Monday, 23 April 2018

✮ (¸.•´ BOOK REVIEW ¸.•*¨)

Hazard (Wayward Kings MC Book 3) by Zahra Girard




A messed-up single mum and a broken, ex-military biker - it's bound to be a match made in heaven



Hazard is the third book in Zahra Girard's Wayward Kings series. These are fairly gritty, unsanitised MC reads that, whilst interlinked, can all be read as stand alones. This is an author whose work I have previously enjoyed, with the Wayward Kings being, in my mind, some of her best. Bear and Ozzy were both well written and entertaining books, but they had quite a different feel to each other. So whilst I looked forward to reading Hazard I wasn't quite sure what I was going to get. Particularly since I didn't read the blurb (which I'm pleased about because it actually gives away quite a lot of the plot!)


Jarrett and Selena have history, but she disappeared on him without even a backwards glance. So what is her motive for suddenly turning up in Jarrett's clubhouse? Will a man who uses anger and alcohol to mask the effects of severe PTSD persuade Selena to stay around? Is a woman who can be as selfish and devious as Selena worth keeping around?


One of my pet peeves are those 'perfect' characters you get in some books. Those smooth, cultured, well dressed, successful heroes and the tall, beautiful, sexy and clever heroines. Jarrett and Selena couldn't really be any further from perfect. Jarrett spends a lot of his life in a drunken haze, looking for trouble as a way to ease the pain. Selena is a single mother with a less than sparkling past and a self-centred streak a mile wide. Somehow, despite having some unpleasant traits, I found the pair immensely likeable and most definitely believable.


We do get a brief chapter covering Jarrett and Selena's initial meeting, but most of their history is recounted as stories or trips down memory lane. I quite liked this method of filling in the backstory. Probably more so than had it been done by jumping backwards and forwards in time. We know that Selena is hiding things from Jarrett, so another positive was the way this information was slowly revealed throughout the book. It kept the tension without it becoming irritating or the only focus of the plot. 


The pace of this book easily held my attention and there are some unexpected plot twists that also kept me engaged. I really couldn't guess what direction the story would take and readily devoured every word.


Whilst there are a couple of sex scenes, these aren't particularly graphic. However the MC aspect of the book does contain some quite violent scenes, as well as illegal activities, so please bear this in mind when purchasing this book. If you like a good MC romance then this fits the bill really well.



AMAZON US: http://a.co/jjHiI27



Synopsis

I find my peace at the bottom of a bottle. The sound of gunfire is music to my ears.
Years in the Army Rangers made me into a lethal weapon. My club, the Kings, keep their fingers firmly on the trigger.
Just the way I like it.

There’s only one time in my life where I thought different.
It was with her. Selena. And her kid.
Her jagged edges fit my broken life like a perfect match in a jigsaw puzzle.
Soul-shaking sex, dangerous curves, and a wicked smile -- no one else has ever measured up.
With her, having a family didn't sound like such a stupid idea.
Then she left me face-down with a bullet-wound.

Now she's back and says she needs my help.
I know she’s in danger, but something's got her too scared to say it.
Half of me wants to kill her for leaving me. 
The other half’s ready to rip the head off whatever bastard’s threatening my woman.
And when I catch wind of what they’re threatening to do to her kid, I’m ready to go on a f*cking rampage.

Taking her in is like mixing fire and gasoline. 
My club’s under serious heat from a bigger gang and I'm on a mission that could make or break us.
One mistake and we'll all be dead.
But nothing makes sex hotter than the cold threat of a gun barrel.





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Saturday, 21 April 2018

´`★.¸¸¸. •°´♡ BOOK REVIEW´`★.¸¸¸. •°´♡

TAVARR'S MATE by Sue Lyndon


Will this be third time lucky for Katrina, or is she forever destined to be mistreated by her man?



This is a 'captured by the alien' read, by Sue Lyndon, that felt just a little different to the run of the mill. It has dark elements and does contain possible triggers, but is also a very romantic read. I've read a couple of anthology stories by this author, and when I spotted this on kindle unlimited thought I would give it a try. I don't always have huge expectations of this genre. It's not that I feel the writing is poor, but they can be fairly similar in content, so I was pleasantly surprised by Tevarr's Mate. It wasn't filled to the brim with erotic scenes that were vaguely linked together by a weak and uninspired plot.


I came to this NOT having read the blurb, and I'm glad because it gave the opening chapters a lot more impact than I feel they otherwise might have. Without wanting to give too much away I will say that Katrina has spent her whole life not being good enough. Not for her family, not for her fiancee. Just as she hopes to escape the darkness that is dragging her down, things take a turn for the worse. Much worse. This is a story of learning to believe in yourself, to trust yourself and to trust in love.


The story is written entirely from Katrina's point of view. Whilst I missed having the hero's view point, for this story it felt necessary. I didn't struggle to believe in Tavarr, nor his devotion to and love for Katrina, though I didn't feel that strong a connection to him. I really liked Katrina, and felt her actions and reactions were both very normal and believable. Without wishing to spoil the plot, I liked the balance of 'angst' in this story. It was what made it feel a little unusual and different from so many others. Despite having some very dark moments, overall this didn't feel like too heavy a read. It has some steamy scenes but they felt neither too frequent nor too graphic.


The pace of the book was good and it easily held my attention. I never felt the need to skim parts nor ever felt like consigning this to the DNF pile. I'm happy to recommend this book to those who enjoy sci-fi romances. 



Synopsis
I am fated to belong to a seven-foot tall alien warrior named Tavarr. He's coming for me soon.

My name is Katrina. After the Kleaxians attacked the humans on Tallia, I was captured by a cruel alien named Vonn. He claimed me as his mate, but tormented me for weeks and even tried to kill me. When he was executed for his crimes, I thought my nightmare had finally come to an end. But then his older brother, Tavarr, shows up burning with a biological urge to claim me.

Darkly handsome Tavarr's mere presence makes my body hum with pleasure, and his touch prompts a relentless ache between my thighs. But I'm worried he's too much like his brother. What if he tries to kill me too?

Despite my fears, I'm drawn to the tenderness in Tavarr's dark otherworldly gaze, and I want to believe his intentions are true. However, the flashes of primal lust in his purple eyes don't escape my notice. When it's time to claim me, I don't think he'll be quite as gentle as promised.

Publisher's Note: Tavarr's Mate is a DARK sci-fi alien romance, containing explicit scenes and themes of power exchange, as well as scenes some readers may find triggering or disturbing. If such dark subject matter offends you, please do not buy this book. This story takes place in the same world as Kenan's Mate, however it can be enjoyed as a standalone title.

Purchase Links

Amazon US http://a.co/blpJPH6
Amazon UK  http://amzn.eu/2AQLC28



View all my reviews
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Thursday, 19 April 2018

BOOK REVIEW *********FOR THE LOVE OF LUCA by Soraya Naomi*********


For the Love of Luca by Soraya Naomi
Chicago Syndicate #8



Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mafia Romance
Release Date: April 17, 2018


My Review - 5 Stars

Theirs is a love soul deep and for eternity, but can it survive the pressures of the syndicate?

Despite Fallon and Luca appearing in two previous books, For the Love of Luca CAN be read as a stand alone. I know this for a fact as, despite having all the CS books on my kindle I've only read #6 and #7 thus far! Connections, positions and relationships were clearly explained but without providing any real spoilers if you are new to the series. Having read two previous books, I know I enjoy this author's work and was very keen to continue with this engaging series.

I was intrigued by how the author, would hold my attention when the romance and falling in love had already happened in a previous book. Would she be able to make this couple capture my heart? Would I care about them, believe in both them and their love, cry and laugh with them? The simple answer? A very resounding YES!

"How did we end up here? Moreover, how many punches can a heart that's in love take?"

Luca and Fallon share a love so deep it should last forever. However a series of strange events leave Luca not believing or trusting Fallon, and Fallon desperate to find the truth. Fallon is Luca's rock, his anchor in a violent and dangerous world. The loss of his sanctuary leads to some very foolish actions, hurting both Fallon and himself in the process. Fallon is strong enough to hold them all together, but only if she can find a way back to Luca's heart.

" "Then get out," she snaps, the words spearing through my heart as she pins a look of distrust on me. It's the look of distrust I've most likely been giving...... "

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it held my attention throughout. The pace and well thought through plot meant that at times I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. There were times when I wanted to shake BOTH of the main characters. I wanted to shake Fallon and tell her to pack her bags and go. Actually I didn't want to shake Luca, I wanted to give him a good hard smack around the back of the head and tell him to stop being such an a$$. Thankfully he did redeem himself, and magnificently so.

"...but deep down, I realise I deserve this and much more."

I love it when characters engage me so much they make me feel. I was so enmeshed in this story that there were times I got angry with a character, there were times I was so sad for a character and there were times when a character made my day.

"Yet I ignore his hurt, like he marginalised mine. "No. I won't calm down, because I miss my children so much." "

The editing of these books is amazing, I personally didn't notice ANY grammatical errors, switched words or spelling mistakes. I DID notice, in slower more relaxed passages, the author had a tendency to tell us what colour everything was (black jeans and garnet sweater, brown leather belt, two black mugs....LOL). Once I noticed this it did start jumping out at me, but that's entirely ME and lets be honest, if that is the ONLY 'bad' thing about this book (and bad is certainly not the correct description here) then it tells you just how good it is.

"While I'd love to tell him everything will be okay, I'm not so sure. I stand up. "And now, the damage has been done." "

At one point I did find myself skimming the 'love scenes'. Not because they were bad or excessive, but just because I wanted to get to the 'story'. However I realised this was a mistake, I was missing important interactions between Fallon and Luca and more importantly the emotional impact of these encounters. So I immediately went back and re-read those passages.

"One thing you learn in the mafia is to forgive and forget, or kill."

This is a mafia romance, and whilst it doesn't go into too much graphic detail of violence it doesn't shy away from the seedier side of things either. That along with the very steamy love scenes means that I would rate this as an 18+ read and would happily recommend it to my friends.


BLURB
A standalone in series. Although part of the Chicago Syndicate world, For the Love of Luca is a standalone and can be enjoyed either with or without reading the rest of the series.
I’m a man who has it all: power, love, and wealth.
I’m a man who always needs to be in control.
I’m a husband.
I’m a murderer.
I’m the underboss of the Chicagoan mafia.
I keep the world that Fallon and I have created in our home safe, and I’d sacrifice anything or anyone to protect the woman I love and my high ranking position without an ounce of remorse.
Until my worst nightmare comes true and I lose control over my home and myself, posing a challenge neither Fallon nor I ever anticipated.
And I fear that being a good husband and being a good Mafioso might get one of us killed.

A standalone novel from the Chicago Syndicate world.






PURCHASE LINKS – 99c for a very limited time
Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE 
#1-7 Chicago Syndicate Series

All free in Kindle Unlimited




AUTHOR BIO

Soraya Naomi writes provocative novels with a sinfully seductive blend of romance, suspense & men who love hard and at all costs.
Apart from indulging in chocolate pastries much too often, Soraya Naomi is also an avid reader. She has a passionate obsession with the written word and reads many genres but favors intense, seductive, and provocative novels where the male character loves fiercely, without remorse or boundaries. She adores Dark Romances, Romantic Suspense, Historical Romances, New Adult, and PNR.
Her debut novel For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate, #1) was released on July 26, 2014. She’s honored that For Fallon won “Best Breakout Novel 2014” in the Novel Grounds Semi Annual Literary Awards.
Sign up to Soraya’s newsletter to keep up to date with release dates: http://www.subscribepage.com/newslettersorayanaomi



AUTHOR LINKS





GIVEAWAY 
There is a giveaway for a $15 Amazon gift card
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Wednesday, 18 April 2018

COVER REVEAL ****** TAUNTING TONY by Marie James

 
Release Date: May 3, 2018
Cover Design: Letitia Hasser / RBA Designs
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

 

Synopsis

 
Rules.
They’re a necessity. They make the world go ‘round and help idiots function in society. Most don’t require much thought and are easy to follow—or so I thought… I didn’t realize, however, that the new group of people I became friends with could have so many. No sleeping with group member’s moms? Easy enough. No shirts at the BBQ? I’m all over that. Do you know how hot it gets in Texas during summertime? No sleeping with others in the group? Now this one… This one is killing me. If you saw Joseph Snow, with those killer abs and cocky smirk, you’d be thinking the exact same thing… rules are meant to be broken.

Goodreads



 

Excerpt

 
“What are you doing?” Joey hisses when I grab him.
“What I should’ve done two weeks ago.”
With a gentle grip on his upper arms, I urge him backward until we clear the threshold and I can close us into his bedroom. I don’t let him go until his ass hits his desk chair, but even then I only move my hands until they’re on the armrests. He’s trapped, bracketed by my arms.
“Tony,” he whispers.
He’s not afraid even if there’s a tremble in his voice. If I had to bet, I’d lay money that he’s aroused.
“My name is Anthony,” I correct, the heat of my breath blowing the long strands of hair surrounding his beautiful face.
“Anthony,” he repeats.
My cock loves the sound of my name on his lips as much as my brain does.
“What are you doing?” he asks again.
Honestly? I didn’t think past the very moment we’re in right now.
“I wanted to say hi.” I lean in closer.
I missed you. It was hell not coming by even though I’ve been invited three times in the last two weeks. I’m tired of fighting against whatever this pull is you have on me.
“So,” I say leaning in even closer. “Hi.”
A tiny grin plays on his lips. “Why are you so obsessed with me?”
I want to laugh. I know he’s trying to get back to the taunting guy he is in front of his friends, but there’s no place for that man in this room right now.
“I am,” I say softly. “Obsessed with you that is. I’m obsessed with those purple boxers and the stretch of them over your cock the other week.”
My eyes cut down, and I hate that his skin and muscular thighs are covered by a pair of denim shorts.
“Oh yeah?” he breathes. “And if I tell you I’m wearing them now?”
Shaking my head, I try to focus on anything but those purple fucking boxers. His brother and two of his closest friends are right outside in the driveway. Hell, they’re probably already wondering where I am.
“I’m obsessed with that freckle behind your ear.”
His hand reaches up to the exact spot that has me mesmerized every time he walks away from me.
“I’m obsessed with the way your eyes track me no matter where I am in the room.” I lean in closer. “I can feel them on my skin, on my mouth.”
“I thought I was doing a good job of hiding it,” he whines. “I’ll do better.”
“I want your eyes on me,” I assure him.
“I’m obsessed with your ass in gray sweats.”
“Good to know.” I lean in another inch, our breaths becoming one.
I skip telling him I figured as much, and that’s the only reason I didn’t get here sooner. I forgot the bag I packed this morning at home, the anticipation of seeing him tonight was all I could focus on, and I had to run back home after work to change into them.
“I can’t stop thinking about your lips on mine.”
I groan at his words.
“You’ll have to remind me.”
He nods softly but doesn’t make a move to come closer.
“You smell amazing.” His eyes flutter closed, and with the disappearance of his bright blues, my restraint falls away as well.
Hand in his hair just like two weeks ago, I hold it in my grip and tilt his head to the perfect angle. Catching his gasp with my own mouth, I slide my tongue inside of his warmth. He’s sweet, arousal mixed with the wine he was drinking when I showed up to find him looking more gorgeous than I’ve ever seen. His groan and the bristle of his scruff on my face are nearly my undoing.
His mouth, the soft whimper he emits, and the sting of his blunt fingernails on the back of my neck literally bring me to my knees. As I sink to the carpet, his legs get involved, wrapping around my back and urging me forward. The heat of his cock is exactly where I need it, albeit separated by too many damn layers of clothes.
The hand in his hair grips him tighter as my free hand roams the length of his torso. The rippling muscles and the smooth skin of his shaved chest are driving me wild.
Why in the hell are we wearing clothes?
“Joseph,” I moan as he pulls his mouth away offering me his neck.
I fought coming here tonight. I fought the memories of this sweet little mouth for nearly two weeks. I failed on both counts, so I don’t bother fighting his offering right now.
Nipping his ear, I clench his hair tighter. In return, his legs flex harder, and his nails dig deeper.
“You make me crazy,” I confess against the column of his neck.
“And hard.” I groan at his words, but when the shift of his hips forces his cock against mine, I almost embarrass myself.
“You have to stop,” I hiss against his neck, tongue tracing the throbbing pulse point just under his chin.
“You first,” he challenges with a sigh when my hand sweeps over his hardened nipple.
Laughter outside of his window is worse than cold water being tossed all over us. We pull away from each other with a snap.
   

Giveaway

One of Five ARC's for Taunting Tony
 
 
 

About the Author

 
Marie James: I'm a full-time, working mother of two boys and wife of 13 years. I've spent almost my entire lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. I've always wanted to write novels and just recently had the gumption to sit down and start one. My passions include reading everything under the sun and plotting out new books to write in the future.
 

Connect with Marie

 
Facebook Reader Group ~ http://bit.ly/MarieJamesStalkers
 
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