Title : Tall, Dark and Immortal

Author : Cat Devon

Series : Entity #4

Rating : 3 Stars

Blurb :HE’S TAKING A BITE OUT OF CRIME.Alex Sanchez is more than just an ordinary detective. He’s on the prowl—as a vampire. Alex uses his unique gifts to police the mean streets of Chicago like a natural predator. But when he learns that local blood banks are being robbed, he’s not sure what rattles him more: the bizarre crime wave or the stunningly beautiful journalist who’s reporting it…SHE’S RISKING HER NECK FOR A STORY.Keira Turner is dedicated to her job—and determined to uncover the truth. Dangerously, out-of-this-world handsome Detective Sanchez seems oddly fascinated by the crimes—and obsessed with Keira. Alex might not have a clue who’s stealing blood but he’s sure of one thing: Keira is no mere mortal. She’s descended from a long line of vampire hunters. And if they try to solve this case together, he’ll have to fight the urge to kiss her…or kill her.

Review :When requesting an ARC usually I do not check if it is part of a series… unless it is mentioned within the information’s delivered with the Book I will not know about it until I leave my feedback somewhere OR like in the case of Tall, Dark and Immortal by Cat Devon… I feel compelled to check if it is part of a series. I am still struggling to find my words for this book.

Let me start by saying

-You should not try to read it as a standalone … it might work judging only the story but the writing style will not let you really enjoy what your reading without knowing what happened in the past.

Further I am still wondering how to classify what I just read ?

-Was it a paranormal romance ?

-Was it a paranormal comedy with romantic touch ?

I have honestly no Idea .. .before I sat down to start my review – I checked what others said about the first book in the series and what I read left me wondering if something happened in between the first books and this one… I guess I will take a look at the first book too, to find out if this was only an issue for this book, but I really felt strange reading this book. I could not really connect to the characters… the leads were likable enough but something was wrong.

I understood the basic idea of this “InstaLove” because of being “the one” but there were too many things going on around them that did not make any sense. But really the biggest (sorry) joke was the “bad guy” … I mean … every time a chapter with him started it felt not only the cliché vampire – no I felt like stepping into a 1980’s Italian mafia movie… And honestly – I think in the end HE actually killed more of his own bad guys than the good guys did – and his dialogues felt like a comedy – I was wondering the whole time if that was on purpose ?

This alone will make me pick up on another book of this series – I really need to know. Because actually the story was GOOD… yeah – I know hard to believe I think that – after reading what I just wrote.. I know…But maybe my problems really only result from the fact that I do not know the series so – hence my warning – do not read it as a standalone…

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

Controlled Burn

Nikki Duncan

Scarred Hearts

4 Stars

Hardened by scars. Softened by heart. Melded by fire.Scarred Hearts, Book 1Petite in stature but not in attitude, Delancey Winston put her fellow firefighters’ doubts to rest when she carried a half-burned man out of an arson fire. But she can’t shake the need to learn more about the haunting power of the man in her dreams—the one she pulled from a dead woman’s side to save.Even more disturbing is the power of newly awakened memories she’s tried to bury.Logan Mathis lost more than his accounting firm that day. He lost his beloved sister, his only remaining family. Now, his days filled with painful skin grafts and therapy, he works to avoid people. Until he runs into the woman who saved his life, who seems to see beyond his scars.Slowly, Delancey’s generosity of spirit begins healing Logan from the inside. But their connection resurrects memories Logan would rather forget. Memories that could make Logan a target of someone who’s still trying to burn away his tracks.Warning: The damsel saves the dude, and that’s not a spoiler. It’s a clue that things are about to get hot. Really hot.

In the beginning the pace of “Controlled Burn” by Nikki Duncan seemed almost too slow for me. However, later I realized that the author needed that slow pace to create a deeper atmosphere for the characters.

But it took me almost 50 % of the book to understand this point, so I would totally understand it if fellow readers thought the pace is not fast enough for the story itself, you need to be patient and read further.

Delancey and Logan are interesting characters. I liked the way the author showed their emotional side. It was an interesting point of view for Delancey to be a real female lead in a romance novel.

Even if the secondary characters were not created with much depth they worked out in this story as it really only focuses on the leads. Logan’s sister was another interesting touch – If I would have to vote – she would be my favorite secondary lead.

In total the whole writing felt like an older more traditional romance novel. I cannot describe the reasons why I feel like that it’s just – If you told me this story was first written in 1990 I would totally believe it. Not that this would have been bad in any way, I just noticed that the writing was quite different from what I came across lately.

I can fully recommend this book to lovers of a more traditional approach to romance novels.

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Title : Navy Justice

Author :Geri Krotow

Series : Whidbey Island – Book 5

Rating : 3 Stars

Blurb : Undercover lover A quiet, civilian life on Whidbey Island sounded great to navy lawyer Joy Alexander. But when navy SEAL-turned-FBI agent Brad Iverson shows up on her doorstep bruised and bleeding, she realizes it’s not so easy to leave the past behind. Even harder to forget are the feelings she once had for Brad. Brad’s on an undercover operation, one that’s targeting potential terrorists…and unintentionally bringing danger to Joy. They’ll have to work together again, except this time it’s not only justice they’re after-it’s survival. If they make it that far, they won’t waste a second chance at love.

Review : Navy Justice by Geri Krotow was giving me a hard time, while reading it. I liked the aspects of the “second chance romance” in it and the characters were developed well enough – but the plot itself was somewhat hard to grasp and did not work for me that well. The writing is good and the pace is steady but I am not fully convinced somehow as there were to many points in the story that left me wondering. I would have to read another book of this author to get the full picture of her writing I guess. I wished the book would have worked better for me as I really liked the plot idea.

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

Title : Giving It All

Author : Arianna Hart

Series : N/A

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : Home is where his heart can heal.Former Navy SEAL Grant Anderson failed to see the IED that took his lower leg andcouldn’t fix the cracks that ended his marriage. Embarrassment kept him from returning home to Dale, Georgia, after his discharge. But with his father ill, his family needs him.One of the first friendly faces he encounters is Ellie Hall. The gawky little girl next door now has curves that shouldn’t make his mouth water. She deserves a hero, not a broken man.Ellie can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a crush on Grant. Now if she couldonly get it through Grant’s thick skull that she doesn’t need to fear him.As they work together to straighten out his family business, holiday fireworks aren’t the only thing making Greg sweat. But by the time they uncover why the figures aren’t adding up, Greg must rely on pure instinct to keep Ellie safe from danger—and pray that this time, he won’t fail.Warning: Contains a wounded warrior who’s his own worst critic, and a determinedheroine who’ll take the whole package as is. While not a series, this story takes place in the same fictional world as Son of a Preacher Man.

Review : “Giving It All” by Arianna Hart is a kind of “teenager crush comes true” novel. This author has a sensible way to bring serious issues to the reader’s attention. I really liked her writing style. The Lead’s had great chemistry and the storyline was good – so it is a totally recommendable read.

reviewed by

Under My Skin

J. Kenner

A Stark Novel

Stars

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks are back in the powerful finale of a provocative, sizzling-hot new erotic trilogy set in the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me. He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and the one man I can’t bear to lose. Jackson Steel is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it—and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape. We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we’ve tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won’t let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns—our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both. There’s no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I’d do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we’re in deep, nothing can make me run. Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.

I. Am. Speechless. Really…..When I read other books by J. Jenner I already found out that this author has talent. Lots of it. But in my opinion, this book is the best one I have read by her. Before starting to read this book, I was careful as I wasn’t sure about what could happen after all these things that happened in the other books. After some pages, it was obvious that there are a lot of things happening. Things that made me cry, laugh, smile….all at the same time. Just try to remember a rollercoaster. And no think of the feelings during one ride and multiply it with at least 100. Yeah….this is how I felt while reading. It wasa a deep and emotional read. One that left me reading the book within one day while the sun ws shining, the weather was nice and while life in general just was surrounding me. Of course there are some things I wasn’t 100 per cent happy about it at first. But at the end, it was all logical. The way the story-line developed….sometimes it felt like J. Jenner outstretched it too much, but after some time, it made since as it was important to learn more about the feelings and decisions and thoughts. I won’t tell you anything about the end as you just have to experience it yourself, but: the end was perfect to round up this whole story. Experience it yourself. So yes, I am pleased and thankful for trusting me with this ARC.

reviewed by

Primal Force

D. D. Ayres

K-9 Rescue, #3

4 Stars

Passion is always worth fighting for…

Jori Garrison trains dogs for Warrior Wolf Pack, which provides service animals for disabled veterans. Four years ago, she was wrongly convicted of a crime–thanks to her no-good ex- fiancé. Now she just wants to live her life in peace with her beloved dogs. No men, no complications. But it’s hard to play it cool when a lethally hot male is on her tail–and the attraction is fierce, mutual, and dangerous…. PRIMAL FORCE Lauray “Law” Batisse is a Military Police veteran who was wounded in Afghanistan. Haunted by the loss of his K-9 partner in combat, he’s reluctant to accept a service dog named Samantha into his life. But once he meets her trainer–the gorgeous Jori Garrison–he can’t fight his primal instincts. And neither can Jori. This sexy alpha male might be the only man strong enough to unleash her desires. And when unseen enemies start hunting them down, he and his new K-9 partner might be her only hope…to survive.

I truly enjoyed reading “Primal Force” (K-9 Rescue #3) by D.D. Ayres. Reading many “wounded warrior” novels, I think I am allowed to judge this novel as one of the good ones. It had all the ingredients it needed to be a five star novel. Great story flow and well developed characters. The dialogues between “Law” and “Jori” were great.

But in the end it only reached 4 stars with me due to me not being able to fully connect to the protagonists to understand some of their actions and also due to other stuff being left unexplained – hint: SISTER receives a call and disappears . (Which might again only be my very personal issue as I feel a lot will be explained in the next book but this is only an assumption and so far therefore this leaves me unsatisfied at the moment)

Also I was having an issue with some editing mistakes which I hope will not be in the final version

But all of this should not stop anybody from reading this book as it is a really good novel for all lovers of this genre. Believe me Law is really ONE SEXY alpha …

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Title : Ever After

Author :Odessa Gillespie Black

Series : Cursed #1

Rating : 5 Stars

Blurb : In order to fully inherit a millionaire’s fortune, Allie Knowles must survive a month on her property—easier said than done when the enormous house is haunted by a violent ghost who claims to know Allie. But the true mystery lies with Cole Kinsley, the handsome groundskeeper. Cole and Allie have never met, though he’s been driving her wild in her dreams for years. Yet now, every effort to get closer to him pushes him further away… Cole has only ever loved one soul and that love has endured for centuries. Now that soul rests within Allie’s body and it takes everything in his power not to confess the truth. For her presence has put them both in mortal danger. Racing against the clock, Allie will have to break the ghost’s curse—or history will be doomed to repeat itself.

Review :

It has been a long time since I wrote one of my “Dear author” letters. But “Ever After” by Odessa Gillespie Black perfectly qualifies for one – so :

Dear author,

One word !

SERIOUSLY?

Did you really just do THIS to me? …

You tortured me through a complete book. I so felt for him and suffered for her. I hoped and when finally… you did THAT?!?

Then you left and I literally felt like you did with me, what that girl did in the last line of the book.

Oh No … I am not going to spoiler anything. This book was by far too good to give away anything. And I believe the magic of this book only works if you are free of any prejudice.

I was asking myself during reading why I felt so comfortable then almost at the end of the book I read this one line – that referred to one of my favorite tv shows. The quote was something like “better keeping the drama to tv” and then I knew …this complete setting really felt like it was a certain part of that show. And the more I think of it – oh yes … somehow our “Cole” now gets a face (OH NO – I am SOOO not going to tell)

Just answer me one question … will there be more books and when … ?

Sincerely,

Your tortured reader

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

Title : Nightbloom

Author :Juliette Cross

Series : Nightwing, #3

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : The love between a human and a Morgon, the dragon-hybrid race, tempts fate once more… All her life, Ella Barrow has allowed others to make her decisions. Forced to stifle her artistic talents and stay in a loveless relationship with Clayton Kerrington, the man her mother believes to be her perfect match, Ella’s life may be safe—but it’s not her own. Paxon Nightwing, on the other hand, is anything but the safe choice. A charming and alluring Morgon, Paxon sees Ella for the woman she truly is. His bold confidence and protective nature ignites a passion she’s never felt before. But a dark family tragedy forces their secrecy—until Clayton makes it impossible to hide their clandestine affair. Will Ella be strong enough to fight for herself at last? Or will she succumb once more and risk losing the only man she’s ever loved?

Review : Nightbloom by Juliette Cross is the third book in the Nightwing series, but it was my first. And if I recall correctly, it is also my first book with dragons. What can I say except… I liked it .. a lot : -) …

It can be read as a standalone, but I guess it would be better to read them in the right order for the full pleasure. The writing was very intense and the author makes it look easy the way she draws the readers into her world.

The storyline is well developed and even though it is not an unusual plot Ms. Cross makes it feel new. I liked this book a lot and I will take a look into the other books of this series for sure.

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

Anything but Broken

Joelle Knox

Hurricane Creek #1

Release date: August 25, 2015

4 Stars

After five years, tragedy brings Hannah Casey back to Hurricane Creek to bury what’s left of her family. She’s flunking out of college, haunted by scandal, and the only person who cares is Sean Whitlow, an irresistible bad boy with a soft spot for her. The problem? He’s her dead sister’s ex. Sean doesn’t bleed red, he bleeds motor oil. During the week, he struggles to turn his auto repair shop into a profitable business. But when Saturday night rolls around, he’s the reigning stock-car king of the local race track. He doesn’t know how to lose–or how to walk away and leave Hannah alone with her grief.Between her grades and her wealthy family’s dark secrets, Hannah’s barely holding her life together. And the last thing Sean needs is to get tangled up with another Casey girl. As the attraction between them spins out of control, they’ll either find a love with no limits–or go up in flames.

To anyone that loved the “Driven series” of K. Bromberg I would like to recommend Anything but Broken by Joelle Knox with all of my heart.

There might not be an obvious direct relation to compare those books, as the characters are quite different in their setting. But the writing is so intense and together with the racing background it created this image in my mind that made me think and remember those books by K. Bromberg.

Except the well developed storyline and beautifully written characters I thought it especially interesting that it is not the typical setting for the male and female lead. Normally I prefer the “Broken” one to be the Guy and if it happens to be the Girl I usually do not connect to the story the way that I should.

But this Book is an exception to my personal rule as both characters are great just the way they are. I can totally see the series in this storyline as anyone (same as me) will want to know more about certain characters that were introduced to us during this ride.

So I am looking forward to hopefully getting my hands on the next in this series as soon as it is possible

reviewed by

Title : Bring Me To Life

Author : August Kert

Series : N/A

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : Plan to survive: befriend a monster. Not in the plan: falling in love with him.As one of the few humans left alive, Lyric knows a hundred different ways to survive— none of them pretty. Anything to stay out of the “farms” where the not-so-mindless zombies keep humans they eat to prevent themselves from rotting.

But humans have to eat too. While foraging for food, she’s captured and taken to afarm. Her fate seems sealed—until she notices one of the zombies watching her with a different kind of hunger in his eyes.Anson clings to the hope that he can somehow overcome the disease that turned himinto a cannibal.

Lyric stirs needs and desires he’s forgotten he had, and her fighting spirit brings back the ragged edge of a past that long ago slipped from his memory.When Anson offers moments of freedom in exchange for her help, Lyric grabs thechance to survive. She never thought her emotions would cast a very different light on the monster…or that desire would complicate her plan to escape.

Warning: Contains a hopeless romantic zombie trying to find his humanity, and a plucky heroine desperate for a way out—even if it’s down a zombie’s pants. Not for the faint of heart… or the squeamish. Let’s just say kissing is off the menu.

Review : Bring Me To Life by August Kert was my first zombie novel – at least the first that I choose on purpose. Honestly up to now I had a real problem with the subject of zombies – and I am still not sure why. I love paranormal novels and in those most of all vampires and strong warriors of all sorts. But Shifter and Zombies were always a NO-GO – until TODAY.

I will not say that I love Zombies from now on – but I think it was THIS novel that will be my exception to the rule. I liked the plot, the writing, the characters – well I simply liked it.

It was an interesting approach on the subject and I will say very carfully… that I might read another zombie novel IF it is from this author.

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