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 + Review & Giveaway: Raw Redemption by Tessa Bailey

Raw Redemption Tour
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Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Raw Redemption by Tessa Bailey!

Raw Redemption by Tessa Bailey
Series: Crossing the Line #4 (full reading order below)
Release Date: June 13th 2016
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Loving her might cost him everything…

Disgraced cop Henrik Vance is having a shit year. Banished to a derelict undercover squad, he’s been tasked with hunting down the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. His obsession with saving the beautiful girl destroyed his career. And this time, it might cost his life.

Ailish O’Kelly doesn’t need a hero. She’ll save herself from her father’s violent criminal dynasty, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the sexy as sin cop who crashes her hideout isn’t hearing reason—especially not after the kiss that becomes much more.

His boss wants her as an informant. Ailish wants Henrik to keep whispering filthy things against her skin. But she knows too well the evil they’re up against, and when it comes down to protecting the man who owns her body and soul, she only has one choice…

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • B&N • Kobo • iBooks

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Calling all Tessa Bailey fans!! Henrik Vance is going to be your new upcoming favorite dirty-talking alpha hero! Gah, I totally adored him. I don’t know how the author does it, but with every book, she’s able to write such a fabulous romance with the HOTTEST dirty talk and steamy scenes ever! I loved Raw Redemption, but I am sad that the Crossing the Line series is now over. I’ve loved this series since Bowen was first introduced in Risking It All, and I’ve fallen in love more and more with every misfit character introduced. Thankfully, Tessa Bailey ends the series with a bang – Raw Redemption is a romantic, suspenseful, enchanting read I couldn’t put down. It’s a fantastic romance between a fallen-from-grace cop and and a mafia boss’s daughter – what could be better than that!?

We were first introduced to Henrik in Boiling Point, and I’d honestly never been so excited for a character to get his story! Love at first sight has nothing on Henrik Vance. If you’re not a fan of instalove, this probably won’t be for you, but if you have no problem with it, Henrik is your man. Here, we have a disgraced cop who ruined his career on purpose by getting rid of evidence that would put his woman in jail. Nothing and nobody touches Ailish O’Kelly… except for Henrik, of course. 😉 Now, an ex-cop, he’s forced to join an undercover unit of criminals who use their skills for good. A new case pops up that involves Ailish – and now nothing’s going to stop him from going after her, protecting her, and claiming her.

The landscape of his insides shifted, like two fault lines parting and relocating after an earthquake. This girl. She was either going to be his reason for living or the reason he died. It was all right there, shining in front of him like a spotlight.

Ailish may be the daughter of a criminal, but she wants nothing to do with the underworld of crime. Her father kept her in a metaphorical prison, never allowing her to do anything she wanted. She’s now escaped from that life, and she’ll do whatever it takes to survive even as her father is looking for her. What she doesn’t expect is a gorgeous, alpha, protective man to show up at her doorstep, get under her skin, and into her heart.

“I passed need weeks ago. Need is just a word. I am my starvation for you, Ailish. It rules me.”

Raw Redemption is instalove at its finest. I totally LOVE when alpha heroes go head-over-heels for their woman, and you don’t get any better than Tessa Bailey’s heroes. Henrik is absolutely heart-melting, and Ailish is perfect for him. I adored them together, and the chemistry between them? Over-the-roof hot. The suspense plot of the story wasn’t quite as good as the romance or as memorable, but I really had no problem with that, because I loved Henrik and Ailish too much. Raw Redemption is an incredible conclusion to this unique, sexy series. I’m sad to see it end, but also glad I got to experience it. If you haven’t read the Crossing the Line series, you are missing out! It’s one of Tessa Bailey’s best series, and if you love sexy, dirty reads with some suspense mixed it, you definitely need to start it!

4.5 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Crossing the Line series

Riskier Business by Tessa Bailey Risking it All by Tessa Bailey
Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey

#0.5 ~ Riskier Business: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ Risking it All: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Up in Smoke: My Review • EbookPaperbackGoodreads
#3 ~ Boiling Point: My Review • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Raw Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

about the author button

Tessa BaileyTessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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ARC Review: Last Kiss by Laurelin Paige

Last Kiss by Laurelin Paige

Last Kiss by Laurelin Paige
Series: First and Last #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 14th 2016
Links: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE FILLED WITH DARK DESIRES AND DANGEROUS SECRETS…

Emily Wayborn has made a decision.

She might not fully trust handsome and deadly Reeve Sallis, but he is the one person that gives her what she needs. With Reeve she can finally be herself. Submitting to him is the only thing keeping her grounded as the rest of her life falls apart. But the hotelier is a master at keeping secrets and as she continues her quest for answers someone is making sure she doesn’t find them.

Time is running out and she is questioning everything she thought she knew about friendship and love. She must now make an impossible choice that will determine if she will survive with her heart…or her life.

WOW!!! What a fantastic ending to the First and Last series. I’d been DYING to read Last Kiss after that awful cliffhanger in First Touch (it seriously made me scream), and Laurelin Paige certainly didn’t disappoint with this follow-up. This book was such an intense conclusion to Emily and Reeve’s story – and I never thought I’d say this, but I actually LOVE Reeve now! He terrified me in First Touch, but his romantic, redeeming qualities finally shine here in this sequel, and I’m now firmly a fan of his. If you loved First Touch, get ready to be taken on a wild, suspenseful ride once again in Last Kiss.

“You feel me,” he said while my cunt clenched around him like a vice-grip. “Right now you feel me, Emily. That’s where I am—inside you. All the time, I’m there. No matter whose bed you sleep in.”

Last Kiss continues right where First Touch left off. I don’t want to say anything about the cliffhanger, in case you read this review without having read the first book and accidentally spoil yourself. And if you haven’t read First Touch yet, I highly recommend it if you want to read something unique and gritty. That book messed me up – so to say I had high expectations for its sequel would be an understatement. Sometimes, the sequels unfortunately don’t live up to the first book, but this isn’t the case for this duology. Laurelin Paige swept me off my feet once again, making my heart pound and leaving me breathless with suspense. I honestly couldn’t stop reading – I needed to know what would happen next, what the characters would do, what new twist the author would reveal. It’s an unpredictable book, and for that, I applaud the author for her talent at writing.

“I can’t control myself when I’m inside you.” His voice was ragged and threadbare. “I want to tear you apart. I want to rip you to shreds.” He moved both of his hands to grasp my thighs, tilting my pelvis so that his thrusts hit even deeper. “I want to destroy you. Want to fuck you to pieces. Want to shatter you. Want to break you.”

Reeve and Emily are just as intense, raw, and tumultuous as ever. The passion between them is so fierce and volatile – it’s just so addicting to read!! Their chemistry is flawless and so damn hot. The frustration of Emily trying to stay away and Reeve trying to pull her back to him made for an emotional read. And AH! Reeve… he stole my heart in this book. He’s an alpha unlike any other – he’s the first hero to ever make me a little scared of him, but the softer, more tender side he reveals in Last Kiss balanced out that intense dominance of his and made him perfect. Laurelin Paige has written two brilliant, multi-faceted characters that are unforgettable!

“I love you,” he said again, like a creed. “I love you so thoroughly it feels like you’re in my DNA. Like you must be part of my genetic code because there’s no part of me that isn’t linked to you. My love for you is so consuming on the inside that there’s barely room.”

If you love suspenseful reads, the First and Last series needs to be on your radar. You won’t be able to predict ANYTHING, and each new revelation will throw you off but make you even more invested in the story. And the steaminess is off the charts, too! Laurelin Paige knows how to write her erotica, and I’m definitely going to need to read more of her books if they’re as intense and sexy as this duology. It was a wild, amazing ride reading Emily and Reeve’s story – I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon!

4 hearts
lacey

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


Reading Order: First and Last series

First Touch by Laurelin Paige Last Kiss by Laurelin Paige

#1 ~ First Touch: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Last Kiss: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads


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Cover Reveals + Giveaway: Hideaway and Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

I am SO excited to share not one, but TWO new covers from Penelope Douglas!

Hideaway by Penelope Douglas
Series: Devil’s Night #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: 2017
Hideaway Pinterest Board
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Banks

You don’t even see me, do you, Kai Mori? No one does.

I’m the kid in the back, the one everyone dismisses, the no-life street punk with dirty finger nails and ripped jeans.

But I’m quiet, and I do my job. I can hang tough and no one does me any favors. I’ve always been on my own.

But then I see you…

Your perfect black suits. Your clean hands. The way you charge into the room, not afraid of the man I work for, and all of a sudden, I feel different.

Like maybe I want to know what you’re like with a woman.

As quickly as the urge comes, though, it disappears. You see, my boss has an agenda. He’s decided to put me in your path, but what he doesn’t realize is, I have plans of my own. A score to settle.

And you won’t know who I really am until it’s too late.

So sit tight. I’m coming to you.

Kai

You’re wrong. I’ve seen you before.

You’re the girl who looks like a fourteen year old boy and pretends everyone around her is public enemy #1. Yeah, I remember you.

Thunder Bay. Devil’s Night. Four years ago.

But the thing was…when your hat fell off that night, you looked nothing like a boy. And when I put my hands on you, you didn’t feel like one, either.

Now, after all this time, you’re in Meridian City, and while I don’t know who you are or want you want, I can’t wait to find out.

So come on. Door’s unlocked.

Just be warned, though…Devil’s Night is coming again, and I’m not alone this time.

My friends like to play, too.

**Note from the Author: HIDEAWAY still has no definite release date. Erotic suspense takes longer for me to write, and while I hate to keep anyone waiting, I know you’d rather have a good book than a quick one. Bear with me. Getting this book to you is a priority. XOXO**

Reading Order: Devil’s Night series

Corrupt by Penelope Douglas 

#1 ~ Corrupt: Ebook • PaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hideaway: Goodreads (2017)

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: September 20th 2016
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“We were perfect together. Until we met.” 

Misha

I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.

Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should’ve gotten his number or picture or something.

He could be gone forever.

Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.

about the author button

Penelope DouglasPenelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She dresses for autumn year round, loves anything lemon flavored, and shops at Target almost daily.

Her books include the Fall Away Series (Bully, Until You, Rival, Falling Away, and Aflame), as well as, Corrupt and Misconduct. Please look for Punk 57, coming September 2016 and Next to Never (A Fall Away Novella), coming January 2017.

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter.

Facebook • Website • Twitter • Instagram • Goodreads • Pinterest

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Penelope is giving away 4 $25 Amazon gift cards, 1 signed Bully, and 1 signed Corrupt.
All open INTL.

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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

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