Release Day Review: Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks
Series: KGI #10 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 27th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they’ve known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock’s true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he’s been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She’s the only woman who’s ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he’s spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”

This is my first KGI book, though it’s not my first Maya Banks read. I was previously a big fan of the books I have read from her, so I was excited to read Darkest Before Dawn, and plus, I love a good romantic suspense. It wasn’t too difficult to get into this book, given that I haven’t read any of the other KGI books, but unfortunately, what prevented me from fully enjoying this was the insane amount of repetition. The premise of Darkest Before Dawn had great potential, but I would’ve enjoyed this book so much more if a ton of the narrative had been cut shorter.

Honor Cambridge is on the run from a terrorist organization out to kill her, trying to survive one day at a time in the Middle East. She’s a headstrong, fierce, honorable woman who’s been through so much yet still keeps her head held high. She’s close to freedom until Hancock intercepts her journey – she believes he’s there to save her, but little does she know that she’s a pawn on his chessboard.

Hancock is a mercenary – deadly, cold, unfeeling, and loyal to his duty to a fault. He and his men do things that no one else wants to do in order to help the ‘greater good’. Unfortunately, when that means sacrificing a sole person for the greater good, then that’s what he must do. Hancock’s objective is to take down Maksimov, an evil man who’s killed thousands of people, and the only way to get access to Maksimov is through Honor. So Hancock sets it up so that she believes he’s taking her to freedom, when in fact he’s leading her something worse than death. But what happens when he grows to care for his captive, and wants to make a life with her?

While I really enjoyed Honor’s character, Hancock was a miss for me. I got annoyed when he kept going on and on about the ‘greater good’ and trying to reason with himself that what he was doing to Honor would be worth it. Honor was the main reason I was able to keep reading, though the repetition of everything got old fast. I found myself skimming chunks of the book to get to the dialogue, because all the unnecessary details were just too boring.

I really wish this book could’ve been shortened, because I did enjoy the action and suspense. I liked the way the romance played out, that it wasn’t too rushed or too fast. Darkest Before Dawn was mainly an okay read – I wish I could’ve loved it more, but it was just too wordy for my taste.

Reading Order: KGI series

#1 ~ The Darkest Hour: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ No Place to Run: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Hidden Away: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Whispers in the Dark: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Echoes at Dawn: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5.5 ~ Softly at Sunrise: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Shades of Gray: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Forged in Steel: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ After the Storm: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ When Day Breaks: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Darkest Before Dawn: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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26Oct2015

Early Review: Childstar 1 by J.J. McAvoy

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Childstar 1 by J.J. McAvoy
Series: Childstar #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 27th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Amelia London is America’s sweetheart. Noah Sloan is America’s bad boy. Both are former child stars and once were lovers. When they are cast as the leads in the upcoming erotic suspense blockbuster—Sinners Like Us—they are forced to come to terms with the issues that tore them apart to begin with.

As the whole world watches, can they keep their secrets hidden? After all, everybody is a sinner…

Even after all of these years, Amelia London was still my kryptonite, and she still didn’t know it.

Oooh!!!! This celebrity second chance romance was fantastic!! Childstar 1 is the first in a three-part serial, and I NEED the next part now! Not because of the cliffie (though there is one), but because I am just so intrigued by the characters and so addicted to the story. I love second chance romances, so this seemed right up my alley, and I wasn’t disappointed. Childstar 1 is a flat-out entertaining, addicting read about former child star lovers that I highly recommend.

Former child stars Noah Sloan and Amelia London were once in love as teenagers, until Noah broke and tore apart their hearts. Now, ten years later, both of them are trying to salvage their careers. Getting out of rehab, bad boy Noah doesn’t have many prospective roles, and Amelia is still known as a child star and as America’s ‘good girl’. The only way to jumpstart their careers is to star in Sinners Like Us, an upcoming erotic suspense blockbuster that’s based on a book with a huge fanbase.

Ever since their painful breakup, Amelia has hated Noah, and Noah has cultivated his bad boy, manwhore persona to perfection. The two of them do NOT get along, but they have to for the sake of the movie and careers. But of course, the wicked-hot chemistry between them that they had as teenagers has never gone away… and neither has their feelings for each other.

What were we now? I had no idea.
Would he hurt me? Most likely.
Would I still love him anyway? Yes.
Should I? No.

Sometimes when I read serials, I’m unsatisfied with the individual parts, because I just wanted more, you know? But Childstar 1 is a completely satisfying read – it has a beginning, middle, and end, the pacing is spot-on, there’s character development… it’s a solid first installment in a serial I know I’ll come to wholeheartedly love. Honestly, the second I picked Childstar 1 up, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve become completely invested in Noah and Amelia’s story – their characters have such great potential, and the author got me addicted to their HOT tension and Hollywood life! I really loved the Hollywood aspect of the story – the author’s writing had me fully immersed in the production of Sinners Like Us. Also, there IS a cliffhanger, but the twist at the end kind of came out of nowhere, so I didn’t really know what to make of it. It was probably the only thing I didn’t like about the book, but otherwise I have no complaints. This first part of Childstar is one you definitely need to pick up.

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

Reading Order: Childstar series

#1 ~ Childstar 1: Ebook • Goodreads (Oct. 27, 2015)
#2 ~ Childstar 2: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 10, 2015)
#3 ~ Childstar 3: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 17, 2015)

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26Oct2015

Release Day Review: Playing with Fire by Alison Bliss

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Playing with Fire by Alison Bliss
Series: Tangled in Texas #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 26th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Nothing ignites a fire like the perfect match…

Anna Weber is every inch the proper librarian–old-fashioned, conservatively dressed right down to her tightly clipped flaming red hair. She’s just moved to a small Texas town, and is determined to spend time with her friend before she has to disappear. Relationships aren’t easy for her. She knows too well what it means to be burned. And the last thing she ever wants to do is fall in love…

Especially not with a fireman who’s hot enough to set the entire state of Texas on fire.

Cowboy can’t resist the fiery little librarian, and he’s determined to make her his. Beneath that prim-and-proper exterior is a woman he very much wants to know–if she’d let him. She’ll test his patience. His control. Hell, his very sanity. And for the first time, Cowboy wonders if he’s found the one fire he can’t control…

This is actually my first Alison Bliss book, but as entertaining as her writing is, it won’t be my last. Playing with Fire is a hilarious, fun, wild read that I really enjoyed. I didn’t completely love it, since some parts of the book aggravated me, but it’s still an entertaining read nonetheless. If you’re a fan of humorous reads with a lovable characters and an intriguing storyline, I’d recommend this one.

The blurb first intrigued me, because the town manwhore falling for the shy librarian? Yes, please! I couldn’t WAIT to see how this librarian would bring the playboy to his knees. And ahhh, what a fun read this was. I really liked how Cowboy, fireman and most eligible bachelor, was so taken away by the sweet and quiet Anna. They are complete opposites and so not meant for each other, but their hot chemistry says otherwise. I loved how the author was able to incorporate both sexiness AND humor into Anna and Cowboy’s growing relationship.

I straightened my spine and took on a chastising tone. “Doesn’t matter. Someone has to teach you proper etiquette.”
“Oh, fuck me,” Cowboy groaned, shifting the bulge in his crotch and shaking his head. “I can’t believe I’m getting all hot and bothered for a woman who acts like an old-fashioned schoolmarm.”

I did get frustrated at how both Anna and Cowboy would always somehow get mad at each other and run away from their problems. Cowboy has the occasional mantrum, which took away from his alpha-ness, but I still liked him in the end. Anna is definitely my favorite of the two – she’s shy, awkward, self-conscious… she’s relatable. I was heartbroken over her tragic past, but she has a strength that she uses to go head-to-head with Cowboy. The two of them have such hilarious banter! I laughed so much while reading.

The romance is so sweet. I wanted to see Cowboy fight just a liiittle bit more for Anna, but the grand gesture at the end totally made up for everything. This former player definitely, to everyone’s amusement, falls head-over-heels for the town librarian, and I loved that once Cowboy saw Anna, there was no one else for him.

“Okay, so maybe I’ve come on a little strong. But when it comes to you, I can’t help myself. I’ve never met anyone like you. You challenge me in ways no other woman ever has.” He lessened the strength of his hold on me. “I want you to give this thing between us a chance.”

I really liked this book. It wasn’t perfect, but I was entertained the whole time I was reading. There’s a little bit of suspense thrown in too, with someone setting things on fire in town. Overall, Playing with Fire is a great read with tons of laugh-out-loud moments and an opposites-attract romance. I really hope that there will be more in the series!

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

Reading Order: Tangled in Texas series

#1 ~ Rules of Protection: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Playing with Fire: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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23Oct2015

Early Review: Surviving Ice by K.A. Tucker

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Surviving Ice by K.A. Tucker
Series: Burying Water #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 27th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The USA TODAY bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths series and Burying Water—which Kirkus Reviews called “a sexy, romantic, gangster-tinged page-turner”—returns with a new novel packed with romance, plot twists, and psychological suspense.

Ivy Lee, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have finally found it working in her uncle’s tattoo shop in San Francisco. But all that changes when a robbery turns deadly, compelling her to pack up her things yet again.

When they need the best, they call him. That’s why Sebastian Riker is back in California, cleaning up the mess made after a tattoo shop owner with a penchant for blackmail got himself shot. But it’s impossible to get the answers he needs from a dead body, leaving him to look elsewhere. Namely, to the twenty-something-year-old niece who believes this was a random attack. Who needs to keep believing that until Sebastian finds what he’s searching for.

Ivy has one foot out of San Francisco when a chance encounter with a stranger stalls her departure. She’s always been drawn to intense men, so it’s no wonder that she now finds a reason to stay after all, quickly intoxicated by his dark smile, his intimidating strength, and his quiet control.

That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter was no accident—and that their attraction could be her undoing.

I’m such a big fan of K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water series, because each book I’ve read I have enjoyed so much. Surviving Ice is another solid, entertaining addition to the series – I think it might be my new favorite! I highly enjoyed Ivy and Sebastian characters, who are much different than the series’ previous characters. They are unique and refreshing, and I was addicted to their story from the start. Fans of the series won’t want to miss this intense, romantic tale between an edgy tattoo artist and a former Navy SEAL with a secret.

Ivy is a nomad at heart, never able to settle in one place for long. But for now, she’s in San Francisco, where her beloved uncle lives with his tattoo shop. She’s actually thinking about staying in SF for longer than the norm, until her uncle gets murdered – and she’s the only witness. In between having to deal with her grief and the tattoo shop that now belongs to her, she unknowingly becomes a target to a dangerous organization who wants to take her out.

I would become a reaper of sorts, delivering an end to those who needed it.
Without medals, without fanfare, but with quiet honor.

I kind of dig books whose main character is hiding his/her identity, and in the case of Surviving Ice, Sebastian – also known as Ice – is hiding one hell of an identity. A former SEAL and a mercenary, Sebastian has incredible skills he uses on targets when his employer sends him off on a mission. And his next mission is to find a missing tape that could incriminate his employer, and the only connection to that tape goes by the name of Ivy Lee.

I honestly couldn’t put this book down. K.A. Tucker has a way with words that kept me hooked onto each page. She’s created incredible characters in Ivy and Sebastian, who couldn’t be more perfect together. Ivy is a sassy, strong, badass chick I admired. Sebastian is the calm and quiet kind of hero, though his character is tinged with mystery and danger. I loved how the two of them form a connection through a seven-hour long tattoo session, despite the fact that Sebastian enters Ivy’s life with a false identity. Ivy is supposed to be Sebastian’s target, but what happens when he starts falling for her, and vice versa?

Who are you, really, Sebastian?
Besides the stranger who strolled in and seized my heart?

The romance between Ivy and Sebastian developed so naturally, I applaud the author for being able to make me root for them despite the lies. And I loved how K.A. Tucker was able to weave the suspense perfectly well within the romance. The suspense is heart-pounding and nail-biting, with enough action throughout the book to keep me satisfied and never bored.

A seamless mix of romance and suspense, Surviving Ice is a brilliant NA novel not to be missed.

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

Reading Order: Burying Water series

#1 ~ Burying Water: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Becoming Rain: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Chasing River: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Surviving Ice: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads (Oct. 27, 2015)

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20Oct2015

Release Day Review: The Billionaire Takes a Bride by Jessica Clare

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Billionaire Takes a Bride by Jessica Clare
Series: Billionaires and Bridesmaids #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 20th 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A lie turns to love in the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Taming of the Billionaire.

Billionaire Sebastian Cabral loves his family, he just doesn’t love their reality TV show, The Cabral Empire. So when his ex-girlfriend tries to rekindle their relationship on camera, Sebastian decides that drastic measures are in order.

By day, Chelsea Hall is a happy-go-lucky, rough and tumble roller derby skater. By night, she’s still living in fear of her past. Most of all, she just doesn’t want to be alone. And she really, really doesn’t want to date.

So when their mutual friends’ upcoming wedding turns Chelsea and Sebastian into fast friends, they realize they can solve both of their problems with one life-changing lie: a quick trip down the aisle.

But with one kiss, Chelsea and Sebastian suddenly realize that their pretend relationship is more real than either of them expected….

Jessica Clare’s billionaire reads are with a doubt always auto-buy books for me, because she just never disappoints! She has such a talent for writing entertaining books – she takes these tropes and spins them in a unique, fun, and sexy way… I love them! The Billionaire Takes a Bride is Jessica Clare’s newest billionaire release, and is an utterly enjoyable, hilarious, heartwarming read. It’s a little different than her previous billionaire books, but it’s a book that surprised me in the best way. I think fans of the author will wholeheartedly enjoy it – I know I did.

The next couple in Gretchen (GOD I LOVE GRETCHEN) and Hunter’s wedding party to fall in love are Sebastian and Chelsea, two people from totally different worlds who find a connection with one another and become fast friends. Sebastian has a family that is completely over-the-top. The Cabral Empire is a reality TV show about his family, which he wants nothing to do with. Add in an ex-girlfriend who wants screen-time by trying to get back with Sebastian, and he’s had it with all the fake people in his life. Chelsea is a roller derby skater – how cool is that!? When she puts on her derby skates and uniform, she’s this kickass, fierce woman, but when she’s out of them, she’s very much still living in her past, terrified. With Sebastian though, her fears aren’t as strong – and the two of them concoct a plan to marry one another so they don’t have to deal with their problems. The marriage is supposed to be temporary, but what happens when real feelings for each other start to come up?

Chelsea Hall was now his to protect. He wouldn’t fail her. It was clear that someone had failed her in the past.
Never again.

I adored Chelsea and Sebastian. Chelsea is unlike any other heroine of Jessica Clare’s – she’s split between her strong, derby self and her more fragile, vulnerable self, but with Sebastian, she realizes she can be both. She’s a wonderful heroine who had me both laughing at her wittiness and hurting for her past. Sebastian is really just perfect for Chelsea. He’s patient, considerate, funny, and not to mention, gorgeous… I loved him so much. The way he grows to care so much for Chelsea had my heart swooning, and I just loved how determined he is to show her that their marriage doesn’t have to be temporary at all.

“You are my family, Chelsea. Don’t you get that? I love you with all of my heart and soul. If you’re not in my life, I have nothing. I don’t care if you’re the woman you think I need, but you’re the woman I want. I love you and adore you, and every minute without you is worthless.”

What I absolutely appreciated was how Jessica Clare was adamant in her story that Sebastian is not the cure to Chelsea’s problem. She’s the kind of heroine who finds the strength within herself to not let the past drown her, and for that I admire her so much. The love and support from Sebastian, though, definitely helped a long way.

Overall, The Billionaire Takes a Bride was a joy to read. A little slow sometimes, but a great read nonetheless. Jessica Clare always writes the best stories, with incredible characters, humor, and heart. If you plan on reading this book (which you should), I’d say to have a little patience, because I promise Jessica Clare will deliver.

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

Reading Order: Billionaires and Bridesmaids series

#1 ~ The Billionaire and the Virgin: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Taming of the Billionaire: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Billionaire Takes a Bride: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ The Billionaire’s Favorite Mistake: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Billionaire on the Loose: Ebook • Goodreads (Sept. 20, 2016)

The Billionaires and Bridesmaids series is a spinoff series of the Billionaire Boys Club. Though it’s not necessary to read it prior to Billionaires and Bridesmaids, some recurring characters from the older series appear in the new series.

Reading Order: Billionaire Boys Club series

#1 ~ Stranded with a Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Beauty and the Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Wrong Billionaire’s Bed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Once Upon a Billionaire: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Romancing the Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ One Night with a Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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