Review ~ BEND (Vegas Heat, #1) by Molly McLain

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 27th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:

The Hardass
Focused and in control at all times. Most people think I’m a prick—and I’ll be the first to admit that’s probably true. But I’d rather be a take-no-shit cop than the kind of man genetics says I should be. You break the law, you pay the price. I don’t give a damn if you’re the captain’s daughter or the Queen of friggin’ England.

The Princess
I have no patience for the cocky men my father oversees. Or maybe it’s just Sergeant Hardass who gets under my skin. Not only is he sexy as sin, he refuses to cut me a break. And now I have to work with the arrogant jerk.

I shouldn’t want him, but a secret part of me craves his unforgiving edge. He could give me everything I need, but, first, I have to break down his walls.

I have to make him bend.

My Opinion

For a short read there was definitely a lot packed into this book. I'm by no means new to this author, so I knew what I should be getting from her books, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this when I saw it up on NetGalley.

BEND was a hot read that kept me hooked from start to finish. It had great chemistry and an interesting plot that was easy to follow and engage with. I liked the fight in both characters and the fact resistance was futile. Like I said, there was definitely a spark there.


Overall, another great read by this author. I'll definitely be looking out for more in this series.

4

Review ~ Jax by J.L. Perry

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

Release Date: November 27th 2016

Publisher: Hachette

Description:
JAX

My name is Jaxson Albright. To my friends I’m known as Jax. I’m the disgraced son of well-known Politician, Malcom Albright. You could say I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I was supposed to follow in my father’s footsteps and move into politics. My whole childhood was spent being groomed for this role, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I had other plans.

To my family’s disgust, I’m inked, I’m pierced and I own and run a tattoo parlour, in Sydney. I fit in here. I can be the man I was destined to be, the man my family are ashamed of. The son they regret having. 

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my saviour, Candice. My pink-haired angel. We grew up in the same circle, but like me, she’s an outcast. She refused to conform to society’s ways. She’s the only one who stuck by me and not only encouraged, but supported my dream. 

I love her. No, correction—I’m in love with her. I have been for as long as I can remember. She has no idea how I feel. It’s a battle I struggle with daily. I’ve kept my secret all these years because I couldn’t risk losing her. That’s a chance I’m not prepared to take, because she’s my best friend; my only real family. 

I’ve spent the last few years moving from one hot chick to the next, trying to mask these feeling I have. But it doesn’t help—I can’t get her out of my head. She still owns my damn heart.

How do you get over the girl you know you can never have? And how do you live without the one person on this earth who was made for you? 

She’s my soulmate.

My Opinion

I loved this book. When it arrived on my Kindle I had to dive in straight away. However, due to the longer length I assumed it would take me a few days to get through since my schedule is crazy right now. I should have known better.

As soon as I started Jax I couldn't put it down. It had me up until 2am where I finally admitted I needed sleep at 50%. Needless to say, the first thing I did when I woke up was dive back into Jax's story and I didn't stop reading until I finished. I now have a pile of work that's built up, but it was definitely worth it.

Jax was adorable. He was a genuine, loving guy and I fell for him hard. Despite his crappy family, he's so compassionate and gentle. I believed in his emotions the entire way through and I really felt for him. Similarly, I liked Candice's toughness. Although their situation was predictable, I loved watching it unfold.

This story is just heartwarming and beautiful. It held my interest, engaged with me emotionally, and I couldn't put it down.


Overall, I loved this just as much as Bastard. It's been awhile since I read Carter's story, but this book brought it all back. I'd definitely recommend!

5

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Author Bio

**VOTED BEST NEW AUTHOR FOR 2014 IN AUSROM TODAY'S READERS CHOICE AWARDS**

J L Perry is a mother and a wife. She was born in Sydney, Australia in 1972, and has lived there her whole life. Her love of reading, from a young age, gave her the passion to write. My Destiny was originally written for her sister, in 2013. It was never intended to be published. However, after finishing this book, she felt there was still a lot of Brooke and Logan's story left to tell. This inspired her to write My Forever. With the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided to follow her dream and become a published Author.

That dream was realised on the 6th of June, 2014.

My Destiny is her debut novel in the Destiny Series. My Forever is the conclusion to this book. Her third book Damaged - Jacinta's Story was released October 15th, 2014. This is a stand alone book, but is based on a character in My Forever. Her fourth book Against All Odds, is a stand alone book, as well, but part of the Destiny Series. Due to be released on the 27th May, 2015. She's also currently writing a fifth book, a standalone, that will be released later in the year. It's called 'A Beautiful Bastard'. This is NOT part of the Destiny Series.

J L's love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her beautiful love stories.

Her hobbies include reading, writing, drinking wine, shopping, listening to music, and anything artistic or creative. She loves spending time with her family, friends and her dog when she isn't writing. She also loves being outdoors and travelling and exploring the world.

Author Links

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Review ~ Detoured by Love by Michelle Lynn

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 10th 2016

Publisher: self-published

Description:
Carly Lincoln is just months away from claiming her overdue promotion. The plush corner office, the view, the prestige is finally within her grasp. She’s worked her entire life to make her dream, her reality. But when an unexpected boulder blocks her perfectly paved path, Carly is forced to reevaluate her goals.

Bryant Garrity is just months away from another season. Last year, the star quarterback crumbled to a mere mortal on the games biggest stage. The blood. The sweat. The tears. He’s back and ready to return to his spot among the elite. His sole focus is one last shot at glory. But the detour on the road ahead, might cause him to alter his route. 

Love isn’t on either of their radars, but Carly and Bryant’s paths are about to collide.

My Opinion

Having read Love Surfaced as Love Resurfaced earlier this year, I knew I needed to read this book as soon as I saw it. While Detoured by Love took a different turn to what I was expecting, it managed to surprise me, and ended up being quite a moving read.

I'm not going to say anything about the plot of this book. I think it would be better experienced, since the direction everything went in did surprise me. What I will say is this book holds a lot of emotion. Even without reading the author's letter at the end, I could tell it was an immensely personal story and that part was grounded in reality. The writing had an authentic quality and a believable range of emotions.

As for Carly and Bryant, I will admit they didn't make the best first impression. At the start of this book I wasn't keen on it. I desperately kept wishing something would happen and things would speed up. However, it won me over and the more I delved into their world, the more attached I grew. By the end this book had my full attention and I loved the relationship.


Overall, this turned out to be a great read. It has a slower build than what I usually like, but it more than made up for it. I'd definitely recommend it.

4

Wrecked by Teagan Kade

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: August 6th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I brought her back to life. Now she’s mine—body and soul. 
DEACON 
Screw redemption. I’m at the end of the world to hide, to surf, to keep my brothers safe. 

But Lux blew in like a summer storm, a Californian cliché I couldn’t get enough of. 

After I saved her, all I wanted was to pull her close, feel her writhe beneath me, but I can’t put her in danger. 

I won’t. 

Enough lives have been lost already. 

LUX 
‘The most dangerous wave in the world’—That’s how I found myself at the bottom of Australia, a dark stranger breathing life back into my lungs. 

He’s trouble. Everything about him says ‘stay the f*#k away’, but I can’t. 

I don’t know what he’s hiding from, what he’s done, but one thing’s for sure: 
I’m caught in his undertow and I can’t turn back.

My Opinion

Wrecked was an okay read. I felt it was a little anticlimactic and that there was more story potential than ended up being. Since the copy I downloaded from Amazon had 2 books in one, I was expecting the book to keep going where it ended halfway instead. It made it feel too abrupt. 

I like the build up, until the end...

As for the characters, Lux and Deacon were okay. There was some chemistry, but once again, I felt something was missing.


Overall, it was free so  can't complain. It wasn't a bad read.

3

Review ~ Once Upon a Royal Christmas by Robin Bielman

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: October 20th 2016

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Description:
Colliding with a prince while dog walking isn’t how Rowan Palotay pictured meeting royalty, but then lately her life hasn’t gone according to plan. With one teensy tiny mistake, her job as a news reporter took a turn for the worse and now she’s lucky to have a small pet column in the local newspaper. Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and magic, but she feels like she’s forever stuck on the naughty list.

Prince Theodore Chenery is in Marietta shortly after the death of his mother to meet his grandparents for the first time. When an accidental run-in—literally—with Rowan leads to an unexpected friendship, he finds himself enchanted with the outspoken, feisty country girl. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met and her special brand of kindness and honesty make it harder and harder to remember his obligations back home.

Rowan can’t afford one more mistake, and Theo’s future is already mapped out, but when they find it impossible to fight the passion and deep-rooted emotions between them, they discover what matters most. Until their relationship makes worldwide news…and Theo must decide whether or not to follow his heart or his royal duty.

My Opinion

This is my third festive read of the year. Filled with snow, sweetness, and a bit of heat, it had everything I could of asked for as I curled up in the evenings in front of the fire.

Once Upon a Royal Christmas was a heartwarming, feel-good book. It was a quick read, but had plenty of personality. The characters were quirky--especially Rowan. I liked her sense of humour and the fact she spoke her mind rather than be blinded by Theo's title. I thought the two were well match and it was a great romance.


Overall this was the perfect Christmassy read. It'll set you in the festive mood and I'd definitely recommend it.

4

Review ~ His Christmas Cowgirl (Wildflower Ranch #6) by Alissa Callen

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: October 25th 2016

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Description:
Headstrong cowgirl Peta Dixon has put her life on hold this Christmas to prove she can run her ranch as well as any man. There isn’t anything she can’t ride, fix, or stare down, and the only things to scare her are long hemlines and sky-high heels. 

Self-made rancher Garrett Ross normally doesn't take orders – he gives them. But when asked to step in to act as a temporary foreman on a Montana ranch over the holidays, he can’t refuse. 

Yet when Garrett meets the beautiful and stubborn ranch owner, he realizes he’s signed on for a whole lot of trouble. Cynical and jaded, he has no time for feelings. And when Peta meets the man she’s to share her life with until Christmas, she discovers she no longer wants to be the person others expect her to be... 

Will the rancher finally listen to his heart and admit he can’t live without a certain straight-talking cowgirl?

My Opinion

Another cute, festive read. 

His Christmas Cowgirl was a sweet read that once again had me curled up next to a radiator and forgetting the cold. It put me in the festive spirit and kept a smile on my face.

I thought the world the author created in this book was great. While I haven't read any previous books by Callen, I could tell they were a tight-knit group and I'm intrigued to find out more about them. I liked Peta's toughness and willingness to get her hands dirty. Similarly, I liked Garret. Although I didn't quite believe in his secrecy, he was a good character and they formed a sweet couple.


Overall this was an enjoyable read that put me in the festive mood.

4

Review ~ Falling for Kate by Jody Holford

ebook received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: October 3rd 2016

Publisher: Penner Publishing

Description:
He needs a nanny.

She needs a job.

Hoping to open a clothing boutique in her hometown, Kate Aarons is ready for the next phase of her life. Before she can set her dreams in motion, she needs a job to get her shop up and running.

Tired of his ex’s unpredictable and transient lifestyle, single father, Elliot Peters, wants to give his twin daughters a stable life. Going from sometime dad to full-time dad is harder than he expected. But sweet, sexy Kate could be the answer he needs.

Working for Elliot proves to be the perfect situation. But when sparks fly between them, Kate worries about finding her place in a ready-made family. Can Elliott convince Kate that forever started the second he fell for her?

My Opinion

This was a sweet, feel-good romance. With a Christmassy theme, it has a cosy, warm story line that just had me wanting to snuggle up next to a fire and shut out the bad weather. It made me smile and I couldn't ask for more.

While only a novella, this book was still filled with plenty of goodness. The romance was cute with a little heat, the relationships were sweet, and the girls adorable. The plot stayed simple and enjoyable, and I believed in the bonds between characters. 


Overall this was just a great read to get lost in. It was fun and light-hearted, and I'd definitely recommend.

4

Review ~ Tru Blue by Melissa Foster

eARC received via the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 9th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover...
There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

My Opinion

Once again, this is another new author for me. I'll be honest and say that although I've seen plenty of this author's work around, none of it has ever drawn me in like Tru Blue. Don't ask me why, I have no idea--probably because I judge books by their cover and they didn't appear like my type of book. I shouldn't, I know, but we all do right?

Anyway, Tru Blue seemed to break what I'd seen from this author previously. The cover intrigued me, and ever since I saw it, I had been dying to read it. I was so glad I was contacted about being able to review this book, and it's safe to say I shouldn't have discarded this author based on book appearances.

Tru Blue was a read that gripped me from page one until the end. It was a heart warming story of protectiveness and family, and I couldn't help but love Truman for it. He was a strong characters who loved fiercely and he went to any lengths to protect his family. I think the author did a great job with his personality. He didn't come across as overbearing or like an ass. The concern was genuine and my heart broke when he opened himself up to Gemma.

I thought the two of the complimented each other brilliantly. I liked how they grew and helped each other, but most of all there wasn't a lot of drama with them. They were both very accepting characters and it made for easy reading. I liked their little family.

While I haven't read anything else by this author, I can see from Tru Blue she has an interesting back list of characters. They all seemed very close in this book and it has piqued my interest enough to go back and read Bear's story. They seem like good guys.

As for the story, although I'm not 100% convinced about certain events or reasoning, I did enjoy it immensely. It held my interest well and I couldn't put it down.


Overall, I feel like I've missed out by not reading anything from this author earlier. This was a beautiful, well-written book and I'd definitely recommend it.

5

Review ~ Deploy: Marine Romance: Military Romance, Rawlings Novel by Jamie Magee

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 7th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:

The missing, the murder, the cover up, the abuse, all of it should've been enough to divide and test the love between Declan and Justice, but it was nothing compared to the hell they wreaked on each other’s hearts. 
Fighting for what she loves is a war Justice cannot afford to lose...her Marine told her to fight.

My Opinion

This book wasn't what I expected. The cover and title drew me in and I was looking forward to some kind of military romance. What I got in the end is something I'm not sure about.

I just didn't get this book. I can't explain why, but I just didn't understand what it was meant to be. Was it a military romance? A suspense? A murder story? There was no clear theme that stood out. It all felt a bit jumbled, and it made for a hard read. I struggled constantly to engage with the characters and the plot.

For me, I didn't buy into it. Everything seemed so exaggerated and convoluted. There wasn't a depth to the motives for most of the characters, and I didn't understand the reasons behind the family feuds. Moreover, I didn't buy into the relationship.

Everything happened too quickly or too slowly in this book. Large chunks of time were missed out and I'm not sure the timeline added up, but pacing was an issue for me.


Overall, I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't get into it. I felt it was too confused about what it was meant to be and the main story arch wasn't clear enough. The ending just blurred things even more too.

2

Review ~ Dirty Dom (Valetti Crime Family #1) by Willow Winters

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: May 28th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Dominic Valetti is only interested in two things: getting paid and getting laid. 

He’s a bookie for the Valetti crime family, and he knows his sh*t. Dom’s busy doing business, no time to dabble in social niceties. The women that chase after him wanting more than a dirty, hard f*ck are only gonna get their hearts broken. 

That is, until Becca stumbles into his office to pay off her ex’s debt. A hot brunette who’s just as guarded as he is and has a body made for sin… and for him. They’re not meant to be together. A woman like her shouldn’t be with a man like him. He’s mobbed up; she’s a good girl who deserves better. 

When they push their boundaries and cave to temptation, they both forget about the danger. And that’s a mistake a man like Dom can’t afford. Will Dirty Dom risk it all to keep Becca safe, or will he live up to his name?

My Opinion

Dirty Dom was a quick read. I'm not sure I bought into it due to the speed at which things happened, but it kept me engaged. It was a dark, gritty mob read with some heat. Since it's short it leaves little room for development with the plot.,however, I think in general it was okay.


Overall, it's not the best mafia romance I've read. However, I've also read a lot worse. For a quick read it had a little of everything and I can't complain when it was free. 

3

Review ~ Halo by R.C. Stephens

eARC received via Enticing Journey Promotions in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 1st 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
I fell in love with Thomas Wells and knew he was my forever.
I was sixteen when I gave him my heart. 
Our love was the kind to last a lifetime. 

But Thomas was broken. 
The first day we met he told me he was going to become a Navy SEAL. 
At nineteen he enlisted. 
At twenty he married me.
At twenty five he left me pregnant and didn't turn back.
I knew he was suffering…. 
I also knew I couldn't save him.
He left me broken.
I was scared and alone. 
Until I met Ryder St. John a wounded soldier… 
He was lost. 
I was lost. 
Together we made sense. 
I fell in love again… 
What Ryder forgot to mention was that he held a secret so explosive that it could shatter both our worlds.

My Opinion

Halo was one of those books that has been in my mind since I requested it. I wanted to read it so much that all other books I've needed to read first have held less of a draw. I don't know why this book intrigued me so much, maybe because it sounded emotional, but it definitely didn't disappoint.

Halo took me on an emotional roller coaster. It's full of highs and lows, but is essentially a book about healing. While it destroyed me, it did piece me back together as well. I thought the author did an excellent job of portraying believable emotions and creating two characters who I fell for completely. Their lives are hard, they're both suffering, but together the world is a little less dark.

I won't say anything about the plot. This book is one you need to experience.


Overall Halo was a moving and emotional read. The story kept me hooked better than I ever could have predicted and it was beautifully written.

5

Review ~ A Sure Thing (The Donnigans, #1) by Marie Harte

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 1st 2016

Publisher: Sourcebook Casablanca 

Description:
Meet the Donnigans
With the eldest Donnigan brothers adjusting to civilian life, their younger sister constantly in trouble, and their little brother clueless about life in general, falling in love is the last thing on anyone's mind...

Can this Bossy Badass Marine...
The Marine Corps was everything Landon Donnigan ever wanted in life...until a bullet sent him home with a medical discharge. Teaching a self-defense class at the gym is old-hat for a marine, but when he meets sexy Ava Rosenthal, his combat skills are useless for protecting his heart.

Be her Mr. Right? 
Ava can take care of herself and likes quiet, bookish men-not muscular warriors who think women need to be coddled. But Landon is more than he seems, and when they come together, the results are explosive.

My Opinion

This book has split my opinion. On one hand it was a hot read with a strong alpha marine. Since I'm loving marine books right now it ticked all of the boxes in that category. On the other hand, though, a small part of it just didn't quite deliver.

A Sure Thing did keep me engaged. I liked Landon and Ava, and felt the spark between them. The chemistry was definitely there and they were a couple I wanted to cheer for. I also wanted to bang their heads together at times for being stupid.

In general I liked their relationship and story. They both had supportive families and I liked hearing about their little quirks--such as prank wars.

However, the is the point I felt didn't deliver as much as it could have. The book has a lot of characters and therefore a lot of tangents. At times, I felt it detracted from Ava and Landon's romance. Personally, I felt their story wasn't fleshed out enough as a lot of the book was devoted to Gavin and Theo's problems as well. I really liked Gavin, but I wanted more substance to Ava's relationship. Sometimes I felt Landon's issues were only hinted at, or things barely scratched the surface of details. Considering this book is about their story, I wanted the author to delve a little deeper rather than just hint at issues.


Overall, I did enjoy this book. If you like alpha soldiers then this may be for you.

4