ARC Review: Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh

Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #15 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 14th 2016
Links: EbookHardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The “unparalleled romantic adventure”* of Nalini Singh’s New York Times bestselling series continues as a new dawn begins for the Psy-Changeling world…

A staggering transformation has put the Psy, humans, and changelings at a crossroads. The Trinity Accord promises a new era of cooperation between disparate races and groups. It is a beacon of hope held together by many hands: old enemies, new allies, wary loners.

But a century of distrust and suspicion can’t be so easily forgotten, and it threatens to shatter Trinity from within at any moment. As rival members vie for dominance, chaos and evil gather in the shadows and a kidnapped woman’s cry for help washes up in San Francisco, while the Consortium turns its murderous gaze toward a child who is the embodiment of change, of love, of piercing hope: a child who is both Psy…and changeling.

To find the lost and protect the vulnerable – and to save Trinity – no one can stand alone. This is a time of loyalty across divisions, of bonds woven into the heart and the soul, of heroes known and unknown standing back to back and holding the line. But is an allegiance of honor even possible with traitors lurking in their midst?

The Psy-Changeling series is one of my all-time favorite PNR series ever. I’ve loved the series from the very first book, but now at book fifteen, we’ve come a looong way. I was excited for Allegiance of Honor because, well, it’s a Psy-Changeling book, and also because I was curious how Nalini Singh would pull off an ensemble book, with no main couple whose romance we’d focus on. While I can’t say I loved this book, I did love seeing the different couples from past books and how they’re living now in the new Psy-Changeling world. I do wish that we got a new main couple to read about, because I missed that romance aspect in this novel. Still, if you’re a fan of the series, which I’m sure you are if you’re still reading at book fifteen, then you don’t want to miss AoH. Many, many things happen (including the pupcubs!) that lead to some changes in the Psy-Changeling world.

Heroes, I’ve learned, don’t always wear white.
Sometimes they come from the darkness, shadows among shadows.

The Trinity Accord, lead by the most powerful and influential individuals – like Lucas, the DarkRiver alpha, and Aden, leader of the Arrows – strives for peace between the three races. Humans, Psy, and Changelings must all work together if they want to keep surviving. But with those who are against any intermixing of races, those who think a newborn who is half Psy and half Changeling is an abomination, this fragile peace is threatened. What is to come of the Psy-Changeling world?

“So many bonds,” he murmured as the two of them stood under a night sky that reminded him of Kaleb’s cardinal eyes. “So many connections. Our world is becoming the interlinked entity it was always meant to be.”

There are so many plotlines going on in AoH, a little too many for me to fully enjoy each one. Yes, I adored seeing Lucas and Sascha (with Naya!), Kaleb and Sahara, Hawke and Sienna, and every one of the past couples, but there were so many changing POVs that it was hard for me to focus on anything. It took me a long, long time to finish this book because of how drawn out everything is. Every single character seems to play a major part in creating this new peaceful world, so each and every one needs screen time, which made for a slow-moving book.

That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy AoH, because I did. Just not as much as previous books that had a lot more romance. The small doses we do get from the different couples are sweet and heartwarming, but I really did wish we had a main couple to focus on. I did love that we finally(!) find out how many pupcubs Mercy and Riley are having, and what changelings they are!

Nalini Singh has created an incredible world that I get sucked into every time I pick up a Psy-Changeling book. Just because I didn’t love AoH doesn’t mean I didn’t appreciate the wonderful writing and storytelling that the author is so talented at. It takes skill to continue building onto a world even fifteen books into a series. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next – though I’m hoping we’ll get back to having a main couple’s romance to read!

3.5 hearts
lacey

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


Reading Order: Psy-Changeling series

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh
Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh Play of Passion by Nalini Singh
Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh  Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh
Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh Shards of Hope by Nalini Singh  

#1 ~ Slave to Sensation: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#2 ~ Visions of Heat: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#3 ~ Caressed by Ice: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Mine to Possess: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Hostage to Pleasure: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Branded by Fire: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Blaze of Memory: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#8 ~ Bonds of Justice: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#9 ~ Play of Passion: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Kiss of Snow: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
Collection #1 ~ Wild Invitation: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#11 ~ Tangle of Need: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#12 ~ Heart of Obsidian: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#13 ~ Shield of Winter: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#14 ~ Shards of Hope: EbookHardcoverPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#15 ~ Allegiance of Honor: EbookHardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Collection #2 ~ Wild Embrace: My Review • EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads


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Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Smolder by Karen Erickson

Blog Tour Smolder

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Smolder by Karen Erickson!

Smolder by Karen Erickson
Series: Wildwood #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 21st 2016
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Lane Gallagher wants Delilah Moore—bad.

He’s imagined the sexy brunette in his bed more times than he can count.

She’s everything he’s ever wanted, but the only problem is . . .

She’s his brother’s ex.

For years, the stoic sheriff’s deputy has fantasized about the sweet, bubbly dance teacher who stirs his deepest desires. But Lane’s too loyal to ever move in on forbidden territory and he knows that while he can look, he definitely can’t touch. Fighting his attraction to Delilah is nearly impossible, but the infuriating—and incredibly sexy—woman seems determined to drive him crazy.

And she’s bringing him to his knees. One smoldering kiss at a time.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Avon • Barnes & NobleiTunes • Google Play

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After reading Ignite, I’d been so excited for Lane and Delilah’s story. It was set up perfectly in the first book – Lane is Delilah’s best friend’s older brother, and the two of them have a huge crush on each other, but they can’t act on it. I had high hopes for Smolder… but it didn’t quite meet my expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a quick, enjoyable read, but I didn’t love it like I wanted. It just had so much more potential to be better. But if you’re a fan of the first book, you’ll definitely want to know how Lane and Delilah end up together!

What was wrong with a little kiss? He just wanted a taste. One taste of sweet, sexy Delilah, something he’d never experienced before. The girl who haunted his dreams. The girl who was too good for him. The girl who’d bee with one Gallagher man and didn’t need another one to come into her life and fuck it up, as Gallagher men were known to do.

I love my men in uniform, but add in a sexy broodiness and I’m hooked. Lane is the perfect example of this, and again, he had so much potential… but when he’s so determined NOT to be with Delilah, my love for him fizzled out. I want my alpha heroes to be possessive, to be head over heels for his woman and not let anything get in the way of that, but Lane was sadly the total opposite. I grew frustrated with him – despite how much he wanted Delilah, he kept pushing her away because he didn’t think he was good enough for her.

Delilah, thankfully, is a much more likable character. I loved her spunk and fire, especially her determination to win over the man she’s in love with. I admired how she never gave up on Lane, even when it seemed like she totally should’ve. The chemistry was also a plus in this book – Delilah and Lane are absolutely smokin’ together! All that build-up of the long-term tension and longing exploded in the hottest way. Karen Erickson knows how to write steam, which is fitting given the title of the book 😉

Overall, I liked this book, but I did have my frustrations with it. Smolder was engaging and entertaining, and I do love the small town the author has created in Wildwood. Other than Lane, I really enjoyed reading about everything else, and I’m even more excited to read the next book! The author certainly knows how to hook a reader in by setting up the next couple’s book. I can’t wait to read about Wren and Tate!

“I’m a grumpy asshole no one wants to be around if I don’t have you. I’ve denied my feelings for far too long and I’m done. I need you, Dee. I need you in my life. I don’t want to lose you.”

3.5 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Wildwood series

  

#1 ~ Ignite: My Review • Ebook • PaperbackGoodreads
#2 ~ Smolder: EbookPaperback • Goodreads (June 21, 2016)
#3 ~ Torch: EbookGoodreads (Aug. 16, 2016)

about the author button

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

She also writes new adult romance as NYT & USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Newsletter

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$25 ebook retailer of winner’s choice

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Audiobook Review: Never Never: Part 3 by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

Never Never Part 3 by Collen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

Never Never: Part 3 by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher
Series: Never Never #3 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 7th 2016
Length: 2 hours and 46 minutes
Narrated by: Kevin Free & Elizabeth Evans
Links: Audible • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

New York Times best-selling authors Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher are back with the much-anticipated final installment in the Never Never novella series.

Together, Silas Nash and Charlize Wynwood must look deeper into the past to find out who they were and who they want to be. With time ticking down, the couple are in a race to find the answers they need before they lose everything.

Can they regain what they once had? And will it restore who they once were?

The final Never Never installment is here in audio! I previously listened to the first two parts and really enjoyed them, so the wait for part three in audio was worth it. Kevin Free as Silas and Elizabeth Evans as Charlie are perfect, and I couldn’t wait to listen to them again. And of course, they did another incredible job narrating Never Never: Part 3 – it’s a fun conclusion to Silas and Charlie’s mind-blowing story, if a little unbelievable. Things took a turn for the weird side, but I still did enjoy listening to it. I just hate that the installments are so short – I didn’t want Charlie and Silas’s story to end!

Part 3 follows up right where part 2 left off, at the start of another 48 hours. Have Charlie and Silas forgotten who they are again? What happens if they actually remember? Will they find out why their memories have been lost? Will they be able to stop themselves from forgetting again? Thankfully, Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher answer all of these questions – it doesn’t answer ALL the questions we’ve come across throughout the series (I still want to know what happened with the blood in part 1) but the burning, important questions are answered… in a slightly over-the-top, unbelievable way that leaves you going, “That was it!?”

Other than the ridiculous plot, I did love everything about NN #3. Charlie and Silas are incredible, well-written, and well-developed characters. I love them and their sweet banter and steamy chemistry – they make the most adorable couple ever, and I really hope CoHo and Tarryn might write a little more about them. But I’m glad to see where they ended up by the end of the novella – the epilogue was amazing!

You’ll either love or hate NN #3 – I’m in the middle since there were parts I loved and parts I hated. Still, if you’re a fan of the series, I know you’re dying to solve the mystery. Why not get the audiobook with narrators who make the story even more enjoyable?

NEVER NEVER: PART 3 is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/1tlNdvb

3.5 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: Never Never series

Never Never by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher Never Never Part Two by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher Never Never Part 3 by Collen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

#1 ~ Never Never: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Never Never: Part 2: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Never Never: Part 3: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads


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Blog Tour + ARC Review & Excerpt: Idol by Kristen Callihan

Idol by Kristen Callihan
Series: VIP #1
Publication Date: June 7th 2016
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Libby

I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won’t leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he’s slowly wearing me down, making me crave more.

He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he’s theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away?

Killian

As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles.

Until Liberty. She’s grouchy, a recluse —and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who’ve screamed my name.

The world is clamoring for me to get back on stage, but I’m not willing to leave her. I’ve got to find a way to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & NobleiTunes • Kobo

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You have NO idea how excited I was in anticipation for Kristen Callihan’s first rock star romance!! I LOVE her sports romances, and I also love rock star romances, so Idol sounded absolutely perfect to me. Plus, how gorgeous is that cover!? In the end, this book surprised me – it was surprisingly slow and sweet. Not at all what I’m used to in the rock star books I’ve read, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I liked Idol – I didn’t love it the way I wanted, but I still enjoyed it. It was entertaining, and I adored the sweet hero. Fans of the author should definitely check this one out!

The beginning of the book is without doubt, my favorite part of Idol. Libby, our heroine, finds rock star Killian James passed out drunk on her front lawn, except she doesn’t recognize him and the mess he’s become. The lead singer is intrigued enough by Libby and her distaste for him that he wants to stay around her… so good thing that they’ve become new neighbors, right? There’s a bit of hate/love going on when Killian and Libby get to know each other – Libby hates Killian because she’s got no tolerance for drunk drivers, but she’s ridiculously attracted to him. Killian is annoyed by Libby, but still wants to know her better. The tension between them is delicious, and I was definitely hooked onto the novel because of it. And wonderfully, the two eventually develop a sweet friendship as they connect over music, listening to and creating it. But the underlying tones of desire and longing added a nice touch of angst and emotion to the story.

We know each other. We can talk about anything, or nothing. It never gets old or boring. Libby is my resonance; when I’m in her vicinity, I’m suddenly amped up, with everything moving at a different frequency. And I don’t care if that’s sappy. It’s the truth.

Once Killian and Libby do get into a relationship (and holy hell, are they hot together!), sadly things flatlined a bit for me. I loved the tension, but once that was done, I didn’t really find myself connecting much with anything else. I liked Libby and Killian, but I never emotionally connected or related to them. I don’t always have the same taste in music as the rock star books I’ve read, but the authors are usually able to make me feel immersed in the music anyway. I didn’t really feel that here in Idol, and I got a little bored during the middle, honestly. It was just a little too slow, and my disconnect with the characters, the music, and the rock star life just wasn’t working.

Still, I did love the way Idol ended. The beginning and end were the highlights of the story, the parts that had me hooked on the romance. Killian is the absolute SWEETEST, which is surprising since he came off as a broody alpha-male at first. I enjoyed Libby’s transformation from hermit to an up-an-coming rock star herself. Theirs is a sweet, slow-burn romance, and even though I had problems in the middle, it was very enjoyable to read. I wish I could’ve connected more, and I’m sure it’s a me-not-you thing – other readers are more than likely to adore this unique, sexy rock star romance.

3.5 hearts
lacey

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

Now here’s an excerpt from Idol! ❤

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“You know,” I say conversationally, as I kick back, “I want to fuck you right now.”

Libby jerks as if pinched and sits a little straighter, before getting a hold of herself and slouching as if she’s completely chill. Cute.

She gives me a smirk and sips her water before drawling, “And what? Mark your territory? Assert your manly dominance?”

“Yep.” I slide my gaze to hers. “But mostly I just want to fuck you all the time.”

God, I love the way her lips part and body flushes with heat. So subtle, but there all the same. It makes me hard as steel, my balls squeezing tight. I don’t look at her but pretend I’m observing the room. The lights are dimming for the movie now, the empty chairs in front of us obscuring our lower halves.

Slowly my hand falls to space between us and smooths along her hip. She delicately shivers as my fingers trace down her thigh.

“What about you,” I murmur, lightly toying with her skirt in the darkening room. “You want to fuck me, baby doll?”

“Right now, I want to kick you,” she gets out between clenched teeth. “Keep your hands to yourself. There are nosy ass people everywhere.”

“They’re all watching the movie. Not us.” Focusing on the screen, I keep my expression neutral as I ease my hand under her skirt. Her skin is smooth and warm. The movie starts in a blast of music and the familiar old logo as I trace over her knee and up her soft thigh. “And that wasn’t a ‘no.’”

She makes a cute growl in the back of her throat, but her legs part just enough to give me room to delve between them. Her inner thighs are hot and damp, and my cock twitches.

The storyline rolls along, my touch idly roams. Libby remains utterly still but I can practically feel the tension vibrating within her. When the tip of my finger skims the crease where her thigh meets her hip, her breath catches, legs parting wider.

“Have I mentioned how much I appreciated this new skirt-filled wardrobe?” I whisper, lightly drawing circles along her skin.

“Brenna’s idea.” Her hips shift just a bit, following my touch. “Right now, I’m missing my shorts.”

I smile, my eyes on the screen, my fingers drifting to the edge of her panties. “Later, you can put them on and we’ll play ‘Fuck the Farmer’s Daughter.’”

She grunts, a stifled laugh, which turns to a strangled whimper when I pluck her panties. Her voice turns breathy. “I’m trying to watch the damn movie. I’m not interested in fooling around.” She moves a tiny fraction, nudging against my finger.

In the dark, I grin, heat and lust pulling my abs tight. “I’m sorry,” I say, not sorry at all, “But I don’t believe you. I’m gonna have to check.”

about the author button

Kristen CallihanKristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Amazon Page


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Audiobook Review: Beautiful Burn by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Burn by Jamie McGuire
Series: The Maddox Brothers #4 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: May 24th 2016
Length: 10 hours and 33 minutes
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Fresh out of college, Ellison Edson has fallen through the cracks of rock bottom. While staying in her family’s vacation home in Colorado, her behavior has finally gained the attention of her parents—but not in the way she hoped. Cut off from the millions she’s always taken for granted, and left alone to fend for herself, Ellie spirals further out of control, making a mistake she can’t take back.

Like his twin brother Taylor, Tyler Maddox is a member of the Alpine Hotshots, fighting wildland fires on the frontline. As arrogant as he is charming, Tyler’s nomadic lifestyle makes it easy to contain his relationships to one night. When he meets Ellie at a local party during off-season, her extreme personality and dismissive attitude fascinates him at first, but as his feelings deepen, Tyler realizes that the crippling inner demons of the woman he loves might be the strongest enemy any Maddox has ever faced.

The audiobook for the 4th and final Maddox Brothers novel, Beautiful Burn, is here! This is actually the first that I’ve read (listened) in the series, and while I didn’t love it as much as Beautiful Disaster (aka the original Maddox brothers book *wink*), it was a good read with a wonderful hero. I had a tough time liking Ellie, the heroine, but thankfully her narrator was top-notch, so I didn’t completely dislike her. Jamie McGuire delivers a well-written new adult novel in Beautiful Burn – it’s fast-paced, sexy, and intense – and Brittany Pressley’s narration made it even better. If you enjoy the series, then you just might enjoy Tyler and Ellie’s story too.

Ellie Edson is used to living the life of a pampered princess, with no responsibility or consequences for her actions. Until this time, one mistake leads her to be cut off from her family’s wealth. For the first time in her life, she’s scrambling to earn money to survive, and though it seems at first like she might fail, she eventually manages to find a job as a photographer. It’s nothing fancy or well-paid… but for once in her life, she’s somewhat content. She’s still dealing with her alcoholism and self-destructive tendencies, but being in a new environment helps. Of course, it also helps that the gorgeous, wonderful Tyler Maddox has set his sights on her, and isn’t giving up until she gives in to the idea of them.

Tyler, along with his twin brother Taylor, is a member of the Alpine Hotshots, traveling around fighting wildfires. He’s not your typical Maddox – dare I say, he might be better in that softer, sweeter way. He’s incredibly patient with Ellie as she fights against her alcoholism and their relationship. She thinks he’s too good for her – and he is, but he wants to be with her anyway. I loved Tyler and his determination to win Ellie over, not matter how frustrating she got. He was really the highlight and my favorite part of the story.

Brittany Pressley did a phenomenal job with Ellie’s voice – her narration was spot-on, and I even enjoyed the way she sounded voicing Tyler and the rest of the Maddox men. She’s definitely an audiobook narrator I’d listen to again.

I wish I loved Beautiful Burn more, but I was too frustrated with the heroine to love it like I wanted to. Everything else about this audiobook was fantastic – the writing, the hero, the narration – but the heroine brought it down for me, unfortunately. I am intrigued enough, though, to start the Maddox series from the beginning and experience more of Jamie McGuire’s writing. I would definitely recommend this audiobook if you have a lot of patience and love the new adult genre!

BEAUTIFUL BURN is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/1PoluTV

3.5 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: The Maddox Brothers series

Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire Beautiful Redemption by Jamie McGuire Beautiful Sacrifice by Jamie McGuire 

#1 ~ Beautiful Oblivion: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Beautiful Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Beautiful Sacrifice: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Beautiful Burn: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Beautiful Burn!


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