Early Review: Frozen by L.A. Casey

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Frozen by L.A. Casey
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: April 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

There’s one must-have toy this Christmas, and Neala Clarke has told her niece Charli she’ll get it for her. Never mind that she’s got less than a week and it looks like everywhere is sold out. She’s promised Charli a Fire Princess doll—and Neala is a woman of her word.

Darcy Hart is a people-pleaser. So when his adorable six-year-old nephew, Dustin, asks for a particular doll at the last minute, he says yes. Luckily for Darcy, there’s one left in stock at the local toy store. Unluckily for Darcy, he’s not the only person who wants it—and his rival is the one woman who’s immune to his charms.

Neala and Darcy have loved to hate each other since they were kids, and they’re both willing to do whatever it takes to get that doll. This can’t possibly end well for both of them…can it?

Frozen is a Christmas-themed standalone from L.A. Casey, and it’s a quick, humorous read for those who want to enjoy something light-hearted and fun. I didn’t particularly love it, but I can’t say it wasn’t entertaining. The antics Neala and Darcy get up to are hilarious – you definitely won’t be able to get through this book without cracking up a bit!

Neala and Darcy used to be childhood friends… until they weren’t. Now, fifteen years after they declared themselves enemies, these two are just as toxic and have never ceased their arguments. They have some wicked banter and lots of bickering, so much that sometimes their families, who are friends, become involved. This Christmas, Neala and Darcy are fighting over a toy that they want to give to their niece and nephew (respectively) – except there’s only one toy left in the store.

What ensues is a hilarious, over-the-top fight, basically a tug-of-war for the toy. It’s ridiculous and funny and seriously entertaining to read. Then, when Neala and Darcy are snowed in, they have to confront the feelings that that been brewing since they first met and are now finally being let out.

I didn’t care for Darcy much – he’s a clichéd player who messes up with Neala – but I adored Neala. I loved how she never gives in to Darcy and can hold her own against him. She’s strong and independent, and just a fantastic heroine. But put her and Darcy in the same room together, and it gets explosive between them, both verbally and physically.

Frozen is funny and over-the-top – it’s a great read to pass the time. This would be the perfect holiday read, so if you have the patience to wait a few more months to read this book, go for it!

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18Apr2016

Early Review: Over the Line by Lisa Desrochers

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Over the Line by Lisa Desrochers
Series: On the Run #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The USA Today bestselling author of Outside the Lines once again explores love on the edge in an explosive new romance about obsession, betrayal, and a killer attraction.

Lee Delgado never planned on falling in love with the irresistible Oliver Savoca, son of a Chicago crime lord. Considering that their families are rivals, she knew it could never work. And now that both their fathers have been nabbed on racketeering charges, any real chance at a future with the man she loves has been shot to hell. But a greater blow is yet to come.

Not only does Lee learn that a contract is out on her life, she has reason to believe that Oliver is behind the devastating betrayal. Now she’s working closely—very closely—with Federal Agent Sean Callahan to help bring her man down. But however she’s come to feel about Callahan, Lee is still deeply, hopelessly, unabashedly in love with Oliver.

Where that fearless love takes Lee next is beyond her control—but the risk is worth every beat of her heart.

I looove forbidden romances, and I’m a sucker for them especially when the mafia is involved. So Over the Line should’ve been the perfect read for me – and while I enjoyed it, even more than the first On the Run book, it still wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for. Nonetheless, if you love books with action, suspense, chemistry, and the mafia, I would definitely recommend this one. And if you liked Outside the Lines, this sequel will be perfect for you!

Over the Line picks up right where Outside the Lines left off, only this time it’s Lee’s story. If you haven’t read the first On the Run book, I highly recommend doing so before starting this one. Lee may be the second oldest Delgado sibling, but she’s been the caretaker of her family ever since their mother died years ago. Now, with their father/mafia leader in jail and the Delgado children living in Florida as part of the witness protection program, they’re just trying to lay low and move on with their lives. But Lee’s past catches up with her in the form of an ex and her star-crossed love – Oliver Savoca, the son of the man who killed her mother.

“I love you, Lee. I have for a long time. I knew it before you left, but . . . I’ve never been in love before. I didn’t get how fragile it was. I should have told you.” He rolls his head at the room. “All of this . . . everything I’ve done since you left was done with the single-minded goal of finding you.”

Oliver and Lee met in grad school, where they were partners for a class. They both had their own agendas against each other, but late nights and some hot chemistry led to something more, something they didn’t expect but treasured all the same. That was, until Lee betrayed Oliver – but now he’s back and here to collect. But try as they might to remain enemies and on opposite sides of a brewing war, the feelings they had when they fell for each other the first time come rushing back. Now, it’s a constant wonder of, Do they still love each other, or don’t they? Do they trust each other, or don’t they?

“You are the only real thing I have left.” His green eyes darken and his gaze cuts to the heart of me. “I’ve given up all the rest so I could have you. So don’t tell me this isn’t real, Lee. Nothing else is. Only this.”

If you have problems with OW/OM drama, this probably won’t be the best book for you, but I honestly had no problems with it, even though I’m not a fan of that sort of thing. This might have been because I wasn’t completely invested in the romance like I hoped I would be. I really wish we could’ve gotten more of Lee and Oliver when they first met and fell in love – it would’ve made their romance in the present more believable, since they’re mainly operating on lust when they meet again. But I do have to say that the chemistry between these two is ON FIRE. Over the Line was much, much hotter than the first book, which was a pleasant surprise. And Oliver is one seriously sexy alpha-male – I loved how sweet and protective he could be because of Lee!

Overall, Lee and Oliver’s story is a solid second installment to the On the Run series. I might not have loved it, but I enjoyed reading it all the same. It was entertaining, suspenseful, and crazy hot – and the writing is just as incredible as it was in the first book. I’m really hoping for Grant’s story next!

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

Reading Order: On the Run series

#1 ~ Outside the Lines: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Over the Line: Ebook • Goodreads

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18Apr2016

Release Day Review: Fate and Forever by Sophie Jackson

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Fate and Forever by Sophie Jackson
Series: A Pound of Flesh #2.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 18th 2016
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sophie Jackson’s award-winning Pound of Flesh novels reignite “that feeling of sneaking risqué books under the bedcovers with a flashlight” (RT Book Reviews)! Join her millions of online fans with this irresistible enovella that takes the intimate relationship between a gutsy prison tutor and her sexy bad-boy student to the ultimate level.

When tutor Kat Lane met her brooding, dangerously tempting student Wesley Carter behind bars, she never dreamed of the day she would be excitedly planning for their wedding. It won’t be long before they’re man and wife, and neither Kat nor Carter can wait. But as they settle into the joyful haze of nearly-newlywed bliss, all their friends seem to be one step ahead. Everywhere they turn, couples are becoming parents, and the longing in Kat’s eyes worries Carter. What if she gets baby fever…and he’s not so sure? Carter’s childhood was rough, and his father was no example for how to be an upstanding man—or a good parent. Can Carter create a happy, safe, supportive home for his future children with Kat—the life he never had growing up? He had better figure it out soon…because Kat just told him she needs to take a pregnancy test.

I adored Kat and Carter from A Pound of Flesh, so getting a little more of their story was fantastic. Fate and Forever is super short and sweet – if you loved A Pound of Flesh, you’re sure to love this glimpse into Kat and Carter’s future. We get to see their marriage and honeymoon… overall, this novella is just a great way to catch up not only with these two characters, but the others in the series as well.

Carter and Kat are in newlywed bliss… or are they? They’re having the time of their lives on their honeymoon, but one late period for Kat causes all sorts of confusion and misunderstanding. I love the way Sophie Jackson handled this aspect of the story. The little angst and tension between this newly married couple isn’t ideal, but it’s real and honest and emotional. I couldn’t put this novella down!

Sophie Jackson’s writing is just as wonderful as ever, as was reading again about Carter and Kat, Max and Grace, and even Riley, who will star in the third A Pound of Flesh novel. Fate and Forever is definitely a tease for Riley’s book, and it’s made me even more excited for A Measure of Love!

Reading Order: A Pound of Flesh series

#1 ~ A Pound of Flesh: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Love and Always: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ An Ounce of Hope: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Fate and Forever: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ A Measure of Love: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (June 21, 2016)

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13Apr2016

Review: Crow by A. Zavarelli

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Crow by A. Zavarelli
Series: Boston Underworld #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 10th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

An Irish mobster. A missing friend. Two loyalties, ripping me apart.

I had a plan.

Get in, get my information, and get out. Easy, right?

Turns out, infiltrating the Irish mafia isn’t exactly what I thought it would be. I just wanted a soldier. Someone I could flirt with to get me in the door.

That’s when Lachlan Crow noticed me. Problem was, he wasn’t a soldier. No, he was next in line for the throne of the Irish underworld. And he was determined to hate me from the outset. My sob story about needing a job? Yeah, he wasn’t buying that either.

Too bad for him, I won’t let anyone get in the way of my mission.

Who cares if we have some kind of crazy chemistry? He’s the worst kind of wrong- and I would never in a million years be with a guy like him.

Because they took her from me, and I’m going to make them pay.

I love mafia books!! I should really read more of them. It’d been a good while since the last time I read one, so when I was offered the chance to read Crow, I jumped at the chance. And I’m so glad I did – Crow is a sexy, thrilling, fun mafia romance with a strong heroine and a fantastic alpha hero. It’s not as dark as I’m used to with mafia books, so if you’re looking for a light but still intense mafia read, I highly recommend this one!

“I thought I told you I don’t play by the rules,” I argue.
“Ye’re mistaken,” he says. “Ye just walked into my world unbidden. So you will play by the rules, butterfly. You’ll be playing by all my rules.”

Mackenzie Wilder wants to know what happened to cause the disappearance of her best friend, Talia, and since the police aren’t helping her, she’s taking matters into her own hands. As the daughter of one of the most successful MMA fighters, and a fighter herself, Mack just might have what it takes to go undercover into the Irish and Russian mafia syndicates – but what happens when she starts to fall for an up-and-coming leader of one? Will she still be able to go through with her mission?

Lachlan Crow is next in line to become the leader of the Irish mafia, and he’s not about to let anyone threaten his chance to become king. He’s dangerous, seductive, and doesn’t trust easily. So even though there’s an instant and intense attraction between him and Mack, he’s not about to just let her into the underworld where he reigns. But soon enough, Mack breaks down the walls around his heart, and he wants to protect her and claim her for himself. He’s definitely an alpha hero, and he even has an Irish accent to boot. I’m not entirely sure how accurate all the Irish-related things in the book are, but nothing seemed too over the top, and I kind of adored the accent once I got used to reading it! Especially when Lachlan says some sweet things to Mack with that accent.

“I know ye’ve had to be tough all your life, sweetheart,” he says. “But ye don’t have to do that with me. I’ll protect ye, and on occasion boast because ye’re mine. That’s just the way it goes.”

We don’t get into too much detail about the Irish mafia, sadly. I would’ve loved more chapters in Lachlan’s POV so that aspect of the book could be fleshed out a little more, and I totally wouldn’t have minded reading more about his feelings for Mack. Crow is told mainly in Mack’s POV, so I was a little bummed out that the dual POV wasn’t as even as I expected, but since I really enjoyed Mack’s narrative, I didn’t mind too much. All in all, I really couldn’t put this book down. It’s full of action and chemistry, and the romance was sweet as it was sexy. The ending was adorably sweet and satisfying. I’m super excited for the next book now because of the couple starring in it!

Reading Order: Boston Underworld series

#1 ~ Crow: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Reaper: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads

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12Apr2016

Release Day Review: The Player by Kresley Cole

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Player by Kresley Cole
Series: The Game Maker #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 12th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole brings readers the third book of the erotic Game Maker Series, a searing tale of a man racked with dark desires and the beautiful young woman who could sate him at last.

A madman with a shadowed past . . .
In Las Vegas, Sin City, Dmitri Sevastyan finds her, Victoria Valentine—sexy, vulnerable, and in need of a protector. Obsession takes root deep inside him. Despite a history tainted with violation and betrayal, he will stop at nothing to possess her.

A grifter with nothing to lose . . .
Descended from a long line of con artists, twenty-four-year-old Victoria, a.k.a. Vice, needs the score of a lifetime to keep her loved ones safe. She sets her sights on gorgeous and rich Dmitri Sevastyan. Even as the irresistible Russian toys with her body and mind, he tempts her heart.

Love is the ultimate wild card.
When Vice and her associates maneuver Dmitri into a hasty Vegas wedding, he refuses to protect himself with a prenup, trusting her with all that he has. But can she trust him? As secrets unfold, the newlyweds share days of doubts and nights of the wickedest pleasures. Yet once Vice discovers her husband’s past, will she stay to fight for her marriage or cut her losses and run?

AHHHH!!!! I absolutely, whole-heartedly LOVED The Player!!! It’s already one of my favorite books that I’ve read so far this year. It’s sexy, it’s addicting, it’s romantic – if you were a fan of the previous Game Maker novel, you NEED to get your hands on this third and final book!

I have to admit, going into this, I wasn’t sure it would live up to The Master, which is one of my all-time favorite books ever. But I’d been dying for Dmitri’s book ever since meeting him in The Master, so I prayed to the book gods that The Player wouldn’t disappoint – instead, Kresley Cole blew. me. away. I honestly can’t choose between Maksim and Dmitri now – these two hot AF, powerful Russian men are my kryptonite. So, just saying, if you loved Maksim in The Master, you’re going to loooove Dmitri, because he’s basically his brother but twice the alpha-ness/possessiveness/obsessiveness. *grins*

“You know what? You’re not going to bench me. Because I’m gonna run game on the juiciest mark of them all—Dmitri Sevastyan.”

Victoria Valentine comes from a family of con artists – but a scam gone wrong has them all in debt and threatened with death if they don’t pay up. The Valentines have stepped up their con game, but it’s not easy to earn millions of dollars in such a short amount of time. So Victoria sets her sights on the gorgeous, intelligent, elusive billionaire Dmitri Sevastyan – but she has no idea what’s in store for her. He fires her up like no other, leaves her breathless and wanting more. But what happens when she actually starts to fall for her mark?

“Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center,” he said, his voice gone low. “The room is the world. You are the candle.”
A shaky breath escaped my lips. “How can you be so sure about me?”
He leveled his spellbinding gaze on my face. “When you’ve been in the dark as long as I have, moy ángel, there is no mistaking the light.”

Dmitri has his eyes on the prize as he sweeps Victoria off her feet in a whirlwind romance and some hot, dirty, kinky sex. He doesn’t just want her body – he wants her mind and soul too, and he’ll do anything to have it all. If you don’t like heroes who are utterly obsessed with their heroines, this book might not be for you. But if you DO like obsessed alpha heroes – Dmitri. is. your. man. He’s completely taken and captivated by Victoria from the moment he sees her, and he will honestly do anything for her. *Sigh* I adore Dmitri. The way he’s so possessive of and head over heels for Victoria melts my heart – and of the three Sevastyan brothers, I honestly think he’s the most obsessive, crazy, AND romantic of them all, and that’s saying something.

He pressed a kiss to my head, and inhaled the scent of my hair. “I believe when a man finds the one woman meant to be his, he associates her scent with happiness. In the deepest recesses of his brain, he thinks, This woman is where all happiness lies. She is my home. Every time he catches her scent, that link is reinforced.” Another kiss. “My happiness lies with you, Victoria. You are my home. It is because I’ve never experienced these feelings that I recognize them.”

If you loved The Master, The Player is a must-read! There’s a twist in this book I did NOT see coming, and I applaud Kresley Cole for taking me by surprise and for making me love the book even more because of it. If you’re worried about Victoria taking advantage of Dmitri, don’t be. I promise, by the end of the novel, you’ll have no complaints about anything having to do with the con. I also loved seeing the couples from the previous books in the series, especially Maksim and Lucía – it’s just so freaking amazing to see these three powerful Russian brothers completely whipped, in love, and happy with their women. KC did an incredible job with Dmitri and Victoria’s story – the romance was addictive, the sex was raw and intense, and the world of conning was intriguing and unlike anything I’d ever read. The Player was perfection – I loved everything about this book!

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

Reading Order: The Game Maker series

#1 ~ The Professional: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible (Part One, Two, Three) • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Master: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Player: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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Early Review: Frozen by L.A. Casey

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