May Reviews
Hooked on You by Katie Meader
Contemporary Romance- May 7th, 2018
5 stars
As the forth and the last (?!) installment on the steamy Chicago Rebels series, Katie Meader is only getting hotter!
Violet Vasquez is the long 'lost' daughter of the famed hockey player and owner of the Chicago Rebels, Clifford Chase. When Clifford suddenly dies she discovers she has inherited one third of his team along with two sisters she never knew. Violet is the product of a fling with Puerto Rican waitress and Clifford Chase. Violet's heritage has made her stand out. Never a real part of each world. Although Violet never met her father, he did pay for her tuition and she is curious about him and her half sisters. But Violet has had a difficult past. As a breast cancer survivor, she is determined to 'do over' her life and enjoy it. Unfortunately, this life style gives her a party girl reputation.
Bren St. James is the captain of the Rebels hockey team. And a recovering alcoholic. Bren has been sober for nearly a year. He wants to turn a new leaf but suddenly his money grabbing ex-wife has a break down. The result is that she leaves him to care for their two daughters during the important playoffs. The pressure is on to find a nanny to help but for some reason all roads lead to the tempestuous Violet, a woman he knows he should stay away from!
This book has it all. Bren is the brooding, dark and handsome hero. And Violet is the sparkling shot of optimism. Both are drawn to each other but Bren is trying to break all his addictions including wild women. But for Violet, her party girl persona is just an act. And when Bren finally gives into temptation he realizes how much he likes the real Violet. This was a sweet and sexy novel. The passion between Bren and Violet is volatile since Bren prolongs the inevitable since he is trying to stay away from temptation. Bren's two daughters are adorable and my heart melted along with Violet's as she worked to heal their broken hearts along with their father's. This book has surprising depth as Violet's pain from the past and Bren's support made me cry! This couple couldn't have been better and I loved how the author made the flighty Violet into a real person to care for. This may be the last installment in the Chicago Rebels series but it certainly was my favorite.
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
April Reviews
Kostas's Convenient Bride by Lucy Monroe
Contemporary Romance-April 17th, 2018
5 stars
A couple made for each other, if only one of them wasn't so pig-headed!
Kayla is a computer wiz in love with her boss. Years ago they had an affair and Kayla has always hoped that Andreas would finally 'see' her. Kayls is hopeful because Andreas has seemed distracted lately and she wants them to return to what they once had. She misses being with him and since she and he started their joint venture in business they have been strictly platonic. So Kayla is hurt and angry when Andreas invites her to a private meeting only to discover he intends to sell the company. A company she sees as her home. Plus he announces has hired a matchmaker to find him a perfect wife! Since Kayla is an orphan ,Andreas and the company have been her family and she feels betrayed. Understandably upset she takes a sudden vacation and sets out to speak with the proposed new owner and along the way meets an admirer. But what she doesn't gamble on is Andreas running after her and acting jealous with anyone around her. Maybe the reality of Kayla leaving Andreas has struck a nerve.
This passionate novel is a fantastic read. I loved how fully developed both characters are. Since they have a long history it is fascinating to read how the normally aloof and cold Andreas reacts almost violently when he sees Kayla going on a date. He practically drags her away and tries to wine and dine her. It is also hysterically funny because he doesn't realize why he wants to monopolize all her attention. Kayla just wants to keep her heart intact and make sure she has a place in the proposed new company. This read was so enjoyable because Kayla was finally getting the attention she deserves from Andreas and she was standing firm against Andreas persuasions. Andreas goes to some pretty extremes to make Kayla feels special. I liked how he pursued her and finally was able to show a vulnerable side of himself. I wish was in Kayla's shoes! This is book is definitely a keeper.
From Unseen Fire by Cas Morris
Fantasy - April 17th 2018
4 stars
Vivid and brutal, this re imagining of the great Roman Republic but with mages whose elemental powers are feared and barred from public office.
In this new series, Senator Sempronius Tarren wants to establish a new Republic but he has a secret. He is a mage forbidden to a position of power in the government. He hides his talents because he feels that he can make a difference and he wants to control the Senate and then the Empire. Latona is also a mage. She can persuade and seduce. But her talents are discovered and she is blackmailed into becoming a mistress to a corrupt and powerful man. When he dies she thinks she is free but she does not factor in the charismatic Sempronius or her attraction to his solid integrity and ambition. As both navigate the treacherous politics of the Republic who will survive as Sempronius bids for power? Enemies lurk to discredit him and will Latona take a risk on a man that may be her ultimate downfall?
This novel swirls with intrigue and the beautiful savagery of the Roman times. Where danger lurks under the façade of the Empire’s ‘civilization.’ Latona is a strong woman but her sex delegates her position to a second class citizen. She was wed early to a rich but a weak man who does not understand her or nurture her intelligence. When she meets Sempronius she is struck by how he listens to her and admires her strength. And does not fear her. With him, she can be her true self. I liked how Latona explores her ‘freedom.’ However, Sempronius’s political ambitions make him a dangerous man to know! I liked Latona’s character but the author actually spends a great of time on Sempronius’s point of view, too. Sempronius is an enigmatic, complex personality and I enjoyed reading his inner thoughts and how he is affected emotionally by Latona. He doesn’t have many weak spots. So when he is threatened and Latona helps him that is when the story really starts to get interesting.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Love is the Punch Line by Kathleen Jones
Contemporary Romance - April 4th, 2018
2 ½ star
Original, atypical romance.
Fat and rather unattractive, Josh Steinberg, is a ‘has been’ former child star clinging to his past fame. Now he works as a standup comedian, but his gigs are getting scarcer and less reputable. But then something magical happens. He meets a highly successful business woman named Holly Brannigan. Incredibl,y she seems to like him for himself. Having someone who believes in him gives Josh the confidence and encouragement to pursue his screen play which he hopes to make into a movie. But when self doubt and misfortune occur will, Josh’s self destructive behavior loose him the relationship that makes his life worthwhile?
This was an interesting romance as the romance was really secondary to the main character’s development. Josh is not a likeable character and it takes him a long time to get out of his depression and self loathing. I found his neglect and abusive words and actions towards the people he related to difficult to read. I did like that the author has created real characters that are not my any means perfect or ‘dressed up’ for public consumption. The hero is in his mid fifties and is described even by the author as unattractive. Readers who have experienced depression will be sympathetic with Josh’s many ups and downs. On the other hand, the heroine was very engaging. Which made (again) it hard for this reader to appreciate Josh since he was often irrational, unkind and unappreciative of her support. However, the ending was extremely romantic.
Unexpected and realistic, this novel is one man’s journey through depression.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence
Fantasy -April 3rd, 2018
4 ½ stars
Nona Grey was a novice for the Convent of Sweet Mercy. Now she has graduated to Mystic class and will learning even deadly skills. But nothing is easy for Nova, who carries more than one of the old blood in her veins and with it, the talents that given ‘extra’ powers. Not only does she need to contend with students that hate and sabotage her but the Abbey itself may be under attack by the terrifying Inquisition. And among the people they want to question and bring to justice are Nona. Abbess Glass must use Machiavellian skills to protect all that she can but even among the sisters there is dissent. When Nona finds herself alone and friendless she must dig deep and find a way to save all those she holds dear.
Grand adventure, treachery and a tenacious heroine make for a thrill ride of a novel. There is a lot going on, so much that the author start the novel with a short synopsis of the first book to recap the events. (I had just read the first book the month before reading Grey Sister and it even helped me!) Although Nona has seemed to settle in at the Abbey, her poor background, lack of social skills and nonexistent connections make her easy prey for those who want power. For among the young students, Nona is one of the most talented. In addition, the Abbess of Sweet Mercy holds great power, power that many would love to control for themselves. Dark players are looking for a way to depose her and the beliefs she uphold at the Abbey. When Nona suddenly finds herself alone she discovers a strength that she didn’t know she had and pushes herself to a point that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
This is an intense series as Nona and her friends seem to be small fish in a pond filled with predatory sharks. I loved the return of Sister Kettle and Sister Apple. Also a surprising appearance by the treacherous Clera had me with mixed feelings. The only thing I missed was more of Ara in the story with Nova. As one of her best friends I thought it was strange she was almost an after thought -until the end of the novel! Fans of the mysterious Zole will be rewarded with more insight into her character. But overall this book didn’t feel as complete as the first book. This book is a transition piece and more things are brought to life than answered. Readers will be enthralled with the depth of this book and will definitely be hanging for more and wishing the next book came out a lot sooner. (Like next month!)
Masterful storytelling, faultless characters and epic adventure make this series a classic in the making.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Marry in Scandal by Anne Gracie
Historical Romance -April 3rd, 2018
4 1/2 stars
Anne Gracie's newest Regency romance is like reading sunshine. A fresh novel filled with romantic innocence.
Lady Lily Rutherford is sweet and, perhaps, too soft-hearted. When she tries to help someone who she believes is her friend, she finds herself being abducted by a nefarious villain instead! But Lily uses her resourcefulness to escape and finds assistance from an unexpected source, the dashing rake Edward Galbraith. Surprisingly this rake has a kind heart. He protects Lily and attempts to shelter her from scandal while trying to return her to her beloved family. Their trip has an unexpected side effect -a mutual attraction that Edward fears. He knows that Lily is too good for him. But when word of their time together is spread by malicious gossip, they must marry in haste to protect her reputation. Will a marriage built on convenience ever find love?
Ann Grace's writing has rare depth. Lily is not the typical heroine. She has a disability which makes her life more difficult, but she uses her optimism and love of life to overcome her insecurities. Instead of becoming reclusive or bitter, she still sees the best in others and tries to help them. Edward, although young, has suffered greatly. His guilt and sense of responsibility have changed his behavior to the point that he does not seem to care for his life. He is intent on punishing himself and unfortunately those that love him. When he feels forced to protect Lily by marrying her, he must confront his demons. While this book explores Lily's new sense of independence it also more remarkably journeys through Edward's transformation and self-forgiveness. This romance novel may seem simple, but it has a quiet sweetness that could only be written by a master. (But that does not mean there aren't many passionate scenes as Lily is no shy miss!)
This uplifting romance will bring joy to readers looking for endearing character and smoldering, yet quiet emotional read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
March Reviews
The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries
Historical Romance -March 27th, 2018
4 ½ stars
Sabrina Jeffries knows how to write a Regency that sizzles with wit and passion! In The Secret of Flirting, she brings to life a heroine trying to save her beloved grandmother and a master spy who wants to uncover all of her secrets!
Gorgeous actress Monique Servias has no time for men. She works for her art and in her spare time takes care of her elderly and frequently forgetful grandmother. But her grandmother is becoming increasingly difficult to care for and an actress true to her craft only can make so much money. So when she is approached by an nobleman to impersonate the Princess Aurore of Chanay (who is ill and Monique bears a striking resemblance to her) with the promise provide full time care for her grandmother, she jumps at the chance. But Monique does not count on the clever and suspicious Baron Fulkham.
Gregory, once met Monique and was impressed by her beauty and was disconcerted that she did not fawn over him like other actresses. He remarkable and saucy personality left a deep impression on him. So when he meets the ‘Princess’ he can’t get over the idea that she is really the actress he met years before. He is determined to uncover Monique's lies and find out what she is up to. As the premiere spymaster in England, he is uniquely qualified. But something unexpected happens when their cat and mouse game turns in to an attraction neither can deny.
The latest book in the Sinful Suitors series is deliciously entertaining. I have been waiting for the overly serious and mysterious Gregory to fall in love. He has been turned off by his fellows falling under the spell of 'love' and it was fun to read the man who spurns love and romance find his mate. Because the beautiful Monique is quite as clever as he is, it makes his chase to discover her secrets all the more delightful to read. Monique keeps Gregory on his toes and tempts him to unbend his strict views. Monique is an charismatic and intelligent heroine that at first seems too good for the cold Gregory but her outlandish charms soon melt his icy exterior and bring a scorching passion to this fun Regency story.
Readers looking for an irresistible new Regency to warm them this sping will love the newest addition to the Sinful Suitors series!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston
Paranormal Romance -March 27th, 2018
4 stars
Zany, outrageous fun!
Charlie is a scary honey badger and a MacKilligan to boot. Even the cantankerous honey badgers try to stay away from her. She and her two younger sister are social pariahs since their father is such a louse. They have been left to fend for themselves since Charlie's mother died. As the eldest, Charlie feels responsible for taking care of her sisters. Especially the youngest, Stevie. Stevie is a genius and it seems everyone wants the secrets she comes ups with. But their biggest problem to date is that their conniving, weasel of a father has stolen a boat load of money and gotten himself involved with some nasty shifters. As a result, they find themselves in hot water as they are hunted down because they are a connection to finding their father. Along the way Charlie has somehow picked up a grizzly bear admirer. One who isn't fazed by her crazy family. Will Charlie loose her chance or see Berg for the very tolerant and special bear that she can spend her life with?
Fantastically funny and completely original This book will have you in stitches and gasping for breathe. Shelly Laurenston is unparalleled in imaginative genius. Charlie and her sister are a nonstop hoot. I hope the younger sisters get a story of their own, too. While this book can be read a a stand alone. Many characters from previous books play an integral part (My fav is a certain hockey star named Bo and the hilarious Smiths) and if you haven't read prior books you won't get the inside jokes. So why the four stars instead of five? Primarily because there is so much going on it can be hard to catch up. Reading this novel was a whirlwind of action and high-jinx but sometimes I needed a break. I really enjoyed reading about the characters but I sort of wanted the author to stop and spend more time on the main characters -the heroine and hero with more alone time and get to know them on a deeper level.
Bad## heroines and non stop thrills. For pure entertainment value, this book can't be beat.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Seeking Mr Wrong by Tamara Morgan
Contemporary Romance -March 6th, 2018
4 1/2 stars
Clever writing and two diabolically devious main characters make for a book filled with laughter and smokin' hot scenes!
Pen was an extraordinaire jewelry thief. But when she fell in love with and married an FBI agent, her life changed dramatically. Now she is trying to turn a new leaf and stay on the right side of the law. However, it isn't easy when there are so many temptations.... especially as her injured husband Grant enlists her help to infiltrate a deadly assortment of thieves on a luxury boat with an infamous diamond. Things are only bound to get more complicated. Pen feels impelled to see the prized jewel while protecting her husband from the harm of discovery. Unfortunately, Pen finds much more that she bargained for!
What's not to love about this series?! The author has done a fabulous job in keeping the sparkling chemistry between the main characters alive. Although Grant and Pen are married, the fire and sizzle between them is still palatable. The sharp repartee in the series is unparalleled and guaranteed to entertain fans of romantic comedies. (For those who love old movies it sort of reminds me of the Thin Man series.) Since Pen and Grant are posing as strangers I loved reading them playfully flirt with each other. Some readers may be disappointed that this series does not contain really erotic scenes. However, I did not miss them because the relationship between Grant and Pen takes center stage. And the two of them often spark because they are often at cross purposes. This romance will have you hot under the collar and laughing out loud. While the story is a little improbable I wanted to believe and got sucked into the high stakes thievery with the rest of the zany gang.
If you love sharp, suggestive dialogue, funny characters, and a romance to rival the most classic romantic comedies, this book must be on your to buy list!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs
Fantasy -March 6th, 2018
4 ½ stars
In the latest installment of Patricia Briggs’s Alpha and Omega series. Charles and Anna must deal with dangerously unstable werewolves and treachery.
Charles and Anna are werewolves and mates. Charles is his father’s enforcer. His father is the Marrok, a very old and very powerful werewolf. But his father has mysteriously disappeared and Charles finds himself dealing with the Marrok’s ‘special’ members. These packmates live separated from the rest of the pack because they are unsafe to be around regular members. But when one of them comes to Charles for help he can’t turn him away. Soon Charles finds himself trying to discover who is targeting the isolated pack. Especially because it seems the attacks are coming from someone with special ops capabilities and lots of money. As they try to visit all of the pack members they discover that there may be someone within their pack betraying them. Can Charles and Anna discover the traitor and save the rest of the pack before it is too late?
Charles and Anna make an incomparable team. I like that Anna and the reader get to see glimpses of the real Charles - who is the boogie man of the werewolf world. In each of the the Alpha and Omega books Charles and Anna are sent by the Marrock on missions but this time they are on their own. This leads the reader to wonder what has happened to the Marrock and the tantalizing idea of how Charles might lead the pack. Reading about the more extraordinary members of the pack made me want to know about them and which leads to the possibility of future unexplored books. This story seemed shorter and more unfinished than prior books in the series. Perhaps this is because the author leaves a lot areas left hanging. I enjoyed reading it but felt that there could have been three to four more chapters added at the end. This story felt like a solid side story instead of a full novel.
Another winning paranormal from Patricia Briggs I only wish it were longer!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Lake Silence by Anne Bishop
Fantasy -March 6th, 2018
5 stars
As the latest installment in Anne Bishop’s Others series she takes a turn and focuses on another seemingly unremarkable human and her interactions with the Others.
Vickie DeVine is middle aged divorcee and finally free of her domineering husband. After a messy settlement, she has gains a little money and a lake side estate her husband never wanted. Now she plans to renovate and create into a haven for paying guests. But her first guest is not the naive young girl she thinks. Instead, Aggie is an Other. A female that can shift into a Crow. Although not the strongest of the Others, she is different and deadly. And historically humans have feared and hated that which they do not understand. But Vickie still sees Aggie as an individual and cares for her instead of discriminating against her. Unfortunately, Aggie has found a dead body and Vickie feels impelled to report the dead man to the police. The consequences of finding the young man reveal an evil plot to hurt Vickie and harm the Others in the area. Can the fragile peace between the powerful Others and the humans last? Or will Vickie and the well meaning humans find themselves facing another natural disaster?
The Others are powerful beings, they include shifters and vampires which often see humans as prey i.e. edible. And there are also more scary Others known as elementals which can command the weather, land or sea. They can essentially destroy a town with a thought. Since the Others own the land and water, humans live there on their sufferance. Unfortunately, humans are greedy and want more. And they do not learn from their mistakes. Many have a history of trying to trick and discriminate against the Others. When their new human friend Vickie is threatened by devious humans who want to harm her the Others come out in force and it is a fascinating and terrifying read. The Others have so much power. Something that many of the humans just don’t understand or remember in their petty manipulations. This series brings up many issues such as domestic violence, abuse and prejudice. But in this story the author gives the underdog the power to retaliate. I liked that Vickie is starting a new life and finding new friends, humans and 'Other'wise. I also enjoyed reading the how the supposedly primitive and violent Others have more empathy and caring than ‘normal’ humans. Human beings fascinate them but they are slowly learning the intricacies of human lies and intrigue. Because of this the story often felt on a knife’s edge. Would the Others stop the villains and discover their plans in time?! How would they retaliate? The reader will root for Vickie and her friends. One thing is for certain, there is nothing like Other justice!
Fast paced, riveting read that will have you unwilling to stop turning the pages!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Lady Henterman’s Wardrobe by Marshal Ryan Maresca
Fantasy -March 6th, 2018
4 stars
Lady Henterman’s Wardrobe is part of the Street of Mardaine series. While it can be read as a stand alone, it would be difficult as the imaginative and multi character series would take some time to for the reader to orient themselves.
A gang of clever and not so law abiding residents in the North Seleth area are looking for justice when their area was ravaged by a terrible fire. To try to discover who is behind the fires and its mindless destruction two brothers, Asti and Verci and their back alley friends launch a dangerous mission to discover the truth. In their investigations they find that the wealthy and hedonistic Lord Henterman may be connected to the fires and poverty in their neighborhood. When they discover he is hosting a party they hatch a plan to plant themselves in his employment and snoop around to find more information. But happens when discover a deadly person from Asti’s past? A villain who is ruthless enough to kill anyone in their path. Can the gang stop this fiend and save their neighborhood or is some other sinister scheme hatching that will break them all?
The gang of is a colorful mix of characters that are just trying to make their world a better place with the tools that they have. Unfortunately, some of the people they are forced to deal with are not really as forthright or filled with good intentions toward the people in their neighborhood as they are. As devious interlopers and old players view for power in the North Seleth. Verci and Asti along with the rest of the cast must try to get ahead but sometimes find themselves pawns in a bigger game. Each of the characters in the gang bring life and vibrancy to the story. You want them to win against the no good money grubbers and devious scoundrels bent on keeping them down. As the team discovers pieces a larger scheme emerges. This story had an adventure filled ending but it left many questions hanging that I feel the author will continue to bring more surprises in many future books. The villain in the story is pure evil and I can’t for that diabolical character to get their just desserts!
A scrappy gang of charming characters hope to reclaim and protect their home turf but find themselves in constant danger. Fun-filled reading that is a mix between Robin Hood and the Three Musketeers!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Tricks For Free by Seanan McGuire
Fantasy -March 6th, 2018
4 stars
Tricks For Free is the latest InCryptid installment. And while I enjoyed the read it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting!
Antimony Price is the youngest in the notorious Price family. A human family that protects supernatural beings that often live in plan sight of ‘normal’ humans. In her last story, Antimony went undercover to infiltrate the evil Covenant. A group of humans bent on killing anyone that is not strictly human. Antimony's family tries to protect non-humans which puts them on the Covenant hit list. But when her cover is blown Antimony must go into hiding and she has to give up her mouse companion and any connection with her family that may lead the deadly Covenant to find them. Alone and friendless she needs to hide in plain sight when a stroke of luck lands her a job in Lowryland, an amusement park similar to Disneyland. There she finds an old friend who knew her before and she is able to live a life in shadows. But her unfortunate and untrained ability to create fire catches the attention of some powerful people who have also made Lowryland their home. Can Antimony keep herself from being noticed and keep the underlying corruption in Lowryland in check or will her disguise be blown?
Okay, I missed the mice in this story. Thankfully the author has a short novella at the end of the book which features the Aeslin mice so I didn’t have withdrawals. Antimony is not as flashy as her sister or have any many connections as her brother. She seems to be the responsible one. And as such, I really wanted her to find a break. Since she is trying to stay undetected, she didn’t get to shine as much as her siblings. (Which I felt she really deserved!) This book was interesting and I enjoyed the surprises but it essentially felt like a side story. And while I enjoyed reading Annie grow I felt that the issues with the Covenant -which play such a big role in the books was left hanging. And did I mention how much I missed the mice?! So, yes, Annie does come into her own and I liked how she creates her own team but I wasn’t sure where the novel was going. Is she going to continue to drift from place to place to avoid the Covenant and how are the rest of her family? There is so much unresolved which leaves more great material for future books but made this book feel the most inconclusive of all the books in the series. Annie is the underdog in the series. I love underdogs! I can’t wait to see where the next book leads and if Annie will bring it on.
Another exciting read in the InCryptid series but it felt more like a secondary story than the main event.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club