Review: Worthless

Lynne Silver is one of those authors that I tend to read whenever I am presented with the opportunity. I initially read Unworthy and was really curious as to the next story, so when I saw book two on sale, I immediately grabbed it. Check out my thoughts below.

Title: Worthless
Series: Worthy, #2
Author: Lynne Silver
Self-Published
Release Date: January 5, 2017
Pages: 196
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | GooglePlay | Kobo | Nook

Blurb:
Daniel Ross is getting his life in Miami back on track. Common lore says once an addict, always an addict, but Danny's out to prove lore is a moron. After a tough, celibate year of getting sober, a rental room in the home of his sister’s best friend Amy is only a stop on his journey to better things. But the best thing in Danny's life may be right in front of him--the sweet, curvaceous Amy. When they tumble into bed, he discovers a new addiction to her smokin' lips and body.

When Amy Stern agrees to let Danny move in, it’s out of compassion. Her new tenant isn’t supposed to fill her thoughts, and star in her sexy dreams. He's definitely not meant to interfere with her budding relationship with a steady, sweet lawyer. If Amy were smart, she’d design clothes for her plus-sized women’s boutique, date her lawyer, and suppress her longing for Danny. And she'd definitely never touch him. Because once she does, his kisses and his embrace set off an explosive craving neither of them can control.

Now Amy's caught in a love triangle, and she has a secret that she's going to have to share with both men, the sooner the better. Which one of them is worthy of her trust, and her commitment?

Where do I start? I practically tweeted the author every other page; I loved it so much!

Right from the very start, this book did not mess around. The characters went straight to the good stuff. You know what I'm talking about. They pretty much did everything backwards, and it was glorious!

This book was so funny and heartwarming from beginning to end. Danny and Amy had their own internal struggles, but together, they were able to work things out by strengthening each other's resolve. It was really quite inspiring.

Danny: "I think Cat left these here...and let that be the very last time I ever say my sister's name during sex."

Danny was the perfect damaged book boyfriend. Seriously, I might have wished he was real and available for me ;) He was funny, witty, and all-around amazing. He was vulnerable at times, but I think, being able to admit his weakness was so admirable. 

Amy wasn't perfect, definitely not in her own opinion. She had a lot of hang ups about her weight and her appearance in general. But when Danny needed her, she was at his side no matter what. She was his rock and it was so beautiful reading about them leaning on each other at times.

One of my favorite moments were when they would share a meal together. It was so domestic and refreshing. I especially loved that one of the dishes were called "Cuban chicken chop chop." I'm a sucker for those clever names of things so I was swooning at the name alone. 

Overall, this book was hilarious, but also very, very romantic. Despite all the troubles they'd had, this book was light and so easy to read, and one of my 2017 favorite reads. Highly recommend!

Drew: "It's midnight, Ian. Night's barely started."

Ian: *grinning "True. I'm headed to bed, but not for sleeping." 

Danny: *glaring* "That's my sister you're talking about."

Ian: *laughing* "Sorry. Let's go."

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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: Nico

I loved Sarah Castille's Redemption series, so when I received notice to review the first book in a new series, I jumped at the chance. Check out my review below.

Title: Nico
Series: Ruin and Revenge
Author: Sarah Castille
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Pages: 368
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon UK | BN | Chapters Indigo | Book Depository | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

Blurb:

Las Vegas Mafia boss, Nico Toscani, is used to getting what he wants, whether it is having the City of Sin under his rule or a beautiful woman in his bed. But when he meets his match in the gorgeous, headstrong Mia Cordano, the daughter of a rival crime lord, all bets are off. . .

Sexy computer hacker, Mia, struggles to break free of her ruthless father’s Mafia ties…but she can’t resist the powerful and seductive Nico, who will stop at nothing to possess her. With their families locked in a brutal war for control of the city, Mia and Nico enter into a forbidden game. Will they surrender to the passion that burns between them―and risk tearing apart their families? Or will Nico be forced to betray the only woman who sets his blood on fire?

The chemistry was so hot!

I don't think I've read a mafia romance before this one, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The mob vibe was definitely there. There was no romanticizing Nico. He was a capo, which meant his hands weren't clean, but his intentions were good. 

I liked that he wasn't into dealing drugs or prostitution or whatever kind of bad stuff that would attract the FBI. He tried to stay straight, even when he did have illegitimate businesses as well. His loyal crew was proof that he was someone trustworthy.

Mia: "I'm not his woman."

Big Joe: "I don't mean any disrespect, ma'am, and I don't have a woman of my own, so I could be wrong. But since I'm supposed to sit outside your place all night to make sure you're safe under pain of death, I think you are."

Mia was a badass mafia princess. She hated pink and preferred the punk rock fashion style. For some reason, Nico found this style very interesting. Mia was also a hacker. Reading about her work was exhilarating, though I wished there would have been more detail in her process. 

Together, Nico and Mia had an explosive time together. There was an underlying danger because they were from rival families, but their attraction was stronger than spite. 

One of my favorite scenes was the "sexytimes countdown." Definitely something to look forward to!

I liked the book enough to look forward to the next book in this series. Check this out if you're into a gritty kind of romance centered around the mafia world.

Here's one more little teaser for you:

Mia: "So you know your tools. Am I supposed to be impressed?"

Nico: *laughs out loud* "I can only hope. Nothing has worked so far. I also have some familiarity with fixing up old cars. Among other things."

Mia: "Fixing to steal them? Like you stole me?"

Nico: "You wound me, bella. I give you my word I mean you no harm."

Mia: "The word of a mob boss."

Nico: "My word as a man."

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ARC Review: Legend of Love

I'm really enjoying Lisa Kessler's The Muse Chronicles series. Check out my review of the second book below!

Title: Legend of Love
Series: The Muse Chronicles, #2
Author: Lisa Kessler
Publisher: Lisa's Lair
Release Date: December 5, 2016
Pages: 256
Buy Links: Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | BN | ARe

Blurb:

Callie O'Connor's life has never been the same since the Muse of Epic Poetry came alive inside of her. Now she's on the other side of the country, working as civilian psychologist for the Navy, and leading her Muse sisters in their quest to reopen the Theater of the Muses.

But nothing could have prepared her for Hunter Armstrong. He's a Navy SEAL, driven, confident, and dangerous. And he plans to do more than just protect her.

The gods couldn't have picked a better Guardian. But as Hunter soon discovers, Callie has some skeletons of her own in the closet, and loving her could lead to his destruction. 

I had a book hungover days after I finished this book. 

Right from the very start, I was hooked. Hunter and Callie already had an epic banter, and it was literally not even ten pages in. This book was such a page turner. I loved the amount of action, romance, and depth in this book. There wasn't a dull moment at all.

Hunter was a great guy overall. He was noble, kind, and protective. I was really impressed when he used his Navy SEAL skills during some difficult times. I thought it was so hot; I could clearly picture him in my head, dripping from being in the water. *fans self*

Callie was headstrong and a bit misled by her own self. She had the biggest fear of hurting the people she most cared about, so she kept pushing Hunter away. I was glad to know that Hunter was totally into doing all the things that were considered a bad idea by saner people.

I loved the cameo of the main characters from the first book, Lure of Obsession. Being able to work together was cool, and a little foreshadowing of a future hero was awesome. I'm sure you'll figure it out when you read the book. 

That said, I highly recommend you pick up this book. It can stand alone, but of course, it's better to read in order. 

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ARC Review: Tied to His Betrayal

You all probably know by now that I love Stacey Kennedy. So when the second book in her Dirty Little Secrets series became available on NetGalley, I immediately requested it. Check out my review below.

Title: Tied to His Betrayal
Series: Dirty Little Secrets, #2
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Pages: 229
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Books-A-Million | Google Play

Blurb:

Darius Bennett can’t live without supreme control. A self-made billionaire, he’s rich enough to get anything—and any woman—he wants, yet he’s still haunted by a broken relationship. Five years ago, Darius let Taylor Erikson go because he knew he could never give her what she truly wanted: his heart. But the moment Taylor walks back into his life, bruised and beaten, Darius blames himself. To make good on his betrayal, he vows to help her heal—in and out of the sheets.

Once upon a time, Darius was Taylor’s world. Now his fierce embrace is exactly what she needs to get back on her feet. But Taylor pays a heavy price for her sizzling nights with Darius. As the emotional ties become stronger than ever and the paparazzi hunt her down for their next juicy story, Taylor must face some hard truths. They can’t go back. And to move forward, the key to loving Darius isn’t about keeping his secrets—it’s about exposing them.

Passionately hot, Stacey Kennedy hits it home again!

There was something about a powerful billionaire that was simply attractive. But what made Darius desirable was his habit to provide and to protect for those people he cared about. No matter that he thought it was his duty, the people who received his "help" probably took it as him being kind and generous.

One flaw that Darius had was that I thought he was self-centered. He thought the world revolved around him and whatever conflict other people had must have been because they were associated with him. Sometimes I wanted to smack some sense into him.

Darius loves lace; he always has. Lace belongs on your body, he once told me. He steps behind me and tightens the mask around my face, and I realize I can still see quite a bit. And that's when I know the lace is for him--his kink--not to hinder my eyesight.

On the other hand, Taylor somehow ended up worse than when she was with Darius. You see, Darius being the protector that he was, broke Taylor's heart thinking she was better off without him. Well then, she ended up in worse situations. Thanks, Darius. One thing I loved about Taylor, however, was her drive. No matter how bad things got, she was logical and didn't let her emotions get the best of her. She also saw the best in people, even when the same people would hurt her in return. Last thing I loved about Taylor was her love of books. A woman after my own heart!

Together, these two broken pieces became whole when they finally accepted that they belonged with each other. But of course, it didn't come without challenges. There was a mole among them, and I couldn't wait to read the next one in hopes that they'd finally find the culprit.

Before I spoil this book, I would end this review and implore you to buy this book. You would most definitely not regret it. 

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ARC Review: Necessary Evil

The first time I read a Jamie K. Schmidt book, I was scorched. When an opportunity presented itself to read another book from this author, I took the chance. Check out my review below.

Title: Necessary Evil
Series: Sentinels of Babylon, #1
Author: Jamie K. Schmidt
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Pages: 234
Buy Links: Amazon

Blurb:

Lucy Simmons comes from a rough family, but she’s a damn good public defender. Even though she hates to see criminals walk due to sloppy police work, the law’s there to make sure everyone gets a fair trial, and Lucy certainly doesn’t believe in the kind of justice meted out by the leather-clad ex-cop they call “Evil.” He’s stubborn, cynical, and out of control—but he plays her body like no man ever has. For once, both Lucy’s boss and her brother agree: The biker is trouble.
 
Evan Villiers took a sacred vow to let no killer, rapist, or pedophile go unpunished. When scumbags fall through the system, the Sentinels of Babylon clean up the garbage. Although the SOBs and their methods may not be to Lucy’s liking, the beautiful lawyer has become Evan’s light in the dark. But his next hit is Lucy’s own brother—a murderer who got off on a technicality. Now, with his loyalties split, Evan must turn his back on his sworn duties . . . or lose the woman who has claimed his reckless heart.

Desperate passion met justice served. 

This book had so many facets and I enjoyed all of them. For some reason, this book seemed a bit long, but I think that was only because the characters and their stories were really well-developed. The author did an amazing job crafting a story and still making the book a reasonable length. The sexy scenes were also scorching but not excessive. 

Evan "Evil" Villiers was a retired cop who became someone who dealt justice when the system couldn't provide it. He had three friends and I honestly loved the way their characters were molded in this story. I couldn't wait to read the rest of the series to see what happened with the rest of the characters.

He looked like a hot fudge sin sundae with a cherry on top.

But first, it was Evil's turn and he needed to make Lucy his own. He was quite possessive in an alpha kind of way that he preferred to show Lucy he cared for her in his actions rather than in words. He skirted around facts whether it had something to do with possibly killing people or how he truly felt about Lucy.

"I am a man. You are my woman. Nothing hurts what's mine."

Of course, something had to be said about the dirty talk in this book. It was always welcome in my book. The chemistry between them was so hot and always desperate to explode.

If you're looking for an intense read with a lot of action whether on the streets or in the bedroom, I'd highly recommend you check out this book. You won't regret it.

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