Blog Tour Review ~ Hunter by Blaire Drake

eARC received via the tour company in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 28th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Born into blood, I was a mafia princess. Raised in hiding, I was a Californian sweetheart.

The day my father sold my thirteen year old body to pay off a five year old debt was the day my mother stole me in the dead of night. She protected me as she was supposed to.

My father may have been the king, but my mother was the queen.

The mafia blood was hers.

That was ten years ago. Now… the devil was on the loose.

Carlo ‘Hunter’ Rosso was my father’s right hand man and the boy I’d loved since I could tie my own shoelaces. He was always the most ruthless and the most deadly of all the children.

He’d thought I was dead until the day his assignment was given: Kill Adriana and Alexandria Romano. Kill the princess, and definitely kill the queen.

What he didn’t know was that the queen was dead, and the princess had taken her throne.

Blood didn’t lie. It smeared, distorted, stained. But it didn’t lie.

My father was going to learn the hard way that the empire he’d stolen belonged to me.

And so did Carlo ‘Hunter’ Rosso.

My Opinion

This is the first time I've read anything by this author, and as you all probably know when it comes to mafia and cartel books, I have a high standard since some of my favourite reads are in this genre. Hunter intrigued me for this reason.

Overall, Hunter was a good read. I liked the plot, thought the characters were tough, but had some chemistry, and it was dark and gritty like I wanted. The idea of Addy wanting to kill her father to take over the family was interesting and I rooted for her. She wasn't afraid to stand up to people, even if she should have shut her mouth sometimes. Some of her comments made me chuckle and in general I liked her fiery personality.

As for Hunter I wasn't sure what to make if him. The author keeps you guessing about whether you can trust him, which was interesting. He wasn't the typical white knight. However, I did want a little more emotion from him.

The only things that let this book down in my opinion was that I did feel it needed another round of content editing. Sections felt unnecessarily long and a lot of information was repeated. I will admit towards the end I started skimming text that wasn't speech. I wanted things to move along faster and I felt it was hindered by an overdose of information.

I also had to suspend reality while reading this book. Some of the actions/events described are unlikely to be possible to the precision the author describes. I get Hunter is a good assassin but there are limits and I felt the author crossed the line of plausible a few times.


Overall though it was a good read. I liked the story, just wanted it to move a little quicker.

3.5

Blog Tour Review ~ Where Lightning Strikes (Bleeding Stars, #3) by A.L. Jackson

eARC received via the tour company in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 22nd 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Do you know what it feels like right before lightning strikes? How you can feel the current running through your veins? The trembles of warning that ripple through the air? It was a thrill Tamar King chased all her life until it became the very thing she had to escape. 
For the last four years, Tamar King has hidden herself in an isolated world she created. She was safe. No one could touch her. Until Lyrik West walked through her door. 
He’s the lead guitarist for Sunder and everything she can never have. The dark and beautiful rock star becomes everything she craves. 
Lyrik’s life has been devoted to his band and that success has cost him. Bitter, hard, and filled with regret, he refuses to lose himself again, but from the moment he sees her, he wants one night with Tamar King. 
The gorgeous bartender is more than he bargained for. Their attraction is consuming. Their desire overpowering. With one touch, they ignite. 
But is it worth the cost of getting burned?
She’s a gorgeous nightmare and he’s a wicked dream…

WHERE LIGHTNING STRIKES, a Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel

My Opinion

I read the first two books in this series last year so I couldn't wait to get my hands on Lyrik's story. Although a spin-off Where The Lightning Strikes can be read as a standalone, however I'd recommend reading the others first so you get the full effect.

Just like with Baz, I liked Lyrik's haunted character. Although I had my suspicions about what he hid in his past I didn't fully guess. It was what kept me reading and I think him and Tamara complimented each other well. They were two broken pieces who became whole and found their courage through the other.

In general the plot was interesting and did hold my attention. I did feel the middle could have been cut down a bit as some of the internal monologues became a bit long and repetitive to slow the pace, but mostly it was good.


Overall, a good read. I'll definitely be looking out for the next book.

4

Review ~ Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn & Jolene Perry

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: August 2013

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Description:
Rock star drummer Bishop Riley just needs a few months to relax and detox before his band's next tour. But the last place he expected to do it is in Seldon, Alaska. And the last person he wants to do it with is Penny Jones.

Fiery, headstrong Penny has zero in common with the cocky, too-hot-for-his-own-good Bishop, and she'd like to keep it that way. But the more Bishop gets under her skin, the more she wants to let him in. And the more Penny lets him see, the more Bishop wants to know this stubborn girl with the killer body and soulful eyes.

The simmering heat between them won't go away, no matter how hard either of them tries. Their time together in Alaska may be running out—but so is their resolve for not taking a chance on love.

My Opinion

Out of Play was a short easy read. It followed Bishop Riley, the drummer of Burn, as he recovered from an over dose by being shipped off to Alaska. There he met Penny, a tough female hockey player who competes for the men's team. She doesn't make things easy on him and due to her past and Bishop's present the two are thrown into the position of trying to move forward with their relationship.

For a quick read this was good. I enjoyed the setting and Penny's feisty attitude. She knew what she wanted and I respected that. Saying that, I did struggle to form an emotional connection with both of the leads. They just didn't do it for me. Their romance was sweet, and I liked the banter and playfulness, but a spark was missing for me.

As for the story, it held my interest. I'm not sure I believed in every aspect, but it was enjoyable.


Overall a sweet easy read.

3

Review ~ Fighting for Control (Against the Cage #3) by Melynda Price

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 22nd 2016

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Description:
For Nikko “the Bull” Del Toro, an ex-marine turned MMA fighter, only two things quiet the demons raging inside him—facing an opponent in the cage…and the memory of his hottest one-night stand. But when his PTSD resurfaces, causing him to lose control at a CFA press party, it’s his career that may be KO’d.

Dr. Violet Summers is stunned to discover her newest patient is the man who rocked her world—and put her heart in a clinch after her nasty divorce. She’s determined to delve deep into the darkness that haunts him and to keep all further encounters strictly professional.

Nikko doesn’t want a shrink. What he needs is Violet. With the memory of their passion blazing between them, it’s only a matter of time before they give in to desire. Can Violet help save this surly fighter from his own personal nightmare? Or will he forfeit his career and his last chance at love?

My Opinion

I'm struggling for words. This was an intense yet beautifully written read that capture my attention and heart then refused to let it go.

Fighting For Control is the third book in this series. I have read book two, but I really must go back and read book one. While it can definitely be read as a standalone I'd recommend reading the others, because one characters do feature from other books, and two this author is brilliant.

I didn't really know what to expect from Nikko's book. However, his story was gut-wrenching and I felt for him every step of the way as he fought through his PTSD and survivor's guilt to come out on the other side a healing man.

There were a lot of small things going on in this book. The forbidden nature of his and Violet's relationship, his PTSD, both of their exs, his career, and more. I thought it all flowed beautifully and the author didn't a good job of making things clear enough to keep my interest but not overloading me with information. I would have liked a little more detail in the ending. Nikko's secrets came a little late for me. Although I knew what had happened from the flashbacks, I wanted him to admit it sooner.

I also wanted more from the ending. Only my reason for that is because I didn't want the book to end and force me into reality. Nikko was a fighter in all aspects of life and I loved him.


Overall a brilliant, captivating read. It held my attention from the first chapter and I could put it down. I'd highly recommend!

5

Beneath These Lies by Meghan March

         

Look, but don’t touch…she might as well wear a neon sign that says it. It just makes me want her more.

She might be above me in every way, but I still want her under me.

I’ve got no business touching her rich-girl skin, but that won’t stop me from stealing a taste. Because rules were meant to be broken—especially when the prize is so fine.

In a world where nothing is at it seems, what's buried beneath these lies?

     

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | Google Play |Kobo

 

       

 

Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She's also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she's ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

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Review Round Up ~ Samantha Young & Rachel Van Dyken

All paperbacks were purchased by myself 

Because I read all of these for personal enjoyment I've decided to only do a collection of mini reviews stating my overall feelings towards the books. If you want more detail feel free to ask questions in the comments. Blurbs can be found by clicking on the title links. They will open in Goodreads.

Hero by Samantha Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a first time read for me with this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't really know what to expect going into Hero, but it held my interest incredibly well for the entire book and I really like the characters and overall plot. I will definitely pick up this author's previous work.


Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If I'm honest, this wasn't my favourite RVD read. I enjoyed it, but I think her writing and style has developed enormously since Ruin was released. In Ruin everything was a bit easy and magical with the HEA. It's heart-warming, but a little too perfect. RVD is definitely still one of my current favourite authors, but it's easy to tell this is her earlier work. That's not to say it's bad, everyone has to start somewhere, and it's a testament to how far she's come.


Toxic by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I preferred this book so much more than Ruin. It had more depth, the characters were more interesting, and there was plenty of questions to keep me reading because I wanted answered. Toxic was darker than Ruin, and I loved it. I felt for Gabe and wanted to know his story. I'm sure I'll be reading the next book at some point.


Fall by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this series. It doesn't knock Eagle Elite off the top spot, but it's a close second. Each book captures my heart and transports me to Seaside for the entire time I'm reading. Fall was no different. I loved watching Jaymeson change and I thought his feelings were believable. I'm not going to say anything else though because I don't want to spoil anything seeing as this is book 4. All I will say is these characters melt my heart and never fail to make me smile.

Review ~ Pretend... (Oxley College) by Stacey Nash

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 26th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Life’s easy when everything’s fake. 

Savannah West had it all: popularity, good grades and a family who loved her, but how quickly things can change. Living half a state away doesn’t stop the painful memories of her past ripping her heart in two. And sometimes lies are easier than coping with the truth.

The thing she didn’t bank on was Dane Beaumont. A blast from her horrendous past, he’s the last person she expected to run into at college … and it’s not just because he knows the truth. Hot as sin, he’s more off limits than generic brand clothing, but staying away isn’t easy when he insists on looking out for her. Dealing with the reality of finding her place in the world, Savvy must face the guy who tears down all her carefully placed walls and pull herself together. It’s time to grow up.

My Opinion

Having enjoyed Wait! last year, I eagerly accepted to read Pretend... And since I was in the mood for a NA, college romance to read I couldn't delay reading this any longer even though I have ARCs with rapidly approaching deadlines needing to be read.

Pretend... was everything I was looking for. It was an easy read with a little college drama, angst, humour, and romance. It did start off slow and took me around 20% to get into, but I quickly grew to root for Dane and Savvy. The mystery of what happened in her past kept me intrigued, especially with the flashbacks dispersed throughout.

Similarly, I liked the slightly forbidden nature of the romance--at least forbidden in Savvy's eyes. I'm glad the author chose not to go the stereotypical route with Victoria's reaction. It felt refreshing. I did wish there was a bit more detail and resolve with whatever happened between Dane and Tori though. I felt things weren't quite concluded with Savvy's aunt and such in that regard.


Saying that, overall it was exactly the book I needed. It was an easy read and I'd definitely recommend it for those who like college romances.

4

Review ~ Fly (Velocity, #1) by Molly McLain

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: march 14th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Meet Colton Wade, FMX rider...

I’m just a small town guy who caught a lucky break. Now I’m living the dream, on the brink of high-flying super-stardom. But something’s missing.

That something is Taylor.
She’s my best friend. The one who makes me want to push harder and higher. The one I fall back on when shit gets tough. The one I’d give it all up for.

I’d do anything to protect her. To make her dreams come true too.

But a single night changes everything.

And now the one she needs protection from...is me.

My Opinion

This is a first time read for me by this author, but how could I resist with that cover? I love racing romances and motocross is no different so I had to dive straight into this one the second it arrived on my Kindle.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The chemistry and intensity between the characters was palpable and hot. Although things move quickly and the backstory/details weren't fully fleshed out, the relationship between Colton and Taylor was created brilliantly. I believed on their feelings and the connection. There was a real spark.

Of course, the story arc is predictable and does follow a common trope nowadays. I also knew this was a duet going in so obviously there would be a major cliffhanger. That in itself gives away some of the things that are going to happen. Saying that though, the chemistry and relationships hooked me so much I wasn't really thinking that far ahead. I was happy to just go with the flow and watch the book unfold.


Overall, this was a short but hot and intense read. There's a real spark and I loved that it centred around motocross. I can't wait to read the concluding part to Taylor and Colton's story.

4

Review ~ Diamonds (All that Glitters, #1) by K.A. Linde

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon

Release Date: 21st April 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Bryna feels his eyes on her.

Hot, seductive, enticing.

He’s at least ten years older than her seventeen years, and he knows exactly what he’s doing to her with that look.

Walking away would be the smart thing to do…

But she can’t. Not that first night when he takes her home and claims her body. Not when he shows up in her life again with expensive gifts to win her trust. Not even when she’s falling for him, and everything else is falling apart…

My Opinion

I'm not sure what to make if it. The whole book seemed really hypocritical and not one of the characters were likeable. To start off with Bri's ranting about her family and her dad's affair. She claims to have daddy issues but then throughout the rest of the book they totally disappear. 

Secondly, she claims she'd never be like her step-mum and poach a married man, then she falls for Jude's line so easily. She was so self centred and arrogant. I can't think of one redeemable quality and she just made me angry. The plot was obvious and despite her strong morals on page 1, she never lived up to them. Just judged others.

Then there was the whole deal with Pace. Didn't understand that at all. 


Overall, I was disappointed. This book just irritated me with dislike me characters and a plot I hated. 

2

Review ~Once upon a Time (A Broken Fairy Tale, #1) by S.K. Hartley

ebook received from the author in a giveaway.

Release Date: December 1st 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I don't believe in fairy tales. 
I don't believe in glass slippers. 
I don't believe in Prince-Freaking-Charming. 

Cinderella can kiss my ass. 

I kiss frogs, sometimes even toads. 
I've given up on meeting Mr. Right, instead it seems all I meet is Mr. Wrong, Mr. Very-Wrong and even, Mr. Lets-Not-Even-Go-There. 

Fairy tales are for morons. 

Well, that's what I thought until Gabriel Black barged through my life, turning everything upside down. 
He's hot, sexy and little rough around the edges. 
But, he's hiding something, something deep. I can feel it, taste it and smell it. 

Now I'm left wondering if he's my Prince Charming or my fairy tale villain. 
Will I ride away safely into the night, dreaming of happily ever afters? 
Or, will I stumble and fall in ridiculously high heels only meant for women with a death wish? 

Once Upon A Time... 
I met Gabriel Black.

My Opinion

This was a lot different to what I was expecting. Based on the cover I thought it would be more of angst-filled read, only what I got was more of a rom-com. It definitely brightened my day.

I loved the chemistry between Payton and Gabriel in Once Upon A Time. It was intense and hot. I loved how they interacted am the fact Payton wasn't afraid to speak her mind about what she really thought.


Overall a great relaxing read that put a smile on my face and I couldn't put down. I hope Kylie gets a book!

4

Review ~ Walk the Edge (Thunder Road, #2) by Katie McGarry

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: March 10th 2016

Publisher: MIRA Ink (Harlequin UK)

Description:
One moment of recklessness will change their worlds.

Smart. Responsible. That's seventeen-year-old Breanna's role in her large family, and heaven forbid she put a toe out of line. Until one night of shockingly un-Breanna-like behavior puts her into a vicious cyber-bully's line of fire—and brings fellow senior Thomas "Razor" Turner into her life. 

Razor lives for the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, and good girls like Breanna just don't belong. But when he learns she's being blackmailed over a compromising picture of the two of them—a picture that turns one unexpected and beautiful moment into ugliness—he knows it's time to step outside the rules. 

And so they make a pact: he'll help her track down her blackmailer, and in return she'll help him seek answers to the mystery that's haunted him—one that not even his club brothers have been willing to discuss. But the more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow. And suddenly they're both walking the edge of discovering who they really are, what they want, and where they're going from here.

My Opinion

I was hesitant to request this. While I enjoyed book 1, I did struggle with a few things and I wondered if these problems would carry over to Walk The Edge. However, I enjoyed Razor's story a lot more and found Walk The Edge hard to put down.

This book did have a slow build for me, but once Breanna and Razor started interacting it became more interesting. I liked how Razor was the rebel of the club. It meant there weren't so many rules or club business sections. Sure, they were always there but Razor was fighting them and so it made for more interesting viewing.

I also liked how he treated Breanna. Deep down he was a good guy who'd had a hard childhood. I thought his growth was believable and that he developed and accepted his past well. Similarly, I could empathise with Breanna's fears of standing out and not wanting to be made fun of. She was a likeable character who slowly found her strength and I'm glad she did.

The only slightly downside is I did feel the ending left a little to be desired for. Although things work out, it's not in the way I hoped and for me it wasn't completely satisfying. It was enough, but there could have been more.


Overall, I'm glad I took a chance on this book and I'm intrigued to see Violet's story.

4

Release Blitz ~ Twisted Mind (Chequered Flag, #2) by Mia Hoddell

Title: Twisted Mind

Series: Chequered Flag #2

Author: Mia Hoddell

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 8, 2016 Publisher: Limitless Publishing

GP2 race car driver Dustin Coates has been made irrelevant…

For the past year, Dustin helped his best friend, Raine Wilkins. It was a good diversion from his twisted life. Now she’s settling down with his brother, and without the distraction from his own toxic relationship, Dustin is rapidly spiralling out of control.

Everyone warned him to leave his girlfriend, Elora, yet they knew nothing about the baby…

It’s up to Dustin to protect the innocent life hanging in the balance, and to do that he must endure Elora’s twisted games of manipulation and violence. However, when she does the unthinkable, Dustin finally snaps. Leaving her, the light-hearted jokester people have come to love is replaced with a grief-stricken man intent on one thing—earning a Formula One contract.

Everything changes when Tazia Nixon moves in next door…

Dustin clings to the Latin beauty who soothes his aching heart and helps him forget. But beneath her eternal optimism is a distressing past she refuses to share. Dustin must decide if he can risk his fragile heart a second time. She might ease his pain, but she could also break him like no one else.

Will Dustin be able to overlook the deceit to find his forever with Tazia, or will he see nothing more than a Twisted Mind?

I leaned in, desperate to feel him.

Finally, his lips grazed mine in barely a whisper of a touch.

A moan of protest slipped from my lips when he parted and the musical sound of Dustin’s husky laugh caused me to shiver.

“We shouldn’t be doing this,” he murmured, shocking me when his lips scraped my ear.

“I really don’t care.”

Dustin cupped my jaw, his thumb swiping over my cheekbone. The touch drew my eyes to his.

“I should though.”

I rested my head further into his palm and covered the back of his hand with my own to keep him there. Turning, I pressed my lips to his palm. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“You could break me.”

I nipped at the tip of his finger when he trailed it over my bottom lip. “Aren’t we both already broken?”

“You could shatter me like no one else, Taz.” Rather than meet my eyes he stared off into the distance over my shoulder. “You could destroy me.”

I reached up, taking his jaw between my fingers and forcing his attention back to me. “I don’t want to.”

“That doesn’t mean you won’t.”

“No, but it means I’ll do everything in my power to try not to.”

The resolve in his eyes wavered. He couldn’t meet my gaze for long. He exhaled heavily, and his jaw kept tensing beneath my palm.

“Dustin,” I said, drawing his focus back to me. “It’s only a kiss.”

It wasn’t. We both knew I was lying and if we started down this road it would lead to more.

Regardless, Dustin pulled me into him. Pressing on the small of my back, he didn’t stop until I was flush against his chest. With his other hand he swiped back a lock of hair to slide it behind my ear.

He lowered his head, dipping until his forehead rested against mine. “I’m trusting you, Taz.”

I responded in a whisper, “Me too. You’re not the only one who stands to lose, Dust.”

Finally, he closed the gap between us and his lips met mine slowly, but forcefully. He claimed and possessed me, marking me as his with his mouth.

Every ounce of pain and fear was shared through our kiss.

When I parted my lips Dustin’s tongue immediately swept into me. I moaned, raising my arms to encircle him. I ran my fingers through the shaggy locks of hair at the back of his neck, pulling on them until he grunted against me.

Even though no space remained between us, Dustin forced me against him harder then dropped his head to my shoulder. He placed a tender kiss directly over the pulse point in my neck and mumbled against my skin, “Please don’t break me, Taz.”

#1 Amazon bestselling author Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything romantic, and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.  Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder, Not Enough, and Bet On Me. 
Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers on her website M Designs.

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