Monday 28 July 2014

Rook and Ronin - Tragic, Manic and Panic - JA Huss

It took me ages to get round to reading these books. There is a specific reading order to these series of books -

Tragic, Manic, Panic, Slack, Taut, Bomb, Guns, Come and Come Back.


I'm a true believer in reading them in order BUT You don't have to have read Tragic, Manic and Panic to read the rest. It just helps as there's mention of the characters in the other books.

The picture below shows the omnibus edition but I don't think its available anymore, so I'll post links to the separate books.

Tragic Synopsis -

Rook Walsh is TRAGIC

Because life so far - just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky...

Rook got a second chance.

And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone - you grab it with both hands and run.

Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she's got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.

Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he's everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn't. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine's camera.

Rook's luck changes in an instant and suddenly she's the darling of the modelling world. It's a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there's always a price to pay - and Rook is about to get the bill.

Manic Synopsis -


TRAGIC is over and Rook is ready for the future—Spencer Shrike and the STURGIS contract!

It’s three months of body art modelling! That means three months of Spencer Shrike’s paintbrush all over her body, three months in front of Antoine’s camera, and three months of twenty-four-hour filming for Spencer’s Biker Channel reality show.

Wait a minute… what reality show? Maybe she should’ve read that STURGIS contract a little closer? ;)

Sure, Rook’s bank account is overflowing, but Ronin is angry, Clare is trying to escape rehab, Antoine is a worried mess, and Elise is just trying to hold everyone together. Rook’s new family is about to fall apart before she even gets the chance to enjoy it.

Add in a mysterious man from her past, a road trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and a final show in front of the entire world where all her goods are on display, and you’ve got Manic—a New Adult contemporary romance that will definitely make your summer sizzle! 

Panic Synopsis -

Rook is chasing her dream--film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she ran from six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.

Ronin is also chasing his dream--a family of his own and a life away from erotic modelling. And he too, has a past he's trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.

Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?

UK LINKS -
Tragic - TRAGIC: Rook and Ronin, #1
Manic - MANIC: Rook and Ronin, #2
Panic - PANIC: Rook and Ronin, #3

US LINKS -
Tragic - TRAGIC: Rook and Ronin, #1
Manic - MANIC: Rook and Ronin, #2
Panic - PANIC: Rook and Ronin, #3

Rachel's Review

I put off reading these books so many times thinking they wouldn't be for me. Big mistake! HUGE!

I love the characters. All of them so complicated and even the "bad guys" aren't so bad. These books were well thought out and the characters were focused on so well they were almost real.

I love Rooks' backstory. I'm a sucker for a book about a girl/boy with a bad past.

These books are so addictive, its not just the superb writing, the exceptional characters or the storyline. It's something else. It hooks you in and doesn't want to let you go. I'm so glad Slack, Taut, Bomb and Guns follows on and give me my Huss fix!

Rachel's Rating

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



Friday 25 July 2014

Wallbanger - Alice Clayton

Do you know what? I love a good light hearted, happy, funny book. This came to me as a recommendation from my sister (now I'm going from memory on that, so don't quote me).

There's a new one out from Alice Clayton that follows on from this book called Rusty Nailed and there's also another set to release in September called Screwdrivered. If it wasn't already good enough there's ANOTHER book due out in December, Mai Tai'd Up. If you didn't know these are all part of the cocktail series - hence the cocktail-esque names.

I haven't read Rusty Nailed Yet but its on my TBR list and as soon as I've read it, the review will be on here.

Wallbanger : Synopsis

Caroline Reynolds has a fantastic new apartment in San Francisco, a Kitchen Aid mixer to die for, and no O (and we’re not talking Oprah here, folks). She has a flourishing design career, an office overlooking the bay, a killer zucchini bread recipe, and no O.

She has Clive (the best cat ever), great friends, a great rack, and no O. Adding insult to O-less, she also has an oversexed neighbour with the loudest late-night wallbanging she’s ever heard. Every moan, spank, and—was that a meow?—punctuates the fact that not only is she losing sleep, she still has—yep, you guessed it—no O.

Enter Simon Parker. When the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts her heard-but-never-seen neighbour. Their late-night hallway encounter has…well…mixed results. Because with walls this thin, the tension’s gonna be thick. A delicious mix of silly and steamy, this is an irresistible tale of exasperation at first sight.

UK LINKS
Wallbanger - Wallbanger (The Cocktail Series)
Rusty Nailed - Rusty Nailed (The Cocktail Series)
Screwdrivered (Pre-order) - Screwdrivered (The Cocktail Series)
Mai Tai'd Up (Pre-order) - Mai Tai'd Up (The Cocktail Series)

US LINKS
Wallbanger - Wallbanger (The Cocktail Series)
Rusty Nailed - Rusty Nailed (The Cocktail Series)
Screwdrivered (Pre-Order) - Screwdrivered (The Cocktail Series)
Mai Tai'd Up (Pre-order) - Mai Tai'd Up (The Cocktail Series)

Rachel's Review

As it says in the synopsis - 'A delicious mix of silly and steamy...' this is a prefect way of describing it. There are books I put together in the "wouldn't read it on the underground" group. This is not because I'm embarrassed by a good sex scene or a REALLY good sex scene, its because I'd be howling with laughter.

It's so funny. After reading this book I did go on and read the Redhead Series, which again is brilliant and a little different to the norm.

Best part about the book is Clive, the cat. What I wouldn't give to own such a smart and funny feline.

Only downside to this book is the price, I'm not tight but the price almost put me off.

Rachel's Rating

4 stars for hilarity ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Friday 18 July 2014

One night: Promised - Jodi Ellen Malpas

I have been counting down the days to finally meeting Livy and M.
 
This book came out yesterday 17/07/14. I waited up until midnight, when it was promptly delivered to my Kindle, and then started reading lol. I read it all yesterday. Was it a day wasted? Absolutely not!
 
One Night: Promised - Synopsis
 
Livy notices him the moment he walks into the coffee shop. He's heart-stoppingly stunning, with a blue-eyed gaze so piercing she's almost too distracted to take his order. When he walks out the door, she thinks she'll never see him again. Then she finds the note he left on his napkin . . . signed M.

All he wants is one night to worship her. No feelings, no commitment - nothing but pleasure. Every defense mechanism Livy has adopted during her solitary life is at risk of being obliterated by this confounding man. He's obnoxious but well-mannered. He's a gentleman but aloof. He's passionate but emotionless. Yet the fascination is so powerful, Livy can't deny him...or herself.

M awakens something in Livy, something deep and addicting that she never knew existed-and that she fears only he can satisfy. But she senses that behind the fast cars, fancy suits, and posh apartment, he's aching inside.

To have him, body and soul, she'll have to brave his dark secrets. Delving into his world and breaking down his defenses becomes her obsession - an obsession that could shatter her heart beyond repair...

UK LINK - One Night: Promised
US LINK - (pre-order) One Night: Promised

Rachel's Review

First of all, THANK YOU! That's to JEM for writing another book! Holy crap, I loved it.

Jesse or M? I'm still on team Jesse but I'll wait to see if M steals my heart from him.

Another thrilling ride of a book. I cant wait until the next instalment comes out. I loved the books premise and the authors writing style, which has carried through from This Man. JEM has the ability to make you fall in love with her characters so easily and yet they are completely different and so complex compared with Jesse and Ava.

I can't help comparing Livy and M to Jesse and Ava, as when I think of Jodi they are who I've come to associate her with.

This book has some wonderful moments but also some twists and turns, making it a beautifully devastating book.

Rachel's Rating

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This Man, Beneath This Man and This Man Confessed - Jodi Ellen Malpas

Out of all the books I talk about, this series is the series I recommend first.

Every time I get shouted at in the office it's because of me book pushing This Man.

In light of JEM's new book One Night: Promised (Which I have read. EEEK! And I'm about to review that next) I thought I best get my review up sharpish!


This Man: Synopsis

Welcome to the sensual world of This Man...

Young interior designer Ava O'Shea has no idea what awaits her at the Manor. A run-of-the-mill consultation with a stodgy country gent seems likely, but what Ava finds instead is Jesse Ward - a devastatingly handsome, utterly confident, pleasure-seeking playboy who knows no boundaries.

Ava doesn't want to be attracted to this man, and yet she can't control the overwhelming desire he stirs in her. She knows that her heart will never survive him and her instinct is telling her to run, but Jesse is not willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her.

UK LINK - This Man
US LINK - This Man

Beneath This Man: Synopsis

Beyond undeniable passion is fierce love...

Jesse Ward drowned her with his intensity and blindsided her with his passion but he kept her away from his dark secrets and broken soul.

Leaving him was the only way Ava O'Shea could survive but she should have known that Jesse Ward is impossible to escape.

Now he's back in her life determined to remind her of the sensual pleasures they had shared but Ava is equally determined to get at the truth beneath this man's steely exterior. That means letting herself get close to the Lord of the Manor once more. And it's exactly where Jesse wants her - within touching distance...

UK LINK - Beneath This Man
US LINK - Beneath This Man

This Man Confessed: Synopsis

Addictive, dangerous, your guiltiest pleasure yet: the thrilling climax to the hit trilogy.

The very place where their passionate love affair began, The Manor, fills with guests on what should be the happiest day of Ava and Jesse's lives. She has accepted that she'll never tame the fierceness in Jesse, and she doesn't want to.

Their love is profound, their connection powerful, but just when she thinks that she's finally got beneath his guarded exterior, more questions arise which lead Ava to believe that Jesse Ward may not be the man she thinks he is.

He knows too well how to take her to a place beyond ecstasy...but will he also drive her to the brink of despair? It's time for this man to confess.

UK LINK - This Man Confessed
US LINK - This Man Confessed

Rachel's Review

I mean SERIOUSLY! How good can books get? Answer? This flipping good. I've loved loved loved these books no end and I've re-re-read them lol. They wont disappoint.

Such imagination and effort went in to creating these books. Time well spent in my eyes.

I remember so much of these books. Not just snippets but whole chapters.

They'll make you laugh, they make your heart ache but most of all, Jesse and Ava will make you want to read these books time and time again.

(Ps I drive past a development on the way to work called The Manor so I giggle myself silly most days lol)

Rachel's Rating

Ahh the rating. Normally I'd only go up to a 5 star rating but I'm tempted to give these books a 6. In fact that's what I'm going to do......

6 Stars!!!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tuesday 15 July 2014

Up In The Air Series - R.K. Lilley

Recently I was asked to make a list of some books as a recommendation to someone who only reads occasionally. Not like me who inhales books, lol. This series was at the top of my list. There are parts in this book, that when my mind occasionally drifts in to book land (normally at work), that I still recall.

I'm not sure why I feel the need to read trilogy's. I guess I feel you get to know the characters more and I expect there to be a spectacular story line. I was only musing about this as I seem to be writing reviews on trilogy's and series lately. Anyway musing over........

In Flight

Synopsis

When reserved flight attendant Bianca gets one look at billionaire hotel owner James Cavendish, she loses all of her hard-won composure. For a girl who can easily juggle a tray of champagne flutes at 35,000 feet in three inch heels, she finds herself shockingly weak-kneed from their first encounter. The normally unruffled Bianca can't seem to look away from his electrifying turquoise gaze. They hold a challenge, and a promise, that she finds impossible to resist, and she is a girl who is used to saying no and meaning it.


Bianca is accustomed to dealing with supermodels and movie stars in her job as a first class flight attendant, but James Cavendish puts them all to shame in the looks department. If only it were just his looks that she found so irresistible about the intimidating man, Bianca could have ignored his attentions. But what tempts her like never before is the dominant pull he seems to have over her from the moment they meet, and the promise of pleasure, and pain, that she reads in his eyes.


Mile High

Synopsis

James and Bianca’s tumultuous story continues in the sequel to In Flight.
James has initiated Bianca into a dark and drugging world of passion and pain. He taught her about her own submissive, masochistic nature, and she fell swiftly and deeply in love with the undeniably charming and impossibly beautiful Mr. Cavendish, but a painful misunderstanding and the return of the brutally violent demons of her past have combined to overwhelm Bianca, and, confused and hurt, she pushes him away.

It’s been over a month since the shocking attack that hospitalized her, and since she told a distraught James that she needed space, but her feelings haven’t gone away. Even she knew that it was only a matter of time before he would cast his spell on her again…


Grounded

Synopsis

James and Bianca’s story draws to a close in the explosive conclusion to the Up In The Air Trilogy. After a short but earnest courtship, Bianca can no longer deny her feelings for James, and though she’s tried her hardest, she can’t help but see that he cares deeply for her, as well. In a completely uncharacteristic move, she has put aside her misgivings and agreed to live with the enigmatic billionaire. Is her leap of faith the beginning of something wonderful, or is it too much, too fast?

As James and Bianca feel a growing need for each other that neither can deny, circumstances beyond their control intervene, trying to tear them apart. Amidst the ever mounting threat of a monster who wants Bianca dead, and the constant pitfalls of an indiscreet past that James can’t seem to escape, can these two passionate lovers manage to find their happily ever after?


UK LINKS
In Flight - In Flight (Up In The Air Book 1)
Mile High - Mile High (Up In The Air Book 2)
Grounded - Grounded (Up In The Air Book 3)

US LINKS
In Flight - In Flight (Up In The Air Book 1)
Mile High - Mile High (Up In The Air Book 2)
Grounded - Grounded (Up In The Air Book 3)

Rachel's Review

Do you know what? I loved these books. They were gripping and funny and sad all in one go. I must say as a mini spoiler, but nothing that isn't given away in the synopsis though, that the BDSM element in these books was portrayed perfectly.

I do sometimes compare these Dom/sub books with 50 shades and I my opinion the writing and the emotional turmoil surrounding the submissive character was so much better. I loved 50 shades but I like a book that's a bit more gritty, with rougher characters and better writing and I feel these books gave that to me. If you're looking for something that packs a punch and leaves a lasting memory, read these books!

Rachels Rating

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Monday 7 July 2014

The Driven Trilogy - K Bromberg

I love this trilogy so much I'm currently re-reading it. I'd picked this set to review today as she was in the anthology from my last post for the Bend Anthology. Plus have I mentioned I love these books!

Driven Synopsis

I am the exception to the rule. In a world full of willing women, I’m a challenge to the roguish and achingly handsome Colton Donavan. A man used to getting exactly what he wants in all aspects of life. He’s the reckless bad boy constantly skating that razor thin edge toward out of control, on and off of the track.

Colton crashes into my life like a tornado: sapping my control, testing my vulnerabilities beyond their limits, and unintentionally penetrating the protective wall around my healing heart. Tearing apart the world I rebuilt so carefully with structure, predictability, and discipline.

I can’t give him what he wants and he can’t give me what I need. But after a glimpse beneath his refined exterior into the dark secrets of his damaged soul, can I bring myself to walk away?

Our sexual chemistry is undeniable. Our individual need for complete control is irrefutable. But when our worlds collide, is the chemistry enough to bring us together or will our untold secrets and battle of wills force us apart?


Fueled Synopsis

What happens when the one person you never expected suddenly happens to be the one you’ll fight the hardest to keep?

Colton stole my heart. He wasn't supposed to, and I sure as hell didn't want him to, but he crashed into my life, ignited feelings within me that I thought had died forever, and fueled a passion that I never knew could exist.

Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet and into my life. Now I don't think I'll ever be the same. She's seen glimpses of the darkness within me, and yet she's still here. Still fighting for me. She is without a doubt the saint, and I am most definitely the sinner.



How is it the one thing neither of us wanted—neither of us anticipated that fateful night—has us fighting so hard to keep?

He steals my breath, stops my heart, and brings me back to life again all in a split second of time. But how can I love a man who won't let me in? Who continually pushes me away to prevent me from seeing the damaged secrets in his past? My heart has fallen, but patience and forgiveness can only go so far.

How can I desire a woman who unnerves me, defies me, and forces me to see that in the deep, black abyss of my soul there's someone worthy of her love? A place and person I swore I'd never be again. Her selfless heart and sexy body deserve so much more than I'll ever be capable of giving her. I know I can't be what she needs, so why can't I just let her go?

We are driven by need and fueled with desire, but is that enough for us to crash into love?


Crashed Synopsis

When life crashes down around us, how hard are we willing to fight for the one thing we can’t live without, each other?

Life is full of moments.
Big moments.
Little moments.
And none of them are inconsequential.
Every single moment prepares you for that one instance that defines your life. You must overcome all your fears, confront the demons that chase you, and cleanse the poison that clings to your soul or you risk the chance of losing everything.

Mine started the minute Rylee fell out of that damn storage closet. She made me feel. Made me whole when all I thought I could ever be was incomplete. Became the lifeline I never knew I needed. Hell yes, she’s worth the fight…but how do you fight for someone you know you don’t deserve?

Love is full of ups and downs. Heart stopping highs. Soul shattering lows. And none of them are insignificant.

Love is a racecourse of unexpected twists and turns that must be negotiated. You have to break down walls, learn to trust, and heal from your past in order to win. But sometimes it’s the expected that’s the hardest to hold on to.

Colton has healed and completed me, stolen my heart, and made me realize our love’s not predictable nor perfect—it’s bent. And bent’s okay. But when outside factors put our relationship to the test, what lengths will I have to go to prove to him that he’s worth the fight?

Whoever said love is patient and love is kind, never met the two of us. We know our love is worth it—have acknowledged that we were meant to be—but when our pasts crash into our future, will the repercussions make us stronger or break us apart?

UK LINKS
Driven - Driven (The Driven Trilogy Book 1)
Fueled -Fueled (The Driven Trilogy Book 2)
Crashed - Crashed (The Driven Trilogy Book 3)

US LINKS
Driven - Driven (The Driven Trilogy Book 1)
Fueled - Fueled (The Driven Trilogy Book 2)
Crashed - Crashed (The Driven Trilogy Book 3)

Rachel's Review

I can still remember reading this for the first time. By  the time I had read the first two books (well devoured lol) I hadn't realised that the third book hadn't come out yet. I think it was the first time I've had a proper yell at my Kindle. I remember also phoning my other half and yelling at him down the phone because I had to wait weeks for the conclusion. And when the third book FINALLY came out I loved that also.

These books are well paced, very sexy and well thought out. The writing is stupendous and I'd say check out anything and everything K Bromberg has written. I for one look forward to anything she writes in the future.

Girls (and guys!) read these books. For the love of Rylee and Colton! Well mainly Colton because he's scrummy (yes I said scrummy!)

Rachel's Rating

An Obvious 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tuesday 1 July 2014

Bend - Ki Lynn, Ella James, K Bromberg, Alessandra Torre, Andrea Smith,Shay Savage, CD Reiss and JA Huss

So I know this has been pulled by Amazon for being too risqué blah blah blah. But I loved it. Obviously I cant post links but here's a run down of what's in it etc. the authors contributing have released their novellas/books separately.



Synopsis

These are not your mother's erotic stories. We're not giggling about foul language over tea, or avoiding smut talk at the Tupperware party. This book is slick fingers and flesh on your lips. It's twisted bodies late at night when the city sleeps and the moans fall where no one can hear them. This book is pain and pleasure, lust and passion, a body brought to the breaking point. It's drenched in the musk of sweat, shuddering at the touch of a Master.







Books Included

Unraveled - K Bromberg

Come - J A Huss

Red & Wolfe - Ella James

The Devil In Me - K I Lynn

Kick - CD Reiss

Worth - Shay Savage

These Men - Andrea Smith

Still - Allesandra Torre

Beg - CD Reiss

Rachel's Review

So you never know this may be re-released in the future so I'll still keep it none-spoilered (yes that's poor English lol). As much as people complained about this book a loved it 10 times over. I loved the range of books and yes there was that infuriating moment each time a book was over but it opened my eyes to authors I wouldn't have come across. Mainly JA Huss. Since reading Bend/Come I have been devouring her other books so go check her out! 

This anthology made for good reading and in most cases I've been drooling for follow on books. At one point I'd even chased an author down on twitter to prod for release dates lol. 

Rachel's rating

A solid 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If it was still live I'd say read it! 


Glass Towers Trilogy - Adler and Holt

Do you know what, I have skipped by this book a few times whilst looking at my Kindle for the next book to review. I feel guilty now because I actually really enjoyed it.

Sometimes I wonder where I find all these books to read but then I remember I have a serious 1-Click addiction lol. Anyway musings over.......

Glass Towers Trilogy - Adler and Holt

Synopsis

Book 1:

Beautiful small-town interior decorator Danielle Austen-Pyne had finally rid herself of her charismatic two-timing husband Bradley Pyne. While she has sworn off men, Danielle secretly retains her romantic ideals about love and marriage.

HARRISON TOWERS, an enigmatic mega mogul, however, has turned his own romantic loss into a coldly cynical attitude about relationships and women. This sexual master has vowed to keep his relationships strictly physical with no strings attached.

As they embark on an intensely erotic and passionate, no-strings attached relationship, Danielle soon discovers that being in Harrison’s world is not all glamour when power, lust, money, greed and danger present themselves at every angle and threatens to tear them apart.

Book 2:

Danielle struggles to pick up the pieces of her shattered life after her steamy affair with the enigmatic mogul comes to a screeching halt. She chastises herself for letting her guard down and tries to suppress her feelings for the man who possessed her body and stole her heart.

Making matters worse, Danielle finds herself the victim of a mysterious stalker, who seems to know her every move. Caught in a tangled web of danger, money and power, Danielle begins to despair, as escape seems impossible.

Will their connection be strong enough to see them through the journey on which fate has set them, or will meddling forces come between them?

Book 3:

The chemistry between them is undeniable. He captivated her from the first moment she laid eyes on him.

While fate brought the small-town interior designer, Danielle Austen, and the sexy mogul, Harrison Towers, together, their pasts continue to threaten their future together.

Their passion fuels their fire, while the couple continues to overcome the hurdles between them. Danielle has finally broken through Harrison’s aloof, controlling exterior. However, his devious, jilted ex-lover, Marion Devereaux, continues to threaten Danielle’s safety and seems to have help from someone close to Danielle.

Will Harrison and Danielle be able to face these challenges together? Will their love be enough to conquer Marion’s evil plots? Will they get their storybook ending, or will Marion have her revenge?

UK LINK - Glass Towers Trilogy: Complete Set (Steamy Romance)
US LINK - Glass Towers Trilogy: Complete Set (Steamy Romance)

Rachel's Review

Well over all I liked this trilogy and I would probably read it again at some point. BUT... I have some issues with the length. It could have been cut down to two books and I hate to say it (I really really do!!!) but the book really could have done with a few less sex scenes. That is not like me at all to say that but I feel it just didn't need them. But I love a good romance suspense so it'll still go in the re-read pile.

Rachel's Rating

3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️