REVIEW - GIRL LEAST LIKELY TO MARRY

"Tuck is used to people assuming he's all brawn and no brain, and amuses himself by winding Cassie up. But when he finally takes her to bed, suddenly it's Tuck who can show Cassie a thing or two! Can he convince her that love and sex have nothing to do with logic and everything to do with chemistry?"

Author: Amy Andrews
Pages: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Publishing on July 23rd 2013
Form: E-book (from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Wedding Season: Miniseries #2
Amazon: Buy / $4.99 (Paperback) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $4.99 (Paperback)
Harlequin: Buy / $3.99 (E-book)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Talk nerdy to me...

Samuel Tucker is absolutely the last person scientist Cassie Barclay would ever date. Yes, he's gorgeous, but he's also far too cocky for his own good and thinks that Pi is a tasty afternoon treat. So when he asks her to dance at her friend Reese's non-wedding she's wondering why on earth she says yes!

Tuck is used to people assuming he's all brawn and no brain, and amuses himself by winding Cassie up. But when he finally takes her to bed, suddenly it's Tuck who can show Cassie a thing or two! Can he convince her that love and sex have nothing to do with logic and everything to do with chemistry?"  ~ From Goodreads

This is the second book in the miniseries Wedding Season, where I wasn't fan of the first book I absolutely adored this one! Then again I've always been nerdy, an astronomy geek and sci-fi fan evident by my FinnCon Weekend. ;) Cassie is like Big Bang Theory's Sheldon, just female and slightly less comical, she can't fathom why Tuck is her choice of drug, and she's mad as hell she can't focus on work with him in the same city. Cue in one night in bed to appease the lust to clear head... that turns into three nights in bed and soon Tuck has some logic she finds hard to argue with when he moves into her University town.

I loved Cassie, though her logic was infuriating at times, pretty much anything you threw at her she brushed off with logic, not just saying she didn't mind ( like us females tend to do ), but really, not giving a shit. Which left Tuck slagged jawed. Of course Cassie's innocence sex wise was adorable, she'd never orgasmed in her life, and Tuck was more than happy to open those gates for her. Of course for there to be a happy ending she needed to do some thorough girl time to figure out what us readers already knew.

Then Tuck, ex-quarterback, playboy, used to of blond and silicone sees a challenge in Cassie who brushes off his advances at a Wedding, next morning she's back to her nerdy clothes but to Tuck's surprise she's still attractive to her. Where Cassie's story arc is pretty much consistent through out, minus the end, Tuck's is much more broad, he's developing psychologically, emotionally and  providing that springing board to Cassie as well. It's lovely to see a guy appreciate a woman for other than make-up and good looks, or slim waist and giant boobs - he truly dig into why he liked Cassie, the brain, the care not attitude her ethics and her quirky ways. Loved a guy as sexy as Tuck fall for a nerd girl with genius IQ.

This for all us nerdy, high IQ girls out there... and to those who love a sexy blond quarterback with a geek girl fetish. ;)

Rating :

REVIEW - CANYON

"Years ago, Canyon Westmoreland let misunderstandings come between him and Keisha Ashford. But when Keisha returns to town with a two-year-old son, it's time to settle things once and for all."

Author: Brenda Jackson
Pages: 192 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Desire on Aug. 6th 2013
Form: E-book (from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Cowboy Romance
Series: Westmoreland Novel #25
Amazon: Buy / $4.39 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $3.82 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

The second of a new trilogy starring three Westmorelands who are impossible to resist: Zane, Canyon and Stern.

"Years ago, Canyon Westmoreland let misunderstandings come between him and Keisha Ashford. But when Keisha returns to town with a two-year-old son, it's time to settle things once and for all.

A blazing attraction still burns between them, and this time around, nothing will stop Canyon from claiming what is his - his woman and his child."  ~ From Goodreads

"I'm desperate to read Canyon which is next in line to be published - and then Stern. The author has a new fan in me!" ~ From my "Zane" Review

And the Westmorelands are back! I loved Canyon's story, not only was it about his relationship with Keisha, and trying to make her believe he never cheated on her - but about discovering Keisha kept the birth of their son from him. There's something that are hard to forgive. I liked the fact that we started with him still having feelings for her, then he discovers he has a son and he gets mighty pissed off a Keisha. Add in the fact someone is trashing Keisha's house, and threatening his newly discovered son... No boring moments in this book!

There is something about these Westemoreland men that just revs your engines, all tall, dark and handsome, smooth, charming and sexy as sin - what's not to like honestly. Plus they are fiercely loyal and  stick together as family in a way that is sexy on it's own... Canyon is a great addition to the mix he's all that and he takes into being a father like duck to water. It's sweet, adorable and again sexy. I know right, "stop saying sexy". ;)

Keisha had a lot to reform to, first Canyon discovering she'd held a son from him, her house trashed, moving in with Canyon and watching all those abandoned feelings reappear, unwanted mind you, she's not willing to admit maybe he didn't cheat on her those years ago, because if so then... just what has she done to both of them, to their son. Loved her story arch! And the kid wasn't annoying, wohoo!

And the romance, hot. With all the drama, they still couldn't help checking each other out.

Something I didn't address in the "Zane" review, this is actually the first series for me with african american couples - I thought these might have been harder reads, as I imagined somethings I might not get, but silly me that was not the case, I absolutely love these books and there are no references I didn't get.

I just read Stern, so eyes open for that review early next month. ;)

Those of you who love second chances and a cowboy desperate to have his girl  trust him again this novel comes highly recommended!

Rating :

Have you read the Westmorelands series before?
What did you think? 
Should I go back and read some 
and if yes, which ones?!

REVIEW - SOUL STRIPPER

"Monica needs mind blowing sex to sustain her and she finds her victims every night at a local strip club where she’s an exotic dancer. But when her powers begin to diminish and her fellow succubi start turning up dead, all bets are off."

Author: Katana Collins
Pages: 352 pages
Publisher: Aphrodisia Publishing on May 2013
Form: E-book (from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance (+18 Only)
Amazon: Buy / $6.19 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $2.99 (Nook)

"By day, Monica is a barista in a local Las Vegas cafe. It doesn't pay a lot but it puts her up close and personal with her sexy boss, Drew.

Unfortunately that’s as far as a succubus can go unless she wants to take his soul. Monica needs mind blowing sex to sustain her and she finds her victims every night at a local strip club where she’s an exotic dancer.

But when her powers begin to diminish and her fellow succubi start turning up dead, all bets are off. Monica realizes she’s the one immortal who has a chance in hell of making things right…"  ~ From Goodreads

I have to admit I have yet to have read a Succubus book but Monica sure gives them a good name! I liked her angelic yet sexy nature and her romantic feeling to Drew were quote sweet even with all the hot and heavy going on. Add in the excitement of a killer hunting the Succubus and Monica's stripper job all added up to really entertaining erotic read!

The author wrote this book so well, the language is top notch which made this story a joy to read. The characters have depth and act realistically even though the setting is great paranormality. ;)

I found Monica interesting, a fallen angel turned succubus could have easily been slimy and overtly sexy but Ms. Collins wrote her well and she has some depth to her which surprised me! I ended up liking her a lot, she's near starving herself just so she doesn't have to take lives... and then cue in Drew, her boss, her 'love' interest and don't-snack-on-him stud muffin who's wanting Monica but she can't know for sure if he wants her or if it's just her succubus allure working it's magic.

All in all, I liked this novel, it has a definite urban fantasy feel but with the benefits of erotica romance and the intrigue of romantic suspense. if you like any of those you're gonna like Soul Stripper.

Rating :

REVIEW - LIONS, TIGERS, AND SEXY BEARS OH MY! (GIVEAWAY)

"Lions, Tigers, and Sexy Bears Oh My! was a prime example of entertaining, sexy and suspense filled were-romance! I couldn't get enough and I am desperate to read more Candace Havens novels in the future! Not only is she a top notch writer with magnetic characters but she writes some serious funny shit!"

Author: Candace Havens
Pages: 165 pages
Publisher: Entangled Covet on July 22nd 2013
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Amazon: Buy / $2.99 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $2.99 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"A Montana town where no one is who they seem....

Everything about runaway heiress Ainsley McLeon screamed trouble - from her luscious midnight locks to her Louboutin-clad toes.  Yet sexy, stoic bar owner Luc couldn't deny the instant connection he felt to the tempting stranger… or the long-dead feelings she evoked.  She could work in his pub until her truck was fixed but after that she had to leave town for good.

Ainsley traveled with her own emotional baggage and there was no way she'd fall for the bear-tempered Luc... no matter how many passionate nights she spent in his bed or how safe she felt in his muscular arms. Can these two opposites find love in the middle of a blizzard, or will Luc's darker side and Ainsley's past catch up with them?"  ~ From Goodreads

The blurb really draws you in, it's got everything you could want, werebears, an heiress, danger and fashion, doesn't get much better than that in my book! ;) I love the plot of Ainsley putting pedal to the metal to get out of LA to save her life, she's ingenious, she's smart and NOT an obnoxious bitch - I loved her mean streak and her ability to take care of herself.

And the grumpy bear, literally, Luc was the epitome of it, he was struggling through losing his family in a car accident and that had turned him quite the crouch, but with great big kind heart. He wanted to through Ainsley out on her ass with her designer jeans first until he saw the mess and bruises she was in then it it was protective instinct 101 and we know how that ends up in romances. ;)

Luc and Ainsley together were a blast, she didn't take no for an answer and he was running out of tricks to keep her at a distance. Of course this meant attraction, chemistry ( oh so good chemistry! ) and the mandatory kiss that just couldn't be stopped. This was a proper Romance, and I loved it! Luc and Ainsley ended up being seriously hot together and with Ainsley's death threats coming out to Luc's knowledge things went from hot to sizzling, got to love a sexy big muscled protective Care bear! Err, sorry, Werebear. ;)

Lions, Tigers, and Sexy Bears Oh My! was a prime example of entertaining, sexy and suspense filled were-romance! I couldn't get enough and I am desperate to read more Candace Havens novels in the future! Not only is she a top notch writer with magnetic characters but she writes some serious funny shit! My favorite? Ainsley's reaction to finding out Luc's a bear... I won't spoil it but involves a small dark space and shit load of brownies. ;)

I want more!

Rating :

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Friend Bear 
is a kind and friendly bear who shows what it means to be a good friend by learning that the best way to make friends, is just be yourself. She is orange with two interwined smiling flowers.

Bestselling author Candace Havens has written twelve novels for Berkley, Entangled and Harlequin. She is also in the anthology Spirited, the proceeds of which help a literacy organization. 

Her books have received nominations for the RITA's, Holt Medallion and Write Touch Reader Awards. 

She is the author of the biography Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy and a contributor to several anthologies. She is also one of the nation's leading entertainment journalists and has interviewed countless celebrities including Tom Hanks, Nicolas Cage, Tom Cruise, George Clooney and many more. Her entertainment columns can be read in more than 600 newspapers across the country. 

Candace also runs a free online writing workshop for more than 2000 writers, and teaches comprehensive writing class. She does film reviews with the Dorsey Gang on New Country 96.3, and is the President of the Television Critics Association.

http://candacehavens.com/

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http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/116617.Candace_Havens

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REVIEW - SHARPSHOOTER

"Two years ago Gunner Ortez saved Sydney Sloan's life on a mission gone wrong. And ever since then, he's been watching her back. Now a hostage-rescue mission is about to blow the Elite Ops agents' lives apart once again."

Author: Cynthia Eden
Pages: 129 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Publishing on July 23rd 2013
Form: E-book (from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Shadow Agents #3
Amazon: Buy / $4.95 (Paperpack) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $5.50 (Paperpack)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"Two years ago Gunner Ortez saved Sydney Sloan's life on a mission gone wrong. And ever since then, he's been watching her back. Now a hostage-rescue mission is about to blow the Elite Ops agents' lives apart once again.

Working side by side back in the jungles of Peru, the heat between Sydney and Gunner is hotter than ever-and so are the threats to their lives. With the danger escalating, Sydney knows Gunner is her only hope at successfully completing their assignment. But the ex-SEAL who arouses passion she'd only dreamed about also poses the greatest risk to the secret she carries in her heart...and in her belly."  ~ From Goodreads

I do have to say I've never really been a fan of love triangle dramas, Sharpshooter relies heavily on the brothers who want the same girl plot, sure they are all special agents and able to bring down rain but this relationship causes problems. Also the blurb doesn't prepare you at all for the miserable am I boaching on my 'I-thought-he-was-dead' half brother's fetching fiancee? This was a surprise I didn't want.

I wasn't a fan. I think I had trouble with Gunner having such poor self-esteem... and that just isn't sexy... it was hard to like him when he was being a little girl about Slade coming back... not a turn on for me. Actually it really crated on my nerves. I wanted him big, rugged and manly, standing up and saying she's his and his brother needs to respect that... but oh no, he has to think about it for good part of the book!

Eh, sorry I'm ranting about this. I was expecting a sweaty jungle romp with enemies... and what I got was whining, insecurities in the jungle.

Now I really really liked the suspense! Man Cynthia Eden knows how to write one! She kept me guessing, intrigued and entertained with her plot and supporting characters! I definitely want to read more from her. :) And the cover portraits the book so well! Gunner always has Sydney's back.

This book is for you if you love... love triangles, heroes pining for their brother's girl and heroines who know what they want... and can kick ass to get it.

Rating :

REVIEW - DARK WOLF

"Lily Cheval chooses to live alone, but a series of rapes and murders leave her wary and worried for her fellow Chanku. Then she meets Sebastian Xenakis and the connection is intense and immediate. The son of a charismatic cult leader, Sebastian is a mysteriously sensual man who uses magic to shift into wolf form..."

Author: Kate Douglas
Pages: 350 pages
Publisher: Kensington Books on April 2013
Form: E-book (from NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Spirit Wolf  #1
Amazon: Buy / $9.39 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $11.49 (Nook)
Excerpt: Chapter 1

"It is a new beginning for the Chanku. For so long they kept their shapeshifting ability secret, but now they have assimilated into the world in ways they once never thought possible. Still there are those who want to destroy them, with dark powers of their own…

A Bold New Beginning...

The CEO of Cheval International, Lily Cheval chooses to live alone, but a series of rapes and murders leave her wary and worried for her fellow Chanku. Then she meets Sebastian Xenakis and the connection is intense and immediate. The son of a charismatic cult leader, Sebastian is a mysteriously sensual man who uses magic to shift into wolf form. He and Lily come together in a moment of supreme ecstasy, succumbing to a primal passion that leaves Lily shaken but utterly alive. Is Sebastian her lifetime mate or is he her worst enemy?"  ~ From Goodreads

I don't know if this is just me or the fact that I've been on painkillers while reading this but... I'm bit baffled. Everything was so serious, and busy and dramatic and it was hard in the first half of the book to pinpoint the whole magic stuff, the humans, and the Chanku which were shape-shifting wolves ( maybe ) and then the guy who maybe or maybe not was one, and there were herbs. I was a lot confused.

The interaction between what I thought was the main couple Lily and Sebastian was interesting and it soon became another brain teaser with Lily's love for Alex, and then Annie's love for Alex and then Seb attraction to Alex... and I just thought this was gonna be straight forward romance!

Now the four of them get hot and heavy and it begins to make sense that the Chanku are more err... pack animals and into sharing than humans. Sebastian's first time with Alex was quite hot even though I'm not into the M/M books. And Lily's role is quite big and quite serious, as is she, I would have love to have seen her let her hair down... not a lot of laughs in this one.

Now Dark Wolf was interesting read, even though, kinda in the Urban Fantasy end but with serious romance areas, I think anyone who loves a detailedly created world of shape-shifters and magic is gonna like this. Me? I don't think I'll follow the series just because I'm more Romance girl than Urban Fantasy these days.

Rating :