ARC Review: Chasing River by K.A. Tucker

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Chasing River by K.A. Tucker
Series: Burying Water #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 7th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Armed with two years’ worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude.

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn’t let her die, but he also couldn’t risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move.

Maybe it’s because he saved her life, or maybe it’s because he’s completely different from everything she’s left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone.

And River isn’t the kind of guy she’d want to catch.

This third novel in the Burying Water series is about Amber Welles, Jesse’s younger sister (from Burying Water). This was a really sweet, heartfelt romance that was easily enjoyable. I liked this book quite a bit – maybe not as much as Burying Water, but Chasing River is definitely a book that fans of the series shouldn’t miss. K.A. Tucker’s writing swept me away to the gorgeous country of Ireland (which I swear I will visit one day!), Amber’s latest stop on her trip around the world.

1. Have a torrid affair with a foreigner. Country: TBD.

Amber has lived her whole life in the small town of Sisters, Oregon, but after a broken relationship, nothing’s holding her back from traveling the world. Amber has always been the ‘good girl’, the proper daughter of the town sheriff, but her friend Alex, Jesse’s girlfriend, makes Amber a list of things to do while traveling to bring Amber out of her shell and experience a more exciting and fulfilling life. I really enjoyed Amber’s character – she felt real and I easily connected with her character. And I really liked the way K.A. Tucker brought her and River together – River saves Amber’s life from a terrorist organization bomb.

“So . . . Where’d you meet this guy?”
“At the park one day. He kind of . . . ran into me.” I toy with a coaster to avoid her gaze.
“Sounds romantic.”
“It was, in a way.” If pipe bombs could be called romantic.

River Delaney is somewhat of a bad boy, but with a sweet side and a heart that’s loyal to the people he cares about. He saves Amber from a bomb his older brother plants, not expecting to see the pretty American girl again. But when she appears at the bar his family owns, he knows he wants a chance with her, despite believing that he’s not good enough for her. River shows Amber around Ireland, showing her how important his country means to him. I couldn’t help but fall a little in love with River – he’s Amber’s knight in shining armor, and he’s so sweet and tender towards her. The feelings between River and Amber grow slowly but genuinely. But how can they have a life together when Amber is bound to leave, and they live thousands of miles away?

I want to spend tonight with her, and tomorrow. I want to spend every second with Amber until she leaves.
I don’t want her to leave.
Do I tell her that, though?

There is a lot of political mumbo-jumbo going on within Ireland. River’s brother is part of the IRA, an Irish terrorist organization, and Amber, River, and his family unfortunately get pulled into the political drama. The beginning was a bit confusing when the IRA was introduced, but eventually I got the hang of what was going on. K.A. Tucker includes a note in the beginning of the novel that helped understand Ireland’s politics.

As much as I liked both Amber and River, I just wasn’t as invested in their characters as much as I wanted to be. Everything in this book goes by slowly, including their romance, and sometimes I got bored while reading. This doesn’t mean I didn’t like Chasing River, because I did – it’s a sweet read with fantastic storytelling. I’m definitely a fan of K.A. Tucker’s writing. But I just didn’t connect with the story as much as I wanted to. Still, it’s a satisfying, enjoyable read with likable characters and strong writing. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with River and Amber’s story.

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Burying Water series

#1 ~ Burying Water: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Becoming Rain: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Chasing River: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Surviving Ice: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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30Jun2015

Release Day Review: To Tempt a SEAL by Sara Jane Stone

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

To Tempt a SEAL by Sara Jane Stone
Series: Sin City SEALs #1
Publication Date: June 30th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

He can resist everything…except her.

For the first time in her life, art therapist Lucia Lewis is ready to live. And the masquerade ball in Las Vegas is just the place to find a ridiculously hot guy to complete her wicked to-do list. The only rule? Her elegant Venetian mask-which conceals the scars that have always held her back from the life she deserves-stays on.

Navy SEAL Cade Daniels heads to Vegas on a mission to keep his best friend’s little sister out of trouble. Except the woman he’s sent to find is all heat and flame…and perfectly capable of handling herself. And him. But the moment Lucia’s mask slips, the need to heal her, body and soul, is complete and absolute temptation.

But revealing himself could cost him the one thing he isn’t willing to risk…his heart.

This was a really sweet, enjoyable romance between a hot, sexy SEAL and a woman looking to fulfill her fantasies.

Lucia Lewis has scars on her face that have kept her from living life to its fullest – so when she’s in Vegas for a weekend, she decides to take charge of her life and find a man who will fulfill her ultimate sexual fantasies. And who better to fulfill those fantasies than one sexy, willing SEAL?

“From the moment I first saw you staring at the painting, I wanted you. Come to bed, gorgeous, and claim your fantasy.”

Cade Daniels finds himself tasked with secretly keeping an eye on his best friend’s sister, but he never expects the sister to be a gorgeous beauty. The chemistry between them is hot and he’s instantly attracted to her, so when he hears about her wanting to find a man to fulfill her fantasies, he’s game. It gets incredibly hot and steamy between them once they begin a no-strings sexual relationship, but both of them soon realize that once won’t be enough for them.

“You want to be the girl in my fantasies?” He took her face in his hands. “You are my fantasy.”

I really liked To Tempt a SEAL – the writing is on point, and the characters were likable and relatable. It might not be the most creative or unique book ever, but I still enjoyed what I read. I liked how well-developed the characters were and I definitely enjoyed the steamy parts of the book. Cade and Lucia only spend a few days together before they start falling for each other, which felt a bit unrealistic, but other than that, I have no complaints. This was an easy, sexy read and I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

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29Jun2015

Release Day Review: Priest by Sierra Simone

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Priest by Sierra Simone
Series: Priest #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 29th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

There are many rules a priest can’t break. A priest cannot marry. A priest cannot abandon his flock. A priest cannot forsake his God.

I’ve always been good at following rules.

Until she came. Then I learned new rules.

My name is Tyler Anselm Bell. I’m twenty-nine years old. Six months ago, I broke my vow of celibacy on the altar of my own church, and God help me, I would do it again.

I am a priest and this is my confession.

Oh. Myyyyy. Goodness. This book… was seriously dirrrrty!!! I mean, I was totally ~~wanting~~ expecting it, but I had no idea what I’d be in for. As an erotica, this book would be 10/5 for me – it’s seriously that hot, dirty, and raunchy. I’m nearly ashamed of how much I loved the dirtiness of this book. It’s taboo to the max – a priest who breaks his vows of celibacy… and is kinky as hell. (If you are sensitive about this topic, I highly recommend you turn away from this book.) I’ve read so much that it’s hard for a book to make me blush… but this one, this one set me on fire.

I knelt down behind her and spread her legs, spread them so that her cunt was gloriously bared to me. “My little lamb,” I whispered. “You are so very, very wet right now.”

I love taboo stories, and Priest was spot-on in its yummy taboo-ness. Twenty-nine year old Tyler Bell is a good priest who is faithful to his God and church – that is, until Poppy Danforth walks into his church one day and changes everything for him. From the first time he hears her voice, he is addicted to her, and try as he might to stay faithful to his religion, temptation wins, and so ensues an erotic journey between a priest and a woman who is temptation personified.

“This is so wrong,” I said, moving my mouth even closer. I could smell her, and she smelled like heaven, like soap and skin and the delicate female scent that every man hungered for. “But just one taste,” I murmured, talking more to myself that to her now. “God wouldn’t punish me for just one taste.”

Holy mother of god, this book is one of the dirtiest, filthiest books I’ve ever read. Priest is downright sinful, I tell you, but I LOVED the sinfulness. Sierra Simone’s writing is perfection, practically dripping with erotica and sensuality. I’m a HUGE fan of her writing in this book, so I’m sad that I didn’t actually love this book as a whole. I enjoyed it for the most part, the sex scenes were delightfully naughty, but I didn’t love it like I was expecting to. While the erotica and writing were superb, the actual romance and plot were weak in comparison. I loved Tyler, the hero, but Poppy, the heroine, I just never connected with. It’s not that she was weak or anything – in fact, she’s a strong, intelligent, independent woman. But I felt like her sole purpose in the book was just to be Tyler’s temptation and downfall, and I didn’t see any depth to her. We don’t really get her POV, mainly Tyler’s, so that might be why I couldn’t connect with her.

Tyler’s character, on the other hand, I really liked, though I had issues with him too. He is… an endearing sort of man. I loved the filth that came out of his mouth, definitely, but as a whole, he’s a kind, compassionate man. He’s funny sometimes, his narration is easy to read, and he has a dirty, dirty mind. He’s a likable character, but I thought he fell into his desire for Poppy way too quickly for a priest. I would have liked to see more resistance from Tyler, if only to intensify the forbidden aspect of the story. I also couldn’t understand how he fell in love with Poppy – but the two do fall for each other, which puts Tyler in a difficult situation: having to choose between his faith and duty, and the woman he loves.

“Whatever happens after this, I just want you to know that this was worth it. You were worth it. You were worth everything.”

The main things going for Priest were the smut, writing, and taboo. Those were pretty much perfectly crafted, but the plot and romance disappointed me. Still, it’s a provocative, addicting read that I was engaged in from start to finish. I honestly still can’t get over how fantastically filthy this book is – if you’re looking for a dirty read, look no further than Sierra Simone’s Priest.

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Priest series

#1 ~ Priest: Ebook • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Midnight Mass: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads

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1Jun2015

Early Review: The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert
Series: The O’Malleys #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 2nd 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert begins a smoking hot new series about the O’Malley family-wealthy, powerful, dangerous and seething with scandal.

Teague O’Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family’s name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a “business” alliance, Teague’s ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and vows he will do everything in his power to protect her.

Everyone knows the O’Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn’t aware just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power. His slightest touch sizzles through her. But the closer they get, the more trouble they’re in. Because Callie’s keeping a dark secret-and what Teague doesn’t know could get him killed.

I’d previously only read one other book by Katee Robert (Falling for His Best Friend) and utterly adored it, so I was looking forward to reading the author’s other books. I was especially looking forward to this one, since I’m a big fan of mafia books. The Marriage Contract sounded right up my alley, and that blurb had me hooked! I didn’t end up entirely loving this book, but I really enjoyed it – it’s a promising start to The O’Malley’s series, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.

Callista “Callie” Sheridan is heir to the Sheridan mafia family, and as the heir her duty is to do anything and everything that benefits the family – including an arranged marriage with one of the O’Malley’s, a rival mafia family. As much as she opposes an arranged marriage, she takes her job as the heir seriously, but once she gets a glimpse of her fiancé, she’s not as reluctant to enter into the marriage.

“If you could see the way you’re looking at me right now.”
She immediately dropped her eyes, but only for a heartbeat. “How am I looking at you?”
… “Like there are a thousand thoughts rushing behind those beautiful blue eyes and every single on of them involves up, naked and sweaty.”

Teague O’Malley wants nothing better than to take his siblings away and escape from the mafia life. Unfortunately, his father has other plans for him. He’s ordered to marry the Sheridan heir to form an alliance between the families. But upon their first meeting, Teague is intrigued by Callie and his protective instincts rise when he sees bruises on her neck. Both are incredibly attracted to one another, and the author did a great job amping up the chemistry between the main characters.

I didn’t connect very well with Callie or Teague, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy their characters or story, because I did. I liked how both Callie and Teague grew so protective of each other. The Hallorans, the other prominent mafia family in their city, want to start a war with the Sheridans and O’Malleys, and Callie and Teague are in danger. They go to great lengths to protect each other and their families, all the while taking time out to spend as much time together. They easily fall for one another, although Callie hides a secret that could tear them apart. Both are loyal, passionate, stubborn people, and I really enjoyed the way they just clicked together.

“I might not have been the one to choose you, but you’re mine, Teague O’Malley, for better or worse.”

Overall, I liked this book, though it wasn’t what I expected. There’s a ton of stuff going on between the three mafia families, and it was nearly difficult to keep up with everything. The plot, intriguing as it is, sometimes overshadowed the romance, which I wasn’t a fan of. Still, it’s a good first book to this series that I expect I’ll come to love. I’m actually really excited for the next book, Carrigan and James’s story! Carrigan is Teague’s sister and James is a Halloran, so I’m VERY intrigued to see how the story will play out with such an antagonistic couple.

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: The O’Malleys series

#1 ~ The Marriage Contract: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Wedding Pact: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ An Indecent Proposal: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Aug. 30, 2016)

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14May2015

Blog Tour + Early Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Black Rainbow by J.J. McAvoy

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Black Rainbow by J.J. McAvoy!

Black Rainbow by J.J. McAvoy
Series: Standalone
Publication date: May 15th 2015

After an erotic one-week fling with a musician she meets in a bar, Thea Cunning never expects to see Levi Black again. Then Monday morning comes around, and she discovers that her former lover is not only her professor, but he’s also one of the top criminal lawyers in the state of Massachusetts.

With everyone in class vying to be one of the twelve disciples—a group of twelve students that Professor Black takes under his wing—tensions run high. Thea considers dropping his class, given their passionate week together and their undeniable chemistry. After all, there are other (less infuriatingly sexy) law professors on campus.

But to accomplish her goal and get her father out of prison, Thea knows she needs to learn under the best of the best—and that’s Levi Black.

But can she learn under the best, without being under the best?

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • iTunes

I’d never read any of J.J. McAvoy’s books before, but when I read the blurb for Black Rainbow, I had to get my hands on it! I’m a sucker for a good forbidden love story, and this one seemed amazing – a one-week fling with a man who turns out to be her law professor!? Yes, please! Black Rainbow was a fun, sexy read, and while I really enjoyed it, I had a few problems with it as well. Still, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, exciting, HOT read with a little suspense mixed in, this is for you!

“You are not a black rainbow. I see every one of your colors. You may have been one once, but you sure as hell aren’t one now.”

I really liked Thea and Levi together – they have an insanely hot chemistry together, which worked out well when they wanted to have a one-week, no-strings-attached fling. It’s during this week that we see the potential Thea and Levi have toward becoming an actual couple. They’re so sweet and funny, and their teasing and banter had me grinning a lot. We see them grow to care for each other over the week, these two people who usually have their hearts guarded. But when the week is over, they have to go back to their lives – without each other. What they never expected was to see each other again, but in a classroom setting.

Levi Black turns out to be Professor Black – as in, Thea’s professor. He’s also one of the top criminal lawyers in the state, his ruthlessness and expertise nicknaming him ‘El Diablo’. Thea, though, won’t be dropping his class just because they slept together for a week. She needs to learn how to be the best lawyer she can be in order to get her father out of prison, and the only way she can do that is the stay in Levi’s class.

I was really looking forward to the ‘forbidden romance’ aspect of the story. Black Rainbow is a teacher/student romance – I was able to really feel the romance part, but the forbidden aspect was a little lacking. Like I said before, Thea and Levi are absolutely great together, but I never really felt like there would be any consequences for them if they ever got caught. I was never anxious for them, which I’m a little sad about, because that’s the best part of a forbidden love story, for me anyway. Still, the romance was sweet and heartwarming. I loved how Levi was so caring and tender with Thea, and I loved how hard he worked to claim Thea’s heart.

“When will you get it? I don’t just want you at my side, I need you.”
I love you.

One thing that really grated on me, though, was that Levi never seemed to act his age, which was thirteen years older than Thea. Some things were just a liiitle bit unbelievable at times, especially with things regarding Thea’s father’s case, but it wasn’t that big of a deal so I was able to let it go. I was really able to enjoy the story more when the main thing I focused on was the romance. Black Rainbow was a quick, fun, sexy read, and though I didn’t love everything about it, I still had a great time reading it. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s other books!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Now here’s an excerpt from Black Rainbow! ❤

“Oh please, don’t say sorry, this is embarrassing enough as it is. So much for me trying to be sexy,” I sighed.

He paused for a moment looking up at me like I was crazy— “I came into the bathroom to find you standing under my shower, wet, naked, and beautiful. Then, I got to carry you out of the shower like a man, and now, you’re sitting on my bed, dripping wet, with nothing around you but a towel. The only thing that could make this sexier is this,” he said as he reached up and pulled off my shower cap.

Goddamn it! I forgot I had it on. Why, God? Why?!

“You’re sexy without even trying,” he said, as he planted a light kiss on my kneecap, “now stop ruining this for me.”

I remained silent, allowing him to finish bandaging me up. At least I had finished ninety percent of shaving my legs before I got hurt.

“I’ll finish breakfast, while you get ready,” he said, as he stood back from me.

“Reaching up, I grabbed the edge of his shirt, and as I sat up on to the bed, I allowed the towel to fall. He swallowed, his eyes fixated on every inch of me.

J. J. McAvoy first started working on Ruthless People during a Morality and Ethics lecture her freshman year of college. X number of years later, she is an insomniac who has changed her major three times, and is a master in the art of procrastination. If you ask her why she began writing, she will simply tell you “They wanted to get their story out.”

She is currently working on her next novel . . . so please bug her on Twitter @JJMcAvoy

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