Dare To Take By Carly Phillips - Review

Ella Shaw has been enamored with her best friend's brother, Tyler since they were kids.  However, one night together when Ella was just eighteen, left her disappointed and embarrassed.  Tyler, known for running when life got too difficult, was true to form when it came to the day after his night of passion with Ella. Years later Avery, Ella's best friend, enlists her brother to rescue her from a dangerous situation on the island of St. Lucia.  Tyler was not happy that he would have to face Ella and deal with their past, but would do anything to make his sister's worry disappear.

Tyler may be a sexy, strong, dominating alpha male, but he has a soft and vulnerable side as well. That made me fall for him just a little bit more. :) Not all men are strong, brooding and ready at any time to save the world right??  Ella was also similar in that she could be strong when it was needed, but not so stubborn and accepted help when she had no choice. I think that is what made them so perfect for each other.  They both have demons to fight and pasts to overcome, but know that their connection and passion made it worth the fight.  Tyler, especially fought against his fears of commitment and was determined to replace the bad memories Ella had of their time together.  And boy did he!  He can help me forget anytime!  ;)

The relationship between the Tyler and Ella was just as sexy as it was sweet!  I loved watching the relationship blossom as well as the relationships of the Dare family.  Sprinkle in some mystery and danger and you got yourself an intriguing and cute little story!

This book was the perfect story to read from start to finish.  Not too long and not too short.  I spent my rainy day off cuddled in bed with some tea and Tyler!  :)

My Rating:

 3.5 Book Boyfriends

 

Quinn and Quinn II by J.C. Cliff - Review

Well, I have a new obsession and his name is Quinn!  A strong and sexy alpha male that will protect you and cherish you??  Sign me up!  He also has an adorable furry four-legged sidekick, Kimber.

Quinn I: Undaunted Men Series and Quinn II (Undaunted Men Series Book 2) by J.C. Clifff are the first books I have read from this author and I was majorly impressed!  If you have read my blog before, you may know my hatred for cliffhangers, But she warned me in the introduction that she had to live up to her name.  So, with the last name Cliff, I was forewarned!  Thankfully, I was able to read the first two back to back and the story wrapped up in the second one.  There should be more to come following some of the other characters and I can't wait to dive into those!

Despite the first book being a cliffhanger it still felt like each book was a separate story.  The first you get to know Quinn and all his sexy badassness (I know not a real word, you get what I mean).   And Lexi, the mafia princess.  Don't let that description fool you, she's pretty down to earth while being a bad ass of her own.

Ok, a very brief synopsis of Quinn:

Quinn has a mission, bring Lexi (Alexis) back home safe.  Lexi, threatened by her former boyfriend and childhood friend, was convinced running away was the answer to avoid trouble.  Lexi's Dad was frantic and sought the help of his ex-military contact and his dog to track her down.  Once Quinn set eyes on Lexi he knew she was more than a mission.  He was in deep trouble....

This book had it all, suspense, romance, and sexiness all wrapped up in the perfect cliffhanger :P ! Like I said, I didn't mind the cliffhanger because I had the other one waiting for me.  And quess what?  So do you!  I highly suggest, hunkering down for a weekend and diving into these babies.  You will be sucked in just like I was.

There's not much I can tell you about Quinn II without spoiling the first book, but trust me, you will want to continue on with Lexi, Quinn and Kimber!  What I can say for two stories being related and following one after another, they were so different!  But in a good way. The story line took turns I was not expecting and kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning.   Hence, my hunkering down recommendation.

Seriously,  J.C. Cliff has a new reader and a new fan!  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

 My Rating:

4.5 Book Boyfriends

 

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!

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

 

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

 

 

Taking it All by Maya Banks

I just finished the last of the surrender trilogy, Taking it All (The Surrender Trilogy) by Maya Banks.  It was a perfect end to a great series.  Not only did it focus on Chessy and Tate, who you got to know briefly in the first two books, but it also continued with the lives of the other couples.  And I must say it wrapped up all three couples stories nicely.

Of course it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows the entire book.  What fun would that be?  No, it was a rollercoaster ride with a lot of "WTF???" in between. J  But you will have to read the story to find out.  No spoilers here!

Chessy and Tate have been married for five years and Chessy is Tate’s world.  He cherished her and vowed to give her everything she wanted and needed.   That is except for his full attention.  After his business partner bailed, he was left with the sole responsibility to make his business a success.  That meant being at the beck and call of his clients at all hours of the day.  Chessy, knowing, how important it was to Tate to be able to provide for them, she let it slide until his distraction put her in a dangerous situation.  After losing her because he failed in his role as her husband and dominant, he was prepared for the fight of his life to win her back.

Of course this is a Maya Banks novel, so you know there are some steamy and "too hot to discuss on my blog" parts.  However, there was so much more in the story than just what happens at night.  (Ok, we all know in these books “it” doesn’t just happen at night.  Usually it’s all hours of the day and sometimes all day ;)) ).   Even though Tate messed up, he made up for it with his devotion and love for Chessy.   He is exactly what I love in a book boyfriend, gorgeous, rich, alpha male and madly in love with his girl.   Tate made me swoon.

If you haven't read the first two books in the Surrender trilogy I suggest you read them in order first for the full experience! :)  I included links to all three books below.  

My Rating:

4 Book Boyfriends

 

Book Of The Week and a GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited to read Taking it All (The Surrender Trilogy) by Maya Banks.  I have been a fan of her books and this trilogy in particular.  Taking it All is the final book in the series and I have been waiting what seems like forever!  I have received an ARC and will be starting it tonight!  But don't worry, you'll get your chance soon enough, the release date is set for August 5th.

Since the first book, I have been curious about Chessy and Tate and their unconventional marriage.   While you get to know the couple briefly in the first two books, you also get a small glimpse of the mystery behind their relationship and the problems they face.  It's been killing me to have to wait this long to find out what's going to happen with these two!  However, I get the feeling Ms Banks' is saving the best for last and I'm it will be worth the wait!

And to accompany this week's Book Of The Week,  I have a giveaway for one copy!! 

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Contest ends at midnight EST on 8/5/14

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