Review ~ Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 19th 2017

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Description:
As the Dating Guy on L.A.‘s top morning show, I give the single guy’s perspective on dating, love, and sex—and I give great advice. Everyone’s hooking up…well, except for me. Sure, I can get any woman I want, but I’ve got a “no relationship” clause in my contract and the only woman I want has “relationship” written all over her. Probably stamped on her ass, too. And wouldn’t I like to confirm that.

Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with me. At all. Something about the next Ice Age might have even come up in her rebuttal. Adorable. Because she’s determined to ignore what one simple kiss proved: she wants me as badly as I want her.

Everything in me is screaming to go after her, but I’ve got a secret that I’m fairly certain will end up with her roasting my nuts over an open fire. So, job on the line? Check. Nuts on the line? Check. Can’t get her out of my head? Nail…meet coffin. But what a way to go…

My Opinion

I had to have this book as soon as I saw it. First of all, being British I was curious to see how that element turned out. Second, the cover. And third, I liked the idea of The Dating Man on the radio station.

It's safe to say Talk British to Me didn't disappoint. I loved every second I was immersed in the world this author has created here. It held my attention so well that I got through it too quickly. I didn't want it to end.

This book was lighthearted and easy to get through. It's not the first book I've read by this author so I kind of knew what to expect, but I fell completely in love Mateo. I can't think of any other word to describe him other than charming. Even though he dated a lot of girls, I believed in his friendship with Teagan and thought the way his emotions developed were good. He was a likeable guy who seemed genuinely sweet.

As for Teagan, I liked how her feelings developed. She also became stronger throughout the book. In essence, they worked well together. Mateo was a bit more carefree and laid back which helped Teagan find her confidence. There was definitely chemistry between them.


Overall this was just a really well-crafted romance. I could have easily read another book on this couple I was enjoying it that much. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter read. It was perfect to enjoy as part of a lazy day in the sun.

5

If I Break #2 & #3 by Portia Moore

Books purchased by myself.

I decided to write a couple of mini reviews. These aren't full because I read them back-to-back so the stories kind of blurred together and I didn't want to give anything away. I was also tired and a bit disappointed with the series so didn't feel like reviewing them in full.

Almost Broken by Portia Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think my gut feeling is right on this series. I was unsure whether to continue to read these books after the end of Book 1 because whilst I enjoyed it, I didn't think there were four books worth of story to be told. This book rehashed a lot of details and scenes. It felt like padding to me and I just want to read the resolution.

I have continued to book 3, but what I said in my review is holding true right now and the more I read the more I skim.



Beautifully Broken by Portia Moore
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was right. I lost interest in this series with this book because nothing happened. Once again events were repeated from the previous books but in different a POV, and nothing happened until the last few chapters. It felt like this book was one long filler, which is a shame because the idea behind the series is good and not something I have seen before. Unlike when I said I wasn't sure I would continue the series in my review of book 1, this time I mean it. I doubt I will read the last book, I just can't invest any more time in these characters when things take too long to get moving. I've decided to invent my own end in my mind instead and move on.

Review ~ If I Break (If I Break, #1) by Portia Moore

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: June 6th 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
When I met Cal Scott, I knew he’d be a distraction.

At six-foot-two, with ebony hair, deep gray eyes, and a smile that
could only hide an agenda, I knew he was trouble. And for the first
time in my life, a little trouble was just what I needed.

No. What I wanted.

It wasn’t like I’d ever marry the guy.
Until I did.

What I thought would be my happily ever after, was only the beginning.
Cal has a secret. One that makes loving him come with a price, and
being his wife cost more than I bargained for.

My Opinion

I'm so torn about this book now I've reach the end. On one hand I enjoyed it. I thought it was well written, carefully crafted, and kept me intrigued. However, on the other, I can't decide whether I want to continue the series.

I'm not going to say too much about the plot as I don't want to ruin things. This is a book you need to experience and go in blind because the suspense and the secrets the author bestowed upon Cal are what kept me reading until the end. The book started off slow and I did consider giving up, but I wanted to know what secret Cal was keeping too much, and the further I got into the book the harder I found it to put down.

However, now I've reached the end I can't figure out what I want to do next. Well, I can. I want to know what happens and if Cal and Lauren get their HEA. However, I've seen on Amazon that this is a four book series and this is where my problem comes from. Before anyone says anything, this isn't a matter of price and paying for the books. My issue is that If I Break seemed to drag at times already. There was a lot of story, but I don't know if I can read four books. Had there been 2 or 3 I would definitely continue the series. Yet, with that fourth book, I just don't think I want to read so much to get a resolution. I'm ready for it now and I can't see how the author can create 4 books that are going to hold my attention. I can see myself getting bored around book 3 and knowing I'm not going to be satisfied with the ending so will have to read another book for that will ruin my experience.

I don't want to tarnish my thoughts on this book because I really did enjoy it. I thought the emotions created were powerful and the author has clearly gone to great lengths to research her facts. However, can I read 3 more books? I just don't know. There doesn't feel like there is four books worth of story. I may be wrong, and judging this author from past experience unfairly, but my gut feeling is usually right in these situations when I feel there will be more padding than story.


Overall, this is a great read but it leaves on a cliffhanger. It's full of emotions and held my attention well, but I don't know if I'll read more. Maybe I'll give book 2 a go and see how I feel after that.

4

Review ~ My Kinda Night (Summer Sisters, Book 2) by Lacey Black

Today we have the release day blitz for My Kinda Night by Lacey Black! Grab your copy today!

Title: My Kinda Night (Summer Sisters, Book 2)Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Photographer & Cover Design: Sara Eirew

About My Kinda Night:

Payton Summer doesn’t have time for love. Between running her own business in her hometown of Jupiter Bay and her monthly night out with her sisters, Payton has no room for men, dating, or the drama that it entails. Her life is fine just the way it is. Yet, her attraction to the one man she shouldn’t want can’t be ignored.   Dean McIntire has one rule: don’t date clients. It’s a lesson he learned the hard way, and sees the consequence every day when he looks at his five-year-old daughter. It’s not a rule he’d break again. Until he meets the gorgeous Payton Summer, and suddenly, Dean finds himself ready to throw the rule book right out the window.   What happens when the sparks of lust can’t be denied? One night turns in to two, and two turns in to more. Payton and Dean find themselves unable to stay away, but can they survive when their secrets are exposed?   *Though part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. It is intended for those 18 and over due to graphic language, descriptive sex, and the world’s most inappropriate grandparents.

My Opinion

I saw this cover kicking around Facebook a few days before I received the tour sign up invite. It intrigued me back then with the design so I was interested to check it out. Even though I haven't read book 1 in this series, My Kinda Night did work as a standalone and I was pleasantly surprised.

My Kinda Night was an easy read to get lost in. I liked the single dad element--it was what drew me to request it. I thought Dean was a sweet and caring guy. His love for his daughter was touching, and it made him all the more likeable. As for Payton, she was a bit standoffish and I didn't always understand her no dating rule, but I enjoyed watching Dean break down he walls. There was definitely chemistry between them and their romance was sweet and hot.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I will probably go back an read the first books, as well as look forward to more in the series.

4

 

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Review ~ Hard Stick (Breakaway, #1) by L.P. Dover

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 13th 2017

Publisher: Loveswept

Description:
He carries a big stick. And he’s not afraid to use it.
On the ice, I’m Kellan Carter, powerhouse enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers. Off the ice, I’m just a regular guy. The last thing I want is to get mobbed by a bunch of groupies who are only after me for my fame and money. My ideal woman knows how to enjoy a little good, clean fun—and maybe some not-so-clean fun too. That’s the kind of girl I’d never let go.

When Kristen Robinson, the gorgeous, down-to-earth bartender I’ve been crushing on, agrees to let me take her out, I’m thrilled. We have an amazing night together, culminating in the most electrifying kiss of my life—and that’s it. Kristen tells me we can’t see each other again, but I know that kiss meant as much to her as it did to me. What I don’t know is that Kristen has a dangerous secret. . . .

I’ve proved to Kristen that she can trust me with her body and her heart. But when her past comes back to haunt her, I need to prove that she can trust me with her life. And I might have to get my hands dirty after all.

My Opinion

Another great read by this author. 

LP Dover is another author I'm running out of words for in reviews. Her work never fails to keep me hooked, and I always end up finishing her books too quickly. Hard Stick was no exception. 

Kellen and Kristen were a good couple. Kristen had a hard time with her past, but she opened up to Kellen and I liked the connection between them. The fact there wasn't much of a chase in the relationship and the characters had time to grow together made it all the more enjoyable. I liked that Kristen was strong even after what she'd been through. She didn't let it break her and she wasn't afraid to put the hockey guys in their place. 

As for the story, it was another good suspense. I loved that so many characters from her other books came into this story and I couldn't put it down. 


Overall another brilliant read. I hope Dallas gets a book at some point and I can't wait for LP's next release no matter what it is. 

5

Review ~ Resurrection (Skulduggery Pleasant, #10) by Derek Landy

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: June 1st 2017

Publisher: HarperCollins 

Description:
The skeleton detective is coming back to life… again! It’s the tenth, triumphant novel in the Skulduggery Pleasant series, and it will rearrange your world.

Skulduggery and Valkyrie are back in the tenth instalment in the bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant series – an incredible and unexpected treat for the legions of fans around the world.

We can’t say much but we can say this: Skulduggery and Valkyrie are going to team up with beloved characters from the first 9 books as well as an all-new cast, including new teen co-star Omen Darkly, for an adventure that takes the story to truly global proportions… while answering questions that go right back to the beginning.

And Derek says this: “I was halfway through Last Stand of Dead Men, I think, when I realised that I had more stories to tell. I told myself that if Skulduggery and Valkyrie survived the series, I would leave the option open of returning to their world. There were still secrets I need to reveal, after all, and there were still horrors they had to face. They survived the first series. But they’re really going to wish they hadn’t.”

My Opinion

I didn't find out about this book right up until the release day. I had thought this series had ended, and I missed Skulduggery since I didn't enjoy Landy's Demon Road series as much. Therefore, when I saw this book--after much double checking to make sure I hadn't read something wrong and got my hopes up for nothing--I squealed with excitement. Because Skulduggery Pleasant is back!!

I have missed reading these books so much. Landy's humour and wit is unlike anything I've read before, and it never fails to put a smile on my face. I've said it before, but even his dedications make me chuckle. When all of this is combined with the skeleton detective's fast-talking, quick-witted, and comically arrogant personality it just creates a character I want to read more about. 

Once again, there are more baddies to face in Resurrection. There are new friends, old friends, and new enemies that turn up as Valkyrie and Skulduggery are left to save the day. Some of the characters are also still tormented by the past events of the final book in the previous section of this series. And since Resurrection starts five years after that, it allowed for some growth in the characters and for a new dimension to form in the relationships. The characters might be older, but they're just as good.


Overall, if you've followed this series, this book will have everything you want and have come to love from it. Action, humour, magic--it held my attention well and I couldn't put it down. I'm so glad this author has decided to continue this series with this book.

5

Review ~ Revel (Second Chance Romance, #1) by Alison Ryan

eBook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: May 7th 2016

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Declan DeGraff is old money, turned no money, turned new money. 

He's fresh off the deal of the decade; he's just sold his tech firm for over two billion dollars and he should be on top of the world. 

But he's still missing what he lost, long ago. And every time success comes his way, he's reminded of how he would trade it all to have her back again. 


Charlotte Sanders is running from the past. Again. 

Years ago she fell deeply in love with the last man she should have allowed into her heart and near her body. After a summer of passion, he ended it abruptly, tearing Charlotte apart and making her swear off ever letting anyone in again. 

But now she's come back to the city where it all happened, Charleston, South Carolina, determined to find answers to the questions he never wanted her to ask. 

A chance encounter takes them right back to where they started. But can they get past the secrets they’re keeping? Or are they destined to repeat the mistakes of a past they’re both desperate to forget? 

Previously published under the serial episodes WILD, REVEL, and TAMED. This edition includes an epilogue not previously published.

My Opinion

This was an okay read. It started off strong, but my attention did lessen as the book moved on until I skimmed the end.

Revel is a second chance romance about Declan and Charlotte who run into each other after ten years apart. Things between them started off interesting, and I wanted to know what had split them up and why there were such strong emotions. However, while the book started off well, I found the plot to be too similar all of the way through. Things moved at a fast pace, which didn't really allow for much of a connection with the characters to be formed. The same thing just seemed to happen over and over ... it all felt very two dimensional without much depth.


Overall it was an okay read. It was quick and easy, but I struggled to connect with it emotionally.

3

Review ~ The Ocean Between Us by Delisa Lynn

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: March 15th 2016

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
Masters Sweet Baked Goods—the best bakery in Benton Creek.

Run by Hendlee Masters and her grandmother, Masters Sweets is the heart and soul of what’s left of Hendlee’s family. Raised by her grandmother after her parents died when she was only five, Hendlee’s poured her time and energy into building her own life in the small town she loves.
Best friends are hard to find—and even harder to keep.
Hendlee didn’t start to notice her feelings for one of her friends—Quaid Castings—until she was in high school. By then it was too late. Unlike her, his plans for the future involved ditching town and enrolling in the Naval Academy.

Just one night with Quaid is all she wants, but when it finally happens, it’s not nearly enough. And he’s leaving in less than twenty-four hours.
The pursuit of happiness often requires leaving someone behind.
Quaid wants more than the country life. Joining the Navy is the best way to explore the world beyond the hills of Kentucky. Except chasing his dream means leaving behind the girl he’s been in love with all his life—Hendlee Masters.

When Quaid chooses a career in the Navy over the love of a small-town girl, will their fates once again align? Or will their love be lost in The Oceans Between Us?

My Opinion

I've had the book on my Kindle for a while. It is another read I picked up for free on Amazon, but I put it to one side having overdosed on military romances at the time. Finally though, I felt like reading one and thought I would give this a go.

So, I'll be honest and say the start of this book didn't capture my interest. The pacing felt slow, events felt repetitive, and something just didn't work for me. I kept reading it wishing the night Hendlee and Quaid were together was the prologue and then the five year jump was made rather than have the padding.

However, once the story got started I did enjoy it. I found myself turning the pages quickly and before I knew it I was near the end. I liked the second chance element to the romance and did feel a spark between Hendlee and Quaid. Quaid was a sweet guy, and I could feel that both of the characters still had feelings for each other.

My one bigger qualm with this book though was that it felt like it kept building to more and those events never emerged. For example, the situation with Jason felt like it would have more drama. Similarly, so did the event with Quaid leaving on tour. I expected something to be made out of these situations but they fizzled out into just a HEA that in all honesty felt a little rushed. It just all came about too fast with too little drama.


Overall, I did enjoy this book. At times the pace wasn't that consistent but the story was sweet and kept me interested.

4

Review ~ Escorting the Billionaire (The Escort Collection, #1) by Leigh James

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: September 2015

Publisher: CMG Publishing

Description:
All three parts of the sexy, romantic serial!
Escorting the Billionaire Part 1
Love don't cost a thing... except everything.
When billionaire mogul James Preston hires an escort as a date for his brother's wedding, he knows he's taking a risk. One thing he won't be taking? The escort's clothes off. He just wants a date--not a girlfriend. Not a relationship. No strings. No ties. No games. No sex. He has his reasons. He lost someone he loved, and isn't interested in trying again. Too many opportunities for mistakes or worse, heartbreak.

Audrey Reynolds became a high-end escort to keep her brother in his expensive group home. James Preston is the client of her dreams--he's offering to pay her more money for two weeks than she's ever made before. But James is...difficult. He's gorgeous, troubled and all too human for Audrey's business-like tastes. Determined to complete her assignment and collect the money, Audrey tries to play by James's rules. But before she knows what's happening, he's rewriting the contract.

When Audrey ends up in James's bed, he realizes that she's everything he's wanted...and everything he's been running from.

Escorting the Billionaire Part 2
Two weeks is all they have... is it enough?
High-end Escort Audrey Reynolds opened herself up to real feelings for James Preston, the billionaire who hired her. And then he turned on her. Now she's back on assignment and guarding her heart.

All Audrey wants is to finish the assignment; she needs to make enough money to keep her brother safe. That's what she keeps telling herself, anyway.

James is determined to earn back Audrey's trust. When Audrey's mother threatens to expose that her daughter is a prostitute to his family and the press, James takes matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, his own mother is much more difficult to manage. Carefully guarding her family fortune, James's mother is beginning to see Audrey as a real threat to the Preston name.

And she doesn't even know the half of it.

Escorting the Billionaire Part 3
She's an escort... but is she a sure thing?
High-end escort Audrey Reynolds is determined to protect billionaire James Preston from anything that could hurt him--including her.

Everything changes when James tells her his real feelings.

When James's mother steps in, Audrey has to decide if being with James is worth the risk. She wants to protect him, and James wants to be with her, but can they find a happily ever after together--and in one piece?

My Opinion

This was another freebie I picked up on Amazon. And since my tbr pile is clear of all ARCs right now I thought I'd give it a go. 

Escorting the Billionaire turned out to be a good read. I enjoyed the story and the character development as they went from escort and client to more. I thought the author did a good job with Audrey  and making her likeable. While she was an escort, she had a kind heart and her own reasons for the job. It made her easy to feel for. 

As for the plot, at times it dragged a little and the story line felt repetitive at times, but it did hold my attention until the end. I did feel the ending was rushed a bit. For me the author could have taken out some of the repetitive scenes in the middle and added a slower ending that didn't feel so abrupt. Saying that, the epilogue did tie up loose ends, just very quickly. 


Overall, a good read. It's a little different to the billionaire books I've read before because of the escort element, but I thought the author did a good job of creating likeable characters that kept me interested.

4

Review ~ Bad Billionaire (Bad Billionaires, #1) by Julie Kriss

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: October 19th 2016

Publisher: Five Doors Creative

Description:
I’m no one. A mechanic. A getaway driver. A thief. 

I was born on the streets, and I like it rough — life, sex, everything. My job is dirty. My past is dirty. So is my future. 

Until I get out of prison and discover I’ve inherited a billion dollars. 

I’m not a good billionaire. I don’t care about penthouses, fancy dinners, or private jets. I don’t care about life and death. Hell, I don’t even care about money. I’m willing to spend every penny of it on one thing. 

Find the woman who gave me one unforgettable night before I went down. The woman who is too good for me. The woman I can never have. 

Find her. Get revenge on the man that hurt her. And make her mine.

My Opinion

It was the premise that caught my attention with this book. The idea of a billionaire with a criminal past intrigued me, and the fact it was free in Amazon convinced me to give it a chance.

I will be honest, the start of this book intrigued me but I didn't see how it was going to relate to the blurb and so I started to lose interest because I wasn't getting what I thought I had downloaded. However, the first 20% or so are more like a giant prologue. The book then jumps 2 years and finally gets to the part of the story I wanted.

To be blunt, once I finished, I didn't see the point in having the "prologue" section so long. It could have been condensed to maybe one scene. The book very nearly lost me because of it, and I also felt it set up an unrealistic situation of a two year wait after one round of sex.

Saying that, once the two year gap had been and gone, I found myself enjoying things more. I still think the relationship was slightly unbelievable since it was based on one night and a few stalker-like watching scenes from Olivia. Devon had to be out-of-this world in bed to have her wait two years after that.

Anyway, despite that I did think there was chemistry between them. There were a few hot sections and the story lived up to what I'd wanted from the blurb--a bad billionaire.


Overall, I liked the concept of this book. It could have been executed slightly better, but it held my attention once it got going and it was a quick, easy read.

3