Wednesday 18 February 2015

(ARC) Book Review (438): The First Kiss (Sweetest Kisses #2) - Grace Burrowes


The First Kiss (Sweetest Kisses #2)






Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
I was a huge fan of the first book in this series A Single Kiss, so to say that I was excited to read this book was an understatement, and I'm happy to say that I loved it, I would even go so far as to say that I thought it was even better than the first book.

This series focuses on the three Knightley brothers who run their own law firm, this story belongs to the youngest brother James, the ladies man who can have his pick of any woman he wants, when he meets Vera Waltham and her daughter Twyla he realises that maybe it's time to finally settle down when he finds that the idea of domesticity suits him.

With Vera's career as a world renowned concert pianist on hiatus, and troubles with her ex-husband is she ready to take a chance on James, will they both get the happily ever afters that they both want and deserve.

With some subplots going on in the background it does not take anything away from the main storyline whatsoever but ties in nicely and makes this book a resounding success.

I really enjoy Grace's writing, whether it be contemporary or historical romances she can't put a foot wrong, whatever she releases I am sure to love, such is the enjoyment I get out of each and every novel.

I look forward to the third and final book in the trilogy although I'll be sad to see this series end.

I give this 5/5 stars.


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. The Heir was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, The Soldier was a PW Best Spring Romance of 2011, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight was a Library Journal Best Book of 2012, and The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012.
Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.
 Website /  Facebook / Twitter
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Monday 16 February 2015

(ARC) Book Review (437): Give It All (Desert Dogs #2) - Cara McKenna


Give It All (Desert Dogs #2)

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository
Give It All is the second book in the Desert Dogs series which was even better than the first, full of mystery, suspense and action, and of course let's not forget the steamy hot romance to go along with it.

It didn't take long once I'd started reading to recall the events of Lay It Down, I really enjoyed reading about Raina and Duncan far more than I thought I would, in the previous book Duncan came across as a British snob who was better than everyone, it's in this story that we find out why he's the way that he is and and the facade he feels he needs to show the world.

Paired with Raina who doesn't do romance or anything mushy and it just works and as a couple they make sense, providing quite a few laughs throughout with their dialogue towards one another.

When Duncan is set up and then accused of taking bribes to cut corners on the building of the casino, his life will unravel and he'll finally come to discover that he's more than fancy suits and money, he may even find people in town that will have his back and be willing to stand up for him, something he has never had in his life before.

I look forward to the third book which will focus on Casey, his interactions with barmaid Abilene are highly amusing and I think that their book will be full of laughs and a delight to read.

I'm really enjoying this series, which seems to be getting better with each new book released.

I give this 4/5 stars.


Bio
Cara McKenna writes smart erotica—sexy stories with depth. A little dark, a little funny, always emotional. She also writes red-hot romance under the name Meg Maguire. Her wonderful publishers are Ellora's Cave, Harlequin Blaze, Penguin / InterMix, Samhain, and Signet Eclipse. She loves writing sexy, character-driven stories about strong-willed men and women who keep each other on their toes, and bring one another to their knees.
Before becoming a purveyor of red-hot romance and smart erotica, Cara was a record store bitch, a lousy barista, a decent designer, and an over-enthusiastic penguin handler.
Cara now writes full-time and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her bearded husband. When she's not trapped in her own head she can usually be found in the kitchen, the coffee shop, or jogging around the nearest duck-filled pond. She is a very proud member of the Romance Writers of America® and its New England Chapter. She was a 2010 Golden Heart® finalist, a 2012 Golden Leaf finalist, and a 2011 and 2013Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award nominee.
Have questions or comments? Email her! You can also find Cara on Twitter, Cara on Goodreads and Meg on Goodreads. And if you play Words With Friends, feel free to challenge Cara to a game—her user name is caramckenna.

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Sunday 15 February 2015

Book Review (436): The Distraction (The Body Works Trilogy #2) - Sierra Kincade


The Distraction (The Body Works Trilogy #2)

Publication: 3rd February 2015
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: Adult
Buy It: Amazon // BN
The seductive story that started in The Masseuse continues...

Anna Rossi knows that opening your heart only gets you hurt. But Alec Flynn is just too good to resist…

It’s been three long months since Anna’s seen Alec, since he saved her life and lit up her soul with unquenchable desire. Being without him has left her on edge, but his bravery has motivated her to change her life and go after what she’s always wanted—a job where she can help people. She can’t wait to show Alec the woman she’s become in his absence, or to prove how much she’s missed him…

Three months away has done nothing to slake Alec’s need for Anna. Unfortunately, it hasn’t made his life any less dangerous. The last thing he wants to do is hurt Anna, but if giving her up is the only way to save her, he’s not sure he can do that either. He’s determined to have her for as long as he can. Except his past is creeping up on him faster than he knows, and this time he may not be able to keep her from becoming collateral damage…
My Thoughts.
Following on from the amazing first book The Masseuse, this is a great sophomore release and was very enjoyable and even more action packed than the first one.

Continuing on with Anna and Alec's story, we find ourselves a few months later with Alec's release from prison only days away, when they are finally reunited it's not too long before they both realise that the danger is far from over, to stop Alec from testifying against his former boss Maxim Stein they are targeting Anna as a way to punish Alec and to get him to stop from taking the stand as the star witness.

But this puts a severe strain on their relationship and may just finally teat them apart.

I'm really enjoying this series and I can't wait to read the third and final book of the trilogy to see how it all ends.

A sensually evocative and hot story that only gets steamier with each instalment.

Sierra Kincade is definitely an author to watch.

I give this 5/5 stars.


Sierra Kincade lives in the Midwest with her husband and son. When she’s not writing naughty books, she loves eating chocolate cupcakes, binge-watching cable series, and singing loudly in the car. She wholeheartedly believes that love stories are real, and you should never choose a partner who doesn't make you laugh.

A few of Sierra’s favorite things:

Bad boys with dirty mouths – English Breakfast tea with two packets of Sugar in the Raw – any movie or show with a choreographed dance routine – cinnamon toast – kids who say funny things – friends who raid her pantry without asking – bootleg jeans – making lists – old Garth Brooks songs – and of course, massages.


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Friday 13 February 2015

Book Review (435): Forbidden To Love The Duke (The Fenwick Sisters Affairs #1) - Jillian Hunter


Forbidden to Love the Duke (The Fenwick Sisters Affairs #1)

Publisher: Signet
Pages 352
Genre: Historical Romance
Age Appropriate: Adult
Buy It: Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM |
Book one in an all new historical romance series, Forbidden To Love The Duke is an enthralling story with a host of enjoyable supporting characters and a rakish hero in pursuit of an impoverished spinster.

Lady Ivy Fenwick is living in a rundown manor with her three younger sisters Rosemary, Lilac and Rue, when times become too tough and there is no money left Ivy applies for a job as a governess, James the Duke of Ellsworth is in need of a governess after his niece and nephew are left on his doorstep while their Father is at war.

Five years ago at a masquerade ball, James ans Ivy shared a kiss that they still both reminisce about all these years later, so when Ivy applies for the job James is quick to hire her, with simmering chemistry and witty dialogue between the two, this book will will please all fans of this genre.

This is my first book that I've ever read of Jillian's and it sure won't be the last, I really enjoyed her writing and look forward to reading more of her work.

A great romance and storyline that will keep you entertained the whole way through.

I give this 4/5 stars.


Jillian Hunter is the bestselling author of over twenty historical romances. She lives with her husband, three daughters, a pug and a poodle in Southern California. She loves anyone who can make her laugh, which means she is in love with Mike Myers and Tyler Perry.

Website + Facebook + Goodreads



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Tuesday 10 February 2015

(ARC) Book Review (434): Soulprint - Megan Miranda


Soulprint






Buy It: |Amazon|Goodreads|Book Depository|
Soulprint is a heart-pounding thrill ride from beginning to end.

What I loved most about this book was the concept, the idea that people's past lives can be discovered by a test to determine who they were before.

This unfortunately was the case for Alina Chase who when she was a baby was tested and found to be the reincarnated soul of June Calahan a criminal who with her accomplice Liam White were responsible for hacking into a government database and stealing information relating to the identity of people's past lives which ended up badly for everyone involved, so from the time Alina was tested as a baby she was separated from her parents and kept isolated on an island, until before her eighteenth birthday when she is helped in escaping.

 It's then that the story really takes off with Alina on the run with Cameron, Casey and Dom, and doing their best to keep one step ahead of the police that are after the and to finally uncover the truth about June, Liam and what really happened all those years ago.

This was so enjoyable, I found it hard to put this book down at times, this for me is definitely my favorite book of Megan's.

Really enjoyable, everybody should pick this book up.

I give this 4/5 stars.


Megan Miranda is the author of FRACTURE, HYSTERIA, and VENGEANCE. She spends a great deal of time thinking about the "why" and "how" of things, which leads her to get carried away daydreaming about the "what-ifs." Megan has a degree in Biology from MIT and currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and two children.

Author's Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads


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Sunday 8 February 2015

Book Review (433): Hero - Samantha Young


Hero

Publication: 3rd February 2015
Publisher: NAL
Pages: 416
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: Adult
Buy It:  Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | iBooks | Paperback
The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that her mother and she weren’t his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they’re on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again....
My Thoughts.
There are only two words needed to describe this book ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!

When you have a story that features a character like billionaire hottie Caine Carroway there's no way you can go wrong, especially when he has a tortured past and a long hidden secret that you'll be desperate to have revealed.

So of course you need a heroine who is able to handle him, enter Alexa Holland a smart-ass PA who is determined to crack Caine's hard as stone exterior and get to know the man behind the facade.

With both of their pasts intertwining in tragic circumstances, and Caine taking the blame out on Alexa for it after having hired her as his new PA, he pushes her to her limits, even though it was her Father that ruined both of their lives, but the simmering sexual tension rises to the fore and they engage in an affair that will have both of them dealing with the past and the repercussians that have gotten them to where they are today.

Featuring hot, steamy love scenes that will leave you fanning yourself and an extremely intriguing back story that will make this book so hard to put down.

This is my first Samantha Young book and is certainly not the last, I'm eager to read the rest of her books.

Very enjoyable.

I give this 5/5 stars.


Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET and Best Romance 2014 for BEFORE JAMAICA LANE. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha's first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in twenty-eight countries.

For more info on Samantha's adult fiction visit http://www.ondublinstreet.com

For info on her young adult fiction visit www.samanthayoungbooks.com

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


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Thursday 5 February 2015

(ARC) Book Review (432): No Parking At The End Times - Bryan Bliss


No Parking at the End Times

Publication: 24th February 2015
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 272
Genre: Contemporary
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Abigail’s parents have made mistake after mistake, and now they've lost everything. She’s left to decide: Does she still believe in them? Or is it time to believe in herself? Fans of Sara Zarr, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell will connect with this moving debut.

Abigail doesn't know how her dad found Brother John. Maybe it was the billboards. Or the radio. What she does know is that he never should have made that first donation. Or the next, or the next. Her parents shouldn't have sold their house. Or packed Abigail and her twin brother, Aaron, into their old van to drive across the country to San Francisco, to be there with Brother John for the "end of the world." Because of course the end didn't come. And now they're living in their van. And Aaron’s disappearing to who-knows-where every night. Their family is falling apart. All Abigail wants is to hold them together, to get them back to the place where things were right. But maybe it’s too big a task for one teenage girl. Bryan Bliss’s thoughtful, literary debut novel is about losing everything—and about what you will do for the people you love.
My Thoughts.
No Parking At The End Times was an interesting and intriguing story of a family who's Father sells all of their worldly possessions to make their way from North Carolina to San Francisco to join the congregation of a Brother John whom they donated all their money to and who believes the world is about to end, when that doesn't happen the family find themselves poor and living in their van, having to line up for free food wherever they can, in-between praying and mass with Brother John.

Twins Abigail and Aaron are uprooted from everything, Aaron has seen the light and is sullen and angry disappearing most nights for hours at a time, Abigail is also slowly coming to the realisation that all is not right with Brother John and his beliefs, with both of their parents in a way almost brainwashed by him and their faith, Abigail and Aaron will have to find a way to leave their parents and find a way home, and to get back to a normal life.

While I'm hardly what you would call religious, I can understand how anyone can fall for these kind of people who prey on others and their faith.

A quick read that will get you thinking and will give you something different in the YA genre.

I give this 4/5 stars.


Bryan Bliss is the author of No Parking at the End Times. He holds master’s degrees in theology and fiction and – shockingly – found a professional job that allows him to use both of those degrees. His political philosophy degree, however, is still underutilized. His nonfiction has been published in Image Journal, along with various other newspapers, magazines, and blogs. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two children, both of whom wish he wrote books about dragons. Or wizards.

You can visit him online at www.bryanbliss.com 
and on Facebook and Twitter.


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