Winter Reviews 2017
February Reviews
A Lady's Code of Misconduct by Meredith Duran
Historical Romance -Feb. 28th, 2017
4 stars
A Lady's Code of Misconduct is the author fifth in her fresh Rules for the Reckless series. However, it can easily be read as a stand alone.
Heiress, Jane Mason is being held a virtual prisoner by her Uncle since her parents death. She is under pressure to marry their son (her cousin) so her Uncle's family can gain her fortune. After a few rebellious outbursts she has learned her lesson. Now she hides her rebellion until the perfect moment. A moment of short freedom that never really occurs when her plans are foiled. But a desperate Jane never gives up and when opportunity knocks she takes it. When the dastardly is Crispin Burke's violently beaten by an unknown assailant. She takes yet another chance. Cripsin is power-hungry and ruthless man but a death's door. Why not use his incapacity to her gain? She quickly pretends they are married so she can escape her nefarious Uncle.
Unfortunately, Jane's plans never seem to turn out exactly as she hopes! For what happens when the near dead Crispin makes a miraculous recovery? And starts remembering the truth! Will his enemies want to finish what they started and where will Jane stand?
This original story does a successful job of turning a villain into a hero! Crispin is universally disliked even by his own parents. He has demons that drive him into the unrelenting and heartless person he has become. (I did find that the heroine is a bit more of a background character compared to his larger than life personality.) Jane is an empathetic character that finds herself in a situation where she feels trapped by her lies and realizes she is in a dangerous situation. Especially as she starts liking this new and kinder Cripsin that doesn't remember her or his past. As both grow to respect and care for each other, conflict arises as the past and the truth slowly creep back. I liked how Crispin deals with his injuries and takes this new life in stride. How he deals with memories of the person he was and makes changes to the person he is were fascinating to read. His development into a person of worth drives this story and kept me up into the early hours to finish it! Jane's kindness to a man that was never kind to her are essential and give Crispin a taste of a life where there is love and respect. And it is her care for a man that she initially dislikes that makes him want to be a better person.
Amazing character development and a complex story line make this my favorite in the Rules for the Reckless series.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Under Her Skin by Adriana Anders
Contemporary Romance -Feb. 7th. 2017
4 stars
This utterly original romance is surprising as well as deeply touching.
Uma is on the run and totally desperate. Out of money and hiding under an alias. She takes refuge in a small town where she hopes to find help. But Uma has a problem. She needs the basics such as food and shelter. Desperate she answers an ad to take care of an old an grouchy woman named Mrs. Lloyd. And Mrs. Lloyd has her own secrets. Mrs. Lloyd is a bitter and unhappy woman but she won't ask about Uma's past. The only bright area is Mrs. Lloyd's gentle and 'married' neighbor Ivan. Although Ivan is a tough ex-con he has a kindness that attracts Uma. But she doesn't want more trouble with a married man. However, Uma soon discovers that she isn't as careful or hidden as she thinks and when her past come back to haunt her Ivan is right there. So how can she resist him?
This story is gripping and tender. It brings together two unlikely characters with a gentleness that bellies the darkness that has surrounded their lives. Uma is drawn toward Ivan. Although he looks tough and intimidating she has learned the hard way that looks are deceiving. And the more she knows about him the more she comes to see his gentle side and love him. But Uma has also learned that she must fight her own battles and that she will no longer let anyone try to control her. Even if it is for her own good. I loved reading the fragile Uma come into her own and battle her demons. Her courage and suffering were sometimes difficult to read but made the book a very emotional and gripping story. Ivan is the perfect foil to Uma. For all his apparent ferociousness he has an inner sweetness that Uma has come to appreciate. And Ivan has also come to realize that violence is not the only answer. The scenes between them have a heightened intimacy and forbidden feel due to the fact that Uma needs to keep her past secret. I enjoyed reading this fresh and emotionally charged romance.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
One More Kiss by Samantha Chase
Contemporary Romance -Feb 7th, 2017
3 ½ stars
Matt Reid co-founded the popular rock band Shaughnessy. But now he wants to strike out on his own. So he tries going solo, starring in a Broadway rock opera. But his dreams crash around him with terrible reviews and the show cancelling in three days! Now Matt only wants to hide from the paparazzi and lick his wounds. Thankfully, an old school friend takes him in and lets him use a secluded house to get away. There Matt hopes to salvage his pride and take time to write more music. The problem is his friend’s younger sister, Viv. Viv is sexy, sweet and moving into the separate guest house. She is pure temptation on a man who has lived with excesses for years....
I had mixed feeling about this story. Matt has a lot of growing up and humble pie to eat in this book. While at heart a decent guy some of his behavior has been and still is a little wild. His character development is fascinating. However, I found myself having a hard time warming up to him initially. Viv is sweet and has always had a bit of a crush on Matt. But he doesn’t even remember her or seem to see her as a person. He only sees his own issues. This does change as the plot progresses. However, Viv is soft-hearted and she tries to understand the man underneath the stardom. This was a well written book. But when it came down to it, I always felt that Viv was way too good for Matt. I did like that the author gives Matt a lot of depth and I became sympathetic to his character. (His past haunts him and drives him to nearly self-destruct.) This is a thoughtful book -forgiveness, redemption and love. Matt’s struggles and Viv’s goodness make for an inspiring romance.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
January Reviews
At Close Range by Laura Griffin
Romantic Suspense -Jan. 31st, 2017
4 1/2 stars
This sharp and gritty novel features strong romantic leads that make this one of my favorites in the Tracers series. As all the author's Tracers books, this can be read as a stand alone. Fans of Laura Griffins characters Mia and Ric will love how that they play a prominent part of this story.
Detective Daniele Harper is young, brash and motivated to prove herself. When her partner Ric must step down as lead on a controversial and highly publicized murder case, Dani finds herself taking his place. However, this is her first big case as lead and she knows she can't mess up. Unfortunately, one of their team and a man that Dani has always secretly loved becomes implicated as a suspect. Dani has known the hunky Scott since childhood. But he never looked twice at her. She was always his best friend's younger sister. Scott is a firearms expert and his testimony and knowledge have been crucial to the police department. And he wants to prove his innocence. The trouble is that he won’t stop intruding on her case. Even though his presence will decrease the credibility of any evidence he wants to use as proof! Dani tries valiantly to keep him out, but Scott's renown charm worms its way through her better judgement and she finds herself working with him to find the killer. But the murderer seems to know too much about Dani and when she is nearly killed things get very personal...
Laura Griffin is back in fine form with the action-packed and very sexy thriller. The character development and the twisted story line kept me spellbound. Dani drives the novel. Her integrity, brains, and dogged pursuit of justice make her an admirable character. However, I really loved reading her vulnerable side. She is aware of her youth and relative inexperience compared to some of the officers she is leading. In this book, she pushes herself past exhaustion to solve the murder. And the reader can feel her weariness and high anxiety. When Scott insinuates himself into the case, the sparks begin to fly. Dani must also deal with her unwanted feelings toward him and tries to keep him at arms distance. But Scott is determined to clear his name and find his way into Dani's heart. Scott used to be a Navy SEAL and his experiences matured him. He is darker and more distant than the boy Dani used to know. But now his laser focus has settled on Dani and clearing his name. Scott has been aware of Dani for a long time but he has held himself back because she his best friend’s younger sister. However, this case makes him realize that he can't deny his attraction to her any longer. The passion between Dani and Scott is unbelievably hot. Because they have know each other for so long I felt belonged together. Laura Griffin has created a steamy romance between complex characters. The mystery is intriguing and controversial. Fans will love her knowledge of forensic procedures which add grittiness and realism that is unparalleled in the genre. Do not miss this Tracers novel!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs
Urban Fantasy -Jan 31st 2017
5 stars
In the latest Mercy Thompson Urban Fantasy, Mercy and her husband are called to protect a young if bratty innocent from a dangerous and unstable Fae.
Mercy and the pack are being threatened by the Fae. The Fae have already unleashed a troll that ruined a bridge. Now they are preparing to attack more the city Mercy and her family vow to safeguard. However, Mercy and the rest of the pack maybe able to forestall an all out war if they can give them something they want. That thing is a spoiled young boy that has been changed by the Fae. The mysterious once human boy now has powers of Fire and is beloved of an very unstable Fae. But Mercy sees behind the fierce facade to a frighted young child and refuses to give up the boy. Instead they propose to find an item of equal value, something that might provide a tentative truce. But the journey to get this mystical item is fraught with danger and uncertainty. Will Mercy be able to complete her journey or will there be further casualties?
This story is constantly evolving. I love that it show how compassionate Mercy is. She is a guardian even though she does not see herself as such. She seeks to protect her mate, her pack and a helpless child because it is the right thing to do. Not because it is easy. Despite seemingly impossible odds she is undaunted and her mate stands by her side. In the novel, her husband also takes a strong stand and defends Mercy. I felt that their relationship had strengthened as well as the pack's solidarity. The mischievous Fae stick that follows Mercy around makes many unpredictable and entertaining appearances. And the addition of a churlish child with issues makes for some emotional reading. This series is constantly developing and because of this promises to have future books that fans will be eager to get their hands on. While it is not quite as thick as some of her previous novels it completely satisfying and I eagerly look forward to the next in the series! Please keep them coming Patricia Briggs.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Ghoul Vendetta by Lisa Shearin
Urban Fantasy - Jan. 31st, 2017
4 1/2 stars
The Ghoul Vendetta is part of the author's SPI series but can easily be read as a stand alone.
Makenna Fraser can see through the disguises of paranormal beings of the world. As such, she is a valuable asset to the Supernatural Protection and Investigations Unit. Unfortunately, seers have a short life span in the agency. For her protection she has been assigned a bad-a## partner named Ian Byrne to guard her.
However, this time Makenna is off work when trouble brews. She's on a night out with the sexy and magical goblin, Rake Danescu. Rake is powerful as well as rich and he seems to genuinely like Makenna for herself. But the yacht he has taken her on is targeted by deadly sea creatures and the owner -heir to an underworld crime syndicate is kidnapped! She and her partner Ian are tasked with finding him. To make matters worse, mysterious break ins are occurring at highly secure banks. And the owners don't want their help. To add to the confusion, her partner Ian seemed is being taunted by the unknown thieves. When Ian is kidnapped, Makenna and the agency look for clues in his heritage. For Ian holds the key to catastrophe and they must stop it before the world as they know it is destroyed.
This latest SPI novel will have fans of the series cheering. Ian has always been a bit of a mystery. As a tough human I always wondered how he could bring in the supernaturals who have the 'edge' on him. This book explains it all including how he began his journey into the paranormal world. Makenna is also a hoot. Plucky and always finding herself in the mist of trouble. Plus she and Rake make a cute couple, too. The SPI novels always include action, a little slap stick humor and plenty of mystery. This time Makenna has to solve the clues pretty much herself. Because she lives in a world of paranormal creatures every twist and turn is unexpected and a delight to read. Because this is the forth in the series, the characters have become more developed and even more addicting to read. I especially like how confident Makenna has become.
Lisa Shearin's imagination and colorful creatures make this series one to be savored.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Dead Seekers (A Dead Seekers Novel) by Barb Hendee and J.C. Hendee
Fantasy -Jan. 3rd, 2017
4 ½ stars
The Dead Seekers is a fresh and exciting start to a new series set in the authors’ Noble Dead world. The two main characters are outcasts that find an unlikely friendship and solve intriguing mysteries along the way.
Tris is a noble with a strong connection to the dead. Feared by his father and distrusted by even those he tries to help, he wanders the land aiding those he can for payment. Along his journeys he comes across a mysterious young woman named Mari. Mari has secrets of her own and she is watching Tris very closely. Both are lonely characters and they surprisingly find a companionable if uneasy partnership. Mari knows many languages and is friendlier than Tris. As such, Mari find herself becoming his translator along their travels as well as making Tris less ‘scary’ to those who would ask for his help. When the ghost of a young woman leads to terrible atrocities Mari and Tris must find a way to give her peace and save the sudden rash of mysterious deaths nearby. However, the murderer is extremely deadly and Mari and Tris may become the next victims if they aren’t too careful.
This fantasy starts out a little slow as each character is introduced. It really picks up when Mari and Tris start working together. Mari has been suspicious of Tris but as she works with him she may be the only person alive who really understands him and his strange powers. Tris has essentially been on his own since the death of his mother and he feels strange having Mari around, but grateful for the companionship. Each has experienced great tragedy that ties them in invisible and unbreakable bonds. As Mari watches Tris work she becomes fascinated with him and beings to doubt what she has been told about him. Her motives are anything but innocent and it was interesting to read her begin to see Tris as a real person. As they travel and solve how to put the ghosts of those that are haunting the living to rest, the book becomes utterly addictive. Each encounter is another mystery to unravel in a world of deadly paranormal activity. So it has endless possibilities to delight readers. As Mari and Tris become a stronger partnership the next installment in the Dead Seekers series is guaranteed to be even better.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Fantasy Romance - Jan 3rd, 2017
4 ½ stars
Breath of Fire is the second book in the Kingmaker Chronicles. It can be read by itself, but please don't do it. This series begs to be read in order just so the reader can savor each line.
Cat is back and her lies are exposed by her new husband Griffin. Griffin is the Beta ruler of his clan after his sister. He wanted to use Cat for the magical powers she possesses since his own family has none. But instead of merely using her for their protection he fell in love with her. However, Cat's life has been a lonely and difficult one. Her cruel upbringing has scarred her and she wants nothing more than to deny her heritage. But when Griffin discovers the truth she must face her past or risk losing him and the people she has come to love. As war looms closer they must find a way to protect the borders of their kingdom with difficult alliances. Alliances that only Cat may able to bargain.
This book opens readers up to a vivid landscape of characters and magic. As Cat and her team travel and meet new and amusing characters on their journey for unification and peace. The author's mix of the mythological and lively dialogue make for a hugely satisfying read. Unlike the fist book which has a more defined ending, this book is a transitional piece as Cat tries to find help for the people she has come to care for. She completes her mission but it is understood that there more delicious mayhem to come in following books. The first part of the novel does start out a little slow but picks up pace as the Beta team begins their quest for a mythological artifact. Although Cat and Griffin are the main characters of the story their friends and companions begin to take a larger role which makes the series more vibrant and entertaining. The author has created a world I didn't want to leave and I hope she writes her next book in the series even faster.
This addictive series will delight your senses and keep you wishing for more. If you love fantasy, romance and charming characters with witty dialogue you can’t afford to miss this book!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Silverwolf: Rowankind: Book Two by Jacey Bedford
Fantasy -Jan. 3rd, 2017
4 ½ stars
Silverwolf is the second in the author’s Rowankind series. It is a fun-filled fantasy romp that is sure to engage readers.
Ross is a witch in historical England where magic is viewed with suspicion. Corwen is a wolf shifter that is her lover. In the first book, Ross let loose magic and now there is a price to pay as paranormal beings are causing more than just mischief among humankind. When two children mysteriously disappear, it is feared that they may have been kidnaped or murdered by a deadly supernatural with a taste for human flesh. To make matters worse, the Mysterium, a powerful organization bent on controlling and punishing magic users is gaining power. And they are hunting for Ross and Corwen. As they race to save the children and solve the mystery behind their disappearance they must contend with distrust and possible betrayal by the very humans they are trying to protect. Plus family secrets and a return of Corwen’s past cause more difficulties. Can they keep the world safe or will the wild magic released be too much for them to control?
This vastly entertaining fantasy has a little bit of everything. Swashbuckling characters, fantastic magical beings, romance and a truly evil villain. Ross is an independent woman with a strong moral compass. She released the magic that is causing havoc in England. As such, she feels responsible for helping the magical beings she has awakened and saving those that are victims to magic. As new creatures are introduced and Ross struggles with Corwen to aid victims where they can, the novel becomes deeply immersing. The author is fabulously creative and the plot and sympathetic characters kept surprising me. I especially when Corwen’s past is revealed. I loved reading about his family and th hunt to find his missing brother. This intelligent novel has many layers as even the secondary characters bring depth and richness to the story line that I hoped they will be continued in further books. ( I would particularly like to read more about Corwen’s sister and Ross’s brother!) Corwen and Ross make an entertaining partnership as well as a great couple. I enjoyed reading Ross finding a place in Corwen’s family because she has seemed so alone. This series is one I am eagerly watching as the vastly original author clearly has more to explore in her fascinating world. I can’t wait to read about new creatures and mysteries to solve!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club