"Duke of Sin" By: Elizabeth Hoyt Review

Duke of Sin

By: Elizabeth Hoyt

Synopsis

A MAN OF SIN
Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans. 

A WOMAN OF HONOR
Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous. 

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH
Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . . 

My Thoughts
     Elizabeth Hoyt is back in rare form with her newest addition to the Maiden Lane series. Having been a fan of hers from her first novel, The Raven Prince, I was delighted to pick up this newest tale of love, loss, and redemption. While this book is the tenth in the series, I am ashamed to say I have missed the last two or three, and wasn't confused at all when I picked this one up, so Duke of Sin can absolutely be read as a stand alone.
     Montgomery has returned from his exile with a score to settle. Hoping to gain redemption and ruin those who had wronged him, Montgomery ventures into a seedy underbelly. Bridget Crumb, Montgomery's newest housekeeper, has secrets and her own agenda. In a world filled with intrigue and never knowing who your friends or enemies truly are, Bridget and Montgomery find kindred spirits within one another. Only Hoyt can have this mysterious Duke find common ground with a destitute, secretive housekeeper who ultimately find their happily ever after.
      As I mentioned before, I had missed a few of the last novels. Boy, am I fixing this ASAP. Hoyt's worlds are just so nuanced and layered, and once you start it all just clicks. Romantic to its core, Hoyt writes unique characters, each and every time, which I adore. No cookie cutter heroine or hero, their traits and characteristics give you an insight into who they are, their motivations, and ultimately their fates. Gorgeously written as always, with plenty of sexytimes, romantic to the core, and just plain lovely, I can't recommend Duke of Sin highly enough. Just a great story, with fabulous characters, written in Hoyt's trademark wit I can't recommend this book highly enough. 

"Fight to the Finish" By: Jeanette Murray Review

Fight to the Finish

By: Jeanette Murray

Synopsis

Kara is a single mom working hard to keep life running smoothly for herself and her son, but a custody battle is wearing her down. When her friend suggests asking a JAG officer for some unofficial advice, Kara agrees—and soon finds herself officially head over heels...

As a Judge Advocate, Graham has seen his share of nasty custody disputes—and he plans on keeping his distance from this one. But this purposeful, passionate woman has a way of drawing him ever closer to the edge. And when Kara’s ex starts to throw his weight around, Graham will have to choose between toeing the line or stepping into the ring...

My Thoughts

     I adore Jeanette Murray’s writing. She writes lovely characters with rich backgrounds and histories, while not leaving out the heat I’ve come to expect from her books. Somehow I had missed the first two books in this trilogy, so I read this one a wee bit out of order. However, it in no way made my enjoyment any less…it just made me buy the first two and go on a reading binge!

     Kara is a single mom, raising her son, and just trying to get by. Between the demands of her job and the demands of raising an allergy specific young boy, she doesn’t have much time for a love life. That doesn’t stop Graham though, a lawyer on base who is drawn to this driven young woman.

      I think I adore these books, so very, very much, because Jeanette writes real situations. Life is messy. We have weird feelings. We are embarrassed. We often want what we can’t have. We get mad, we get angry, and we are often confused. We worry. We love. All of these emotions are clear in her work and create such a realistic love story, you become completely immersed within this world. The relationships are real, the brotherhood is extremely loyal and strong, and the love story is utterly lovely.

     As I said before, I read the series out of order. However, it did make me go back and read the first two, not because I was confused but because I absolutely adored the people within the story. Sad that the trilogy has ended but was glad I was along for the ride. Brava Ms. Murray, excited to see what comes next! 

Book Details

Date of Publication: March 1st, 2016

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 9780425279281

"Reclaimed" By: River Savage Review

Reclaimed

By: River Savage

Synopsis

When the woman you love is lost, how hard will you fight to get her back?
Following the birth of her daughter, Kadence Knight finds herself in a battle she never prepared for. With desperation and unhappiness threatening to overwhelm her, a sense of hopelessness pulls her away from the one thing she has always longed for: a family.
As Nix watches his wife struggle with something he doesn't understand, he can't help but feel disconnected to his woman. The Kadence he once knew has drifted into the darkness. In her place is a shadow of the woman she once was, one who is fearful of the impossible...failing their daughter.
This Valentine’s Day, Nix has one goal — to reclaim the woman who gave him everything.

My Thoughts

     Reclaimed is the ultimate companion to one of my favorite Mc novels. Struggling with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, Kadence is at a crossroads. Trying to find a balance between being a Mother, a wife, and maintaining her career. Nix, the ultimate bad boy motorcycle man, is at his wits end trying to solve his problems at home and keep up his duty to the club.

    A companion novel to Incandescent, fans of the Knights Rebels MC series will adore this brief glimpse into the lives of Nix and Kadence after the miraculous birth of their first child together. River Savage breaks your heart but puts it back together as these two characters work through their problems and eventually reconnect.

    I think the thing I admire most about this book (beyond the smokin’ hot sex scenes and accurate portrayal of parenthood) is how River Savage tackles the taboo subject of life after baby. For some women, it sometimes is a battle and for Kadence she fights every step of the way. Savage shows its ok to not be perfect and relates the importance of keeping on, keeping on. Tackling this subject in a romance no less shows Savage’s talent in storytelling and the strength of her characters.

    A fantastic novella tackling one of life’s biggest challenges, Savage has another hit on her hands. A great companion to her full length novels, Nix and Kadence are showcased in both their best and worst. I can’t say enough great things about it and luckily, we have more Nix and Kadence coming up! Brava River, Brava!

Book Details

# of Pages: 80

ISBN: B00SXNYCU0

Date of Publication: February 16, 2015

Source: ARC review

"King of Hearts" By: L.H. Cosway Review

King of Hearts

By: L.H. Cosway

Welcome to the City, London’s most prestigious square mile, where finance reigns and Oliver King is a rising prince.

I used to rule the world.
There might be wolves on Wall Street, but there were crocodiles in Canary Wharf. Some of us craved money. Some of us craved power.
I liked money, and power had its advantages, but what I really wanted was to excel, to surpass the men who came before me. I never cared much for love and romance until I met Alexis.
I could feel it the very moment she walked into the interview, with her outspoken charm and vivacious personality. She cast all the others in shadow, made me laugh when life held no humour. Our friendship should have remained professional, but it wasn’t long before the lines started to blur.
You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Well, I never foresaw where my plans would lead, and only in my darkest hour did I finally see the light…
You can have all the money and prestige in the world and still be the poorest man alive. And love, well, I hate to use a tired old cliché, but love can be the thing that truly sets you free.

My Thoughts

     What do you do when you think everything is lost? King of Hearts is a truly magnificent story of redemption and love. Fans of L.H. Cosway will recognize her trademark wit while enjoying the unique view of her truly scrumptious story.

    King is first viewed in Hearts of Fire. Drunk, dirty, poor, and a wreck, King travels with his sister’s circus in despair. Broken hearted and down on his luck, the other performers have wide berth to the dirty, sunken man. So this is where we originally see King…

    As King of Hearts begins, we are thrown into the past. Oliver King is a super successful investment broker with a fancy office and loads of money. Incredibly suave, King has the world at his feet. Women want to date him, men want to be him.

    This is the environment that Alexis Clark is hired into. Entranced by the enigmatic King, she is quickly swept up into his world. Alexis is a young 20-something finding her way in London. Smart, she is enchanted by the mysterious King and ultimately falls deeply in love with him. After something truly heartbreaking happens, King goes missing and Alexis is left alone with a secret she can never reveal.

    Fast forward a number of years and we are once again seeing King as the drunken mess that he has become. Concerned, Alexis receives a letter from a performer at the circus encouraging her to come and help. It is up to Alexis to bring King out of his stupor and once again make him the man he once was.

    An extremely well written book, I adored the before and after look at these two dynamic characters. Each one grows and changes as the years and memories take their toll. I recently tweeted LH Cosway worried that King may not get the happy ending he deserved, and she quickly reassured me. Without a doubt, King has a utterly lovely story and is given a perfect queen for his “King.”

Please note: King of Hearts can absolutely be read alone, but I strongly suggest reading Six of Hearts and Hearts of Fire because they are both absolutely wonderful!

Book Details

Date of Publication: July 16, 2015

# of Pages: 304

ISBN: 9781310520273

Location: London, England

Source: ARC for Review from Author

"Long Time Gone" By: Lorelei James Review

Long Time Gone

By: Lorelei James

Synopsis

The right love is worth the wait...
Calvin McKay can't understand his twin brother's rush toward the altar—until he lays eyes on the bride's younger sister. But she's far too innocent for him to pursue…and yet something about that little blonde tornado gets his blood pumping and his heart all twisted up.

Kimi West is used to boys chasing after by her, but Cal McKay is a man—all man—and his hot kisses are like nothing she's ever experienced. But he's a rancher, tied to the land, and she can’t wait for the day she can escape from Wyoming and see the world.

After a tragedy sends Kimi running from her family, Cal gives Kimi a place to stay—and oh so many tantalizing reasons to stay—while she sorts out her plans. Now she'll have to decide whether the adventure she wants is in a new frontier or right there by Cal's side.

My Thoughts

    Lorelei James has done it again! She is able to take 100 pages and just fill it with the most incredible western romance I have ever read. Cal and Kimi, one of the most beloved couples in the McKay family, finally have a chance to have their love story told in this new novella from James.

    Told in only a few short chapters, we are taken on the adventure of the love story that is Cal and Kimi. First meeting at an ice cream parlor, Cal is immediately smitten with the sixteen year old Kimi. Their ages keep them apart, but when Kimi turns 18 and returns to her hometown sparks ignite. When all of the forces in the world seem to be pulling them apart, they find themselves battling against the forces to find true love with one another.

    Sexy, sweet, and heartfelt, Lorelei James has hit this novella out of the ballpark. I have grown with this family through the series and if anything, the only minor complaint that I have is that it is too short. My time with the McKays wasn’t nearly enough but I do truly cherish their lovely little love story. Brava Ms. James, Brava!

Book Details

# of Pages: 129

ISBN: B00ZNH6X3I

Release Date: June 13, 2015

Source: Personal Purchase

"Ride Steady" By: Kristen Ashley Review

Ride Steady

By: Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

The ride of her life . . . Once upon a time, Carissa Teodoro believed in happy endings. Money, marriage, motherhood: everything came easy---until she woke up to the ugly truth about her Prince Charming. Now a struggling, single mom and stranded by a flat tire, Carissa's pondering her mistakes when a vaguely familiar knight rides to her rescue on a ton of horsepower.

Climb on and hold tight . . . In high school, Carson Steele was a bad boy loner who put Carissa on a pedestal where she stayed far beyond his reach. Today, he's the hard-bodied biker known only as Joker, and from the way Carissa's acting, it's clear she's falling fast. While catching her is irresistible, knowing what to do with her is a different story. A good girl like Carissa is the least likely fit with the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Too bad holding back is so damned hard. Now, as Joker's secrets are revealed and an outside threat endangers the club, Joker must decide whether to ride steady with Carissa---or ride away forever . . .

My Thoughts

     The third book in the fantastically amazing Chaos series, focuses on Joker and his lady love Carissa. Through a series of bad decisions and poor family situations, both Joker and Carissa are at a point in their lives when things seem to be at their worst. Joker is completely cut off from his childhood family, has terrible memories of a terrible father, and no mother in his life. He lives for his MC club. Carissa is fresh off a divorce, has an infant to care for, and a job where she works 40+ hours a week. Needless to say, things are complicated.

     As with everything Kristen Ashley writes, this is another winner. I am a huge fan of the Chaos series and just love the characters. Not knowing too awful much about Joker or his history, it broke my heart to read about his horrific father. Yet, as we have seen in the past, Ashley will bring you down only to bring you back up again.

    Unique in this book, Ashley shows more of the inner workings of Ride, the Motorcycle repair business the club owns. She highlights how each person within the club has their purpose and I adore any scene that features Tack, Shy, or Rush.

    Another winner, Kristen Ashley took these two seemingly opposite characters and have given them the perfect love story. Things are not always as they seem, as Joker and Carissa show. Each thinks the other has something, but indeed, they fulfill that need in one another. Plus, I think props need to go to Kristen Ashley for writing such wonderful characters that we can’t wait to get more of. Its a toss up, but Joker and Shy are in the running for hottest MC book in my collection. Bravo!

Book Details

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

# of Pages: 640

ISBN: 9781455533220

Date of Publication: June 30, 2015

Location: Denver, CO

"Strength from Loyalty" By: Autumn Jones Lake Review

Strength from Loyalty

By: Autumn Jones Lake

Synopsis

Struggling attorney, Hope Kendall loves her outlaw, biker boyfriend, Rochlan “Rock” North with all her heart, but the questionable activities his motorcycle club are involved in are about to threaten the legal career she’s not even sure she still wants.

Rock finally has the support of all his officers to bring Hope deeper into the inner circle of the Lost Kings MC. When his offer to have the club help her out of her legal predicament is met with hostility, he’s once again forced to question whether they are able to make their drastic differences work for the long haul.

A near death makes any squabble seem insignificant, but puts a cloud over their future. And while Rock has been working hard to give Hope the honesty she craves, one secret she’s been keeping all along, may finally drive them apart for good.

My Thoughts

Hope and Rock have been together for a few months but things have not calmed for them one bit. Rival gangs, drugs, guns, and jealousies come together to create an explosive finale in Rock and Hope’s trilogy. With the whole group still there, we go a little deeper into the MC and the deepest ever into their relationship.

     Rock and Hope are trying to find their happiness but outside forces seem to be closing in. For one of hte fisrt times, Hope is completely immersed in the MC world. She meets other MC leaders, and sees aside of the club life that isn’t what she is used to. Violence, revenge, lies and evil make an appearance, but through it all Rock and Hope stand strong.

    More than a Motorcycle club book, Autumn Jones Lake does characters so well, its mesmerizing. Who else can write three books, about the SAME two people, and still keep it fresh? Each book we have great supporting characters and I think it says a lot about her writing, that people are still clamoring for more of Rock’s story even after three books.

     One of my favorite series out there now, Rock and Hope are still fresh, fun, and in love more than ever. What I loved best with how Autumn left it was the simple fact that we don’t know what will happen next. More Rock and Hope? Wrath and Trinity? Jesse? Its a wide open field and I’m up for anything. Earth shattering sex, fabulously fun scenes, and secondary characters so good they need their own book, Autumn Jones Lake has another five star hit from me!

Book Details

Date of Publication: March 17, 2015

#of Pages: 330

Location: New York

Lost Kings MC Series

1. Slow Burn
2. Corrupting Cinderella
3. Three Kings, One Night
4. Strength from Loyalty (March 2015)
5. Tattered on My Sleeve

"Three Kings, One Night" By: Autumn Jones Lake Review

Three Kings, One Night

By: Autumn Jones Lake

Synopsis

Three short Holiday stories set in the Lost Kings MC world.
1) Murphy and HeidiSpending Christmas Eve with his best friend's little sister will be a challenge for Murphy. Especially when a would-be boyfriend stops by and Murphy realizes there's a lot he doesn't know about Heidi these days.

2) Wrath and Trinity (note: this story takes place between Part 1 and Part 2 of Slow Burn.)When Wrath and Trinity find themselves in the clubhouse alone together on Christmas Eve, will they be able to set aside their animosity for one night?

3) Z and LillyZ has a surprise for Lilly, but will it be enough to make her break her number one rule, and let him spend the night?

My Thoughts

    Things in the Lost Kings MC just keep getting better and better! I somehow missed this holiday collection when I was reading Slow Burn and Corrupting Cinderella. I am so glad to have read Three Kings, One Night as it perfectly complements the series and just leaves you hungry for more.

    This holiday bundle has three short vignettes featuring couples from the Lost Kings MC. Rock and Hope sadly don’t make an appearance but they've already had two full length stories, so its understandable. I was most excited for Wrath and Trinity because boy do I like me some Wrath.

     Each story is a brief glimpse into their lives and possibly their own stories. I thought this was an extremely clever way to have the reader invest in the future of the series while also whetting our appetites for a bit more. Readers had never been in these characters heads before and had only briefly met them through interactions between Rock and Hope.

     Wrath and Trinity are scheduled to have their own story in 2015 and I am eagerly anticipating Z and Lilly’s addition as well. I loved the anticipation of Murphy and Heidi and am content to wait until they are both a little bit older. Autumn Jones Lake has a fantastic way of writing, creating a world that I could definitely get lost in. Sexy, fast paced, and action filled, this holiday set of novellas is the cherry to the Lost Kings cake!

Lost Kings MC Series

1. Slow Burn
2. Corrupting Cinderella
3. Three Kings, One Night
4. Strength from Loyalty (March 2015)
5. Tattered on My Sleeve

Book Details

Publisher: Author Self-published

# of Pages: 74

Date of Publication: December 22nd, 2014

Location: New York

"Riot" By: Jamie Shaw Review

Riot

By: Jamie Shaw

Synopsis

When Dee Dawson meets sexy mohawked guitarist Joel Gibbon, she knows it won’t be long before she has him wrapped around her finger. No guy has ever been able to resist her… but Dee’s met her match in a player like Joel.

Dee’s not the relationship type—not after seeing the pain “love” has caused her friends and family—yet she’s desperate to make Joel want her more than anyone else. He quickly becomes an obsession, and when a reckless attempt to make him jealous ends in disaster, Dee turns into the damsel in distress she never wanted to be. With her carefree world crashing down around her, the last thing she needs is Joel’s pity.

But Joel is suddenly determined to prove he cares, and no matter how hard Dee tries to push him away, he refuses to let her shut him out. Now the girl who swore she’d never say those three little words must choose between guarding her heart and losing Joel forever… or falling head-over-heels for the tattooed rock star of her dreams.

My Thoughts

     First off, I am going to be completely honest and say that you can read this book as a standalone if you absolutely must. If you can however, read Mayhem. It’s Adam and Ro’s story and absolutely adds a ton to this story. Regardless though, Jamie Shaw knocks Riot out of the park and has an anxiously awaiting reader here in Missouri.

    Dee Dawson has a huge attraction for rock and roller guitarist, Joel Gibbon. Content as a hook up for several months, she begins to want more than a casual night of no holds barred passion. Joel doesn't want or need a girlfriend and is content to leave their relationship the way it is. After a harrowing attack on Dee that leaves her traumatized, Joel realizes that his feelings for Dee run deeper than he ever imagined.

     I adore the world that Jamie has created. Filled with great main characters, extraordinary secondary characters, and really fun sexy times, Shaw writes unique stories. What I loved the most is how excellently she really writes 20-somethings. No one has everything figured out and she allows her characters to change and grow without assuming anything. Sure you know there will hopefully be a happy ending, but beyond that, her books don’t seem to follow a formula and are ultimately delightful.

     Fans of Jay Crownover will have a new author in Jamie Shaw. A great writer with wonderful characters, Shaw’s take on the rock star world is fresh and fun. Fast paced with plenty of angst and a lovely happily ever after, Shaw’s books seem to only get better as time goes on.

Book Details

Publisher: Avon Impulse

ISBN:9780062379689

Date of Publication: February 10, 2015

# of Pages: 384

Location: Virginia

"Four Nights with the Duke" By: Eloisa James Review

Four Nights with the Duke

By: Eloisa James

Synopsis

As a young girl, Emilia Gwendolyn Carrington told the annoying future Duke of Pindar that she would marry any man in the world before him—so years later she is horrified to realize that she has nowhere else to turn.

Evander Septimus Brody has his own reasons for agreeing to Mia's audacious proposal, but there's one thing he won't give his inconvenient wife: himself.
Instead, he offers Mia a devil's bargain...he will spend four nights a year with her. Four nights, and nothing more. And those only when she begs for them.
Which Mia will never do.

Now Vander faces the most crucial challenge of his life: he must seduce his own wife in order to win her heart—and no matter what it takes, this is the one battle he can't afford to lose.

My Thoughts

     Horribly embarrassed as a teenager by the future Duke of Pindar after a love poem that she has written is discovered, Mia swears that she will find a way to have her revenge. Over a decade later, Mia is in a bind. Her entire family has passed away and she is left trying to keep custody of her young, disabled nephew. In order to keep her nephew from the clutches of an evil uncle, Mia must marry someone powerful enogh to stand up to the uncle while also staying respectable. Who else does she turn to, except for her childhood nemesis, Vander, the future Duke.

     Eloisa James continues her newest series by delightfully delving into Mia and Vander’s story. Always a wonderful ride, James has exceeded my wildest expectations with Vander’s tale. With glimpses of previous characters, Vander and Mia don’t seem to match at all. Mia begins her relationship by blackmailing Vander with evidence that puts his father in an almost treasonous light. Yet, you can’t help but feel this desperate mood is called for when you see how desperate Mia is to save her only living family.

     Mia makes her living as a romance writer.  I thought it was incredibly clever how James worked in Mia’s work with the actual romance of the story. It gave me a little insight into the novel writing process and allowed us to get even farther into Mia’s head and motivations. Plus it was just really fun to read her novel and how it related to her current predicament.

     I adored Mia’s story but fell in love with Vander all over again. He truly came into his own and was absolutely one of my favorite James heroes to date. Delightful with plenty of witty banter, Mia and Vander’s story was worth the wait. There are even some subtle nods to Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas, so keep your eyes peeled. This may even be my favorite James novel to date and is an excellent addition to her canon.

Book Details

Publisher: Avon

Date of Publication: March 30, 2015

ISBN: 9780062223913

# of Pages: 384

Location: London, England

"Corrupting Cinderella" By: Autumn Jones Lake Review

Corrupting Cinderella

By: Autumn Jones Lake

Synopsis

I’m not CinderellaBut he's my Prince CharmingOur love story isn’t a fairy tale...
How can a lawyer and a criminal maintain an enduring romantic relationship?
Although Hope and Rock care deeply for one another, the truth is they come from completely different worlds. Add to that the fact that they are also both headstrong people, and they have a very rough road ahead of them.
For Rock that means introducing Hope to what it really means to be part of his brutal and shady world, where the Lost Kings Motorcycle Club is his main focus. For Hope it means accepting the things she can’t change, and understanding that Rock is a man who will do anything to keep her safe.
As Rock continues to draw Hope deeper into his world, painful misunderstandings and opposition from the members of his club will threaten to drive them apart.

My Thoughts

    A continuation from Slow Burn, Corrupting Cinderella continues Hope and Rock’s story and their continued relationship. Hope slowly is incorporated in the motorcycle world of Rock, yet he is still holding back and keeping secrets of what the club is truly doing behind closed doors. Hope has to decide how important those secrets really are or if Rock’s relationship trumps all.

     Some great scenes with secondary characters and a continuation of the first book, I think I liked the second book better. I really enjoyed the first book so that’s really saying something. Hope and Rock’s relationship grows as does their contact with the outside world. The author does a great job of creating enough tension and drama while maintaining a realistic story with really unique and fun characters. Plenty of sexy times abound and I read through the book in one sitting on a chilly winter morning. A great series, I’m looking forward to the finale of Rock and Hope’s story and really hoping for some Wrath soon too!

Book Details

Publisher: Author Self-Published

# of Pages: 266

Date of Publication: December 2nd, 2014

Location: New York State