Romance Review: A Touch of Midnight by Lara Adrian

A Touch of Midnight (Midnight Breed #0.5) by Lara Adrian
Ebook: 163 pages
Source: Bought
Published July 2013 by Lara Adrian, LLC

Rating: 5 stars

Contact the Author: Twitter | Goodreads | Website

Summary:

Savannah Dupree is halfway across the country from her Louisiana bayou hometown, a freshman studying at Boston University on a full scholarship. But academic excellence is only one of Savannah’s gifts. She possesses something even more remarkable than her quick mind and insatiable curiosity for learning. With a simple touch, Savannah can see an object’s past—a skill that puts her life in danger, when her studies bring her into contact with a centuries-old English sword and the secret hidden within the blade’s history: the vicious murders of twin boys by a group of fanged creatures borne of the worst kind of nightmare.

In all his three hundred years of living as one of the Breed, vampire warrior Gideon never dreamed he’d see the blade again that spilled his young brothers’ lives ages ago on that blood-soaked night in London. Ever since the boys’ deaths, Gideon’s been on a personal quest to rid the world of Rogue vampires, but now he can’t help wondering if the brutal slayings of his only kin was something more sinister—an act perpetrated by an unknown enemy. An enemy who is apparently living in hiding somewhere in Boston. There’s one certain way to prove Gideon’s suspicion, but it will mean using innocent, gifted Savannah to help uncover the full truth—a truth that will shatter everything she knows about herself and the world around her. And with danger closing in from all sides, the passion that ignites between Gideon and Savannah will tempt them to risk their hearts and lives for a love that might just last an eternity…

Thoughts:

Gideon was always the go to guy for anything connected with tecnology in this series and it was so cute to realise after reading this book that in reality he gave up fighting to be with Savannah. I loved this couple since book one and it was extremely fun to see them finding each other and falling in love.

Their story was really simple, they met after Savannah saw a couple of disturbing things from a very old sword, she has a gift about seeing the past from some objets. Nice trick, but it wasn't particularly good for after the bad guys, a couple of Rogues decided to kill her. 

I liked this world before all the changes and the bad things were only the rogues. But it was also a nice couple.

Series in Order

#0.5 – A Touch of Midnight
#1 – Kiss of Midnight
#2 – Kiss of Crimson
#3 – Midnight Awakening
#4 – Midnight Rising
#5 – Veil Of Midnight
#6 – Ashes of Midnight
#7 – Shades of Midnight
#8 – Taken by Midnight
#9 – Deeper than Midnight
#9.5 – A Taste of Midnight
#10 – Darker After Midnight
#11 – Edge of Dawn
#12 – Crave the Night

Romance Review: When We Met by Susan Mallery

When We Met (Immortals After Dark #0.5) by Susan Mallery
Ebook: 352 pages
Source: NetGalley
Published April 29th 2014 by Harlequin HQN

Rating: 4 stars

Contact the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery invites you back to Fool's Gold, where a newcomer to town might finally meet the man she never knew she needed… 

Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can't be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool's Gold, California, he's cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he's not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe. 

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe to toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses. 

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

Thoughts:

Okay this book was not all that I expected. I think Angel could be a little more romantic sometimes, but he decided to play a game with Taryn and win her over the brains. The guy couldn't even bother to call her, so for me that was a very bad move. Taryn liked him, because he was alpha male and a different type from all the other she could boss around. So a nice surprise.

Taryn liked him, for different reasons but we can see that she's just like every other woman and wants to hear pretty words from her man. So those three she works with decided to play save and be on her side during her break up. 

I liked seeing all those other faces and getting to know better those other guys that are definitely getting their happy ending pretty soon. Not so sure about the main couple, but they kinda fit together. Not sure this book was great like the rest of the series, but more like a regular romance. I expect more from Susan Mallery.

Series in Order

#1 – Chasing Perfect
#2 – Almost Perfect
#2.5 – Sister of the Bride
#3 – Finding Perfect
#4 – Only Mine
#5 – Only Yours
#6 – Only His
#6.1 – Only Us
#6.2 – Almost Summer
#7 – Summer Days
#8 – Summer Nights
#9 – All Summer Long
#9.5 – A Fool Gold’s Christmas
#9.75 – Halfway There
#10 – Just One Kiss
#11 – Two Of a Kind
#12 – Three Little Words
#12.1 – Fool’s Gold Cookbook
#12.5 – Christmas on 4th Street

#13 - When We Met

#14 - Before We Kiss (Expected publication: May 27th 2014)

#15 - Until We Touch (Expected publication: June 24th 2014)

#15.5 - Yours for Christmas (Expected publication: September 30th 2014)

I received this book from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Romance Review: A May Bride by Meg Moseley

A May Bride (A Year of Weddings #6) by Meg Moseley
Ebook: 124 pages
Source: NetGalley
Published April 22nd 2014 by Zondervan

Rating: 4 stars

Contact the Author: Goodreads | Website

Summary:

She’s prepared for her wedding all her life … but she forgot a few things.

Ellie Martin, a country girl in Atlanta, often de-stresses from city life by tending the flower beds of a church near her apartment. She has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life, a wedding like the one her younger sister is planning back in their hometown. Their single mom will pay for Alexa’s wedding, but Ellie started her own wedding fund years ago. She only needs to find a groom.

She bumps into a man who’s a guest at a wedding on the church grounds. She’s noticed him around the neighborhood, but today he introduces himself as Gray Whitby. They embark on a whirlwind romance, but her mother doesn’t trust freewheeling men like him. Standing up to Mom leads Ellie to stick up for Alexa too. When Ellie risks her own plans for her sister’s sake, Gray feels betrayed. Will he always play second fiddle?

Will Ellie and Gray reconcile their differences so her dream wedding can come true, or will the romance they’ve begun come crashing down?

Thoughts:

Okay this book has some good points, but I did not liked Ellie mother, she's mean and only thinks about the past. Ellie is trying really hard to have a normal life away from her mother, you can clearly see things are strange when they barely talk. 

I liked Gray and the way he pointed out to Ellie how to change, but I also believe he could be a little more understand, their relationship was way too fast for me, but I liked the couple and the changes we could see in Ellie. 

Ellie spend way too much time worrying about what her mother or other people will say, she changed a lot and I think it was for the best, so Gray was perfect for her.

Series in Order

#1 – A December Bride
#2 – A January Bride
#3 - A February Bride
#4 - A March Bride
#5 - An April Bride
#6 - A May Bride 
#7 - A June Bride (Expected publication: May 27th 2014)
#8 - A July Bride (Expected publication: June 24th 2014)
#9 - An August Bride (Expected publication: July 29th 2014)
#10 - A September Bride (Expected publication: August 26th 2014)
#11 - An October Bride (Expected publication: September 23rd 2014)

I received this book from NetGalley and Zondervan in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Paranormal Review: A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #1) by Kresley Cole
Ebook: 384 pages
Source: Bought
Published March 3rd 2011 by Simon & Schuster

Rating: 4 stars

Contact the Author: Twitter | Goodreads | Website

Summary:

A mythic warrior who'll stop at nothing to possess her . . .

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he's waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him. A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy . . .

Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents -- until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae -- and their notorious dark desires -- ebbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings. An all-consuming desire . . .

Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?Includes an excerpt from Kresley Cole's next romance novel, No Rest for the Wicked.

Thoughts:

I wanted to like this book more, but Lachlain was not my favorite guy. I understand he was tortured for 150 years and want revenge after he found his mate, but it's amazing the way he forgets about her and try really hard to just think about killing more vampires. The best point is how Emma is half vampire and half valkyrie. She also looks really young and a little stupid for my taste. I can never understand the reason for those girls to be virgins and stupids. 

They had a hard time during the travel and the mating dance was extremely hard for Emma, she doesn't know a thing about the other supernatural creatures. For someone that lived in New Orleans and had a crazy family like her, things were a little strange. So this was not my favorite couple, but I'll continue with the series to see what the good things ahead.

Series in Order

#0.5 - The Warlord Wants Forever
#1 - A Hunger Like No Other
#2 - No Rest for The Wicked
#3 - Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
#4 - Dark Needs at Night's Edge
#5 - Dark Desires After Dusk
#6 - Kiss of a Demon King
#6.5 - Deep Kiss of Winter
#7 - Pleasure of a Dark Prince
#8 - Demon From the Dark
#9 - Dreams of a Dark Warrior
#10 - Lothaire
#11 - Macrieve
#12 - Dark Skie (Expected publication: August 5th 2014)

Mystery Review: Missing in Death by JD Robb

Missing in Death (In Death #29.5) by JD Robb
Audiobook: 3 hrs and 26 mins
Source: Bought
Published October 28th 2010 by Brilliance Audio

Rating: 5 stars

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Summary:

Suspicious happenings on the Staten Island Ferry draw Lieutenant Eve Dallas to the New York Harbor. Investigating a woman's disappearance on a New York City ferry, Detective Eve Dallas wonders—if she didn't jump, and she's not on board, then where in the world is she?

Thoughts:

This story was something out of a movie. We got Eve trying to find the body and the murder, but the worst part was this investigation made a huge dent on Eve and Roarke happy marriage. I love how their marriage is different, but Roarke is always understanding about the hours and the danger. Eve has a hard time accepting that Roarke has so much anger towards those men responsible for hurt and pain to little Eve. So when this story started to connect with that agency, I was a little worried about those two.

For me this is a short story, but you need to follow the series to completely understand both sides and their reasons for the choices made in this.

Series in Order

#1 – Naked in death
#2 – Glory in death
#3 – Immortal in death
#4 – Rapture in death
#5 – Ceremony in death
#6 – Vengeance in death
#7 – Holiday in death
#7.5 – Midnight in death
#8 – Conspiracy in death
#9 – Loyalty in death
#10 – Witness in death
#11 – Judgment in death
#12 – Betrayal in death
#12.5 – Interlude in death
#13 – Seduction in death
#14 – Reunion in death
#15 – Purity in death
#16 – Portrait in death
#17 – Imitation in death
#17.5 – Big Jack
#18 – Divided in death
#19 – Visions in death
#20 – Survivor in death
#21 – Origin in death
#22 – Memory in death
#22.5 – Haunted in death
#23 – Born in death
#24 – Innocent in death
#24.5 – Eternity in death
#25 – Creation in death
#26 – Strangers in death
#27 – Salvation in death
#27.5 – Ritual in death
#28 – Promises in death
#29 – Kindred in death 
#29.5 – Missing in death
#30 – Fantasy in death
#31 – Indulgence in death
#31.5 – Possession in death
#32 – Treachery in death
#33 – New York to Dallas
#33.5 – Chaos in death
#34 – Celebrity in death
#35 – Delusion in death
#36 – Calculated in death
#37 – Thankless in death
#37.5 – Taken in Death
#38 – Concealed in Death
#39 - Festive in Death (Expected publication: September 1st 2014)

Mystery Review: Kindred in Death by JD Robb

Kindred in Death (In Death #29) by JD Robb
Audiobook: 13 hours, 24 minutes
Source: Bought
Published November 3rd 2009 by Brilliance Audio

Rating: 4 stars

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Summary:

When the newly promoted captain of the NYPSD and his wife return a day early from their vacation, they are looking forward to spending time with their bright and vivacious sixteen-year-old daughter, who stayed behind.

Not even their worst nightmares could prepare them for the crime scene that awaits them instead. Deena has been brutally murdered in her bedroom, and her body shows signs of trauma that horrify even the toughest of cops, including our own Lieutenant Eve Dallas, who is specifically requested by the captain to investigate.

When the evidence starts to pile up, Dallas and her team think they are about to arrest their perpetrator; little do they know that someone has gone to great lengths to tease and taunt them by using a variety of identities.

Overconfidence can lead to careless mistakes. But for Dallas, one mistake might be all she needs to serve justice.

Thoughts:

Another great investigation from Dallas and Roarke. Yes I know she has Peabody, McNab and even Whitney, but for me most of those investigations are purely Eve and Roarke pilling up evidences and making a case out of those scenarios. She can be a little sppoky with the way she always know how the murder is acting, but usually Roarke is able to help her with people or even by just using the computer.

This time was a little different because we can see she's disturbed by the way the victim died and even after Whitney asked for her help, is clear she would never refuse. Roarke was her rock in this one and made all the grand gestures, but I loved the way Eve was a little lost with the wedding and her espected help. She had no idea about what to do. Too bad we barely saw the wedding. 

Series in Order

#1 – Naked in death
#2 – Glory in death
#3 – Immortal in death
#4 – Rapture in death
#5 – Ceremony in death
#6 – Vengeance in death
#7 – Holiday in death
#7.5 – Midnight in death
#8 – Conspiracy in death
#9 – Loyalty in death
#10 – Witness in death
#11 – Judgment in death
#12 – Betrayal in death
#12.5 – Interlude in death
#13 – Seduction in death
#14 – Reunion in death
#15 – Purity in death
#16 – Portrait in death
#17 – Imitation in death
#17.5 – Big Jack
#18 – Divided in death
#19 – Visions in death
#20 – Survivor in death
#21 – Origin in death
#22 – Memory in death
#22.5 – Haunted in death
#23 – Born in death
#24 – Innocent in death
#24.5 – Eternity in death
#25 – Creation in death
#26 – Strangers in death
#27 – Salvation in death
#27.5 – Ritual in death
#28 – Promises in death
#29 – Kindred in death 
#29.5 – Missing in death
#30 – Fantasy in death
#31 – Indulgence in death
#31.5 – Possession in death
#32 – Treachery in death
#33 – New York to Dallas
#33.5 – Chaos in death
#34 – Celebrity in death
#35 – Delusion in death
#36 – Calculated in death
#37 – Thankless in death
#37.5 – Taken in Death
#38 – Concealed in Death
#39 - Festive in Death (Expected publication: September 1st 2014)

Cutting the Budget

I decided to make this year all about the TBR and visiting Delighted Reader and her idea to keep track of her book shopping made me super giddy to do the same, so after some begging she created this awesome meme.

I've spend way too much this month already so this week I only bought one book. NetGalley of course provided the other. So I did really good and there's only one week left for the month. I'm going to make IT!

 

Book and Author	Where I Got	Final Price	Budget Left
The Will by Kristen Ashley	Amazon	3.99	5.68
Crave the Night by Lara Adrian	NetGalley	0.00	5.68

Mystery Review: Promises in Death by JD Robb

A Amarylis Coltraine may have recently transferred to the New York City police force from Atlanta, but she's been a cop long enough to know how to defend herself against an assailant. When she's taken down just steps away from her apartment, killed with her own weapon, for Eve the victim isn't just "one of us." 

Dallas's friend Chief Medical Examiner Morris and Coltraine had started a serious relationship, and from all accounts the two were headed for a happy future together. But someone has put an end to all that. After breaking the news to Morris, Eve starts questioning everyone from Coltraine's squad, informants, and neighbors, while Eve's husband, Roarke, digs into computer data on Coltraine's life back in Atlanta. To their shock, they discover a connection between this case and their own painful, shadowy pasts. 

The truth will need to be uncovered one layer at a time, starting with the box that arrives at Cop Central addressed to Eve containing Coltraine's guns, badge, and a note from her killer: "You can have them back. Maybe someday soon, I'll be sending yours to somebody else." 

But Eve Dallas doesn't take too kindly to personal threats, and she is going to break this case, whatever it takes. And that's a promise

Rating: 4 stars 

Promises in Death (In Death Series) by J.D. Robb 

Published February 24th 2009 by Brilliance Audio

Audiobook: 13 hours

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

This case was too close for Eve because she had to investigate the murder of another detective and the worst part was that said detective was in reality the girlfriend of Morris. We all know how possessive Eve is with her friends so when she found out things became personal and the killer had no way of escaping.

I liked the investigation and things were actually very fast but I felt sorry for Morris, because is clear during this book he was clealry in love with the girl and she was a nice woman. After the investigation and the way things changed we can see he's having a hard time accepting she's gone, but he trusted Eve to find the killer and bring it to justice.

I liked how this case is connected with an older case Eve had a hard time closing a couple of books ago, but the best part for me was how Roarke was always there helping her. And we also had the preparations for Lousie wedding. With lots of girlie time that Eve did not understood but actually enjoyed.

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Series in Order

#1 – Naked in death
#2 – Glory in death
#3 – Immortal in death
#4 – Rapture in death
#5 – Ceremony in death
#6 – Vengeance in death
#7 – Holiday in death
#7.5 – Midnight in death
#8 – Conspiracy in death
#9 – Loyalty in death
#10 – Witness in death
#11 – Judgment in death
#12 – Betrayal in death
#12.5 – Interlude in death
#13 – Seduction in death
#14 – Reunion in death
#15 – Purity in death
#16 – Portrait in death
#17 – Imitation in death
#17.5 – Big Jack
#18 – Divided in death
#19 – Visions in death
#20 – Survivor in death
#21 – Origin in death
#22 – Memory in death
#22.5 – Haunted in death
#23 – Born in death
#24 – Innocent in death
#24.5 – Eternity in death
#25 – Creation in death
#26 – Strangers in death
#27 – Salvation in death
#27.5 – Ritual in death
#28 – Promises in death
#29 – Kindred in death
#29.5 – Missing in death
#30 – Fantasy in death
#31 – Indulgence in death
#31.5 – Possession in death
#32 – Treachery in death
#33 – New York to Dallas
#33.5 – Chaos in death
#34 – Celebrity in death
#35 – Delusion in death
#36 – Calculated in death
#37 – Thankless in death
#37.5 – Taken in Death
#38 – Concealed in Death
#39 - Festive in Death (Expected publication: September 1st 2014)

Romance Review: What the Greek's Money Can't Buy by Maya Blake

What the Greek's Money Can't Buy (The Untamable Greeks #1) by Maya Blake 
Ebook: 192 pages
Source: NetGalley
Published March 18th 2014 by Harlequin

Rating: 4 stars

Series in Order

#1 - What the Greek's Money Can't Buy

#2 - What the Greek Can't Resist (Expected publication: May 20th 2014)

Contact the Author: Twitter | Goodreads

Summary:

The forbidden tastes all the sweeter…

Oil magnate Sakis Pantelides always gets what he wants -- after all, he's drop-dead gorgeous, powerful and wealthy beyond words. But the one thing he can't have is his stunning assistant, Brianna Moneypenny -- because she's the only woman this cynical Greek can trust.

But when an international crisis throws them together 24/7, intriguingly buttoned-up Brianna reveals a sensual hunger that rivals his own, and he realizes just what he's been denying himself for so long. But when his perfect PA's secret is discovered, will he pay the price for taking what he wants?

Thoughts:

This book had a great potential, but it feel short too me, with way too much build up story and a rushed finale. I liked Brianna more, but she could have made a difference earlier in the plot by coming clean and sharing her past. The reasons to me could be accepted but I did not liked the way she jumped into a relationship, in the wrong moment. It felt like she was doing the same thing, maybe the same mistakes.

Sakis was too full of hinself and could never find anything wrong. Way too bossy and his past was not an explanation for every little mistake people makes. He could not forgive and Brianna actually helped him with that, but he needed to talk more with his brothers, not just jokes. His life is all about work and drama. They match, but not that cute couple kinda, more like misfits together.

I received this book from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Paranormal Review: The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole

The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark #0.5) by Kresley Cole
Ebook: 163 pages
Source: Bought
Published 2006 by Simon & Schuster

Rating:  stars

Contact the Author: Twitter | Goodreads | Website

Summary:

Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn't enjoy a heartbeat or breathing and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his heart beats for Myst the Coveted, a mad, fey, mythological creature.

She eludes him for five years, but he has finally chased her to ground and stolen the jewel which commands her, giving him absolute power over her. While he possesses it, he can make her do anything, and he plans to in order for her to experience firsthand the agonizing, unending lust she'd purposely subjected him to for half a decade. Yet when Wroth realizes he wants more from her and frees her, will she come.

Thoughts:

I loved Nikolai even after the way he treated Myst. She played him from day one and after the tables were turned things changed a little for her. This was actually a quick story, but we can see that Myst is the always powerfull Valkyrie and seduces those guys. Nikolai had a hard time understanding that. It's also interesting that in this series all kinds of otherworld species have a chance at love. Vampires have their Brides and Nikolai was really thankfull fr finding his. I liked this little story and they were super sexy together.

Series in Order

#0.5 - The Warlord Wants Forever
#1 - A Hunger Like No Other
#2 - No Rest for The Wicked
#3 - Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
#4 - Dark Needs at Night's Edge
#5 - Dark Desires After Dusk
#6 - Kiss of a Demon King
#6.5 - Deep Kiss of Winter
#7 - Pleasure of a Dark Prince
#8 - Demon From the Dark
#9 - Dreams of a Dark Warrior
#10 - Lothaire
#11 - Macrieve
#12 - Dark Skie (Expected publication: August 5th 2014)

Romance Review: Gambling with the Crown by Lynn Ray Harris

This sheikh plays to win! 

The crown of Kyr holds no appeal for pleasure-seeking sheikh Kadir al-Hassan—his memories of the kingdom are as dark as a desert's night. But neither will he shirk his duty…. Instead, Kadir returns home with a bride so unsuitable, no one will want him to be king! 

Long-suffering assistant Emily Bryant is the most important person in Kadir's high-octane life, and the most invisible—until she's promoted to royal bride! Sealing their marriage bargain with a scorching kiss leaves Kadir craving more…. 

Now Kadir must decide what's really at stake in his royal game—his desert duty, or Emily!

Rating: 4 stars 

Gambling with the Crown (Heirs to the Throne of Kyr Series) by Lynn Ray Harris 

Published April 15th 2014 by Harlequin

Ebook: 256 pages

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

I liked the romance, but for me this story is much more than just that and we can see a difficult time for Kadir as his father died and now someone has to become the new sheikh. The romance was a little obvious and we can see that Kadir and Emily are meant to be, but at the same time is clichè, because she's like his secretary and they have a great working vibe.

For me some things were missing, like Kadir brother took forever to finally arrive and of course everything was already in course, and we know Emily father is suffering and she's doing everything to give him some peace and quiet time, but they never discussed this. To me the relationship was more important to Kadir and nothing about Emily life was ever the center of his attention, he knew next to nothing about her.

I liked more of the big story. 

Contact the Author: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Series in Order

#1 - Gambling with the Crown
#2 - Carrying the Sheikh's Heir

I received this book from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Paranormal Review: Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh

 

Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man—before his shadowy captors decide he’s no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it’ll leave them both branded by fire…

Rating: 4 stars 

Cowgirls Don't Cry (Psy-Changeling Series) by Nalini Singh

Published April 1st 2011 by Gollancz

Ebook: 346 pages

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

The plot was a little different because we have two important parts of both packs discovering a mating dance, but the best part of this book for me was Mercy and her softer side, because she's very much one of the boys and for the first time I have a feeling she's lonely and needing a little attention.

Never realised she had that big of family, but it was quite nice seeing her mother and the way strong and independent woman are part of the family. Loved Eduardo and Joaquim, con they return please? Wanted more of their suave moves with different pack members.

In this book we also have the humans showing a dark and very dangerous side with the Human Alliance. I liked the rats being helpfull too, but I want to know more about them. This book had it all, but I loved the changes in Brenna and Riley, they needed a lighter side after the way Enrique broke their trust.

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Series in Order

#0.5 - Beat of Temptation
#0.6 - Whisper of Sin
#1 – Slave to Sensation
#1.5 - The Cannibal Princess
#2 – Visions of Heat
#3 – Caressed by Ice
#3.4 - Movie Night
#3.5 - Stroke of Enticement
#4 – Mine to Possess
#4.5 - A Conversation
#5 – Hostage to Pleasure
#5.5 - A Gift for Kit
#6 – Branded by Fire
#7 – Blaze of Memory
#7.5 - Christmas in the Kitchen
#8 – Bonds of Justice
#8.5 - Sunday Morning
#9 – Play of Passion
#9.2 - Clean and Dirty
#9.4 - Wolf School
#9.5 - Declaration of Courtship
#9.6 - Dancing with Cooper
#10 – Kiss of Snow
#10.4 - Naya's Most Importart Visitors
#10.5 - Texture of Intimacy
#11 – Tangle of Need
#11.4 - Making Dinner
#11.5 - Poker Night
#12 – Heart of Obsidian
#13 - Shield of Whinter (Expected publication: June 3rd 2014)

#13.5 - Stalking Hawke
#14 - Untitled (Expected publication: 2015)

Erotica Review: Chasin' Eight by Lorelei James

Bull rider Chase McKay has finally landed in a pile too big to charm his way out of. Caught with his pants down, he finds himself bucked right off the PBR tour until he can get his act together.

Hollywood actress Ava Dumond became the tabloids’ favorite target when her longtime boyfriend was outed as gay. Now she wants a place to lay low and a chance to prove to herself that she can satisfy a red-blooded man between the sheets. The sexy, rugged cowboy she finds holed up in her Wyoming hideaway seems like the answer to her every fantasy.

But Chase has sworn off women. Forever. Or at least a month. Whichever comes first.

When they take to the road to get Chase more hands-on bull riding experience, they have every intention of keeping their hands off each other. But the two headstrong stars quickly end up riding a hot and heady rodeo circuit all their own—until the press gets wind of their affair. When the dust clears and the lights of the paparazzi fade, are they ready to give up chasing the dream for a chance of finding forever?

Rating: 3 stars 

Chasin' Eight (Rough Riders Series) by Lorelei James 

Published June 28th 2011 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd

Ebook: 288 pages

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When I started this book my thoughts were a little messed, but I actually liked Chase and his story could be a better. For me Ava was too boring and she had the best life, even a great family but could never care enough for them. I think Chase was trying to get away from all those McKay and decided to follow the bull riders competition. 

So their relationship was actually the best thing in the book, because both of them found some inner strengh and made the changes necessaries in their lives for the future. Chase even made it possible to save people from horrible death. I liked his changes better, because Ava was a spoiled girl and she didn't change much, only embraced her softer side.

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Series in Order

#1 – Long Hard Ride
#2 – Rode Hard, Put Up Wet
#3 – Cowgirl Up and Ride
#4 – Tied Up, Tied Down
#5 – Rough, Raw and Ready
#6 – Branded as Trouble
#6.5 – Strong, Silent Type
#7 – Shoulda Been a Cowboy
#8 – All Jacked Up
#9 – Raising Kane
#9.5 – Slow Ride
#10 – Cowgirls Don’t Cry
#11 – Chasin’ Eight
#12 – Cowboy Casanova
#13 – Kissin’ Tell
#14 – Gone Country
#14.5 - Short Rides
#15 – Redneck Romeo
#16 - Cowboy Take Me Away (Expected publication: June 2014)

Cutting the Budget

I decided to make this year all about the TBR and visiting Delighted Reader and her idea to keep track of her book shopping made me super giddy to do the same, so after some begging she created this awesome meme.

This month is going to be bad for the budget. I shopped way too much and have no clue why. Maybe because those series sounded awesome?

       

Book and Author	Where I Got	Final Price	Budget Left
Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins	Audible	0.00	24.14
A Cowboy's Temptation by Barbara Dunlop	Harlequin	2.50	21.64
The Last Cowboy Standing by Barbara Dunlop	Harlequin	2.50	19.14
Ruins by Dan Wells	Audible	0.00	19.14
Alien Abduction Bundle by Eve Langlais (3)	Amazon	6.36	12.78
Mercenary Abduction by Eve Langlais	Amazon	3.11	9.67

Mystery Review: Ritual in Death by J.D. Robb

Short, sharp and shocking, this bite-sized story is packed with thrills.

Dragged to a glamorous, high-society ball with billionaire husband Roarke, homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas is almost relieved when a naked, knife-wielding, blood-drenched man crashes in - a man who thinks he has killed someone.

Tracing bloody footprints, Eve finds a hotel room filled with signs of a ritual murder, but the man remembers nothing. Determined to help, Roarke consults an ex-lover who practices witchcraft. But Eve knows there is nothing supernatural about a deadly lust for power...

Rating: 4 stars 

Ritual in Death (In Death Series) by J.D. Robb 

Published November 2008 by Brilliance Audio

Audiobook: 2 hrs and 54 mins

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

The story was fast, but I liked the different ritual and of course Eve discovered super fast the responsibles and managed to get a confession. It's usually fun to see Eve all bored with parties and following Roarke because she needs too. Loved this novella.

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Series in Order

#1 – Naked in death
#2 – Glory in death
#3 – Immortal in death
#4 – Rapture in death
#5 – Ceremony in death
#6 – Vengeance in death
#7 – Holiday in death
#7.5 – Midnight in death
#8 – Conspiracy in death
#9 – Loyalty in death
#10 – Witness in death
#11 – Judgment in death
#12 – Betrayal in death
#12.5 – Interlude in death
#13 – Seduction in death
#14 – Reunion in death
#15 – Purity in death
#16 – Portrait in death
#17 – Imitation in death
#17.5 – Big Jack
#18 – Divided in death
#19 – Visions in death
#20 – Survivor in death
#21 – Origin in death
#22 – Memory in death
#22.5 – Haunted in death
#23 – Born in death
#24 – Innocent in death
#24.5 – Eternity in death
#25 – Creation in death
#26 – Strangers in death
#27 – Salvation in death
#27.5 – Ritual in death
#28 – Promises in death
#29 – Kindred in death
#29.5 – Missing in death
#30 – Fantasy in death
#31 – Indulgence in death
#31.5 – Possession in death
#32 – Treachery in death
#33 – New York to Dallas
#33.5 – Chaos in death
#34 – Celebrity in death
#35 – Delusion in death
#36 – Calculated in death
#37 – Thankless in death
#37.5 – Taken in Death
#38 – Concealed in Death
#39 - Festive in Death (Expected publication: September 1st 2014)

Romance Review: Sheikh's Scandal by Lucy Monroe

Sheikh Sayed of Zeena Sarha and his harem of beautiful women are staying at the exclusive, opulent Chatsfield Hotel, London, for the last stop on his worldwide tour before his wedding. But when his engagement is unceremoniously broken, Sayed sets his sights on his sexy chambermaid!

Liyah Amari only took the position as chambermaid to find the truth about her birth father. But her search ends in heartache, leaving Liyah vulnerable to this powerful sheikh's desires. Now their one night of passion could result in a scandalous consequence for the proud Sheikh! 

Welcome to The Chatsfield, London!

Rating: 4 stars 

Sheikh's Scandal (The Chatsfield Series) by Lucy Monroe 

Published May 1st 2014 by Harlequin Presents

Ebook: 235 pages

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Another new series and I loved this couple. Both are super easy to understand in fears, changes and the worry about the future. But I liked the way Sayed treated everyone with class. I also liked the way he treated Liyah, even after the crazy night when they forgot a condom and his world was pretty much upside down, we can see he's sincere and honest with her.

His parents are perfect and they these were meant to be, after the way Liyah father treated her and she was a little upset with her mother too because of lies, Sayed parents brought a breath of fresh air and so much needed love. These two were perfect together and they made such a cute couple.

Contact the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Series in Order

#1 - Sheikh's Scandal

#2 - Playboy's Lesson (Expected publication: May 20th 2014)

#3 - Socialite's Gamble (Expected publication: June 17th 2014)

#4 - Billionaire's Secret (Expected publication: July 2014)

#5 - Tycoon's Temptation (Expected publication:: August 2014)

#6 - Rival's Challenge (Expected publication: Setptember 2014)

#7 - Rebel's Bargain (Expected publication: October 2014)

#8 - Heiress's Defiance (Expected publication: November 2014)

I received this book from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Romance Review: Nailed by Christine d'Abo

Warning: This show contains scenes of sexual tension.

Hosting a new TV show is a fantasy-turned-reality for diva decorator Sophia Holbrook. But concentrating on color swatches is hard when all she can think of is her studly co-host, contractor Fynn Babineau. These two may clash over blueprints and budgets on screen, but with the lust palpable between them, rumor has it they have been putting more than just their heads together behind the scenes. . . .

What secrets will the cameras expose? Tune in tonight to find out.

Viewer discretion advised. Mature audiences only.

Rating: 3 stars 

Nailed by Christine d'Abo 

Published April 15th 2014 by Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin

Ebook: 100 pages

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This story was sexy in some parts and I actually liked Fynn and Sophia together, but other moments the story got a little lost specially with moments about Sophia past and the way the producer decided to use her personal story. We had some nice and scenes but I only liked the couple. And the book was a novella, don't think I would finish a bigger one. 

I've read this author before and this time was a little disspointing. I wanted a better side story for the cute couple.

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

I received this book from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Romance Review: The Black Sheep's Inheritance by Maureen Child

Follow the money…into bed!

Estranged from his adoptive father, Sage Lassiter earned his own billions. But when J.D. Lassiter leaves a fortune to his private nurse in his will and cheats his own daughter of her rightful inheritance…Sage is enraged, to say the least. He's sure nurse Colleen Falkner isn't the innocent she appears. And he's willing to go to any lengths to expose her…even seduction.

But using sex—crazed, incredible sex—to find out what she knows could backfire. Because Colleen is not what Sage expected. And like it or not, she's about to demolish all the barriers he's carefully constructed around his heart.

Rating: 4 stars 

The Black Sheep's Inheritance (Dynasties: The Lassiters Series) by Maureen Child

Published April 1st 2014 by Harlequin

Ebook: 192 pages

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I think this book was a little boring for me. After the great start with the prequel my first choice would not be Sage, because he was almost a ghost and we didn't know a thing about him. He's not that great guy, but at the same time I can't blame him after the way JD treated everyone. Just think Sage decided to blame to wrong person and he was almost a stalker to Colleen only because she got 3 million from the inheritance. 

They were a cute couple but didn't liked the way Sage treated Colleen. It was interesting seeing Colleen become more sure and believe in herself, but Sage was an ass most of the time. She made such changes and was trying to help people, could he at least try a little? He didn't need the money she inherited, but became almost obssessed with her. She was better than him and deserved someone to appreciate her.

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads |

Series in Order

#0.5 - Beauty and the Best Man
#1 – The Black Sheep's Inheritance
#2 - From Single Mom to Secret Heiress

I received this book from NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Paranormal Review: Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh

Separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her psychically gifted race, Ashaya Aleine is the perfect Psy--cool, calm, emotionless...at least on the surface. Inside, she's fighting a desperate battle to save her son and escape the vicious cold of the PsyNet. Yet when escape comes, it leads not to safety, but to the lethal danger of a sniper's embrace. 

DarkRiver sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard's rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian's agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules...

Rating: 4 stars 

Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changeling Series) by Nalini Singh 

Published March 1st 2011 by Gollancz 

Ebook: 330

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This is the second time I'm reading the first few books and I have the same feelings as before about Dorian and his animal. The cats are still my favorites and after everything he went through with his sister and the clear path agains the Psy, I still loved his story and the way Ashaya made him more alive and one with his animal.

She's a different Psy because her life was never to Silenced as the other ones we came in contact so far in the series and she was always aware of the revolution and the dark ways the Council managed the dissidents. So for her to do everything to save those children really helped Dorian accept her. 

Loved this couple and the way things changed in this book. Psy are getting more restless and the Council is changing to harsher moves.

Contact the Author: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Series in Order

#0.5 - Beat of Temptation
#0.6 - Whisper of Sin
#1 – Slave to Sensation
#1.5 - The Cannibal Princess
#2 – Visions of Heat
#3 – Caressed by Ice
#3.4 - Movie Night
#3.5 - Stroke of Enticement
#4 – Mine to Possess
#4.5 - A Conversation
#5 – Hostage to Pleasure
#5.5 - A Gift for Kit
#6 – Branded by Fire
#7 – Blaze of Memory
#7.5 - Christmas in the Kitchen
#8 – Bonds of Justice
#8.5 - Sunday Morning
#9 – Play of Passion
#9.2 - Clean and Dirty
#9.4 - Wolf School
#9.5 - Declaration of Courtship
#9.6 - Dancing with Cooper
#10 – Kiss of Snow
#10.4 - Naya's Most Importart Visitors
#10.5 - Texture of Intimacy
#11 – Tangle of Need
#11.4 - Making Dinner
#11.5 - Poker Night
#11.6 - Stalking Hawke
#12 – Heart of Obsidian
#13 - Shield of Whinter (Expected publication: June 3rd 2014)
#14 - Untitled (Expected publication: 2015)