Monthly Archives: April 2015

Chasing Danger (Deadly Ops 2.5) by Katie Reus-a review

Posted on by
12

CHASING DANGER (Deadly Ops 2.5) by Katie Reus-a review

Chasing Danger

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

About the Book: Release Date April 21, 2015

Chief Nursing Officer Hannah Young is accustomed to working under pressure, but even she’s still reeling in the aftermath of a horrific terrorist attack on Miami. And things only get worse after a knife wielding maniac tries to kill her. Desperate for help, Hannah must turn to the one man she never thought she’d see again.

After spending an intensely passionate night with Hannah, NSA Agent and former Delta Force operative Dax Costas fell off the face of the earth. He got called away for a two week mission with no way to contact her. Now he can’t get the smart, sexy woman out of his head. She might be angry at him, but when it appears she has a stalker, Dax moves her under his roof and into his protection.

Unfortunately, whoever wants Hannah dead will stop at nothing. And if Dax can’t identify the perpetrator in time, it could be too late to discover if there is more between him and Hannah than just heated passion…

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: CHASING DANGER is a novella in Katie Reus’s adult, contemporary Deadly Ops romantic suspense series. This is NSA Agent Dax Costas, and nurse Hannah Young’s storyline. Chasing Danger can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

The storyline follows Hannah as she considers what it is she wants from Dax Costas. Dax disappeared without a word, a few weeks earlier, and in this Hannah believes she has been played like a fool. When Dax returns, and is unable to tell Hannah where he had been, Hannah knows it is time to move on even if Dax wants a chance at something more.

Hannah has a stalker; she is the target of a man trying to clean up loose ends, and Hannah knows his secret. What ensues are several attempts on Hannah’s life wherein Dax will take matter into his own hands. If the Miami PD are unable to protect the woman with whom he has fallen in love, Dax will make sure that Hannah’s stalker is stopped-once and for all.

The relationship between Hannah and Dax is a slight second chance build. When Dax disappeared, Hannah all but gave up on the sexy, secretive man but she was unaware as to the extent of his undercover operations and going black. The $ex scenes are intimate, romantic, and a little bit steamy. Katie excels at intoxicating sexy romance.

The secondary and supporting characters include Hannah’s coworkers and friends; and we are introduced to several of Dax’s fellow agents at the NSA.

CHASING DANGER is a quick and provocative read. There is drama, betrayal, mystery and suspense. The reader is pulled into an addicting and passionate storyline where the characters are definitely in the driver’s seat. Sit back and let Katie Reus seduce your mind.

Reading Order and reviews
Targeted
Bound To Danger
Chasing Danger

Copy supplied by Netgalley by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Broken Juliet (Starcrossed #2) by Leisa Rayven-a review

Posted on by
10

BROKEN JULIET (Starcrossed 2) by Leisa Rayven-a review

Broken Juliet

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 28, 2015

How do you fix a love that’s been broken beyond repair?

For years, Cassie Taylor tried to forget about Ethan Holt. He was the one great love of her life, and when he failed to return her love, a part of her died forever. Or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Claiming to be a changed man, he’s finally able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago, but can she believe him? What makes this time different from all his other broken promises?

Ethan knows he can’t change their tumultuous past, but if he’s going to have any chance of being with the woman he loves, he’ll need to convince Cassie that her future belongs with him.

Don’t miss this stunning conclusion to the unforgettable love story that captivated over two million fans online.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BROKEN JULIET is the second installment in Leisa Rayven’s new adult, contemporary Starcrossed romance duology focusing on stage actors Cassie Taylor and Ethan Holt.

Told from Cassie’s first person POV with flashbacks, memories and journal entries from both Cassie and Ethan, spanning six years and several time lines, BROKEN JULIET is the continuing story of two people damaged by the past. Six years earlier, Ethan walked out of Cassie’s life without explanation but in the ensuing years our couple will come together time and time again. BROKEN JULIET finds Cassie with a decision to make-take Ethan back, demons and all-or say goodbye for the very last time. Current day Ethan and Cassie have the leading roles in an off Broadway play where the storyline is a reflection of their day to day lives.

Ethan was a young man on the brink of disaster and with it came rage, anger, jealousy, low self esteem and a need to control that stemmed from a horrendous childhood of neglect and abandonment. Now, Ethan’s emotional instability is under control and he sets his sights on winning back the woman he has loved for close to six years- but winning is subjective if the heart cannot forgive and forget about the past.

Most of the previous storyline characters play a secondary and supporting role. Several time lines reveal the building heartbreak and animosity; and how friends and fellow actors prepared for the onslaught of disaster. BAD ROMEO (book 1) was originally a piece of fan fiction based on the Twilight series and characters wherein our hero believes himself a danger to his leading lady; the similarities are obvious; the characters a mirror image. Ethan’s sister Elissa’s storyline will be told next in WICKED HEART. Ethan and Cassie’s acting instructor Erika, is a force unto herself. BROKEN JULIET is the conclusion to Ethan and Cassie’s storyline-a love that will endure.

The flashbacks and journals reveal Cassie and Ethan’s thoughts, worries, needs and emotional frailty at that particular moment in the story time line. Because BROKEN JULIET is told from Cassie’s first per point of view, Ethan’s POV is revealed through his diaries and with it comes the emotional fall out of a man who believes he is not worthy of love.

BROKEN JULIET is more angst ridden and emotionally heartbreaking than BAD ROMEO. Leisa Rayven brings the reader up close and personal into the minds and lives of two broken people. Cassie’s internal dialogue is revealing. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and steamy. Give the series a try.

Copy supplied by St. Martins through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Bleddyn Hall by Amanda L.V. Shalaby – a Review

Posted on by
12

Bleddyn Hall by Amanda L.V. Shalaby – a Review

 

bleddyn hallAmazon

Description:
After a whirlwind romance during the London Season, Lady Isabel Sutton finds herself quickly engaged to the handsome Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy. But when his father passes away suddenly, Lord Tresham’s period of mourning delays their marriage and ruins the season for Tresham’s younger twin sisters, Annalise and Rosamund.

After the girls invite Isabel to their Yorkshire home, Bleddyn Hall, Tresham seems an entirely different man than the one she fell in love with in London. Not only that, but all is not well within the walls of Bleddyn Hall. The house’s dark secrets lead to murder, mystery and a gruesome discovery.

Was Isabel’s happy future with Tresham nothing more than an illusion? Will she survive her stay at Bleddyn Hall?

 


Review:

Bleddyn Hall is the third book for Amanda Shallaby, and I have been lucky enough to read her previous two historical romances. Having read two books by Ms. Shallaby I was eager to get started on Bleddyn Hall and in my opinion I’d say she has another hit on her hands. Bleddyn Hall is filled with everything I’ve come to enjoy in an historical romance. Blossoming love, courting, fancy balls and gowns, a dashing hero and feisty heroine, all with a perfectly good mystery thrown in that kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end.

In Bleddyn Hall we are introduced to Lady Isabel Sutton and the ever dashing Lord Tresham Bleddyn. From the start it’s obvious these two are destined to be together. Lord Thresham and Lady Isabel are wonderfully written characters that draw you into their story and lives and lead you on a journey filled with emotion, mystery, suspense, love and angst. Both characters are well suited to one another and their love for one another is believable and real. It’s pretty much love at first site and I absolutely love these kinds of stories. Yes I’m a true romantic at heart and fall for these types of stories every time.

However, even though Lady Isabel and Lord Tresham are well suited and it seems it’s smooth sailing for their courtship, sudden disaster strikes. We learn of Lord Tresham’s father passing away, but soon learn it wasn’t an accident, but murder, and that there could be a murderer on the loose at Bleddyn Hall. This is where the story really picks up the pace and everything from here on in unfolds fast and furious. The suspense and mystery surrounding the death of two characters at Bleddyn Hall, and the suddenly strange behaviour on Lord Tresham’s part keeps the reader turning the pages wanting to find out what’s going on. There’s even one point where I myself was beginning to wonder if we knew all there is to know about Lord Tresham and was he harbouring some deadly secret. Heck at one point I was so furious over Lord Tresham’s sudden change in behaviour and character that I wanted to reach into the book and slap him silly. It isn’t until the last few chapters that Ms. Shallably springs a twist on us you never saw coming. I never once even thought of this plot twist and found it to be a brilliant move on her part. When this twist is revealed it answers all the questions that were bouncing around in my head as I read this story and no I’m not spilling the beans on this one because it would ruin the whole book for you. If you want to know what happens then you have to read it for yourself.

Bleddyn Hall was an exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way though. The characters are well written and bring their story to life. The secondary characters play their role of supporting cast well, and add an extra layer of life and adventure to the story. Ms. Shallaby’s writing style is such that it allows the reader to become a part of the story as she literally paints a picture with words and makes you feel like you are there in the time period. There were times I looked down at my clothes expecting to find some elegant gown adorning me and looking like the Belle of the Ball. 😉 If you are one for a good mystery, filled with suspense, murder and mayhem all surrounding a budding romance then Bleddyn Hall is your type of read. Ms. Shallaby really has a knack for writing historical romances and has made me more of a fan of this genre. Looking forward to more from this author.

Until next time, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

Share

Pippa of Lauramore by Shari L. Tapscott – a Review

Posted on by
13

Pippa of Lauramore by Shari L. Tapscott – a Review

 

Pippa of LauramoreAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Princess Pippa of Lauramore is about to turn eighteen, and in honor of the great occasion, her father King Ewan invites thirty princes and lords from kingdoms near and far to compete for Pippa’s hand in marriage.

Arrogant Prince Lionel of Vernow is expected to win the competition handily, but spunky princess Pippa refuses to marry such a pompous man without a fight. When she spies Galinor, the dark-haired, blue-eyed prince of Glendon, she sets out to make him hers—convincing him to join her on a midnight ride away from the festivities.

When King Ewan catches Pippa, he orders her to spend twelve days of confinement in the castle, but she refuses to be contained while her fate is decided without her. Enlisting the help of her childhood friend Archer, master archer of the kingdom, they make a pact to do everything in their power to ensure Galinor’s victory in the marriage games.

But as the games progress and the stakes get higher and higher, Pippa and Archer are forced to not only confront marauding bandits, angry dragons, and King Ewan’s wrath, but also the growing attraction between them…

Review:

Pippa of Lauramore, is book one in The Eldentimber Series by Shari Tapscott.   This is a story that fairy tales are made from.  Our story opens with a celebration of birth for the coming of age Princess Pippa of Lauramore.  Princess Pippa has just turned eighteen, and her father King Ewan has invited thirty eligible Princes to compete in a tournament. The winner of the tournament will receive Pippa’s hand in marriage.  Her family is keen on one such prince – Prince Lionel of Vernow.  But Pippa does not see him the same as her family does.  In the midst of the festivities she knows that she must find the one Prince that is right for her.  There must be one that can and will defeat Prince Lionel for her hand in marriage.   As the guests toast to her eighteenth birthday, Pippa notices the one man that she thinks may just be able to save her.  He is tall, dark and handsome.  He has eyes as blue as a cloudless sky and the face that any artist would love to paint.  His name is Prince Galinor of Glendon.  From the moment they lock eyes Pippa is smitten.  Pippa has decided she wants to leave the festivities and show her new Prince an amazing place.  Just as they are about to leave, the kingdoms Master Archer finds them.  He instructs Pippa that it is not a wise idea to leave the castle walls. But Pippa begs him not to tell her father that she is leaving the castle walls alone with a man. Reluctantly and at Pippa’s urging Archer agrees.    But soon her father finds out and Pippa is punished to her quarters for twelve days.  Punishment means she will miss most of the tournaments festivities and the chance to help her true prince win…  Or will she.

Pippa soon devises a plan to help her Prince Galinor win the tournament. She enlists the help of the one man that has always stood by her side, her longtime friend and mentor, Archer. But the more Archer helps her, the more torn she becomes about the one she has chosen to be her prince.  Her heart begins to realize that the man she may seek quite possibly is the one that has always been there for her.  But they both know that a mere archer can not marry a princess, and so the tournament continues.  Will true love win out or will she be destined to live a life with a prince she does not wish to marry?

Prince Lionel is a cocky, arrogant, brooding prince of man.  He is the character that you will love to hate.  From page one I despised him.  And my feelings towards him did not improve at all throughout the story.  His demeanor is completely off putting and you truly want to see him come to a horrible fate.   Pippa is a young woman, strong willed, witty and headstrong.  She thinks she knows exactly what she wants and does anything in her power to achieve it.  Her character is real and authentic and exactly the type of woman you would want as a friend or for your children to look up to.  She is not afraid to speak her mind in a time when that was unheard of.   Prince Galinor is valiant, handsome and strong. He is the “prince” fairy tales are written about.  He is the one you want to win the heart of young Pippa.  And the one you want to know even more about.   I fell completely head over heels for this young prince.  That is until Archer sauntered (reluctantly) into the picture.  Archer will win you over and leave you begging for more.  And in an amazing and beautiful journey he may just become the true prince Pippa is looking for.

Will Pippa find the prince of her dreams?  Will she end up having to marry the insufferable Prince Lionel?  Will her father allow her to have a marriage based on true love and not the one decided upon by a tournament?  This book is a must read if you want to find out.  This  journey is new and fresh,  the twists and turns are  palpable. 

The authors  writing places you right into the story – it pulls you in and holds you there.  From the main characters to the sub-characters – you want to know it all.  You want the backstory and the future story all at the same time.  This is not your everyday foo foo fairytale – this Princess knows how to go about getting exactly what she wants and she can hold her own with the best of them. But be warned – this book contains magic – and any young girl (or old girl) will get lost in its pages and lose all track of time. I absolutely loved this story from page 1 to the end. Finished it in one day!   It is full of royal regality and reverence.  It places you right in the mix of the tournament and the turmoil.  From kings to princesses, from fairies to dragons it is a pure mix of magic and magnetism. Did I mention the dragons! Swoon!   This is one that I will buy a hard copy of and pass on to my daughter as a true treasure to hold for generations.  And I can barely contain my excitement that this series will continue – as I will continue to follow Mrs Tapscott!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Author

Share

Grind: A Legal Affairs Story (Cal and Macy Pt 2) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

Posted on by
11

GRIND: A Legal Affairs Story (Cal and Macy Pt 2) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

GrindBannerTour

Grind is the second book in this Legal Affairs trilogy (Cal and Macy’s Story) and is releasing on 4/21/15. Clash was released on 4/7/15 and Yield will be released on 5/5/15. Grind and Yield are full length novels, while Clash is a novella.

 

GRIND
A Legal Affairs Story
Cal and Macy part 2
by Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: April 21, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

Grind

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /  iTunes / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 21, 2015

Grind (verb): to weaken or destroy gradually

Macy Carrington is not the woman I once thought her to be.

What she does not allow her heart to feel, she gives with her body. The sex between us is explosive and depraved. I’ve done things with her that would never have crossed my wildest imagination, and I can’t ever seem to get enough.

But now I want more from her. I want to figure out her dark secret, expose it and then help her to heal from it. I know, without a doubt, that Macy is capable of love, and I will grind her down until I make her accept the truth of it.

Grind (verb): to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction

Cal Carson is not the man I once thought him to be.

Strong, determined, sexy as hell and a beast in the bedroom. He is every woman’s fantasy.

He is my fantasy.

But no matter how hard Cal tries to grind me down, my heart and secrets are mine and mine alone.

•••••••••

REVIEW: GRIND is the second installment in Sawyer Bennett’s adult, contemporary A Legal Affairs Story erotic romance storyline. GRIND is part 2 and the continuation of Cal Carson and Macy Carrington’s storyline. GRIND is part two of a three part series and therefore, the installments must be read in order

NOTE: There are graphic depictions of bondage, M/M, F/F, M/F/M/F sexual situations.

Told from Cal’s first person point of view with excerpts from Macy’s diary entries, GRIND follows two paths: Cal’s defense of Macy in a legal case that finds Macy at the receiving end of a nuisance law suit in the hopes of money: and the building relationship between Cal and Macy. Macy doesn’t do relationships; doesn’t do love; and definitely doesn’t do family. As the storyline unfolds, Macy’s walls begin to shatter but not before Cal’s eyes are opened to the depths of Macy’s heartbreak and pain.

Once again, the secondary and supporting players include MacKayla and Matt Connover, Cal’s ex girlfriend, and a quick glimpse into the Carrington family dynamics.

GRIND is a sexually erotic storyline that follows Macy’s need for sex. Macy uses sex as a weapon; as a tool; but most of all as a way to punish herself for the sins of the past. Macy’s demons run very close to the surface and we get a quick glimpse into the what and the who, may have been the precipitating factor behind Macy’s destructive path. This installment ends on a cliff hanger-so be forewarned.

Sawyer Bennett does an amazing job keeping the reader in suspense about Macy’s past and what’s in store for the future. GRIND is a provocative, passionate and dramatic installment -an exhilarating storyline from Sawyer Bennett.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Grind promo banner

 

Series Spotlight Black and White

CLASH
Cal and Macy part 1
A Legal Affairs Story
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance
Release Date: April 7, 2015

ebook only 99¢:

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / itunes / Google Play

ClashABOUT THE BOOK: April 7, 2015

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of CLASH

Clash (verb): to conflict, disagree.

It might be fair to say that I despise Macy Carrington. She slings insults with precision, not caring about the destruction she leaves in her wake. We clash in a battle of wills every time we’re around each other, and yet… I still fantasize about being lodged deep within her body.

Clash (verb): to come together or collide.

I have never encountered someone that grates me the way Cal Carson does. His pompous, arrogant demeanor. A holier-than-thou attitude. Any interaction with “Saint Cal” ends in a verbal clash of epic proportions, and yet… there’s no one I’d rather have in my bed than him.

Clash (noun): a battle, fight or skirmish.

Her breathy moans mingle with the sound of our flesh coming together, clashing with the silence that surrounds us, dispelling any notions I once had about Macy Carrington.

Maybe I can break down her walls if we can call a truce to this battle.

He whispers filthy words in my ear, provoking feelings I never knew were possible. The burning desire in his touch clashes with everything I once believed about Cal Carson.

Maybe he can be the balm I need to soothe my broken soul, if only temporarily.

About The Author Black and White

Sawyer BennettNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series.

Sign Up for Sawyer’s Newsletter HERE

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | TSU

Rafflecopter Giveaway Black and White

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

PRIZE:  Enter to win a $50 gift card (Amazon, B&N, or iBooks)

Enter here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1f70eab625/

Share

Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen – a Review

Posted on by
9

Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen – a Review

 

Getting Lucky Number SevenAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM



Description:
What’s your lucky number?

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student is out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she’s played it “safe” quite enough, thank you. So she creates a “College Bucket List”―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex…

But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla’s transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he’s not careful, he’ll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7…


Review

Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen was a fun and enjoyable romance. Lyla wants to step out of her comfort zone and complete a college bucket list, which includes getting a makeover and being more easy going around guys. She enlists her best friend’s help, knowing how much Beck “gets” her and will understand her need to do this.
But Beck is a guy, in fact he is a hockey player, a jock, and a total babe magnet. So who better than her best friend to help her change from nerd to sexy. 

The dual point of view took me a few chapters to get into, but once I settled, it was fun reading both sides if this love story. 

Yeah it was a little predictable, but who cares, I totally loved the book. It’s well written, the characters are well thought out, and very three dimensional. 

There is lots of funny one liners, poor Beck as he struggles with his feelings for his friend, and the labels that go with college, “jock” and “nerd”.

And I’m sure you all want to know, does she get her number 7 on the list ? And if so, who was it ? 

Well………., 

Nope, can’t do it to you, it would spoil it for you.  🙂

The secondary characters of Jeff, Megan, and Whitney made the book even more entertaining and I really hope that they get their own book. I really hope that this book turns into a series as I could definitely read more about this group of people.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick – a Review

Posted on by
8

Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick – a Review

 

Garden of LiesAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
The Kern Secretarial Agency provides reliable professional services to its wealthy clientele, and Anne Clifton was one of the finest women in Ursula Kern’s employ. But Miss Clifton has met an untimely end—and Ursula is convinced it was not due to natural causes.
 
Archaeologist and adventurer Slater Roxton thinks Mrs. Kern is off her head to meddle in such dangerous business. Nevertheless, he seems sensible enough to Ursula, though she does find herself unnerved by his self-possession and unreadable green-gold eyes…
 
If this mysterious widowed beauty insists on stirring the pot, Slater intends to remain close by as they venture into the dark side of polite society. Together they must reveal the identity of a killer—and to achieve their goal they may need to reveal their deepest secrets to each other as well

 

Review:

Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick is a historical romance that takes place in Victorian London. This is not just a historical romance, but a story full of intrigue, mystery and murder. This is a different type of historical read for me, but a wonderful story and very well written by Quick.

Ursula Kern is our heroine, and she is the owner of The Kern Secretarial Agency. When we meet Ursula, she is despondent about the death of her friend and employee. Ursula does not believe her friend’s death was normal, and after finding some papers hidden away, she suspects foul play.

Slater Roxton is an archaeologist and our hero. Slater was missing for over a year, thought dead from a cave in, only to come back home and was considered by many to be somewhat eccentric and mad. Ursula is on assignment helping him research and categorize artifacts, when she tells him she needs to leave for a few weeks. Slater, who has quietly become enamored of Miss Kern, insists she tell him the truth of why she is leaving.   She finally tells him she plans to go undercover to the job her friend was working on, to try and find out the truth. Of course, Slater has no intention of letting Ursula do this on her own.

What follows is an exciting adventure that involves drugs, crime lords, murder, and blackmail. With Slater and Ursula working together to discover truth, the danger escalates for both of them. In between all the surprises and twists, their relationship slowly builds and becomes a sweet and sensual romance.   This was a fun, romantic and exciting story. I loved Slater and Ursula together. The last third of the book was very suspenseful, and well done by Amanda Quick. If you like historical romances, suspense, mystery and a wonderful couple, I wholly recommend Garden of Lies.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Taken (Holton Woods 2.5) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Posted on by
9

TAKEN (Holton Woods 2.5) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Taken

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 21, 2015

Wade Royer and Elijah Sterling are on shaky ground. While initially reluctant Eli is finally ready to take things to the next level, Wade is hesitant. He senses trouble coming and he’s right. Still, they know their fiercely undeniable connection—both in and out of the bedroom—is worth saving.

Then a man from Eli’s past reappears and the CIA comes calling—and they both want Eli back. With their relationship in jeopardy of falling apart and Eli in danger of a different kind, both men will have to decide what they really want—and then take it…

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  TAKEN is the third installment in HelenKay Dimon’s adult, contemporary Holton Woods erotic, romance series. This is former CIA agent Eli Sterling and, Holton Woods security specialist Wade Royer’s storyline. TAKEN can be read as a stand alone but for  background information and character history, I would suggest reading in order as Eli and Wade’s storyline began in book one MERCY.

NOTE: TAKEN is an erotic, romance novella with M/M sexual situations.

TAKEN follows the ongoing relationship struggle between Wade and Eli. As a former CIA agent who left under extenuating circumstances, Eli was targeted for immediate disposal. With the threat now ‘buried’, someone from Eli’s past attempts to pull Eli back into the lifestyle he just escaped, and Wade fears Eli’s new direction in life is boring and sedentary. As Wade continues with his own issues of trust, another threat to his relationship with Eli comes in the form of an ex lover and friend.

Throughout the series, the relationship between Eli and Wade has been one of push and pull, yin and yang, and an emotional roller coaster of misunderstanding, perceived betrayal, and mistrust. Wade is quick to push Eli away, and in this Eli has a difficult time with the relationship dynamics. The $ex scenes are intimate, suggestive and provocative. Eli and Wade are deeply in love but there is quite a bit of emotional baggage and mistrust.

The supporting and secondary characters include Becca and Jarrett (Mercy #1) with only a mention of Kyra and Sebastian (Only #2). There is a start up of a relationship between former CIA agent Natalie Udall (whose life has also been targeted for termination) and Gabe- a man who runs a secret organization that specializes in deep, undercover protection. We are also introduced to Eli’s past-a man who wishes Eli was his present.

TAKEN is an intense, compelling and quick read that focuses on the troubled relationship between Wade and Eli, but also begins to build on the upcoming installment for Natalie and Gabe. There are moments of romance, love, heartbreak and pain in a storyline that ends with a happily ever after but getting there is a struggle.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight
MERCY
Holton Woods #1
by HelenKay Dimon
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: May 6, 2014

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

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of MERCY

RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2014

After she infiltrated his business and betrayed his trust, a disavowed CIA agent must seek sanctuary in the bedroom of a man who will either help her, kill her, or bring her to her knees

Becca Ford is on her own. Eight months after she headed up a sting operation to take down millionaire club owner Jarrett Holt, the other agents in her special ops team have been eliminated under odd circumstances, and she needs a place to hide.

Jarrett is a man who prefers darkness to light. He deals in the only truly valuable currency—information—and his supper club caters to an exclusive clientele. It was an uncharacteristic moment of weakness when he let a woman into his life. But it’s not luck that the criminal charges disappeared . . . as did the evidence.

When Becca returns to the club seeking his help, Jarrett doesn’t want to hear her story. But he does want her body, and demands that she give it to him. He’ll keep her safe—for now—but it’ll be in his bed and on his terms, until he says they’re done.

__________

ONLY
Holton Woods #2
by HelenKay Dimon
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: October 7, 2015

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2014

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of ONLY

He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…

ONLY

Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.

Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.

As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…

Share