Review: My Fierce Highlander by Vonda Sinclair

My Fierce Highlander

by Vonda Sinclair

Historical Romance

Highlanders; never has a man looked sexier in a skirt. These bunch of heroes are just so damn sexy, I think it is the gorgeous accent, am I only the only one who swoons upon hearing a sexy Scottish burr whispering naughty little nothings in my ear? Or maybe it is the mystery of what exactly they are wearing under their kilts? Who knows, but I do know that I want to find my very own Highlander and ride him like a pony!

Anyway on to the book!

Gwyneth Carswell wants nothing more then to protect her son Rory, but when she makes the decision to save a man from an enemy clan her relatively peaceful life comes to an abrupt halt as she realizes that the man is not only a man from the enemy clan but also their Laird.

Oh Alasdair! What a completely PERFECT man! Not only has he got the Highlander thing working for him (as detailed above!) but he is also kind, considerate and great with children and animals (I am guessing the animals bit!) Gwyneth was one lucky lady.

As for Gwyneth...God but she annoyed me! At first I didn't mind her but as the book went on I couldn't stand her, she was so set against being with Alasdair, which at first I understood, but bloody hell what did the poor man have to do to her earn her trust!? Right to the end she used her son as an excuse to distance herself, which was a load of BS. Then she kept doing the ONE thing that is guranteed to annoy me more. She slept with him, said she would never do it again, 5 minutes later she is doing the naked Tango with him, and again declares she will never do it again, and then YET AGAIN, she is shagging him 10 minutes later!!! This happens repeatedly! In fact she annoyed me so much I began to lose respect for Alasdair for being in love with such a twit.

But, I did like this book, especially the beginning although I found it dragged a bit in the middle. Apart from the heroine annoying me it was a good read and gave me a fix of hunky Highlander!

Review: Never Enough by Lauren Dane

Never Enough

by Lauren Dane

(Brown Siblings # 4)

Contemporary Erotica

It feels as if I've waited for Adrian's book forever. We've sort of fallen in love with him throughout the series as the reliable and steady presence. Funny, caring, a bit spoiled, but I really never saw him as THE stud of the series. Well, ladies be warned and prepared... Adrian Brown is amazing! He might just be Mr. Perfect for me! LOL With his tats, sexy arms, and more than talented ways, as well as pretty much no inhibitions when it comes to what he wants and what his girl wants.

First of all, I'm actually really happy he gets to have a family. Even though this is really a ready-made family, because he apparently got a girl pregnant 13 years ago, and wasn't aware of it. But to the kid's benefit, the real mother didn't raise him, but his aunt did, and she had actually adopted him.

So Miles, who is now a teenager, has his own little band and is a wonderful kid, finally gets to meet his father, the famous rock star, Adrian Brown, after his real mother confesses to his adopted mother, Gillian, who the father is, right before she dies.

Gillian goes looking for Adrian because she wants to give her son the opportunity to know and spend time with his father. And after an initial shock and setbacks, Adrian falls in love with both Miles and his mum. She pushes all his buttons, and everything she does turns him on.

The whole Brown clan is pretty involved in this story, and even though at times they can be overwhelming, they love Miles and welcome Gillian into their tight knit family.

But Gillian has secrets and issues to work through, as does Adrian, before they can be happy together. Although, this book didn't have a major event tearing them apart, and it's mostly a happy relationship between all involved during the entire book, which is something I usually don't like, it worked well for me this time. I didn't feel the need to all of a sudden have a huge fight break out or anything like that.

Adrian has some ass moments, and in my opinion those were understandable being that he is a big celebrity and there are things they should always watch out for and be careful of, or a certain lifestyle they are accustomed to and they cannot understand why they can't do what they want. But in the end his intentions were always good, he is truly a devoted father, a caring lover and he loves his family completely.

Gillian is the perfect compliment for him. She's prim and proper, with her english background, and she's an amazing mother. She is very grounded and that is exactly what Adrian needs. Like she said, she's not his fan, she's his lover and the mother to his kid. But behind that exterior she is just a WILD and DIRTY woman! And wow did that match Adrian to a tee.

These two steamed up the pages non-stop, in some extremely hot and creative ways. Adrian is very dominating, loves to dirty talk, and loves to please his woman! *fans self* He is definitely my second favorite man in this series now (of course, Brody still has the number one spot!)

Since we've gone through all the Brown Siblings I'm guessing the series is over now, but I can only hope there will be a spin-off since we didn't get to read Raven's story, and the girls needs to have a HEA and someone to fix her head a bit. But we also met some pretty cool girls that are friends with Gillian, Mary and Jules. We'll have to wait and see!

Favorite quote:
"She ruined him for all others, and that was fine since he didn't plan to have any others but her."

And the debate still stands as to who would be the perfect Adrian Brown?  According to Lauren Dane's Facebook Page, it is Ryan Bingham

BUT, this is who I had in mind.... just add the tats a wee bit of muscle.

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Review: Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb

 

 

Conspiracy in Death

(In Death # 8)

by JD Robb

Romantic Suspense

What is there to say that hasn’t been said countless times by JD Robb? She’s brilliant and Conspiracy in Death, the eight book in the In Death series is great!

Eve Dallas is simply the best at what she does. And others have started to take notice. When a fellow cop, Bowers the bitch starts hassling Eve on her turf, Eve has no choice but to defend herself. With a few heated words and early threats, things seem to be close to its boiling point rather than simmering down.

But despite the bad blood between Eve and Bowers, Dallas has more important things to do, like figure out why a sleeper was found dead under a bench with his heart removed. The Black Market is Eve’s first guess, but then she finds out that Snooks’ heart was already failing and he was going to die soon. So why would someone snatch a dying heart? It’s Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s job to find out!

Conspiracy in Death showcases Eve at some of her most vulnerable moments. In this book, she is stripped of her identity and it breaks her. I love the strong, kickass woman who takes no shit from anyone, but I also adore the fact that Eve has a softer, more gentler side to her as well. It’s her love and trust of Roarke that helps her overcome this and I loved reading every moment of it!

Plus, Roarke gets hotter and hotter in each book! And, as always, I present to you, your daily dose to Gandy Candy!

Purrr.

Snow scene anyone?

 

 

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Review: Supernatural by Larissa Ione, Alexandra Ivy, Jacquelyn Frank & G.A. Aiken

Supernatural

by Larissa Ione, Alexandra Ivy, Jacquelyn Frank and G.A. Aiken

(Lords of Deliverance # 1.5, Demonica #5.5, Guardians of Eternity # 7.5, Nightwalkers # 1.5, Dragon Kin # 4.5)

Paranormal Romance

This has been a highly anticipated anthology for me. Yeah, that's saying something considering I usually don't care much for short stories. But how often can I say 2 authors I love are in it and the other 2 are also supposed to be really good? My point exactly! I'll review them individually but just know that if for nothing else, I'd recommend this book for Ione and Aiken's stories!!

Vampire Fight Club by Larissa Ione
4.5 Feathers

I loved this story! Set in the Demonica/Lords of Deliverance worlds. We have cameos from our favorites from both series. Of course this story involves UGH because that's where Vladena originally works. After her brother comes into UGH pretty beaten up and dies they all start an investigation into where this all happened. As it turns out, there's a secret Fight Club, and no, it's not only vampires, there are plenty of shifters who fight in these underground events. That's what Vladena is, and her brother was. But she has a disadvantaged, she can't shift. And that is genetically a death sentence. She's almost come to terms with that. And now she wants revenge for the death of her brother.

Nathan is a vampire and leader of the Fight Club, but he's not the head honcho. He's someone else's puppet. And he has a lot of anger and resentment for things that were done to him that destroyed his soul. He's seen it all, nothing entices him anymore. Except when he sees Vladena, he wants her.

We get cameos from Eidolon, Shade, Wraith and even Con! As well as a BIG revelation at the end which I'm sure will play a part in the Lords of Deliverance series. See, Nathan is a day-walking vampire, and the key to that is who made him.

Darkness Eternal by Alexandra Ivy
3.5 Feathers

I'll be honest I have not read Guardians of Eternity, and this was actually my first read by Alexandra Ivy. I did like it, but I wasn't glued to the pages for it. Uriel is a vampire warrior and he hates jinns because one put a curse on him years ago during a battle and told him he would be his instrument in defeating his enemy. So he's lived thinking he can't be trusted around his own people in the event he will betray them.

Kata has actually been imprisoned by her sister and her mate, and when her sister finally dies and she believes herself to be free and able to search for her child. But Uriel is sent for her. And the attraction is immediate.

Except they are not home free yet, as it turns there's a trip into hell in their future. Along with some pretty hot sex.

This story was interesting, I liked the writing style, there was some romance, some steam, some action. I will definitely be reading more of her work soon.

Kane by Jacquelyn Frank
3 Feathers

OK... I have not read the Nightwalkers series but I have read Ms. Frank before, and I feel that in this story she did not get my interest. At all. I found myself even skimming through parts of it. *hangs head in shame*

Kane is one of the young ones, he is not 100 years old yet so he's still considered a child. They are not allowed to touch humans, but his desire for Corrine brings him to barely touch her one night. Just a soft caress. He is immediately forced to wipe her memory, he is punished and she is left alone. Except that touch started a change in her and she now needs to be close to him to live, and being forced apart for so long has made her very sick.

Now, having him shackled to a bed might not be a bad way to wake up, but she does have a lot to understand, and in a short period of time. They manage to do it mostly through his mind powers and her ability as his mate to read some of his thoughts.

Not bad... just mehhh

Dragon On Top by G.A. Aiken
4.5 Feathers

Oh the wonderful world of Ms. Aiken's writing! I am currently reading the Dragon Kin series but even though this is #4.5 it really could be read right after book 1 as this goes back in time not to the current set of brothers we are reading about, but their parents. In this case their aunt Ghleanna the Decimator.

She is the ultimate warrior chick, nobody mess with her. She knows she should need a mate that is as strong as her. But when she is tasked with escorting and protecting Bram, the smart and peacful dragon who writes up all the peace treaties that end her wars, she finds herself reconsidering that.

Ghleanna and Bram are just adorable, funny, sexy, hot and so damn entertaining! You can't help but love them! This story might just be my favorite in this anthology! 

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ARC Review: Dangerous Race by Dee J. Adams

Dangerous Race

by Dee J. Adams

(Danger # 1)

Romantic Suspense

I'm always looking for new romantic suspense and in this case, mixed in with car racing... well I just couldn't resist. Of course going into with really no expectations, I have to say I really enjoyed this book!

Was it suspenseful? A little bit more on the contemporary romance with a suspense twist for me. But it worked with the story.

So we have Tracey Bradshaw, or as I like to call her, the woman with nine lives. She's had a passion for racing since she was a little girl and she became an up-and-coming star at just 19. Sadly that was also the time when she had a very tragic accident which could've killed her, instead just damaged her leg severely.

After four years she is back and ready to roll when disaster strikes again! This time in a personal and emotional way instead of physically. But the race is still on and she has to push through what is now being considered a series of attacks on her life.

Someone wants her out of that race! Now, enter Mac Reynolds. Hunky and determined to help her win that race, but also to keep her safe.

Since they are basically the main couple of this book, let me just say that I truly admire the strength Tracey showed through everything that happened to her, but I didn't really feel a connection to her. And even though Mac is hot and should have all the characteristics I'd want him to have, he wasn't doing much for me either.

Nevertheless, the actual storyline was interesting, their relationship had some sparks in and out of bed, if you can count the many heated arguments they had, and the situations they had to get through.

But who I enjoyed reading about the most was Chelsea and Matthew. The second, and unexpected to me, couple in this book. Matthew is part of Tracey's pit crew, and he manages to meet Tracey's twin. Really, a twin, that she didn't know she had because her mom had given Tracey up for adoption and only kept one child. Chelsea has been searching for her twin for a while and has finally found her! Along with, maybe, true love.

What starts out as a very hot one night stand has the potential for a long lasting relationship. Matthew, with his tall, dark and handsome good looks; sweet charisma and charm. And Chelsea who all around felt more real to me.

I am curious to see what happens in book two, which will be about Mac's brothers, Quinn. 

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Review: Sabine by Moira Rogers

Sabine

by Moira Rogers

(...and the Beast # 1)

Paranormal Romance

This was my first exposure to Moira Rogers. I'll confess the covers are what attracted me to get it. I think they look so cool and sexy (yes, even though it's only a girl!). So, in the good sense of judging a book by its cover, and even though this is EXTREMELY short, it delivered a pretty good story.

Lets go back in time to kings, and courts, and wars. Ciar was Prince, and he was madly in love with Sabine, but she wasn't of royal blood, and his mom didn't approve of her. Ciar has to leave to go to play his role in the war and is gone for years, thinking he will return and make Sabine his mate.

Except he comes back to a castle where no one remembers who Sabine is. Using his instincts he tracks her to a rundown hut where she lives isolated to find that his mother had a witch put a spell on Sabine. Whoever she touches will forget about ever seeing her or knowing her.

This a story of true love and fighting to make it work. Even through the impossible. There's enough steam in it to keep it interesting but it served the story in every occassion. And what is more heartbreaking than the man you love to not know who you are.

I'm very curious to read Kisri next! 

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Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

Divergent # 1

Young Adult

This was one of the most anticipated (and maybe hyped) YA books of the year, and usually when I hear all that I get scared that the book won't actually live up to my very high expectations. I don't really know what I was expecting before I started reading, but it was definetely NOT what I got... and that's really a good thing.

This book surprised me, in regards to world building, plotting and storyline. It was a little slow but interesting nonetheless. It's a very unique tale of a dystopian Chicago where people have actually been divided into factions.

There are five factions:

* Abnegation (selflessness): you are not allowed to entertain any thoughts about your own well being, you shouldn't show love, you shouldn't care about your personal appearance and in fact they all dress in clothing that won't show their bodies. They should live to serve others.
* Amity (peace): maybe the least developed one in my opinion, but the name says it all.
* Candor (truth): it is said that people from Candor CAN'T lie.
* Dauntless (bravery): show no fear, be brave and willing to do anything and risk anything!
* Erudite (knowledge): know-it-alls!

So we meet Beatrice, she's 16 and at this point in her life she has to go through an aptitude test to determine which faction she should go into. She was born into Abnegation but she's never fit in. Except when she takes that test, her result comes back as Divergent. Divergents are dangerous, they can manipulate the tests and excel at many things, but they are also persecuted and the government or higher-ups want them all dead. So Beatrice has to hide who she really is from EVERYONE, including her family, and make a decision on which faction to take.

But she choses Dauntless. Of course, it's not a simple matter of chosing, the Dauntless have to chose her as well, and all "transfers" from other factions have to undergo a training and testing period to qualify and become Dauntless, the ones who don't make the cut, will end up without a faction. If you don't have a faction you live in the poor outskirts of town, your life would be ruined!

Beatrice grows out of her shell slowly in the book, even though at times it seems she's a little psychotic. But with the help of a few key players she actually uncovers and helps prevent the overthrowing of the current government, as well as protect herself from anyone noticing she's Divergent.

Along the way she gets a few tattoes, changes her appearance, meets some good friends, betrays those friends, makes peace with them, and of course, meets a hot and sexy guy, Four. Yes, his name is Four (or that's what they call him to be exact) but I won't tell you why, you have to read it to find out. She has a constant internal struggle with what she should do, should she help this person or would that be showing Abnegation, should she climb higher to show she's dauntless. I have to say I'm not a fan of Beatrice, even though she's ok. But she does need to grow up more. But I am excited to see where this world will go next and I'm looking forward to the next book.

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Review: Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter #4)

by Nalini Singh

Urban Fantasy Romance

As both Annie and myself (Suzanne!) have read this one, we decided we would interview ourselves regarding the book as a nice change in format for our joint review. Enjoy!

Descirbe Dmitri in two words....

Annie: Sensual. Lethal

Suzanne: Dangerous. Carnal

How do you think Honor and Dmitri were as a couple?

Annie: They were perfect. I wondered how Singh would find someone who could bring Dmitri to his knees. He's a prideful man, and to see a vulnerability in Honor made me love her more.

Suzanne: I agree with Annie, they were perfect. They had sexual chemistry in abundence, seriously read this with your partner or B.O.B close at hand, not only that they complimented each other, Honor brought out a Dmitri's mortal heart and Dmitri in his oft times cruel ways made Honor a survivor rather then a victim.

Holly Chang. What did you think of her journey in this book?

Annie: Poor girl, she has endured so much! I liked seeing the playful part of her even though she's broken beyond repair. While I much enjoyed reading about Dmitri and Honor more, Holly's story was great. I'm sensing something going on between her and Venom. Anyone else feel that too?

Suzanne: I always thought Dmitri and Holly were going to pair up, but it seems she brings out a different kind of affection from him. I really feel for Holly, who has had a bit of a name change in this book, she is in a dark place at the moment and I can't wait to read more about her. I am feeling the Venom and Holly vibe as well!

What was your favourite thing about Archangel's Blade?

Annie: Dmitri. I loved everything about him. He was not my favourite of the Seven. But that was before I learned of his past. He is both a menace and mesmerizing. And I was captivated since page one as Singh described him beautifully.

Suzanne: My favourite aspect of this book was the slow building of the trust and sexual tension between Dmitri and Honor.It was brilliantly done, Nalini Singh seems to be an expert at building up the emotions between two characters until you are on the edge of your seat reading about them.

Anything bug you about Archangel's Blade?

Annie: Hmm, that there wasn't enough pages in the book? Despite reading slowly and rereading pages, I wish it lasted forever!

Suzanne: There wasn't anything that really got on my wick too much, but I did find the continued repetition of certain words a little irritating. I was contemplating doing a count of the words "sensual" "cruel" and "lethal" and see how many times it is possible to repeat those three words in just one book!

Why should people read Archangel's Blade?

Annie: Singh is a master at crafting stories. Both her Guild Hunter and Psy-Changeling series prove that. People should read Archangel's Blade because it's the darkest book yet and kind of reminds me of Zsadist's book, Lover Avenged from BDB. The least liked character walks in and manages to break your heart and make you fall in love with them with their story.

Suzanne: I am with Annie on this one, it was an excellent book, it was emotionally charged, sexy as hell and a little heartbreaking. I wasn't really a fan of Dmitri before this book, but after I was just a quivering puddle of goo.

UK or US cover?

Annie: I want both for my shelves!!

Suzanne: Wellllllllll if you have read my whinging updates on Goodreads you will probably already know the answer to this question! But the UK cover, I love it, it is so beautiful, even if the woman has no hips to speak of and a series case of hypothermia!

Which of the Seven would you like to climb like a monkey and ride to the ground?

Annie: Just one? I want Venom, Illium and Jason. All at the same time. I'll get the handcuffs.

Suzanne: That is a good point Annie, why pick just one? In which case AODHAN, and then I am going to have to nick Venom from you. Oh look Annie, Paul Marron's behind you! *Grabs Venom and runs away* 

I hope you have liked our review! And comment and tell us what you thought of Archangel's Blade we are especially interesting in your answer to the last question, 'cos we are nosy ho bags like that!

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ARC Review: Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl

Bad Boys Do

by Victoria Dahl

(Donovan Brothers Brewery)

Contemporary Romance

There aren't many things sexier than a hot young man, with blondish hair, a wicked grin, a sexy mouth, a beer at the ready.... and a kilt! Jamie Donovan is sex on a stick, or as I said before, sex on a kilt with construction boots. He is the bad boy, the black sheep of the family, the "irresponsible" Donovan brother, who works at the brewery as the bartender and public face of the brewery, flirts with anything female, and has a reputation for sleeping around (and being damn good at it!)

But there's a whole other side to him and it was so sweet to see that he is actually looking for recognition, looking to belong and feel comfortable. He loves his family and wants to prove to them that he is not the fuck-up they see him as. But he has a hard time of proving this to his brother! They had a lot of family conflict in this book, which at times was almost too much to read and maybe one of the reasons why this wasn't a 5 star read for me.

Now onto the romance. I'm sooooo happy I was confused and wrong about who was Jamie's HEA. I actually thought he would end up with Monica (from book 1) and I really couldn't see how that would work out, being that she had betrayed his family. But I'm happy to report it's not her! We meet Olivia Bishop when she first goes into the brewery with her book club friends and they are all drooling over Jamie, especially when he bends over with his kilt *sigh* where was I? Oh yeah! So she's divorced, her ex is totally crazy and stalkerish in a way, and she hasn't been able to get back in the dating game.

So when Jamie ends up as her student on one of her college classes about restaurant development and has a proposition for her, she can't refuse. She will help him with his plans for the Brewery and she will get some no strings attached fun!

And let me tell you, Jamie knows how to show a girl a good time! He can melt the panties off ANY girl! I have one complaint though... after all the drooling we get to do over his kilt, the one time they have sex with him wearing it, it's a "fade to black" moment. I feel cheated!!!! LOL

This book was scorching hot, yes more than book one. A LOT of family drama, the investigation into the brewery break-in continues. Jamie has a lot to prove to himself, to his family and to Olivia. But he definetely got to my heart!!!

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Review: Envy by JR Ward

Envy (Fallen Angels #3)

by J.R. Ward

Urban Fantasy

Caldwell is the PNR/UF version of Sunnydale (from Buffy, just in case you live under a rock!), all the supernatural shit goes down there! You have a Brotherhood of vampires and now we are battling demons to make sure Hell doesn't come bubbling up. Sounds like a crappy place to live, you are likely to either be killed by the Omega or have your soul destroyed by a demon; however, the payoff may just be worth it, Caldwell also seems to be the centre of the hot-man-universe packed full of gorgeous males so manly they make Arnie shrivel up, so yeah it may be dangerous but we are on the Oestrogen Express on our to Caldie!

Annnnyway in this book Veck is back and he’s made a lasting impression!

At the beginning of Envy, Veck is in deep shit. Nursing a killer headache a la vampire (not that he knows that!) he finds himself overlooking a body that looks to be mauled by an animal. He calls 911 to report the incident. But when questioned later about the events, he can’t seem to remember anything at all without his head pounding like he’s been hit across the noggin’ by a two-by-four. But the real problem is this aching suspicion that maybe he was the attacker...

Enter Sophia Reilly, Veck’s new assigned partner from Internal Affairs. Sparks are instantaneous between these two and it’s no wonder, they have amazing chemistry. What was fantastic about Reilly was that fact that she was a straight-shooter, take-no-shit kind of woman who knows exactly what she wants, but also a normal woman as per her hilarious and completely understandably pervy thoughts about Veck. She has her confused moments where her head and her heart clash, and yeah maybe we did want to brain her a little. But all in all, the girl’s got something good between her two ears.

Envy has managed to strike a good balance, in Covet there was a lot of romance and in Crave there was a lot of UF, but this book has the perfect bland of both elements of this series. It manages to move the main plot with Jim et al on, with a few really shocking twists, seriously this book needs a Kleenex warning, but it also has a really great romance in it as well. What is also great about this series is Devina, we love that we hate her, she is a bad guy that you can get properly riled up about, she isn't half assed about being evil she goes all the way and not only that; she poses a credible threat. There is nothing more off putting then a bad guy that can be defeated by your 5 year old nephew with a big stick, Devina isn't one of those!

Colin and Nigel deserve a mention. Once again JR Ward has managed to make a tricky subject into the mainstream, Colin and Nigel’s relationship was oh so human yet complicated by angelic concerns. I hope we see more of the two of them; it is like she has snuck in an extra romance and how they deal with the future battle will be interesting to see.

Now Jim and Sissy. There is an age difference Sissy is 19 and Jim is 40, although Sissy’s time with Devina has got to add an extra 1000 years to her age, but we so long for them to get together or have some kind of HEA, she is his Sissy and they thoroughly deserve each other. And the ending with Sissy’s mother, Susan, was great. Both draining and hopeful, Ward can break your heart with a few turn of events and then mend it back together with a few simple words.

Simply put we loved it.

Envy is UTC favourite of the Fallen Angels series so far. With a hero like Veck and an admirable heroine like Sophia, it was easy to fall in love along with them. But it’s the war between heaven and hell that’s got us jonesing for the next in the series. Bring on the next book!

Brother Spotting

We noticed two!

1. Escalade flying past at the beginning; getting the Butch vibes!

2. Throe right at the end doing his Grim Reaper impression

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