"Truly" By: Ruthie Knox Review

Truly

By: Ruthie Knox

Synopsis

May Fredericks hates New York. Which is fair enough, since New York seems to hate her back. After relocating to Manhattan from the Midwest to be with her long-distance boyfriend, NFL quarterback Thor Einarsson, May receives the world’s worst marriage proposal, stabs the jerk with a shrimp fork, and storms off alone—only to get mugged. Now she’s got no phone, no cash, and no friends. How’s a nice girl supposed to get back to safe, sensible Wisconsin? Frankly, Ben Hausman couldn’t care less. Sure, it’s not every day he meets a genuine, down-to-earth woman like May—especially in a dive in the Village—but he’s recovering from an ugly divorce that cost him his restaurant. He wants to be left alone to start over and become a better man. Then again, playing the white knight to May’s sexy damsel in distress would be an excellent place to start—if only he can give her one very good reason to love New York.

My Thoughts

     May finds Ben at one of the lowest points in her life. She is sitting in a bar, without a dollar to her name, after stabbing her NFL ex-boyfriend in the hand with a fork over a botched proposal. Lost and alone in New York, Mary glances at Ben in a bar and decides he just may be her saving grace.

    Ben is no hero. Fresh from a shattering divorce that ruined him career wise, he is coasting. No real job, no real passions, no home and no family to speak of, when May approaches Ben in a bar he is a little perturbed. Deciding for once to be the nice guy, he invites her to spend the night..one night until she catches her plane home. That one night turns into a week of laughter, friendship, misunderstandings, sexytimes and love.

     Ruthie Knox is one of the best writers out there now, bar none. She writes such real characters with such honesty behind them that I simply devour her stories. Truly isn’t the easiest book to read, these two character have such sad pasts that they aren’t easy people to like. Ben from the get go seemed so condescending but as I read, I realized he was just misunderstood and circumstances had misconstrued his actions.

     As I said before, Truly isn’t an easy read. Ben is a tortured soul with no forseeable way out of his misery. May is misunderstood by all of those around her, until Ben. He really sees her, not the perfect image she portrays. As they get to know one another better, its so illuminating to who they are exactly. They don’t become themselves until they are together and it isn’t until they accept one another that they can truly accept who they are at heart.

     Knox writes people to where you know them inside and out. You clearly see them change and grow and as they find true love, you yourself fall in love. May was a mess but she was the best kind of mess. I adored her and her conflicted emotions and while Ben had to grow on me, he had to grow on May too.

    Truly is another Knox classic. Well written, heartwarming, sweet, super sexy with a dash of heartbreak and soulsearching, I devoured this fabulous story within two days. Honestly, two days of not getting dressed and spending the day in bed reading because I had to know what happened next. An absolutely fabulous read about two imperfect people, I can’t wait to see what Ruthie Knox will come up with next.

New York Series

1. Truly

2. Madly (January 2015)

Book Details

Publisher: Random House Loveswept

# of Pages: 365

Date of Publication: August 5, 2014

ISBN: 9780345545268

Source: Netgalley

Location: New York, NY

"Dark Skye" By: Kresley Cole Review

Dark Skye

By: Kresley Cole

Synopsis

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?

My Thoughts

      Thronos has loved Lanthe since he was a child. Immediately recognizing her as his one true mate, Thronos realizes he would do anything to possess Lanthe’s body and heart. When unforeseen circumstances force these two friends apart, space and time keep them apart for hundreds of years. Thronos is desperate to rekindle that flame that started all those years ago, but Lanthe fears what has happened and what the future may hold.

    Mind boggling is the first word that came to my head when I finished Dark Skye. Absolutely mind boggling, turn your insides out, wildness that was so good I had to read it again. Kresley Cole does storytelling like no other. She is able to weave intermingling story lines through several books so seamlessly it’s truly astonishing. Lanthe and Thronos’ tale has actually spanned several books but it isn’t until now we understood why the fearsome Thronos both hated and loved Lanthe equally.

     At times intense and others super sexy, Cole uses their shared histories and the upcoming ascension to set the scene of an epic adventure. Beginning by breaking out of the prison of immortals, the star crossed lovers travel through different planes before ultimately reaching the Vrekener stronghold. Throughout their escapades, they find out their shared histories may not be exactly what they thought while falling head over heels for one another.

      Another winner from Kresley Cole, Dark Skye is a fantastic addition to the saga that is the Immortals After Dark series. With glimpses into the lives of our favorite characters, a teensy bit of news on Nix, and a fantastic relationship/adventure between two of my absolute favorites in the series, Lanthe and Thronos make the wait worth it. As always, to truly appreciate the fabulousness of the series, I totally suggest reading the books before to understand the subtle genius that is Kresley Cole.

Immortals After Dark Series

1. Warlord Wants Forever

2. A Hunter Like No Other

3. No Rest for the Wicked

4. Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night

5. Dark Needs on Night’s Edge

6. Dark Desires After Dusk

7. Kiss of a Demon King

8. Untouchable

9. Pleasure of a Dark Prince

10. Demon from the Dark

11. Dreams of a Dark Warrior

12. Lothaire

13. MacRieve

14. Dark Skye

Book Details

Publisher: Gallery Books

# of Pages: 384

ISBN:  9781451649949

Date of Publication: August 5, 2014

Source: For Review

"Rock It" By: Jennifer Chance Review

Rock It

By: Jennifer Chance

Synopsis

Lacey Dawes is a total pro at the talent agency where she works, and it doesn’t hurt that IMO Worldwide Media represents Dante Falcone. The rock god has starred in her fantasies since she was sixteen—and remains her secret crush to this day. So when Dante picks her to be the interim manager on his Dream It tour, Lacey can’t believe her luck. Handling Dante is sure to be the most exquisite, spine-tingling, nerve-wracking mix of business and pleasure ever. Although Dante is grateful for the adoring fans who scream for one more of his full-throttle, soul-searing songs, being surrounded by a cadre of corporate types backstage is wearing thin. Then Lacey shows up. Yeah, she’s organized, smart, quick to get him what he wants before he knows he wants it—but Dante senses there’s something else going on with sweet, sexy Lacey. One kiss tells him what that “something” might be . . . and makes him hungry for more.

My Thoughts

     Lacey Dawes has it all, or so she thinks. Her dream job, in her dream city, with everything going right, Lacey is on top of the world. Her talent agency has just signed with Dante Falcone, one of the hottest rock stars on the planet and coincidentally, her crush since she was a young teen.

    Dante has been a rock idol for so long, its almost as if he’s forgotten how to be a normal guy. When he meets Lacey, he suddenly sees himself wanting to change and be different for her. He wants to be a better person for her and uses her crush for him as a catalyst for a relationship.

      I found this book on Netgalley and was incredibly excited just by the cover alone. Isn’t it gorgeous? Loving rock star heroes, I was sure I would love this book...unfortunately, that’s pretty far from the truth. Pretty cover does not equal pretty book.

     I found both Dante and Lacey to be poor characters. Dante is this mythical thing in Lacey’s mind, she’s followed him for years. Suddenly when faced with touring with him, she jumps at the chance. That part didn’t bother me, but the immediate jumping into bed with him without a how do you do drove me insane.

    Dante felt empty. We are supposed to believe he’s been this star for these many years, but he just seemed juvenile and devoid of character. Again, he’s super attracted to Lacey immediately and doesn’t find the fact she was a rabid fan before creepy at all. Not even enough to be a little cautious, they are just friendly in the biblical sense in the beginning.

    The book had promise and even the story itself isn’t that bad. I enjoy the idea of fan and star falling in love, but with this one it is just poorly executed. Not realistic in the least and the characters fell flat. Poorly executed and flat, this may be one to skip.

Book Details

Publisher: Loveswept

Date of Publication: March 4, 2014

# of Pages: 240

ISBN: 978-0553390957

Source: Netgalley - For Review

Challenges

2014 Contemporary Romance Challenge

2014 New Author Challenge

2014 Ebook Challenge

2014 Where Are You Challenge - Boston, MA

2014 Erotic Romance Challenge

"Reaper's Legacy" By: Joanna Wylde Review

Reaper’s Legacy

By: Joanna Wylde

Synopsis

WELCOME TO THE CLUB
Eight years ago, Sophie gave her heart—and her virginity—to Zach Barrett on a night that couldn’t have been less romantic or more embarrassing. Zach’s step-brother, a steely-muscled, tattooed biker named Ruger, caught them in the act, getting a peep show of Sophie he’s never forgotten.

She may have lost her dignity that fateful night, but Sophie also gained something precious—her son Noah. Unfortunately, Zach’s a deadbeat dad, leaving Ruger to be Noah’s only male role model. When he discovers Sophie and his nephew living in near poverty, Ruger takes matters into his own hands—with the help of the Reapers Motorcycle Club—to give them a better life.

Living with outlaw bikers wasn’t Sophie’s plan for her son, but Ruger isn’t giving her a choice. He’ll be there for Noah, whether she wants him or not. But Sophie does want him, has always wanted him. Now she’ll learn that taking a biker to bed can get a girl dirty in every way…

My Thoughts

    I first found Joanna Wylde last year when I read the first book in her Reaper’s Motor Cycle Club series. I didn’t know what to think when I started Reaper’s Property but I really enjoyed it and it led me to a ton of other great motorcycle romances, if you will. The story has stuck with me and when I saw #2 was coming out, I was dying to find out the next chapter in this fabulous new series.

     As a teen, Sophie was already a mother living on her own. Having had a baby with Zach Barrett, a total loser and terrible father, Sophie finally grows tired of his abusive ways and leaves. Years go by until Sophie has finally reached the end of her rope. Living in a terrible apartment,being a single parent, receiving no child support, going to a poor job and with no family, Sophie needs help desperately. A phone call from her son to Zach’s brother, Ruger changes her world in an instant.

     Ruger has always been attracted to Sophie, but never really acted on it. Beyond being the mother of his beloved nephew, Ruger felt she was always off limits to him. Sophie never understood his dedication to the motorcycle club he belongs to and really didn’t have a desire to. One of the most important aspects of his life and Sophie is intimidated and fears the club. Yet his attraction never abates and as Sophie intrudes into his life more and more, Ruger finds more reasons to be with Sophie than ever before.

    Sophie slowly finds that there may be more to the motorcycle club than what she thinks. As she starts to care for the people within the club, she starts to see Ruger in a different light as well. Even though it may a dangerous life, Sophie and Ruger see it may be worth it to spend it together.

     An ultimately sweet story about two very different people coming together, I was up until 2:30am finishing Sophie and Ruger’s romance. Wylde creates the perfect tension of will they won’t they that just begs to be read. Some of the scenarios in the book are a bit hard to believe, but within the world Wylde has created they are completely plausible. With fantastic secondary characters, a hot romance, and a wonderfully emotionally rich story create a great followup...and only whet your whistle for what’s coming next.

Purchase links
Amazon - Reaper's Legacy
KOBO - Reaper's Legacy
B&N - Reaper's Property

About the author

Joanna Wylde is a freelance writer and voracious reader. You can visit her website at www.joannawylde.net.

Connect with Joanna

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/223343.Joanna_Wylde
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/joannawyldebooks
Website: http://www.joannawylde.net/
Twitter: joannawylde

Reaper’s MC

1. Reaper’s Property

2. Reaper’s Legacy

3. Devil’s Game (June 3, 2014)
  

Book Details

Publisher: Berkley

Date of Publication: January 28, 2014

# of Pages: 352

ISBN: 978-0425272343

Source: Netgalley - for Review

"The Professional: Part 1" By: Kresley Cole Review

The Professional: Part 1

By: Kresley Cole

Synopsis

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes The Game Makers; a scorching new erotica series about a young woman desperate to uncover the mysteries of her past and the hitman bound to protect her.

From an opulent palace in Russian, to the wicked playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, to the sultry beaches of Spain, the two lovers will discover that even their most intimate—and forbidden—fantasies can come true…

My Thoughts

     Wow. The single word that comes to my mind after reading the first installment of The Professional. Intriguing, smart, super hot, and just plain well written have come to be hallmarks of Cole’s writing and it comes out full force in this new series.

    Natalie is a successful student, working three jobs and trying to finish her Master’s Degree. She was adopted as a baby and is now interested in finding her birth parents. At a bar one night with her friends, Natalie looks up to find an extremely handsome man watching her from across the room. Little does she know but this mysterious man knows exactly who she is and works for her biological father.

     Sevastyan has come from Russia with the specific job of bringing Natalie back to his boss. Saved from a life as an orphan on the streets, Natalie’s father is a large crime boss who has taken him under his wing. Almost loyal to a fault, Sevastyan drops everything and travels to the US, first to investigate Natalie and ultimately bring her home to her father and his boss.

     An immediate attraction between the two simmers from their first shared glances, and only grows hotter when Sevastyan finally steals her away from her home for her own safety. Natalie is strong willed and doesn’t take the strong arming very well. Nervous about meeting her father, Sevastyan soon becomes the only constant in her life. The only thing or person really she may have control over.

     This is only the first part of the story what a ride its been. I’m literally jonesing for the next piece of the puzzle. Natalie’s father is a huge mystery we are dying to unwrap, and the romance between the uber masculine, silent Sevastyan and strong, independent Natalie just seems to get more complex and fantastic. Wonderfully sexy, smartly written, and just an all around excellent story, Cole has written a fantastic piece that is likely to be on lots of "Best of" lists in the near future.

The Game Maker Serial

Part 1: December 16, 2013

Part 2: January 6, 2014

Part 3: January 20, 2014

Book Details

Publisher: Pocket Star

# of Pages: 120

ISBN: 978-1451650068

Date of Publication: December 16, 2013

Source: Netgalley - For Review

"Dragos Takes a Holiday" By: Thea Harrison Review

Dragos Takes A Holiday

By: Thea Harrison

Synopsis

The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?Dragos Cuelebre needs a vacation. So does Pia, his mate. When the First Family of the Wyr head to Bermuda for some much needed R&R, it's no ordinary undertaking - and no ordinary weekend in the sun. Between hunting for ancient treasure buried beneath the waves and keeping track of their son, Liam—a.k.a. Peanut, whose Wyr abilities are manifesting far ahead of schedule—it’s a miracle that Pia and Dragos can get any time together.

They're determined to make the most of each moment, no matter who tries to get in their way.

And did we mention pirates?

My Thoughts
     I’ve been a fan of Thea Harrison since her first book featuring Dragos and Pia. Those many moons ago when I first read Dragon Bound, I was immersed in her fantastical world with gryphons, harpies and dragons. It has seemed as if the books have slowly lost that spark that brought me to them, I saw that spark again with Dragos Takes a Holiday.
     A short story in the Elder Races universe, the 90 pages are a simple short jaunt into the world of Dragos and his now wife, Pia. After all of the traumatic events that have occurred during and since the previous book, “Lord’s Fall,” featuring this couple, Dragos is exhausted. Tired of fighting for everything he has, tired of defending his lands and his power, he is weary of the future and wants for a simpler life. Pia sees these same issues and suggests they take an easy weekend away from the supernatural and just enjoy life.
      That’s all this story is, a weekend away from the Elder world but its so much more. A great character piece, I loved the interaction of Dragos and Pia. It brought back the fabulous memories of Dragon Bound and how utterly lovely I once found this world. Smart and funny, you can't help but snort once in a while at how the ancient Dragos views the world. Its been enjoyable to see the characters change and evolve throughout the series and I honestly can say, I would read anything featuring these two people.
     Sweet, short and sexy are the three best words to describe Dragos Takes a Holiday. Another chapter in the great Elder Races saga featuring two beloved characters from the series. No great drama, no new characters, just a simple happy story about characters we already love. Brava Ms. Harrison!

Elder Races

1. Dragon Bound

2. Storm’s Heart

3. Serpent’s Kiss

3.5 True Colors

4. Oracle’s Moon

4.5 Natural Evil

4.6 Devil’s Gate

4.7 Hunter’s Season

5 Lord’s Fall

5.5 The Wicked

6. Kinked

6.5 Dragos Takes a Holiday

Book Details

Date of Publication: November 28, 2013

# of Pages: 90

Source: Netgalley - for Review

"Roman Holiday 1: Chained" By: Ruthie Knox Review

Roman Holiday 1: Chained

By: Ruthie Knox

Synopsis

Ashley Bowman is having a bad week. Reeling from the death of her beloved grandmother, she returns to the Florida Keys only to learn that a heartless Miami developer has gotten hold of the crappy vacation rentals she calls home. Ashley has one day to clear out before Roman Díaz destroys the only place in the world that matters to her. Chaining herself to a palm tree in the bulldozers’ path seems like a good way to stop him . . . until she realizes she should’ve brought food and water. And pants. Also, it would help if the evil developer weren’t so ridiculously hot.

The last thing Roman Díaz needs is some sun-kissed blond protester getting her picture in the newspaper and messing up his plans. He bought the property fair and square, and the resort he wants to build on the site is the key to realizing his highest ambitions. But when a hurricane blows through, Roman has to hustle Ashley to safety if he wants to protect his reputation—and that means giving in to her unreasonable demands.

Roman needs to learn a little compassion, and Ashley’s decided to teach it to him . .  even if she has to drag him all over the Eastern Seaboard to do it.

My Thoughts
     I am totally starting this review off with this simple statement: I cannot wait to get my hands on Part 2. With that said, Ruthie Knox is at the top of her game with Roman Holiday 1: Chained. As always, she gives us great character development, steamy scenes, and an enticing story line that leaves us wanting for more.
      Ashley Bowman begins the story strapped around a tree fighting evil real estate mogul, Roman Diaz. Roman is bulldozing her Grandmother’s prized vacation rentals, with her grandmother’s permission mind you, but Ashley feels they are being torn down unjustly. To battle the evil Roman, Ashley think its a good idea to protest.
      As with all of Ruthie’s characters, both Roman and Ashley are more than what they seem. Chaining herself to a palm tree seems like a good idea to Ashley, a way to make a difference when her world is falling apart. Roman is uber-successful and used to things falling into place; when faced with this protester, he thinks she will fall easily under his will. Unfortunately for him, Ashley is more than a simple protester, and before he knows it, she has talked him into a road trip in exchange for her stopping her protest.
      I’m so stinkin’ excited about Part 2 I could do a dance. Great characterization means fantastic characters that I desperately want to read about. Honestly, there are five parts so I’m only 20% done and I can’t wait, when I’m usually still trying to get into a story. I don’t know if I like the serialization of the story, but all in all, a great beginning to another Knox classic! 

Book Details
Publisher: Loveswept
Date of Publication: November 11th, 2013
ISBN: 978-0345546970
# of pages: 40
Source: Netgalley - for review

"Jagged" By: Kristen Ashley Review and Giveaway!!

Jagged

By: Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

An old flame rekindled . . .

Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man

My Thoughts
      Kristen Ashley rocks my socks. Yep. I said it. I love almost every word she’s ever written and Jagged wasn’t any different for me. Taking me right back into one of my favorite series and straight into the Colorado Mountains, Ham Reece and Zara Cinders may be two of my favorite Ashley characters to date. Confident Ham (crazy character name, I know right) and insecure but strong Zara have a rocky start but quite the adventure when they finally find love with one another.     Ham and Zara have been together before, years ago and before Zara was married. Not ready to commit, Ham leaves Zara and moves away not able to see her be with someone who isn’t him. After the events involving a serial killer in the previous book, Breathe, Ham returns to Zara ready to do what it takes to reunite.
     In the time Ham was gone, Zara forced herself to move on. Marrying, then her subsequent divorce, a great business run into the ground and finally reluctantly returning to her old job of waitressing, life hasn't’ been easy nor fair to Zara in the passing years. The attraction to Ham is still there but can she trust him to stick and stay when she needs him or will he just leave again?
     Ham was an amazing hero and most definitely swoonworthy. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to do what he has to. He understands Zara has been hurt in the past and slowly tries to find his way back to her, in a way that is forever. I know I’m waxing poetic, but I loved it so stinkin’ much! Zara drove me crazy sometimes, she seemed indecisive or insecure, but it completely fits within the character. She’s had a rough past and wouldn’t move on with a skip and a wink, even if it was super hot Ham that she was skipping with.
      All in all, Jagged is yet another fantastic story from Kristen. A lovely story about two people finding one another after heartbreak and healing hurts. Super sexy, fast paced, and great characters come together to create an instant classic for Ashley fans. I will warn you though, if you haven’t read the rest of the series, certain aspects of the story may be a bit confusing. 

Colorado Mountain Series
1. The Gamble

2. Sweet Dreams
3. Lady Luck
4. Breathe
5. Jagged
6. Kaleidoscope (2014)

Book Details

Publisher: Forever

Date of Publication: November 5, 2013

ISBN: B00BEK71Q6
# of Pages: 345

Source: Netgalley - For Review

Buy links

Amazon       B&N        Bookish       iTunes

Author Social Media links

Blog: http://www.kristenashley.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KristenAshley68

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristen-Ashley/83283039199

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2958084.Kristen_Ashley?from_search=true

Author Bio

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Giveaway
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