Reviews Published Professional Reader Challenge Participant 80% 2016 NetGalley Challenge 50 Book Reviews

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

The Unyielding (Call of Crows #3) by Shelly Laurenston

My Rating:  5 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: Yes, Call of Crows #3.
Subject: Stopping the end of times and finding your HEA.
Synopsis
Stieg Engstrom, Angriest Viking Ever, has got big problems. The human Viking Clans of earth are in danger of being obliterated—along with the rest of the world—and the only one who may be able to save them is a super pain-in-the-ass Crow. Most people annoy Stieg, but this is the one woman he really can’t stand…

Erin Amsel loves being a Crow! Why wouldn’t she when the other Viking Clans are so hilariously arrogant and humourless? She’s not about to let all that come to an end! She just didn’t expect to be shoulder to shoulder in battle with Stieg. Then again, he’s so easy to torment—and also kind of cute.

With the future of the world riding on them, Stieg knows he’ll have to put aside his desperate need to kiss the smirk right off Erin’s face. Wait. What? He didn’t mean that—did he? No! They have one goal: To conquer the idiots. Because nothing bugs Stieg more than when idiots win. If only he can keep himself from suddenly acting like one…

My Review

Book given in exchange of an honest review on Netgalley.

I was so excited to get to read about my beloved Crows and Ravens and the rest of the clans again. Ever since I started with this series I couldn't put them down for a second, I think I finished every book in less than a day, that's how good they are.

The only thing I don't like about this book is the cover, Stieg looks so much more Viking in my mind! This guy is hot, don't get me wrong but he is not savage hot, so I'll just stick to my mental image of him (mmm Travis Fimmel) Moving on... 

This book takes us back to the current problem the clans are facing, "the end on times" and they seemed to have found a way to avoid it, but it's not gonna be easy.

The plot action centres around Erin, and I couldn't be happier, she is one of my favourite characters; crazy, fun and seems to be always getting on everyone's nerves, it's definitely fun to read.

Her plans take her directly to Stieg and she can't seem to shake him off, and not sure if she really wants to. He is sweet, strong, considerate and a hot Viking, What more can she ask for?
Both of them are scared of each other, more than they are of the end of times that's approaching. They are a perfect match, even though they fight it at first, they complement each other perfectly.

Watching them fight for their lives and get closer than ever was exciting and thrilling, it is as always an amazing read!

Can't wait for the next one!!!


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Sunday, March 26, 2017

Searching For Harmony (Boston Love #1) by Kelly Elliott

My Rating:  5 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: Yes, Boston Love #1.
Subject: Overcoming pain and sadness and moving on.
Synopsis
From New York Times bestselling author Kelly Elliott comes the gut-wrenching story of a love that transcends all odds—and transforms the deepest pain into the brightest hope.

Firefighter and first responder Preston Ward thought he had grown immune to the job’s emotional burns. But when he goes out on a particularly tragic call, he realizes that some scenes are too devastating to forget. And yet, if it weren’t for that terrible night, he never would have met the woman who makes him want to risk his heart.

More than once, Harmony Banks has watched her perfectly ordered world torn apart by fate. Now she’s finding out that what she lost wasn’t as perfect as she thought—and it’s tearing her apart. The only thing that keeps her going is the kindness of a stranger: the firefighter who saved her life the night everything changed.

Preston isn’t like the men who have come before. For one thing, he’s far more genuine. And the love Harmony feels growing between them is almost too intense for her wounded soul. But if she and Preston can push past heartbreak, they’ll find that something incredible awaits in each other’s arms.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title. 

My Review

I started this series because I got the second book for review on Netgalley and I couldn't miss the chance to get to know everyone in this new story and I am happy I did. 
This is not my first book from the author, I fell in love with the wanted series world and I couldn't wait to sail into this new story.

Like her other books, this one contains a heartbreaking situation; we meet the characters in a moment of excruciating pain that changes them forever and from that point on they fight to become whole again, to find their place in a world that has been tilted of its axes. 

Harmony has lost everything, we feel her pain through the pages. She has no idea how to move forward and in her most vulnerable moment she meets Preston.

From the moment he sees Harmony he feels a strong pull towards her, and in a way he is the only one who understands her pain, so that makes them grow closer.

My favourite thing about the story, was that they meet in a non romantic way, they feel connected and help each other overcome the unimaginable loss they shared on some level. But it's not after the pain has subsided and matters have been resolved, that they truly see each other in a different light. 

Their love story is one of hurt and loss. It's about what happens to people who have love and lost, and how do they open themselves up to the feeling again.
A true story about overcoming pain and finding a way to leave the survivor's guilt behind.



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Saturday, March 25, 2017

SOLD: an MFM menage (Double Delights Book 1) by Gisele St. Claire

My Rating:  4 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: Yes, Double Delights Book 1.
Subject: Listening to your needs and letting go of you inhibitions.
Synopsis
Another steamy read from Gisele St. Claire 

Everything changes for Realtor, Tiffany, with an anonymous email to her business account where the sender describes what he’d like to do to her in vivid detail. 
Then she meets him at a viewing – H, owner of Club S, where patrons bid for the stage. Soon the email is being lived out in the flesh. After, H asks her the question, “Have you ever had two men at once?” Tiffany leaves. 
With no further contact, Tiffany begins dating neighbour Brandon, but she can’t get thoughts of H and threesomes out of her mind, especially after she visits the club and sees one up close. 
She wonders if Brandon is going to be enough for her, until a shock encounter means she doesn’t have to wonder any more... 
Warning: 
If thoughts of two men at once are too much for your heart, better to leave this one alone. Other than that come join us...18+ erotic romance. 

Standalone Series about three naughty flatmates and their sexy adventures. 

Book 1 - Sold 
Coming soon: 
Book 2 - Submit 
Book 3 - Share 

My Review

Book given in exchange of an honest review by the author.

This is my first book from the author and I really enjoyed it! Her book has everything I like, great sex scenes, amazing alpha males and oh yeah... threesome scenes!

If you are not into that kind of sex scene then this is not the book for you, but if you do enjoy a little bit of MFM and a lot of hot dark sex then get this book now, you won't regret it!

Tiffany and her friends where just hilarious, I had a lot of fun reading about their quirks and adventures. We really get to know them in a few chapters and that's what creates a strong connection with the characters and the plot. I felt part of their little group and wanted them as my BFF too !

We then meet H, he is mysterious, dark, sexy, rich and he knows what he wants. He didn't hesitate to take it when he could and I just went crazy with their first scene together. The control he had over her was something that couldn't be faked, they had insane chemistry.

Brandon is different, he seeks a real connection, mind and body; we can tell it's not just sex for him, he really likes Tiffany. 

She was my favourite character, she had no inhibition about sex and felt free to just hook up and have fun, a girl after my own heart!
She knew she needed more and when the opportunity presented itself she never hesitated she went for it and because of that she experienced perfection!


I loved it!




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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Beauty of the Beast (Fairy Tale Retellings #1) by Rachel L. Demeter

My Rating: 4 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: Yes, Fairy Tale Retellings #1
Subject: Opening your heart again.
Publication Date: March 15, 2017.

Genres: Historical Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling, Gothic Romance, Adult.

Synopsis
Experience the world’s most enchanting and timeless love story—retold with a dark and realistic twist.

A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST

Reclusive and severely scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago.

A BEAUTY IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER FUTURE

Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at a castle—unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Stripped of his emotional defenses, Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they will wade through darkness and discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But when a monster from Isabelle’s former life threatens their new love, Demrov’s forgotten prince must emerge from his shadows and face the world once more…

Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating, Gothic voice.

* * *
Beauty of the Beast is the first standalone installment in a series of classic fairy tales reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Disclaimer: This is an edgy, historical romance retelling of the classic fairy tale. Due to strong sexual content, profanity, and dark subject matter, including an instance of sexual assault committed by the villain, Beauty of the Beast is not intended for readers under the age of 18. 




My Review

Book given in exchange of an honest review by the author.

I must confess I fell in love with this book, who wouldn't? I grew up with this love story, about the dark cursed prince and the beautiful woman who could see past his facade. 

Now that we are older we need a bit more to complete and believe the story, the prince is not a real animal/monster, there is no magic involved,he is a human that has been hurt mentally and physically; and the story doesn't end with just a romantic dance and a hug... yeah, definitely my kind of story!

Prince Adam  has been through hell, nobody could ever be prepared for what happened to him and his family, and he is now guarded and angry at the world. And even though he is not conscious and would never accept it, he is scared of people, that's why he has been hiding all these years.

Belle's life has been hard to say the least, money was always tight and her stepsisters are horrible persons, but she still has her father, who unfortunately needs her and she is willing to sacrifice everything for him.

She puts everything on the line and gets sucked into a dangerous situation, because of her immaturity and her goodhearted nature that prevent her from imaging the darkness that lurks in most bad people's minds.

Their encounter is definitely not a meet cute kind of moment, she hates Adam, and she is scared to death of him, but she manages to stand up to him and he respects her for that.

The main part of the book focuses on these two people, that are really different and dance around each other poking their armors, taking them down bit by bit.  When  it's just Adam and Belle they realize that they have a lot in common and they actually have a crazy attraction going on. 

Letting go of their fears and trusting each other is the biggest challenge, both of them have self esteem and trust issues. 

A true fairy tale of the broken that finally find a way to be whole again within each other. 



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🌹 EXCERPT 🌹

~ The East Tower ~

Arms sprang out from the darkness. They spun her full circle and slammed her body against the king’s portrait. Isabelle gasped, more in shock than from pain, as she stared into Adam’s deformed face. The lantern flickered behind his massive form, casting his cloaked body in silhouette. But she saw enough to know he was far from pleased. Rage and frustration radiated from his body like a palpable force.

“I warned you to stay out of here,” he said, his voice dangerously cold and deep. Those rugged vocals vibrated against her body and seeped into her marrow. “What part of forbidden didn’t you comprehend?” His voice lashed out from the darkness like a hurtled knife, and the word “forbidden” seemed to whisper another meaning altogether. Isabelle tried to answer but failed to find her voice. Indeed, her vocal cords had turned to solid ice, as numb and cold as the blood rushing through her veins. She couldn’t breathe; she felt like she was suffocating.

“My mother gave me that musical box on my fourth birthday,” he said, the sensual lull of his voice causing the fine hairs on her nape to stand erect. “And now your recklessness has destroyed it. Have you nothing to say?”

“I—I’m sorry.” He offered no reply; only the ragged sound of his breathing and the hammering blizzard broke the silence. “Please—I didn’t mean any harm.”

She struggled under the weight of Adam’s colossal body and battled to free herself. He merely gave a low chuckle and pressed her firmly against the portrait. He looked otherworldly at that moment, like an angel of death seeking vengeance. Both beautiful and monstrous, his cool, sapphire eyes overflowed with warring emotions. In spite of his harsh and ruthless exterior, she detected a quaver in his voice and saw that his large, cloaked shoulders trembled. The darkness in his soul cast a shadow that embraced her; as she peered up at him, she knew he was drowning in the turbulent waters of a past time.

“What a disappointment,” he went on, his voice growing deeper still, mocking her words from so many days ago, “You’re like any other woman.”

“I—I’m sorry. Please, Adam. I—” Her gaze shot past his body and over the wreckage of a past life. She thought of her private chamber again—of the stale perfumes and outdated garments.

Her flight or fight instinct seized hold of her. She attempted to scramble free, but he merely grabbed her shoulder and whirled her back against the portrait. Gloves wrapped his hands; his long, silk-clad fingers grasped her shoulder and kept her firmly in place.

He stood intimately close.

Far too close.

As close as Raphael had been that night.

“Going somewhere, ma belle? After you’ve worked so hard to find my East Tower?”

Hands like two steel bands held her wrists in place. Hot breaths, which faintly smelled of wine, seared her cheeks and assaulted her senses. Her breasts flattened against the pressure of his strong chest, and she felt that same chest swell and deflate in perfect sync with her own. One large hand slipped down her elbow and glided across her extended arm. The lush material of his gloves drew a shudder from her heaving chest. His breathing grew more ragged, shallower, and the erratic beat of his heart banged against her own.

Anger and desire warred on his face, twisting his features into a mess of both monster and man. “Find anything of interest, aside from my musical box? Come, come. You went through such great trouble to get here,” he asked, his voice now threaded with both anger and something else.

Yes, Isabelle recognized that something else. It was the same note that had entered Raphael’s voice that night…

She attempted to duck under his arm, but he moved swiftly, capturing her in the crook of his elbow. Reeling her toward him, he emitted a low, haunting chuckle that swelled the eastern tower to its rafters. She was back where she’d started—pinned against the portrait, Adam’s body serving as a flesh-and-blood blockade.

Hunger radiated from him, enfolding her in a current of sizzling power. His silk-clad hand grazed the curve of her breast as it moved down her body in a painfully slow caress. Even more alarming was her reaction to him. Her treacherous body responded with a crush of hot and cold pulsating waves. Then he whispered a taunt in her ear, and his liquid baritone slid down her backbone like honey; it swirled inside her, finding its home in her most intimate area.

He leaned closer still. His face’s uneven skin brushed against her neck, the black waves of his hair tickled her chin... His thick arousal expanded against her, reminding her of what he was capable of—and of her sheer vulnerability.

His lips teased the base of her throat. Cursing her traitorous body, Isabelle gasped at the gentle scraping of his teeth. His tongue and lips tormented her throbbing pulse—just barely, stirring her skin in a mere ghost of a touch.

🌹 Meet the Author 🌹



Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and her high school sweetheart of fourteen years. She enjoys writing poignant romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and explore the redeeming power of love.

Imagining dynamic worlds and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mother would record them for her. She holds a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether crafting the protagonist or antagonist, she ensures every character is given a soul.

Rachel endeavors to defy conventions by blending elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness.

Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.

Don’t be a stranger! Rachel loves to connect and interact with her readers:



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Monday, March 20, 2017

The Heartbeat Hypothesis by Lindsey Frydman

My Rating:  4 Stars
Sex Scenes: No.
Series: No.
Subject: How do you plan on living your borrowed time?
Synopsis
Audra Madison simply wanted to walk in the shoes of Emily Cavanaugh, a free-spirited teenager who died too young. After all, Audra wasn’t supposed to be here.

Thanks to Emily, Audra has a second chance at life. She’s doing all the things that seemed impossible just two years ago: Go to college. Date. Stargaze in the Rocky Mountains. Maybe get a tattoo. You know, live. 

Jake Cavanaugh, a photographer with mysterious, brooding gray eyes, agrees to help chronicle her newfound experiences. She makes him laugh, one of the only people who can these days. As they delve into each other’s pasts – and secrets – the closer they become.

But she’s guarded and feels like she can’t trust anyone, including herself. 
And he’s struggling with the fact that his beloved sister’s heart beats inside her. 

My Review

Book given in exchange of an honest review on Netgalley.

This was not the book I was expecting, and I don't mean it in a bad way. I was expecting a cute love story, where a girl fell for this sexy photographer (with an amazing back...yes the cover got me), but I got a much deeper story.
Audra's life hasn't been easy,and she now has a second chance, but she still has some heartbreaks in her future. 

A girl with a borrowed heart that tries to find meaning in life and unexpectedly she finds it with Jake.

He is broken too and together they find a little place where happiness is possible. But life is not that easy and they have to overcome their problems in order to move forward.

Jake was a peculiar character, full of mystery and unpredictable reactions. Even when we get to know everything about him, he was still unknown in some ways.
It's hard to explain, but I felt like he had so much more to tell, like we had a lot more to explore about his personality.

Overall, a beautiful yet sad story about loss, love, life and death and how everyone is connected. About embracing every moment like it was your last because you never know when it will be.

The heartbeat Hypothesis is such a romantic theory, she saw it as an explanation of why she was given a second chance and a incentive to live her borrowed heartbeats to the max. 
I though about it in a different way. I imagined making a choice of living a calm life and not spending your heartbeats too fast and live longer; or experiencing everything you ever wanted and maybe having a shorter but more fulfilled and happy life. 

It's a tough choice, most of us live hanging between the balance but there are some who live on either side.



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EXCERPT
I started to inch back, but his hands pressed against my hips, urging me to stay. Our mouths collided, and the air between us hummed electric. This kiss was slower than our first. Different somehow. My pulse jumped, a brightness flashed behind my eyes, and my beloved treehouse fell away. Everything fell away. It was just me and Jake. His lips and mine. And for a moment, while his tongue explored my mouth and his fingers grazed my lower back, my pain ceased to matter. Nothing mattered aside from the warmth buzzing through my veins, and the quick beating of my heart.












ABOUT LINDSEY FRYDMAN


Lindsey has been writing since she was nine years old, when she discovered the awesomeness that is Harriet the Spy. Her books always include a romance, though sometimes there’s an added sci-fi or magical realism twist. She lives in Columbus, Ohio (where the weather is never quite right). Her BFA in Photography and Graphic Design has granted her a wide assortment of creative knowledge that serves as inspiration (and not much else). When she’s not crafting YA and NA stories, you’ll likely find her spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, playing a video game, singing show-tunes, or performing in a burlesque show—because she enjoys giving her introversion a worthy adversary. (Plus, it’s the closest to Broadway she’ll ever get.) Lindsey was a proud 2016 Pitch Wars Mentee and thoroughly adores being a part of the wonderful writing community. THE HEARTBEAT HYPOTHESIS is her debut novel.









Tuesday, March 14, 2017

My Skylar by Penelope Ward

My Rating: 5 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: No.
Subject:True love that stands against time.
Synopsis
From the author of the Amazon #1 bestselling romance, Jake Undone, comes a friends-to-lovers story of longing, passion, betrayal and redemption……with a twist that will rip your heart out.

Skylar was my best friend, but I secretly pined for her. One thing after another kept us apart, and I’ve spent the last decade in fear of losing her forever. 

First, it was the cancer, but she survived only to face the unthinkable at my hands. Because of me, she left town. For years, I thought I’d never see her again.

But now she’s back…and living with him. 

I don’t deserve her after everything I’ve put her through, but I can’t live without her. This is my last chance, because she’s about to make the biggest mistake of her life. I can see it her eyes: she doesn’t love him. She still loves me...which is why I have to stop her before it’s too late. 

My Skylar is a STANDALONE novel and a companion to Jake Undone.

**Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+ 

My Review

I got this book as a freebie on the Romance Read of the month Club and loved it!

I couldn't put it down, it's a heartbreaking story about two people that met when they didn't even know what love was, but have been in love with each other ever since. 

Mitch and Sky were best friends and then life got in the way and they had to part. But lucky for them the universe still had some plans for the two and they kept meeting through life, but the timing was always off.

I found myself feeling sorry for them, life can't seem to give them a break and even though some might think of this story as a tragedy, it's really a Love story. Real life love, where there's pain, illness and overall things are not fair.

The world tried to break them down but their love was always there, even through the unthinkable, when they thought there was nothing left, love found a way back.

I connected with the characters in such a deep level, that I was unhappy when they were and I couldn't wait to keep reading to see if they were going to find their way back to each other. 

Even when they were doing the wrong thing, I still understood. Their love couldn't abide by the rules, it was timeless and couldn't be limited. They fought to do the right thing but they both realised in the end how miserable that made them. 

They couldn't breathe without the other, it was like leaving half a life. 

I'm in love with their story!



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Surviving Harley (Sex, Vows & Babies Kindle Worlds Novella) by K. Webster

My Rating: 5 Stars
Sex Scenes: Yes.
Series: No.
Subject: Finding you own savage brute and keeping him forever.
Synopsis
Taylor Cunningham is a diva talk show host who’s signed on for ninety days of marriage to a stranger.
All in the name of skyrocketing her career.

Harley Harrison is a bearded survivalist who’ll do anything to move past a broken heart.
Even if that means letting millions of people choose his perfect match and letting them televise his every move.

Opposites don’t always attract. Two people can’t be forced to be happy. And after nearly three months in marriage hell, they are counting down to the moment they can throw in the towel and divorce, without breaching contract.

But then everything changes in the blink of an eye.

One hot drunken night. A national scandal. Terrorists. Bombs. And total anarchy. This unlikely couple will be forced to work together...even if it kills them.

Will they survive and find love along the way?
Or is this marriage over in more ways than one?

My Review

Book given in exchange of an honest review.

I love K. Webster's books because they tell amazing stories even though they are what you would call short stories. 
We always enjoy a deep connection between the characters and we get to see them go through an extreme crisis that strengthens their relationships.

In this book we meet Taylor and Harley; she is not a nice person, she lives for the ratings and for her career and her latest plan left her sharing a house with him.
Harley is wild and rough, he is everything she hates, but why is he making her so hot?

I have no idea how she could resist him for so long, he is perfection wrapped up in a hot bearded and strong body. He was there for her and she couldn't let him in, but when she did it was done. 
Harley is not the kind of guy who lets go of what's his, and now that she is, she is stuck with him.

After a night of hot sex they are faced with a national crisis and lucky for Taylor she is with a guy who can handle surviving.

They were meant for each other but she was too scared to let anyone in. People sometimes ignore their feelings and prefer to just play safe, because if you do that then there's no risk of getting really hurt. 

She always had superficial relationships and stayed away focusing on her job and it was enough, until she felt what real love was like, and there was no turning back.

A must read ! Get ready to meet your new Book boyfriend!.



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From sexy stories with married couples fighting against outside forces to keep their happily ever after in the Sex & Vows series to unexpected pregnancies that lead to happy marriages in the Yeah, Baby series… the Sex, Vows & Babies world is full of over the top alphas, sassy heroines, insta-love, wedding bells, and growing families. Although the wide cast of characters in both series have managed to find the loves of their lives, there’s bound to be plenty more out there who could use Sex, Vows & Babies in their lives.
Keep up to date in the World’s Facebook group at:

And there’s already a couple book announcements for the world on our website at: http://www.fionadavenport.com/kindle-worlds/


About the Author
K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she's active on social media connecting with her readers.

Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.

You can easily find K Webster on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads!