Review: A Blaze of Sun (A Shade of Vampire #5) by Bella Forrest

A Blaze of Sun

A Shade of Vampire

book 5

Bella Forrest

YA/NA Paranormal Romance

Welcome back to The Shade...

"Of course you know who I am. I'm a daughter of the darkness just as surely as you are his son..."

Ever since his brief encounter with Emilia at The Shade, Derek's thoughts and dreams have been haunted with images of the mysterious, beautiful brunette. Plagued with guilt, he struggles to understand why he is so drawn to this dark stranger from his past.

When Emilia suddenly appears again on the island, Derek is both terrified and intrigued. But this time, he is determined to involve Sofia and discover who this woman is.

If only Derek and Sofia knew, Emilia is a mystery that should be left undiscovered...



Review: 

 
Book 5 was better than book 4, but still not on the same level as the first three.
** spoiler alert **

 We finally get some answers in this one though. A few of the who, what, when, and where's are discovered and some of the characters stories make a little more sense now.
There are a few twists and surprises but nothing you didn't see coming a few pages before the reveal.

For a couple in love and engaged to be married they don't spend very much time together. It seems like they were only around each other in the first couple of books and since then they are separated for one reason or another. Even once they are back under the same roof they still sleep in different rooms... who does that? They finally find time to be together and they argue... I mean, really? You don't get the feeling that they love each other anymore.

I also don't get how people's mind sets can change so quickly... you've hated these people for decades and yet over the course of a week you have a change of heart? I think not.

I'm intrigued with how the story will unfold now that a cure is in the works... on to the next book. 

Review: A Shadow of Light (A Shade of Vampire #4) Bella Forrest

A Shadow of Light

A Shade of Vampire

Book 4

Bella Forrest

Paranormal Romance

YA/ NA

Since the implosion at The Oasis and Derek's stay at Hawk Headquarters, The Shade has fallen into a state of utter chaos. To make matters worse, the citizens of Derek's kingdom have become suspicious of his loyalties and accuse him of siding with the enemy... At a time when Derek desperately needs full cooperation from his subjects, they wish to put their own King on trial.

Meanwhile, Sofia is being held hostage by the hunters. They are determined to rid her of her infatuation with the vampire. She submits to the strict routine and training they impose on her, but the only fuel that keeps her going is the thought of reuniting with Derek - something Reuben is fighting with every fiber of his being to ensure will never happen.

...Until one day, out of the blue, Reuben appears to have a change of heart and comes to Sofia with a proposal; a solution that she never dreamed possible. A solution that would fulfill her heart's deepest desires and secure her and Derek's future together, forever.

But can she really trust this man who is so renowned for his hatred of vampires? Does she even have a choice?


Review: 


While I am really enjoying the series, this was not my favorite book.

I found that it was slow in places, basically dragging us along waiting for something to grab us and pull us back in. There were also a number of different pov's in this book and it was occasionally confusing as to which story we are reading. Jumping between past and present and different pov's made for a story line you had to pay close attention to instead of it just flowing from beginning to end.

I found Sofia a bit annoying in this one... do you consider them your parents or not? One minute she hates them and the other she's bending to their will because she loves them. Make up your mind. I mean really, how many times can someone wrong you before you wise up and move on?

This whole book just seemed to be background on characters and lots of filler with a few clues as to the direction of the next book and some small twists that weren't all that exciting. Even the cliff hanger we are left with was lack luster this time.

With that said, I will be continuing on with the series.
 

Review: A Castle of Sand (A Shade of Vampire #3) by Bella Forrest

A Castle of Sand

A Shade of Vampire

book 3

Bella Forrest 

Paranormal Romance / Fantasy 

Young Adult / New Adult

What Sofia has with Derek feels like a sandcastle; temporary and something that the waves of life and time will soon ruin...

Since the return of Gregor Novak, the island has turned several shades darker. His hatred toward Sofia and thirst for fresh blood lead to a brutal war igniting between father and son.

Meanwhile, the hunters are gaining formidable strength and resources by the day; they know that the safety of The Shade hangs entirely on its ability to remain hidden from them.

And a sinister secret lies in wait for Sofia within the bowels of an Egyptian desert... a secret that threatens to crush her sandcastle much sooner than she could have expected.

 
Review: 

 
I'm seriously in love with this series.

Each book is better than the last. I love the character development, they are so in depth and yet not so over powering that they take away from the many story lines that are mingled together. The web of lines is growing and getting messier as we progress. Everyone seems to be connected in some way.

I really like the progression in the Shade, as well as the interaction between Derrik and his father. Once he returns everything seems to change and the dynamic of the Shade and it's inhabitants begins to shift. Loyalties are tested, sides are taken and blood is shed.

There are so many twists and turns, outright surprises and we are once again left with a monster cliff hanger that has me already downloading book 4 as I type this!

I highly recommend this series to everyone. 

Review: A Shade of Blood (A Shade of Vampire #2) by Bella Forrest

A Shade of Blood

A Shade of Vampire

book 2

Bella Forrest

Paranormal Romance / Fantasy 

Young Adult 

In A Shade Of Blood, Bella Forrest transports you deeper into a unique, enthralling and beautifully sensitive story. Prepare to be lost in its pages…

When Sofia Claremont was kidnapped to a sunless island, uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet, she believed she’d forever be a captive of its dark ruler, Derek Novak.

Now, after months of surviving an endless night, the morning sun may soon rise again for Sofia. Something has possessed Derek’s heart and he offers her a gift no human slave has ever been given in the history of his cursed island: escape.

High school, prom and a chance to move on with her life now await her.

But will she be able to forget the horrors that steal her sleep away at night? … and the feelings that haunt her for that tormented prince of darkness?


Review: 


This book was much better than the first! Book one intrigued me enough to keep me reading, but this one brought out so much more of the story line. We learn about the history of the Shade, get a glimpse into Vivian and Derrik's pasts, we see beyond the beautiful penthouses and into the caves.

Did I mention a MASSIVE cliff hanger...?
Yes, the book is good, but the ending is mind blowing. No way can you finish this one and not immediately start book three!!

I'm fully invested in this series now. It's still a bit too young adult for my liking but the story is interesting enough that I just don't care. I can't wait to see how things play out in the future. There are so many wild cards. Ben, Lucas, the Hunters, the other Vampire Coven's... at some point they've all got to meet in the middle, and what will become of Derrik and Sofia then?

Review: A Shade of Vampire (Book 1) by Bella Forrest

A Shade of Vampire

Book 1

Bella Forrest

Paranormal Romance

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novak's?


Review:

 
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I tend to enjoy a more adult scene, but something about the story line called to me. I love that it's something slightly different. 

The vampires created a safe haven for themselves but still find themselves in need of humans to feed on, so they eventually attract the attention of the hunters again. At first I expected it to be one of those Stockholm syndrome type stories, but I didn't get that vibe. Derek didn't kidnap her, and he never treated her like a captive.
Speaking of Derek, he intrigues me and I can't wait to learn more about him. I have a feeling there is something more to Sofia that will be revealed in a future book... there's something just off about her.

The story did it's job by pulling me in and there's just enough information left hanging that I'm curious enough to download the next book. I will say it was a bit short... it felt more like a novella than the first book in a series. 

Review: Solstice Burn (Club Altura #0.5) by Kym Grosso

Solstice Burn

Club Altura

book 0.5

Kym Grosso

Erotic Romance

Temptations flare in the hedonistic tropics when wealthy philanthropist and professional deep sea diver, Chase Ellsworth, rescues a beautiful woman at sea.

Penny Travis, a big city lawyer, may have been looking for relaxation at the exclusive adults' resort, but she soon embraces adventure, submitting to secret fantasies within the arms of her charismatic hero.





Review: 

 
I've enjoyed the Club Altura series so far, and this novella is no different. 

Getting to know Chase a little better was quite interesting. The story felt a bit rushed, I mean who really falls in love over a weeks time... either way it was fun to read. 

The characters were well defined for a short story, you got a feel for who they were pretty quickly. They had an instant connection, which of course led to some lovely steamy scenes. 

I think what I love most about this series is the adventure. To be that free and adventurous all the time would be awesome. 

Review: Monster Prick (Screwed #1.5) by Kendall Ryan

Monster Prick

Screwed

book 1.5

Kendall Ryan

Erotic Romance

MONSTER PRICK is a spin off novella from SCREWED, but can be read as a standalone, as it features a new couple.

Over my dead body.

That's what I told Gracie when she informed me of her plan to pick some random guy she met online to get rid of her pesky virginity.

If anyone is touching her, it's going to be me.

I shouldn't even be considering it, but I can't get it out of my head: her, under me, begging me.

***
Arrogant. Cocky. Prick.

Those are the words I’d use to describe my older brother’s dangerously handsome best friend.

When he learned of my plan to kick off my white cotton briefs, ditching my good girl persona once and for all by losing my virginity to the first eligible bachelor I could find, he flipped out. Said over his dead body.

He says if anyone’s going to do it, it’s going to be him.
I hate that I’m even considering his offer.
But I am … I sooo am.
 
Ever since he suggested it, all I can think about is his cocky smile on those full lips as he’s driving in to me.

But if we cross that line … will I ever be able to go back?


Review: 


This was an enjoyable short read. 

The story was full of lust and a few unexpected turns. 
There were some steamy scenes, a few laugh out loud moments and just an overall fun read. 
It was a full, yet short story. It didn't feel rushed like some novellas I've come across. 

Also, you could read this as a stand alone or in combination to the series. 

Review: The Billionaire's Obsession ~ Simon (complete set) by J.S. Scott

The Billionaire's Obsession ~ Simon

Billionaire's Obsession 

Complete Boxed Set

J.S. Scott

Contemporary Erotic Romance

This complete collection of The Billionaire's Obsession includes:
Mine For Tonight
Mine For Now
Mine Forever
Mine Completely  

 

Down on her luck, nursing student and full-time waitress Kara Foster gets a massive blow to her already desperate financial situation that will surely find her living on the streets. Needing nothing less than a miracle to save her, Kara gets rescue from an unknown, unlikely and overwhelming source. Billionaire Simon Hudson makes her an offer that is impossible to refuse, but terrifying to accept from a man that she's never met. Will the handsome, alpha billionaire really be a solution to her problems, or will he end up being a major complication and a danger to her emotional sanity?

Reclusive billionaire Simon Hudson would rather be behind a computer creating computer games than rubbing elbows with the elite and he knows exactly what he wants...until he meets Kara Foster. Something about Kara touches Simon in ways he's never experienced and definitely doesn't like. For over a year, Simon watches over Kara, but stubbornly refuses to admit his desire to possess her, not even to himself. But when she ends up in a situation that could very well be her destruction, Simon steps up to help her, not realizing that in saving Kara, he might very well be salvaging his own soul.

(This is a erotic romance. It contains graphic language, very steamy love scenes and lots of emotion.)


Review:

** spoiler alert ** This series had some good and some bad... It started off a bit slow, then picked up. I really enjoyed the story and the characters and everything seemed to work well together. It was rather predictable but a good read to pass the time while working.

Towards the end of the series it started to slow down again, and then the predictable oops moment happens and she ends up pregnant. Am I the only person that doesn't want to read about that? Yes, its a part of life, but it's not something I want to read about. I read to escape reality for a while and babies just don't do it for me. Once they are mentioned I sort of tune out and it's really hard for me to get into the story. Maybe I'm weird...
 

Review: A Table for Three (New York #1) by Lainey Reese

A Table For Three

New York

book 1

Lainey Reese

Erotic Romance

She’s taking two bites out of the Big Apple.

Riley Ramirez knew that moving to New York would change her life. She just didn’t expect it to start on her very first night in town. Her attraction to nightclub owner Kincade Marshall is instant, mind-blowing—and mutual. When she finds he is a Dom who requires her complete surrender, even when it comes to submitting to his best friend, Trevor Wellington, she finds herself willing and eager to embrace the sexual adventure.

From their earliest days, Cade and Trevor have shared everything, including women. Yet it only takes one night with Riley to know she is their forever lady. Convincing her that this is more than a temporary fling, though, will take every tool in their sensual arsenal.

As Cade and Trevor set their sights on Riley, however, they’re unaware—until it’s almost too late—that someone is targeting their fragile relationship. Someone who’s taking deadly aim at Riley. Suddenly their struggle to keep their forever woman is a fight to keep her alive…

Warning: This book contains m/f/m ménage, bdsm play, lots of steamy p.d.a, and a fine dining experience that will leave you salivating for more.


Review:

If your looking to read some steamy scenes for a few hours, this is the book for you. If you prefer some substance and an actual storyline, then I'd pass on this one. It's basically sex, literally from start to finish! The book starts out with a sex scene in the club, and it just gets steamier from there.

I give it 2.5 stars for the sex and 1/2 a star for story.  
 

Review: Luca's Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans #2) by Kym Grosso

Luca's Magic Embrace

Immortals of New Orleans

book 2

Kym Grosso

Paranormal Romance

An erotic paranormal romance…

Sexy vampire, Luca Macquarie doesn’t do love; especially not with humans. Yet, ever since he rescued Samantha Irving, he can’t deny the enigmatic attraction he’s developed for the alluring mortal woman. Concerned for her safety, he’s determined to bring Samantha back to her coven. His mission is to go find the novice witch and bring her home, nothing more, nothing less; falling for her is not supposed to be part of the plan.

Samantha doesn’t want to be a witch, yet that’s exactly what she is. After failing to elicit her magic, she escapes to the mountains in an attempt to resume a semblance of her previous human life. When an arsonist torches her cabin, Samantha’s worst fears are realized. Aware that her life is on the line, she reluctantly agrees to return to New Orleans with Luca.

In the Big Easy, Samantha and Luca embark on a spellbinding journey, searching for a mystical amulet that promises to release her obligation from an ancient, lethal vampire who’s been threatening her life. With cryptic clues and clandestine allies, will Luca and Samantha destroy the dangerous amulet before others acquire it, setting forth a chain of catastrophic consequences? And will Luca give into his erotic desire for the witch who magically captures heart?


Review:

This was an okay read for me... it passed the time but I was never really invested in the story.

I feel like we never cracked the surface of the characters. They had no depth and therefore weren't very interesting. The story had promise but I feel like everything happened too quickly. Suspense for each plot twist lasted a few pages and then it was resolved and we were on to the next problem.

Luca was supposed to be this hardened vampire that didn't care for humans at all... what we got was a vampire that quickly fell for a human/witch with no persuasion on her part at all. Are we working with the soul mate premise here? Luca's personality took a complete 180 and the story may as well have been about someone else all together.

Honestly, I think if you were to read this as a stand alone it may warrant 4 stars... but because I read the first book in the series I expectations for Luca, and he just doesn't live up to them!  

Review: The Marriage Bargain (Marriage to a Billionaire #1) by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Bargain

Marriage to a Billionaire

book 1

Jennifer Probst

Romance

A marriage in name only...

To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend's older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart.

Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his father’s corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast. When he discovers his sister’s childhood friend is in dire financial straits, he offers Alexa a bold proposition.

A marriage in name only with certain rules: avoid entanglement. Keep things all business. Do not fall in love. The arrangement is only for a year so the rules shouldn’t be that hard to follow, right?

Except fate has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans…



Review:

Honestly I wasn't expecting much from this one, I picked it up on a $4 Audible sale... I was pleasantly surprised by the story though.

It started off with a scene from the past to introduce us to our characters, but in this blast from the past you can already see whats going to happen. It's a really predictable story, but enjoyable all the same. There were a few holes in the story (why wouldn't she know anything about his family when his sister has been her best friend for years?) but it kept things light and interesting enough that you can easily look beyond the mistakes.

The epilogue basically spells out the next book for you, but it may end up on my to be read pile anyway!
 

Review: Beneath This Ink (Beneath #2) by Meghan March

Beneath This Ink

Beneath

book 2

Meghan March

Contemporary Romance

I’ve always known she was too good for me, but that never stopped me from wanting her.

And then I finally had her for one night.

A night I don’t remember.

I figured I’d blown my shot.

But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance.

Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?



Review:


Another really good book by Meghan March.

I loved getting to know Con, he intrigued me in the first book. I was super surprised that the girl he was after is Vanessa!! She was portrayed as such a prim and proper lady in Beneath the Mask, I loved her behind closed doors personality.

This story was full of twists and turns and well thought out. I never would have guessed some of the conclusions! Well done.

I was however hoping for a little more action in the tattoo parlor since the story was revolving around Con. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.  
 

Review: Beneath This Mask (Beneath #1) by Meghan March

Beneath This Mask

Beneath

book 1

Meghan March

Romance

He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name.

The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away.

I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.

Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?




Review: 


I really enjoyed this story.

This book had a great plot with lots of twists and turns and some very colorful characters. They all had their own personalities that were very different and yet worked so well together.

I loved reading Charlie's story and following along as she found herself. In the end when she finally realized what she had it was perfect. Your family doesn't control who you are, and tattoos do not make you a bad person. It's a stereotype that really needs to be broken and I'm glad that in a way this book helps to promote that.

I'll definitely be continuing on with this series, they author has a way with words and has captured my attention!  

Review: Carnal Risk (Club Altura #1) by Kym Grosso

Carnal Risk

Club Altura

book 1

Kym Grosso

Erotic Romance

Powerful CEO, Garrett Emerson's, life and corporation are built on a foundation of risk taking and top secret priorities. He works hard, but plays even harder. When tragedy strikes, the charismatic and sexy billionaire takes the gamble of his life by bringing a beautiful consultant into his inner sanctum, exposing her to his exclusive society of extreme athletes who are adventurous both in business and pleasure. Inexplicably drawn to the intriguing woman, Garrett teaches her to face her fears, bringing them both to new levels of ecstasy.

Selby Reynolds, a high profile technology specialist, reluctantly accepts an engagement at Emerson Industries. Discovering secrets and uncovering clues to a murder, she's swept into Garrett's dangerous but seductive life of luxury. Captivated by the world renowned capitalist and adventurer, she's convinced he could crush her heart. As he pushes her sexual limits and their erotic play intensifies, Selby finds it impossible to resist the one man who turns her darkest fantasies into a reality.

When Selby's life is threatened by a killer, carnal lessons of trust are put to the test, forcing them to choose who is friend and who is foe. Can Selby give her heart to a man who revels in the excitement of flirting with death? Will they prevail against an enemy who threatens to tear apart Garrett's world, including the fragile connection with the woman he seeks to claim as his own?

Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes and is intended for adult readers only.
*This is a full length contemporary erotic romance novel.* 


Review: 

This book started out really slow, and I nearly gave up on it. The first few chapters are mostly about business details and how things are run. Everyday life in an office job and contract details... Not something you want to read about.

Once the story started to pick up the pace though, it never stopped. The chemistry between the characters was great and there were plenty of hot steamy scenes mixed into the mystery and thrill of a murder on the loose.

There were a few things I was interested in learning more about, furthering the plot in a different direction, but I'm hoping it's something we will explore in a future book.

If you take out the first few chapters, or add something more interesting to mix it up, then this would be an excellent read! As it is, 4 stars for a mostly entertaining night.

Review: Tyler's Undoing (Gloves Off #1) by L.P. Dover

Tyler's Undoing

Gloves Off

book 1

L.P. Dover

Romance / MMA Fighter

She was what he wanted … but she was also his undoing.

Through mutual understanding, Tyler’s secret affair with Gabriella Reynolds has come to an end. It was a decision that not only saved their friendship, but it was one that would change Tyler Rushing’s life forever.

For the past couple of years, Tyler was known as being one of the UFC’s most memorable and sexy heavyweight fighters. Now he has the chance to win the title and claim the fame he so deserves. Having all the women he wanted was the highlight of his days; at least until Kacey Andrews walked through the door of his gym. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her; there was an innocence about her that sparked his interest and he wasn’t going to give up until he had her. Little did he know that Kacey Andrews wasn’t a stranger … she was part of his world; he just didn’t know it. It was a secret she’d worked hard to keep hidden.

Kacey spent years trying to get away from the fighting world, away from the man who was hated among the MMA elite … her brother, Kyle Andrews. Unfortunately, she was brought back into it when Tyler’s relentless battle for her heart won her over, drawing her in. The only problem is that secrets never stay buried forever. In the end, Tyler will have a decision to make, and it’s one that could possibly destroy his and Kacey’s life … forever.


Review:

 
This was a decent story to pass the time.

It had some good and some bad... I found it to be drawn out in places and other plot opportunities lost! What could have been an epic scene was just blah, while needless details were wasted on scenes that could have been left out all together.

Overall it did the job of occupying my mind for a few hours, so that alone is worth something.

I'd recommend it to anyone interested in MMA romances. 

Review: The Strongest Steel (Second Circle Tattoos #1) by Scarlett Cole

The Strongest Steel

Second Circle Tattoos

book 1

Scarlett Cole

Contemporary Romance

Harper Connelly never expected to find herself outside of a tattoo parlor at one in the morning. The scars that decorate her back are just one more reminder of things she'd rather forget, the past she wants to leave far behind her.Running was the only thing that saved Harper last time, but each session at Second Circle Tattoos brings her closer and closer to Trent Andrews. His lingering touches seduce her, making her believe in a life without fear, where she can be happy, whole, in love. 

But when cryptic messages start appearing on Harper's phone, strange deliveries arrive at her door, and Second Circle is vandalized, Harper is convinced that her ex-boyfriend has tracked her down, and worse, that he knows about Trent. She ran from her past once before, but this time will she have the strength to fight back?


Review:

 
I'm a sucker for tattoos and hot romances, so of course I wanted to read Strongest Steel.

I liked the book, it was just missing that something extra to make it stand out. It had a really good plot, but I feel like there was a whole lot of build up and a short climax... So much more could have been done to make the story amazing.

I understand that after a traumatic event your going to be vulnerable, but I feel like it was a bit extreme after four years to still be jumping every time something touched her, and then in a matter of a few weeks she's pretty much cured of that.

All in all I enjoyed the book.

Review: Stepbrother Inked by Violet Blaze

Stepbrother Inked 

Violet Blaze

Contemporary Erotic Romance

Forbidden love shouldn't feel so good.

It also shouldn't hurt so much.

How could the one person I can't have be the only person I truly need?

Florian Harper Riley has my heart and he doesn't even know it. I used to think that was okay, that I'd get over him, but no matter how hard I try, I can't purge his sharp green gaze from my thoughts.

He's a tattoo artist, the love of my life, the man of my dreams.
But he's also my stepbrother.

Fate can be wicked cruel.



Review:

 
I'm not much for the step-sibling romances, but sexy tattooed men get me every time. The cover of this book is what pulled me in, but the suspense and witty sarcasm are what kept me reading.

For the most part I really enjoyed the story, and it was well written. At times it was slow, and occasionally the main character, Abi, really got on my nerves. At one point she describes loving Flor from the minute she met him... well, she was 5, so no - that's ridiculous. If you want to tell me it started when they hit puberty or something, okay.

I liked it. I mean, it passed the time and kept me entertained and wanting to know what was going to happen, and that's the whole point of reading right?!

If your into the Stepbrother fad then this is definitely for you. If you enjoy a good romance story with a few steamy scenes, then I'd recommend it. But if your not into step-siblings, or drag queens for that matter, I'd steer clear of this book. ;)

Spotlight: The Good, The Bad, and The Vampire by Sara Humphreys

The Good, The Bad, The Vampire

Dead in the City Series; Book 4

By: Sara Humphreys

Pages: 320

Published: January 5, 2015

Published By: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Blurb:

He wants eternity?

Dakota Shelton is a vampire cowboy with a penchant for cinnamon lollipops and Johnny Cash. Though highly skilled and deadly dangerous to his enemies, he's still a Texas good ol' boy at heart. And he has that heart set on wooing Trixie LaRoux-the most badass punk rock chick in town-the old-fashioned way.

Over her undead body…

Trixie is tough as nails and sharp as a silver stake-the last thing she wants is a man to sit on a porch and not grow old with. So it'll take going to hell and back fighting a new threat to vampires before she admits Dakota's courtship makes her blood hum. Turns out chivalry's not dead after all.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon US : CA : UK  

Barnes & Noble : iBooks  

Excerpt:

Trixie couldn’t remember the last time she went to a little girl’s birthday party but it certainly wasn’t since becoming a vampire.

Olivia and Doug might have been two of the world’s most powerful vampires, but they had also become the first vampire parents in recorded history. Today was their daughter Emily’s second birthday and they were throwing her a big old party, complete with birthday cake and balloons.

Trixie had gone back and forth all day long about whether or not to attend.

Being around little Emily was bittersweet on a regular day and the birthday celebration would only heighten Trixie’s struggle. But choosing not to go would have been selfish. Trixie’s personal drama wasn’t Emily’s fault, and she didn’t want to disappoint the adorable little red headed cherub. Not only that, Emily was Olivia’s daughter and since Olivia was Trixie’s maker, that made her family.

Not showing up would have been rotten.

Olivia would have understood if Trixie bailed out; she knew her better than anyone else. But Olivia’s Bloodmate, Doug, wouldn’t understand her absence from such a celebrated event. Neither would the other members of the coven.

Nope. Trixie decided to do what she always did. She’d put on a smile, make a wise-ass comment or two, and act like nothing and nobody bothered her.

A familiar voice pulled her from her thoughts as she strode down the stone hallways of the Presidium’s underground facility, buried deep beneath Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters in New York City, “Well, smack my ass and call me Sally.”

The deep southern drawl echoed around her, stopping Trixie dead in her tracks. A shiver of lust whispered beneath her skin as it usually did whenever he was nearby, but she swiftly shoved it aside.

“Okay, Sally.” Trixie rolled her shoulder and fought the buzz of attraction. “But you can smack your own ass.”

“What’s the matter, darlin’?” The rumbling baritone of his voice soaked with that southern twang, drifted over her shoulder but she didn’t spare him a glance. Trixie continued toward Olivia and Doug’s apartment door, forcing herself to put one foot in front of the other. “Don’t I even get a hello?”

“Hello, Dakota,” she said, with a roll of her eyes.

Coming to this little gathering for Emily was difficult enough and his arrival only ratcheted her anxiety up a notch. Damn it. Why wasn’t he out on patrol? Over the past few months, the cocky and admittedly gorgeous sentry, had become more and more present in her little corner of the universe.

Trixie fiddled with the box in her hands, the one she’d wrapped carefully with the pink and white skull and crossbones paper. She didn’t even bother to put a card with it. Everyone would know who’d brought it. She was the only coven member with bright pink hair and a penchant for skulls and crossbones, after all.

“That your present for little Emily?” He asked. “You wrapped it real nice.”

He got closer by the second.

“No,” Trixie snorted. “I just like carrying around a gift wrapped box for the hell of it. You know, for shits and giggles.”

She was being a snot but she couldn’t help herself.

Trixie kept her gaze pinned to the mammoth mahogany door at the end of the hallway and tried not to notice that he’d sidled up next to her, his stride matching hers.

Dakota Shelton, the newest sentry for the Presidium, the vampire government, was not an easy man to ignore.

His six foot two inch broad shouldered frame towered over her easily but there was something else about him that set her on edge. It was the way he carried himself. He moved effortlessly and casually, as if he was just the good-old boy from Texas he claimed to be.

But Trixie knew better.

Praise for The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire....

"Sara Humphreys combines vampire and cowboy into a devastatingly sexy hero! The Good, the Bad, and the Vampire is a compelling, pulse-pounding, titillating adventure that grabs you from the first page, tosses you down, and steals your breath. Humphreys is a must-read in the paranormal genre!"--NYT Bestselling Author, Rebecca Zanetti

Review: Beautiful Sacrifice (Maddox Brothers #3) Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Sacrifice

The Maddox Brothers 

book 3

Jamie McGuire

Romance

Falyn Fairchild can walk away from anything. Having already left her car, her education, and even her parents, the daughter of the next governor of Colorado is back in her hometown, broke and waiting tables for the Bucksaw Café. After every shift, Falyn adds to her shoebox of cash, hoping to one day save enough to buy her a plane ticket to the only place she can find forgiveness: Eakins, Illinois.

The moment Taylor Maddox is seated in Falyn’s section at the Bucksaw, she knows he’s trouble. Taylor is charming, breaks promises, and gorgeous even when covered in filth—making him everything Falyn believes a hotshot firefighter to be. Falyn isn’t interested in becoming another statistic, and for a Maddox boy, a disinterested girl is the ultimate challenge.

Once Falyn learns where Taylor calls home, everything changes. In the end, Maddox persistence is met with Falyn’s talent for leaving, and for the first time, Taylor may be the one to get burned.


Review:

Another enjoyable read by Jamie McGuire.

I loved finally getting to know the twins, Tyler and Taylor, or at least one of them. In the previous books they were mentioned, but we never really got any details on them. True to form, Taylor is definitely a Maddox boy.

There was some suspense and mystery, but when the surprise was revealed the story lost a little bit of interest for me. Fallon went from a strong independent woman to acting like a scared teenage girl. She was rather annoying in the second half of the story.

I can't wait for all of the Maddox secrets to be revealed. It seems like everyone is hiding something - and like Fallon said, for a family that is so close they have a lot of secrets!