{Book Review} How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne

These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...

Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.

LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.

I loved it. I loved it. I looooved it. I actually received this as an ARC via NetGalley but enjoyed it so much I purchased a kindle copy. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is my first Kerrigan Byrne read and I’m so hooked on her writing style I can’t wait to read more. I really enjoyed her story telling! Y’all! They are both so full of attributes I love in a romance character. I wanted to devour this book so quickly but I made myself savor it. This book is the first in a trilogy and follows Alexandra and Piers (I love his name!). Alexandra is a strong, smart, sassy heroine and Piers is a strong, scarred, grumpy hero. Between Piers’ mommy issues and Alexandra’s men issues I wanted to hug them both. There’s nothing I like more than two tortured characters making their way into each other’s hearts. From the second they met I felt their chemistry and couldn’t wait to see where it went. If these two characters had ended up with other significant others it just wouldn’t have been the same for me. I could see them slowly falling for one another. Alexandra is hiding something and Piers is distrustful of...everyone, and some twisted part of me was so excited to see all of that play out. Misunderstanding and miscommunication is such catnip for me! The sex scenes were fantastic. I loved that we got foreplay multiple times before they consummated. Yay slow burn! I really could ramble all day about this book and this couple and even the secondary characters. I’m really looking forward to more of them in the future. Trigger warning for rape.

{Book Review} Wrong Bed, Right Guy (Come Undone #1) by Katee Robert

I really wanted to like this one because it has a lot of the tropes I love. Unrequited love!!!! Y'all, it's my favorite. But I just could not get into these characters. Ok, I take that back. I could not get into Elle. I liked Gabe! I like Nathan! I did not like Elle. This book starts out with Elle climbing into bed with her boss. Except it's not him she's seducing, it's his brother, who has blown into town. Normally I'd be all about that in a book but for some reason it just did not work for me this time. I'm sad about it. I think my issue with it is that Nathan (Elle's boss) didn't give her any reason to think he was interested but yet she sort of broke into his place at night to climb into his bed! Consent, man.

I spent a lot of time yelling at Elle. Every single thing Gabe did seemed to be not good enough for her. Because of his appearance (hello tattooed dude) Elle judged him. She also judged herself for being attracted to him, all because she had history with "bad boys" and it never turned out well. I get that, mostly, except she kept on and on about it and Gabe did nothing but try over and over to prove himself to her. Every little thing that went wrong, Elle blamed Gabe for. Of course he wasn't perfect and made mistakes, but compared to how Elle treated him he was fine, in my opinion. It made me crazy. There were times that I really wanted Gabe to walk away and be done with her.

Like I said, I really wanted to love this because I'd heard rave reviews about Katee Robert books but I just could not.

{Book Review} 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake by Jade Lee

50 Ways to Ruin a Rake by Jade Lee
Published May 5th 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Good Reads - Amazon - B&N

Mellie has a plan…
Mellie Smithson is trapped in the country with no suitors and no prospects on the horizon except, perhaps, the exasperating—although admittedly handsome—guest of her father. She's looking for any excuse to go to London to meet more eligible men.
Trevor has a problem…
Trevor Anaedsley's grandfather has cut off his funds until such time as he gets engaged. Trevor escapes to the country—ostensibly to visit his old tutor, Mr. Smithson, but actually to duck his creditors—where he meets Smithson's lovely daughter, Mellie. The obvious solution is suddenly before him—but the lady has ideas of her own, and Trevor's going to have to measure up…

Adult, Romance, Sex
Such a fun read! I laughed, I teared up, I swooned, I rolled my eyes. These characters were so enjoyable to get to know. Not only were the lead characters great but so were the secondary.

I rooted for Mellie and Trevor both; as characters that I wanted to see become successful in their scientific endeavors as well as their romantic relationship. I was so happy to be reading a strong female lead that wasn't full of the usual cliches. Don't get me wrong, I love a good cliche romance novel but 50 Ways was such a refreshing take on the genre.

One thing I can tell you, dear Reader, if you love a strong female romance character that is into more than just finding a husband, is smart and witty, Mellie is for you.

Trevor wasn't the 'usual' hero either. Both he and Mellie were straight forward about their intentions. Their determination to help one another was one of my favorite parts, as was the chemistry and friendship between Mellie and Trevor. Our handsome hero only a nice looking face himself. I loved that he discovered just how brilliant Mellie was and did not treat her like we so often see men treating women in that era.

As much as this story was about Mellie and Trevor's love story, it was also largely about Mellie spreading her wings. I believe that is part of the reason I connected so well with her. I enjoyed this read so much I didn't want to reach the end. Ms. Lee wraps it all up nicely, for all involved.

I can't wait to see this series continue. *gobble gobble*

I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review. 

{Book Review} Once Upon a Tartan (MacGregors #2) by Grace Burrowes

Once Upon a Tartan (MacGregors #2)

by Grace Burrowes

Published August 6th 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

Tiberius Flynn may be every inch an English lord, but smart, headstrong beauty Hester Daniels has no use for his high-handed ways--no matter how handsome, charming, or beguiling he is. They only see eye to eye in caring about the feisty little girl who is under their protection.
Tiberius's haughty insistence that his wealthy estate in England is a better place for the child than her beloved, rundown Scotland home sparks Hester's fierce protectiveness, and the battle lines are drawn.

** spoiler alert ** I didn't love this as much as I'd hoped. It was slow in parts and I got bored or confused. I enjoyed the characters but I felt like some of the plot was unnecessary. I spent a good bit of time wondering about a few certain aspects of the story and how they were believable. I felt like Fiona's parents being unreachable the entire book, and that the family couldn't stop Tye from doing his fathers bidding was a little less believable. 

As I said, I did enjoy the characters, Tiberius was intriguing, Hester was caring, Fiona was precocious, Aunt was hilarious ...but I wasn't fully engaged with the emotions. I didn't feel the chemistry between Hester and Tiberius the way I'd have liked. I felt like I was waiting on the story to begin through the entire book. It never picked up for me, sadly.

{Book Review} REAL by Katy Evans

REAL by Katy Evans
Published April 8th 2013 by Smashwords Edition
GoodReads

A fallen boxer.
A woman with a broken dream.

A competition...
He even makes me forget my name. One night was all it took, and I forgot everything and anything except the sexy fighter in the ring who sets my mind ablaze and my body on fire with wanting...
Remington Tate is the strongest, most confusing man I've ever met in my life.
He’s the star of the dangerous underground fighting circuit, and I’m drawn to him as I've never been drawn to anything in my life. I forget who I am, what I want, with just one look from him. When he’s near, I need to remind myself that I am strong—but he is stronger. And now it’s my job to keep his body working like a perfect machine, his taut muscles primed and ready to break the bones of his next opponents...
But the one he’s most threatening to, now, is me.
I want him. I want him without fear. Without reservations.
If only I knew for sure what it is that he wants from me?

It's no secret that I really love when the male lead in a book is hard and tough and hard headed and just...frustrating beyond belief. I don't know what it is about that but I love it.

Remington is definitely that personality type. I never knew what he was going to do next and I couldn't really get into his head, even when he began to open up to Brooke. This is in no way a complaint. Though Remington could be frustrating I enjoyed slowly learning about him.

Brooke is such a juxtaposition when you consider Remington. She's classy and lady like. Not the kind of girl you'd think would be interested in a boxer. Then again, I don't know that I would have thought he'd be interested in her either. But I always enjoy it when the male and female lead are entirely opposite but somehow still 'work'.

There's good chemistry between the two, which is always a plus when reading a romance heavy book. I liked that it wasn't solely about the romance though. There's back story on both Remington and Brooke, which made them more well rounded characters and the book a lot more 'real' (no pun intended).

REAL is a good book and I enjoyed Katy Evans style. I'm curious to see how the rest of this series goes.

{Book Review} Frenched (Frenched #1) by Melanie Harlow

Frenched (Frenched #1) Melanie Harlow

Published March 16th 2014

When Tucker Branch, playboy heir to Branch Bolt and Screw, screws and bolts a week before their wedding, Mia Devine wants nothing more than to crawl under her newly monogrammed sheets and plan a funeral for her dignity. But her friends convince her that bitter tastes better when it’s drowned in Bordeaux, so Mia grits her teeth and packs her bags, determined to make the best of her luxurious Paris honeymoon—alone.

She never planned on meeting Lucas Fournier. The easygoing bartender’s scruffy good looks and less-than-sympathetic ear annoy her at first, but when she takes him up on his offer to show her around the city, she discovers that the romance of Paris isn’t just a myth. The last thing Mia needs is another doomed love affair, but since she only has a week, she figures she might as well enjoy la vie en O with Lucas while she can. But each day—and night—with Lucas is better than the last, and suddenly her heart is telling her this is more than a rebound fling. Is it just the seduction of Paris…or could this be the real thing?

I don't know why but I really this type of plot. Girl jilted, finds love with someone else. Of course that someone else is ten times hotter than her ex and the chemistry is off the charts. Frenched was a pretty quick read for me because of that very story line.

Mia is a character I could see myself being friend with. Lucas is that guy that makes you stutter and swoon because he's so smooth and sexy. I laughed a lot and the hotness was pretty far up the charts.

{Book Review} Cupcakes and Ink (Clipped Wings 0.5) by Helena Hunting

Cupcakes and Ink (Clipped Wings 0.5)
by Helena Hunting
Published February 3rd 2014 by Pocket Star

Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep to herself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn’t as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it’s the gorgeous, dark-haired tattoo artist who captures her interest. There’s something about his severe beauty that captivates her—and not just in her waking hours.
Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people’s skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He’s got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he’s concerned, that’s all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to know the girl under her skittish façade.
But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.

Contemporary, Romance, Angst
Series

I'd been anticipating this series for a while! I read it as Twilight fanfiction many many books and stories ago and it has remained a favorite for me.

Cupcakes and Ink is a bit of a prequel novella type thing to whet the whistle until Clipped Wings release. It's a peek into what Hayden and Tinley's lives were like before meeting.

I don't necessarily think it has to be read before starting book 1 of the series but it doesn't hurt. Cupcakes and Ink is beautifully written and tugs at the heart strings -- two things I love when reading a good book.

{Book Review} Beautiful Stranger (Beautiful Bastard #2) by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Stranger (Beautiful Bastard #2) by Christina Lauren
Publication Date: Apr 16, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

A charming British Playboy. A girl determined to finally live. And a secret liaison revealed in all too vivid color. Book two in the NYT Bestselling series.
Escaping a cheating ex, finance whiz Sara Dillon's moved to New York City and is looking for excitement without a lot of strings attached. So meeting the irresistible, sexy Brit at a dance club should have meant nothing more than a night's fun. But the manner--and speed--with which he melts her inhibitions turns him from a one-time hookup and into her Beautiful Stranger.
The whole city knows Max Stella loves women, not that he's ever found one he particularly wants to keep around. Despite pulling in plenty with his Wall Street bad boy charm, it's not until Sara--and the wild photos she lets him take of her--that he starts wondering if there's someone for him outside of the bedroom.
Hooking up in places where anybody could catch them, the only thing scarier for Sara than getting caught in public is having Max get too close in private. (SOURCE)

The summary for Beautiful Stranger starts with "a charming British playboy" and goodness gracious if that isn't true. I can almost say that I loved BS more than Beautiful Bastard, and that is huge. My love for it was great. There's something about about Max Stella though that made me not only swoon, but fan my blushing cheeks too. He was also a nice guy, not at all what I expected him to be, which is fantastic! I love when a story surprises me.

Max Stella has quite the reputation in New York City. He's almost constantly mentioned in gossip articles and often photoed with various women. There are even paparazzi that follow him, trying to get the goods on him when they can. From the outside looking in, it appears that he is only out for a good time, using women and then throwing them away when he's done. It's easy to see why people view him as the playboy but there's so much more to Max. He is a caring, charming, smart business man with so many layers. It was fun to see those layers revealed as the story built. I loved loved loved Max. I can't say those words too many times. He was a great character.

Sara Dillion has just moved to NYC from Chicago, after ending a long term relationship with her cheating jerk of an ex fiance. She'd had no idea all those years she spent with him were fake. Or that he'd been using her to further his career. Devastated, Sara decides she's not going to get involved with another man. No more relationships for her. One night out with friends leads to one sexy, steamy scene in a club with a Stranger. Once the encounter is over, they go their separate ways, except Sara keeps running into the debonair man! It's almost like he's following her, turning up in the most random places.

One of my favorite parts about these two characters is their chemistry. It's intense, but not only on a sexual level. There is a lot of fire between them; arguments and hard headedness everywhere. They are both incredibly strong willed and that makes me love them, especially Sara. It's nice and refreshing to find a female character in this type of novel and have her not be weak or simpering. She's strong, strong enough to stand up for what she wants when it comes to her career and life. She has guts. I think that is one of the things that Max is drawn to. There's a brain in Sara's head and she uses it.

The progression of Sara and Max's story is so well paced that I never once got bored or felt rushed. I saw their relationship grow slow and steady. I saw them both learn about themselves and each other. They evolved into a great pairing. I really can't say enough how great this story was. I wanted to start over from the beginning before I'd even finished it.


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Book Review} Losing It (Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack

Losing It (Losing It #1) by Cora Carmack
Publication Date: Oct 12, 2012
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks/Harper Collins
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Virginity.
Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier. (SOURCE)

This is one of those books I found myself identifying with characters immediately. It's real and funny and delicious.
Bliss is the kind of character that I can relate to. I could see a bit of myself in her; in the way she thinks, and reacts. Bliss is awkward and funny but her experience with guys is limited. She feels left out, being the only one of her friends that is still a virgin.
She's tired of being that girl and her best friend decides she should find someone to have a one night stand with. Bliss very reluctantly goes along with it, allowing herself to be dressed up and taken to a bar. There, she meets a deliciously accented guy and they hit it off. I found myself really hoping this smart, funny, charming guy may make a huge impact on Bliss' life.
Thinking he could be the one that can help her out, Bliss takes him home with her. When things heat up between the pair, she leaves him in her bed, making up a rather funny excuse for taking off. But the giggles don't end there because once she gets outside, Bliss realizes she's barely dressed and doesn't have her apartment keys. 
Never expecting to see the gorgeous would have been one night stand, Bliss allows her best friend to think she had sex with him. Who would ever be the wiser? But one day she walks into a classroom to see him again. Turning her world upside down and, I admit, making me flail around a little at their possible second chance.
Things are easy for Bliss, with having feelings for this new guy that she shouldn't get involved with, an unexpected confession from her best [guy] friend and her classes. That girl has a lot on her plate. There's a lot of misunderstandings, confusion, heart flip flopping, swooning moments. I really enjoyed the story though. It felt like one of the most real books I've read in a while. Losing It has a lot of heart.


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Book Review} Down for the Count (Dare Me #1) by Christine Bell

Down for the Count (Dare Me #1) by Christine Bell
Publication Date: Oct 1, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Truth or dare…
When Lacey Garrity finds her groom in flagrante delicto in the reception hall closet with her bridesmaid, she's saved by her best friend’s older brother—childhood tormentor, crush, and boxing bad boy Galen Thomas. Galen’s solution is both exciting and dangerous. What better way to forget the mess of her life than go on her honeymoon with a hot guy who can’t promise anything beyond today?
…or TKO?
Galen had been counting on Lacey's wedding to put her out of reach—and out of his mind—once and for all, but their steamy Puerto Rican escape is testing all his boundaries. Now that Lacey’s embracing her inner bad girl, Galen is tempted to throw in the towel and claim her for himself. But with the biggest fight of his career on the line and an important business merger threatening to derail Lacey’s resolve, their romance might be down for the count before it even begins. (SOURCE)

I absolutely adored this book! It was short and sweet and I didn't want to put it down. I also didn't want it to end.

I'm such a lover of the "I'm in love with my best friend/brothers best friend/best friends brother" kind of story. I can't even tell you how much it makes me swoon! It's always been one of my favorite tropes.

The reader is dropped right into Lacey's wedding and her finding her new husband with someone else. Oh he's such a jerk! Cheating on her the day of their wedding and making her feel like it's all her fault. Lacey's families company is depending on her marriage to this man working but it's the last thing she wants now that she knows who he really is.

Lacey is devastated and Galen comes to her rescue without hesitation. There's has been a relationship full of childhood teasing and unrequited feelings. She'd always had a crush on Galen but had done everything she could to hide it. She knew he wasn't interested in her; not like that. He barely tolerated her for years. Seeing her as his little sisters annoying friend.

But when Galen whisks Lacey away from the wedding venue, helping her avoid friends and family, she sees a different side of him. He's always been sexy, a little cocky too, but this new sweetness she's seeing in him is huge.

They spend a drunken night talking and getting to know one another better. Galen seeing another part of Lacey, the girl he'd always tried to keep out of his mind. When he makes a joke about them going on Lacey's honeymoon, she jumps at the chance. They wake up the next morning in Puerto Rico with massive hangovers.

Galen begins to help Lacey to see that she's not the woman she thought she was. The one that her husband cheated on because he wasn't satisfied with her. The boxer woos her and makes her realize that she's sexy and desirable. This adventure is making Galen crazy though because he wants so much more from her.

With Lacey trying to dodge calls from her mother and Galen worrying about where his career will go, the two do their best to take advantage of the honeymoon resort. But things go awry [of course!!!] and words get twisted, causing our lovers to part rather painfully. Galen was hard headed, Lacey was stubborn...and I was flailing and just wanting to step into the book and make them kiss.

Sexy, sandy moments on the beach, in a pool, and in their bungalow make a girl fan herself. The heat between them is off the charts. Down for the Count is fluffy, funny, and flat out fantastic. I can't say enough how much I swooned over this adorable story.



This review is based on a book I purchased with my own money. The flails and squees are my real thoughts. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Book Review} Slave (Finding Anna #1) by Sherri Hayes

Slave (Finding Anna #1) by Sherri Hayes
Publication Date: July 28, 2011
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Stephan has lived the lifestyle of a Dominant for five years. After several rebellious teenage years, it gave him the stability and control he had been seeking after his parent’s death.
As president of a not-for-profit foundation, he knows what his future holds and what he wants out of life. All that changes when a simple lunch with his college friend and Mentor, Darren, leads him to buying a slave.
Thrust into a situation he never thought he’d be in, Stephan can’t walk away. He is compelled to help this girl in the only way he knows how.
Brianna knows only one thing, she is a slave. She has nothing. She is nothing.
Can Stephan help Brianna realize that she is much more than just a Slave? (SOURCE)

While this is not my first BDSM novel, it is only the second book I've read with a Master/slave aspect. I'm very--- uncertain about M/s on a personal level, but I like to keep an open mind and see what a story brings. I read Slave because it was recommended by someone on twitter. I'm always looking for more novels in this realm so I tackled it with anticipation.

First, I thoroughly enjoyed Sherri Hayes' writing style. She is clear and concise and the emotions through the book were palpable. I felt an easy connection between the characters. Stephan's pain leapt out at me, as did Brianna's.

Overall, I struggled reading the bulk of Slave. I hit a point when I felt like it was monotonous because the story takes place mostly in Stephan's apartment. Brianna is frightening, understandably, to go out in public after what she lived through. For me though, it got to be boring that there wasn't much going on outside of that. I hated that I wasn't more in love with it but I kept reading, hoping things would pick up. Seeing as this is the first in a series, I can see that the bulk of Slave was the setup for a lot to come in the future for these characters. Establishing a connection between them and the reader.

Brianna was intriguing and she is the character that kept me reading when I felt like I may've been losing interest in the story. I became angry that someone had treated her the way they did. That's a good thing though, because if I can't care about a character, what is even the point in reading their story?

Stephan made me feel for him on a different level. He so much wanted to save Brianna from the very beginning. Though I'm not sure he went about it the correct way, he did what he thought was best. I gave him major points for what a great person he was. As a Dom and as a man. In the end it was hard for me to believe he was in love with Brianna though. I felt that he barely knew her, both because she hadn't not been with him for long and she hadn't really opened up to him much until the end of the book. Even then, there was still so little he knew about her.

There was a lot of unanswered questions I'm sure will be covered as the series goes on. I feel like that will be interesting. While I didn't love Slave, I'll probably read the second book to see what happens to these two.


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} A Scandalous Affair by Karen Erickson

A Scandalous Affair by Karen Erickson
Publication Date: Jul 30, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Third in the Merry Widows series

From the moment Daphne, Lady Pomeroy, meets the mysterious Marquess of Hartwell at a masquerade ball, she’s determined to seduce him. The handsome, charming man cannot possibly be the cold, calculating lord who Society calls “Black Hart.” Risking everything, the lonely widow invites the elusive Hartwell to her dinner party . . . for two.

Hartwell’s arrogant reputation is built on a lie. For he has a shameful secret that keeps him in the shadows: a stutter—his downfall since childhood. He’d rather keep his mouth shut than look the fool. But he’s shocked to discover that in Daphne’s company—and in her bed—his stutter vanishes.

After one wanton evening together, Daphne is hurt when the lord lives up to his Black Hart name. Yet his reasons for leaving surprise even him. Now he must confess everything or risk losing Daphne forever… (SOURCE)

A Scandalous Affair was a bit of a novella. Occasionally it's hard to get into a shorter book but Affair pulled me right in from the start. It's rare to read such a strong female lead in a period piece, which was part of the reason why I loved this story.

Daphne doesn't hesitate to go after what she wants, even when it's possible the man she's after doesn't want her in return.

Hartwell is said to be arrogant and cold. Treating women like they are nothing once he's done with them.

But when Daphne and Hartwell dance at a masquerade ball, she realizes there may be more to this man. She's determined to find out if she's correct; whether it means taking some risks with her own reputation or not.

Hartwell is uncertain, afraid really, of what Daphne's reaction will be when she discovers his "affliction". It's something he's struggled with all of his life, the emotional scars from his childhood still haunting him. But she isn't shallow enough to let that stop her. She sets out to prove to him that he's been wrong to hide from everyone. That he shouldn't hide from her.

The chemistry between the two is off the charts, both behind their masks and when they are removed. When they sneak around and are more out in the open, it's delicious. Daphne sees to it that she shows Hartwell what it's like to be loved by someone unconditionally.

My tiny complaint is that though we know Hartwell has a stutter, we don't really 'see' it in the story since the stutter doesn't manifest when he is with Daphne. I think it would have made my heart soften even more toward him if I got that somewhere during Hartwell's journey in this book. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed it and sped through it rather quickly.

I've actually not read the first two books in this series since I received this from Netgalley. I'm incredibly curious about these books and want to pick up more.

{Review} Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed by Anna Campbell

Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed by Anna Cambell
Publication Date: Sept 25 2012
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Desperate to save her sister's life, Sidonie Forsythe has agreed to submit herself to a terrible fate: Beyond the foreboding walls of Castle Craven, a notorious, hideously scarred scoundrel will take her virtue over the course of seven sinful nights. Yet instead of a monster, she encounters a man like no other. And during this week, she comes to care for Jonas Merrick in ways that defy all logic—even as a dark secret she carries threatens them both.
...Spark a lifetime of passionate surrender?
Ruthless loner Jonas knows exactly who he is. Should he forget, even for a moment, the curse he bears, a mere glance in the mirror serves as an agonizing reminder. So when the lovely Sidonie turns up on his doorstep, her seduction is an even more delicious prospect than he originally planned. But the hardened outcast is soon moved by her innocent beauty, sharp wit, and surprising courage. Now as dangerous enemies gather at the gate to destroy them, can their new, fragile love survive? (SOURCE)

I'm currently making an effort to read more of my netgalley books and since I've been in the mood for some historical romance lately, I chose Seven Nights to dig in to. I can't say how glad I was that I did finally read it. SNiaRB hit every single sweet spot I have. Loner, misunderstood guy that is afraid of contact with others because of a tragic past. Virginal lady that is being handed over to the wolves to save her family. Ding ding ding.

The setting of Seven is gothic and intriguing. From the first sentence in chapter one I was curious about what was taking place. Sidonie arrives in the middle of a storm, having agreed to take her sisters place and spend a week with a man that she's been led to believe she should fear. She is such a strong character though. I don't know that I could turn myself over to someone just to protect my sisters secret! But Roberta's secret isn't the only one Sodonie carries. She also has one of her own, and it involves Jonas. Bum bum bum.

When we first meet Jonas he is a hard, cold man that lurks in the shadows. It's obvious he has reason for these things, making him even more intriguing. As I got to know him, I realized that all of Jonas' life he's been incredibly mistreated for a few silly reasons. Society has shunned him and it's made Jonas very bitter; rightfully so in my opinion.

Sodonie slowly brings out a different side of Jonas in the short amount of time they spend together. They also share a great amount of sexual tension, another personal favorite. One of the other things I really enjoyed about this novel is that they don't jump into bed immediately, despite the books title. Jonas doesn't try to force her or pressure Sodonie into anything. He's patient, even though it's obvious he wants her in his bed.

Their time together is delicious and somewhat bittersweet, with knowing she can't stay there. Sodonie and Jonas both begin to have feelings for one another but neither admits to it.

After Sodonie returns home and Jonas finds out she was withholding information that could change his life, he is completely torn apart. The revelation puts a large rift in any future relationship they might have had. It's completely heartbreaking. Jonas shuts down and refuses to talk to Sodonie. But she's determine to make him see that she wasn't trying to hurt him, but protect her sister.

It is completely gut wrenching how torn apart Jonas is. He wants Sodonie, to create a family with her and to finally be happy, but he is so very broken and doesn't think he can trust her. Thankfully, her determination to make him see that she was doing the right thing does pull through evenutally. I was really worried that I wasn't going to get my happily ever after and it was down to the wire. I kept watching my kindle percentage tick on and finally at the last minute, everything was worked out for the best.

Seven Nights was sexy, heart tugging, and sweet. This is the first in a series and I can not wait for the next installment!

These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
Publication Date: Feb 12, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

An ambitious intern.
A perfectionist executive.
And a whole lot of name calling.
Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He's exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.
Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family's massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who'd been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he's never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe's so tempting he's willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.
As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they're willing to lose in order to win each other.
Originally only available online as The Office by tby789—and garnering over two million reads on fan fiction sites—Beautiful Bastard has been extensively updated for re-release. (SOURCE)

Back in the day (hehe) I'd just read this book series about vampires and werewolves but it left me wanting more. I decided to find some fanfiction to make up for the things I didn't get *cough* mostly smutty deliciousness. Everyone was all in a tizzy about a few different stories, The Office, being one of them. When I started reading it, I understood why that was.

Much to my enjoyment and glee, that fanfic became a published book. When I heard the news I flailed all over myself and had to get my hands on it as soon as it was released. There are some stories that I hold near and dear to my heart and this is one of them. To be able to have it in print and on my bookcase was a dream come true for this fangirl.

Granted, there is a lot of changes between the fanfiction and the published book, I still love it so very much. Chloe is sassy and head strong. No wilting flower, which we do often get in romantic based books. She gives as good as she gets from Bennett. And she definitely gets a lot of attitude from him. Her frustration with him pretty much jumps off the pages. I like that Chloe is a smart, successful, business woman too.

Bennett ... he's a difficult man to work for. At times he seems to be unwilling to bend. It was his way or the highway. That is, until I was really able to get into his mind. With BB alternating POVs through the book it was nice to see where his head is. He definitely has conflicting emotions when it came to Chloe. As I got to know him a little better I could understand why that is. I loved his personality, really. He's a hard working, brilliant, and protective guy. Plus, he's always in a suit and tie. You can't go wrong with that. Ever.

Beautiful Bastard is incredibly sexy and admittedly, smut filled within the first few pages. But, it's so much more than that too. There is an intense relationship between Chloe and Bennett and for this reader, it was very believable and obvious.

I love UST and this is full of that too, because even though they have multiple flings together, neither of them wants it to happen again. It's kind of funny actually. One second they are both swearing it won't happen again, then two seconds later, they're *ahem* on a desk. I spent a lot of time fanning my face, I'll just admit that right now. So if you're looking for a yummy, turned romance read, this one could be for you.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to stalk my mailbox for Beautiful Stranger!

I actually received a galley copy via netgalley but pre-ordered and read my own copy. Soooooo. This is sorta a Galley but that definitely didn't effect my review. Obviously. Since I fangirled all over it.

{Review} Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Publication Date: Sept 27, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Summary: Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself? (SOURCE)

I've been wanting to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone for entirely too long. I couldn't decide what to read next and asked twitter. Several people told me I "had" to read it when I mentioned I hadn't. So here I am!

One of the things I loved right away was the world Laini Taylor created. Modern, but different. Secret passage ways leading to other countries, and worlds. A girl with 'natural' blue hair that spent her days in art school and her nights doing the bidding of the creature that raised her.

I found Karou to be a fascinating girl. Every time I'd learn something new about her it made me want more and more. When Akiva makes his first appearance he's mysterious and my curiosity amped up a bit more. Obviously there's a connection between the two of them -- but what is it?

Further into the book there is a jump back into another time. I enjoyed getting a peek into Akiva's past. What made him the way he is. A stony faced, hard nosed boy that keeps popping up everywhere Karou is. There's so much about that time that made him the person he is now. The way his story interweaves with Karou's life and those that raised her is intriguing. I still want to learn more about the 'man' that 'fathered' her. I never disliked him one bit, but at the end of the book I found myself wanting to hug him for doing the things he did.

It's so hard to write a review of DoS&B without giving away too much. This is one of those books that has bits and pieces of info scattered throughout. It keeps you reading and gets you hooked. I'm thrilled it's a series because I can't wait to follow these characters more. Their journeys are going to be amazing.


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} {Giveaway} Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Publication Date: Mar 26, 2013
Publisher: Hachette Digital
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Summary: Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....
Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.
Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one. (SOURCE)

Black Dagger Brotherhood is one of my favorite series' ... ever. I have my favorite couples that I ship, just like most other fans. Zsadist is my favorite of the brothers. Followed by JM, Rehv and Blay and Qhuinn, in no particular order. I have been anticipating this book for longer than I can remember. From the first time Blay and Qhuinn were introduced, I shipped them. As the series went on I continued to read just for little snippets of those two together.

I've always been a sucker for angst and heart break stories, and those two have always had both of those in spades. The kicker is, I always need an HEA so I have been holding my breath, hoping these two guys would get one.

When I first heard that the next full length novel in the series was actually going to be B/Q's book, I was nervous and excited. In the past, we'd been told there would only be a novella for them and that bummed me out. There was so much potential, good and 'bad'. Slowly, bits of info regarding the plot were revealed by Ward and I wasn't sure how I'd react to some of the things.

Layla was fantastic. I was afraid I would hate her for being a big interference between Qhuinn and Blay. Happily, she was not what I assumed she'd be. Such a passionate, caring, sweet character she turned out to be. I found her desire to help Qhuinn find happiness to be endearing. She was strong too, not weak willed, as I had noticed of the Chosen in the past. Good for her for going after what she wanted most! I found myself wanting to ship her with Xcor.

And Xcor, damn, as much as I wanted to, I couldn't hate him! The same was the case with Assail. Who'd have thought I would find myself absolutely loving the bad guys? Both of who have done terrible things to the Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood... they made me love them all even more, and I don't know how that's even possible because my adoration for them was super sized already. They are amazing males - warriors, hellrens, fathers,  full of compassion and love. Sigh.

But Blay and Qhuinn, y'all. Every scene between the two of them jumped off the page. Their chemistry and the UST was off the charts, as usual. I spent a lot of time blushing and fanning myself. I also wanted to hug both guys. And then shove them together for lots of kisses. There was so much misunderstanding between the two that I almost wanted to throw my kindle. I spent most of the book yelling at them "omg tell each other the truth!!!" These guys had more relationship drama than a male/female couple!

Mercy, did I love them both so much though. I went through the gamut of emotions through all eighty-two chapters and an epilogue. Sometimes I got frustrated when a chapter would end and the next one would switch to another story. In the end though, I was glad to get a mix of other characters. I'm not a huge fan of the lesser society stuff but obviously it needs to be there, otherwise, what would the Brothers be fighting? There wouldn't be a real point in having the Brotherhood if the lessers and Band of Bastards too weren't around.

Lover At Last was the first male/male full length book for me, though I've read short stories and fanfiction in the past. I loved seeing a different type of relationship though. When it's all said and done, love is love. 

And since I loved LaL so much, I'm giving away a copy!!!




a Rafflecopter giveaway


These are my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{Review} Bittersweet Seraphim (Seraphim#2) by Debra Anastasia

Bittersweet Seraphim (Seraphim #2) by Debra Anastasia
Publication Date: Nov 20, 2012
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

My Rating:

Suffering is worst when you’re doing it alone. But Emma’s taking Hell like an angel—even though her languishing began with having her seraph wings torn from her back. Now her worst enemy lords his body and his evil desires over her while she tries desperately to remember the words to her favorite prayer.
As Devil, Jack used to have Hell and its women humming like well-oiled machines. Too bad he’s nowhere near the place now. Stuck on Earth as a human, he must work with a ragtag team of exiled minions and half-breeds to save the angel who’s become all that matters.
Rescuing a seraph is the plan, but breaking into Hell means letting evil things out. Once they collide, minions and angels converge in the battle of the ages: good versus evil. But which side is which? Will Jack destroy the world as he fights to save Emma, his true and timeless love, from a damnation he designed?
An action-packed sequel to Crushed Seraphim, this tale reveals—time and again—what happens when the heart’s deepest desires break free. With a story both sizzling and sensual, emotional and enigmatic, Debra Anastasia invites readers to join a battle with nothing less than love on the line. (SOURCE)

Debra Anastasia is one of my favorite authors. There I said it. Her witty dialogue and imaginative stories never fail to reel me in. She isn’t afraid to write what she wants, even a fart joke here and there. Bittersweet Seraphim most definitely did not disappoint. It was all I expected and more.

Bittersweet is the follow up to Crushed Seraphim, in which we met Jack, Emma, and Jason, just to name a few. In this second book we join those three as well as a few new characters. Often times I’m leery of characters being added in on top of characters but not this time. I liked how our new friends’ stories were weaved in with those we already knew and loved.

Jack is back (hehehe) and he’s sexy and funny as ever. It's impossible not to love him, devil or not. He bleeds sarcasm and I adore that, which shouldn’t be a big surprise to most everyone that knows me. But my absolute favorite thing about him is his overwhelming love for Emma. Even while they are apart, he refuses to give up and his love for her holds strong. *sigh* If he were the mushy type, I’d have just climbed through the pages and hugged Jack. (Possibly I’d sneak in a grope.)

The bad thing is, Jack is back on earth as a human while his love is in Hell. Emma is caged up by the current devil, who likes to spend his days dishing out any form of abuse he can. Everett has never wanted anything but Emma and he thinks now that he has her trapped, he’ll get what he desires. Poor Emma tries to keep her mind focused on what she loves most, even though she no longer has her wings. Some days it’s hard to focus and remember why she’s there.

Though she doesn’t know it, Jack and the gang plan to break Emma out of Hell. *jazz hands*

Unfortunately they release minions on their way in, creating a bit of chaos on earth. A devilish twist I wasn’t expecting at all follows. I’m all about a book surprising me over and over-- Bittersweet does just that. Not only does the plot have a few twists but I enjoyed seeing the characters grow and evolve before my eyes. The characters I love (and even those I love to dislike) surprised me often and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I felt like the final chapter was the perfectly wrapped package with a beautiful bow on top. Fascinating and very enjoyable book. If you’re curious but uncertain about checking out Bittersweet, first I have to say, read Crushed first (obviously) so you can hurry on over to this one-- you won’t be disappointed. Who doesn’t want to read the story of the devil falling in love with an angel??  It’s a steal via amazon for kindle right now. You should go buy it.



I received this galley title via the author/publisher. This did not sway my review in either direction.