Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Blog Tour: DARK HUNGER by Christine Feehan

 

New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan's Carpathian classic goes manga—this edition of Dark Hunger includes the original novella which inspired the manga and a new note from the author!

Christine Feehan has reinvented the vampire novel with her #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian novels. Now, she and Berkley take her “out-of-the-ordinary” (Booklist) series in a thrilling direction that’s more graphic than ever....

He is Riordan...Carpathian male. Immortal. Seer. Now trapped and cage, his honor is compromised by his captors. They’re in his mind. They’re in his blood. And not one can withstand his desire for revenge.

She is Juliette...A beautiful activist devoted to the liberation of animals from the foul and humid confines of a secret, jungle lab. What she has stumbled upon is unexpected—a prisoner like no other she has ever seen. Or touched.

She will release him from his bonds. He will release her from her inhibitions. Each has a voracious appetite that must be sated....


DARK HUNGER was first published in 2004 as a novella in the anthology, Hot Blooded. Readers can now experience Feehan’s Carpathian classic as never before with this stunning edition, which includes the original novella which inspired the manga and a new note from the author.

Click here to take a peak of the book that Christine shared on her FB page! 



Available for purchase at 



Viviana's Review: 
I had read the novella when it initially came out. The Manga provides a different feel as you're "seeing" the character. Thus enhancing the story a bit. This is an awesome addition for fans of Christine Feehan! 



Rating: 4 Stars - I REALLY LIKED IT




About The Author


photo credit: Michael Greene
I live on the beautiful Northern California coast and draw much inspiration from the beauty around me. I've always been a writer, for as long as I remember. My sisters were forced to read all of my books from the time I could write a story on paper.

I love family. I love my brothers and sisters, my children, my grandchildren and my great grandchildren. My home was always full of kids and children give me so much joy.

I also love my "sisters of the heart", those friends who have supported me through my life, laughed with me, cried with me and loved me regardless of how crazy my life got. I am a strong supporter of women helping each other which is why I became a third degree black belt and taught self-defense to women who'd been abused.

I love people and dogs, good books and great coffee and I'm lucky to know just how blessed I am.


Connect with Christine  at 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page



Disclaimer:

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


Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Review: Michael's Wings by Tiffany Reisz

Michael's Wings 
(The Original Sinners) 
by Tiffany Reisz

Blurb: 

Griffin has just popped the question--yes, that question--and Michael doesn't have an answer. He flees town for New Orleans to see his confidante and sometime-Domme, Mistress Nora. Will a weekend of beignets and beatings help him untangle his knotted-up heart?

Thus begins Michael's Wings, the eponymous novella that kicks off the latest entry in Tiffany Reisz's LAMBDA Literary Award-winning* Original Sinners series.

This companion collection to fan-favorite The Angel also contains six previously-published stories starring Mistress Nora's favorite angel and Griffin--his master, his true love, and the sexy-as-hell bane of Michael's existence.

NOTE: If you haven’t read the Original Sinners series, this collection of connected short stories and novellas isn’t the place to begin! Start with The Siren (available now from Mira Books).

*The King (LAMBDA Literary Award 2015 Winner -- Best Gay Erotica)



Available for Pre-order at 



Viviana's Review:

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! As usual, Tiffany doesn't disappoint! This collection gives you some insight to the characters and a different POV that we didn't get in the original stories! 

I loved seeing the different sides of both Michael and Griffin and all the other awesome Original Sinners characters. Getting to see how some things occurred "behind the scenes" and getting to know them was great! 

Michael & Griffin are so cute together! Like, really cute! They both have their insecurities but they work through them and those around them, the people they both hold dear to their hearts, support them 100% and truly care for them.

I've said it before, I LOVE Tiffany's writing style and she's a gifted story teller. She is able to make the readers connect with the characters, which enhances the story. 

I loved it so much that even though I read the book, I automatically grabbed the audiobook and listened and fell in love all over again! Guy Locke, the narrator, not only has a yummy voice, he brought the characters to life.  

Over all, this was a great read and listen. I love that we get these stories from the characters we love! 




Rating: 4 Stars - LOVED IT!


Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author, Tiffany Reisz, in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Review and Giveaway: The Tattered Gloves By J.L. Berg



Excited to share with you J.L. Berg's first YA book! Our reviewer RAVED about THE TATTERED GLOVES and can't wait to read more from J.L.!! 



ttg-amazonThe Tattered Gloves
By J.L. Berg

Blurb: 

Head down. Don’t look up. Never make eye contact. 

Those were the words I lived by growing up, the words that protected me in an unsafe home. But words are only letters and eventually even they couldn’t keep his hands off me.

Hoping to leave behind the shattered life of my past, I find myself in a boring, small town, with an aunt I’ve never met and at a school I loathe.
But soon I learn, not everything in this world is as black and white as I’ve determined. Sometimes those we are so quick to judge often need a second, third or even fourth time to make a first impression.

And often, there are friendships and even love waiting just around the corner, if we are brave enough to take the first step.

Am I brave? Or will I hide behind these tattered gloves of mine forever?


Available for purchase at 





Courtney's Review

Let me start off by saying that this book has an incredible plot. This well written book is about a teenage girl named, Willow. Willow suffers with a traumatizing past until she was sent to live with her aunt Addy. Now Willow’s journey is to recover from her broken past and open up to the people who truly care about her.

THE TATTERED GLOVES is a real page turner, keeping me on my feet as I was reading. Honestly one of the most amazing books that I’ve read. Little bit of tears follow by laughter and topped with a little bit of romance. Could not put it down until I finished.

The author did a perfect job of developing the story and characters that are also memorable and sarcastic. This is a perfect teens book that I would recommend to any young reader.


Rating: 5 Stars - I LOVED IT!







Book Trailer




About The Author

J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series, The Walls Duet, and the Lost & Found Duet. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.


You can find J.L. Berg at

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Book Review: Her Halloween Treat by Tiffany Reisz

Her Halloween Treat 
(Men at Work Series #1)
by Tiffany Reisz 

Blurb: 
Trick…or wicked treat!

It was a devastating dirty trick—Joey Silvia just found out her boyfriend of two years is married. What. A. Dick. Joey knows her best chance to get over one guy is to get under another. Of course, heading home to her family's remote cabin in Oregon poses some challenges in the "available men" department…until she discovers this cabin comes with its own hot handyman!

Holy crap, Chris Steffensen. When did her brother's best friend turn into a hard-bodied pile of blond-bearded hotness? He's the perfect Halloween treat—and a surprisingly dirty rebound guy. For a couple of weeks, anyway. Except that Chris has other ideas…like proving to Joey that this blast from the past is a whole lot more than a naughty Halloween hookup.



Available for purchase at 

         


Viviana's Review: 
HOLY HOTNESS!! Tiffany doesn't disappoint! Do not be fulled by the "Harlequin" title. Though Blaze is their "steamier" publishing line, this one is SMOLDERING!

The cover.... did you notice the man, in the flannel with the beard.... Yeah that's Chris! LOVE that the cover matches the character's description! And totally YUM!!

There is lots of quick wit conversation between all the characters. It's not over the top at all. Each of the characters' personality shows through in the different conversations between them. Kara is Joey's BFF and I laughed out loud during several of their conversations. She's the type of friend you need to have! She will tell you exactly how things truly are and what you need to hear. 

While there is lots of 'sexy time', as with all Tiffany Reisz's books, there is more to the story then just the sex. Joey is realizing there is more to Chris than what she knew and remembered from when they were in high school. Though Chris had a crush on Joey since they were in high school, the years have proven that there's more to them than what they think there is.

Overall, this is a quick read that is steamy, sensual and makes you want to take a trip to Oregon and find a handyman! 

   

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Really LOVE It!!




Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin (US & Canada) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Audio Book Review: Inferno by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Inferno: Chronicles of Nick 
(Chronicles of Nick Series, #4)
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Narrated by Holter Graham

Blurb: 
The heat is on, and a new threat to humanity has risen . . .

Nick has his driver's license and he's not afraid to use it. But turning sixteen isn't what he thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he's been told will ultimately kill him.

But life spent serving the undead is anything except ordinary. And those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. As the old proverb goes, fire knows nothing of mercy, and if Nick is to survive this latest round, he will have to sacrifice a part of himself. However, the best sacrifice is seldom the sanest move. Sometimes it's the one that leaves your enemies confused.

And sometimes, you have to trust your enemy to save your friends. But what do you do when that enemy is you?


Available for purchase at 

      

Viviana's Review: 
This continues to be a great series and one that is entertaining and enjoyable to read/listen to. While I liked it when authors write their series to be read as standalone, this one has become one where the character are too intricately woven together that picking it up in book #4 can be confusing. If you're interested in reading Inferno, start with book #1, "Infinity (Chronicles of Nick, #1)". It's so worth it as this series rocks.

"Inferno" move the plot/arc of the series forward with a few twists and turns. This was also the first book in which I had that "Oh, gods, this is a YA" due to the angst of teenage relationship. Thankfully, while the 'relationship' issue is part of the storyline, I am eternally grateful Sherrilyn didn't go down that YA rabbit hole. It doesn't become an issue.

This installment was a bit slow in the action department in the beginning and middle, it does pick up later. However, the stuff that occurs are all part of the story.

I really enjoy this series due to the characters and story line. Nick continues to struggle to gain control of his powers and the knowledge that his destiny is to be this big bad evil demon. His friends continue to believe in him and help in any and all ways they can.


Narrator's Review: Holter Graham continues to be phenomenal. He brings the characters to life! I'm extremely happy that the continues to be the narrator!



Rating: 4.5 Stars - Really Loved It! 

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Blog Tour: Dragon Fever by Donna Grant

Dragon Fever - Tour banner


The highly anticipated DRAGON FEVER (Dark Kings Series, #9.5) by Donna Grant is finally here! This novella is brought to you by the 1001 Dark Nights!

     
Viviana's Review:
With each new story, we are driven deeper into the Dark Kings world. We've met several Dragon Kings, their mates, the enemies, Fae (both Light and Dark) and continue to be engrossed in their world. We're also intrigued as there are several 'mysteries' surrounding the Dragon Kings.
With all these characters and how deep into the series we are at this point, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series if you're considering reading this series.

Donna Grant continues to keep us enthralled with these characters and the world she has created.  Fans of the series will be happy with this novella until the next full book. As with all of the previous books, you have the Alpha males and the steamy scenes. You will not be disappointed. 
         


    Dragon Fever - cover

A yearning that won’t be denied

Rachel Marek is a journalist with a plan. She intends to expose the truth about dragons to the world – and her target is within sight. Nothing matters but getting the truth, especially not the ruggedly handsome, roguishly thrilling Highlander who oozes danger and charm. And when she finds the truth that shatters her faith, she’ll have to trust her heart to the very man who can crush it…

A legend in the flesh

Suave, dashing Asher is more than just a man. He’s a Dragon King – a being who has roamed this planet since the beginning of time. With everything on the line, Asher must choose to trust an enemy in the form of an all too alluring woman whose tenacity and passion captivate him. Together, Asher and Rachel must fight for their lives – and their love – before an old enemy destroys them both…


Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon AU



Dragon Fever - Tour teaser 1



   Excerpt

When his mouth claimed hers, his tongue slid along the seam of her lips. They parted for him, on their own accord, granting him access to do as he wished. His arms wrapped around her, holding her securely. With a sigh, she melted against him.
She tasted the whisky on his tongue. The exotic taste mixed with his kiss caused her blood to heat. Her hands splayed on his chest before moving upward to lock around his neck. With a groan that rumbled his chest, he deepened the kiss.
Then something strange happened. Warmth spread through her, settling low in her belly. At first she thought she was going to be sick, but the more he kissed her, the more the warmth grew––until it was a fire.
And did it rage.
It burned brightly, scalding her with its intensity. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. And she didn’t care. All that mattered was that he continue kissing her, taking her further along this incredible journey.
Then that wasn’t enough. She wanted…no, she needed more. As if sensing her thoughts, he turned her so that her back was to the railing. His heat surrounded her. Every breath she drew into her lungs was filled with his scent of dark amber and mahogany. The longer they kissed, the more fiery and out of control their kisses became.
It was Asher who gradually pulled away. She struggled to find words, to tell him she didn’t want it to end. Her lids slid closed when his thumb ran over her bottom lip and he groaned.
She leaned into him, hoping he would kiss her again. This feeling…this sensation…was awful and amazing. She didn’t know whether to fight it or give in, but her body didn’t give her a choice.
Asher didn’t say a word as he laced his fingers with hers and turned toward the hotel. They walked in silence once more, becoming more in tune to him with every step she took. She could literally feel their souls intertwining and melding.

She should be scared, and she was. But she was also excited and aroused to the point that she wanted to crawl out of her skin. He’d done that to her. When no other had caused even a hint of desire, he had brought an inferno.



   
DRAGON FEVER Trailer: 





About The Author


Donna Grant - headshot
Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.





Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp| DRAGON FEVER on Goodreads


Glass of whiskey on wooden background close up



Dragon Fever - Available Now


Make sure to follow the Blog Tour!

InkSlinger-Blogger-New


Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Book Review: Unexpected Rush by Jaci Burton

Unexpected Rush 
(Play by Play Series, Bk #11)
by Jaci Burton

Blurb: 
In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of All Wound Up, a football hot shot and his best friend’s sister are breaking all the rules.

All the Right Moves

For Barrett Cassidy, playing defense for the Tampa Hawks is a dream come true. And now he may have discovered his dream woman. Harmony Evans, once the sweet, gawky teenage sister of his best friend and teammate has grown into a smart, gorgeous woman with moves he finds hard to resist. But he knows he can’t get involved with his best friend’s sister—it’s guy code.

Harmony has always gone after what she wants with single-minded determination, from her independence to her education to her career in interior design. She never expected her youthful crush on Barrett to develop into something deeper. And she’s not about to let some ridiculous man rules or her brother stand in her way.

When the chemistry is this combustible, lines tend to get crossed. And when Barrett and Harmony’s secret gets out, it just might be game over...



      

Viviana's Review: 
It no secret that I am a recent fan of Jaci and picked up the series "Play by Play" on book #9 after enjoying all those yummy covers for so long. Book 9, "Quarterback Draw" was the start of what I'm calling the "Cassidy Dynasty" within the series. This is due to the story arc of the 'players' per say as it has focused on the Cassidy brothers and I didn't feel like I would be lost in the series. Loved "Quarterback Draw" and those that have followed.

"Unexpected Rush" touches on the taboo of the guy dating his BFF's sister. Apparently there's some sort of "Guy Code" (insert eye roll). Barrett Cassidy has known Harmony Evans for years! She's the younger sister of his BFF and teammate. Though she had a crush on Barrett growing up, she didn't plan on having one as an adult. The chemistry is there and so are the circumstances and various situations continue to place them in each other's path.

No doubt that Jaci can write a steamy romance. "Unexpected Rush" doesn't disappoint in this aspect.

The Cassidy family is alas awesome and you want to join them - either by going out with one of the guys or you'll accept their awesomeness, love and loyalty as an adoptive sister of some sort.

Though Harmony claimed to be a strong and independent woman, I didn't like that she was okay with keeping the relationship a secret or rather pretending that there wasn't one. Even more so that Barrett went along with it and thought it was a good idea. While I get its a story, I wish the need for the relationship to longer be a secret came sooner vs. later. I want women to know their worth ... heck men too.

The ending.... a bit rushed... perhaps.... meant due to the title.

We get a glimpse of the next book and I'm intrigued.

overall a good steamy read that moves the series along.



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.

Book Review: Searching For Mine by Jennifer Probst

Searching for Mine 
(Searching For #4.5)
by Jennifer Probst

Blurb: 

The Ultimate Anti-Hero Meets His Match…

Connor Dunkle knows what he wants in a woman, and it’s the three B’s. Beauty. Body. Boobs. Other women need not apply. With his good looks and easygoing charm, he’s used to getting what he wants—and who. Until he comes face to face with the one woman who’s slowly making his life hell...and enjoying every moment...

Ella Blake is a single mom and a professor at the local Verily college who’s climbed up the ranks the hard way. Her ten-year-old son is a constant challenge, and her students are driving her crazy—namely Connor Dunkle, who’s failing her class and trying to charm his way into a better grade. Fuming at his chauvinistic tendencies, Ella teaches him the ultimate lesson by giving him a special project to help his grade. When sparks fly, neither of them are ready to face their true feelings, but will love teach them the ultimate lesson of all?




Also available in paperback

Viviana's Review:

A novella in the "Searching For" series, written for the 1001 Dark Nights collection, "Searching for Mine" is an excellent example of how this collaboration works! This is a series I have had on my TBR for a while. I have the paperback! As the saying goes "Too many books, not enough time". Atlas, as more time passed and more books get added to the series, a get gets a bit scared and overwhelmed. "Will I like it?" "Can I commit to that many?" One of the things I'm really enjoying about the 110 Dark Nights collection is it allows readers to sample the author and series. So glad I grabbed "Searching for Mine".

I truly love Jennifer's writing style and how she develops her characters. The stories flow and the reader is entertained and gets lost in the world she created.

The 'student/teacher' taboo was BRILLIANTLY done here that no eye was batted. PERFECT! Loved that she was not only 'immune" to his "charmed" but that she called him out on his "old fashion" (lets call it that to be nice, shall we) thinking was fantastic. Ella, the heroine is funny, witty sarcastic and calls it like she sees it. LOVE her!

Conner is pleasant on the eye, a charmer and apparently "thinks" he knows how to get what he wants. I loved his nurturing and caring side. He is the brother of Nate who was the hero in a previous book. Those that read "Searching for Perfect" will know Conner a tad, but more as a "playboy" apparently. We "hear" more about this here.

Really enjoyed seeing Ella's and Conner's relationship develop from teacher/student to friends to lovers. The chemistry is there but it adds to that under lying layer that relations need that is ore than just physical.

I tend to be a bit hesitant about reading novellas as I feel they are either rushed or you don't get a complete story. This isn't the case with "Searching for Mine". You get a complete story that makes you want to read the rest of the series. A talent that Jennifer has. :)




Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It



Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from 1001 Dark Nights in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Book Review: Tackling The Tight End by Tara Lain

Tackling The Tight End
(Long Pass Chronicles Series, #3)
By Tara Lain

Blurb:
Everyone wants the best for SCU student and tight end, Raven Nez—and they know exactly what that is. Enter the NFL draft, become a big football hero, promote his tribe’s casino, and make a lot of money to help people on the reservation. Just one problem. Raven really wants to work with gay kids, and while he loves his tribe and likes football, his visions for the future don’t mesh with theirs. Then the casino board hires a talented student filmmaker to create ads for the tribal business and asks Raven to work with him. But the filmmaker is Dennis Hascomb, a guy with so much to hide and a life so ugly it’s beyond Raven’s understanding. Still he’s drawn to Dennis's pain and incredible ability to survive. Captivated by Raven’s stories of the two-spirited and by the amazing joy of finally having a friend, Dennis knows he has to break free from everything he’s ever been taught was good—but that’s a struggle that could kill him and Raven, too. Is there a chance for “the great red hope” and the “whitest guy on earth”? A future for the serpent and the raven?



Available for purchase at 

      

Viviana's Review:

The third installment in the Long Pass Chronicles Series, i was interested to see how Tara, the author, would portray Dennis as a hero since in previous books he’s been the “bad guy”.  As the saying goes “Not everything is as it seems”.

I loved the first two books in the series for various different reasons.  The characters, their stories, the obstacles they each had to overcome to be their true selves… these are just some of the main ones.  With Tackling the Tight End I find myself liking the book a lot more than loving it.  The writing is still strong, and I enjoyed the diversity as well.

There was just something - maybe it was Dennis’ home situation that was just way too much; that he went along with it as long as he did; his lack of sharing/providing information about his past/home life that could have proven helpful… I can’t pinpoint it exactly.

Overall a really good read that moves the series along.  I’m extremely happy Tara includes diverse characters in her stories adding a deeper level of realism to heartfelt stories.



Rating: 3 Stars - I Liked It


Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Tara Lain in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.