ARC REVIEW: Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters

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Genre: Erotic MC Romance

Expected publication date: July 7th 2015

Book summary:

"She is a woman divided. Her past, present, and future are as twisted as the lies she's lived for the past eight years. Desperate to get the truth, she must turn to the one man who may also be her greatest enemy . . .

He is the president of Pure Corruption MC. A heartless biker and retribution-deliverer. He accepts no rules, obeys no one, and lives only to reap revenge on those who wronged him. And now he has stolen her, body and soul.

Can a woman plagued by mystery fall in love with the man who refuses to face the truth? And can a man drenched in darkness forgo his quest for vengeance-and finally find redemption?"

MY RATING: 2.5/3 stars

Possible spoilers!

    SHORT?  I gave it a chance. Kept an open mind. It had potential, but in the end, it still disappointed me. Will I read sequel? Probably, because I want to find out what will happen next.

      First of all, I have to warn you that I have complicated relationship with Pepper Winters novels. There is something about her stories that get my attention, and I cannot resist to the temptation to read them. Not to mention all those pretty covers - Ruin & Rule might have the prettiest so far. My issues start somewhere around third chapter when I get annoyed by characters or story arc or writing. Ruin & Rule lasted longer than that. 

      What I liked? Until the chapter fifteen I truly believed that I would love it. Such an intriguing start! Reader finds out things gradually along with main female character, so there are no clear answers. You are confused, trying to figure out who is who, to make difference between enemies and those who could help out. Along with the MC you are figuring out rules of this crazy new world. And then there is Arthur "Kill" Killian. The president of Pure Corruption MC. Anti-hero. (With kick-ass tattoo! That's something I'd like very much to see!). Even writing was captivating. Yes, it gets melodramatic sometimes, but that first half of the story was so good.

      When did things start to go downhill? At chapter fifteen. The loooongest chapter. Where nothing actually happened. And everything was dragged. And all problems are solved with sex. Hot sex. Until they start to talk.

      What I didn't like?

• Flashbacks. I was seriously disturbed with those because how overly sexual and mature characters are considering that they are just kids (she is barely fourteen - but there are parts where she's eight). 
• Memory loss. Great idea, but at times felt a bit forced. 
• Convenient "situations".  Some things got resolved too easily, just when needed. Like she remembering bits about her past. Very specific bits, all of a sudden. 
• Biker gang. What biker gang? Unlike any other book of the genre, do not expect "club business" storyline. There isn't much, everything is about our main female character and Kill. Even when there is mention of what they do, it's just superficial. That is why I had a feeling like the world-building was lacking, there's no actual background story to the described events, and answers we do get in the end, aren't shown, but told. Just dropped in one chapter told from Kill's POV. After the lot of  I-can't-tell-yous. Which brings us to the next thing that bothered me.
• Melodramatic dragging of the story. It was fun to be in the dark at the beginning, but when you read for the hundredth time: "I will tell you everything, but not now. You have to trust me." and then they have sex, or read about her temper tantrums, you just get bored and start skimming. Second half seriously tested my patience. 
• Kill in the second half of the book. From the badass he became pussy-whipped idiot. Over the night. Just no. 

       Who will like Ruin & Rule? Most definitely everyone who liked Pepper Winters previous novels, especially Monsters in the Dark trilogy. Fans of dark, erotic stories.


Happy reading,

*Copy of the book provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

ARC Review: One Percenter (Noir et Bleu Motorcycle Club #1) by D.R. Graham

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Genre: New Adult Romance

Expected publication date: February 23rd 2015

Book summary: 

"99% of bikers obey the law. The other 1% make their own...
Eighteen-year-old Tienne Desrochers grew up in the rough world of the Noir et Bleu Motorcycle Club. Bikers. Family. Outlaws. But after her dad's murder, Tienne decides she's had enough. She refuses to end up like her drug-addicted mom. So she grabs her younger brother and leaves it all behind...including her boyfriend, Aiden Gyllenhall.

More comfortable in the middle of a bar fight than at a country club, living with her wealthy aunt and uncle is an adjustment, to say the least. No swearing. Designer shoes that pinch. And charming corporate types like Leland Crofton instead of super-sexy, tattooed Aiden. But even the upper class can't escape the toxic touch of underworld violence. And this time, Tienne won't just learn who she really is—she'll learn who has her back."

 My rating: 2 stars

 
This is so not MC book.
It's more teen angst melodrama. I didn't want to read that.

5 reasons why I didn't like One Percenter:

1. The story. After reading book summary I was sure that I might like it. And then I started reading it. Whole thing is completely unbelievable and full of plot holes. Eighteen years old girl finds herself on the crossroads between her old life with dangerous Noir et Bleu Motorcycle Club and new one with the social elite and country club parties. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, poor world building and lack of secondary characters development made One Percenter big failure.
2. Main female character. Tienne Desrochers suffers from Jenny from the Block syndrome. You do remember that song? J.Lo posing like girl from the hood despite all her money and fame? *snorts* Yeah, right... Well, Tienne has the same problem - she believes that she is much more important than she actually is.
3. Love triangle. Just horrible! It was like reading Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde all over again.
4. I didn't feel any chemistry between characters. 
5. It was rushed from the beginning to the end.

This is just my opinion, so maybe you will like it more than I did. It just that I don't have patience for teenage drama queens.

xoxo,

*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

RELEASE DAY LAUNCH + GIVEAWAY: Tight by Alessandra Torre

Title: TIGHT

Author: Alessandra Torre

Genre: Erotic Romance

Cover Design: Judi Perkins

Photography Credit: Maksim Gorbunov

Release Date: Feb. 7th 2015

I was happy in my small town. In my life as a single thirty-two year old woman. I had a good job, wonderful friends, my independence.
I also hadn't got laid in three years. Hadn't been on a date in two. Had stopped counting calories and putting on makeup... a while ago.
Then Brett Jacobs waltzed in. Caressed my thigh, dug rough fingers into my hair, lowered his soft mouth to my skin, took sexual control of my mind and stirred it all around with what he packed in his pants. He dumped my quiet life upside down and crawled into a place in my heart I thought was dead.
The issue is his secret. The issue is her. The issue is that I don't even know she exists, and he thinks she's dead. The issue is that everything is about to hit the fan and I can't hold on to him tight enough.

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written seven novels, four of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, became a breakout hit, rising to the top of the charts on Kindle and Amazon where it attracted the interest of major publishing houses and garnered Torre her first print deal with Harlequin HQN. Less than twelve months later, Torre signed a second print deal, this time with Redhook (Hachette) for her erotic thriller The Girl in 6E.

From her home near the warm waters of the Emerald Coast in Florida, she devotes several hours each day to various writing projects and interacting with her fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Happily married and with one son, she loves watching SEC football games, horseback riding, reading and watching movies.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter

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ARC Review: Tight by Alessandra Torre

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Book will be available  for order on February 6th 2015

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Genre: Erotic Romance

Book summary: 

"I was happy in my small town. In my life as a single, thirty-two year old woman. I had a good job, wonderful friends, my independence.

I also hadn't been laid in three years. Hadn't been on a date in two. Had stopped counting calories and wearing makeup... a while ago.

Then Brett Jacobs waltzed in. Caressed my thigh, dug rough fingers into my hair, lowered his soft mouth to my skin, took sexual control of my mind and stirred it all around with what he packed in his pants. He flipped my quiet life upside down and crawled into a place in my heart I thought was dead.

The issue is his secret.
The issue is her.
The issue is that I don't even know she exists, and he thinks she's dead.
The issue is that shit is about to hit the fan and I can't hold on to him tight enough." 

                                                                          My rating: 4.5 stars

       Anyone who previously read Alessandra Torre novels, is familiar with this reaction:

What the... WHAT? 

      Her newest release is no different. Tight is a book that will keep you up all night, make you gasp and maybe roll your eyes few times, but in the end you will understand everything.

      I will not tell you about premise of Tight. Why? Well, the best way to read novels written by Alessandra Torre is without knowing anything about them previously. Don't even read synopsis. Just pick up the book - it comes out on February 7th - and jump right into this madness.
Keep an open mind.
Don't judge characters too soon.
And have faith in the author and her wicked ways.

      One thing that I like the most about this, but also her other books, is that characters are around thirty years old and they act that way. No "forever sixteen syndrome" here! As someone who will be 30 in less than four days, I could relate with few of dilemmas Riley went trough. Like a need to be a little bit reckless and not responsible all the damn time. To make a change. And slap that judgmental friend all of us have.

      The most confusing part of the story were few alternating POV chapters that were mixed with Riley's narration. Several times I thought I knew what would happen. Every single time I was wrong. Alessandra Torre knows how to get your attention. And then crush all your hopes. You curse her and in the next chapter apologize for doubting.

      Prepare yourselves for new book boyfriend - Brett is, so far, my favorite. I am not big fan of fictional millionaires, but there is something about this man that just makes you tingle all over.

     Final judgment? Tight is a book that all fans suspenseful, way too hot books should read. If you prefer stories that will keep you on your toes until the very end, with just enough darkness in the mix, this is a prefect choice for you.

xoxo,

*Copy of the book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*

ARC Review: Cartel by Lili St. Germain

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Expected publication date: January 27th 2015

Book summary:

"How much is a life worth?

I grew up in Colombia, the daughter of a wealthy drug lord. I lived a life of extravagance, until one day a drug run went horribly wrong and everything came crashing down around us.

I was given away. A payment for a debt. The Gypsy Brothers Motorcycle Club became my new owners, and I did everything I could to survive.

But falling in love with the man who owned me wasn't part of the plan..."

 5-zero-spoilers-stars 

     One of the biggest 2014 surprises was Gypsy Brothers series by Lili St. Germain. My co-blogger at Way Too Hot Books, Purple, told me from the start that I would love it. I knew that she was probably right, but I still left those books for later. I am glad that I did, because I'd go crazy waiting for the sequels. (Seven Sons is free on Amazon, so you can always download it and see for yourself if we are obsessed with this twisted story for a good reason.)

      Before Juliette Portland, there was Dornan Ross. Cartel is the first book in the trilogy that follows the events prior to everything that happened in Gypsy Brothers. You don't have to read Julette's story first, you can start with Cartel. Good news is that all three books will be published in 2015 - the second book, Kingpin, should be released on June 1st, and the third book, Empire, on October 1st.  

     There are no good guys here. One of the most appealing traits of Lili St. Germain writing, at least for me, is how realistic everything feels. When the focus of the story is on extremely violent world of drug and weapons trade and human trafficking, you can never talk about people who are innocent or without a fault. Yes, there are victims, but those involved into machinery behind every crime that is committed, are not victims. They made a choice, it doesn't matter for what reason, but they are involved, willingly. But than again there's that saying about "sins of our fathers"... Maybe deep down you long for a different life, but it's hard to escape the only world you have ever known. Cartel is dark and brutal story about people who are facing all of those things. Even the most innocent person involved, has the darkness inside her mind and heart.  

      No one can save you. You have to take care of yourself, however you can. Morals of the story. No sugar-coated fantasy about prince on the white horse. No higher power that will save you because you pray every day. Just simple, cold truth. If you have any wish to survive, even for just a little bit longer, you have to became the wolf. You have to be ready to do things you loath, you need to adapt, you need to forget your inhibitions and become a power player. You have to manipulate and lie and cheat. And be aware - all the time - that maybe even that won't be enough and learn to live with it.  

      Very dark read. Cartel is a kind of book you should read without knowing anything about it before, just pick up the book and go into the story blind. But one thing that I have to warn you about is that Cartel, and the rest of the books written by brilliant Lili Saint Germain, are dealing with a lot of dark and twisted aspects of our world. There is no fluffy romance and redemption. No one is innocent. If you can deal with that, you don't want to miss reading these amazing books.

xoxo,

*Copy of the book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*

ARC REVIEW: Rough Justice by Sarah Castille

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Genre:

Contemporary MC Romance

Expected publication date: February 3rd, 2015

Book summary:

"From bestselling author Sarah Castille comes a scorching new series featuring red-hot, hard-riding bikers and the women who can’t help but love them…

IT TAKES A GOOD, STRONG WOMAN

Raised in a motorcycle gang, tough, beautiful Arianne Hunter has always dreamed of a normal life. But no sooner does she escape her father’s domineering grasp than she wakes up to find herself in a rival gang’s clubhouse—at the mercy of the dangerously sexy Jagger Knight.

TO TAME A MAN WHO’S HELL ON WHEELS.

The alpha leader of the notorious Sinner’s Tribe, Jagger Knight is all muscle, all biker, and all man. But somewhere inside this hard tattooed outlaw, Arianne senses a kindred spirit—and she can’t ignore their tempestuous attraction. Can she beat him at his own game in a revved-up blaze of glory? Or will their passion spark a war that’s the end of the road for them both?"

MY RATING: 3.5 STARS

Rough Justice is the first book in Sarah Castille new series, Sinner's Tribe Motorcycle Club, and I believe that fans of tamer fictional versions of this violent subculture would enjoy reading it.  

      What can you expect? Instant love, bad boys with strong sense of what is right and what is wrong, a lot of steamy scenes, usual rivalry between clubs and few hours in the company of fictional men who are, as someone put it cleverly, "God's apology for men in real life". Unlike many other novels in this genre, Rough Justice is still more similar to "regular" romances with edgier twist, despite occasional scenes of violence. Sinner's Tribe is on kindergarten level compared to Sons of Anarchy or Hell's Horseman. This can be either a good or a bad thing, depending of what you like when it comes to this type of the stories.

     Fairy tale about big, bad bikers. This would be the easiest way to describe new book by Sarah Castille. We are constantly reminded that they are "dominant club", that they are criminals and bad men, ex-military or something like that, but mostly it's just a talk. Personally, I couldn't get them seriously because I had a feeling that they were a kids playing bad buys with plastic guns. Or is it that I just have certain expectations based on books written by Lili St. Germain and Madeline Sheehan?  

      But the romance was really sweet. And hot. Two people that should be enemies falling in love? Strong female character that holds her own? Man who is willing to risk everything because of woman he cares about? If your answer is yes to everything above, you should definitely read Rough Justice because it has it all. One thing that I have to admit is that Sarah Castille can write a panties-melting steamy scenes. Oh, boy... Prepare yourself.  

      Final judgement? Great start to the new series that will appeal even to the readers who are not such a big fans of the usual MC romance novels.

 xoxo,

*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

(Cover Reveal) Do Not Disturb by Alessandra Torre

Title: Do Not Disturb

Author: A. R. Torre

Genre: Erotic Thriller

Details: Standalone, 2nd book in series

Cover Designer: Wendy Chan

Release Date: April 21st 2015

Preorder: Amazon - Nook

 

1. Don't leave the apartment 2. Never let anyone in. 3. Don't kill anyone

The rules were simple. I broke them. Now, I must face the consequences. Everyone else must face me.

**This is Book 2 in the Deanna Madden Series. All books in this series are standalone reads, but are best enjoyed if read in order.**

 

 

 A.R. Torre is a pseudonym for New York Times Bestselling erotica author Alessandra Torre. Do Not Disturb is the second in her Deanna Madden series, a line of standalone erotic thrillers. While not writing, Alessandra enjoys reading, spending time with her family and playing with her dogs. She lives on Florida's Emerald Coast and is married, with one young son. Find out more about Alessandra by subscribing to her popular newsletter.

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(Cover Reveal) Black Hearts: The Leather Valentine Collection

Title: Black Hearts ( The Leather Valentine Collection)

Release Date: February 10, 2015

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Cover Designer: Louisa from LM Creations

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This Valentine's day, take a ride with the

Leather Valentine Collection. 

Eight of your favorite Best Selling MC authors come together to give you a Leather clad Valentines day you won't forget. 

Bikes, clubs and bad ass brothers claiming the hearts and bodies of the women in their misfit lives.

What sinfully sexy way will your favorite MC couple spend Valentine's Day?

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