Tag Archives: Berkley

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

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The Billionaire Takes a Bride by Jessica Clare

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.

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Billionaires and Bridesmaids series

The Billionaire and the Virgin by Jessica Clare The Taming of the Billionaire by Jessica Clare The Billionaire Takes a Bride by Jessica Clare The Billionaire's Favorite Mistake by Jessica Clare

#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

Stranded with a Billionaire by Jessica Clare Beauty and the Billionaire by Jessica Clare The Wrong Billionaire's Bed by Jessica Clare
Once Upon a Billionaire by Jessica Clare Romancing the Billionaire by Jessica Clare One Night with a Billionaire by Jessica Clare

#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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ARC Review: Softer than Steel by Jessica Topper

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Softer Than Steel by Jessica Topper

Softer than Steel by Jessica Topper
Series: Love & Steel #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 15th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

From the author of Deeper than Dreams and the Much “I Do” About Nothing novels, a story that proves that you have to find yourself before you can find love…

As rock star “Riff Rotten”, Rick Rottenberg has enjoyed all the perks that fame can offer, especially now that he’s reunited with his former band mate, Adrian “Digger” Graves. But despite his success, Rick is a mess. Still reeling from the death of his wife years ago and terrified his demons will end his career, he agrees to seek help for his anxiety.

Burned by a musician in the past, Sidra Sullivan has closed her heart to love. So when Rick walks into her yoga studio, she wants nothing to do with him–until the bad boy shows an unexpected soft side.

As Sidra and Rick work through their painful pasts, they realize just how strongly opposites can attract. But when a crisis threatens the delicate balance they’ve forged, they’ll discover if their love is strong enough to weather another storm or just too broken to survive…

I went into Softer than Steel without having read the first book, Louder than Love, and enjoyed it very much. It was nothing like the other rock star romances I’d read, and I actually appreciated that. The rock stars in this series aren’t twenty-somethings making it big – rather, they’re mature British rock gods in their forties making a comeback. Softer than Steel is definitely a different kind of read, and its uniqueness is refreshing. The more I think about this book, the more I come to like it.

Father.
Widower.
Rocker.
Empty nester.
His dark brows lifted at that preposterous thought. How could that be?

Rick Rottenberg is on tour with his band Corroded Corpse, reunited with his best friend, and should be having the time of his life, but the pressure is getting to him. He’s still grieving the death of his wife fourteen years ago, and add in the stress of being on tour, making a new album, disagreements with management and his bandmates, and constant anxiety attacks, his head is a mess. When he comes across the chance to take yoga to destress, he agrees and finally begins his journey of letting go his grief, remorse, and pain.

Sidra and her yoga teachings had helped him immensely. But this was way beyond her throwing him the life preserver, and he knew he would defend his feelings until the ship went down and he sucked his very last breath of air.
This was transcendence.

Sidra Sullivan is a half Irish, half Indian yoga instructor who’s sworn off all musicians after catching her musician ex-boyfriend cheating on her with a bandmate. When a new English student starts taking one of her yoga classes, she’s intrigued by him, but when she finds out that he’s a rock star, she’s not exactly jumping at the prospect of a relationship. Nonetheless, Rick slowly breaks down her walls as the two get to know one another – they click so well that it’s hard for her to resist this sweet, adoring man.

I really adored Rick and Sidra. These two have great chemistry together, and they also understand each other so well. The way they fall in love will definitely put a smile on your face. The romance is heartwarming and sweet – but it’s also very, very slow, so you need a lot of patience when you read this book. It’s not until about halfway through Softer than Steel that the romance really takes off. But once you get to that point, it’s so worth the wait – this is an incredible romance about letting down the walls around your heart and letting love in again.

They managed to soften the steel they’d both girded themselves with, systematically, for so long, and stepped into the process of letting themselves be vulnerable. It was okay to be vulnerable sometimes. It was strangely liberating, and powerful.

The author put a lot of detail into this story, from the rock star world to yoga, from Sidra’s half-Irish, half-Indian culture to Rick’s Jewish heritage. This book is well-researched, well-written, and overall just a joy to read. I will definitely need to go back and read the first book, Louder than Love. If you’re looking for a unique romance that pull at your heart-strings, and you have a lot of patience, I would definitely recommend you give Softer than Steel a try.

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Love & Steel series

  Softer Than Steel by Jessica Topper

#1 ~ Louder than Love: Ebook • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Deeper than Dreams: Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Softer than Steel: Ebook • Goodreads

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Early Review: Falling for Danger by Chanel Cleeton

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Falling for Danger by Chanel Cleeton

Falling for Danger by Chanel Cleeton
Series: Capital Confessions #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 15th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The author of Flirting with Scandal presents her third book in a sexy contemporary romance series about three sisters in a powerful political family, the scandals that threaten to destroy them, and the passion that drives them…

Kate Reynolds has just graduated from college and is determined to make it on her own. Her job as a junior political analyst at the CIA is a dream come true and the perfect opportunity to find answers about the night that’s plagued her for four years—the night she lost her fiancé, Matt, on a Special Forces mission in Afghanistan. Kate’s consumed with uncovering the truth and avenging the man she loved and lost, even if it means risking her own life to prove that his death wasn’t an accident.

When she gets too close to discovering what happened that fateful night and danger arrives on her doorstep, Kate’s stunned by the man who comes to her rescue. Together, they begin to dig for the truth, fighting to stay alive as they’re dragged down into a world of secrets and lies. But when the threat hits close to home, Kate must choose between vengeance and a future with the man who’s ignited a fire inside her that she thought died long ago.

I was really looking forward to reading Falling for Danger after reading the snippet at the end of Playing with Trouble. The heroine’s supposedly dead fiancé turns out to be alive! And he’s back in her life! How could I NOT read it after finding that out? But the romance didn’t quite pan out the way I expected it to. While I enjoyed Falling for Danger, it wasn’t quite the epic conclusion to the series I was hoping for.

He’d promised me that he’d love me forever. Where did forever go?

Kate Reynolds is on a mission to take her father down. She’s determined to expose her father for the fraud that he is, and to uncover the link between him and the reason why her fiancé, Matt, was suspiciously killed while in Afghanistan. In the four years since Matt’s death, her life has become about avenging her lost love, and there’s nothing that will stand in her way. But one night, someone breaks into her home, and she comes face-to-face with last person on earth she expected: her dead fiancé.

I really liked how determined Kate was. I could feel for her and the pain she went through with losing Matt. She’s a girl hell-bent on revenge, and I couldn’t help but admire that. She’s also never stopped loving Matt, so when he appears, she’s struck by all the feelings that come rushing back in. But four years took their toll on Matt, and he’s not the same boy she knew and loved.

She was the one constant in this never-ending purgatory where I was stuck somewhere between life and death, a walking ghost.

Matt has changed a lot over the years, no longer the carefree boy in love with his best friend. His time in Afghanistan was rough and heartbreaking, but he survived, only to hide away from the people he loved the most. Matt is pretty gruff, dark, and intense… but I struggled to like him. He’s the main reason why I didn’t love this book like I wanted to. I guess I just never really understood why he had to stay away from Kate, if he loved her so much. We never really get an explanation – or rather, Matt never gives Kate an explanation for why he faked his death and what he did over the last four years. Kate was hurt and devastated over his ‘death’, and it would’ve been nice if Matt tried to make up for the hurt. And while it was obvious that Kate still loved Matt, I didn’t feel the love Matt still had for Kate. I needed more from Matt, I really did.

The suspense in Falling for Danger was pretty mellow. It was slow in the middle and then rushed at the end, so I didn’t really become invested in the mystery/suspense. The ending wasn’t as dramatic as I’d hoped, but it was still a good end for all the characters.

I wish I could’ve loved this book more. I had such high hopes based on the premise, but since I didn’t like the hero, I couldn’t fully enjoy the story. If you’re a fan of the series, I’d recommend you read this if you want to know how the series plot-line involving the Kate’s father turns out. Hopefully you’ll love more than I did! Not to say Falling for Danger is a bad book – it just wasn’t as good as I hoped.

3 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Capital Confessions series

Flirting with Scandal by Chanel Cleeton Playing with Trouble by Chanel Cleeton Falling for Danger by Chanel Cleeton

#1 ~ Flirting with Scandal: Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Playing with Trouble: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Falling for Danger: Ebook • Goodreads (Sept. 15, 2015)

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Review: Archangel’s Enigma by Nalini Singh

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Archangel's Enigma by Nalini Singh

Archangel’s Enigma by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #8 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 1st 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Naasir is the most feral of the powerful group of vampires and angels known as the Seven, his loyalty pledged to the Archangel Raphael. When rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients, Naasir is dispatched to find him. For only he possesses the tracking skills required—those more common to predatory animals than to man.

Enlisted to accompany Naasir, Andromeda, a young angelic scholar with dangerous secrets, is fascinated by his nature—at once playful and brilliant, sensual and brutal. As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it’s too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows…and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his world. But first they must survive an enemy vicious enough to shatter the greatest taboo of the angelic race and plunge the world into a screaming nightmare…

Oh. My. God. I loved Archangel’s Enigma. I simply loved it. Nalini Singh completely blew me away with Naasir and Andromeda’s book – I had high expectations, of course, since I adore the Guild Hunter series, but I got so much more than I hoped with this book. Archangel’s Enigma is a captivating, sensual, heart-pounding, unputdownable read that fans of the series do NOT want to miss.

There’s a reason why I will always drop everything I’m doing in order to read a new Nalini Singh book the day it releases. She’s one of the BEST authors I’ve ever read, able to create such rich paranormal worlds full of depth and emotion. I FEEL so much when I read her books, and that’s why, even at book eight, I have yet to put down the Guild Hunter series (you don’t even want to get me started on the Psy-Changeling series and my love for it). After reading the previous book, I had SUCH high expectations for Naasir’s book, and Nalini Singh didn’t let me down – it’s now become my favorite of the series so far.

Seven months Naasir had been hunting. Seven months since he’d told Ashwini he was ready to find a mate. Seven months and still his mate hadn’t made herself known to him. Didn’t she know he was looking for her?

Naasir is on the hunt for his mate – he’s seen some of the other members of Raphael’s Seven fall, and now he’s ready to find the woman who’ll love him, accept him for what he is, and stand by his side forever. I loved how determined Naasir was to find his mate – my heart could not stop SWOONING at the amount of effort he made to find her, and to keep her. I was also wonderfully and pleasantly surprised by how sweet and adorable Naasir was… I never thought I’d love a character as much as I do Kaleb from Heart of Obsidian but… I think Naasir might give Kaleb a run for his money. Like, WOW, right!? That’s how amazing Naasir is.

One of my favorite quotes that shows how wonderful Naasir is:

He hoped his mate wasn’t someone who liked the cold and wanted to live in snow without heat to offset the natural temperature. That would be terrible. He’d have to persuade her to move to an in-between climate that was cold but not subzero, but if she didn’t want to come, he’d stay. Of course he’d stay.
If he could ever find her.

Andromeda is an angelic scholar who’s been tasked with finding the place where an Ancient archangel, Alexander, Sleeps. Of course, she’s partnered up with none other than the wild, sensual, beautiful Naasir, who threatens her vow of celibacy like no other. I loved Andromeda as much as I loved Naasir. She’s an incredible heroine with a huge heart, but can be tough when she needs to be. She’s a highly intelligent scholar, but she’s also a fierce warrior who’s learned to protect herself. Her character amazed me, and I kind of fell a little in love with her too.

As these two characters race to find their way to Alexander before the enemy gets to him, Naasir navigates the ways of courtship with Andromeda. Women have always flocked to him, but now Naasir is determined to win the heart of his mate who will finally see him and accept him for all that he is. I love Naasir and Andromeda independently, but together, they are something extraordinary. We get to see them together a LOT, which made my heart so happy I couldn’t stop smiling.

“If you’re mine, you’re mine. And I’m yours. Today, tomorrow, always.”

MY HEAARRRTT.

This is without a doubt my absolute FAVORITE Guild Hunter book so far. It’s a phenomenal book that truly took my breath away. The romance is one of the best I’ve read from Nalini Singh, and the action was written well enough to be heart-pounding without overshadowing Naasir and Andromeda. I loved this book from beginning to end, and I can’t wait for more from this series.

5 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: Guild Hunter series

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh Archangel's Legion by Nalini Singh
Archangel's Shadows by Nalini Singh Archangel's Enigma by Nalini Singh Angels' Flight by Nalini Singh

#1 ~ Angels’ Blood: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Archangel’s Kiss: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Archangel’s Consort: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Archangel’s Blade: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Archangel’s Storm: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Archangel’s Legion: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Archangel’s Shadows: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Archangel’s Enigma: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#0.4, #0.5, #0.6, #3.5 ~ Angels’ Flight: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Release Day Review: The Veil by Chloe Neill

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The Veil by Chloe Neill

The Veil by Chloe Neill
Series: Devil’s Isle #1
Publication Date: August 4th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil’s Isle.

Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused.

Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.

But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…

I’ve been a fan of Chloe Neill for a while, ever since I read and loved her Chicagoland Vampires series. So of course I was excited when I heard she’d be writing a new series called Devil’s Isle. The Veil is the first book in the series, and it was good for a first book. There’s a lot of world building and descriptions, unsurprisingly, but sadly, the book just didn’t wring that many emotions out of me. The premise is interesting and holds a lot of potential for future books, but The Veil just wasn’t the exciting read I’d been hoping for.

The Veil takes place in dystopian New Orleans, where the paranormal world and the human world collided and went to war seven years ago. Now, when The Veil that separated the two worlds was repaired, the paranormals that remained in New Orleans were sent to prison at Devil’s Isle. Magic and all paranormal activity is outlawed, though our heroine, Claire, is a Sensitive human with magic powers and does her best to avoid getting caught using magic.

Claire Connolly tries to keep a quiet life, surviving in this dystopian world and running her family’s shop, but she gets into trouble when she uses her magic out in the open to help out a woman in need. Liam Quinn, a bounty hunter, helps Claire out and also aids her in training her magic. He’s a man with secrets, but he and Claire become somewhat friends, despite the slight chemistry they have between them.

The romance is SUPER light in this book. It’s more a potential for a romance, and I’m hoping there will be more in the following books. The Veil centers around Claire honing her Sensitive powers so that she won’t turn into a wraith, a deadly, inhuman creature. There’s also an overarching, bigger plot that I’m sure we’ll see unravel more as we get the other books in the series.

I enjoyed The Veil for the most part. It’s a fairly good read, with well-developed characters and a highly detailed dystopian world. I liked how the author wrote the city of New Orleans in such a way that it felt like its own character. However, I struggled to connect with the story in some way – the main characters felt boring to me, and none of the action had my heart pumping. Plus, this is the type of book that leaves you with lots of questions and few answers. Still, I will most likely be reading the sequel because I love the idea of the story, and I feel this series has a lot of potential to become better as it progresses.

3 hearts
lacey

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