Tag: book 6

Dark Alpha’s Hunger (Reaper: Book 6) by Donna Grant

On By JolieIn ARC, book review, NetGalley, St. Martin's Paperbacks, St. Martin's Press4 Comments

Dark Alpha's Hunger (Reapers Book 6) by [Grant, Donna]

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperback

Date of publication: August 7th, 2018

Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Fantasy

Series: Reaper

Dark Alpha’s Claim

Dark Alpha’s Embrace

Dark Alpha’s Demand

Dark Alpha’s Love

Dark Alpha’s Night

Dark Alpha’s Hunger

Where you can find Dark Alpha’s Hunger: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Dark Alpha’s Hunger is the sixth paranormal romance novel in New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant’s Reapers series featuring a brotherhood of élite assassins who wage war on the Fae at Death’s behest–and the women who change their hearts.

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an élite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

Where Death leads, I follow. Nothing will stop me from my duty – not even the darkness that claims me. It’s the music that leads me from the dark, returning me to my brethren and a new foe that has risen. Learning who hunts Thea could be the key to unraveling what we need to know to defeat our enemy. The Half-Fae’s music stirs a passion within me that I’ve never known. For her, I will break my vow of silence. For her…I will risk everything. 

My review:

I had heard of the Reaper series but hadn’t gotten around to reading any of the books. So when the publisher approached me to review this series, I decided, why not? Even though it is the 6th book in the series, I figured I could follow the plot. Which I did, kinda. The author kept bringing up earlier characters and their relationships. At one point, I couldn’t keep everything straight in my head. Besides the few quibbles I had with characters, I enjoyed reading Dark Alpha’s Hunger.

I thought that Eoghan and Thea’s relationship started oddly and remained odd. It was almost stalkerish since Eoghan decided to follow Thea around until he revealed himself. The only connection that he had with her was through her music. When she played her violin, he could find her. I thought it was a little creepy. Once they were together, they had great chemistry that bled to fantastic sex.

Speaking of the sex scenes, these were hot. The chemistry between Eoghan and Thea was off the charts. I had to fan myself a few times. If it could, my Kindle would have steamed up.

I felt that Thea got the stick end of things during the book. First, she brings Eoghan back from the darkness. Then she is semi-stalked by him until he shows himself. Then her biological mother kidnaps her and lays a lot of crap on her. That girl needed a stiff drink and a hug by the end of the book. She had been put through the wringer. I did like that she was an accomplished violinist. I loved how music immediately pulled her from crippling depression and gave her purpose.

Eoghan’s backstory killed me to read. No wonder he chose to take a vow of silence. I would have, too, if I had been put through what he went through. I didn’t get why Death told him to rescind his vow of silence until the end of the book. Then it hit me in an “AHA” moment. I liked his relationships with the other Reapers. There was an instant bond between them.

The end of the book was interesting and laid a definite foundation for the next book.

What I liked about Dark Alpha’s Hunger:

A) The chemistry between Eoghan and Thea

B) Thea music interest

C) Eoghan’s relationship with his other Reapers

What I disliked about Dark Alpha’s Hunger:

A) Had an issue following the plot at first

B) The start of Eoghan and Thea’s relationship

C) Thea’s mother

I would give Dark Alpha’s Hunger an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Dark Alpha’s Hunger. I would also recommend it to family and friends.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Paperbacks, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Dark Alpha’s Hunger.

All opinions stated in Dark Alpha’s Hunger are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Playing Hurt (Aces Hockey: Book 6) by Kelly Jamieson

On By JolieIn ARC, book review, Loveswept, NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group3 Comments

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept

Date of publication: July 17th, 2018

Genre: Sports, Romance

Series: Aces Hockey

Major Misconduct – Book 1

Off Limits – Book 1.5

Icing – Book 2

Top Shelf – Book 3

Back Check – Book 4

Slap Shot – Book 5 (review here)

Playing Hurt – Book 6

Where you can find Playing Hurt: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

He’s playing hurt. She’s laying low. And they’re both flirting with disaster.
 
“Kelly Jamieson is my go-to author for hockey romance.”—Jami Davenport
 
Chase: The last thing I’d ever want to do is let my team down. After overcoming my bad-boy reputation, I was dominating on the ice. But things aren’t going so well this season, and even my parents think I’m partying again. Now I’m really worried about my career. The only bright spot in my life is the Twitter flirtation I’ve struck up with pop princess Jordyn Banks. Turns out she’s a huge hockey fan—and she’s willing to wager a date on her favorite team. . . .

Jordyn: Even though I’m an L.A. fan now, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Aces, since I grew up in Chicago. Then I lose a bet to Chase Hartman, and suddenly I’m up close and personal with a pro athlete who’s anything but soft. Not only is Chase the hottest guy I’ve ever met, but he’s also secretly super sweet. As if I had time for a relationship . . . yeah, right. But when I suddenly have nothing but time on my hands, he’s the only one who understands. Now, with both of our careers at stake, Chase is tempting me to put my heart on the line too.

My review:

I needed to read Playing Hurt. I needed to read a romance where I didn’t have to use my brain to figure out complex plots/relationships. I was able to relax and enjoy reading this book. Which is something I haven’t been able to do in a long time!!

Playing Hurt is the 6th book in the Aces Hockey. This book can be read as a stand-alone. While the other characters from the earlier 5 books are in Playing Hurt, they do not take over the book. Which is something I liked.

The plot of Playing Hurt was cute. Chase starts flirting with Jordyn over Twitter. Eventually, they go on a date after she loses a bet to him. Sparks fly but nothing happens. It wasn’t until Jordyn suffers a vocal injury that lays her up for a year that she reconnects with Chase. That is where the story takes off.

Image result for stubborn men memes

I liked Chase, even if he was a stubborn SOB. Why was he stubborn? Well, he refused to go to the Dr and checked out. Even when he was in obvious pain. So yeah, that was the one part of him I didn’t like. Everything else, I loved. He was romantic (hello, surprise trip to Aruba!!) and more importantly, he knew how to communicate. Well, except for his injury. I did feel bad for him. His parents were jerks. Withholding love because he wanted to quit hockey as a child. That was awful.

I loved Jordyn. She was down to earth. She was sweet. She knew how to hold her own with Chase. My only issue with her was that she was almost too nice. There were a few points in the book where I wanted her to do something naughty to spice up her character. She was almost too sugary sweet. But that aside, I loved her. She was perfect for Chase. She was the ying to his yang.

The romance part of this book was sweet. I loved how the author chose to keep their relationship on a slow burn for the first half of the book. It made the chemistry between them insane. Sparks flew when they interacted. Be it Twitter, text, face to face or phone. And in turn, those sparks made for some pretty intense sex scenes.

I loved the end of the book. While it was your typical happily ever after, I had no issue imagining Chase and Jordyn lasting in real life.

What I liked about Playing Hurt:

A) Chase and Jordan’s Twitter romance

B) How romantic Chase was

C) How realistic their romance was

What I disliked about Playing Hurt:

A) Chase being so stubborn. I wanted to smack him upside his head

B) Jordyn being sugary sweet.

C) Chase’s parents

Image result for happily ever after gif

I would give Playing Hurt an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is some very mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

There are no trigger warnings for Playing Hurt.

I would reread Playing Hurt. I would recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Playing Hurt.

All opinions stated in this review of Playing Hurt are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Taking a Chance (Whisper Creek: Book 6) by Maggie McGinnis

On By JolieIn ARC, book review, Loveswept, NetGalley, Random House Publishing GroupLeave a comment

Taking a Chance (Whisper Creek, #6)

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept

Date of publication: November 7th, 2017

Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction

Number of pages: 256

POV: 3rd person

Series: Whisper Creek

Accidental Cowgirl – Book 1

A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise – Book 2

Once Upon a Cowboy – Book 3

Unlucky in Love – Book 4 (review here)

Meant to Be – Book 5 (review here)

Taking a Chance – Book 6

Where you can find Taking a Chance: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

A fun-loving troublemaker gives a workaholic Southern gal a real taste of Montana magic at the one and only Whisper Creek Ranch.

A rising star in the corporate world, Emma Winthrop enjoys the view from her cubicle in sunny Florida. But when she’s dispatched to a nursing home in Whisper Creek for three months of field experience, she discovers a slice of heaven made of mountains and mayhem—mostly in the form of rugged, drop-dead gorgeous Jasper Stone, who grinds his specialty beans at the town’s best coffee shop in between organizing dodge-ball games and wheelchair races in Emma’s hallways.

When Jasper walks in on this beautiful angel in silky purple underwear trying to rinse out her blouse, it’s a breathtaking view—even for a Montana native. Wreaking havoc here at Shady Acres keeps his dad in good spirits, but getting under Emma’s skin is proving to be even more fun. Jasper knows that he’s falling faster than a man with his past has any right to, but his body and his heart have a mind of their own. And Emma appears to be claiming both.

Trigger Warning: None

Continue reading “Taking a Chance (Whisper Creek: Book 6) by Maggie McGinnis” →

A Night of Forever (The Disgraced Lords: Book 6) by Bronwen Evans

On By JolieIn book review, NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group3 Comments
A Night of Forever: A Disgraced Lords Novel (The Disgraced Lords Book 6) by [Evans, Bronwen]

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept, Loveswept

Date of publication: October 25th, 2016

Genre: Romance

Series: The Disgraced Lords

A Kiss of Lies – Book 1

A Promise of More – Book 2

A Touch of Passion – Book 3

A Whisper of Desire – Book 4

A Taste of Seduction – Book 5

A Night of Forever – Book 6

A Love to Remember – Book 7 (expected date of publication: June 6th, 2017)

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book Synopsis:

Distrust is no match for desire as a proper young miss and a self-professed rogue hunt down a murderer in this thrilling Disgraced Lords novel from the USA Today bestselling author of A Kiss of Lies and A Taste of Seduction.

Arend Aubury trusts no one besides his fellow Libertine Scholars. After his family escaped from France, penniless and persecuted, only the Scholars took him in. So when the stepdaughter of the villainess who has been plotting against them approaches Arend with allegations against their enemy, he suspects a double cross. Yet Isobel is a tantalizing prize, with lips as sweet as champagne and skin as creamy as Camembert. Is she a feast for the senses—or a bitter trap?

Lady Isobel Thompson dreams of marrying an honorable gentleman with a spotless reputation, a trait that Arend seems to lack completely. But Isobel believes that her stepmother is responsible for her father’s death, and only Arend has the skills to uncover the truth. As a cover, Arend suggests a fake betrothal—and soon Isobel finds herself forgetting that their courtship is a ploy. He’s so different from the man of her fantasies, and yet he’s so terribly handsome, so dangerously intoxicating—and all Isobel wants is more.

My review:

I went into this book thinking that it was going to be one of those historical romances that the heroine was a dimwit, and the hero had significant trust issues and couldn’t get over them. I was right about the hero, but oh boy, was I wrong about the heroine.

Isobel surprised me. I thought she would be one of those heroines who got into trouble and then is like, “Why is this happening to me.” The only time that happened was in the prologue when the Libertine Scholar’s enemy kidnaped her and sent on a wild carriage ride with Marisa that resulted in Marisa being seriously injured. All of the situations that she found herself in after that, she took responsibility for it.

Arend Aubury, Baron Labourd, has some pretty dark secrets and was scarred by events that had happened to him while he was in Paris and Brazil. He refused to let anyone but the Libertine Scholars close to him and forget it if it was a beautiful woman. Then he froze her out. I honestly felt awful for him when he was reliving the past, and it was refreshing to see a historical novel that dared to touch on some darker subjects in detail.

Isobel has fallen under Arend’s radar because her stepmother, Victoria, is believed to be the madwoman stalking his friends and their wives. They think that Isobel is helping her, which is the farthest thing from the truth. Isobel believes Victoria killed her father and is trying to secure a marriage that will take her away from Victoria.

It doesn’t help that every time Victoria does something, Isobel is there or has knowledge of it. Still, even with all that hanging over her head, Arend manages to become very attracted to her. He also goes as far as to propose a “fake” engagement after Isobel tells him what I outlined above. His reasoning, it would be a great way to fool Victoria and for Arend to keep a close eye on Isobel.

Yeah, that didn’t go over too well. Soon, Isobel and Arend have consummated their relationship in a stable. That leads to Arend getting struck on the head with a piece of wood and Isobel being kidnapped with her friend Evangeline’s young son Sealy. It didn’t look well for her because her information (stolen from Victoria) led his friends in the opposite direction as to where Arend was. So yeah, it’s understandable why Arend and his friends didn’t trust her. If I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t either.

The sex scenes between Arend and Isobel were unbelievably hot. Like off the page scorching hot, which is another reason why I liked this book. Isobel actively went after Arend and told him what she wanted. Something other historical romances don’t do. Either they wait until marriage or the heroine’s first time is rushed. Isobel’s wasn’t nor were all the times afterward. They were like rabbits.

I cried when Arend finally opened up about what happened to him. Isobel’s reaction was perfect and was what Arend needed.

In a way, I did feel bad for Victoria too. For something that awful to happen to a young girl, it is bound to affect her and not in a good way. She let vengeance rule her life, and she was willing to sacrifice everything to get to the son of the person she held responsible for what happened to her.

The end of the book and the prologue made me bawl. There’s a twist that took me by surprise. There is a HEA for Arend and Isobel. The author did pave the way for book seven, and I can’t wait to read it. I also am going to eventually buy the other books too because I want to read the other couple’s stories.

I would give A Night of Forever an Adult rating. There is sex. There is mild language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread A Night of Forever. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Protect Me (The Donovan Family, Book 6) by Margaret Watson

On By JolieIn book review, Dragonfly Press, Non ARC3 Comments
Protect Me (The Donovan Family Book 6) by [Watson, Margaret]

Publisher: Dragonfly Press

Date of publication: November 11th, 2015

Genre: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance

Series: The Donovan Family

Love Me—Book 1

Watch Me—Book 2

Find Me—Book 3

Trust Me—Book 4

Cover Me—Book 5 (Review Here)

Protect Me—Book 6

Save Me—Book 7

See Me—Book 8

Catch Me—Book 9 (review here)

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Goodreads Synopsis:

Police officer Mia Donovan is studying for the detective’s exam when her captain offers her an assignment – be Finn O’Rourke’s personal bodyguard for the next three weeks. He’s in town to film a movie, he has a stalker, and the threats are escalating.

Mia isn’t interested – she’s focused on the looming exam. But her captain convinces her that successfully protecting Finn will look very good on her record when promotion decisions are made. So, reluctantly, she takes the assignment.

Finn isn’t the arrogant, egotistical actor Mia expected. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the ‘most hated man in America’, Finn’s nickname since he cheated on his girlfriend, a beloved pop star.

But his stalker is lurking and the threat is escalating. Although Mia’s feelings for Finn are growing, her job is to protect Finn, not fall in love with him.

“Margaret Watson, a star in the world of contemporary romance, grabs you on the opening page and keeps you reading to the happily ever after.” –New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips

This book is electric, right from the get-go.

Mia Donovan is what my mother-in-law would call a firecracker, and I loved it. I didn’t expect any less and would have been disappointed if the author had written her any other way. Even the way she introduced herself to Finn was gold. I loved it!!

I didn’t care for Finn’s character at first. I get he’s an Alpha male and thought he could protect himself from his stalker. To take the risks he did the first day was stupid, and he didn’t listen to Mia. Made me want to slap and shake him.

I was shocked at how fast they had sex. They didn’t even know each other for a week. The more I thought about it, and it made sense. They were together 24/7, with no breaks, and attracted to each other. I liked that they entered the relationship as adults. Except for the no-condom sex and taking each other’s word that they were clean. You couldn’t pay me any money to do that with someone I had just met.

Mia being undercover was a hoot, and I giggled when she became an airhead. It cracked me up. I laughed at every single scene.

Finn’s issues with his ex weren’t funny. He let her put his name through the mud because he’s nice. I will say that it reminds me of the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard saga going on.

The stalker’s identity and the end of the book were a little bit of a shock to me. The stalker wasn’t who I pegged. I wasn’t expecting the book to end the way it did. I did get a little misty-eyed at it !!

I would recommend Protect Me to anyone over 21. There is sex, language, and violence.

If you enjoyed reading Protect Me, you will enjoy reading these books:

Wed by Fortune (The Fortunes of Texas: All Fortunes Children: Book 6) by Judy Duarte

On By JolieIn ARC, book review, HarlequinLeave a comment
Wed by Fortune (The Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune's Children Book 2479) by [Duarte, Judy]

Publisher: Harlequin

Date of publication: May 24th, 2016

Genre: Romance

Series: The Fortunes of Texas: All Fortune’s Children

Fortune’s Secret Heir—Book 1

Fortune’s Perfect Valentine—Book 2

Fortune’s Secret Husband—Book 3

Fortune’s Special Delivery—Book 4

Fortune’s Prince Charming—Book 5

Wed by Fortune—Book 6

Purchase Links: Amazon | AbeBooks | Alibris | Powells | Indigo | BetterWorldBooks

Goodreads Synopsis:

You are cordially invited 

to witness the courtship 

of Graham Fortune Robinson 

&  

Sasha-Marie Gibault Smith

Graham has always thought of Sasha as his “little sister.” 

Sasha has always considered the rugged rancher out of her league. 

Now that Sasha is all grown up, there is nothing keeping them apart… Except she has a daughter. An ex-husband. And a very noticeable baby bump. And the always proper Graham suddenly finds himself thinking very sexy thoughts about the sweet single mom! 

Perhaps Fortune is finally smiling on Graham—in the form of the true love this rich, unencumbered cowboy has always longed for!

3 Things I liked about Wed by Fortune:

  1. Sasha-Marie and Graham’s characters. They were cute together, and the romance was adorable in a bumbling way. I also loved how Sasha’s 7-year-old daughter fell in love with Graham. OMG, the feels.
  2. The boys’ home substory.  I loved it. I thought it great that the author decided to write about something like this.
  3. Sasha’s daughter. I thought she was the cutest thing ever!!!! From her not-so-subtle attachment to Graham to her wanting to be a cowboy, she stole every scene that she was in this book.

3 Things I disliked about Wed by Fortune:

  1. Sasha’s ex. While he makes a couple of appearances in the book, what is revealed about him is awful. He is a selfish man-child, plain and simple. In one scene, I wanted to shove a boot up his butt.
  2. Graham’s relationship with his father. Ok, I will be blunt, Graham’s father is a manwhore. I mean, who has 8 children with his wife and then goes on to father at least 4 other kids (as of this book)? And he wasn’t very supportive of Graham at all, it seems.
  3. That this is the 6th book. While it is a standalone book, I felt I was missing key plotlines.

I would recommend Wed by Fortune to anyone over 16. It is a clean book (no sex, language, or violence). There are a couple of kissing scenes and one nongraphic sex scene.

If you enjoyed reading Wed by Fortune, you will enjoy reading these books:

Love in Bloom (Finding Mr. Right: Book #6) by Karen Rose Smith

On By JolieIn book review, Non ARCLeave a comment
Love in Bloom
Alternative cover here

Publisher: Unknown

Date of publication: February 25, 2011

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

Series: Finding Mr. Right

Kit and Kisses—Book 1

Forever After—Book 2

When Mom Meets Dad—Book 3

Falling For Her Boss—Book 4

Toys and Baby Wishes—Book 5

Love in Bloom—Book 6

Ribbons and Rainbows—Book 7

Wish on the Moon—Book 8

A Man Worth Loving—Book 9

Purchase Links: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

Dr. Paige Conrad needs Clay Reynolds’ help. However, he can’t give it because she and the rest of the town of Langley, Maryland, might discover his secret. Clay has no memory of the first 25 years of his life. The past and his father’s rejection is behind him. Digging it up brings back nightmare he has fought for ten years to control. After spending three years in underdeveloped countries following her parents vision of healing, Paige has come to Langley to gain perspective on her life and help an old friend with his medical practice. Learning Clay was involved in a rock climbing accident and went through the rehabilitation process, she wants him to share his experience with a trouble teenager to give the boy hope.
Paige and Clay are inexorably drawn to each other. But can Clay trust Paige and share his secret? Can Paige dare to follow her own dreams.

What I liked about Love in Bloom :

  1. The characters. There was so much depth to them that I expected Paige or Clay to come strolling into the room. Plus, the chemistry was sizzling between Paige and Clay from day 1.
  2. The romance. All I have to say is O.M.G.  I’m not saying anymore; you need to read the story.
  3. I liked everything about the book. It was one of those that grabbed you from the beginning and made you keep on reading. Because you wanted to find out what was going to happen.

What I disliked about Love in Bloom:

* The ending. While it was perfect for the book, it seemed a little rushed and too predictable for me.

* Paige’s background story. All I have to say is when it was revealed (during a conversation with Doc), I went (to myself) WTF and shook my head.

* Clay’s background and his trust issues. He went hot and cold with Paige at the worst times, and if a guy had done that to me, I would have been long gone.

If you enjoyed Love in Bloom, you will enjoy these books.

Night Wish (Eyes of Darkness: Book #6) by Christy Poff

On By JolieIn book review, Non ARC, Simon & Schuster, Torrid1 Comment
Night Wish (Eyes of Darkness Book 6) by [Poff, Christy]

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Erotica

Date of publication: April 1st, 2010

Publisher: Torrid Books, Simon & Schuster

Series: Eyes of Darkness

Dante’s Flame—Book 1

Spark of a Wolf—Book 2

Love Hurts—Book 3

Red Fire—Book 4

White Ice—Book 5 (review here)

Night Wish—Book 6

King’s Ransom—Book 7 (review here)

Winter Fire—Book 8

Goodreads synopsis:

“Hayden Beaumont is unique in so many ways—his eternal birthright, his good looks—everything about him. Searching for the right woman to share his life has been a never-ending task until he meets an artist on his return to Paris. Chandra Richards has an interest in a man she barely knows, but after meeting him one night at the top of the Eiffel Tower, she finds out what never-ending love means. When an angry vampire from his father’s past comes after Hayden, the city of Paris literally rocks. Will the Beaumonts’ past come back to haunt them? Or will their night wish be granted?” 

What I liked about Night Wish:

  1. It had hot vampire sex. Lots of hot vampire sex. Even the bad guys got it on and had paragraphs devoted to their sex. Plus, whenever they had sex, they caused earthquakes or thunderstorms. Which, to me, was interesting.
  2. I did like the story between Hayden and Chandra. Stripped down to the bones (ie, no hot vampire sex), it was adorable.
  3.  I also liked that Hayden wasn’t your typical vampire.

What I disliked about Night Wish:

  1. The hot vampire sex got old after a while. I could take only so many hot vampire sex scenes before I started giggling.
  2. The fact that they had sex and drank each other’s blood kinda skeeved me out. Strike that. Not kinda skeeved me out….110% skeeved me out.
  3.  I wish the ending didn’t seem so rushed, and they didn’t kill the main villain off so fast.