Mastered By Maya Banks - Review

OMG!!!!!!!!!

I really have no other words or letters than that!  I just finished Mastered (The Enforcers) by Maya Banks.  And I am speechless....Well, almost.  ;)

Mastered reminded me a lot of the first series I ever read by Maya Banks, The breathless trilogy.  It was hot, steamy, shocking and romantic.  But this one has one difference and something I have never seen in any of her books.  Normally, I would have been mad, but this time I understand.  Curious? Well, I guess you will just have to read and find out. :) .

Synopsis:
Evangeline was a small town girl from Mississippi who moved to New York City in hopes to better provide for her parents.  Her parents depended on her to help them after her dad was injured on the job.  She shares a tiny apartment with three of her friends from home who work just as hard to make ends meet. After a disastrous relationship with a playboy named Eddie, her friends convinced her to make an appearance at very exclusive and "hard to get into" night club.  Her friends wanted her to get noticed and have Eddie realize what he threw away by dumping Evangeline after he slept with her. Shocking to Evangeline, Eddie was not the only one who noticed her that night.

Drake Donovon was the very successful, rich, gorgeous and dominating owner of Impluse.  He noticed Evangeline the second she reached the doors to his club.  Knowing she didn't belong in a place where she would be harassed and possibly taken advantage of, he made sure she was protected the moment she step foot in the club.  And her protection was something he would see to everyday after.

Reluctantly, Evangeline follows Drake's men to meet him. Drake doesn't waste any time showing her how she should be treated and worshipped unlike her Ex.  From that moment on Drake would worship, cherish and own Evangeline.  The naive, inexperienced and innocent Evangeline has to deal with the overwhelming new life set before her.


There is so much packed into this story and yet you feel like you need to know more.  I was very leery of Drake through most of the story.  Wondering if I could trust him and if and when he will make me angry. This is a romance book after all, of course he would.  But could I forgive him?  That has yet to be answered....  I did, however, fall in love with some of his men!  And I am happy to report there will be more novels focusing on two of them!  So I will be anxiously awaiting the release of each book in the series. Especially, Dominated: The Enforcers (The Enforcers series) that comes out next......

My Rating 4.5 

Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks - Review

Another great book by Maya Banks!!!!  Darkest Before Dawn (KGI series) is the latest release of her KGI series.  I think this one by far is my favorite Maya Banks book ever!  And I have read a lot of her books!  However, this is the first book for me in the series (not for long! ;) ) Like all of her series, each book is connected to the others, but can also be read as a stand alone.

As for the main male character or the story's "Book Boyfriend".  I HATED HIM!!  Well, at first.  Or maybe for the first half of the book.  But I kept an open mind and figured he would change my opinion once he redeemed himself.  He did and then I was rooting for him all the way!! :)

I'm not going in depth with a synopsis because I want you to get the whole experience like I did. Since I hadn't read any books in this series I had no idea what to expect.  And I was pleasantly surprised with how much I got into the action and adventure of the story.  It was like watching a movie.  A movie a guy would be interested in but with the sexy and romantic material that keeps us ladies wanting more!! Hmm.  Now that's an idea, someone needs to make this book into a movie!!

Very brief synopsis...

Honor Cambridge found her calling as a relief worker in the Middle East.  A terrorist group, A New Era, bombed the hospital where she worked and she was the sole survivor.  To avoid embarrassing themselves by allowing the only survivor, a woman, to escape, they would stop at nothing to capture her in order to uphold their reputation as ruthless killers.  Honor, strong and determined would not stop until she was safe and reunited with her family.  Little did she know the terrorist group was not the only one interested in her capture.....

Sounds good right??  And I didn't even mention the BBF Hancock :X  You'll just have to read the book to get acquainted with that hottie ;) I am warning you!!  You will think I'm nuts at first for loving him, but trust me, he won't disappoint!

Sustained by Emma Chase - Review

"A knight in tarnished armor is still a night" - Sustained by Emma Chase

Jake Becker is that tarnished knight.  After a childhood of rebellion and trouble Jake finally sets his life straight and becomes a successful defense attorney in Washington D.C..  He has the life, a successful career, great friends and does very well in the lady in department.  As easy it is for Jake to get any women he wants, he has no interest in more than one night.  That is until a chance meeting with Chelsea McQuaid and her six nieces and nephews come into in life and take hold.

Chelsea is a 26 year old graduate student who became a parent overnight when her brother and
sister-in-law were killed.  Now she is responsible for raising 6 six kids ranging from an infant to a14 year old.  Cue the knight in tarnished armor.....

When I received an ARC of an Emma Chase novel, I couldn't contain my excitement!  I absolutely loved the Tangled series and wouldn't expect nothing but romance novel gold from her.  And she didn't disappoint.

I have been in a book funk for awhile.  I have read some good ones but not great one and nothing that completely had my attention.  Finally, this one kept my attention and held on until I finished at 3am with tears streaming down my face.  Don't worry they were happy tears. :)  Not only were there tears but laugh out loud moments and times that made me weak in the knees!   :x

Sustained may be the second book in the Legal brief series but can be read as a stand alone.  But I know the next books I'm downloading and pre-ordering.  ;)  Overruled and Appealed!!

My Rating:

5 Book Boyfriends

Just One Lie By Kyra Davis - Review

Just One Lie (Just One Night series Book 2) is the follow up story to Just One Night (Just One Night series Book 1) by Kyra Davis.

Melody Fitzgerald was not was the ideal child.  She was wild, spent her pre-teen and teen years  experimenting with sex, drugs, and alcohol.  When her parents had enough and didn't want her influencing her younger sister, they made her disappear from their lives. Changing her name to Mercy  and cutting back on some of her bad habits, she is ready to move on and hopefully find love as well as her true self.

Now this story is quite different then what I am used to.  In all the romance novels I've read there is clear winner of the heroine's heart.  It may not be the guy she starts out with.  It could even be her boyfriends best friend  (Kellan :x ). But, you know who she really wants and who she's meant to be with once he is introduced to the story.   Nope! Not in this one....  At first you meet Ash, a gorgeous struggling actor who is just as wild as she is.   The first night they met they had a crazy and wild night when she was still Melody.  Even thirteen months later after that passionate night, the chemistry hasn't diminished and their undeniable connection is still there!  And then there is Brad.  The intelligent, clean cut all american boy who is the drummer in her band.  So I was torn!!  I had no idea which direction I wanted the story to go!  Did I want her to end up with Ash, the sexy rebellious bad boy that says the most romantic things, or Brad, who is sensitive, talented smart with a little secret of his own, and who made my heart melt!!  I had a crush on both!  Once the story progressed, it is clear who she is meant to be with and I couldn't agree more!


And the lie?  The one mentioned in the title??  Wow! But you'll figure that one out quick and even quicker if you read Just One night first.  Technically, Just One Lie is the second in the series although most of the story happens before the first one begins.  They also can be read as a stand alone and probably out of order but I am stickler for following the rules so I read them in order.   ;)



And what's next on my TBR? The free novella of Just Once More (Just One Night series)!!!! Side note.. you'll need to read book one first before the novella.

My Rating: 

4 Book Boyfriends

(but you will have to read to see who it is ;) )

Toxic by Kim Karr - Review

Kim Karr just introduced me to my latest book boyfriend.

It's him
Him.
Jeremy McQueen.....

Since the moment he was introduced in Toxic, Jeremy McQueen had my attention.  One character refers to him as the James Dean type and the vision of a gorgeous brooding bad boy runs through my head!  And all I can say about that is, WOW! ;)

I wasn't the only one enamored with Jeremy McQueen.  Phoebe St. Claire was drawn to him since she laid eyes on him while escaping from her 21st birthday party.   She was a socialite with very powerful parents, which was the one thing that Jeremy despised, the privileged and the extremely rich   Especially her father.  Instead of telling him who she was, she decided to lie about her last name.  Even though they came from different backgrounds Jeremy and Phoebe's connection was instantaneous and they didn't waste any time exploring it.  Their chemistry was intense and they were inseparable that summer in the Hamptons. That is until one day he disappeared with no explanation.

Five years later, she was engaged to the perfect man, Dawson Vanderbilt, but he was only on perfect on paper.  She was missing something. Something she only had with Jeremy.  She never forgot their connection and could still feel his presence around her. After she breaks off her engagement she has a chance encounter with him at the club he owns.  Now he is the successful entrepreneur and he is ready to accept her real identity and start again.  Of course that's easier said then done.

The relationship throughout the story has definite highs and lows.  Lots of misunderstandings and mistrust but with fiery passion.  They need to work through real life problems and insecurities for the two to have a chance.

There was definitely drama, some I could sense and some that completely shocked me!  What I loved about this author's writing, the story was smooth with the right amount of tension, drama, excitement and heat, without dragging it out too long.

My heart broke at different times for each Jeremy and Phoebe and there were times I wanted leap into the book and shake them out of their stubbornness and insecurities.  Even though it looked like it could be a cliffhanger up until the very end, it wrapped up perfectly and gave a little extra I was not expecting.  :x

My Rating: 4 Book Boyfriends

 

Safe At Last By Maya Banks -Review

   

Zack Covington was a college athlete with a future in professional football when he met  Anna-Grace or his "Gracie".   He was completely devoted to her and dreamed of the perfect future together, that is until she disappeared.   He never stopped looking for her and never gave up hope that they would be reunited.  12 years later, a chance meeting while on the job at Devereaux Security brought them back together.  Zack was shocked and devastated that Gracie not only didn't want to see him but feared him as well.  Although heartbroken, Zack is determined to get answers on why and earn back her love and trust all while protecting her from the real enemies.  

Safe at Last: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) was definitely an action packed story.  I normally don't gravitate to suspense stories but if you sprinkle in romance you got my attention.  And Maya Banks definitely got my attention!  The story unfolds with little bits of information here and there, like dangling the right puzzle piece just at the right time to keep you going.  Not only did I fall for Zack and his utter devotion for Gracie but I got sucked in, having to know what happens next and the need for so many questions to be answered.  Once I started this book nothing was going to distract me until I was finished.

Out of all the books in the slow burn series this was by far my favorite!  It not only had an intense story of its own, but it connected the first too and weaved all three stories together at the end.  And my favorite part.....(sorry slight spolier) was when the women in the story prove to be the true heroes. They may need and love their alpha males, but they were no damsels in distress and showed the men a thing or too about kicking some serious ass!!

My Rating:

4 Book Boyfriends

 

Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven - Reviews

If you combine my favorite Shakespearean play with a contemporary romance featuring a brooding, hot and sexy bad boy and sprinkle in some angst, you have a recipe for one intriguing book series. Guaranteeing,  I will be off the grid until the series is complete.  

Broken Juliet (The Starcrossed Series) which was released today is the sequel to Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven  I had heard rave reviews about Bad Romeo and knew I needed to get my hands on this book.  Luck would have it, I received an ARC of Broken Juliet so I could indulge in a little marathon reading!  I completely devoured both books in a matter of days. 

The two main characters Ethan and Cassie, met while auditioning for a spot in the very competitive drama school.   From their first meeting, an undeniable connection sparked between the two.  Ethan, who was broken from the past wants to spare Cassie from the inevitable heartache he knows he will cause.  Because of Cassie's inexperienced and naivety, she focused on the good in Ethan that he couldn't see in himself.  She fights for them and help to bring Ethan out of the past and into the future with her. Unfortunately,  Ethan's destructive ways overpowers Cassie faith and determination and eventually breaks her heart....TWICE!

In Bad Romeo the story alternates from the past where they met in college, to the present, years later after he breaks her heart.   In the past you watch as they fall in love and see Ethan struggle with his feelings. In the present, Ethan tries to prove to Cassie how he has changed and is determined to win her back.  You fall in love with the college bad boy Ethan and then swoon over the changed, mature, sweet, and passionate Ethan in the present.

Broken Juliet picks up where Bad Romeo leaves off and alternates between the start of the demise of the relationship from the past and the present.  However, Cassie is now the broken one and despite Ethan's attempt to fix things between the two, she is convinced her heart is irreparable.

As a whole I loved both books, but I think I enjoyed Bad Romeo just a little bit more. I think Ethan broke my trust and my heart along with Cassie and I had a hard time forgiving him maybe even a little more than Cassie.  Don't worry, I did finally forgive him.  I can't help it, I'm a sucker for Romeo. And thankfully, this series doesn't end as a tragedy.  :)

My Ratings: 

BAD ROMEO  4.5

BROKEN JULIET 

4

 

Manwhore by Katy Evans - Review

I'm calling "dibs" on Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint! Please do not purchase Manwhore (The Manwhore Series) because he is ALL MINE!!!!! Ok, fine, I'll be nice and share and let you all get to know the newest, hottest, sexiest, powerful bad boy book boyfriend. Just click on any link to get your hands on Katy Evans's newest novel.  But remember I did call "dibs" first.   ;)

Malcolm Saint, or Sin (as Rachel, our heroine refers to him) is exactly what I look for in a book boyfriend.  He's the richest, most eligible bachelor in Chicago and a well known manwhore. I could live without the whole manwhore thing, but as we all know, all the best book boyfriends change their wicked ways when the right one comes along.  Before Rachel Livingston, Saint liked his harem of women and was only interested in a good time and nothing more.  The same goes for Rachel.  She is happily working as a journalist albeit at a failing magazine and is emotionally unavailable.  Her editor thinks she would be perfect to write an intimate exposé of the insanely rich and powerful Malcolm Saint and hopefully save the doomed magazine.  Her job is to get as close to him as possible and learn all his secrets and sordid past.  Since Rachel has no interest in romantic relationships, she happily takes on the challenge and is confident she can play the part and seduce him.  Little did she know how much Saint would affect her and turn her world upside down, all the while putting her much loved career in jeopardy!

I absolutely loved both characters!  Rachel may have been young and naive, but she was also determined and strong.  Malcolm was well... HOT!  Dark hair, piercing green eyes and of course all muscular and male!  Also, he's surprisingly sweet and lovable.   Together, their chemistry was electric!   I needed a cold shower after reading this one.  :) However, it isn't all hot and steamy,  there is a dose of drama, misunderstandings and a few damaged souls (both Rachel and Saint) to get through before they get their happy ending.  Oh wait!  Do they get their happy ending??  Sorry, but this is a SPOILER ALERT!  If you don't want to know anymore stop reading now and go straight to my rating!

Ok, here it goes....  It's a cliffhanger and I mean a major one!  I kept swiping my kindle over and over again, hoping more of the story would magically appear.  Unfortunately, it did not.  :( .  The book ends just as a major turn is about to happen. Or at least I think it's about to happen!  So now I have to wait until Manwhore +1 (The Manwhore Series) is released in July before I can get my hands on Saint again and my happily ever after!


Despite the cliffhanger this is one of my favorite books of 2015!  And I have a feeling I won't be disappointed in the next one.

My Rating:

5 Book Boyfriends!!

In His Keeping by Maya Banks -Review

Maya Banks has introduced me to a few hot brooding alpha males in the past, but I think I finally met  “The One”  Yep, once again I have fallen hard for a fictional character and this time his name is Beau Devereaux.   :x  WOW!!  He can make a girl feel cherished, safe, spoiled and loved and all after only knowing her for one day.   Yeah only in the fictional world can that happen but it is so fun living in the fantasy world at least for a little while ;)

In His Keeping: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) is the second book in the slow burn trilogy and by far my favorite Maya Banks novel!  Like Keep Me Safe: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels), the first book in the series there is action, romance, suspense and mystery.  I never thought I was one to enjoy a thrilling "on the edge of your seat" story but I couldn’t put this book down! It was one of those books where it reads like a movie and I was hooked from page one! I so badly wanted to see how it ended but at the same time I didn’t want to finish!  Well, my desire to know the outcome outweighed my desire to make it last and I completely devoured this book. And now I have to wait till march for the next one Safe at Last: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) 

One of my favorite things of this author is all of her books wrap up completely with no cliff hangers.  Each can be read as a stand alone if needed.  But why would you want to do that?  I suggest reading all and anything she writes.  I’d even read her grocery list!  :)  

Synopsis.

Arial Rochester is a miracle and gift to her parents.  Finding a beautiful baby left on their doorstep after they accepted the reality they would never have children of their own, Ari's parents made a vow that they would always protect her and go to great lengths to keep her safe.  After they discover she has a special gift, one that could put her in danger if the wrong people found out, she was told never to tell or show her special psychic powers.  That is until she has no choice and needs to use them in order to protect herself and her loved ones. When her parents go missing she reaches out to Devereaux Security in hopes they can help her find them and bring them home safe.  Beau, the head of Devereaux Security, always professional and solely focused on his job, has his work cut out for him after he lays eyes on the beautiful Ari.   He is quickly taken with her and makes it his personal mission to do anything keep her safe and bring her parents back alive.

I absolutely loved Ari! Despite being sheltered and naive she ends up being one bad ass chick! She doesn’t play the damsel in distress and she proves she is capable of holding her own.  She is just as strong and resourceful as the men. Throughout the book I cheered her on and enjoyed reading her triumphs and bravery!

My Rating: 4.5 Book Boyfriends

 

 

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