an option. For now, one masked woman at The Market holds his undivided attention. When he realizes that his masked lover and Lady Katherine Drummond are one and the same, he must find a way to convince her that they are bound together by more than the straps at her wrists and the contract they signed. He must reveal himself and his love to her. But will she accept him for more than a sexual escape?

I haven't read a historical romance in quite a while, but when Sorcha Mowbray approached me and asked me if I wanted to review the Market series books, I jumped at the chance. Let's be honest, her stories really do scorch the sheets one page at a time.

I like that this story started as the Earl simply being nice and polite to Lady Drummond. That in itself told me that he was a good man who wouldn't let anyone feel out of place in a gathering. 

Lady Drummond had rumors spread about her simply because she was associated with her husband. What a terrible life women must have lived in those times!

Thankfully, there was the Market, where people could hide behind a mask and let loose their innermost sexual desires. When I tell you that the scenes were hot, they really were. It was like a light BDSM story. It was kind of sweet and really sexy. The Earl was a very attentive lover.

"Oh," she said, surprise written all over her face. "I believed I was dreaming." She smiled and settled back on to the bed. "Hhhmmm, I think you were. I was being helpful."

I'd totally recommend this book if you want a quick read to satisfy the little naughty side of you ;)

Read More

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*

Read More

ARC Review: Bound Beneath His Pain

It's been a while since I read Stacey Kennedy's books, so I was only too excited to request a new book from Netgalley. This is the first book of a new series. Check out my review below!

Title: Bound Beneath His Pain
Series: Dirty Little Secrets, #1
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Buy Link: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo |
Books-A-Million | Google Play

Blurb:

Real estate mogul Micah Holt exerts absolute control over all aspects of his life. As a founding member of the Dominants Council that oversees San Francisco’s sex club scene, he keeps his dark side hidden away from the press, who will chase down any hint of scandal. He’s always in command of his world, careful to expose his closely guarded secrets only to those he knows he can trust. Then Allie Bennett shakes his legendary discipline. She’s beautiful, pure, untainted. But is Micah willing to sacrifice her innocence for his own selfish obsessions?
 
When that sexy smile makes her body burn, Allie tries with all her might to ignore it. For one thing, Micah’s her new boss. For another, he’s as complicated as he is devastatingly handsome. Still, Allie can only fight so much before she gives in to his dangerous games. She knows he’s got dark secrets. But when she discovers the true depth of his pain, Allie must decide how far she’s willing to go to light the way for love.

This book reminds me of the reason why I love Stacey Kennedy. She's so good, it's almost unreal. It's always why I recommend her books to anyone that wants to read BDSM stories. Regardless if you want mild, medium, or hot BDSM, she's got it all.

I love the depth of this story, especially the character development. Both the characters Micah and Allie were strong in their own regard, but I loved it even more when Micah was rendered powerless when it came to Allie. Essentially, they both had power over each other, but that didn't mean they knew it.

"I've never seen him like I saw him tonight. He's broken. And Micah never breaks." --Gabe

Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the pure heart of the two characters. Micah was a powerful, rich mogul, but he had a great, big heart. I was pleased that he worked his hardest to become a better businessman than his father. He honored his mother that way. How amazing!

In a suit, Micah wows me. A little disheveled, he blows my friggin' mind. --Allie

Allie, on the other hand, didn't care much for money and I also admired her for that. There's nothing more disappointing than a gold digger or a person that revolves around money. Allie was a great role model, I thought. 

"I bet I could remove your frustration faster than any punching bag." --Micah

Together, they were explosive. I also enjoyed the supporting characters because it was clear that without them, Micah and Allie wouldn't be where they were then. Levi and Liv (oh, I didn't even realize their names were so similar) were kickass in their own way. 

I would highly recommend this book. It was hot, it was sexy, it was gold. 

Read More