Title : Owned

Author : M. Never

Series :Decadence after Dark, #1

Stars

Blurb : “I like you collared, baby. I like you naked, I like you mine.” Ellie Stevens has lusted over Kayne Roberts since he first walked into the import/export company she works for a little over a year ago. As Expo’s most important client, Ellie has always kept a safe distance from the man with the majestic blue eyes – until temptation finally gets the better of her. Impulsively, Ellie invites Kayne to one of Expo’s infamous company parties her flamboyant boss is notorious for throwing. Unbeknownst to Ellie, the god in the Armani suit isn’t just the suave entrepreneur he portrays himself to be. Underneath the professional exterior is a man with a secret life, dark desires, and nefarious contacts. In a hidden corner of a trendy New York City lounge, the spark kindling between the two of them ignites. Unable to resist the sinful attraction, Ellie agrees to leave with Kayne, believing she is finally bedding the man of her dreams. Little does she know when she walks out the door, she’s about to be Owned.

***Content Warning*** Owned is a dark erotic romance. Please pay close attention to the use of the words dark, erotic, and romance. It has intense sexual situations, a Master/slave relationship, mild abuse, and some violence. Reader discretion is advised.

Review : I am confused as hell…Really, there are so many thoughts running through my mind that actually it’s difficult to sort them and type them down here as an review. But it’s neccessary to write the review now as I just finished the book some minutes ago and this way, everything is still fresh. So here it is, my review of “Owned” by M. Never. Directly from the first pages on you notice that this book is different. Ok, the general story-line is kind of the same like all the other books of this Genre, but Kayne is different, their relationship is different. After reading quite a lot books connected with BDSM this one actually was one of the firsts that really has given deep information about what real BDSM is supposed to be like. All the other books where “more soft” if you understand what I mean. Not that the sexual intercourses of the protagonists were more soft. It is more about the way the Dom treats the Sub which made it, for me, at first kind of uncomfortable. Because deep down it doesn’t feel right to read about the way Kayne treatens Ellie. Ellie and Kayne- two characters that have instant chemistry which also the reader can feel throughout every page(even if sometimes there was just too much of it, in my opinion). But when you think about the blurb again, then you have to say that this is exactly what is described, so it’s nothing which you can critizise that much. It’s interesting to see how an author is able to actually create a novel within such a small space so that it isn’t boring . So respect for that! But there is still one thing I have to critizise: the changes happening throughout the course of action are too suddenly and sometimes too predictable. Which doesn’t change the fact that I am exited to read der other books of this series….

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Inevitable Circumstances

S.R. Grey

Inevitability #2

3 Stars

My name is Essa Brant, and I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life. By trusting someone I shouldn’t, by forgetting I’m in love with a dangerous man with many enemies, I now find myself caught up in some very dire circumstances. I’m learning, though, that when all is lost, there is still something you can hold on to: hope. Well, I’m holding tight with my last and final hope that Farren will save me.

~~~~~ My name is Farren Shaw, and when I discover the woman I love has been abducted I am ready to go to any lengths to save her. I will kill and destroy for Essa. After all, it’s not like I haven’t done these things before. Only problem is, when I do find Essa and finally tell her all the things I’ve been keeping from her, will she still want me?

I am reviewing Inevitable Detour & Inevitable Circumstances by S.R. Grey together as they belong together and I read them directly after each other. I am absolutely at a loss how to rate those books though.

This is a “first” to me that I have two totally interesting characters that are fully developed but were placed in a story that had more holes than a Swiss cheese and where almost nothing added up. Essa and Farren were interesting characters for sure and also the secondary characters were quite good.

But after an interesting start into the story suddenly it felt like a potpourri out of all favorite films of the author. But all of them only felt like they had only been touched on their surface and not followed through.

While I liked the developing relationship between Essa and Farren – I totally disliked this seemingly aimless road trip because in the End – even if armed up to his teeth other than some shooting training for Essa and a little side action, the reader did not participate into any action that was sort of promised.

The action always happened alongside the main characters. Or it was introduced with a big bang just do disappear into nothingness. And don’t let me start on this poison issue … I am still trying to figure out whatever the reason their was to add that onto the mix with this totally (sorry for being blunt) ridiculous antidote ?

I felt like it was a trial on how many different components of suspense you could add into a novel without a single one of them really pulling it off.Well – geez you won – but lost me somewhere along the line – as I found myself only skimming through the last part of the second book just to end my suffering.

Basically this is 2 Stars if I consider the story only but Essa and Farren were really likable in a way that I wished I could have taken them out of this story and placed somewhere nice… so I add another star just for them.

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Inevitable Detour

S.R. Grey

Inevitability #1

3 Stars

The day my life took an inevitable detour things got a little crazy. My name is Essalin Brant, but everyone calls me Essa. I attend a small college in a tiny town, and in my twenty-two years of life I’ve never even traveled outside the state of Pennsylvania. You could say my life is pretty boring. I live by the rules. I’m a good girl and nothing exciting ever happens. But that’s all about to change. Enter Farren Shaw. Not only is he older and intimidating, but he’s more sure of himself than any 29-year-old man has a right to be. Did I mention that he’s drop-dead gorgeous? Well, he is. He also happens to be my best friend Haven’s brother. And I would be content with just fantasizing about Farren from afar, but when Haven suddenly goes missing, her gorgeous brother is the only one who believes me when I say she was abducted, even though all signs seem to suggest Haven left town willingly. I know better, though. As does Farren. So when he asks me to accompany him to search for his sister, I accept. That’s when the real adventure begins. Our quest to find Haven takes us across the country. And throughout the time we spend together, I find myself falling for Farren . . . falling hard. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted. But is he really someone I should fear? Because aside from making me feel things I’ve never felt before, Farren is hiding something. Something big. What could this stunning man be keeping from me? And why? Is Haven’s disappearance somehow connected to his mysterious job? All I know is that things are about to get real. Welcome to the Inevitable Detour that has become my life.

I am reviewing Inevitable Detour & Inevitable Circumstances by S.R. Grey together as they belong together and I read them directly after each other. I am absolutely at a loss how to rate those books though.

This is a “first” to me that I have two totally interesting characters that are fully developed but were placed in a story that had more holes than a Swiss cheese and where almost nothing added up. Essa and Farren were interesting characters for sure and also the secondary characters were quite good.

But after an interesting start into the story suddenly it felt like a potpourri out of all favorite films of the author. But all of them only felt like they had only been touched on their surface and not followed through.

While I liked the developing relationship between Essa and Farren – I totally disliked this seemingly aimless road trip because in the End – even if armed up to his teeth other than some shooting training for Essa and a little side action, the reader did not participate into any action that was sort of promised.

The action always happened alongside the main characters. Or it was introduced with a big bang just do disappear into nothingness. And don’t let me start on this poison issue … I am still trying to figure out whatever the reason their was to add that onto the mix with this totally (sorry for being blunt) ridiculous antidote ?

I felt like it was a trial on how many different components of suspense you could add into a novel without a single one of them really pulling it off.Well – geez you won – but lost me somewhere along the line – as I found myself only skimming through the last part of the second book just to end my suffering.

Basically this is 2 Stars if I consider the story only but Essa and Farren were really likable in a way that I wished I could have taken them out of this story and placed somewhere nice… so I add another star just for them.

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Before We Were Strangers

Renee Carlino

N/A

3,5 Stars

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City. To the Green-eyed Lovebird: We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House.You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more.

We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other. Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding…

I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello.After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half?

M

Reading “Before We Were Strangers” by Renee Carlino I learned something.

I learned that it is NOT a good thing if 3 of your favorite authors EVER recommend you to read this book because they love it. The problem is – even when you will deny it out loud – you WILL somehow compare the writing of those 3 authors to the book you are about to read. It can not be avoided and it will be unfair to the book because you will expect something that is unlikely to happen.

That being said. This story is not bad really but it is also not THAT amazing. After a short introduction into “Matthias” present day life the first 50% of the story flows slowly – introducing us to the past that Matt and Grace share. It is fluently written and it shows a deep character development BUT … inside me … there was nothing happening when I read those 50% … it could have been some random article in the newspaper if I review my emotions.

The three authors I saw talking about this book were Amy Harmon, Jodi Ellen Malpas and Colleen Hoover… anybody reading their books will understand If I say … I not only expected to FEEL something when reaching 50% of a book – no I NEEDED to feel something. I mean – it took Colleen Hover about 10 Minutes into “Confess” to make me cry and at 50 % of Jodi Ellen Malpas “This Man” I was considering the option of throwing the book out of the window as I was so pissed off by Jesse.

After leaving the 50% mark the next thing I know is – I could see the total “endgame” right before my eyes… and when I say TOTAL – I mean I could have even told you everything that will happen including the name of the persons… and I was right. So either I am very clever (doubtful as for example Colleen Hoover always manages to trick me) or it was really obvious. OR all in total it is just – coming back to the beginning – the fact that my expectations for this book were simply too high.

It is a well developed story with interesting characters so I can recommend it to lovers or the genre but I highly advise not to have too high expectations considering the twists or turns of this plot. Those were at least for me very predictable and came at no surprise. The second half of the book the story got me interested a little more than the first part. There were some dialogues that made me smile and at one point a single tear was threatening to leave my eye (it didn’t in the end …) – but my emotions were nowhere near into the story like I would have expected considering the blurb.

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Title : Tough Love

Author :Lori Foster

Series :Ultimate #3

Stars

Blurb : Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she’s not above playing a little dirty. She’s wanted Stack “The Wolf” Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack’s past steps out of the shadows. Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he’s the one always left wanting more. Then his troublemaking family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they’re much more than friends with benefits. He’s ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who’s tamed him for good?

Review : I am a sucker for fighter novels. Every time I have one in front of me I can’t wait to meet the men, most time deadly sexy, deeply formed by his past, just the way you imagine an alpha fighter…

This book definetly did not disappoint me. What you get as an reader is a story filled with emotions, personalities that keep your head working even after reading and a connection between the two protagonists that just leaves you gasping for air while holding the book in your hands. One more aspect I would like to mention is the very good writing style that helps a lot to connect with the story. Because of this combination there is nothing left to say exept of : lean back and enjoy reading!

> > > I have received this book as an ARC from the publisher. < < < > > > In exchange, I promised an honest review. < < <

Flirting with Love

Clara Stone

Lovelly, #2

4,5 Stars

Hudson and Blake Lovelly lead a charmed life—successful careers, loving family, beautiful home. Now, on the eve of their daughter’s birth, they’re counting their blessings. Life wasn’t always so generous . . .Fifteen years ago, seventeen-year-old Blake Voss walked into Cranbrook Preparatory High to participate in the school year’s most-prestigious debate competition. She never expected to fall for the pretentious, golden-haired boy on the opposing debate team, and he never expected to be ensnared by the quick-witted prankster with a heart of gold.Their mutual love for joking pretense soon leads them to pull their biggest prank yet–pretending to be in love. But when danger threatens, Hudson can’t conceal his growing affection. He’ll do anything to be with Blake, even if it means risking his heart to protect her.They didn’t plan for their friendship to grow into a love story. But sometimes, all it takes is a little Hope.This powerful companion to Forever Kinda Love tells the history of Hudson and Blake’s relationship. Laced with haunting emotion and beautiful sentiment, this is a tale about overcoming even the darkest moments, reminding us all to love more. Give more. Without regrets.

After reading the title I had in mind a story which I would describe with words like sweet or romantic. Of course most books also include a not so “glittery shiny part”, but I also didn’t expect a badass story with a horrible past. So what I got is a sweet story with a darker, but still not too dominant background-story. And I love it! In my opinion the best part of this book is the way the both protagonist interact with each other. It was so much fun to see their relationship develop! In combination with the emotions almost perfectly described within the writing-style that is really comfortable while reading. This book was an easy read, which touched me , but also made me smile-it is one of those book that just tell you a story that deals with some hurdles, but at the same time makes you smile from time to time. Don’t expect a story with major twists or dramatical elements- just be open-minded for a sweet romance novel. One that works with some flashbacks that in general are great to add another dimension to the story, but at the same time can be a little bit confusing. This is the reason I rated this book with “only” 4.5 Stars. At the end I just can say how happy I am that I was able to read this ARC by Clara Stone. An author that I hope will write more books I am already looking forward to.

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Title : Laid Out

Author : Sidney Halston

Series : Worth the Fight, #4

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : Perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction. Growing up an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command. Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.

Review : Looking for a great story with a tough fighter ? I think I got one for you – you could try Laid Out by Sidney Halston. You will find a strong but sensitive and honorable MMA fighter that has always been in love with one woman. And a woman that was always in-between her two best friends.

Both are struggling between keeping up their friendship or giving in to their feelings of wanting more .

This is the story of their developing romance and the author did a great job a telling it.

Go ahead and enjoy it as much as I did

> > > I have received this Book as an ARC from the Publisher < < < > > > In Exchange I promised an honest Review < < <

Tamed by the Outlaw

Michelle Sharp

N/A

3 Stars

Grayson’s finally taken the reins of his family’s publishing business, and he’s determined to sell off the romance division. But Jessie Jameson’s contract is complicating things. It’s like she’s been trying to ruin him ever since the mind-blowing night they shared—the night she walked out on him.Now the sparks are flying. Heated, sexy sparks. It’s a Wild West showdown between Jessie and Grayson. But when Romance ends up in bed with Business, only one can walk away…

“Tamed By The Outlaw” by Michelle Sharp was a solid read. The characters were interesting enough for me to be interested and the writing was flawless and at a good pace. But I struggled with their sudden attraction towards each other. Sure they had this one night stand a long time ago but for me it felt like this was all there was between them. I could not feel “love” developing between them so I had a problem in relating to them. But this might only be my personal issue and it should nobody keep away from this book. It is a recommendable novel that I hope many people will enjoy.

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Title : Heat Exchange

Author : Shannon Stacey

Series : Boston Fire, #1

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : Lydia Kincaid left Boston to get away from the firefighting community—but family is number one, and her father needs her help running the pub he bought when he retired. Soon, Lydia finds it hard to resist the familiar comfort and routine, and even harder to resist her brother’s handsome friend Aidan. Aidan Hunt is a firefighter because of the Kincaid family. He’s had the hots for Lydia for years, but if ever a woman was off-limits to him, it’s her. She’s his mentor’s daughter. His best friend’s sister. The ex-wife of a fellow firefighter. But his plan to play it cool fails, and soon he and Lydia have crossed a line they can’t uncross. As flirtation turns into something more serious, Lydia knows she should be planning her escape. Being a firefighter’s wife was the hardest thing she’s ever done, and she doesn’t know if she has the strength to do it again. Aidan can’t imagine walking away from Boston Fire—the job and the brotherhood are his life. But if he wants Lydia in it, he’ll have to decide who’s first in his heart.

Review : Lydia and Aiden are sort of a second chance romance. Maybe not in a precise meaning of the words but still in several ways. They’ve known each other for years and there are family and private issues that have kept them from coming closer. The story was told in a believable way so the reader could connect to the leads. The writing is fluent and flawless . I really enjoyed this start of a new series and it was my first (but def. not my last) book from this author.

> > > I have received this Book as an ARC from the Publisher < < < > > > In Exchange I promised an honest Review < < <

Title : Fan the Flames

Author : Michele Dunaway

Series : N/A

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb :

Former Navy SEAL turned marine rescue firefighter Brad Silverman is tasked with his toughest mission yet: taking care of his best friend’s wife. The only problem is that Scarlett Harrison has always been the one-the one who got away, the one who held his heart, and the one who has always been off limits… Now widowed Scarlett returns to her childhood home in St. Louis, determined to get her life back on track. She misses her husband but can’t fight the attraction she feels for sexy fireman Brad. As she spends more time with him, the connection they have had since high school grows stronger. Are they finally ready to overcome their pasts and lose their hearts to each other?

Review : Michele Dunaway is a new author to me, but with “Fan the Flames” she sure did a good job in introducing herself to me. This book is one emotional ride from beginning to end. The slowly developing basically “second chance” (in some way) kind of novel is written beautifully and at just the right pace to feel good to the reader. Scarlett and Brad were a really great couple and I could feel for them and relate to them. The characters are well developed and in total it reminds me a little of a Nicholas Sparks novel, which is meant as a compliment.

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