ARC Review: Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 31st 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Harlequin MIRA) in exchange for an honest review

She’s fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he’s gone forever.

But there’s a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry’s healing powers are needed now more than ever. Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

OH MY. Oh my, oh my, oh my goodness, this book was incredible! Taste of Darkness was everything I expected for the final book in this brilliant series and more. There were still some iffy parts that I’m still not too sure about (those Death and Peace Lilys are still the most bizarre things I’ve ever read), but other than that, I LOVED this book. There’s so much going on, between Avry and the gang trying to find Kerrick, and the upcoming war to save the whole kingdom, but at the heart of it all, Avry truly shines in this book. She displays an impressive amount of courage and leadership, she takes charge and fights for those she loves, and she never loses faith in Kerrick

So if you’ve read Scent of Magic (which you should have before starting Taste of Darkness–this series should be read in order!), then you know there was one hell of a cliffhanger at the end. But not to worry folks, Maria V. Snyder gives us an excellent follow-up to that awful cliffhanger. This final book is actually my favorite of the series, despite not loving Kerrick as much.

Avry has her usual stubbornness and her goodness for wanting to heal, but she has matured so much throughout this series. I had admired her already from reading the other books, but my admiration only grew stronger after reading Taste of Darkness. And Kerrick, well, he’ll do just about anything for Avry. He loves her, no doubt about that, but I was a little disappointed in him in this book. He’s weak (magic powers-wise), but I was hoping for more of that spark that he had in the previous two books that made me fall in love with him, but he fell just a little bit short of that. Nonetheless, when these two are together, they make the impossible possible. They love together and fight together, and these two characters have ingrained themselves into my heart. Reading Avry and Kerrick’s adventures, they’ve become so dear to me that it was a little hard to say goodbye to them.

And I can’t forget about the incredible cast Maria V. Snyder has created! The most wonderful part of this fantasy series are the characters. Avry, Kerrick, and the gang are back in action. They’ve been through so much together, and in this final round, they stick by each other no matter what. I love the beautiful camaraderie between these friends. The jokes and banter between everyone made me smile and laugh and love them even more.

And the brilliant story-telling! The book was a bit slow in the beginning, but it was a slow I enjoyed. And when the plot started picking up, there was non-stop action, as usual. But as this is the final book of the series, it’s even more heart-pounding and thrilling to the end. There are strategies to plan, battles to fight, people dying and coming back to life, a freaking kingdom to save. Everything was just WOW. This intricate world hooks you in and never lets you go until the very last page.

Taste of Darkness is an entirely satisfying ending to this series. I’m so sad it’s over, but I’m just so happy with the way everything ends. Maria V. Snyder is just SO GOOD at writing fantasy! (Maybe I should get back to finishing the Study series…)

Reading Order: Healer series

#1 ~ Touch of Power: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Scent of Magic: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Taste of Darkness: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

2Jan2014

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Rome by Jay Crownover

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Click the banner to follow the tour!

Title: Rome
Series: Marked Men #3 (full reading order below)
Author: Jay Crownover
Genre: New Adult
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Cora Lewis is a whole lot of fun, and she knows how to keep her tattooed bad boy friends in line. But all that flash and sass hide the fact that she’s never gotten over the way her first love broke her heart. Now she has a plan to make sure that never happens again: She’s only going to fall in love with someone perfect.

Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He’s stubborn and rigid, he’s bossy and has come back from his final tour of duty fundamentally broken. Rome’s used to filling a role: big brother, doting son, super soldier; and now none of these fit anymore. Now he’s just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes the only color on his bleak horizon.

Perfect isn’t in the cards for these two, but imperfect might just last forever . . .

Purchase Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Barnes and Noble • iTunes • Indie Bound

I have to say that I had the best time reading Rome! I was so excited to read Rule’s brother’s book, and it doesn’t disappoint. If you thought Rule Archer was hot, wait until you read about Rome. The romance was slow, but sweet, and went straight to my heart. Cora and Rome are perfect for each other, and I highly enjoyed their story!

Rome is not his usual self at the beginning of the book. He’s usually more easy-going and friendly, but leaving the army hasn’t been good for him. He feels like he has no purpose anymore. Oh, this poor, sexy man has so many demons. He has to deal with what he went through in the war, and now he has to cope with the fact that the people he loves dearly don’t really need him that much anymore. Rule and Shaw and everyone else love Rome, without a doubt, but they don’t need him to take care of them anymore. Rome, the loyal, protective, sweet man that he is, feels lost. But when he meets Cora, and a bar owner named Brite, he starts to have a purpose in life again.

Cora was a bit frustrating, but she grew on me later on. This tough-as-nails body modifier has been dealt a crappy hand in the romance department, and has vowed to never settle for less than Mr. Perfect. She wants the best and certainly deserves a person who will give all of himself and his love to her when she is willing to do the same, but her standards might be a little high, or at least skewed. And all of her previous notions of Mr. Perfect start to dissolve when she meets Rome.

…I could see the idea of Mr. Perfect, this fictional ideal I had built up in my head, start to tatter under the force of everything that was Rome Archer.

Cora and Rome are not perfect people, and are in fact quite broken, but together, they make something sweet and beautiful. Because of each other, they learn more about themselves, and they support and heal each other only in the way these two characters can. And they’re just so freaking cute! I thought it was adorable that a feisty, tiny Tinkerbell of a woman and a big, hulking, protective man fell for each other. Opposites really do attract, huh? And they have an incredibly hot chemistry together!

Rome is another fantastic addition to Jay Crownover’s Marked Men series. And another amazing part to the book? We get tons more of the other characters, especially Rule and Shaw (who are my favorite!). Now I’m so, so excited for Nash’s story, which is next!

Favorite quote:

“Love isn’t perfect. It’s hard work and sometimes it’s more effort to be in love than it is to just run away. If you keep looking for perfect, the real thing is going to pass right by you.”

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

Reading Order: Marked Men series

#1 ~ Rule: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Jet: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Rome: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Nash: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Rowdy: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Oct. 21, 2014)
#6 ~ Asa: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (April 14, 2015)

I’m supposed to share interesting details about myself so that my readers get to know me so here we go in no particular order: I’m an natural redhead even though I haven’t seen my real hair color in years, I’m a big fan of tattoos and have a half sleeve on either arm and various other pieces all over the place, I’ve been in the bar industry since I was in college and it has always offered interesting insight into how men and women interact with each other, I have 3 dogs that are all crazy, I live in Colorado and love the snow, I love music and in all reality wish I could be a rock star not a writer or a bartender but I have zero talent so there is that.

I love to write, love to read and all I’m interested in is a good story with interesting characters that make the reader feel something.

Connect with Jay: Facebook • Twitter • Website • Goodreads

First Prize: Jay’s iPod with her library and Nash’s playlist before anyone else has it. All Three Marked Men books signed Rule, Jet and Rome
Second Prize: $25.00 Gift Card Amazon with signed copies of all Three Marked Men Books Rule, Jet and Rome
Third Prize: All Three Marked Men books signed Rule, Jet and Rome and swag
Fourth and Fifth Prize: Signed Copy of Rome and Swag

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31Dec2013

Release Day Review: Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy
Series: One Week Girlfriend #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 31st 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Bantam) in exchange for an honest review

Breakout New Adult sensation Monica Murphy returns with a hot new contemporary romance—a heartfelt story of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption.

Commitment. That’s what I really want from Colin. Ever since my brother, Danny, died in Iraq, Colin’s done so much to help me, including giving me a job at his popular restaurant so I can leave my crappy waitressing job at the strip joint. But lying in bed with him every night to comfort him from his horrible nightmares isn’t enough anymore. I know he feels guilty about Danny’s death, about not going to Iraq, but I can’t keep living this double life.

I love him desperately, but he’s got so many demons, and if he can’t open up to me now, then he’ll never be the real partner I need him to be. I gave him a month, and now I’m out of here. If he truly loves me like he says, he knows where to find me.

I really, really wanted to like Colin and Jen’s story, but it was just… okay. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it either. Colin and Jen didn’t suck me in like Drew and Fable did, and I didn’t connect as much with them. I was super excited for Jen and Colin after reading Second Chance Boyfriend, because they seemed like great characters. But… this is one of those cases where I’m sad to say had a great potential, but just fell a bit flat.

Jen is Fable’s friend and co-worker at the restaurant that Colin owns. It turns out that Jen and Colin go way back–Jen is the little sister of Colin’s best friend who died in Iraq. It’s been two years since his death, and Jen has grieved and moved on, but Colin has not. He constantly has nightmares about his best friend’s death, and every time, Jen goes to his bed to console him. Jen has been living with Colin since he took her in when she was at a very low point in her life, and he pretty much saved her. Jen’s always had a crush on Colin, and her love for him has bloomed even more so ever since he saved her, but he doesn’t return her feelings. At least, she doesn’t think he does. And so Jen has nothing left for her in the city where she lives except for bad memories, and she wants to leave. But will Colin let her?

Colin’s going to be angry that I’m leaving, but maybe, the tattoo will give me strength. Will remind me that what I’m doing is the right thing. I need to go. I need to really learn how to live my life on my own, not this childish running-away shit and living out of my car like I did last time. I’m older now. Smarter. Wiser.
I need to fly and be free.

I had a hard time liking Colin. He’s a very commanding person, and he know what he wants and likes, which is mostly Jen, but he’s terrified of ruining their friendship. Actually, both of them are, but Colin even more so, because he relies on Jen emotionally, as Jen relies on him physically (materialistic-wise). She’s the only thing keeping him sane after his best friend’s death. But it was like he wanted to keep a leash on Jen, which was exactly how she felt, and the reason she wanted to leave. He doesn’t want to have a relationship with her, and yet he doesn’t want to let her go. His indecision really didn’t endear him to me, but I will admit that I really liked that he had been falling for Jen for years, and not just when he saw her again recently. Usually the guy in this trope will start falling for the girl when he sees her again after a few years, but Colin has loved Jen for ages.

Fuck it all, I want to kiss her. Forget the past, forget the present, forget the scary-as-hell future–I just want to lean over the center console and press my lips to hers. Steal her breath, steal her thoughts, steal her heart.
Like she’s done to me.

But then of-freaking-course they’d do the whole friends-with-benefits thing, which I ended up not really liking. Because… there might have been way too much sex. It’s not that I don’t like reading sex in books, but for some reason, I just didn’t feel anything for the two of them. I couldn’t feel the emotion and connection and intensity between them. It was the whole sexual relationship that didn’t work for me. It was like they took a step backward, or at least not a step forward at all, because even though Jen and Colin still have feelings for each other, they’re still not letting each other know. Frustrating!

But still, it was mainly their sexual relationship that I didn’t like. Everything else was pretty good. There was the right amount of angst, which Monica Murphy didn’t overdo, and Colin and Jen are very sweet with each other. Colin grew on me later on, with his protectiveness and sweet words. I loved seeing some of Fable and Drew, and really enjoyed the story once Jen and Colin stopped holding back from each other. Three Broken Promises isn’t a favorite in this series, but I was glad that we finally got Jen and Colin’s story.

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

Reading Order: One Week Girlfriend series

#1 ~ One Week Girlfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Second Chance Boyfriend: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Three Broken Promises: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Drew + Fable Forever: Ebook • Goodreads
#4 ~ Four Years Later: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Five Days Until You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

31Dec2013

Release Day Review: How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
Series: Naked Werewolf #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 31st 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Pocket Books) in exchange for an honest review

Down, Boy

Anna Moder has just witnessed a shooting, seen her car pulverized, and rescued a wounded stranger only to discover he’s really a werewolf. And by her recent standards, things are actually looking up. Lycanthropes don’t faze Anna. Doctoring a wolf pack outside Grundy, Alaska, is the closest thing to home life she’s known in years. But hitching a ride to Anchorage with long-absent pack member Caleb Graham—that’s a risk. Part of her itches to whack his nose with a newspaper. The rest is trying unsuccessfully to keep her own paws off every delicious inch of him.

The problem is—Caleb employs his lupine tracking abilities as a notquite- legal bounty hunter, and Anna is suspicious of both him and his profession. On the run from her past, with old problems closing in, she’d like to stay far, far away from anybody with connections to the law. Caleb, however, seems determined to keep her close. Are his intentions noble, or is he working a more predatory angle?

Anna’s been dreaming of returning to a semi-normal life, but now she’s experiencing a strange new urge . . . to join Caleb in running with the wolves.

This is my first Molly Harper book, and I had a fantastic time reading it! How to Run with a Naked Werewolf is a fast read with a relatable, witty heroine, and the most adorable werewolf hero, and it’s filled with humor. I loved how the author manages to balance everything out so well–from the romance to the humor to the more serious parts of the book that include an abusive husband. How to Run with a Werewolf is basically a quick, fun read, and if you’re a paranormal romance fan who likes funny books, look no further.

Anna Moder, whose real name is Tina, has been on the run from her abusive soon-to-be ex-husband. She ran away when things were escalating and she settled down for a time as a doctor for a settlement of werewolves in Alaska. But when her husband was close to finding out where she was, she had to run again to protect the werewolves she grew to care for. And Anna runs right into Caleb. Caleb, the sweetest, most caring guy who worms right into Anna’s heart.

Caleb is the most adorable werewolf ever. He doesn’t know that Anna can tell he is one, but being a werewolf isn’t all that Caleb is. It turns out he’s a bounty hunter, but this doesn’t make him a bad guy. He’s actually a really genuine, down-to-earth, lovable, caring, and protective guy, if a bit furrier. And he can be totally sexy when he wants to be. He quickly manages to break down Anna’s walls and they grow to care and even love each other. But Caleb is hiding his own secrets too, secrets that might make Anna throw back up those walls Caleb so carefully managed to break down.

I really enjoyed the werewolf aspect of the book. Molly Harper doesn’t make werewolves complicated in her story. They’re simply there. There’s no elaborate backstory to the werewolves, and I liked reading that for a change. And I loved the humor in this book! Caleb and Anna match each other wit for wit, and they’re so freaking cute together. I had such a fun time reading this book, and I’ll definitely be reading the other books in this series!

Reading Order: Naked Werewolf series

#1 ~ How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ How to Run with a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

29Dec2013

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

I’m SO happy to be a part of the Return to Poughkeepsie blog tour! I adored Poughkeepsie, and I’m so glad that Beckett is finally getting his own story. Today I’m reviewing Return to Poughkeepsie, and don’t forget to enter the giveaways below!

Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Series: Poughkeepsie #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: December 30th 2013

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

Purchase:
Amazon • B&N

Beckett!!! I love this man to death. Seriously. He is rude, abrasive, crude, crass, naughty, and a bad, bad man. BUT he has a heart of freaking gold that holds so much love for the people most important to him: his brothers, their wives and children, and most especially Eve. Eve, the love of Beckett’s life, who is a total babe and badass, who he had to leave so she could find a better life with a better man. Oh, Beckett just makes me swoon–and laugh!

We never got to know what happened to Beckett–where he went, what he did–at the end of Poughkeepsie. But now… we finally get his story! He’s left Eve and his brothers to protect them, because he’s a wanted man. Well, he’s always been a wanted man, but this time, he has to leave for good.

From book 1:

“Know this: I love you so fucking much,” Beckett said. “No other person has been to me what you are. No one else ever will be.” He leaned down and gave her the sweetest, gentlest kiss.

And has Beckett’s love for Eve changed? Not for a single second. This man may have blood on his hands, but he loves with his whole heart. And he knows he has to become a better man in order to come back into the lives of the ones he loves. So for the next 5 years, he becomes a normal man. No more killing, no more illegal dealings. Just him and his new dog, Gandhi (who is just adorable!) and his liquor store.

“Yeah, but, you see, I pictured, like, I don’t know, doing something huge. Saving the world.” Beckett shrugged.
Blake shook his head. “Sometimes you can save someone’s whole world just by smiling at them. Kindness is one of those things that has immense value to the person experiencing it.”

Beckett’s not comfortable being a good man, but he’ll do it for those he loves, because he’s just that kind of man. He’ll do literally anything to keep Eve, Blake, Cole, Livia, and Kyle safe. And if you thought there was some crazy intense action in Poughkeepsie? Wait till you get to Return to Poughkeepsie. Beckett might try to be a good man, but his past life finds a way to catch up with him. Between him and Eve, there wasn’t a dull moment in Return to Poughkeepsie, and I loved it!

Beckett and Eve are hot hot hot together, and I just adore them, but I also loved how we get more of Blake and Livia, and Cole and Kyle! The couples are married, and Blake and Livia even have two adorable children. Getting a glimpse–actually, it’s more than a glimpse, so yay!–into their married lives was so satisfying to read. But it’s not all a happily ever after. Kyle and Cole are having problems with conceiving. No matter how hard they try, Kyle just can’t get pregnant, and it’s heartbreaking to read. But this part of life is real, and I was impressed with how Debra Anastasia conveyed this in the book.

We get introduced to more characters, both good and bad. Like Ryan!! I totally adored him, and the antics of his vindictive ex-girlfriend. There’s a new baddie in town who’s trying to take over Poughkeepsie, but Eve so isn’t going to allow someone to take over her town. I love Eve. I think she’s the bomb. She’s an incredibly skilled killer, but she uses those skills for good to protect those she loves… just like Beckett. And even though 5 years have passed since she’s seen Beckett, she still loves him. The two of them are absolutely perfect for each other. They match each other, challenge each other, and love each other so hard. It was wonderful seeing these two together again, because they deserve to have a happily ever after together, even if they aren’t ‘good’ people.

The only problem I had was with the blurb. I kept waiting and waiting for Livia to be kidnapped, but it never even happens until midway through the book! I did love the book, but I was a little miffed. Still, Beckett stole my heart all over again!

“I love you, Eve. You’re the only heart I have.”

Eeep! The Poughkeepsie series is an absolute must-read! You’ll fall in love with all of the brothers, and the story, romance, and action will keep you riveted.

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

Reading Order: Poughkeepsie series

#1 ~ Poughkeepsie: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Return to Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Saving Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 22, 2014)

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’s dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with…ahem… digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when–along with the animals and humans in her house–the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’s ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and–fingers full of peanut butter–she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

She’s eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.

Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

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