Audio Book Review: Shadow's End by Thea Harrison

Shadow's End 
(Elder Races Series, #9)
by Thea Harrison 
Narrated by: Sophie Eastlake

Blurb: 
For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel's stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together-and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore . . . Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together-this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital-their hearts.

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review: 

If I said it before, this series is more of a “let’s reconnect with old friends” type of read.  I did enjoy the story and this looks like it’s the end of this overall arc.  I believe I read on Thea’s website or social media that the next books in the series will focus on the Wry in Europe.

Graydon was also one of my favorites and I’m glad he finally got his HEA and he is able to keep the promise he has made to their love in the process.

While I really enjoyed this installment I must add that something bugged me… there have always been novellas that have been an “addition” to the overall word… however, it seems the novellas have finally collided with the main story/plot specifically those involving Dragos, Pia & Peanut (Liam).  While Thea does a good job of giving the reader a bit of background to those events and I didn’t feel totally lost and I still felt like I missed something.  Oh and a set of characters from a novella do pop up and had to look them up to figure out who they were & from what story but that is just me.

I enjoyed this… there’s action, characters we get to know better and of course the romance.


Narrator’s review: I do love Sophia’s performance and how she provides each character with their own tones and voices.  I swear I forget it’s not a guy narrating Love.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - I REALLY LIKED IT

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Hot Holiday Nights by Jaci Burton

Hot Holiday Nights 
(Play-by-Play Series, #10.5)
by Jaci Burton

Blurb: 
Victoria Baldwin is a successful sports agent who always puts work first—unless she’s on vacation. Then it’s all about play. On holiday in Hawaii over Christmas, she meets Alex McConnell, a successful young surfer on the islands for a surfing competition. She couldn’t think of a better vacation fling. But when she meets Ben Reynolds, Alex’s manager, she realizes she wants both men. This could be her hottest holiday ever, and the vacation that changes her life.

Available for purchase at 

   

Viviana's Review: 

This was a good, interesting and quick read. A novella in the Play-by-Play Series, which I recently picked up in book #9 can be read as a standalone. 

Things that stand out with this series remain the same for this novella: great covers, steamy and hot scenes, heroines that are strong, know what they want and do not apologize for it and heroes that are alpha males but not complete asses and are not only hot but overall great guys! 

So at first I thought Victoria had to make a choice between Alex and Ben, but apparently, no… she doesn’t. While I wasn’t prepared for a ménage, it wasn’t a turn off or a negative. I enjoyed the story overall. All the characters are well written and as a reader, you’ll like each of them for different reason. However, due to the fact that this is a novella, things happen a bit too fast for me and I mean more the emotional attachments that are form that lead to pretty big decision making events in the end. It all worked out of course (this is a romance and thus a HEA is a must, right?) but the quick “I love you” with all three of them and how no one questioned the fact that all three were okay with way the relationship had develop…. Not one of them …. But other than that… lol… 

Again, if you’re in it for the quick read and good story, you’re going to enjoy this novella. Don’t over think it. Otherwise, you’re going to be like me and have that “hmm… seriously, not one of you is going to ask?” LOL. 

Rating: 3.5 Stars - I REALLY LIKED IT 

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Guest Reviewer: Last Breath (Hitman #2) by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Last Breath
(Hitman Series, #2)
by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick 

Blurb:
From the bestselling authors of Last Hit comes the next in the steamy series that explores the exquisite power of our darkest passions . . .

Regan : I never really knew what misery was until the day I was kidnapped and sold for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two months later, I’m at a brothel in Rio when I meet Daniel Hays. He says he’s here to save me, but can I trust him? All I know of him are his sarcastic retorts and his tendency to solve every dispute with his gun. He’s also the only safe thing in my world, and I know it’s wrong to fall in love with him, but I can’t seem to help myself. He says he’ll protect me until his last breath, but I don’t know if I should believe him or even if I can.

Daniel: For the last eighteen months, one goal has dictated every action I’ve taken. I’ve left the Army, turned paid hit man, and befriended criminals all across the globe to find my kidnapped sister. In every brothel I raid and every human trafficking truck I stop, I hope the next face I find is my sister’s. In a hidden brothel in Rio, I find Regan Porter, bruised but not broken, and still sane despite her weeks in captivity. I should leave her behind or send her home, because the last thing either of us needs right now is to get involved. But with every passing minute, I find I’m less able to let her go.


MATURE AUDIENCE

Available for purchase at 

      

Paul's Review: 

At first I did not think I was going to like Last Breath: A Hitman Novel by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick; I had just recently read Last Hit: A Hitman Novel (by the same authors), and I wanted to read more about Nick and Daisy!  I liked their characters, and at first I felt let down that I would not be reading about them again (or so I thought).  Last Breath is the story of Daisy’s roommate and friend Regan and the hitman and mercenary Daniel who is sent by Nick to rescue Regan from the brothel she has been sold to in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  As a man, it was terrible for me to read about the rape of a woman in general, much less that Regan was sold to a brothel and was being raped constantly.  I felt for Regan, and I instantly wanted her to have justice and gain her freedom.  This is where Nick’s colleague Daniel comes into the picture, and we learn that he has been searching the globe for the last year and a half for his own kidnapped autistic sister and has been sent by Nick to liberate Regan from the brothel and bring her back.  I was introduced to Daniel in the first book (Last Hit), but I did not like him all that much, probably because it seemed like he was gunning for Nick and that I really did not know that much about him.  However, the authors Clare and Frederick more than make up for that in this book, and I came to really like Daniel.  Daniel is someone I could relate to on more than a few levels.  One example is that Daniel is from Texas and likes Shiner Bock (a type of beer); my own family lives in Texas and has been known to enjoy a beer or two and always raves about Shiner Bock.  I thought it was great that the authors included something about Texas that I have actually experienced in Texas with my family.   I really appreciate it when an author (or in this case authors) does (do) the research and use(s) actual information.

Both Daniel and Regan are quite messed up psychologically speaking for their own respective reasons - Regan for all her traumas in the brothel and Daniel for having seen and done so much in his years as a hitman and mercenary.  It was cool to see how their relationship went from co-dependence (on Regan’s part) to mutual need to deep mutual love.  This book has really hot, frequent sex scenes - which are very well described - as well as very cool action and suspense.  This book had me rooting for the good guys and even some bad guys (because they were in Daniel’s corner).  I, myself, enjoy happy, but good endings, and this book does not disappoint.  I have no complaints about this book and would recommend it to anyone whom I thought would enjoy it.  I give this book a perfect score!  I cannot wait to read the third novel Last Kiss: A Hitman Novel!

Rating: 5 Stars - Perfection

Disclaimer:

We received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Night's Blaze (Dark Kings #5) by Donna Grant

Night's Blaze 
(Dark Kings Series, Bk #5) 
By Donna Grant

Blurb: 
That one simple kiss slayed him as nothing in his very, very long life had ever done. It physically hurt him to release her and turn his back on everything she offered, but it was for the best.

A KING WHO WALKS IN DARKNESS

The Rhys who has existed for centuries is gone. Stripped of his ability to shift forms, Rhys can no longer embody the majestic, powerful dragon he was at birth. Cut off from his heritage by one of his own, this Dragon King must remain a man, haunted by demons who torment his every waking moment. The darkness would swallow him whole . . . except a woman so beautiful and haunted becomes the one beam of light in his world...

A DESIRE THAT WILL NOT BE DENIED

Lily Ross is taking the first step in building a new life for herself. Still reeling from a relationship that nearly broke her spirit, Lily is wary of her attraction to brawny, brooding Rhys. The passion burning so brightly between them is a potent temptation, but any entanglement is destined to end in disaster. Yet when a spectre from Lily’s past threatens their growing bond, Rhys is forced to choose with his heart, or lose this woman who has become his one chance at salvation...

Available For Purchase at 

         

 Viviana's Review: 
Another great addition to the series! Picks right where the previous books left off and continues to leave you wanting more! Donna continues leaving the readers mystified with which Dragon King was Rhi's Lover and just when you think you've figured it out, bang... nope. BUT perhaps, we have finally had a clue! Well, at least Kelly, from Books-n-Kisses and I think we have an idea. Needless to say, we're going to corner Donna at the RT Convention and see if she'll give up the information because this is KILLING US!!!!!!

Rhys has been a yummy, I mean interesting character from the very beginning. Mysterious, yet made to be a playboy, but we knew there had to be more to him than that. In "Night's Blaze" we finally get the insight we've been searching for and we're not disappointed. He's very protective of those he loves and he is self sacrificing. There isn't anything he wouldn't do to protect Lily and what he does in "Night's Blaze" is epic.

I was impressed with Lily. She comes across as a delicate, dwindling flower, but she's not. She's got spunk and can hold her own! While she's soft spoken, she's extremely intelligent and has an inner strength that we don't know about until we learn her story! She was a great match for Rhys and their story was filled with action! She

The other thing I'm enjoying immensely about this series is the mix of Kings, Warriors, Druids, and Fae! They keep things interesting and with a genre where there are little surprises left, Donna keeps them coming!! There were a few of them in this book alone! Some you just had to book the eReader down and go 'WOW! Didn't see that coming' and in the case where you have friends reading the same book, I had Kelly messaging me "DID YOU FINISH reading the book?" Me: Yes, why? Kelly: WTF?!?!?! Did she really..... and I'm not going to share the rest of the conversation since it would be a spoiler but I'll leave you a hint... the ending.

Overall, a fantastic read. Great character development! The over arching story arc continues to expand, thrilling and intriguing the readers while the individual story lines of each character draws the readers in wanting more. New characters are introduced which only keep you guessing as to what's going to happen next and those in play leave you wondering what will become of them. I couldn't put this down!

Rating: 4.5: LOVED IT Very Much

Disclaimer: 

We received a complimentary copy of the book from St. Martin's Paperbacks, in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Brash by Laura Wright

Brash
(The Cavanaugh Brothers Series, Book #3)
by Laura Wright

Blurb:
No matter how many fights UFC champion Cole Cavanaugh wins, he can’t rid himself of the guilt of not having saved his twin sister’s life. Now, not only is he facing his arch enemy in the ring, he’s fighting to uncover the truth about Cass’s death. But will winning both fights truly give him the retribution and absolution he seeks? Or does he need the healing power of love to finally move on with his life?

The mystery surrounding Cass’s murder also haunts veterinarian Grace Hunter. Many believe that her father might hold the key to the truth. Unfortunately the ex-Sheriff’s deteriorating mental state makes it impossible to separate fact from fiction. As Cole persuades Grace to help him unlock the elusive clues, her defenses weaken. She finds the Stetson-wearing fighter irresistible. But while the truth could free Cole’s heart, it could very well end up shattering hers.

Available for purchase

   

Viviana's Review:

Of all the Cavanaugh brothers, I had a feeling Cole would be my favorite. I was right. Possibly the more broken of the brothers, he blames himself for the loss of his twin sister. To deal with pain and angry, he's become a fierce fighter in the ring and lives his life the same way.

Book Review: Last Breath (Hitman #2) by Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Last Breath 
(Hitman Series #2) 
By Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick

Blurb: 
From the bestselling authors of Last Hit comes the next in the steamy series that explores the exquisite power of our darkest passions . . .

Regan: I never really knew what misery was until the day I was kidnapped and sold for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two months later, I’m at a brothel in Rio when I meet Daniel Hays. He says he’s here to save me, but can I trust him? All I know of him are his sarcastic retorts and his tendency to solve every dispute with his gun. He’s also the only safe thing in my world, and I know it’s wrong to fall in love with him, but I can’t seem to help myself. He says he’ll protect me until his last breath, but I don’t know if I should believe him or even if I can.

Daniel: For the last eighteen months, one goal has dictated every action I’ve taken. I’ve left the Army, turned paid hit man, and befriended criminals all across the globe to find my kidnapped sister. In every brothel I raid and every human trafficking truck I stop, I hope the next face I find is my sister’s. In a hidden brothel in Rio, I find Regan Porter, bruised but not broken, and still sane despite her weeks in captivity. I should leave her behind or send her home, because the last thing either of us needs right now is to get involved. But with every passing minute, I find I’m less able to let her go.

Available for purchase at 

   

Viviana's Review: 

Did not disappoint!! From the very beginning you're thrown into the action and its none stop! No worries, there's romance and passion. YES, the steamy, hot sex is included as well! AND HOT DAMN its HOT! Daniel is one dirty talking cowboy, sniper, turned hitman! LOVED HIM! He's totally a book boyfriend! He's kind, sincere, sarcastic, funny, sexy, loyal, protective... I could go on and on... but you'll have to read LAST BREATH to find out more! Remember, he's mine!! LOL!

Jessica and Jen have done it again! They have told a fabulous story of a world where the heroine could have been a doormat or utterly broken, but they chose to tell the story of woman who overcomes the circumstances she's been dealt and moves forward with her life! YES!! A woman who is stronger than she thinks she is!! AND THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU! WOOHOO! These authors KNOW we need more stronger women to read about and know that being strong doesn't make them any less likable! Regan has been through HELL! Yet, she never once put herself down like other heroines how have never been through anything like her! This was a breath of fresh air. Don't get me wrong - Regan does deal with the situation as a survivor! That's what she is a survivor!

Regan and Daniel have great chemistry and a connection that ignites the pages! While some may think its only physical, they truly due have a friendship and mutual respect that develops as they get to know each other. The circumstances of them meeting may not have been ideal, but this fiction, right? lol They are a couple (and so were Nikolai and Daisy) that you want the author to write another book and fast forward five years and let us see where they are at! See what they are up to, how they have adjusted to "normal" lives and how they are with each other when they don't have guns a blazing at them. Oh, how about a set of twins for one of the couples? LOL Let them deal with two screaming kids! AT ONCE!! Bwuaaaahhaha Bwwaahhhahahaa (evil laugh)

I will say, this series is the type of book I want to hand over to my husband and say "Here read! Series is about hitman! Lots of guns! Action! Yes, its a "romance" but more action and things fit in fine! You'll like it" Now start reading! Oh and the hot steamy scenes...uhm... tonight!" This series is one that men would totally enjoy reading because there is a lot of action!

Overall, an awesome read and I CANNOT WAIT for the next installment "Last Kiss (Hitman, #3)" 

Rating: 5 Stars - PERFECTION

Disclaimer: 

We received a complimentary copy of the book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Reaper's Stand by Joanna Wylde

Reaper's Stand
(Reapers MC Series, Book #4)
by Joanna Wylde
Narrated by Tatiana Sokolov, Sean Crisden

Blurb:
As Reapers Motorcycle Club president, Reese “Picnic” Hayes has given his entire life to the club. After losing his wife, he knew he’d never love another woman. And with two daughters to raise and a club to manage, that was just fine with him. These days, Reese keeps his relationships free and easy—he definitely doesn't want to waste his time on a glorified cleaning lady like London Armstrong.

Too bad he’s completely obsessed with her.

Besides running her own business, London’s got her junkie cousin’s daughter to look after—a more reckless than average eighteen-year-old. Sure she’s attracted to the Reapers’ president, but she’s not stupid. Reese Hayes is a criminal and a thug. But when her young cousin gets caught up with a ruthless drug cartel, Reese might be the only man who can help her. Now London has to make the hardest decision of her life—how far will she go to save her family?

Available for purchase at 

      

Viviana's Review:

First time reading Joanna Wylde and loved it. Great story with great characters. I haven't read the previous books and while I wasn't lost I did feel like I was missing some of the connection so I would recommend reading the previous book. Yes, you can read this as a stand alone, but honestly, I'm guessing the previous books are just as good as this one so why would you want to?

Book Review: Quarterback Draw (Play by Play #9) by Jaci Burton

Quarterback Draw 
(Play by Play #9) 
By Jaci Burton
Narrated by Lucy Malone 

Blurb: 
Playing For Keeps

Grant Cassidy knows how to be a football star—flash that dazzling smile, throw the winning pass, get the girl. But while the hot quarterback loves the game and the lifestyle, no woman has come close to catching his heart. Then he matches wits with a smart, gorgeous model, and Grant finds himself wanting more than a fling.

Supermodel Katrina Koslova might live in a world of glitz and camera flashes, but she works hard to provide for the family that relies on her. She doesn't have time for fun—much less a boyfriend—but Grant seems determined to be the exception to Katrina’s rule.

Their explosive chemistry is undeniable, but Katrina’s afraid to let go and rely on anyone but herself. Grant intends to ease her fears and prove he’s a man of style and substance.

      

Viviana's Review: 
Let me start by saying I've always LOVED the covers of this series and they have always grabbed my attention enough to pick them up and read the blurb. The blurb have also intrigued me, but as the saying goes, too many book never enough time and I've been trying to be oh so good with not over committing myself with reviews. However, when the opportunity came up to review "Quarterback Draw", again, great cover, awesome blurb... OMG - its the 9th book in the series!!! Uhm... can I commit to a new series? How lost am I going to be if I haven't read the previous ones? Do I HAVE to read the previous ones (okay... for many us book-a-holics, if we start a new series mid-way, we WILL go back to the beginning. Its just who we are!!)?  Do I have the capacity to fall in love with a new bookboyfriend? BREATHE!!!! I PMed my fabulous friend and fellow book blogger Kelly from Books-N-Kisses and asked about the series to get her input and yup, she raved about "Quarterback Draw". You can check out her review here if you're curious. 

Book Review: Spice by Seressia Glass

Spice 
By Seressia Glass
Narrated by: Elizabeth Hart

Blurb:
Nadia Spiceland works in the business of temptation. The confections she crafts at the Sugar and Spice Bakery and Café lure in the locals. But one customer is interested in more than just her delectable sticky buns……

Kane Sullivan teaches human sexuality at the nearby college, where coeds are clamoring for seats in his lectures. Nadia is reluctant to his advances, yet she also has needs. Who better to fulfill them than the man who’s referred to as “Dr. Sex” by his female students?

Soon Kane creates a hunger in Nadia that nothing can satiate. It weakens her, and that’s something she cannot risk. Not again. But Kane’s masterful touch might just be powerful enough to melt her heart—and free her to trust again……

MATURE AUDIENCE

Available at 

      

Viviana's Review: 

Not sure why there is a 'warning' for Mature Audience. Maybe people thought this was a new adult at one time or another, but this obviously not a NA. I struggled with this book in the beginning and couldn't figure out if it was a "narrator" issue (how they chose to portray the characters or if it was the book itself.  Decided to continue listening and I was able to figure it out.