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

 

 

Want a chance for your own Copy of In His Keeping?  Enter the rafflecopter giveaway below.  The giveaway will run for a week and I will announce the winner next Tuesday.  Good Luck!

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Owning Violet by Monica Murphy - Review

Owning Violet: A Novel (The Fowler Sisters) by Monica Murphy is the first book in the Fowler Sister Series and the first book I have read by this author.  I loved her writing and felt it was similar to the works of Sylvia Day and Maya Banks. (Two authors that I absolutely adore).  From the first few pages I knew I was hooked and that this book was going to “own” me!

Violet Fowler is an innocent, does the right thing, and maybe a little boring, business professional.    She is focused on her career, her relationship and having the perfect life.  Too bad her boyfriend Zachary Lawrence is not as perfect as he looks on paper.  She knows he’s not faithful or puts her on the top of his priorities, but she feels they make sense.  She feels things will get better once they settle down and get married.  Well that’s the plan at least.  That is until Ryder Mckay makes his move.

You know Ryder is trouble from the first moment he appears in the story.  Coming from a life on the streets, this bad boy will do anything to get what he wants.  He happens to want what Zachary has, the promotion at the cosmetics company, Fleur, where they all work, and Violet’s family owns.  He also wants Violet. He sees her as a challenge and because he despises Zachary, taking Violet away would be an added bonus.

Pilar Vasquez is Ryder’s former boss and on and off again lover.  She helped Ryder get off the streets his get his start at Fleur.  She may seem like a saint but behind the good looks, her evil shines through.   Pilar is more than happy to help Ryder in is quest for Violet, starting with her seduction of Zachary.  After she is done with him she moves on to bigger conquests...

At first I wasn’t sure of some of the characters.  I wasn’t sure which male lead I was supposed to fall for because they were both a**holes!  I knew Pilar was a villain but I didn’t expect to see Ryder as one as well.  It took most of the book for me to fully trust and accept him.  I think Violet gave in before me!  He seemed to screw up a lot and make stupid mistakes and then instantly regret them.  If it wasn't for the alternating point of view between Violet and Ryder, I may not have realized the struggle he had between getting what he wants and doing the right thing.

Even though it took awhile for me to fall for Ryder, I was hooked and enjoyed the story the entire time.  I was wondering if it was possible for me not to fall for the male lead and still love the story!  Well, I guess I won’t know since Ryder did end up capturing my heart.

I shouldn’t even give Zachary a mention in this review because he was such a prick.  But I guess I have to since he is a part of the story, just not my favorite part.  He is totally selfish and doesn’t deserve the success he gets from sucking up to Violet’s father.  And it doesn’t take much for him to show is sleezy side and fall for Pilar’s advances.  Good thing it doesn’t take long for Violet to come to her senses.  I guess a hot Alpha Male that rocks your world makes you see the light!  Once she gets a taste of Ryder there is no turning back.  And the chemistry between the two is like WOW! 

Oh, I guess I haven’t really mentioned the steam and sexy factor of this book.  It’s off the charts!  You may need a cold shower when you’re done! ;) I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!!

My Rating:

4 Book Boyfriends

 

Book Of The Week

This week's book of the week is one that I am currently reading.  I started Gravity: A Novel by L.D. Cedergreen late last night without knowing anything about it except that it has made readers cry and has a major twist.  I have no idea if it has a HEA or not and that makes me really nervous. I will not read a book if I know it won't end well.  In my opinion the ending will make or break a book. So far I am only a few pages in and it has my full attention but that could go south once this twist reveals itself.  Stay tuned.....


Book Description from Amazon:

After years of trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child, Gemma Walsh finds her husband in bed with another woman. Unable to face his betrayal, she retreats to Priest Lake where her family owns a small cabin. But Gemma finds that she is not the only one hiding away at the lake to avoid an ugly truth.

Andrew Monroe was once an essential part of Gemma’s life but tragedy and misunderstanding shattered their bond, separating them. Now twenty years later, Gemma questions the coincidence of their newly intersected paths as she struggles to resist the sparks that ignite between them.

Just when Gemma feels that she has found her second chance at happiness, she is faced with a shocking truth as her reality spirals out of control. She can’t deny the powerful force that brought Andrew back into her life anymore than she can defy the same force that now threatens to pull them apart.

An emotionally-charged, heart-rending story that will leave you to question the freedom in truth and the existence of fate in its deepest sense.

 

KEEP ME SAFE by Maya Banks - Review

HOLY $#!*, OMG and WTF???  That about sums up my thoughts on Maya Banks’ new novel, Keep Me Safe: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) that was released today.  I love all of her books but this one blew me away!  It was like none other I have ever read.  I’m kind of a creature of habit, always wanting the same thing.  The same romance story that I can predict, (which I still enjoy), the same type of plot and conflict and finally a similar expected resolution.  I am comfortable with those stories and I rarely read anything out of my preferred genre.  However, I’m thankful I took a chance on this and stepped outside my romantic, “Happily Ever After” comfort zone.  But don’t worry, this is a still a contemporary romance novel, it just has a whole lot more. There’s mystery, suspense, and action all wrapped up a perfect alpha male love story!

Synopsis: (This is will be brief so I don’t give anything away)

Ramie St. Claire is a young woman with psychic abilities.  She uses her “gift “ to help find victims of horrific crimes.  Caleb Devereaux’s sister has been abducted and he believes only Ramie can help.  Once, Caleb finds her and forces her to help him, he feels he's indebted to her, especially after what he witnessed.  Once Ramie has a connection to the victim, she then experiences the same torture and pain the victim endures. 

A year later Ramie continues to suffer and is stalked and tormented by a serial killer who was responsible for many of the crimes where she helped located the victims.  He has one goal, to capture Ramie and torture her until she begs for death.  Desperate, she turns to Caleb for help. 

The problem I had with this story is that I couldn’t read it fast enough.  I caught myself more than once reading too quickly and skimming the pages to find out what was happening.  I had to force myself and go back and re-read.  I’m glad I did, because I almost missed some really important details!!!

In true Maya Banks writing form, she leaves me wondering how the story can possibly wrap up when there is only a few pages left,  but she does it again and I finished with a sigh and a satisfied grin. :)

Oh and I forgot to mention, this is still the steamy story that we all come to expect form Maya Banks. ;) And this book one of a series! YAY!  I can't wait for In His Keeping: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) which comes out in January!!

My Rating:

4.5 Book Boyfriends