Friday, October 2, 2015

Book Review: Too Hard to Handle by Julie Ann Walker

Too Hard to Handle
(Black Knights Inc. Series, #8)
by Julie Ann Walker
Narrated by: Lesa Lockford

Blurb:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru

"The Man" is back
Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority.

And this time she's ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

You can purchase at

Viviana's Review:

I was a bit hesitant in pick this up because it’s the eighth book in the series and I feared that I would be lost. The good news is that it isn’t the case. This reads as a standalone. It does make you want to go back and start the series at the beginning.

Julie did a great job of providing the reader with Dan's history without throwing out all the info out there at once. I’m sure this was a great thing for those that have read the previous books.

The story was pretty action packed from the get go. This moves the story along and keeps the readers engaged. The secondary characters, Dagan and Chelsea, are also a hoot and intriguing. I’m looking forward to reading their story and hope they are next (if not soon).

Penni is a strong, independent woman who is there on a mission. After everything Dan has been through, I’m glad things worked out the way they did.

Narrator Review: Lesa did a great job with the different characters and providing them with different voices and tones. She also does a great job with the narration and telling of the story.

Action packed! There’s Romance! There’s witty conversations. Smart woman who kick ass. My kind of series!

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved it

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

Book Review: Crosstown Crush by Cara McKenna

Crosstown Crush
(Sins in the City Series, #1)
by Cara McKenna

Blurb:
The first in a new series from the “wicked-hot”* author of Hard Time and Give It All explores the fantasies of a daring married couple—and those of a stranger invited to play along in their scandalous little games… When he’s working, Mike Heyer is all business—every inch the alpha male, with the hard, capable body to back up his persona. But at home he can be a different man entirely, harboring appetites only his wife gets to glimpse…

When Samira first learned of her husband’s fantasies, she was reluctant, even alarmed. But after witnessing the way they set him on fire, she yielded, and happily indulged. As their games have intensified, so has the rush. And now so has the risk—they’re poised to take Mike’s indecent desires to the next level, by opening their bed to a sexy, brazen stranger. A man seeming custom-made to grant every last one of Mike and Samira’s sinful wishes.

Welcoming someone new into their lives was always a dangerous proposition, but the couple imagined if anything was at stake, it was their privacy…not their hearts.

*New York Times Bestselling Author Jaci Burton

Viviana's Review:

This is the first book from Cara McKenna I've read and I will say I'm curious about her other books. While this was a different and interesting read, it was a good one. Samira loves her husband! She’s devoted and dedicated. He loves his wife and is devoted and dedicated to her. They truly have an overall great marriage. We quickly learn just how devoted she truly is when we learn about his fetch. This is the “different and interesting” part. I hadn’t known this fetch/kink existed.

So while Samira and Mike have a great relationship and have a good thing going with their arrangement, Samira wanted to take to the next level. The next level meant including adding another person to the fantasy. A real person. Though this is Mike’s fetch, Samira is the one driving the search and seems to be just as interested if not a tad bit more so. I will say that, as I said, this is Mike’s fetch, but he never pushes his wife into anything. He always lets her decide how far they go.

In their search for someone to meet their requirements, they meet Bern. The reader learns more about cuckolding fetish at the same time as Bern does. The author does a good job of explaining because I knew nothing about this fetish. Never even heard about it.

This story isn’t only about a wife who wants to make her husband happy. It’s about self-discovery, communication being key and extremely important in relationships and how being self-aware of what you want and being okay with it is actually okay and a good thing. The majority of the story took place between Samira and Bern. I did wish there was more Mike though. We were constantly ‘told’ how awesome the relationship was between Samira and Mike was but we never really saw it. There was more interaction between Samira and Bern.

Overall, it was a good read and start to a new series. There is a lot of chemistry between all the characters and there is no denying the scorching heat.

Rating: 3 Stars - I 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.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Cover Reveal Blitz: Charming by Dannika Dark

Charming

(Seven Series, #6.5)

by Dannika Dark

Blurb:

After seven hundred years, Prince has acquired everything a Packmaster could desire. But when he meets the enchanting Nadia Kozlov, he realizes there’s one thing he doesn’t have: answers. Prince owes his life to a man he hasn’t seen in centuries, and Nadia holds the key to his whereabouts, because that man is her father.

Destinies collide when Nadia’s sister shows up unexpectedly. Katarina is a skilled bounty hunter, hot on the trail of a nefarious outlaw who turns out to be Prince’s old nemesis. Prince teams up with Nadia’s sister to track down the Mage, but the real game of cat and mouse is already underway as sparks fly between Prince and the cunning bounty hunter.

The only trouble? Nadia wants him too.

In the Seven series timeline, this full-length novel is 6.5.

However, Charming can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

Release Date:
December 8, 2015

Pre-order available at

The SEVEN SERIES

About the Author

This is the segment where you learn a little more about who I am, so here's what I can tell you: I drink copious amounts of vitamin water placed precariously close to my laptop while writing. These are two healthy habits I have no intention of breaking. I'm a transplant living in the south, but I was born in the 70's to a military dad who moved us around the world.

When I'm not writing (which is all the time), I'm hunting down Indie music, watching movies, reading, eating Tex-Mex, discovering new ways to humiliate myself bowling, and burning up my laptop battery on the Internet. I have a relaxed, easy-going personality and don't like drama. I live with a cat who thinks she is a dog, or a goat (she eats plastic, so I'm not sure which).

Throughout my life, I've had insomnia. Counting sheep never worked and eventually I would imagine those sheep were the sole source of food after an apocalyptic battle where only thousands survived. I made up stories in a futile attempt to bore myself to sleep. The problem was, I got so wrapped up in my "head stories" that I would continue them through the following nights, changing it up each time to make it more exciting. Eventually, I started writing my ideas down - creating short stories, and then I discovered my love for poetry.

It's almost embarrassing how many spiral notebooks and stacks of paper I have of poetry and lyrics.

Another passion: digital art. I design all my book covers, marketing, and series art. I'm a very visual person and pursued photography as an avid hobby for many years.

I am not a YA author (I feel like I have to state this only because I've had a few people ask), but I think it's wonderful there are so many books available to teens in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal.

I am finally doing what I have always wanted to do: giving my characters a pulse through writing full time. I focus on adult urban fantasy romance, but I don't like labels and I enjoy blending genres to break out of the confines of predictability.

But it's what I love to do.

Danni

You can find Dannika at

Presented by

Book Review: White Lightning

White Lightning
(Rising Storm, Episode #2)
by Lexi Blake

Blurb:
Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

As the citizens of Storm, Texas, sway in the wake of the death of one of their own, Daddy’s girl Dakota Alvarez also reels from an unexpected family crisis … and finds consolation in a most unexpected place.

Available for purchase at

Viviana's Review:

Enter the spoil brat! Every tv soap has one (or two) and RISING STORM has Dakota Alvarez! As the blurb says, she’s Daddy’s little girl, however, hasn’t amounted to much otherwise. There was a glimmer of hope there for a second when there is an incident and she turns a certain someone down but nope. Decisions are made and she’s a spoil brat! Lol

While this episode picked up right where the previous one ended, this one seemed to focused on the “bad guys”. This also leads me to share that I was curious to see how the authors were going to handle the story telling meaning, where they going to focus on couples, or individuals, or storylines and it seems like they are jumping around a bit but it makes sense based on where the story is moving.

Speaking of the bad guys… of course, in romance, we are usually given that one bad guy we love to hate and yeah, RISING STORM, we sure are given one. It will be interesting to see just how bad he will get.

As with any good tv soap, there are twists and turns and there was one that I saw coming but hoped it wasn’t because it was SOOOO obvious. And this is the feeling I’m getting with A LOT of the characters and even overall plot. It’s been done. I guess, most soaps have, right? There’s the spoil brat, the “evil queen/bitch” type, the helpless victim that everyone wants to save, the weeping willow that will eventually break and find strength, the couple that is broken up over, well, you get it. So, while I’m disappointed in that, I’m going to try and enjoy the journey and the writing.

Lexi did a great job with this episode in continuing the drama and adding more to it and just enough suspense, angst and mystery to make the reader want to read the next episode. She knows how to write a bad guy, that’s for sure!

Rating: 3.5 Stars - I REALLY LIKED IT

Disclaimer:

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

Experience Rising Storm Here…

Rising Storm Episode 1 (Sept. 24):

Julie Kenner’s Tempest Rising Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 2 (Oct. 1):

Lexi Blake’s White Lightning Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 3 (Oct. 8):

Elisabeth Naughton’s Crosswinds Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 4 (Oct. 15):

Jennifer Probst’s Dance in the Wind Amazon **iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 5 (Oct. 22):

Larissa Ione’s Calm Before the Storm Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 6 (Oct. 29):

Rebecca Zanetti’s Take the Storm Amazon **iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 7 (Nov. 5):

Lisa Mondello’sWeather the Storm Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 8 (Nov. 12):

Dee Davis’s Thunder Rolls Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

About The Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.

Visit Lexi Blake’s website and follow her on:

Rising Storm Website | Facebook |Twitter | 1001 Dark Nights | Rising Storm on Goodreads

Book Review and Giveaway: Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye

Hard As Steel

(A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover Novella)

By Laura Kaye

Blurb:

After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him—and always has. Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he's ever known, one he's purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike's not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself—or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.

Availble for purchase at

Amazon Paperback

Viviana's Review:

Let me start by saying that if you haven’t read the Hard Ink series, you can read HARD AS STEEL on it’s on as it does read as a standalone. While things and characters are mentioned that occur in the HARD INK Series, it’s nothing that will make the reader feel lost or that affects the story line in HARD AS STEEL.

Ike has been an interesting character from the moment we met him in the HARK INK series and when he runs to the rescue of Jessica we know there’s more there than just friendship! To find out that he would be the Hero in this novella, excitement and intrigue was definitely two of the emotions I was feeling.

This is a story that truly displays Laura’s writing skills. Strip away the action, the running around, adrenaline and that constant fear of being chased that would cause two people to have that ‘instant love’ and you have this! Ike and Jessica have been friends for years and for reasons they both believe to be valid (and we the readers will find out as we read the story) never thought they could or should be more. While the circumstances that have them in a secluded cabin are due to the action and fear of safety, the events themselves are not. They have nothing but time with themselves and nothing else. What happens is much more simple and common but I won’t share, don’t want to give the story away, would we, now? Nope!

Jessica and I definitely have things in common and chemistry. The sexual tension is present and dealt with sarcasm and witty humor. It’s also avoided. However, it can’t be forever. When you’re stuck together and have to confront what’s in front of you, what choice do you have? HOT! Steamy! Again, Laura excels in making it sexy, hot, and tender and fits the story! And POOL TABLE! Just leaving that there! If you read it OMG! RIGHT? And if you haven’t when you do, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!

This was a great read that I couldn’t and didn’t want to put down. It’s also a great start or rather an introduction to the new series Raven Riders! I have a feeling I’m going to really enjoy that one!  This reminded me a bit of Laura’s “Hearts in Darkness” novella where the two characters talk and get to know each other. That feel of it being more about the characters vs. the environment. So if you enjoyed “Hearts in Darkness”, I think you’ll enjoy this one too.

Rating: 4 Stars - LOVED IT

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Laura Kaye via 1001 Dark Nights and InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Now here is a little something extra! I'm happy to host Laura's Blog Tour for HARD AS STEEL! Some yummy graphic teasers and information about Laura! Don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway!!

About The Author

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

You can find Laura at