Release Day Review: Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Rock Redemption by Nalini Singh
Series: Rock Kiss #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 6th 2015
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

From New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh comes the next contemporary romance in the Rock Kiss series…

Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.

Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.

When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting–needing–to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.

I struggled a bit with Rock Redemption. I had high hopes for Noah and Kit’s story, after getting to know a little about them in the previous Rock Kiss books, but their story played out differently than I expected. I adore Nalini Singh and love her writing, but I have to admit that the actual romance in this book disappointed me. Not to say I didn’t like the book, because I enjoyed it overall, but I just wanted more.

He adored her, and because he did, he would never touch her. The instant he did, he’d ruin her, ruin everything. He didn’t want their relationship tainted by sex–if they even had any kind of a relationship.

Rock star Noah St. John and actress Kit Devigny were close friends, and almost became something more, until Noah did something awful and broke Kit’s trust and heart. Because of his painful past, Noah doesn’t believe he’s capable of being in love, so he hurts Kit to keep her at arms length and away from himself and the demons of his past. I wouldn’t say that what he did was unforgivable, because they weren’t even together, but I did want to know why he did what he did, and I certainly wanted to know how he was going to make up for the hurt. What I didn’t expect was for Noah to earn his forgiveness by repairing his and Kit’s friendship. A romantic relationship is not in the cards for them until much later, which I was disappointed with. I mean, they’re both so IN LOVE with each other, I just couldn’t understand Noah’s need for friendship only.

“Be with me,” he whispered, knowing it was the most selfish thing he’d ever asked of anyone in his entire life. “Be with me.”
Kit froze against him, a flesh and blood statue.
“I can’t be what you need,” he whispered against the side of her head. “But be with me anyway.”

To help Kit and her blooming acting career, Noah and Kit pretend to be a couple, but being around each other 24/7 only further entangles their emotions for one another. The romance is slow, but when they finally, FINALLY try to make it work, there are a ton of obstacles in the way of their relationship. With trust issues, a heartbreaking past, even a stalker, Kit and Noah have to work and fight for their love and coveted HEA.

God, she loved him.
There, she’d said it, even if it was only in her head. She loved him. Damaged and beautiful and talented, he was the only man she’d ever loved, no matter if he’d stomped on her heart.

Nalini Singh’s writing is flawless as usual. It was certainly the best part about this book – the gorgeous writing was mainly what kept me reading. Rock Redemption was actually quite easy to read – even though the romance was slow, I never really wanted to put this book down. What also kept me reading were the other members of Schoolboy Choir! I loved that we get to see Fox and Molly, David and Thea, and even Abe and his ex-wife Sarah. I’ve noticed that Nalini Singh does an incredible job of setting up the next couple for each book in this series, and even though Noah and Kit’s didn’t quite pan out the way I expected, I still have high hopes for Abe and Sarah’s.

I love Nalini Singh, but this latest book in the Rock Kiss series didn’t impress me very much. I liked it, but I didn’t really FEEL the connection between the main characters. And when I finally got excited about the romance, there just wasn’t enough of it to fully satisfy me by the end. But still, if you’re a fan of the series, you might end up loving this book. Nalini Singh has a wonderful talent at writing and storytelling, so even as I struggled with Rock Redemption, I could still appreciate how well-written it was.

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

Reading Order: Rock Kiss series

#1 ~ Rock Addiction: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Rock Courtship: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Rock Hard: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Rock Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Rock Wedding: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (July 19, 2016)

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

5Oct2015

Release Day Review: Ms. Manwhore by Katy Evans

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Ms. Manwhore by Katy Evans
Series: Manwhore #2.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 5th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

What lies ahead for Chicago’s most envied couple, Malcolm Saint and Rachel Livingston?

Sparks flew between them in Manwhore. Separated by deception, they felt the intensity and heat of their attraction turn up in Manwhore +1.

Will Chicago’s wealthiest and most notorious player finally settle down, or will one woman never be enough? Find out in Ms. Manwhore, the ultimate conclusion to their electric, breathtaking story.

I want to cry – Malcolm and Rachel’s ending is absolute PERFECTION!!!!!! I’m so incredibly happy for this couple but I’m also so, so sad that this is the end for them. NO MORE SAINT – how can I possibly live without him!?

Ms. Manwhore is a novella and the final installment in Malcolm and Rachel’s story, though we can only hope that we will have more in the Manwhore series (Tahoe and Gina!?). It’s jam-packed with all the SWOONS – Malcolm Saint fans, you are going to DIE of happiness in this novella. I laughed, I smiled, I melted… I honestly can’t imagine a better ending for Rachel and Malcolm than what Katy Evans gives us!

Is love like this? Where you keep falling and falling, every day that you look into his eyes?

This novella picks up straight from the ending of Manwhore +1, after Malcolm has proposed to Rachel. These two are now finally getting their much deserved happily ever after, and they’re scrambling to get to the wedding. Wedding preparations, dress picking, bachelor(ette) parties – it’s going to be HUGE. Rachel doesn’t really need this big spectacle of a wedding, but only the best for Malcolm Saint’s soon-to-be wife, right?

“Do you realize this is something I never thought I’d want? I can’t think of anything else but making you my wife. My priority is merging your life with mine.”

Could Malcolm Saint BE any more perfect!? I thought he couldn’t after Manwhore +1, but Katy Evans proves me wrong… AGAIN. I loved everything about this book – Malcolm, Rachel, their wedding… My heart nearly couldn’t handle the pure happiness radiating from the pages.

“I can’t wait to make you my lady. Your smiles drive me crazy.”

It’s not necessary to read Ms. Manwhore, but if you loved the first two books, you absolutely DO NOT want to miss this! While I was reading it, I couldn’t stop smiling, and my heart was just bursting with happiness by the time I got to the end. It’s a bittersweet ending for sure, since I don’t want to let go of these characters, but I’m so thankful Katy Evans wrote this novella – I can say goodbye to Malcolm and Rachel with a smile on my face!

I have a future to look forward to.
I have a storm to catch.
A leap to make.
A man to love.
A Sin to take.
And I’ve never looked forward to something in my life like I look forward to
MALCOLM
KYLE
PRESTON
LOGAN
SAINT.

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

Reading Order: Manwhore series

#1 ~ Manwhore: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Manwhore +1: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Ms. Manwhore: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

30Sep2015

Early Review: Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne
Series: Oxford #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 6th 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Meet the men of Oxford magazine! In the first captivating spin-off of Lauren Layne’s Sex, Love & Stiletto series, a not-so-friendly battle of the sexes turns into a scorching office romance.

Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he’s got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can’t take his eyes off her.

Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as just one of the guys. Since she’s learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope’s resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they’re just fooling around—or starting something real.

Lauren Layne has quickly become one of those authors for me that I won’t hesitate to read because I know she’ll give me a book I won’t be disappointed with. She does a fantastic job of infusing humor, wit, and lots of sexiness into her books, all of which I’m a fan of. Irresistibly Yours is no different in that it’s a wholeheartedly enjoyable read. This is the first book in the brand new Oxford seres, the spinoff of the Sex, Love, and Stiletto series.

What I love most about Irresistibly Yours is how it’s got a mix of romance elements incorporated into it. Office romance, sports themed, rivalry, opposites attract, friends-to-lovers – Lauren Layne manages to balance all of these so well to create an incredible book I adored so much!

Cole Sharpe is a freelancer for the Oxford magazine, but there’s the open spot of sports editor that’s calling his name. Unfortunately, even with his inside connection, he’s got competition for the position – competition in the form of a small, tomboyish, adorable-as-hell woman named Penelope Pope.

She was looking up at him, her expression unreadable, and he felt a sudden surge of tenderness for this woman he barely knew and yet somehow knew completely.

What starts off as a competition and rivalry soon turns into something friendlier and more charming – Cole and Penelope both feel some chemistry between them, but they put their feelings aside in order to work together at Oxford. Penelope has moved to New York for a fresh start, and Cole has become her very first friend, though he’s the sexiest man she’s ever met. Penelope knows the gorgeous playboy is totally out of her league, and puts herself firmly in the friendzone. Cole, however, is completely taken aback by this incredible woman who is his equal in every way. Never has a woman meant as much as Penelope does to him. They share an incredible love for sports, they’re around each other at the office every day, but before long, neither of them can fight the attraction they try to hide.

How had this happened? How was it that this sweet, feisty tomboy could turn him on just as easily as she turned him completely inside out every time she looked at him?

You’re really in for a treat when you pick up a book by Lauren Layne. Equal parts sexy, sweet, and hilarious, Irresistibly Yours is a fun-filled read you won’t be disappointed in. Cole and Penelope are wonderful, endearing characters, and I rooted for them right from the very start. And I absolutely loved their group of friends at Oxford, who had me laughing so hard. I haven’t read the Sex, Love, and Stiletto series, whose characters are also in Irresistibly Yours, but now I’m thinking I should – which means more Lauren Layne for me! I highly recommend any of this author’s books for those who love funny, light-hearted romances. You are missing out if you haven’t tried her books!

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

Reading Order: Oxford series

#1 ~ Irresistibly Yours: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ I Wish You Were Mine: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Someone Like You: Ebook • Goodreads (Dec. 13, 2016)

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

29Sep2015

Audiobook Series Review: The Sin Trilogy by Georgia Cates

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Sin Trilogy by Georgia Cates
(full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: September 22nd 2015
Length: (book 1) 8:50, (book 2) 8:32, (book 3) 8:10
Narrated by: Jennifer Mack & Antony Ferguson
Links: Book 1 • Book 2 • Book 3 • Goodreads
Source: I received the audiobooks in exchange for an honest review

An epic tale of revenge and love in a new romantic trilogy from the New York Times best-selling author of The Beauty Series.

Bleu MacAllister is consumed. A horrific childhood incident has caused every decision in her life to revolve around bringing a monster to justice. With years spent studying The Fellowship, a Scottish organized crime brotherhood of liars, thieves, and killers, Bleu will rely on her skills as a special agent to cut Thane Breckenridge off at the knees. But walking hand in hand with retribution means risking collateral damage, in the form of Breckenridge’s son Sinclair – until Sin becomes so much more than Bleu bargained for. She’s always known this undertaking would place her life in danger – she never imagined her heart would be as well.

This series is one rollercoaster of a story – wow! Tons of action, suspense, as well as some lovely sexy-times with a Scottish hottie… The Sin Trilogy is definitely a series you shouldn’t miss if you’re a fan of the romance suspense genre. I had the chance to listen to the audiobooks, and while it took some time for me to warm up to the narration, by the end, I was completely and wholeheartedly invested in the characters and series. I definitely recommend the audiobooks of The Sin Trilogy, especially if you want to listen to some great Scottish accents.

The day that seven-year-old Stella Bleu Lawrence became Bleu MacAllister was the day she lost her innocence of the world and set out to take revenge against her mother’s killer, Thane Breckenridge. She would spend the next eighteen years of her life grooming herself to become good enough, strong enough, smart enough, cunning enough, to infiltrate Thane’s Scottish, mafia-like organization and kill the leader himself. Bleu plans to get into The Fellowship through seducing Thane’s son, Sinclair. He’s supposed to be her mark, her victim – but she never expects to actually fall for him. Bleu and Sin’s story is an addicting one, because I just couldn’t wait to see how it would play out. Will Sin find out who Bleu really is? Can Bleu kill Thane even while loving his son? Is Thane even her mother’s true murderer?

I really enjoyed Jennifer Mack’s narration of Bleu’s POV, but Antony Ferguson’s narration of Sin’s felt awkward at times. While Mack could narrate the opposite sex well, Ferguson’s female voice, Bleu’s in particular with her southern accent, was a little difficult and cringey to listen to. But with three books in the series, I quickly got used to it enough that it didn’t bother me much. The best part is definitely the fact that the dual narrators can do wonderful Scottish accents.

Gripping, thrilling, suspenseful, and intense – Georgia Cates’ The Sin Trilogy took me on one wild ride of a story, leaving me breathless and aching for more. It’s a story of revenge – and finding love where you least expect it. This was definitely a series that had my mind and heart racing, and the Scottish accents definitely weren’t difficult to listen to. I couldn’t get enough of the story, and I was dying for more each time I finished a book. Thankfully, I had the whole series ready for me to listen to! This series is a highly entertaining series that had me hooked from beginning to end.

Reading Order: The Sin Trilogy

#1 ~ A Necessary Sin: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Next Sin: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ One Last Sin: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from A Necessary Sin!

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

23Sep2015

Early Review: Playing with Fire by Kate Meader

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Playing with Fire by Kate Meader
Series: Hot in Chicago #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 29th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

From popular romance author Kate Meader comes the second novel in Hot in Chicago, a brand-new, sizzling series that follows a group of firefighting foster siblings and their blazing hot love interests!

As the only female firefighter at Engine Co. 6, Alexandra Dempsey gets it from all sides: the male coworkers who think she can’t do the job, the wives and girlfriends who see her as a threat to their firefighter men, and her overprotective foster brothers who want to shelter their baby sister at all costs. So when she single-handedly saves the life of Eli Cooper, Chicago’s devastatingly handsome mayor, she assumes the respect she’s longed for will finally come her way. But it seems Mr. Mayor has other ideas…

Eli Cooper’s mayoral ratings are plummeting, his chances at reelection dead in the water. When a sexy, curvaceous firefighter gives him the kiss of life, she does more than bring him back to the land of the living—she also breathes vitality into his campaign. Riding the wave of their feel-good story might prop up Eli’s flagging political fortunes, but the sizzling attraction between them can go nowhere; he’s her boss, and there are rules that must be obeyed. But you know what they say about rules: they’re made to be broken…

I loved reading Playing with Fire! It’s a solid, entertaining read that is just SO good. It’s also seriously hot and sexy – I was totally not expecting the hero, the mayor of Chicago, to be as smokin’ as he was! Kate Meader has written a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance that I was seriously invested in.

The first thing that attracted me to this book was the fact that the heroine is a female firefighter. I don’t think I’ve ever read about one before, so I was super excited to read about Alex Dempsey. And I loved what I found in her – Alex is a tough, independent, strong woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone, least of all Mayor Eli Cooper. She does what she wants, but that’s not always a good thing… since she doesn’t always think about the consequences of her actions. So one anger-fueled incident lands her right in the lap of the man she loves to hate.

Oh, God, this sexy-hate thing between them was crazy. She felt an overwhelming urge to both punch him and hug him.

Eli Cooper is running for the second term of his mayorship (is that a word?) and he needs the backing of the firefighters, especially the Dempseys, to win the election. Eli is kind of a dick in the beginning of the book – he’s made sexist comments towards female firefighters (which is the first reason why Alex loves to hate him), and he blackmails Alex into pretending to date him for the media. But as I read more, I saw another, better side to Eli, one that’s not as cold and callous as he first seemed. And this change and redemption is all thanks to one fiery, passionate woman.

Eli has wanted Alex since he first saw her, but it seems that with every encounter, they only bring out the worst in each other. The banter, the sharp remarks, the glares – they all serve to light up the crazy-hot chemistry that’s been there from the start. I loved that Eli and Alex are such a perfect match for one another and that they’re able to go head-to-head with neither of them backing down. And oh. my. god. The sex between them is panty-melting H.O.T! Eli’s mouth is the dirtiest thing ever, and I loved it. I loved how alpha he is, how sensual and sexy and dominant he is in bed. You will seriously need a FAN when you read this book!

“I will fuck the ever-loving smart-assery out of you, Alexandra.” He got started on that, pumping in and out, in and out. Deeper, harder. “I’m going to fuck you so good the only word on your lips will be my name. The only answer to every question will be my name. Now say it.”

Eli also has to do some wooing to win the heart of the woman he’s fallen for, and I just about died at the way he goes about it. First he’s a dirty-talking alpha-male, and now he’s sweet and loving? My heart couldn’t handle it. I ended up falling so hard for his character. I loved Alex, but Eli was definitely my favorite character in this book.

“You’re a goddess and I’m not worthy to worship at your feet, but I’m happy to spend the rest of my life trying to be good enough for you.”

This review is littered with firefighter puns, but there’s no better way to describe Playing with Fire than a scorching hot romance you don’t want to miss. It’s a great, satisfying read with fantastic writing and a cast of characters I adore. I can’t wait for more from this series!

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

Reading Order: Hot in Chicago series

#1 ~ Flirting with Fire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Melting Point: Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Playing with Fire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Sparking the Fire: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Sept. 27, 2016)

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

	Unlocking the Magic… on Review: A Promise of Fire by A…
	Lucas Middleton on Blog Tour // Review + Excerpt:…
	Van on Blog Tour + Release Day Review…
	Amber Elise @ Du Liv… on Audiobook Review: The Stand-In…
	daisyknox on Release Day Review: Tryst Six…

Booklovers For Life

Falling in love with romance one page at a time

Tag Archives: adult