Tag Archives: book review

ARC Review: Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: de Vincent #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 30th 2018
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers the unforgettable story of a woman whose new life has just begun—but may end in murder . . .

Julia Hughes has always played it safe until she learned a very painful lesson. Now Julia’s starting over with a job in the Louisiana bayou—and a scorching encounter with a stranger, only to discover he’s Lucian de Vincent . . . her new employer. The de Vincent brothers share a massive fortune and a dark reputation. Julia cares for their troubled sister, but a menacing presence in the mansion—and the ever-present temptation of Lucian—prove dangerously distracting.

Lucian’s grandmother claimed de Vincent men fall in love once—and hard. Apparently, it’s Lucian’s turn. Julia’s compassionate care of his twin makes Lucian want to lay himself bare. But some secrets are better for Julia not to know.

The recent “suicide” of Lucian’s father is the latest in a string of deaths on the estate. Someone is eliminating the de Vincents. And the best way to get to Lucian may be through Julia. . . .

I have yet to be disappointed by JLA – she’s a talented, versatile writer of various romance genres. Moonlight Sins is the first I’ve read of her romantic suspense novels and I have to say that I was incredibly impressed by the way she set up the story! Not only did I love the fantastic chemistry and romance between the main characters, but JLA kept me on my toes and guessing what would happen next. If you love a healthy dose of mystery and suspense with your romances, I highly recommend you give Moonlight Sins a try!

Julia Hughes is starting anew in the Louisiana bayou as a live-in nurse for a wealthy family. At her send-off party, she meets a guy she feels an intense connection with… but when arrives at the location of her new job, it turns out he’s none other than one of her employers and one of the de Vincents. The de Vincents are the American royalty of the South. They’re wealthy beyond measure and can have anything they could possibly want… but looks can be deceiving. Because inside the mansion they reside in lies a broken family with a dark, mysterious past and a curse that causes tragedy with each generation.

Despite being his employee, Julia can’t help but still want Lucian, the youngest of the de Vincent brothers. He is dark, dangerous, charming, and sexy as hell. He’s alpha to his core, which means he’s used to getting what he wants – and what he wants is Julia. He’s wanted her since the second he saw her and he’ll do anything to make her see that the spark between them is worth fighting for.

In between the hot chemistry and slow romance is the mystery and intrigue I’d been expecting in this romantic suspense. They mysterious “suicide” of the de Vincents’ father and the return of a long-lost sibling had me turning the pages to find out what really happened. JLA really amazed me with the way she was able to weave in the suspense seamlessly with the romance. I honestly couldn’t guess what would happen next!

Overall, Moonlight Sins is a fantastic start to what I know will be an incredible series. With a steamy romance, thrilling suspense, and a gripping mystery, this book had it all. I love Julia and Lucian, and am so intrigued by the two other de Vincent brothers. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!


lacey

Reading Order: de Vincent series

 

#1 ~ Moonlight Sins: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Moonlight Seduction: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (June 26, 2018)

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Release Day Review: Taming Him by Kennedy Fox

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by

Taming Him by Kennedy Fox
Series: Bishop Brothers #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 30th 2018
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review

Alex Bishop is your typical cowboy.
Charming, sexy, and wears a panty-melting smirk.

Working on the ranch helped build his solid eight-pack and smoking body. He’s every girl’s wet fantasy and he knows it too. Alex doesn’t follow the rules of your typical playboy bachelor. After wining and dining his dates and giving them the best night of their lives, he always sends flowers and calls the next day—even if it’s to say, let’s just be friends. His mama taught him manners after all and his southern blood knows how to be a gentleman. Still, that isn’t enough to tame the wildest of the Bishop brothers.

River Lancaster has finally met the man of her dreams. Too bad after six months of romantic bliss, she finds out he’s married. With a broken heart and blind rage, she books herself a ticket to Key West, Florida. Tired of cheaters and liars, she’s set on escaping to forget he ever existed. Who needs a man when there’s an all-you-can-drink margarita bar, anyway? That’s what she tells herself until she bumps into the right guy who can make all those bad memories disappear.

Even if it’s only temporarily.

Two weeks on the beach is what they both need. No strings attached, no expectations, no broken hearts. Too bad the universe has other plans—one that’ll change the entire course of their lives in just nine short months.

*A contemporary romance with a little Southern drama. Each book features a different Bishop brother and can be read as a complete standalone. HEA guaranteed!*
Not suitable for readers under 18 due to adult language and sexual content.

I’m a sucker for a good cowboy romance! I don’t read these as often as I want to, but when Kennedy Fox offers me a chance… I’m not going to say no. I ended up enjoying this first Bishop Brothers book – it’s light-hearted, uncomplicated (if a bit all over the place), and fun. There are cowboys and a no-strings-attached vacation fling… what could go wrong?

“Alex Bishop is your typical cowboy.” That would be accurate. He’s the youngest of the Bishop brothers and has lived, worked, and breathed his family’s farm for as long as he’s been alive. He’s also a playboy extraordinaire. So when he and his friend get the chance to go on an all-expenses paid vacation, he snaps up the chance. What he doesn’t expect is to meet a gorgeous pediatric nurse that, although they start off as no-strings-attached lovers, would steal his heart.

I’ll admit, when Alex was first introduced, I was not a fan. I’m not a fan of the manwhore hero but KF plays a little of the instalove factor when Alex and River meet, so I had no worries about Alex fooling around with random women. Alex grew on me even more when he showed River what he, his family, and his ranch were like. You could really feel that cowboy life and love coming through.

The main reason I can’t give this a higher rating is because of the surprise that’s not really a surprise that happens in the middle of the book. I felt it was a little contrived and honestly, handled a little too easily. I wanted a little more depth and emotion when it came to this part of the book, but the story kept feeling as fun and light-hearted as ever. That’s not to say that’s not a good thing, especially if that’s the kind of read you’re looking for. But for my tastes, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.

Overall, Taming Him is a promising start to KF’s new cowboy series. I enjoyed it for the most part, and am looking forward to the rest of the Bishop brothers’ books. I’m so excited to see these boys get knocked on their asses by love!


lacey

Reading Order: Bishop Brothers series

#1 ~ Taming Him: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Needing Him: Ebook • Goodreads (April 17, 2018)
#3 ~ Chasing Him: Goodreads (2018)
#4 ~ Keeping Him: Goodreads (2018)

Also by Kennedy Fox:

Reading Order: Checkmate Duet series

 
 
 

#1 ~ This is War (Travis & Viola #1): Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ This is Love (Travis & Viola #1): Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ This is Reckless (Drew & Courtney #2): My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ This is Effortless (Drew & Courtney #2): My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ This is Dangerous (Logan & Kayla #1): My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ This is Beautiful (Logan & Kayla #2): Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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ARC Review: Bad for You by J. Daniels

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by

Bad for You by J. Daniels
Series: Dirty Deeds #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 23rd 2018
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

He didn’t want to be bad. He just didn’t have a choice…

Shayla Perkins isn’t the kind of girl who makes the same mistake twice, especially when it comes to Sean “Stitch” Molina. So when he gives her the world’s biggest rejection, that’s it–she’s done. Until the sexy, silent, unavailable Sean makes Shay a very personal offer. Of course, it still doesn’t mean he’s interested in her. Or does it?

Sean has done things in life. Bad things. And he’s paid the price. All he wants now is to make up for his past by doing good in the present. And no one deserves more good than Shay. Beautiful on the inside and out, Shay is the kind of woman who should be cared for and protected–especially from a man like Sean. He’s tried to keep his feelings for her in check, but a single, reckless impulse pulls them closer than ever before.

Soon the two are sharing their biggest dreams and satisfying their deepest desires. But what will happen if the only way to truly give each other what they want most…is to let each other go?

I have been WAITING for Shayla and Sean’s book ever since they were introduced in the first Dirty Deeds novel. The anticipation for them seemed endless and torturous, because I knew when I read it, it would blow me away. And that’s exactly what it did when I got my hands on this ARC. Their story was absolutely breathtaking and heart-wrenching – my heart nearly couldn’t handle all the feels that were being dished out. I freaking adored Shayla and Stitch – these two are my new favorite couple of the series. Sean for sure is my new favorite hero (sorry, Trouble and Loser!). For all you new adult romance lovers who love a good emotional read that will twist up your insides, I highly recommend Bad for You.

Shayla Perkins swore that she wouldn’t give Sean Molina another chance after he rejected her and broke her heart. But after seeing time and again Sean acting on the kindness in his heart, despite his surly demeanor, she’s determined to mend fences between them and help him out with his personal troubles. She just can’t help the way her heart feels for him.

“You deserve love and kindness because you put out those things, Sean. You deserve to feel wanted. I want you. I want you so much. Let yourself feel that.”

Sean “Stitch” Molina grew up thinking he was nothing, that he was unworthy of anything and everything good – including Shayla. He has a past filled with heartache and pain, but Shayla makes him long for more than empty life he’s lived. She is the light that he never wanted to taint with his darkness, but this is a woman hell-bent on showing and giving him the love and happiness he doesn’t realize he deserves. I could feel Sean’s ache and longing for Shayla so clear through the pages – my heart broke for him over his past and his current struggles with accepting love into his life. When he finally learns to let love in with Shayla, it’s nothing short of beautiful.

“How the fuck can I have my family when the woman I love more than my own fuckin’ life isn’t with me? You wanna explain that?”

Sean and Shayla devastated me. Sean broke me, but Shayla healed me right alongside with him. J. Daniels did an incredible job with wringing out all the emotions in this novel. There were also so many unexpected, lovely things in this book that took me by surprise in the best way possible. We get to see a completely new side to Sean that is absolutely PRECIOUS. Honestly, you need to experience Shayla and Sean’s love story on your own – it’s one that will gut you and wreck you, but you will be glad for the experience. I simply loved it!


lacey

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

Reading Order: Dirty Deeds series

  

#1 ~ Four Letter Word: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hit the Spot: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Bad for You: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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ARC Review: Don’t Go by Alexa Riley

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Don’t Go by Alexa Riley
Series: For You #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 22nd 2018
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

CEO Henry Osbourne has only ever desired one woman—the one who got away. New York Times and #1 ebook bestselling author Alexa Riley returns with Don’t Go, a virgin-hero insta-love contemporary romance in the For You series

I’ve spent the past ten years convincing myself that what I felt for her was teenage infatuation. That love so consuming couldn’t be real. Then everything went to shit, and in an instant, she was gone.

Kory Summers knew returning to New York meant running into Henry. The way her heartbeat picked up at just the thought was nervousness—not anticipation. Oh, no. She never expected to find him on her doorstep looking as handsome as ever.

She’s mine. She always has been. I’ve waited this long for her…but time’s up. I’ll use all my power, all my connections, to convince her she’s the one.

Kory ran from a boy, but a man of power and persuasion now stands in his place.

You wouldn’t think that Alexa Riley could write a second chance romance, because what kind of AR hero would let go of his woman!? Luckily, AR pulled off this second chance romance as well as they do any other trope. I loved that we get Mallory and Oz’s son’s book (who were the main couple in Everything for Her) – and it’s just as smutty, angsty, and fun as I expected it to be. If you’re a fan of the author, you won’t want to miss this newest novella!

It’s been years and I haven’t gotten over her. The day she disappeared was the day I lost my soul. She took it with her, and I’ve never so much as glanced at another woman since. Why would I? I might have been young, and it might have not meant anything to her, but I’ve never felt anything like it since. I knew when I was eighteen that I’d met the love of my life, but she slipped through my fingers.

Henry and Kory felt a connection the instant they met in high school, and fell in love hard and fast. But a misunderstanding unfortunately caused them to break apart, and they haven’t seen each other for ten years. Henry has been aching for the love of his life and never once looked at another woman since. When he finds out that Kory is returning to New York, he knows he’ll do whatever it takes to get back into her life and heart.

Ahhh, sweet, young love. Don’t Go was everything I expected in an AR novella. It’s got the sweet, the smutty, and the virgin hero and heroine. What’s not to enjoy? For those in the mood for something quick, hot, and sweet, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!


lacey

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

Reading Order: For You series

  

#1 ~ Stay Close: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hold Tight: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Don’t Go: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads

Reading Order: For Him series

  

#1 ~ Everything for Her: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ His Alone: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Claimed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads (March 27, 2018)

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ARC Review: Keep Her Safe by K.A. Tucker

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Keep Her Safe by K.A. Tucker
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: January 23rd 2018
Links: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Making a Murderer meets Scandal in this story of police corruption, family secrets, and illicit affairs from bestselling author K.A. Tucker, celebrated for her “propulsive plot twists and searing seduction” (USA TODAY).

Noah Marshall has known a privileged and comfortable life thanks to his mother, the highly decorated chief of the Austin Police Department. But all that changes the night she reveals a skeleton that’s been rattling in her closet for years, and succumbs to the guilt of destroying an innocent family’s life. Reeling with grief, Noah is forced to carry the burden of this shocking secret.

Gracie Richards wasn’t born in a trailer park, but after fourteen years of learning how to survive in The Hollow, it’s all she knows anymore. At least here people don’t care that her dad was a corrupt Austin cop, murdered in a drug deal gone wrong. Here, she and her mother are just another family struggling to survive…until a man who clearly doesn’t belong shows up on her doorstep.

Despite their differences, Noah and Gracie are searching for answers to the same questions, and together, they set out to uncover the truth about the Austin Police Department’s dark and messy past. But the scandal that emerges is bigger than they bargained for, and goes far higher up than they ever imagined.

Complex, gritty, sexy, and thrilling, Keep Her Safe solidifies K.A. Tucker’s reputation as one of today’s most talented new voices in romantic suspense.

I’m a big fan of K.A. Tucker’s NA romantic suspense series, the Burying Water series, so when I heard she’d be writing more romantic suspense, I had to get my hands on it! I don’t normally read this genre, but I do for K.A. Tucker – and this latest novel of hers had me captivated and on the edge of my seat the whole read through.

As the son of the highly decorated chief of the Austin PD, Noah Marshall has lived a privileged life… until his world is turned upside down when his mother reveals pieces of a dark, guilty secret she’s kept for years, right before she kills herself. Noah is now burdened with this secret, and goes on to right his mother’s wrongs and get to the bottom of this mystery. He’s led to Gracie Richards’ doorstep, the daughter of a disgraced, supposedly corrupt cop. Up until that point, Gracie has lived a life opposite of Noah’s privileged one, but it turns out they share a history neither of them expected. The two embark on a journey to uncover the truth and unravel the mystery beneath the tragedy and lies of what happened fifteen years ago.

Keep Her Safe was unputdownable. The mystery and suspense had me glued to the pages, because I HAD to know what would happen next. I’m usually the type of reader who can guess what happens in a book, but all I can say about this one is that K.A. Tucker took me by surprise constantly. Noah and Gracie themselves were fantastic characters – I loved them and empathized with them. Though the suspense was the star of this show, their romance is definitely something to take note of. It’s slow but sweet, and it meshed perfectly well with the mystery and suspense. If you’re a fan of this genre or K.A. Tucker, I highly recommend you pick Keep Her Safe up!

4 hearts
lacey

Also by K.A. Tucker

If you love romantic suspense

Standalone

He Will Be My Ruin: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Reading Order: Burying Water series

Burying Water by K.A. Tucker Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker Chasing River by K.A. Tucker Surviving Ice by K.A. Tucker

#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: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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