Furious Rush - By S.C. Stephens - Review

When I was offered an ARC of Furious Rush by S.C. Stephens, for review,  I thought I hit the literary jackpot!  If you have read my blog before you would know my love obsession for Kellan Kyle, who happened to be created by the very same author.  When I heard she was releasing a new book I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!!  I would read anything she writes- grocery list, Post-it note, anything!!  If she writes it, I want to read it and I know I won't be disappointed.  Furious Rush was no exception.  Move over Kellan Kyle, Hayden Hayes is my new...  Okay, maybe I shouldn't get too carried away,  Kellan will forever be my favorite book boyfriend, but Hayden is definitely in my top 5!

Mackenzie "Kenzie" Cox is the daughter of a motorcycle racing legend, Jordan Cox.  In her rookie year racing she is under pressure to perform and bring in much needed money for the Cox Racing team owned by her father.  The loss of the teams best rider and sponsers, Mackenzie was determined to win and save the team.  After a falling out between her father and his best friend Keith Benneti, the two racing teams are banned from any contact with each other.  One of the Benneti's newest riders makes it a little difficult for her to follow that very important rule.  Hayden Hayes, came from street racing to the professional world, but he also came with a bad reputation and a little mystery. Kenzie was undeniably attracted to him and at the same time despised him and the team he raced for, but she raced better when they were on the same track.  She realized he could help her reach her fullest potential.   Risking her career and her relationship with her father, she decided she needed Hayden more if she wanted to win.  What she didn't expect, she would get so much more than a secret training partner.

Holy Hotness!!  I am not one for motorcycles, but I would jump on the back of his bike any day!  ;) I also know nothing about motorcycle racing or had any interest, but the story that S.C. Stephens tells, makes it interesting, intriguing and exciting.   A true page turner!!   I couldn't read fast enough and at the same time I had to take my time and soak up every word.

The sexual tension and chemistry between Hayden and Kenzie was intense.  Many times I would (silently in my head, of course) scream just kiss already!!!!  And when they finally succumbed it was so worth the wait!  Wow!  Powerful, sweet, sexy with a little danger mixed in.

I do have one complaint about the story.  It felt a little unfinished.  There was no cliff hanger and the story wrapped up at the end, but I felt like there was more of the story to tell.  Maybe that means a sequel???????  Let's hope my wish comes true.  I could read about Hayden Hayes for days!  ;)

My Rating

5 Book Boyfriends

Desire After Dark by Marie Force - Review

Marie Force has a unique way of story telling.  Desire After Dark: A Gansett Island Novel was my first book that I have read by the author and it was such a breath of fresh air.  You don't just get one story, but a handful of side stories as well.  They all interconnect to the two main characters, Erin and Slim.  Not only did I fall for Slim and all his hotness, but also for all his friends on Gansett Island.  I think I may want to relocate there!

After losing her twin brother, Toby, in the 9/11 attacks, Erin had difficulty with getting close to anyone.  But when Slim entered her life she rethought her single life.  The only problem is that Slim is a pilot and because of the way her brother died, she has a fear of flying.  Her flying phobia is not the only issue, she has dealt with since her brother's death.  But having Slim around, makes working through them all whole lot easier.  

Slim has always been a commitment phobe since his high school relationship scarred him.  He never stayed overnight after being with a woman and had no intention of ever settling down.  His life and career also made it difficult.  Half the year he spent up north on Gansett Island and in the winter months in Florida.  However, after months of texts, Facetime and phone calls with Erin, he started to wonder if he could include a woman in his life permanently.  

I absolutely adored Slim,  he was a good guy from the beginning and stayed that way until the end!  He was sweet, caring and supportive of Erin.  He was sexy, romantic and was willing to do anything to make a relationship with Erin work. 

I am not sure how to sum up the other stories in this book.  There isn't enough time to recap it all.  I guess you'll have to read the book and find out for yourself ;) . They were just as sweet and romantic as the main story.  Each couple had their own dramas and hardships but they worked through them together.  It was a nice change to read a story where you like all the characters throughout the entire book!  Usually you begin to hate the main characters (usually the guy) until they start to redeem themselves.  Like I said before this book was a breath of fresh air!  :)  I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!
 

My Rating 4.5

Book Boyfriends

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

 

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!

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

 

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

 

 

Book Of The Week

For this week's book of the week I will feature one of my all time favorites.  If anyone asks me for a book suggestion, this is my "go-to".   It is a story that will touch you, and become a part of you.  By far, one of the most amazing stories I have ever read.  But be careful, it causes a major book hangover and you will compare everything else to this.  I also added my review that I wrote way back...

I wasn't sure where to begin with my review of The Sea of Tranquility.  I had to take some time to let it sink in and wrap my head around it.   I was frustrated that no one was reading it at the same time so I could talk about it.  I had to talk about it!  So, I spent my lunch break today explaining the entire story, all the secrets, and even the touching ending to a co-worker.  I pretty much ruined it for her.  Sorry CB!   I just couldn't help it,  I needed to talk about it.

I really don't want to give anything away so this is a difficult review to write.  I refuse to write  any spoilers on this blog (I just seem willing to do that face to face).  I want readers to start, knowing nothing, be completely surprised and get swept up in the story like I did.

There were times it didn't even feel like I was reading.  I was so engrossed in the story,  it was like I was watching a movie or even living it.  Absolutely nothing could distract me, not even the time.  I read until the very early hours of the morning and had to force myself to stop so I could have a few hours of sleep before work.  Everyone knows when I'm really into a book when I come into work looking like a zombie.  "Were you up all night reading again?"  is a common question I'm asked.   The story stayed with me all day and I couldn't wait to go home and finish it.  Once I did, I was sad it was over.

What I can say is that it was a truly beautiful, captivating, and powerful story that completely took my breath away.   I can't bring myself to start a new book at the moment because I am afraid I won't be able to connect like I did with this one.  Maybe I'll just have to read it again ;)

I do want to touch on the characters for a bit.  They were so beautifully developed, complex, and at times completely relatable.    I fell in love with all of the characters, but I was surprised with the way I changed my opinion about one in particular, Drew.  At first you just assume that he is going to be a selfish, shallow jerk and it turns out he was anything but.   He was just as special as the two main characters, Nastya and Josh, and the relationship between the three of them was very touching.

I am hoping that someone I know reads this soon (hint hint Abbey) so I can discuss it some more.  I could seriously talk about this book for days!!  It is definitely going on my favorites list!

My rating 5 stars.  (not sure if five stars is enough)