Monday, August 4, 2014

AUGUST. 2014 - New Romance Releases

Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Romance

8/5/14   Crave the Night (Midnight Breeds, #12) written by Lara Adrian

8/5/14   Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark, #14) written by Kresley Cole

8/26/14 – Playing With Fire (Phoenix Fire, #3) written by Cynthia Eden

8/26/14 – Stone Cold Lover (Gargoyles, #2) written by Christine Warren

8/26/14 – The Beautiful Ashes (Broken Destiny, #1) written by Jeaniene Frost

8/26/14 – The Hot Zone (Rainshadow, #3) written by Jayne Castle

Historical Romance

8/5/14   My Beautiful Enemy written by Sherry Thomas

8/5/14   The Bargain written by Jane Ashford

8/5/14   The Highlander’s Bride Trouble (Hot Highlanders, #4) written by

                  Mary Wine

8/5/14   The Traitor (Captive Hearts, #2) written by Grace Burrowes

8/19/14 – The Truth About Leo (Noble, #4) written by Katie MacAlister

8/19/14 – How the Scountrel Seduces (The Duke’s Men, #3) written by

                   Sabrina Jeffries

8/26/14 – Lisette’s List written by Susan Vreeland

8/26/14 – Not Quite a Wife (Lost Lords, #6) written by Mary Jo Putney

8/26/14 – Long, Tall Texans II (Long Tall Texans, #4-6) written by Diana Palmer

8/26/14 – Once More, My Darling Rogue (Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James, #2)

                   written by Lorraine Heath

8/26/14 – The Arrow (Highland Guard, #9) written by Monica McCarty

8/26/14 – The Maiden of Ireland written by Susan Wiggs

8/26/14 – What a Duke Dares (Sons of Sins, #3) written by Anna Campbell

Contemporary Romance

8/4/14   Text Me written by Shelley K. Wall

8/5/14   Hillbilly Rockstar (Blacktop Cowboys, #6) written by Lorelei James

8/5/14   How to Handle a Heartbreaker (McCauley Brothers, #2) written by

                  Marie Harte

8/5/14   Jane’s Harmony (Jane’s Melody, #2) written by Ryan Winfield

8/5/14   Lay It Down (Desert Dogs, #1) written by Cara McKenna

8/5/14   Led Me Not written by A. Meredith Walters

8/5/14   No Attachments (Woodfalls Girls, #1) written by Tiffany King

8/5/14   Shelter Me (Second Chance Ranch, #1) written by Catherine Mann

8/5/14   Taking It All (The Surrender Trilogy, #3) written by Maya Banks

8/5/14   The Man Plan (The Graysons, #2) written by Tracy Anne Warren

8/5/14   -  The Other Side of the Pillow written by Zane

8/5/14   The Sweetest Summer (Bayberry Island, #2) written by Susan Donovan

8/5/14   Ugly Love written by Colleen Hoover

8/5/14   Unbroken (Silver Creek, #3) written by Maisey Yates

8/5/14   -  Virgin written by Radhika Sanghani

8/6/14   Texas True (The Tylers of Texas, #1) written by Janet Dailey

8/12/14 – Dylan’s Redemption (McBrides, #3) written by Jennifer Ryan

8/12/14 – Love Letters (Rose Harbor, #3) written by Debbie Macomber

8/12/14 – Taken by Tuesday (Weekday Brides, #5) written by Catherine Bybee

8/19/14 – Hard to Hold on To (Hard Ink, #2.5) written by Laura Kaye

8/19/14 – Seducing Lauren (Love Under the Big Sky, #2) written by Kristen Proby

8/19/14 – Proving His Worth (Deuces Wild, #3) written by Cari Quinn

8/25/14 – High Octane: Fueled written by Rachel Cross

8/25/14 – Between the Sheets written by Liv Rancourt

8/26/14 – A Love to Call Her Own (Tallgrass, #3) written by Marilyn Pappano

8/26/14 – For You I Will written by Donna Hill

8/26/14 – Heroes Are My Weakness written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

8/26/14 – It’s In His Kiss (Lucky Harbor, #10) written by Jill Shalvis

8/26/14 – Long, Hot Texas Summer written by Carolyn Brown

8/26/14 – No Limits (Ultimate, #1) written by Lori Foster

8/26/14 – On the Record (Record, #2) written by K.A. Linde

8/26/14 – Rival (Fall Away, #2) written by Penelope Douglas

8/26/14 – Sandpiper Island (Bachelors of Blueberry Cove, #3) written by

                   Donna Kauffman

8/26/14 – Snow on the Bayou (Tante Lulu Adventure, #1) written by Sandra Hill

8/26/14 – The Best Kind of Trouble ( The Hurley Boys, #1) written by Lauren Dane

8/26/14 – The Devil in Denim (New York Saints, #1) written by Melanie Scott

8/26/14 – The Highlander Next Door (Spellbound Falls, #6) written by

                   Janet Chapman

8/26/14 – The Homecoming (Thunder Point, #6) written by Robyn Carr

8/26/14 – To Love and Protect (Shadow Chasing/For All My Tomorrows) written by

                   Debbie Macomber

8/26/14 – What I Love About You (Truly Idaho, #3) written by Rachel Gibson

8/26/14 – Winning Love (Love to the Extreme, #3) written by Abby Niles

Erotica Romance

8/5/14   One Night: Promised (The One Night Trilogy, #1) written by Jodi Ellen                       Malpas          

8/5/14   Red Red Wine (Tastes of Seduction, #2) written by Jess Dee

8/12/14 – Living in Shadow (Living in..., #1) written by Jackie Ashenden

8/19/14 – Never Been Kissed (Second Chances, #5) written by Mari Carr

8/19/14 – No In Between (Inside Out, #4) written by Lisa Renee Jones

8/26/14 – Ignited (Most Wanted, #3) written by J. Kenner

8/26/14 – Slow Satisfaction (Struck by Lightning, #3) written by Cecilia Tan

8/26/14 – Farmer Wants a Wife (Love and Friendship, #3) written by Shelley Munro           

8/26/14 – Own (Command Force Alpha, #1) written by Katie Porter

Romantic Suspense

8/5/14   Bound to Danger (A Deadly Ops, #2) written by Katie Reus

8/5/14   Dangerous Territory (Alpha Ops, #0.5) written by Emmy Curtis

8/5/14   Take the Key and Lock Her Up (Deadly Games Thrillers, #4) written by

                   Lena Diaz

8/5/14   The Price of Inheritance written by Karin Tanabe

8/6/14   Fast Track written by Julie Garwood

8/12/14 – Whatever It Takes (Trust No One, #4) written by Dixie Lee Brown

8/18/14 – Midnight Vengeance (Midnight, #4) written by Lisa Renee Rice

8/18/14 – On His Watch written by Susanne Matthews

8/19/14 – Fatal Hearts written by Norah Wilson

8/26/14 – Close To Home written by Lisa Jackson

8/26/14 – Game of Fear (Montgomery Justice, #3) written by Robin Perini

8/26/14 – Harbor Island (Sharpe & Donovan, #4) written by Carla Neggers

8/26/14 – Her Last Whisper (Dr. Charlotte Stone, #3) written by Karen Robards

8/26/14 – In Doubt written by Drusilla Campbell

8/26/14 – Shattered Secrets (Cold Creek, #1) written by Karen Harper

8/26/14 – Ultimate Sins (The Callahans, #4) written by Lora Leigh

Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit

8/1/14   Charlotte’s Creek written by Therese Creed

8/1/14   Redstone Station written by Therese Creed

8/1/14   Sweetshop of Dreams written by Jenny Colgan

8/5/14   Barefoot Beach written by Toby Devens

8/5/14   Cancel the Wedding written by Carolyn T. Dingman

8/5/14   Driving with the Top Down written by Beth Harbison

8/5/14   Palmetto Moon written by Kim Boykin

8/5/14   The Villa written by Rosanna Ley

8/6/14   Big Little Lies written by Liane Moriarty

8/12/14 – The House We Grew Up In written by Lisa Jewell

8/19/14 – Etta Mae’s Worst Bad-Luck Day (Miss Julia, #16) written by Ann B. Ross

8/19/14 – Three Story House written by Courtney Miller Santo

8/26/14 – Rose of Sarajevo written by Ayse Kulin

8/26/14 – Southern as a Second Language (Dixie Series, #3) written by Lisa Patton

8/26/14 – The Furies written by Natalie Haynes

8/26/14 – What’s Left Behind written by Lorrie Thomson

Rock Chick Reckoning (Rock Chick #6) written by Kristen Ashley (518 pgs) - finished 4/22/13 - 5 stars - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Another great read written by author, Kristen Ashley! Ms. Ashley keeps the ball rolling with another stellar novel centering around her awesomely irresistible  Rock Chicks and the alpha-male dynamic Hot Bunch. This time, though, the novel revolves around local rockstar, Stella Gunn, and hot green-eyed PI, Kai “Mace” Mason. The two were a blast-from-the-past. And, Stella just couldn’t figure out where their relationship went wrong, but after a shoot-out where Stella is grazed, Mace deems it necessary to protect her even though he was the one to call their relationship quits. Stella later learns that it was a “test”, and she’s not very happy about it, but she’s just so into Mace. She could definitely see herself making a life with this guy, even though he’s so bossy and has demons shaded in his eyes. Stella will get to the bottom of that shit - make no mistake about that!

I’m still so impressed with the humor and suspense of each novel. This one sure did not disappoint with Stella being such a strong and resilient woman. She’s not afraid of anything – just willing to take the consequences as long as she’s there for her man and her friends. I could say that Stella was one of my favorite Rock Chicks so far. She could stand on her own, take charge of her band, and be there for her guy – all without beng selfish or impatient. She had a heart of gold! And Mace, well he was just so huge and sizzling and enticing. He had Stella’s back, but with all his demons roaming around inside him, he was afraid to expose her to all that hell. He thought he was saving Stella from a life of misery. But in reality, Stella was the one that wanted to help Mace. Save him. And, always be there for him in the end. They were a real powerhouse couple! Each one just trying to find a common ground to relinquish their tortured past mistakes. It was a beautiful love story full of desperation, heartache, and eventually consolution – a relief of all that bottled-up pain finally being resolved.

Kristen Ashley has created a series of men and women that are very entertainingly intriguing to read about. They are there for each other constantly night and day -  no matter what the problem. Very inspiring, and the humor and sexuality is mind-blowing too! Can’t get enough of this group of women along with their hot steamy alpha-men!

REVIEW WRITTEN, 5/4/13

Seduced in the Dark (The Dark Duet #2) written by C.J. Roberts (503 pgs) finished 1/1/13 - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE WITH DARK ELEMENTS

***Warning...this novel is not for everyone. It contains explicit and disturbing situations with strong language and graphic violence.***

So, I finished the second book in the duet, and oh my, I can’t get it out of my head. This was just an emotionally draining novel... Wow! I don’t want to go on and on about it because I’m afraid that it would give too much of the heart of the story away. And, I just don’t want to accidently divulge too many details and wreck someone having the experience to come away from this book overwhelmed, enthralled, and simply just satisfied with the author’s attempt to empower a dire situation as far as human trafficking goes and what it can lead to. Ms. Roberts did absolute justice to both main characters as the novel finally ended. The outcome was so surreal – couldn’t be happier of how the author chose to end their story. Definitely a book that I would recommend as long as you can handle a darkly disturbing situation that is graphic, abusive, and hard-core. It’s not a read to be taken lightly.

Livvie is no longer in Caleb’s custody, and the story is now being told from a series of flashbacks through the perspective of Livvie being held in police protection while in a mental hospital. We see her trying to explain her story to a forensic social worker for the FBI, Janice Sloan, and FBI agent, Matthew Reed, while trying to deal with the aftermath of what might have happened to Caleb and everyone that had been residing in the mansion where she had been “held captive”. She’s changed considerably from that shy hidden young girl to a more challenging and confident woman. There were a few additional supporting characters that were added to this new installment of the series. The addition of Matthew Reed just seemed like the author was trying to prove the point that some damaged souls can repair themselves without turning to a life of crime and brutality while others are incapable of digging themselves out of the inferno that has consumed their entire existence. It’s a sad lonely task to finally admit the truth about a life so despicable and barbaric that hopefully someday will lead to a life where honesty and human compassion prevails. Matthew also had suffered as a young child, but was able to somewhat reform his abuse into a rather positive direction – catching the bad guys. Unlike Caleb who was fueled with revenge, probably brainwashed by his only friend, Rafiq, Matthew tried to help seek justice for those who suffered at the hands of monsters. Rafiq, what a bastard! From the moment that the guy was introduced in Book 1, I just couldn’t trust him. He reeked of munipulation and torture...never caring for anyone but himself – treating people like animals, especially the women he came in contact with. I’d like to see him on the other side of someone else’s leash! The author definitely wrote him perfectly as the monster that he truly was. It’s hard to believe that there are really people living today in that same torturous manner. He definitely got what was coming to him as the story was wrapping up – “snaps” for Caleb, as my kids would say when somebody does something to cheer about.

I knew that something big was going to explode when the whole truth came out about Caleb’s past because I just couldn’t understand how a blue-eyed blonde-haired little boy could be wrapped up in a child sex smuggling ring way over in Tehran. Something sinister must have occurred for a child to suffer to that extreme. I think the more that I heard about Caleb’s past, the more that I fell in love with his character. At least the protective and fleetingly compassionate part. Not that his brutal treatment of Livvie was acceptable, but he was definitely torn up about what was more important to him – loyalty to a murderous bastard like Rafiq or a chance for a new beginning trying to reform his monsterous ways and love Livvie. I deeply believe that he wanted to change his abusive ways, but he didn’t know how since that’s all that he’s ever known. He actually needed someone to begin to see some good in him, as strange as that may seem. The man would be looking at some serious years of therapy if done correctly. And also for Livvie to heal emotionally, it would take a lot of time and patience.

Wow, I just can’t get over this book. Even during reading it, I was flinching with emotion when some of the horrying treatments of Livvie and the other women abused were described. The author was just captivating with her realistic descriptive behaviors and sadistic liaisons. It was totally unsettling, and I’m still shocked as to the aftereffect that it is having on me. Not too many books affect me like this. Can’t wait to read another novel by this brilliant author, C.J. Roberts!
  


REVIEW WRITTEN, 1/15/13
                                            

Six of Hearts written by L.H. Cosway (321 pgs) – finished 8/3/14 – 5 stars - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE WITH SOME ROMANTIC SUSPENSE


8/3/14 -

Wow! That was AMAZING! Loved the story, the characters, and the intrigue! Jay Fields really gives Nicholas Turner from "Painted Faces" a run for his money...damn! Who do I love more??? At this moment it's hard to say. It was totally impossible to put this book down!!!! Twists and turns galore! If you are a L.H. Cosway fan, you will in no way be disappointed! Heart-stopping and mind-bending with romance and illusion. And, a cover that is wicked sexy! One of the most thrilling books I've read this year!


8/4/14 -

Just to add to my review...

Matilda Brandon lives with her dad, Hugh. A tragedy occurred some years ago concerning her mom. This tragedy will never be forgotten as she is branded with a reminder - a hideous scar stares back at her whenever she looks in the mirror. The story really takes off when a gorgeous stranger comes to her father's place of business to ask for his legal services. How can Matilda not be attracted to this mesmerizing man when he's funny, and interesting, and sexy as all hell? There are just so many words to describe illusionist, Jason Fields - captivating, beautiful, passionate are just a few. And, with the brilliant tattoos and rippling muscles so visibly displayed on his body, it just further enhances Matilda's desire for him. When the man speaks, even though he uses some pretty graphic language, it's just so much more of a turn-on. Can't help but be taken in by this character. He's just that personable! And, when the truth of why Jay is really there actually comes out, the reader is thrown for a loop. There was just so much intrigue to this story. I never wanted it to end. I so hate when the last page to a really stellar book is turned! You just can't get that excited not-knowing-what's-going-to-happen-next feeling back. And, this was just that type of story. It was unpredictable, which I love. Not being able to guess the ending is key. There was just so much more to this story then I had thought there would be. Now I'm so torn about whether I liked "Painted Faces" best or not. I really didn't think that Ms. Cosway could out-do herself after that one, but this one...wow, it was just that awesome!!! No one will be disappointed with this newest release. It is definitely a book that I would re-read just to further enhance my love for the characters. I wonder what the author could be thinking of "wowing" her reader audience with next??? hummmmm.....
REVIEW WRITTEN, 8/4/14

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Take Me With You written by Melyssa Winchester (296 pgs) – finished 7/23/14 – NEW ADULT

Simply magnificent! One of the best books I read so far this year!

12:30am - I seriously have to think about what to write for this book. Such an emotional roller-coaster...



***Warning – Abusive Sexual Situations and Self-Harm Present Within Book***

Amy is nasty. She’s such a hardened bitch. Bully extraordinaire. All the special education kids in her high school are afraid of her. And, when she takes the abuse too far and is expelled, she finds herself having to see a therapist. “There’s no way in hell that she is going to talk to the guy and tell him her deep dark secrets!” And, the secrets that she has are doozies! My heart just couldn’t help but break for her. Sure, she’s mean and everyone’s worst nightmare, but the nightmare that she has been living with since the age of four, is horrific and sorrowful. I just don’t know what to say when reading such a heartbreaking story. The tears just flowed. I’m pretty much speechless. But, there is a silver lining to this story. The author introduces a beautiful boy to save her. To look past all her faults and find the good. The real person inside. The beautiful person just dying to be born once again. And, what Eric brings out in Amy is monumental. It gives her a chance to redeem herself and finally believe in herself. In fact, she might even like herself. But, what does Amy do for Eric when she knows that he is so different from her? She gives him confidence. Eric is shy and quiet. Always trying to keep on the down-low so that he doesn’t get picked on in school. The more and more time that these two spend together, the more that they believe that they are meant to be together. When Amy does return to school after her expulsion is lifted, however, what ramifications will the two now face when their newly embraced relationship is found out? I don’t want to give much more away of the story. I just want the reader to experience the rest on their own. It was just so sad, but yet uplifting.

Amy was an extremely strong character. Her strength came from blocking out the evilness of her home life. She never knew happiness before she met Eric. And, Eric was supportive and protective. He was just such a nice guy. He saw beyond Amy’s despicable behavior, and gave her a chance to reform her past mistakes. It was cute how they talked about the smell of each other. Who knew that peanut butter and bubblegum could be an aphrodisiac?? The reader will get glimpses of past characters from Ms. Winchester’s other published books “Count On Me” and “Hear Me Now”. These are all standalone books, but I would still read them in published order so you wouldn’t be confused as to what the other characters have experienced. It sheds light on friendships and relationships that have already occurred. Ms. Winchester’s ability to yet again portray believable and authentic characters with learning disabilities was flawless. I just felt the pain and suffering that these individuals went through. And, also the constant abuse that Amy endured was portrayed as unfeeling and just so heinous. It was extremely hard to read. But, in the end two people found solice in each other. Found a true beginning to acceptability and happiness. Found peace...  

“You’re my perfect storm. You’re the lightning that makes my sky brighter every single time we’re together and you’re thunder because whenever we’re together and you kiss me, laugh at my corny jokes or smile, it makes my heart beat so loud and so fast that it’s the only sound I can hear . It’s the only sound I want to hear.”  ~ Eric (Chap. 18)


“What does the rain mean to you? The rain is like the water. It cleanses you. Do you remember what you said about the phoenix a couple weeks ago?”

“Yeah.”

“Right. So when it’s reborn, everything in the past is washed away and it has a chance to start over. You’re the rain, Eric.”  ~ Amy (Chap. 19)


I was wrong before. A storm isn’t made up of just one or two parts. It’s a bunch of different parts that come together and create the natural enigma that it becomes as it makes its way through the sky. The both of us, we’re individual parts on our own. She’s the thunder and lightning and I’m the rain. It’s only when we come together that it’s right. We become the perfect storm. ~ Eric narrating (Epilogue)


“Eric is so much more than a person with a diagnosis to me. He’s the person that taught me what a true friend is, what love looks and feels like. He’s the person that taught me what change, acceptance and understanding really are.”  ~ Amy (Epilogue)

BEAUTIFUL!!



REVIEW WRITTEN, 7/23/14

Puddle Jumping written by Amber S. Johnson (126 pgs) – finished 7/21/14 – 4 stars - YOUNG ADULT

Such a beautiful story. Poignant. Surreal. With such heart and soul. The words are magical. The thoughts are mystical. And, the artistry behind the story was just so mesmerizing. This is my second read by Amber L. Johnson, and it won't be my last. She writes a book that focuses on two main characters that meet again after a few years apart. Two individuals neither forgetting the other, but going about their own lives. Lilly was a funny girl. Humorously accident-prone. A loyal and caring friend. And, Colton, well he's different. Special. Extraordinary in his way. And, when Lilly bumps into Colton at the start of their senior year in high school, she can't help but be smitten with him. He's older, more attractive, and she just wants to get to know him better. Colton is evasive, showing little if any eye-contact. He doesn't really comprehend what she's getting at. All his reactions are literal. Taken word-for-word. And, Lilly knows that he's different. But, just what does that mean? As Lilly and Colton's friendship progresses into so much more, what hurdles must they overcome to have a chance together? And, will all the understanding and compassion in the world be enough?

I couldn't help but be swept away by the images that Ms. Johnson painted with her remarkable depiction of a teenager living with Asperger's Syndrome. It seemed truly honest. Heartfelt and kind. And, undeniably real. She did a beautiful job portraying not just the individual living with the diagnosis, but also her portrayal of an outsider trying to understand the disability was believeable.

So I don’t think it came as a surprise to anyone that being with my boyfriend had made me see things in a new light. I never would have known the type of person that I could be without having met him. If I had it in me to make a difference in one person’s life, why not others? Maybe one day I’d teach my own PEERS class and some cute boy would lean against the wall in a hallway and tell the girl that loves him, ‘Whatever’ ~ Amber (Chap. 11)

It's not easy for a peer  who has no experience with this condition to jump right in and be friends with the person. It's a delicate matter. It takes patience and sensitivity to their situation. And, Lilly showed that over and over again towards Colton. It brought tears to my eyes. This is a relatively short book, so I was finished by the end of the day. But, I was also just so engrossed in Lilly and Colton's beautiful love story that I couldn't put it down. Not a book to be missed!!

I don’t believe there’s such a thing as conventional love. Love is bending. Love is breaking. Love is constantly learning about the other person until you go crazy because it will never be perfect, but there’s no fault in trying. ~ Amber (Chap. 17)


And, oh my, such a gorgeous cover that just fits perfectly!

REVIEW WRITTEN, 7/21/14

Until Alex written by J. Nathan (311 pgs) – finished 7/20/14 – 5 stars - NEW ADULT


Fantastic debut by new author J. Nathan! This novel full of romance, heartbreak, and drama brings together two wounded individuals that just speak sadness. Both are young and full of life but seemingly lost amongst the reality of circumstances gone wrong. Alex finding herself now living with an unfamiliar aunt after a tragedy consumes her family. And, Hayden, who is drowning in guilt and loyalty from choices made concerning his life of recklessness and wrongdoing. When the two meet, it's with sarcasm and humor that get the pair off on the right foot, but when feelings start getting in the way, will these two be able to share a common ground and "draw-a-line in the sand" when it comes to revealing truths and trusting each other?

Both characters were extremely likable! The author expressed their POV's in alternating voices. Alex was stronger than she gave herself credit for. She could definitely hold her own when put to the test, which just made her more of a survivor in Hayden's eyes. Plus she was beautiful and smart and had a sense of humor too. Now, Hayden, he was gorgeous. Dark hair, blue eyes, and a sculpted body that just rippled with "YUM". He was damaged from a destructive past, and the present life he had chosen was not much better. But, Alex comes along and he now has a purpose to want to change for the better. She just gave him so much hope that he was worthy of changing his life's path. Two decent individuals that just got lost along the way while trying to live their lives the best way they knew how. They were a perfect fit, and together they would conquer their demons completely.

I really enjoyed Alex and Hayden's story - reading it late into the night. I kept saying to myself "okay, one more chapter, uuummmm....just one more chapter" that was until 2am. Finally deciding, "okay, I have to go to sleep NOW". It was that engrossing! It's so refreshing to read a standalone that is not part of a series! You will not be disappointed by the first-time effort of Ms. Nathan. Definitely a keeper!
REVIEW WRITTEN, 7/20/14

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Reading is mentally beneficial...



Whether you read for enjoyment, information, or relaxation, the stimulation of words can profoundly intrigue the mind ~

Text (Take It Off #4) written by Cambria Hebert (227 pgs) – finished 12/4/13 – 5 stars


Oh, Nathan, Nathan, Nathan – you’re such a hottie! A “warrior” just like the character, Honor, in Cambria Hebert’s Take It Off series puts it. Loyal. Protective. Respectable. And, sexy as all hell, when springing into action to help kidnap victim, Honor Calhoun. Nathan Reed is a Staff Sargeant in the United States Marines. He’s known loss and tragedy before, and when he gets an alarming text from an unknown individual, he can’t help but do the right thing – try and rescue her! Honor went for a run to melt away some stress and get in the mood to continue writing her romantic trysts between love-induced heroines and their sexy heroes. But, when running along the trail that is not far from her home, she is brutally attacked and kidnapped by a madman. This is the start of fifteen hours of horror, brutality, and the sense of not knowing if she will survive the horrific ordeal. Will she get rescued? And, what price will she have to pay when the lunactic that kidnapped her is still on the run after alluding capture? And, the bitch of it all, is that the lunatic is one of Nathan’s own – a marine!

The emotions were all over the place. Tragic and sad, but happy because of the newly discovered love between a pair of respectable and compassionate individuals. Both looking for acceptance and a way just to be needed and loved. Nathan’s character was sorely damaged from a previous tragedy, but loving Honor gave him hope and a better understanding of how to separate and move on from the atrocities of war. And, Honor, was strong and smart. She tried to think logically when she knew time was running out if she wanted to get out of her dire situation alive. She also put her trust in Nathan, which only sealed the deal that she was wildly attracted to him and his unfathomable desire of protection and commitment.

“Baby, I would go anywhere for you. I would drop everything and come running”. ~ Nathan (Chap. 29)

Nathan was a survivor, and he was loyal to the point of almost obsessiveness. He would always be there for the ones he loved and, being in the military, only solidified his true beliefs in respect, loyalty, and honesty. He was a special man – especially to Honor who needed to be rescued from a violent and tragic crime, which no woman should ever have to face.

“Nathan was real. He wasn’t perfect. He was a man who had seem many hardships, a man who faced death and war. He was scarred (inside and out), and he would always battle with some sort of inner demons.

It’s what made him so remarkable. There were some people like him that might collapse under the weight of all they carried. But he didn’t. Yeah, I could see in his eyes and hear in his voice there were times he stumbled, but he kept getting up.

I didn’t want a knight in shining armor. Knights with shining armor were posers. Everyone knew that the really good knights were the ones whose armor bore chinks and scratches from a battle they were strong enough to survive”. ~ Honor (Chap. 31)

Ms. Hebert writes a novel embroiled in suspense and romance. The action is riveting and the romance is hot. The villain’s attitude is spot-on with his obscene disrespect for woman and his uncaring mental state. Obviously his mind had snapped somewhere along the way. Military brothers usually have each other’s back, but this guy had no concern for the unwritten code of integrity and recognition of one’s fellow comrade. He’s tainted and disgraceful. Therefore, he must be eliminated from service. And, Nathan is just the person to make damn sure that he will not hurt another innocent woman.

This was a well thought out and thrilling novel. Action and intrigue with a hint of mystery were explored as well. The romance built as the two main characters realized their attraction was intense to the extend that it could be something special between them. In reality, I believed they saved each other. Nathan coming to the aide of Honor to rescue her from a situation so harrowing. And, Honor, saving Nathan from the ravages of war that plagued his conscience day after day. Two strong characters that relied on that survival instinct to pull them through their sad and grievous suffering while hoping that they could trust someone else to help see them through something so painful.  A novel not to be missed. I read this book pretty quickly because it just sucked me in from the first few pages turned. Ms. Hebert is quickly becoming a new favorite author of mine. Looking forward to reading Tipsy – her next Take It Off novel.

And, what a magnificent cover too!!! It just totally entices the reader;)






   
Review Written, 1/6/14

Boy Next Door written by Emma Clark (200 pgs) – finished 12/10/13 – 4 stars


 Okay, where do I begin? Well, this book was definitely a hard read. So much going on in only a seemingly short novel. Yes, some things were difficult to read. But, I wouldn’t say it was a horror story per say, with fictional monsters like vampires or zombies. But, there was a monster present, and his name was Brandon. He was just so delusional...mentally unstable. Tender one minute and volitile the next. It was tragic. It was so sad. But, when dealing with the mental stability of some individuals, they just don’t understand that what they’re doing is not normal beyond any means whatsoever. And, Brandon had his issues that were aggressively violent that brought great pain to the trusting and intelligent Mia. She works in the local coffee shop just kind of wasting time after high school in a dismal and crummy job. While wiping down the counter, she glances up at amazing blue-green eyes staring at her from across the room. They belong to a tall dark-haired smiling guy that has that celebrity-enhanced quality. With his arm muscles bulging and a noticeable scythe tattoo on display, he just permeates with confidence and power. When Mia has finished her shift and tries to start her ancient car, it of course, has a mind of its own. Shit! It won’t start! The handsome guy from the coffee shop, who introduces himself as Brandon, offers to give her a ride home. He reveals to her that it just happens to be on his way after she tells him where she lives.  Does she take the ride from him or sit in this stressful situation alone? Mia, thinking that he seems nice enough, and it’s not that far a drive so what could possibly happen, decides to take him up on his offer. Mia, though, soon finds herself a victim to a horrible and physically violated situation by a mentally violent-strickened demon. What was she ever thinking by allowing this deviant freak give her a ride? Will she survive this barbaric assult and see her father again? Or will she become a fatal victim of Brandon’s continuous perverted violations?

Wow! Was this hard to read. Unfortunately, horrific abuse like this does occur. I remember not too long ago reading how three young women were found in Cleveland, OH that had been kidnapped ten years ago. They had also been victims of a madman that abused them sexually as well as emotionally. One has to be an exceptionally strong individual to survive that kind of cruel and merciless sense of trauma. So, this novel was equally heartbreaking to read. Ms. Clark creates two characters that are sadly neglected. Mia just had a hard time fitting in with her family as her father has remarried and there’s no obvious love between her and her step-mother. Brandon comes from wealth, but he’s expected to carry-on the family profession after graduating from med-school. So, much is expected of him from his father, and obviously, he just can’t handle the responsibility. Brandon’s mind is slipping out of reality, and he needs to be reassured that he’s in control fully. He needs to have Mia as his prisoner to remain in that dominate commanding situation. And, Mia finds herself yielding to his authoritative ways. Can there be more to their relationship as the months go by? And, when this catastrophe is finally over, will Mia find herself not being able to forget the oftentimes tender and loving "boy next door" that held her captive and took away her sense of decency and self-worth?

This novel wasn’t so much as brilliant, but nothing was held back – the emotion, the horror, the heartbreak, the sadness, and the intrigue as to how far the author will push the envelope was exposed. Looking forward to seeing what new thriller is next on the horizon for this enthralling author.





Review Written, 1/2/14

                                                                    

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

BEGINNING AGAIN...


Okay, it's time to get moving and become the blogger of book reviews that I always wanted to be. My busy life with four kids has slowed down considerably, so I'm somewhat ready to take on the role of blogging about the numerous books that I read throughtout each month.  Last year I read 108 books, and this year I am on target to read around the same amount. I very rarely give a book less than 3 stars because it just seems so important to award an author for time well-spent in writing and researching her "baby". Not all novels are worthy of those 3 stars, however. But, when I think about how entertained and intrigued I am in the story, I just have to give credit for the attempt to entertain me, the reader. I tend to gravitate to the injured, and not just the physically affected. I like the angst and the heartache. The thriller. The sadness. The tearfully broken. The one that eventually consumes that "happily ever after". It's what I look for in a book. And, it's what puts a smile on my face, and makes me look forward to re-connecting with that same author that so engrossed me in their story in the first place. So, it's with great pleasure that I'm going to hopefully delight readers in reviewing books that both captivate and delight me...