REVIEW ---- BUILDING STORM by Gwyn McNamee

Building Storm

(A Hawke Family Novel)

by Gwyn McNamee

🌟🌟🌟🌟

"Never have I disliked a hero so much, yet still loved the book"

So don't let the fact that I spent half the book wanting to throat punch Landon put you off this fantastic read.  The writing, plot, heroine (Storm), the rest of the Hawke clan and the steaming hot sexy times kept me gripped.

I'm going to get my Landon issues out of the way, so that I can concentrate on the better stuff.  He was just a bit too full on, at times, for me.  The first time he met Storm, he didn't know her story, so fair dues.  However when he did discover she was a recent widow with a very young child, I just felt that his 'sex will cure everything' mantra, and his forceful pursuit was just a bit too much.  Bear in mind, THAT WAS JUST ME - it's a very personal and subjective observation, but he irritated me enough that I needed to rant a little.

What was less subjective was his insistence on knowing everything about Storm, whilst keeping a humdinger of a secret.  So I'd be up in arms about his as-good-as-lying holding back, and then he'd admit he was out of line.  Then he'd push again whilst deliberately not being honest, before admitting his hypocrisy.  However this was fully acknowledged by the author, so I'm not taking any stars away and actually sneakily admire her for it.

Why is it so hard for her to just tell me what's going on in that damn 

beautiful head of hers?

...but I hate keeping this from Storm. I expect her to open up to me, but I can't do 

the same with her.  Not yet.......

Hypocrite much?

"All I want is the truth."  A bit hypocritical of me to be demanding it from her when I 

haven't been fully honest.

Storm I absolutely loved, yes she blew hot and cold but this was TOTALLY understandable.  She was a confused, grieving, depressed, hot mess.  I felt her pain, I felt her conflict and I definitely felt her lust too :)  I also loved how the plot raised the issue of judging those who move on from loss 'too quickly' - especially as it brought me up short!

It was fantastic to catch up with the rest of the Hawkes and their SO's.  The banter, the subtle digs, the outright meddling made me laugh on more than one occasion.  You can feel their love and respect for one another.  The suspense was excellent, even when I semi-guessed some aspects, I didn't have the faintest about others.  And boy did Ms McNamee wring every drop of pain that she could from the situation.  Bravo!

The heat levels in this are very high and the language is 'industrial', but they both fit the plot and characters extremely well.  It never felt gratuitous, cheap or sleazy - just gritty and hot in all the right way!  Roll on Saint's story.

She hasn’t been living. He’s looking for a way to forget it all. 

My life went up in flames. All I’m left with is my daughter and ashes. The simple act of breathing is so excruciating, there are days I wish I could stop altogether. So I have no business being at the party, and I definitely shouldn’t be in the arms of the handsome stranger. When his lips meet mine, he breathes life into me for the first time since the day the inferno disintegrated my world. But loving again isn’t in the cards, and there are even greater dangers to face than trying to keep Landon McCabe out of my heart.

Running is my only option. I have to get away from Chicago and the betrayal that shattered my world. I need a new life-one without attachments. The vibrancy of New Orleans convinces me it’s possible to start over. Yet in all the excitement of a new city, it’s Storm Hawke’s dark, sad beauty that draws me in. She isn’t looking for love, and we both need a hot, sweaty release without feelings getting involved. But even the best laid plans fail, and life can leave you burned.

Love can build, and love can destroy. But in the end, love is what raises you from the ashes.

***Building Storm is the fourth and final full-length novel in The Hawke Family Series. While it is a complete story, it is NOT meant to be read as a standalone. The story of the Hawke siblings starts in Savage Collision and continues in book two, Tortured Skye, and book three, Stone Sober before reaching the plot in Building Storm. These stories all build on one another and are intertwined. They need to be read in order to fully enjoy and understand the plots and characters. ***

https://www.amazon.com/Building-Storm-Hawke-Family-Novel-ebook/dp/B07K61GX4J/

BOOK REVIEW - Teacher's Pet - 4 stars

Teacher's Pet 

(Copper Creek Book 5)

by Wendy Smith

My Review - 4 stars

A wonderful end to a beautiful series

James has been a bit of a dark horse throughout this series. He is very much the youngest of the Campbell brothers and has only featured briefly in the previous Copper Creek books, so I had no idea what to expect from him. Having enjoyed the rest of the series I was very much looking forward to reading this. 

Whilst Teacher's Pet on first appearances fits into the 'teacher/student taboo romance' trope, it is actually much more than that, with the age difference playing a fairly minor role within the story. I did like how this didn't fall into the same patterns of many age difference romances and one of the greatest strengths of this whole series is that the relationships are so very 'real'. There aren't contrived plot twists to add angst, suspense or shock value. This actually could be someone's real life story.

It might not be to all tastes but there are some significant time jumps. These are VERY clearly labelled, I don't know about you but I can't stand it when there is some unknown passage of time that suddenly occurs between one sentence and the next. These occurred once Mia and James were in a relationship, where we don't need to experience every interaction. It also gives rise to a very believable relationship and love story, since they entire book is set over several years.

Mia and James are both very likeable characters, well written and nicely rounded. James was perhaps a touch too perfect at times, I'd have liked to see him mess up, be grumpy, slob around etc but when all is said and done it wasn't a huge deal!

The book is written first person from both their POV's. We also get several chapters from Corey's perspective, along with seeing lots of glimpses of all the brothers, their partners and their combined offspring. If you've read any of the previous books you will love these little glimpses into their lives. If you haven't they are written in such a way that you can enjoy the scenes without needing any back story.

The book ends with a wonderful epilogue and the most delightful of bonus chapters that brings us full circle to where the story started.

Synopsis

James Campbell’s love life is complicated. 

He chose the university he went to because he was following a girl—only to get dumped by her. Now he’s in love again, and this time it’s the real deal. Except for two problems. 

Mia loves James. But the spectre of her broken marriage hangs over her when her ex gets a job in the same place she works. And where she works is the other problem.

She never meant to fall in love with a student.

This is the final book in the Copper Creek series and concludes the story of the Campbell family.

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MFTSMRK/

Ratings

5 stars - This is a book I will not forget and would definitely read again.

4 stars - I really enjoyed this book, I might not read it again but I would definitely recommend it to others.

3 stars - This story was good but either forgettable or just very typical of its genre.

2 stars - Whilst the book was readable I either didn't enjoy parts of the plot or just could not connect to the main characters.

1 star - This is a book I simply could not finish for reasons listed in the review.

BOOK REVIEW - Decker by Eden Summers, a romantic suspense

DECKER

By Eden Summers

ღ˚ •。* ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* ° ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。 

4 stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mysterious, secretive and twisty beyond belief - that covers the plot, as well as both Keira and Decker!

Decker took me through the whole gamut of emotions, from lust to anger, betrayal to hope, despair and forgiveness. I thought that Keira and Decker were really well written characters, they had depth and even though there were times when I didn't like their actions, I totally loved them as 'people'. Never judge a book by it's cover and don't judge this pair by first impressions.... whilst both characters are very likeable, they both have their own secrets and dark sides.

The plot is twisty and intriguing, this romantic suspense takes us on one heck of a ride. There were a few times, in the first half of the book, when personally I felt the pace dragged briefly. However it wasn't enough to make the book boring and, once we really start getting to the truths hidden under the layers of lies that make up this pair, the action was almost non-stop.

It was good to see more of Hunter and Sarah, though if really don't need to have read Hunter to enjoy this book. I loved that twist at the end, which isn't quite a cliff-hanger (we do get a resolution for Keira and Decker) but does set up the next book really well.

ღ˚ •。* ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* ° ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。 

Now an AMAZON INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

"A roller-coaster ride of thrills, danger, passion and betrayal." Spunky N Sassy Blog.

"I don't have words for how AMAZING this book is." Romance Novel Giveaways.

He protected me from danger and became my biggest threat.

He's my defender. My savior.
A brutally determined man with a cocky smirk and an equally cocky attitude.

Broad. Strong. Focused.
He seduces me with his flirtation.
Warms me with his care.

But he's hiding something.
There are ulterior motives beyond his concern for my security.
A thirst for more than my safe keeping.

I can't fall for him. Can't be tempted by his touch.

Not when he can't be trusted.

But questioning my protector means I've now become his target.

From bestselling author, Eden Summers, comes another seductively thrilling STANDALONE destined to leave you breathless.

ღ˚ •。* ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* ° ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。 

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Decker-Eden-Summers-ebook/dp/B07M6199B7

ღ˚ •。* ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* ° ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。 

Ratings

5 stars - This is a book I will not forget and would definitely read again.

4 stars - I really enjoyed this book, I might not read it again but I would definitely recommend it to others.

3 stars - This story was good but either forgettable or just very typical of its genre.

2 stars - Whilst the book was readable I either didn't enjoy parts of the plot or just could not connect to the main characters.

1 star - This is a book I simply could not finish for reasons listed in the review.

ღ˚ •。* ˚ ˚✰˚ ˛★* 。 ღ˛° 。* ° ˚ • ★ *˚ .ღ 。 

BOOK REVIEW - A 4 star Mafia Romance

Title: Conor (Boston Undercover)

Author: A. Zavarelli

Genre: Dark Romance

Release Date: December 27, 2018

Ivy

When I stumbled into a mafia run club seeking a job, I was looking for protection. Little did I know I’d need protection from him.

Conor O’ Callahan was exactly the kind of danger I was trying to avoid. He was gorgeous as sin with an accent hotter than Hades, but that’s where the charm ended.

He was also cynical, cold, and downright cranky.

So, you could imagine my surprise when he gave me a proposition. Marry him or lose my life.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ve learned to do what’s necessary to survive in this world, and that includes marrying a mobster. Regardless of what he might say, it’s only temporary.

It’s not like I’m going to sleep with him. Or fall for him.

Because that would be stupid, right?

"It held me in its clutches with the hotness, the sweetness, and the action-packed ride I never wanted to end!!"- Erika, Bookhaven Bookblog

"I love me some Conor. He is dreamy af. Lethal and sweet, my ultimate book boyfriend!"- Amber, Leave Me Alone I'm Reading

"I read this in one sitting, devoured it, inhaled it, loved it!! Not once did I put it down."- Kitty Kat's Crazy About Books

"He is the ultimate alpha perfection!" - Sansa Reads

"JUST GRAB THIS BOOK ASAP and READ IT."- Gone With the Romance

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Whilst this is much shorter than the other Boston Underworld books, it is too long (IMO) to class as a novella. Even with it's shorter length it still had lots of depth and two very engaging main characters. I felt a real connection to both Ivy and to Conor, both good people caught up in bad situations, mostly beyond their control. Whilst the story was a little insta-love for me, I did still believe in their relationship. It moved a touch quickly for my preference, but it was still really well written.


There were several plot strands that twisted and wove together really well. The pace and quality of writing held my attention throughout, in fact I read this in one 'sitting'. We got some glimpses of much loved characters from previous books, my personal favourite being Ronan. I love how the author overlaps her stories so that sprinkled throughout this were events from another perspective.


This is a definite must read for any A Zavarelli fan. Whilst it can be read as a stand alone, I do think you need to have read Crow, Reaper and Saint to totally appreciate this book, it's shorter length means some of the mafia background detail is only briefly touched on. For those less familiar with this author's work, it does contain bad language and scenes of violence, as one would expect in a gritty mafia read.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A. Zavarelli is a book junkie, cat lover, and traveler when plagued by intense cases of wanderlust. She likes all things chocolate, books that come with warnings, and putting her characters through hell. 

Her tales have been known to flirt with darkness and sometimes court it unabashedly altogether. Revenge themes and tortured souls are her favorites to write and this gives her an excuse to watch bizarre and twisted documentaries in her spare time.

She is slightly obsessed with Theo James and funny animal memes. If you don’t mind these things, you should add her on facebook.

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Ratings

5 stars - This is a book I will not forget and would definitely read again.

4 stars - I really enjoyed this book, I might not read it again but I would definitely recommend it to others.

3 stars - This story was good but either forgettable or just very typical of its genre.

2 stars - Whilst the book was readable I either didn't enjoy parts of the plot or just could not connect to the main characters.

1 star - This is a book I simply could not finish for reasons listed in the review.

BLOG TOUR & BOOK REVIEW Fianna's Awakening by Ron C Nieto

Fianna’s Awakening
Ron C. Nieto
(Warriors of Myth and Legend, #1)
Publication date: November 13th 2018
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Outcast. Betrayer. Chosen.
After five years being a Fianna, Aisling O’Malley still has to prove herself every day. The sins of the father weigh heavily on her shoulders, and no matter what she does, her fellow warriors regard her as the undeserving one. It doesn’t help that one of the four mythical treasures of Ireland has turned up under her nose, leaving her none the wiser. If by any chance the touted Spear of Lugh up for auction is indeed the legendary Spear of Victory, she needs to get her hands on it before anyone else does—and be spectacular enough about it to make the rest of the Fianna forget she

almost missed the artifact in the first place.

Exile. Betrayer. Forgotten.
After spending twice as long undercover as he ever lived at home, Ronan no longer knows where he belongs to or where he’s actually exiled from. He can’t return to his people, not unless he collects the four artifacts of power the Tuatha Dé lost when they were forced to leave Ireland, and three millennia after the fact, he’s pretty sure they’re going to remain lost. Except one of those ancient treasures has landed in his lap—or could land in his lap, if he brings himself to work with the spunky young woman who wants to hire him to consult on the Spear’s authenticity.

Can two broken people learn to trust one another? And even if they can, will it be too late to save Ireland… or themselves?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

My Review - 4 Stars

I haven't read this author before but I definitely enjoyed her style of writing. I did struggle to get into the story at first as the author took the root of gradually explaining things to you rather than one huge information dump near the beginning. On reflection I agree that this was the better choice, though it does mean you have to persevere and put up with times of not quite understanding. At the end of the book I discovered that you can get a free prequel from the authors website, I haven't read it but perhaps this would have made it easier to understand parts of this book.

There plot flowed really well and the story is easy to follow, though the pace was a touch slow on a couple of occasions. I found myself putting this down and picking it back up a few times during the first 50%. This is more than slow burn in terms of romance, other than a few 'aware of him' type mentions there isn't really any romance at all - not even a kiss or a fade to black moment.

I did like both characters, and am hoping we will see more of them in future books. Aisling was strong, determined and feisty but also had her imperfections that allowed you to feel a connection to her. Ronan was very interesting, I did feel as though I knew him less well but he was still believable. We meet a few other characters, but don't see enough of them to get a feel for them.

I would continue with the series.

Author Bio:

Ron C. Nieto is a fantasy and romance author who has been writing in her secluded fortress for the longest time. Recently, she had a talk with her cat and decided that she should share her creations, because it was selfish to hoard them all for herself.

If you would like to know more about her, please visit her website.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
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BOOK REVIEW *** As if the whole world were watching by P. NELSON

AS IF THE WHOLE WORLD WERE WATCHING

(The Dom's of the Cage #6)

P. NELSON

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The time has finally arrived. The final conclusion of Calla and Flynn’s love story. Will it end in a happily ever after? Or will the forces that have sought to keep them apart triumph over love?


Dr Calla Jones is no longer a green sub with her heart in her eyes.

When Flynn Banroch hired Calla to act as the resident psychologist for the most exclusive BDSM club in Vancouver, she was excited. One of the conditions of her employment was a thirty-day training contract with an experienced Dom in order to understand the lifestyle fully. Calla couldn’t have been more on board with Flynn’s plan, especially after he signed the training contract.

Flynn Banroch wasn’t looking for anything more than releasing the sub he knew was lurking inside of Calla.

Instead he found an incendiary connection forcing him to question the strict rules he had for playing with subs. In exploring Calla’s submission, Flynn found his own dominance growing and changing in ways he had never thought possible. When a threat to his position as CEO of his families multi billion-dollar company arises. In order to keep Calla safe, Flynn ends their thirty-day training contract.

The malignant danger against Vancouver’s BDSM community has steadily increased since Flynn ended his thirty-day training contract with Calla. Compelled to keep Calla safe, he offers her another contract and whisks her away from the dangers of the city. At his private island off the coast of British Columbia, Flynn and Calla will rediscover the bond between Dom and sub that has haunted them for months. As their enemies close in, will the pair be able to finally escape the past and look towards a future together? Or will the forces conspiring against them finally win? Find out in As If The Whole World Were Watching.

The Dom's of The Cage Series Book Six

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MY REVIEW - 4 STARS

This is a thrilling conclusion to both Flynn and Calla's story AND to the story arch that has flowed through the series

The first book or two of the series had more of a BDSM romance feel, however this, along with the last few books, is more of a romantic suspense with strong elements of BDSM. The kink is very consensual, even when Calla disagreed with some of Flynn's decision she still ultimately had full control of whether the scene would occur or not. I loved how Calla wasn't afraid to speak her mind, she may be a submissive but she was never a doormat. She shone in this book and I really felt a connection to her.

At a push you could read this as a stand alone, but to get the full benefit of this book you need to read Our First Dance at the very least. In that book we saw Flynn and Calla begin their troubled relationship. Since they have already developed feelings for each other we don't see them 'fall in love' in this book. What we do see are two people learning to compromise and to trust others and each other again.

I have to admit there were a handful of occasions where either Flynn or, more often, Calla seemed to make a very strange or sudden decision. However a few paragraphs later the author would explain their thinking, and all suddenly made sense. 

There were times when I felt that Flynn made irrational decisions. Whilst this seemed out of character for such a smart, ambitious, driven and successful CEO, it really emphasised how difficult he was finding it to cope with the situation he found himself in. I loved how Calla called him out when he was being a fool, I also adored just how supremely sexy this guy is when he goes into full Dom mode.

The plot is fast paced, there is LOTS of suspense, plenty of interesting characters, very good writing and an overall engaging story. A fantastic end to the over arching plot line but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Callaghan, Master Diego, Melanie or out old favourites from this series of books.

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https://www.amazon.com/Whole-World-Were-Watching-Doms-ebook/dp/B07H7JJW8C

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Ratings

5 stars - This is a book I will not forget and would definitely read again.

4 stars - I really enjoyed this book, I might not read it again but I would definitely recommend it to others.

3 stars - This story was good but either forgettable or just very typical of its genre.

2 stars - Whilst the book was readable I either didn't enjoy parts of the plot or just could not connect to the main characters.

1 star - This is a book I simply could not finish for reasons listed in the review.

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BOOK REVIEW ----- TAKEN by Felicity Brandon

Taken 

(Book one in The Dark Necessities trilogy)

by Felicity Brandon

´`★.¸¸¸. •°´♡¸.★*´♡¸.★*´♡

MY REVIEW - 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A deliciously dark start to this captive erotic romance



This is the author's first foray into the world of dark erotica, and what a good job she's done.  I'd put it somewhere around/just past middle of the dark spectrum, its not horrific, violent or out-and-out abusive.  However it is very much a book of dubious-consent, humiliation and psychological mind play.  The story is well written, had good pace and is extremely hot!


Molly has spent years expressing her dark, kinky fantasies through the pages of her novels.  Connor is the fan who has decided to fulfil those deeply buried desires, whether Molly wants him to or not.  What results is a tale of spankings, punishments, depravity, Stockholm syndrome, extreme pet play and a woman in turmoil.  I loved the battle between Molly's mind and her body, how she struggled to accept her reactions to Connor's treatment.

Written first person, from both main characters POV, I did feel we got to know both Connor and Molly.  It was easier to really engage with and connect to Molly, I felt her emotions, thought processes and instinctual reactions felt believable.  Whilst I'm not sure in reality that anyone would enjoy the non-consensual actions of Connor, this is a dark erotic romance and I loved how Molly had to fight her desires.  Not surprisingly, though I felt I knew Connor, I didn't feel quite so much of a connection to him.  I did love the hints that there is much more to learn about him.


If dubious consent, strong punishments etc bother you then this perhaps isn't the book for you.  I would recommend it to those who love dark romance in all it's forms, as well as those who are new and want to try 'dipping' their toes in the black waters.  I really enjoyed this and am very much looking forward to the next instalment of the story.

´`★.¸¸¸. •°´♡¸.★*´♡¸.★*´♡

SYNOPSIS


One obsessed fan. One captive author.



Lost on the streets of a foreign city, Molly Clary is attacked after a book signing. An unknown hero steps in to protect her, but her relief turns to terror when her savior's true intentions are revealed.

Connor Reilly doesn't just want to save her. He wants to take her for himself.


Now Molly's fighting, not just for her life, but for the essence of who she truly is. If she's going to survive in Connor's dark new world, she'll have to learn to play his games. But if Molly plays, what will it cost her? Can a monster ever really learn to love, or will his need to dominate destroy them both?


If you enjoyed the debauched desire of the Twist Me series, then you'll devour Felicity Brandon's edgy new trilogy.
Buy Taken to begin this hauntingly addictive set.


Taken is an edgy, fast-paced, dark romance and is the first book in The Dark Necessities trilogy. Molly and Connor's story continues in Tamed, and concludes in Entwined.

´`★.¸¸¸. •°´♡¸.★*´♡¸.★*´♡

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Taken-Romance-Thriller-Necessities-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B07KT5SB4D

´`★.¸¸¸. •°´♡¸.★*´♡¸.★*´♡

Ratings

5 stars - This is a book I will not forget and would definitely read again.

4 stars - I really enjoyed this book, I might not read it again but I would definitely recommend it to others.

3 stars - This story was good but either forgettable or just very typical of its genre.

2 stars - Whilst the book was readable I either didn't enjoy parts of the plot or just could not connect to the main characters.

1 star - This is a book I simply could not finish for reasons listed in the review.

´`★.¸¸¸. •°´♡¸.★*´♡¸.★*´♡