Aug 31, 2014

Reasonable Doubt: Volume 3 by Whitney G.



 


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Book summary:
I hate him...

I hate that I fell in love with him, I hate that he didn't love me back, and I hate the fact that I just made a life-altering decision just so I could get the hell away from him.

He'd always said that he was unchangeable, heartless, and cold...

I really should've believed him...

**Final book in the Reasonable Doubt series...**



 
 My rating:  ✮✮✮✮


My review:

All good things must come to an end. Sadly, so did the awesome and most enjoyable and entertaining story about Andrew, the loveable asshole, and Aubrey, the girl that got under his skin.

Secrets were revealed, many questions answered, the air was cleared, apologies made, problems solved, dreams came true, and a happy end was achieved.

I am very happy that my curiosity got the better of me a while back, when I picked up Reasonable Doubt: Volume 1. It's been a while since I was this entertained while reading a book. Mostly that was thanks to the main character Andrew, who never failed to put a smile on my face. The things that came out of that man's mouth were just priceless. I wish I wrote them down.

I'm glad Andrew continued being Andrew in Vol. 3. I'm definitely not a fan when characters start behaving completely differently. That didn't happen with Andrew, nor did it happen with Aubrey. I've mentioned several times before how much I like Andrew, so I think it's high time to say I like Aubrey, too. She was a pleasant surprise, quite refreshing after what I've come to expect from 22-year-old characters. I especially loved how she handled her parents. I do wish she wouldn't blush so often, but that's just something I hate reading about. Other than that, no complaints from me. Every time I thought she would give in, she stood her ground and surprised both me and Andrew.

Damn, I will miss their banter the most.

My favorite part about Vol. 3 was the page count -- it had many, many pages more than the previous volumes. We got more of Andrew & Aubrey, and finally we got the answers about Andrew's past, one that made him the Andrew we got to meet. All was revealed!

All in all, a lovely conclusion to a lovely romance.


My reviews of volumes 1 & 2: 
 
XOXO
 

Aug 30, 2014

PRE-RELEASE ARC REVIEW: A Taste For Poison by Aleksandr Voinov (Memory Of Scorpions, #3)

Expected publication: October 20th 2014 by Riptide Publishing

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Author's Page:

Genre:
MM Fantasy

Summary on Goodreads:

Even a king gets stung when he reaches for a scorpion.

After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his Empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves. While courtiers dare only to whisper dissent, an outrider called Death foments rebellion in the mountains, aided by a prophecy that promises he’ll stop the Black King.

Kendras—former lover to Adrastes and leader of the Scorpions—is sent with his elite mercenary force to bring Death to justice. But when Kendras learns who’s hiding behind the mask, he must choose between his lover Graukar, newly-appointed general to the king—and King Adrastes himself.

With no man to call master, the Scorpions could flee the danger and intrigue. But Kendras cannot abandon the man he once loved—or the man he’s growing to love—without first uncovering the real threat to the Empire.

RATING:


***REVIEW***

Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review

"Even a king gets stung when he reaches for a scorpion."


After the epic finale of Lying With Scorpions (Memory Of Scorpions, #2) I was eagerly waiting to get my hands on this book.
- Is Adrastes going to make it?
- If he does, what will he do when he finally finds out about Kendras & Graukar?
- Will Scorpions accept Runner when they find out about her secret?
- Who is the new rebel called Death and why do I have the feeling it's *spoiler*?
- If the day comes when Kendras has to choose between his loyalty to Adrastes and Graukar- who will it be?


This 3d installment answers you all those questions. Without spoiling anything, all I'm going to say is that I think that the fans of this series will be more than pleased with the outcome.

An action-packed, gripping, suspenseful & emotional mystery/thriller.

Just like the 1st two books, I enjoyed this installment very much. It was like watching one good, action-packed, fantasy movie and I'm a big fan of those. The world and the characters the author created are complex, but amazing. The writing style was superb like always.  

Why not 5 stars then? Well, the reason is pretty ridiculous. This was to me, let's just say, the tamest book of the series. Part of me felt that some situations concluded too smoothly considering the personalities of the characters involved, even though I liked the way those situations developed. Yes, I'm weird like that. There's no question that I liked this book a lot, but Lying With Scorpions, #2 remains my favorite in the series. 

And the ending? My first reaction was a happy, pleased sigh, but then, after a minute, when I really thought about it, I was like :"Wait? Is this the ending? No, it can't be..." Then I read the last page again a couple of times and while it felt like a conclusion, I still couldn't believe that this is the last book, probably because I'm used to reading book series which, it seems, never end (yes, I'm talking about you BDBrotherhood & IADark :P) and above all I'm not ready to let go of this series yet, damn it!

I hoped for at least 2 more books. That's why I immediately went on web to check if there's any mention of possible 4th book and...there wasn't :@! Not on Goodreads, nor A. Voinov's blog, simply nada...but I wasn't going to give up, so I decided to ask the author himself, and here's what he replied:

*P*u*r*p*l*e* asked Aleksandr Voinov:

First of all, you know I LOVE your books, but I'll try to spare you of my fangirling this time, so straight to the question: I read my arc of A Taste Of Poison recently and loved it, so I was wondering do you plan to write more books for this series, because I don't see any mention of 4th book here on GR? Thanks :)


Aleksandr Voinov Hi, Purple, thanks for the question! Glad you loved Taste - I love the whole series and I'm glad when people do, too. :) 


Regarding the question, I have an idea for a novella dealing with Widow's past (how did he end up in the place we meet him), and I'd quite like to look at Adrastes's past in a novel. As for Kendras, I'm never saying never, but those three novels are about as much as I have about him. :)
So, there you have it folks! Two more possible Scorpion stories- Widow's and Adrastes's. Both, AdrastesWidow are very intriguing characters and I would definitely love to read those books, but at the same time I hope that this is not the last time we read about Kendras, Graukar, Shadow and the rest of the Scorpions *fingers crossed.*

All in all, this is one of my favorite mm fantasy series and one of favorite Voinov's book series in general. Highly recommended to all mm fantasy fans, fans of shows and movies like Spartacus300: Rise Of An Empire etc. or fans of mm fantasy books like Captive Prince Series by C. S. Pacat.

XOXO

Aug 29, 2014

Black Lies by Alessandra Torre


 Book summary:

Brant:
Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday. Has been in a relationship with me for 3 years.
Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.

Lee:
Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives. Good with his hands, his mouth, and his cock. Has been pursued relentlessly by me for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not.

Go ahead. Judge me. You have no idea what my love entails.

If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22471294-black-lies


5-you-have-never-read-a-book-like-this-stars 

Last year I read my first Alessandra Torre novel and I was sold. Sex Love Repeat was an unexpected, but awesome surprise.  
Black Lies is even better.

  description

Trust me, you will need Dr. House logic if you decide to read this book. Everybody lies. Some people more than others. Few tell a little white lies believing that they are doing the right thing. Others lie to manipulate, to make things go to their favor.

What does this has with latest Alessandra Torre book? Everything!
All you need to do is follow five simple rules:
  1.  Do not read spoilers! 
  2.  Do not jump to the end of the book because you are impatient and want to know what happens right away! 
  3.  Avoid all social websites until you finish reading Black Lies
  4.  You will not DNF this book! 
  5.  Keep your mouth shut - don't spoil it for others!!!

 description  

Characters. I loved them. I hated them. I wanted to protect them. I wanted to slap their stupid face. And then I understood.
That is all you will get.

 Why do you have to read it? Just because.

xoxo,
 

Aug 28, 2014

ARC REVIEW: CAMPUS CRAVINGS by KyAnn Waters, Whitley Gray, Cassandra Carr, Mia Downing, Annabeth Albert, Dalton Diaz, Bianca Sommer, Sara York, L.A. Witt

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Genre:
MM Contemporary Romance

Summary on Goodreads:

Welcome to Cathia University, where school is in session! Nine of today's hottest gay romance authors have crafted brand-new interrelated novellas celebrating everything wonderful about college, with over 200,000 words featuring sophisticated professors, sexy teaching assistants, ambitious grad students, and spirited undergraduates, all looking for the same thing: an A+ in true love.

Annabeth Albert: Winning Bracket 
Cassandra Carr: The Eloquent Jock
Dalton Diaz: Lesson Learned
Mia Downing: Switching Leads
Whitley Gray: Artistic Endeavor
Bianca Sommerland: Solid Education
KyAnn Waters: Private Lessons
LA Witt: Did Somebody Order a Pizza?
Sara York: The Dust Of Everyday Life

***REVIEW***

Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review

First, let's just take a moment (or five) to properly stare at and appreciate the way too hot cover of this book, possibly without drooling all over the place...*_*...*_*...*_*....*Q*....Mission impossible, I know, but who can blame us, right? Damn, who can give me directions to this library, pretty please ;)?

What was I talking again?  Oh right *wipes drool and tries to control her dirty mind*, and now to the actual  review of this mm anthology consisting of 9 collage mm romance stories. To tell you the  truth, I'm not a big fan of short novellas. Most of the time I avoid them, because usually, if they are good, they always leave me wanting for more, as if I'm missing a lot of pages, and that is why I prefer full-length books, but the mm fangirl inside me just couldn't resist this sexy cover and the promising blurb. "She" was in need of her daily dose of mm love and an arc of 660 pages seemed as more than enough to satisfy her cravings  and in the end- it sure did.

The plot of every novella takes place or has some sort of connection with Cathia University featuring a lot of interesting characters from professors to students etc., some of which make appearance in other featured stories, but all of them can be read as standalones. Every story explores and celebrates mm love; all the good and bad stuff which follow it- coming of age, homosexuality, coming out of closet, collage, first kiss, first love, first breakup, sexuality, death etc. Even though the stories felt  from time to time as too good to be true and fairy-tale-alike,  I enjoyed, if not loved most of them, but there were also a few that didn't quite rock my world, so that's why I'm going to rate each of them as a standalone. Every story counts between 50-70 pages.


1st story: KyAnn Waters: Private Lessons 
Blurb: Ryan Kane could lose his scholarship and his position on the pitch. Jake Finely offers to help. Only Ryan and Jake discover their private lessons have more to do with sex ed than Business Ethics. When a tenured professor offers Ryan an indecent proposal to make the grade, will he choose soccer or Jake?


                                                                            My Rating: 3 stars


The 1st story features a popular, deeply in the closet football player Ryan & Jake, one of the assistants on Cathia University. Forbidden fruit tastes always the best, right? Well, not so much...The beginning felt shaky- the dialogues seemed too fictional and not natural enough. I thought that Jake is too passive in their relationship at first. It felt that he was more into it and has much more at stake than Ryan. I didn't feel that strong connection between them in the beginning, and that was the biggest problem for me, but the story did become better, later on.


                                                  2nd story: The Dust of Everyday Life by Sara York
Blurb: Cole only has the courage to lust after the swim team from afar. When Seever asks to share a table at the packed coffee house where Cole is studying, he’s sure it’s a joke. But after one touch and one scorching kiss, Cole thinks the chance meet could lead to something with substance.

 My rating: 2.5 stars

The 2nd story is focused on a hot musician & bend member Cole & his even hotter half, Seever, a swimmer. Hm, I think I liked this story the least. It was just too sweet and cheesy for my reading preferences.


3d story: The Eloquent Jock by Cassandra Carr
Blurb: Hockey jock and English Lit major Brendan knows he’s gay, but hasn’t come out to anyone, fearing a possible backlash. Then he’s tapped to be a TA for a hot professor and feels an immediate connection. Now he must decide how much he’s willing to risk to score the ultimate goal.
My rating: 4 stars

The 3d story is focused on a collage professor and a famous writer Scott & his new TA in creative writing class,  Brendon. Oh yes, this is how the forbidden fruit theme is written! The chemistry, the tension, the whole we-need-to-stay-away-from-each-other-but-I-want--you-so-bad-so-fuck-it drama. Deeply emotional & way too hot. Loved it! Definitely one of my favorites in this anthology.


4th story: Switching Leads by Mia Downing
Blurb: Coach John Graham needs a new assistant for Cathia U's equestrian team. The last person he expects to get the job walks into the barn and stops his heart. How is he supposed to focus on the team when his ex-lover—sexy horse trainer Finn Parker—wants back into his life…and into his bed?

My Rating: 4.5 stars

This story is focused on two ex Cathia's students and ex boyfriends who are now working there together- John, the coach of the riding team and Finn, his new assistant. Things between John and Finn ended pretty badly the last time they saw each other. They haven't spoken to each other in years, but destiny doesn't care. She is a vindictive bitch who puts them in the same room together after years of holding grudge. Vindictive bitch or a Cupid in disguise? It remains to be seen. The story was very emotional and touching. It was a love-hate-love type of relationship and don't we all have a weak spot for those?


5th story: Solid Education by Bianca Sommerland
Blurb: Gage Tackett comes off as a bad boy—detached and maybe a little dangerous. Definitely not Vet Sciences Professor Derek Paulson’s type. When Gage arrives at Derek’s veterinary clinic with a frostbitten stray dog, Derek realizes his most difficult student has a few things to teach him. Things he’s more than willing to learn.

My Rating: 5 I-want-you-too-be-a-full-length-novel stars

This is my ultimate favorite story of this anthology. It is focused on one of Cathia's porfessors and part time vets Derek & Gage, one of his students who is also an ex-military and then we have a big bonus- their third, but as equally as important and adorable member Matty, the super cute German shepherd. Derek and Gage are totally opposite from each other. You would never think that those type of people could ever like each other romantically. Derek seems as a intelligent, but closed-off and too serious for his age guy while Gage is cocky, funny and laid-back. Among everything, both of them also have big trust issues when it comes to relationships, but they do have one thing in common which could be stronger than everything else: their love for animals. Who could resist a cute puppy? Not me. Loved this story!


6th story: Did Somebody Order a Pizza? by L.A. Witt
Blurb: Paul Switzer has been miserable ever since his childhood love, Cory Bowman, chose a fraternity over him. When a pizza delivery to the frat house lands the exes face to face for the first time in eighteen months, the wound is reopened... and so are Paul's feelings for the only man he's ever loved.

My rating: 3 stars

This story is focused on two frat boys and ex boyfriends Paul & Cory. I kind of liked and kind of not liked this story. I didn't like it mostly, because I wasn't the biggest fan of Cory and that's why I wasn't happy how the things between them solved in the end. Yes, he did kind of redeem himself in the end, but it wasn't good enough for me. If I were Paul, I doubt, that I could have forgiven him so easily after everything that happened.


7th story: Winning Bracket by Annabeth Albert
Blurb: Metrics and tournament brackets—who knew they were sexy? When competing dorm advisors Edwin and Ollie bet on a basketball tournament, neither expects he’s risking his heart. As the challenge becomes a hot bedroom battle to avoid real feelings, the two “frenemies” must change their definitions of losing to win a shot at lasting love.

My rating: 5 stars

Ok, this is my 2nd ultimate favorite story of the anthology :)). It is focused on Ollie & Edwin, two RA's on the dorm of Cathia University. This was a friends to lovers type of mm romance which I devoured in a second. I usually prefer my mcs to be one of those tough bad-asses, but Ollie & Edwin, even though totally opposite from that, were so funny, sweet and adorable together. And yes- super hot!


8th story: Artistic Endeavor by Whitley Gray
Blurb: When friends ask one-night stand connoisseur Michael Esteban to introduce shy virgin Cobey Miller to the joys of sex, Michael balks—lust is his thing, not teaching. But Cobey’s problem meeting men fuels Michael’s decision to help Cobey become a gay-sex-loving guy. It’ll all be fun and games—unless someone falls in love.

My Rating: 4 stars

This story is about Michael, a painter who is also a have-them-and-leave-them type of a guy & Cobey, a shy, in the closet, university professor in need of popping his cherry. At the beginning of the story, when I got some idea what it's going to be about, I really thought that I wasn't going to like it. I mean: a blind date, a man-slut & virgin all in one? Sounded too cheesy for me to tell you the truth, but Michel & Cobey managed to win me over with their emotions, chemistry and slow building relationship.


9th story: Lesson Learned by Dalton Diaz
Blurb: Adam Warren is counting down the days until he can put “Professor” next to his name—and his disastrous past with Tyler Ford behind him. When a fluke puts Tyler in Adam’s class, the graduate assistant faces some hard choices while Tyler faces an uphill battle for a second chance at first love.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

This last story is focused on Adam, a fill--in professor on Cathia University & Tyler, one of his students and ex boyfriends. First true love is always the hardest to forget, isn't it? This is a story about that type of love followed by a big break-up, but when life gives you a  second chance, can you forgive and forget all the bad stuff and move on? The story was fast-paced, sweet and emotional. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this mm romance anthology. It took me three days to read 660 pages-that says it all. Recommended to every mm romance lover in need of shorter, fast-paced, funny, emotional, sexy & drama-free mm stories! 

xoxo

Aug 26, 2014

Release Day Blitz: Reasonable Doubt: Volume Three by Whitney G.

Reasonable Doubt Banner Reasonable Doubt: Volume Three
by Whitney Gracia Williams
Reasonable Doubt #3
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Genres:Contemporary, Erotica, Novella, Romance
Purchase from: AmazonNook
Add to Goodreads.

RD3

Synopsis: I hate him...

I hate that I fell in love with him, hate that he didn't love me back, and I hate the fact that I just made a life-altering decision just so I could get the hell away from him.

He'd always said that he was unchangeable, heartless, and cold...

I really should've believed him...

Final book in the Reasonable Doubt series...

Also in the series:

RD Cover

About Whitney Gracia Williams

A self diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them. She is the "imaginary bestselling" author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul. When she's not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here: http://www.whitneygracia.com She also loves getting emails from her readers, so if you want to tell her how much you loved (or hated) her stories, email her at whitgbooks@gmail.com

 

Aug 25, 2014

Release Day Blitz - Black Lies by Alessandra Torre

BL_BuyLinks

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Smashwords | Kobo

Black_Lies_Official_Cover
This Book is a STAND ALONE
((( Books will Release at $2.99 for the week, then will go up to $3.99 )))
*** See Teasers, Excerpts & Giveaway at blackliesbook.com ***
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BL_Synopsis
Brant: Became a tech billionaire by his twentieth birthday. Has been in a relationship with me for 3 years. Has proposed 4 times. Been rejected 4 times.
BL_teaser
Lee: Cuts grass when he’s not banging housewives. Good with his hands, his mouth, and his cock. Has been pursued relentlessly by me for almost 2 years, whether he knows it or not. I love 2 men. I want 2 men. If you think you’ve heard this story before, trust me – you haven’t
blacklies
BL_AuthorInfo

 
at 

Alessandra Torre is a USA Today Bestselling author who focuses on contemporary erotica. Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, was published in July 2012, and was an Erotica #1 Bestseller for two weeks.
Alessandra lives in the gulf coast of Florida and is married, with one young child. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dogs. Her favorite authors include Lisa Gardner, Gillian Flynn, and Jennifer Crusie.
 

   
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Aug 24, 2014

Debt Inheritance by Pepper Winters

 
Book summary:
“I own you. I have the piece of paper to prove it. It’s undeniable and unbreakable. You belong to me until you’ve paid off your debts.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Being the first born daughter, her life is forfeit to the first born son of the Hawks to pay for sins of ancestors past. The dark ages might have come and gone, but debts never leave. She has no choice in the matter.

She is no longer free.

Jethro Hawk receives Nila as an inheritance present on his twenty-ninth birthday. Her life is his until she’s paid off a debt that’s centuries old. He can do what he likes with her—nothing is out of bounds—she has to obey.

There are no rules. Only payments.

***REVIEW***


1.5-why-the-fuck-am-I doing-this-to-myself-stars 

 I told myself that I wouldn't waste my time on the books that I know for sure would be torture to read because I'd hate them. After finishing Tears of Tess, I put Pepper Winters novels on that list.

 But here I am - reading her latest release.

Why? I got sick of all five stars raving reviews and thought: "Maybe I should give her a second chance. Maybe this book is different." (And maybe there should be a less flattering review out there too.)

Unfortunately, I did not like Debt Inheritance.

 Story.

  description  

Debt Inheritance can be described as a book with identity crisis - it doesn't know would it rather be contemporary or historical, pseudo-incest or kidnap kink, billionaire or motorcycle club romance. If you think about it, it would be a perfect parody of everything that is popular in romance genre last two or three years, but sadly, this book takes all of those cliches super seriously.
  
Characters.

 description

Let's see! Nila is a clumsy girl, but unlike Bella she has an excuse - she suffers from condition called vertigo. (I have no idea if that is even real, but even if it is, I doubt that some things work out as it's described here.) She is sheltered 24 years old woman who is at the same time naive like a little girl from 17th century and successful fashion designer, educated woman and public figure. Her mother left when she was a little so, of course, she has abandonment issues. She had sex only once in her life, but only because she got drunk. You see, her father and brother are protective like shit and they don't let her date, go out or do anything fun. Because they love her and want to protect her. And she is surrounded with all all this technology called internet, phones, computers, Google, social networks - which she is permitted to use, but she doesn't. Or does, but in this really weird way. Like, sexting with some random guy who mistakenly sent her message and he thinks she is a nun. And oh my God, don't let me even start with how stupid those messages are!!!

What is next? Oh yes - her brother. He is gorgeous and they are almost flirting on every page and everyone thinks that they are lovers because they are too close, and she would date him but she can't because it would be incest and it's like disgusting. And her daddy is so sweet and handsome an he thinks only on her well being. Two pages later... She feels that her brother and father aren't allowing her to be herself and she is under so much stress to prove herself, to make them see her as worthy. What. The. Fuck!? Make your damn mind!!!

 description

Here is the greatest level of her stupidity. So, she is hosting her very first fashion show. Lights are out, everything went great and then comes her father and tells her that she will go with this complete stranger to celebrate. Guy is weird and all, and she feels all this darkness coming out of him. I can't even replicate how idiotic that whole part of the story was. It was like watching one of those Discovery shows about mating of black widows or something like that. And in next 24 hours this girl changes and feels some kind of connection with the stranger who kidnaped her with her father's permission, hit her, made her sleep with the dogs and pretty much told her that after he's finished with her, he will kill her. All because of some vague family debt and piece of paper signed 600 years ago! o.O (P.S. I didn't get that part at all.)
 

description  

Jethro Hawk is:
a) millionaire;
b) criminal;
c) member of motorcycle club;
d) monster;
e) sexual dominant;
f) sadist;
g) price charming on black horse or
h) all of the above.

Correct answer would be all of the above. He looks like Christian Gray, but rides Harley like Deuce from Undeniable series by Madeline Sheehan. He is member of - wait for it - Black Diamond Brotherhood, former smugglers and now bikers, aristocrats and diamond traders. He is big and scary, he is annoyed with this little girl he got to train and kill because she doesn't have boobs and have no idea how to make him come with her hands. (Yes, she never watched porn or read smut, despite the fact that she has phone and computer. But hey, she is great with sexting. Or her mysterious friend tells her so.) But this monster is actually your regular softy because she makes him forget who is in charge and she makes him super hard and desperate to get into her pants. And possessive too. Suddenly, he has a change of heart, after seeing how good little girl she was after "serving" his 27 brothers and he offers her opportunity to earn freedom. Kind of - he plans to hunt her like an animal in the woods surrounding his family mansion.  

Hmmmmm....

  description description

Aug 22, 2014

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1) by J.R. Ward





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Book summary:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.


  Add to Goodreads 


 
My rating: ✮✮✮


My review:


How did I make it to year 2014 without reading a single page from the Black Dagger Brotherhood? Really, how did I manage not to do that? Long story short, Buffy, the vampire slayer; J. R. Ward a man writing crime novels with vampires: BDB. This may not make sense, but it is the short version. The important part is that I'm no longer one of the few people in the world who have not read anything from this series.

I am still a rookie when it comes to vampire books. A rookie who isn't very eager to become an expert. However, after a little trip to the vampire world of one of my favorite writers Joey W. Hill, I had an itch to read more about vampires, and since this book has been on my list -- and my shelf -- for a very, very long time, I figured the time had finally come for me to read it.

I am glad I've read comments saying the books get better, because I wasn't exactly impressed with Dark Lover. It was first published in 2005, so I assume the author's writing style has evolved, and improved in the meantime. At least, I hope so. I did like how the author imagined the vampire world. I'm not sure I've grasped the concept completely, but I'm getting there. I liked the brothers, too, though I don't think I've memorized who's who, either. They all have such angry names, can you blame me for being confused? They do seem to be an interesting group, and most importantly, interesting characters for the sequels.

To be honest, the banter between the brothers, and later with Butch, and the parts with Butch and Marissa were my favorite. Fritz was a character I found the sweetest. I wish there was more of them, but what can you do... The rest was okay, I guess.

The blooming romance between Wrath and Beth was a major focus of the book, and sometimes I liked it, and other times not so much. Separate, I liked them a lot more, which is kind of weird, and not a good thing if what you're reading is a romance novel. They got too smoochy too fast. Hot, dirty, sweaty -- I don't mind. In fact, I encourage it, but smoochy -- not in front of me, please. Thank you! I do, however, look forward to seeing them in the next books. I think the role of king and queen will suit them, especially Wrath.

In the past few years I have gotten used to reading books written from either one POV or two, occasionally three, so reading this book with I don't even know how many POVs was quite a change, and sometimes it was a little difficult for me to follow everything. If I'm being totally honest, I'd say there were a few story lines that could have been edited out of the book without losing anything important. The parts with Mr. X were creepy to me. And that name makes me think he's some villain from a James Bond movie. As a villain he had some great evil plans, but in the end it was rather anticlimactic. I'd say the parts with Butch and Marissa were unnecessary, too, but I liked them too much together to complain about that, but Havers' -- I did not see the need for it. Not in a book, anyway. In a movie or TV series, I think it would have worked better. Which brings me to the writing style. When I find a book written in this manner, I always think I'd rather watch it on TV than read it, because I didn't get much more from the book than I would have had I watched it on screen. The book didn't delve deep into the emotional state of the characters. It was focused on what was happening and what was being said. I was a little disappointed by this.

However, even with all of my complaints, I'd still like to find out what happens next. Do I want to dive into the next book right away? No. I'm not that impatient. But someday I will. I think.

XOXO
 

Aug 20, 2014

The Diary Of Brad De Luca (Innocence, #1.5) by Alessandra Torre

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Author's Page:

Genre:
Contemporary Romance/ New Adult

Summary on Goodreads:

I was happy with my life. And who wouldn’t be? Beautiful women, money, a job that I could sleep through and still make bank. But I was bored. And I never could walk away from a challenge.

This challenge turned out to be brunette. Feisty. Just the way I like them. But innocent. Too innocent for me. Too innocent to do anything other than sample and then toss back. Anything more would be too risky, too much work.

I was unprepared for Julia Campbell. I should have done my homework, should have looked before jumping off that cliff. Ditching her proved to be problematic, my sexual needs greater than my common sense.

She was different. She became more than a challenge.

She may just bring my world crashing down.
*
This novella is meant to complement, and be read after, Blindfolded Innocence, a #1 Erotica Bestseller.

RATING:


***REVIEW***

Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review

I know, I know, I'm a bad reader. The blurb clearly states that this should be read after Blindfolded Innocence (Innocence, #1), but I love to break rules, so I read this first just to get a sneak-a-peek on Alessandra Torre's writing, because most of my friends on GR can't stop raving about her books, so I requested this arc from Netgalley awhile ago, but with so many books on my shelves I didn't have time to read it properly until last night. This is my first book by her, but it got me  intrigued.

Now, after reading it, I think that I didn't make a big mistake when I decided to read this first, because this is a short version (only 45 pages) of the 1st book in the Innocence Series written from the male point of view- Brad De Luca. That's why I don't think I've spoiled the 1st book that much.

The story was fast-pacedfun & steamy featuring a hot billonaire player  and one of the interns at his firm. I enjoyed it, even though, at first, I was afraid that this will be one of those Fifty Shades Wannabes, but that was not the case with this book. Brad De Luca was a fun character to read about- one of those typical players with a certain dose of mystery about him from who every girl tries to stay away, but secretly  wishes to be the one who'll change his wicked ways.

~ THE THINGS I LIKED THE MOST ABOUT THIS SHORT NOVELLA:

1. The poetic tone of the writing

2. The strong main female character

He was a senior partner, she an intern. 
She should have wiped drool off her mouth and scampered in,
ready to assist him in any way that he deemed necessary. 
But she didn't behave.
She was unimpressed, sarcastic. 
Not swooned by Centaur's grandiose entrance 
or the restaurant's exorbitant prices,
 she had looked him in the eye when she spoke and called him out on his bullshit. She had been, simply put, fascinating.

Julie is not your typical female character. She might seem innocent and naive at first with her physical appearance, but the minute she opens her mouth you see how far from naive she is. She is smart, strong & she can see right through your bullshit, especially the one from Brad De Luca. The chemistry between them was palpable since the moment they saw each other for the first time, but she won't be one of those needy girls who'll chase after him when he starts to have commitment issues. 

All in all- a fun, short read! The main reason for three stars rating is the shortness of the story. It left me wanting for more and it made me move up Blindfolded Innocence on my TBR next list.

"You are going to be so bad for me", she whispered.
"So bad"..."Tomorrow", she murmured. "Tomorrow, I'll stay away."

XOXO

Aug 19, 2014

Four Score (Gypsy Brothers, #4) by Lili St. Germain

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Author's Page:

Summary on Goodreads:

Love and hate aren’t all that different.

Two sides of the same coin, the yin and the yang.

Once upon a time, Jason Ross loved me. And now that he knows what I’ve done, I see the love and the hate warring within him.

I see the way he looks at me.

The way he wonders how I could do the things I’ve done.

I hear it in the way he begs me to stop, to leave this life and run away with him.

But there’s only one way I’m leaving LA.

And that’ll be when Dornan and the rest of his sons are dead and buried.

Jase might forgive me for what I’ve done.

But will he forgive me for the crimes I’m yet to commit?

RATING:


***REVIEW***

Every day for six years, I used to pray 
that I would find my way back to the boy I loved.
Until finally, one day, I did.
But that's the funny thing about life.
Nothing good ever lasts...

The secret is finally out...Well, at least to Jase and the question is: how is he going to handle it? Will he expose Juliette to his father and the rest of the gang or will he help her kill them all???

Since the beginning of this series I've been torn about Jase and his role in Juilette's life. I liked him, but I always wondered why and how could he stay with his psycho father and brothers after everything that happened? How could you stay and play his little, obedient puppet-son and do nothing about it? What's your story Jase? Are you really just a big, poor wuss or there's more to it? If you are, then you don't deserve Juliette's love at all. Those were my thoughts through the series and  I truly hopped that when we finally hear his reasons for staying that it will be something redeemable.

This is the forth book of the series where we finally get those questions answered. Am I pleased? Hm...well, kind of. Ok, yes, his reasons were redeemable enough, but still, is it enough after all this time? I'm still convinced that he could have done something, but he didn't and there's that and what does it say about him? I get that he is hurt and everything, but dude, the girl was *spoiler*, so keep your little drama queen moments for yourself! But in spite of my still existent conflicted feelings about him, I have to say that he did have some of those redeemable moments too.

While other books were more on the dark & scary side, in this one the focus was more on emotions. The secret is out and Juliette & Jase have their little deeply emotional & heartbreaking reunion, but is love enough when there's so much rage, lies and mistrust between them? I was also conflicted about Juliette in this story. I liked how strong and determined she still remained even when she could have chosen the easy way out of  all this mess, but at the same time I didn't like how being around Jase made her again so needy and insecure. 

My heart broke for Elliot. I really like him and I didn't like how Julie handled the situation between him and Jase. He was the one who helped her after all those horrible things she's been through and not Jase. He was there for her when she was at the very bottom and even though he might not be right about some stuff, she shouldn't have behaved towards him the way she did. 

All in all, I liked the story and the writing style a lot, but I wasn't happy with some of the out-comes. 

And the ending ??? :@ It will make you scream- that's all I'm gonna say. I'm afraid and both eager to read the next book, because knowing Lili St. Germain's writing, it will be something truly dark & fucked-up. Oh, who am I kidding- I can't wait to get my hands on it ;)!

You think you're the one with power, 
at least I did, but then I got careless.
One tiny mistake, and now I'm powerless 
to stop what comes next. 

***
The score is only at four. And until it's at seven? 
Love will have to wait.

XOXO

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