Monthly Archives: August 2014

Long Way Home (Hanover Brothers #3) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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LONG WAY HOME (Hanover Brothers #3) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Long Way Home

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 19, 2014

The Hanover brothers are trying to live down the con-man reputation of their late father. But they can’t blame their father for all their problems in life—or in love…

Callen Hanover has led a tough life. But after years of roaming, he’s finally settled back home in Sweetwater to reunite with his brothers, and rebuild Shadow Hill, his grandmother’s crumbling home. The last person he expected to see at his door was Grace Pruitt—ex-girlfriend and partner to the FBI agent who’s determined to put Callen away.

Grace Pruitt is in town to save the two men she cares about the most—her former partner who seems to be on a downward spiral, and Callen, the man who ran before she could explain who she really was…or tell him some shocking news. Can the secrets of the Hanover family’s past be just the thing to save them all? Or is it already too late?

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LONG WAY HOME is the third instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s adult, contemporary Hanover Brothers romance series focusing on the Hanover family and the fall out from their father’s years of scamming an entire town out of their life savings and personal belongings. This is Callen Hanover and Grace Pruitt’s storyline. LONG WAY HOME can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and the entire history, it is best to read the series in order.

The focus of the storyline is twofold: As the Hanover family continues to be ostracized and shut out for the sins of their father, the family (including brothers Declan, Beck and Callen) have had to deal with finger pointing, gossip, accusations and hostility from the town in which they now live. As information begins to fall into place, the family is thrown for another loop when the truth about Charlie Hanover’s past continues to slice away at their already fragile existence. Meanwhile, Grace Pruitt, Callen’s ex girlfriend has come to town to get Callen back. But Callen isn’t willing to forgive Grace for the lies and betrayal he faced following their four month relationship that ended with Callen walking out. Now Grace is back and she has more information that will throw Callen and the Hanover family into further turmoil.

The relationship between Callen and Grace is acrimonious and hot. Callen is in a world of hurt-not only because of the perceived betrayal by the woman with whom he had fallen in love-but by the truth about his connection to his father and the Hanover family. Callen’s need for Grace is stronger than his hatred for the information she held back, but trust must be earned and it is one thing that Callen does not give easily.

LONG WAY HOME and the Hanover Brothers is a romantic and emotional series filled with family, love, betrayal, history, anger, hate and love. This is a family who has been destroyed by the man they all considered father and husband-his legacy has turned an entire town against them and in doing so has set up his family to take the fall for everything that he had done in the past.

HelenKay Dimon pulls the reader into a dramatic and addicting series in which each successive storyline digs deeper into the life and legacy of Charlie Hanover-a man with many secrets, many sins and too many cons to count. The Hanover Brothers must shoulder the responsibility of their father’s past but it is a past that runs deeper and farther than anyone could have imagined. There are moments of humor, love, anxiety and doubt but in the end, each brother will discover a little more about themselves and about the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

Reading Order
No Turning Back
A Simple Twist of Fate
Long Way Home

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Better World by Marcus Sakey – a Review

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A Better World by Marcus Sakey – a Review

 

A Better WorldAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
The brilliants changed everything.
Since 1980, 1% of the world has been born with gifts we’d only dreamed of. The ability to sense a person’s most intimate secrets, or predict the stock market, or move virtually unseen. For thirty years the world has struggled with a growing divide between the exceptional…and the rest of us.
Now a terrorist network led by brilliants has crippled three cities. Supermarket shelves stand empty. 911 calls go unanswered. Fanatics are burning people alive.
Nick Cooper has always fought to make the world better for his children. As both a brilliant and an advisor to the president of the United States, he’s against everything the terrorists represent. But as America slides toward a devastating civil war, Cooper is forced to play a game he dares not lose—because his opponents have their own vision of a better world.
And to reach it, they’re willing to burn this one down.


Review:

A Better World by Marcus Sakey is the 2nd book in his Brilliance series. Brilliance, the first book in this series was one of the best thrillers of the year. It had us on the edge of our seat in a complex and futuristic world. I am happy to say that the 2nd book, A Better World continues this trend.

We learned in Brilliance about the “abnorms”, children born with special intelligent abilities that made them smarter then the “normals”. In 1980 there was 1% of the population that were “abnorms”. The government in fear that f these “brilliants” would become too powerful, even if they are partially responsible for the advanced technology in the world. They took the “abnorm” children away from their families, especially those considered tier one (highly intelligent), and put them into an academy, which would either make them work for the government or lock them up to hide or weaken their abilities.

Nick Cooper, our hero in this series, is also an ‘abnorm’, but he is a government agent that helped stop a terrible plot in the last book. Nick is forced back into working for the government (The new President), to help as an advisor in the escalating war between abnorms” and “normal”, with the new terrorist group, Children of Darwin killing innocent people.

Nick once again is in the middle, with most of the President’s cabinet wanting to destroy the “abnorms”, or force them to have microchips put into them. A war has begun, tensions are on the rise, as some cities have totally closed down, and only Nick can keep the President from following the lead of the Secretary of Defense, and other bad government members, who want to destroy them.

John Smith, one of the villians in the first book, who turned out to be a national hero is back, though not as much as the first book, but he continues to be an integral part of this series. Will the real truth about John Smith be discovered?

Shannon, who is one of the brilliants assassins, and Nick’s lover, is also back. She is as awesome as she was in the first book. Shannon does a fantastic rescue mission in this story. Besides Nick and Shannon’s, there is another POV, that of Ethan Park, a scientist who is on the run with his family. Everyone wants Ethan, as he knows something that is very powerful, which would change everything. Anything more would be spoilers.

Once again, Marcus Sakey gives us another exciting thriller, with non-stop action, so many twists and turns that you cannot blink or you will miss some important information. This is a complex world, but done so well by Sakey. If you like suspense thrillers, action, excitement, great characters, in a futuristic but somewhat modern world.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Keeping Mr. Right Now by Robin Bielman – a Review

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Keeping Mr. Right Now by Robin Bielman – a Review

 

Keeping Mr Right NowAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

DESCRIPTION
A temporary agreement neither could keep…

Brainy, organized Sophie Birch is no beach bunny. In fact, she’s totally out of her element among the sun-bronzed crowd at a film festival in beautiful White Strand Cove. When a surf lesson introduces her to Zane Hollander, suddenly she’s up close and personal with the world’s sexiest surf star. But what can a great-looking, experienced athlete possibly see in a klutzy out-of-towner who’s never set foot in the ocean?

Zane Hollander’s playboy reputation has never been a problem…until recently. Now his management team wants him on his best behavior to entice a meaningful new sponsor. Sophie Birch is the perfect girl to help reform his image. She’s genuine and respected—and their relationship is purely fictional. But the more Sophie blooms under the beachy sun, the more Zane knows he’ll just break her heart. Because nothing’s more important to Zane than following the tide.

 

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

What happens when you just can’t seem to find Mr. Right? You search and find Mr. Right Now!

Keeping Mr. Right Now by Robin Bielman is a wonderful contemporary romance that revolves around one lovely geek girl and a beautiful surfer dude. A light and predictable story that engages the reader right from the start and reveals that beauty doesn’t always exist on the surface alone, but goes deep down where it truely counts.

Zane Hollander is a surf professional, bad boy, who enjoys women falling all over themselves over him. The guys loves his athleticism and babe catching ways, the girls love … well just about everything. Zane is attempting to catch the eye of a prosperous and much admired sponsor and is told that his “bad boy” ways have to go. Serious about this future career changing move, Zane agrees to find the perfect person for his image.

Sophie Birch is the epitome of geek. She is kind, very smart, super klutzy, serious, mature and REALLY beautiful underneath her black rimmed glasses . When she takes a surf lesson from Zane, the prospect of her helping his image blooms and once she is confronted, she agrees to spend public time with Zane in hopes that the sponsors see his serious side.

The inevitable happens however, once these two begin to spend time with the other. Sophie embraces beach life and Zane cannot believe the transformation she goes through. Zane also realizes that his attraction to the hot geeky girl has nothing to do (well mostly nothing … lol) with her outer beauty, and more to do with her inner beauty. Sophie also sees a side of the stud like Zane that is not typical of a bad boy. Suddenly these two realize that Right Now just may be RIGHT but a few hurdles have to be jumped first.

I can see this being a great beach read. It’s heart warming and I found I smiled quite a bit throughout. Quite PG compared to some of my other reads (which is refreshing) there was a nice build up of sexual tension, a genuine falling in love, a conflict and a happy ending. My only real negative comment is that it was a little slow. I had to push myself through some pages and I had that “let’s get on with it already” feeling a few times. On a positive note, I think Sophie’s geek and Zane’s sensitivity is what made them so hot and perfect for each other.

I am looking forward to the next book of this series which may just have been built up for us!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Taste of Darkness (Darkness #2) by Katie Reus-a review

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TASTE OF DARKNESS (Darkness #2) by Katie Reus-a review

Taste of Darkness

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

About the book: Release Date July 26 , 2014

He spent more than a thousand years imprisoned in Hell…

Drake is an ancient dragon shifter, one of the most powerful beings in existence, but over a millennium trapped in utter darkness has left him ill-equipped for modern society. If it wasn’t for Victoria, the sweet female brave enough to befriend him, he’d be lost. She’s smart and gorgeous and everything he never dared dream of during his years of agonizing loneliness. He may not have anything to offer her, but one thing he knows for sure: he’d die to keep her safe.

Only to fall into the heaven of her touch.

Victoria is a wolf shifter, healer of the Stavros pack. She’s seen a lot, but she’s never met anybody quite like Drake, the fiery, fascinating shifter who can blaze through the skies unseen by mere mortals. He’s lost, dangerous, and the last male she should fall in love with, but the more time she spends helping him navigate modern life, the deeper—and hotter—their connection becomes. She’s thrilled when they finally locate his family, but reuniting with his people plunges them both into unimaginable danger. It’s a race against the clock trying to figure out who wants them dead and who they can trust, especially when the threat is closer than they ever imagined.

•••••••••••••••••

Review: TASTE OF DARKNESS is the second instalment in Katie Reus’s adult, contemporary DARKNESS paranormal romance series. This is dragon shifter Drake and wolf shifter/healer Victoria’s storyline. We were first introduced to Victoria and Drake in Darkness Awakened where Drake was revealed asVega’s protector in Hell. Although TASTE OF DARKNESS is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.

Drake is a dragon shifter who has spent over one thousand years in Hell. Captured and tortured as a young boy Drake has no memory of the years before his imprisonment. He has no recollection of family, friends or how he ended up trapped with no way of escape. Following his rescue, along side Vega, Drake finds himself attracted to one of his rescuers –a wolf shifter from the Stavros pack named Victoria and the woman who would one day be his mate.

Drake is a dragon who has spent over a millennia in Hell and is unaware of what it is like to be a dragon with a mate. While he worries about the rituals of courtship and claiming, someone else is desperately trying to destroy Drake’s happiness –one dragon/one wolf at a time. As Drake and his new found family begin to research the history of the dragon, Victoria will find herself the object of another’s obsession.

The relationship between Drake and Victoria is sensual, seductive and slow to build as Drake is unsure of himself in the relationship department. He is a man who believes he is not worthy of a mate and must prove that he is a capable male of providing and protecting the woman that he loves.

We are introduced to a number of secondary characters including Drake’s siblings, extended family and a host of enemy clans who are all vying for control. With the introduction of several new dragons, there appears to be several potential matings on the horizon.

Katie Reus adds another imaginative and intense storyline to her repertoire of romantic paranormal novels. TASTE OF DARKNESS takes the reader on a passionate journey, a captivating love story, and an entertaining view of life as a paranormal shifter.

Reading Order
1. Darkness Awakened
2. Taste of Darkness

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Temptation: Club X #1 by KM Scott-Review and Blog Tour

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Temptation: Club X  #1 by KM Scott-Review and Blog Tour

Temptation Banner

Title: Temptation (Club X Book 1)
Author: KM Scott
Release Date: August 3, 2014
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Hosted By: The Book Nuts Author Promotions

Temptation July 14

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

RELEASE DATE: August 3, 2014

Click HERE for our INTERVIEW with TEMPTATION cover model Matthew Todd.

The Club X Series, a scorching hot new erotic contemporary romance series by New York Times bestselling author K.M. Scott.

Cassian March, the public face of Tampa’s most exclusive nightspot, Club X, has a great life. Women, sex, and money are his for the taking, and no man indulges his desires more. Life is short, and he plays hard. He lives by only one rule—never let a woman get close.

Olivia Lucas needs a job, and if that means working at a club that specializes in making members’ wildest fantasies come true, then that’s what she’ll do. A girl’s got to pay the rent, right? She never expected to fall for the gorgeous owner of Club X, though, but a man like him would never go for someone like her. Or would he?

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  TEMPTATION is the first instalment in KM Scott’s adult, contemporary erotic romance CLUB X spin off series from her popular Heart of Stone trilogy. Each new instalment in the Club X series focuses on one of three March brothers-this is Cassian (Cash) March and Olivia Lucas’s story. Each story is a stand alone and ends with a HEA. You do not have to have read Scott’s Heart of Stone series to understand or comprehend the Club X series but I highly recommend reading the Heart of Stone Trilogy for your own pleasure.

The focus of the storyline follows Olivia Lucas as she begins to work for the mysterious Cassian March at his secreted Club X. Very little information is known to the public about what happens behind the closed doors of Club X. Olivia is about to embark on a new job where fantasies really do come true. Club X straddles the line of legality and in this, the March brothers will face off against the law, the media and possibly one of their own.

The relationship between Cassian and Olivia begins as boss and employee but soon moves along to much more. When Olivia arranges her for own night of fantasy she can’t seem to get enough of the mysterious man who has been chosen to make all of her dreams come true and in this the storyline begins to unfold. TEMPTATION is a story of forbidden love –one where betrayal and revenge will force Cassian to make a decision that will affect his relationship with Olivia and the people who work at Club X.

The secondary characters include Cassian’s brothers Stefan and Kane. Stefan is quite the man-whore and Kane hides a dark and dangerous past. We are introduced to Olivia’s friends who step in to protect the friend that they love but one friend wants something more from Olivia than she is willing to give.

TEMPTATION: Club X takes the reader behind the scenes of a specialty club where, for a price, just about anything you want can be found-pushing the boundaries of the law is an every day occurrence. The sex scenes are seductive, sensual and compelling. KM Scott pulls the reader into a startling world where fantasy meets reality; where romance comes with a price; and where one woman will have to confront the truth about the man with whom she has fallen in love.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Temptation Teaser #4

About The Author Black and White

Gabrielle Bisset

 

A writer for years in other genres, K.M. Scott writes sexy contemporary romances like the ones that she loves. In love with love from the moment she picked up her first romance novel, she considers herself blessed that she has the chance to tell her own characters’ stories now. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, feeding her addiction to TV, or cooking a new dish for family and friends. She loves to hear from readers, so drop by her Facebook page and say hi or e-mail me at kmscottauthor@gmail.com.

Author Contact Info:
Website / Google Plus / Facebook / Goodreads

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WIN a $50 Gift Card at the end of the tour. Please follow the rafflecopter instructions.

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Flirting With Fire by Kyra Jacobs – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Flirting With Fire by Kyra Jacobs – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Flirting With Fire Banner

Flirting With Fire
Hometown Heroes #2
by Kyra Jacobs
Release Date: July 8, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

 

Flirting with FireAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Look, touch, but don’t fall in love.

Massage therapist Liz Williams lives by one rule: never date a client. A rule she’s never had trouble following until she lays hands on fireman playboy Torrunn MacKay. Trouble is, Liz’s sexy new client is dating her arch-rival at work…and has a strange habit of appearing just before the fire alarm sounds.

Firefighter Torrunn MacKay has got it made: killer job, downtown condo with a view, and hot blonde girlfriend with no more desire to tie the knot than he has. But the surprise attraction he feels toward his new masseuse is threatening to change all that. And what’s with the string of fires that seem to follow her everywhere?

Can Liz mind her table manners and keep Torrunn at arms’ length? Will Torrunn put his commitment fears aside to keep Liz safe? More than hearts will be in jeopardy when the two start Flirting with Fire.



Review:

Oh I liked that. Flirting with Fire by Kyra Jacobs was a great read.

This was the second book in her Hometown Heroes series. This book can be read as a stand alone.

I really enjoyed the book. Gotta love the imagery of massages to a hot, nearly-naked fireman 🙂

I liked Liz, and I enjoyed her friends from home, Mitch and Sarah.  I totally loved Torrunn and his buddies at the fire house. I also enjoyed her new friends Jessica and Tony, too.

The plot was great, keeping me on my toes, throughout the book.  All the characters were very 3D and attention to detail wasn’t scrimped. A small town girl moves to the big city, and everywhere she turns a hot fireman seems to be there. Is there more than it seems. Sparks are flying… literally!!! A firebug seems to be targeting her. With so many suspects, how do you know who to trust before it’s too late.

I can highly recommend Flirting with Fire, especially if you like a steamy who dunnit.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Author

 

Guest post-White and Red

 Blending Fiction with Non

Like most fiction writers, my imagination tends to run a bit wild. Imaginary heroes and heroines, friends and lovers, villains and, well, more villains. I love to explore, to create, to inspire. But just because I can dream up imaginary worlds doesn’t necessarily mean for each novel I write that I have to.

The primary setting for my current Hometown Heroes collection is Fort Wayne, Indiana. If you’ve been to Indiana you know that, like most areas of the Midwest, it’s a pretty conservative place. We’re swimming in a sea of corn and soybean fields, have a multitude of dairy and beef farms that keep the grocery stores stocked, and are home to a plethora of small towns scattered along interstate and rural highways zigzagging their way through our state. We have Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, and a handful of other wonderful mid-sized cities, but nothing as big as Chicago or Detroit. And for most residents of Indiana, that’s just fine with them—they like things the way they are.

 

100_0013(1)When I was a kid, I always envisioned growing up and moving away. Indiana was just kind of…boring. We didn’t have rocket launches or Hard Rock Cafés. No Disney theme parks, no oceans, no mountain ranges. All we had was the Indy 500 and the Indianapolis Colts…and for a kid in northeast Indiana, those were both still a few hours away and weren’t exactly going on year-round.But then something unexpected happened: I grew up. Oh wait, I guess the growing up part wasn’t unexpected. But what came with the growing up surprised me—the realization that where we lived wasn’t so bad after all. The cost of living in Indiana compared to other states is reasonable, our city streets are safer than most, and our community is ranked one of the best places in the country for raising kids. So my dreams of growing up and moving away gradually evolved into ones of staying put, and making the most of living in our wonderful city.

It only made sense to base my first two novels, ARMED WITH STEELE and FLIRTING WITH FIRE, right here in my hometown. Sure, I could have dreamt up some imaginary city or town, and spent a bunch of time world-building. But then I thought, wouldn’t it be even more fun to bring the stories in my head to life right here, where I could pass by the characters’ homes, their places of business, their crime scenes, where they shared their first kisses, every day?

Who needs Hollywood when I can drive by the locations of my Happily Ever Afters any time I want?

There are some imaginary places built in to the stories, I won’t deny that. But for the most part, what you see in the Hometown Heroes collection is what you get…and as a writer, I enjoyed letting the pride of my hometown shine through the words on each and every page. I can only hope you enjoy the stories—whether you’ve ever set foot in Indiana or not—as much as I do.

Happy reading, everyone!

 

about the author

kyra_jacobs_author_web1

Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love and mystery in the Midwest. When this Hoosier native is not pounding out scenes for her next book, she’s likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves golf, Guitar Hero, and thinking through plot twists while out on a good run. Be sure to stop by her website www.KyraJacobs.wordpress.com for links to connect with her on social media. Kyra lives in northern Indiana with her husband and two children.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads

 

giveaway

Kyra is offering an e-copy of FLIRTING WITH FIRE to ONE (1) lucky commenter and an e-copy of ARMED WITH STEELE (first book in series) to ONE (1) lucky commenter  at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Like Kyra Jacobs on Facebook for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open Internationally

7. Giveaway runs from August 15th -August 19th , 2014

 

 

 

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Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark #15) by Kresley Cole-a review

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DARK SKYE (Immortals After Dark #15) by Kresley Cole- a review

Dark Skye (Aug 14)

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5, 2014

Eternal Obsession

As a boy, Thronos, Lord of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body – and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

Endless Yearning

Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.

Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?

With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DARK SYKE is the fifteenth instalment in Kresley Cole’s paranormal romance Immortals After Dark series focusing on any number of immortal beings of the Lore. This is Vrekener Prince Thronos Talos and the sorceress Queen of Persuasion Melanthe’s (Lanthe) storyline. As the impending war known as The Accession between the supernatural builds, Prince Thronos seeks out the one person who destroyed his life and his body –five hundred years earlier-his mate Melanthe.

As a Vrekener, Thronos is a winged angel of Skye but five centuries ago an attack against his mate’s family left Thronos mortally wounded and clinging to life. Decades of regeneration and recovery left Thronos in perpetual pain and a need for revenge wrought from his heart and his soul. With his mate on the run for her life, Thronos life falls into chaos when he finally crosses paths with the woman who will either kill him or save him from damnation.

The relationship between Thronos and Lanthe is volatile and destructive, and in this a good portion of DARK SKYE finds our leading couple in a virtual war with one another which further amped my anxiety in a series where destined mates fight their attraction and destiny. Thronos and Lanthe have a history together, one that started as children making this a friends to lovers/second chance storyline for two people destroyed by a mistake from the past. Both believe that the other has betrayed each and the results have left Thronos and Lanthe ill prepared for the truth. As our couple is thrown between Lorean Worlds and through portals not necessarily of their own making, a reluctant truce will be the only thing that keeps each other alive. Because most of the storyline focuses on the building relationship between Thronos and Lanthe, time spent with the previous storyline characters is limited and only when necessary.

Kresley Cole continues to build towards The Accession-a war that has been prophesied to destroy the supernatural powers. Nucking-Futs Nix reveals more of her all-seeing abilities as she continues to play matchmaker between the species hoping for an alliance within the Lore. As mortal enemies become friends and lovers, Nix ventures further in the hopes of finding her sister and pushing the inevitable a little further in time.

DARK SKYE is a staggeringly wonderful and imaginative storyline that furthers the addicting Immortals After Dark series closer to The Accession. Kresley’s passion and fascination with the supernatural is matched by her brilliant stories and wondrous imagination.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

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The Summer of Jake by Rachel Bailey – a Review

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The Summer of Jake by Rachel Bailey – a Review

 

The Summer of Jake

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo


Description:
Life is just dandy for aspiring fashion designer Annalise Farley. She has a great job (or she will once her designs are discovered), parents who only slightly disapprove, a cat that thinks she’s a dog, and a best friend…even if she hasn’t seen her in a while. But then Jake Maxwell saunters back into her life. Jake, the love god. Jake, her best friend’s older brother. Jake, who broke her heart at sixteen without realizing it, then left to become a pro surfer. Now he’s back, having taken the surfing and business worlds by storm, and he’s ready for a new challenge—catching the eye of another girl. And he wants Annalise’s help. Helping Jake land his next girlfriend is too fraught with emotional danger for her liking, but then Jake offers to put her designs in his shops. Is that the sound of her life cracking at the seams? It’s hard to tell with Jake smiling at her like she’s the only thing that makes him happy…

Review:

Time to focus. I needed to be absolutely on my guard. “So, what’s the favor?”

He leaned back in his chair, linking his hands behind his head. “I’ve met my future girlfriend.”

“Oh?” There was that strange freezing thing again. Twice in one day was probably bad…Maybe I should check these symptoms with a doctor – paralysis of body parts could be a precursor to a stroke.

Yikes! It was bad enough to have just been fired from a job the day before, but to hear that your former crush wants your help to win over another girl?! No wonder Annalise is considering a triage at the ER. The Summer of Jake by Rachel Bailey was exactly what I needed before the back-to-school countdown. I was swooning from the get-go; picturing a sexy as hell David Gandy as Jake and Annalise…well…it’s obviously ME!!! You know you do it, too! 😀

So the negotiations are done: In exchange for Jake’s makeover (attire and manners) to impress Scarlett, two of Annalise’s swimwear designs will be featured at Jake’s surf shop. Easy enough. Will someone then please tell both of them to take this seriously and stop starring in each other’s fantasies?! Not this reader – otherwise, it would have been a dull book instead of a delicious romp! Hormones are raging and ruling over logic.

Yep, there was the body disobedience – a slight increase in temperature, a flutter in my belly, and a blush thing trying to come out. Why was I always blushing around him?

Jake’s charming and impossible to resist; especially when you’ve been carrying a torch for him in spite of his indifference. Or has he noticed Annalise all along? Genes (background story) and being his kid sister’s BFF were definite factors to keep Jake’s attention elsewhere, but hell if Annalise isn’t stunning and enticing now. Noooo…must resist!

If it’s any consolation, Jake, Annalise is far from immune – it took your coffee date proposal to propel her right back to those adolescent feelings (that have more than matured since then). This is why she banned all flirtation and insisted you remain professional. And yet when Jake adheres to Annalise’s (half-hearted) no-flirting policy, she feels a pang of regret on his follow-through. Sucks to do the “right” thing.

‘I don’t know. Maybe I’m looking for something.”

“You find it?”

“I think I’ve found part of it. Problem is, I don’t know what the rest of it is.”…

“You mess around too much. Always have a cocky smile on your face. You’ve managed to get away with that in surfing and your business, but not for this. This is going to be harder, and you’re going to have to make new rules about how to get there.”

“Do you know what it is?”

“I’ve got an idea.”

“Tell me.”

“Nope. It won’t mean anything unless you find it for yourself.”

I have an idea, as do you, you smart readers. Question is, will Jake recognize it, her, when she’s hiding in plain sight? Man, did I love this book! It was such a spirited, romantic, relatable story. Ms. Bailey’s use of spazzy inner monologue was freaking funny (and dear to my heart), as were her love for chocolate and the antics of her cat/dog, Rover. Water is my personal kryptonite, but Ms. Bailey lulled me with lush, not terrifying, images of its beauty. I wouldn’t consider myself “cured”, but I wasn’t a gasping mess, either.

The Summer of Jake should never be seasonal! 😉

Review by Carmen

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