Early Review: Bidding on the Billionaire by J.M. Stewart

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Bidding on the Billionaire by J.M. Stewart
Series: Seattle Bachelors #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: March 1st 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Online, any fantasy is possible. But when virtual lovers decide to meet in real life, the temperature rises-and so do the stakes.

Safety. Anonymity. Invisibility. Those are just a few advantages of Internet “dating.” Even better, as far as Hannah Miller is concerned, is the fact that she can shed all inhibitions without worrying about what he thinks of her figure or her face. “He” is bikerboy357, the man who knows what Hannah likes, and wants her-every night-as much as she wants him. When he asks to meet, Hannah hesitates. But the temptation is too strong. And after one look into his sultry green eyes, there’s no turning back.

Cade MacKenzie’s never met a woman who wasn’t blinded by his billion-dollar net worth, but “JustAGurl456” knows neither his face nor his name. Her words are so smart, sweet, and scorchingly sexy that Cade’s willing to gamble she’ll be just as amazing in person. And she is. But even as every delicious encounter makes Cade want Hannah more, what he wants most is her trust. It’s something all his money can’t buy. And now, Cade will do anything to earn it . . .

I’m a sucker for the occasional billionaire book, so when I read the blurb for Bidding on the Billionaire, I had to read it! Plus, the premise about online lovers sounded amazing, so I was totally on board for this book. Overall, this was pretty much a quick, fun, sexy read, and though I didn’t particularly LOVE it, it’s a good read to pass the time.

Hannah Miller and Cade MacKenzie have been anonymous online lovers for a few months now, and more and more each day they become deeply involved with each other, even though they still haven’t revealed their real names. Hannah is a shy bookstore owner and Cade is a workaholic billionaire. They couldn’t be more different, but one phone call leads to an in-person meeting, and the chemistry between them in real life is just as hot as it is online. So they decide to let themselves indulge in one another for two weeks only – but what happens when they start to fall for each other and they’re both too scarred from their pasts to commit to a relationship?

I had a lot of fun with this book. I didn’t connect with Hannah or Cade, but I enjoyed their characters nonetheless. They’re both good people, but the exes in their lives have left them too emotionally hurt to ever want to put their hearts on the line again. I liked the way these two fell for one another, albeit quickly, and how they soothed each others’ hurts and started to believe in love again. I’d definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for something quick and easy with a hot billionaire hero. 😉

Reading Order: Seattle Bachelors series

#1 ~ Bidding on the Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (March 1, 2016)
#2 ~ Winning the Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (June 14, 2016)

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23Feb2016

Release Day Review: The Power by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Power by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Titan #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 23rd 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

With any great change, there is always strife, and the Covenant University has become the frontline between pure-bloods who want the Breed Order reinstated and the half-bloods who want the right to control their own destinies.

Fate has other plans.

The violence is escalating and war between the races seems inevitable, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Hyperion may be out of commission, but Josie and Seth know they have only earned a reprieve. Seth must get Josie fully prepared, which means controlling her newfound abilities, and they need to find the other demigods before the Titans do.

But the gods are sensing a greater threat.

Only one thing is more dangerous than a bunch of starved Titans, and that’s an out-of-control Apollyon. The aether in Josie is drawing Seth in deeper, and when lust mixes with love and gives way to power, he knows being close to her is not only dangerous to her, but to everyone around them, but letting her go requires a level of selflessness that just isn’t Seth’s style.

The paths taken in the past are becoming the roads of the future.

Just as chaos breaks out, familiar faces from the past return, complicating the already strained bond between Josie and Seth, and when the danger from the Titans erupts with devastating consequences, the dark allure of power calls to Seth again, but this time Josie might not be able to pull him back.

And when the struggle between power and love becomes the deadliest battleground, there may be no salvation.

I’m seriously loving the Titan series so hard! Seth and Josie are quickly becoming some of my favorite main characters, and I just love being in the Covenant world. The Power is the second book in the Titan series, picking up where the first left off. It’s another heart-pounding, action-packed book with lots of sexy-times and swoons. If you loved The Return, you’ll want to get your hands on The Power asap!

Josie has been training hard with her new powers and building up her strength so she can find the other demigods and defeat the Titans, and Seth is with her every step of the way. But he’s battling his own demons all the while, trying to restrain himself from giving into his addiction and taking her aether. JLA does a fantastic job with the character development with Josie and Seth in The Power. Josie has grown in both physical and inner strength, and I’ve come to admire her character so much. Seth, while still that charming, cocky guy we all love, has matured and taken responsibility for his past actions and is trying to do right. And his growing feelings of love for Josie (because it’s so obvious he’s falling for her and vice versa) matures him in new ways and has him prioritizing her safety and protection above all else.

“You . . . you are truly a goddess,” he said, his hands sliding off my hips to my lower back. “Sometimes I’m not entirely convinced you’re real.”

GAH, I love Josie and Seth together!!! Their relationship has grown so much since they first met each other, and it still continues to grow throughout The Power. They’ve got a great dynamic between them – one moment they’re sassy as hell and making jokes with one another that crack me up, and the next, they’re being all intense and sensual. And holy hell, Seth is freaking HOT in this book. Wooh, JLA seriously turns up the heat when Seth and Josie move their relationship to the next level. I honestly couldn’t stop grinning at all the sexy-times – thank gods this series is New Adult!

“Every day I want you, Josie. I want everything about you. I see you and I want to get between those thighs and spend a lifetime there. I want to get so deep in you that you can’t tell where you end and I begin. I want to taste you and fuck you until I don’t know anything else. Constantly. I want more than that. Not going to lie. I want to hold you.”

If you were a fan of the Covenant series, just saying, you’ll want to read this book because two special someones are BACK! I was totally giddy when Alex and Aiden appeared, because I totally love their characters! They’re still exactly the same as they were in the Covenant series, and now they’re back to help out Josie and Seth with finding the demigods. But I have to say, as much as I love the former couple, Seth and Josie are what truly made me enjoy in this book, and I think I might even love the newer couple as much as the older one.

I couldn’t put this book down – there’s never a dull moment for Josie, Seth, and the gang. The banter, the action, the surprises, the romance, the steam, all of it combined made for such an entertaining read. The Power is another fantastic addition to a series I’m quickly coming to adore. But now… I’m dying to get my hands on the next book!

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

Reading Order: Titan series

#1 ~ The Return: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Power: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Struggle: Goodreads (2017)

The Titan series is a spinoff of the Covenant series, and though it’s not necessary to read the Covenant series beforehand, I highly recommend it to become familiar with the world and get to know Seth prior to how he is in the Titan series.

Reading Order: Covenant series

#0.5 ~ Daimon: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1 ~ Half-Blood: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Pure: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Deity: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Elixir: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Apollyon: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Sentinel: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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23Feb2016

Release Day Review: Target on Our Backs by J.M. Darhower

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Target on Our Backs by J.M. Darhower
Series: Monster in His Eyes #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 23rd 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

The best way to keep your word is never to give it.

Not long ago, in a chapel in Vegas, I swore to love Karissa for the rest of my days. But nobody’s promised an infinite number of tomorrows. Nobody’s promised forever. Sometimes, all we have left is today.

Carpe Diem.
Seize the day.

It should’ve been over, we should’ve been happy, but people are making it hard for me to live in peace. I’ve got so much blood on my hands they’ll never be clean, and somebody out there seems to want me to pay for it. Happily Ever After always comes at a cost, one any real man would be willing to pay. But that doesn’t mean I’m just going to roll over and accept these consequences.

Because when it comes to the woman I love? The life I’ve fought for?

Nobody is safe.

“Not sure how many times I have to tell you… I’m not a good man, Karissa, and try as I might, I probably never will be.”

J.M. Darhower writes romance and mafia stories like no other. The Monster in His Eyes series is my favorite series of hers – Naz and Karissa’s story is just so addicting, thrilling, sexy, and heart-pounding! Theirs is a story that I just can’t get enough of, so when I heard that they’d be getting a third and final book, I jumped for joy! Honestly, I thought the second book, Torture to Her Soul, ended perfectly, but J.M. Darhower proved me wrong. THIS ending in Target on Our Backs is the perfect one for Naz and Karissa. I’m so sad to have to say goodbye to them, but I couldn’t have hoped for a better heart-stopping conclusion that the one we get in this book. If you loved the first two books, you NEED to get your hands on Target on Our Backs!

He wants to be a better man to ease my guilt for loving someone like him.
A leopard doesn’t change its spots.
… You can dress a wolf up in sheep’s clothing, but the son of a bitch will still eat you alive if you let it.

After killing one of the mafia leaders of New York to protect the love of his life and now wife, Naz has a target on his back (heh). Someone’s gunning to take him out, and Karissa just might be a casualty in this new war. But just because Naz has left the mafia life doesn’t mean he’s forgotten how to protect those he loves – and he’ll do anything and everything to ensure Karissa is protected.

I’ve missed Naz and his dark, twisted mind. I don’t know how the author does it, but the way she writes Naz’s POV only makes me love him and his darkness more and more. He’s not a good man… but he’s not exactly an entirely bad one either. Karissa is the light in his life, and the love he has for her makes my heart swoon. And now that they’re husband and wife? My heart couldn’t be happier.

This man owns me. He consumes me. Every part of me was made for every part of him. It’s the kind of love I can’t imagine ever living without. It’s raw, and real, and it’s ours.
It’s ours.
It goes on forever.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a good mafia book, so this continuation of Naz and Karissa’s story came at just the right time. Target on Our Backs is told in alternating POV, and both Naz and Karissa’s POVs were absolutely amazing. The author’s writing is brilliant, as always, and reading this book reminded me of just how much I love her stories. I’m desperately hoping we don’t have to wait too long for her next book, because I’m already in need of another J.M. Darhower fix!

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

Reading Order: Monster in His Eyes series

#1 ~ Monster in His Eyes: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Torture to Her Soul: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Target on Our Backs: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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22Feb2016

Review: The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Titan #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 16th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

The Fates are cackling their bony asses off…

It’s been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they’ve given him have been violent and bloody–which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He’s got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet.

Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy’s deal might be, but it’s a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to puree. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of ancient myth is gunning for her.

But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.

Because history has once again been flipped to repeat.

First off, I have to say that I am SO happy Seth gets his own series. Not only because I love Seth, but also because the Covenant world is one of my favorites. I adored the Covenant series, so the fact that I don’t really have to say goodbye to it is just the best. The Return kicks off the Titan series, beginning a year after the ending of the Covenant series. You don’t necessarily need to read that series before starting The Return, but I highly recommend it. Alex and Aiden’s story is incredible, Seth is first introduced there, and you won’t be as lost in the world in The Return if you’re familiar with the Covenant series.

Seth, the Apollyon, is pretty much owned by the gods. He made a deal with them for someone he cared about, and in return, he’d be at the gods’ bidding. He has a new mission now, when Apollo sends him to protect the life of a demigod – the child of a god and mortal. But Josie’s innocence, strength, and beauty surprises him and he finds himself drawn to her in a way he’s never truly felt for anyone.

Josie Bethel’s life is turned completely inside-out and upside-down when she finds out she’s not exactly human. As a demigod, she has incredible power, but it’s bound until the moment it’s needed the most. I loved Josie. She’s thrust into a dangerous world where she has no ability to protect herself other than Seth, but she learns to fight. She has an inner strength I found admirable, but honestly, I just loved her heart and her little quirks. She’s also funny too, and not immune to Seth’s charms. The chemistry between them is HOT, and I freaking love that this series is New Adult, because we get plenty of sexy times between Josie and Seth.

“I cannot even begin to count how many lives I’ve ended with these hands. These hands, Josie.” Lifting them, I curved them over her knees. “The ones you want touching you.”

Seth has changed considerably in the year since the war. He’s guilty and remorseful about what he did in the past and has been trying to right his wrongs, trying to take responsibility, all the while feeling like he deserves every punishment he gets and doesn’t deserve anything good in his life anymore. I felt for Seth so much. I LOVED that we get his POV in addition to Josie’s in The Return – I connected with him so much better this way, and plus, he has some fantastically naughty thoughts that I found hilarious. His perspective gives a lot of insight to who he is and how he feels, and the fact that he’s been trying to do some good makes him, well, good in my eyes. And his growing feelings for Josie only makes him all the more lovable.

“Say it again. … Say that I’m not just the Apollyon,” he whispered, his voice harsh.
Tears built in my throat. “You’re not just the Apollyon, Seth.”
His eyes drifted shut, his face tensed as his fingers splayed across my cheeks. “I don’t even know who I am anymore. Or what I ever was.”
Oh goodness, that ripped right through my chest. “You’re just… you’re just Seth.”
A tremor moved through his arms. “And you… you’re just my salvation.”

There’s not too much action going on in The Return, but for a first book in a series, it’s an incredible start with lots of potential to become even better. There are some similarities between Alex and Aiden and Josie and Seth – Seth even mentions how it’s almost like history repeating itself. Nonetheless, I absolutely adored this new couple. It’s possible I might even grow to love them and the Titan series even more than the Covenant series, but who knows. I can’t wait to see what JLA has in store for Seth and Josie!

Reading Order: Titan series

#1 ~ The Return: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Power: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Struggle: Goodreads (2017)

Reading Order: Covenant series

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22Feb2016

Review: Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Covenant #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 2nd 2013
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

It’s a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

I’ve finally, FINALLY finished the Covenant series!!! I honestly don’t know why it took me this long to get to this final book – I read Apollyon over two years ago and I guess I just never kept going even with that awful cliffhanger. But I guess one good thing about waiting is that I have Seth’s series ready for me to read! Anyway, now that I have finished the Covenant series, I’m feeling so bittersweet. Jennifer L. Armentrout did an amazing job ending this brilliant series, but I’m still so sad to say goodbye to Alex and Aiden, who make up one of my favorite couples ever. Sentinel is fast-paced, action-packed, and never has a dull moment, but the highlight of the book is definitely Alex and Aiden’s relationship. They’ve been through so much, so it’s amazing to see how everything wraps up between them.

Our love had never been easy.
… He was my strength when I needed him to be, my friend when I needed someone to talk me down, my equal in a world where by law I would always be less than him, and honest to gods, he was the love of my life.
And he would wait forever for me, just as I would wait forever and a day for him.

I skimmed through the first four books before starting Sentinel, because I knew if I picked this final book up, I’d be just a teensy bit lost. Luckily, JLA is a fantastic writer, able to suck me into her Covenant world even after leaving it for over two years. Sentinel picks up right where Apollyon left off, after Alex’s terrible fight with Ares, which left her completely broken and near death’s door. But once she’s healed thanks to Apollo, she’s still not quite up to par, which isn’t good since the world is being torn apart by Ares, Lucian, and… Seth. It’s a race to the finish to see who will reach whom first – whether Ares will find a way to enslave mankind, or if Alex and the gang can manage to stop him and pretty much save the world.

What I love about this series (besides the amazing romance) is how humorous it is. No matter how dire things are, Alex and her friends manage to find a levity that lightens everyone up. As serious as the whole end-of-the-world thing going on is, Alex and the gang always make quips and jokes that have me laughing so hard. I love this balance in emotions that JLA handles so effortlessly.

Of course, now I get to talk about the romance! Alex and Aiden are just… perfect. They complement each other so well, even after the both of them have grown so much throughout the series. Alex has matured greatly, no longer that impulsive girl who seems to always get herself in trouble. Aiden is as swoon-worthy as ever, always believing in Alex and never being too overly alpha-male. These two just GET each other, support each other, love each other, and my heart easily fell for these two all over again in Sentinel.

“I love you.”
“Agapi mou, you are my everything.”

And oh gods, SETH!! I have to admit, I was Team Seth once upon a time back in Pure, so he’ll always have a piece of my heart, even though he’s turned a little power-hungry and is on the bad guys’ side. But if you’re a Seth fan (or even if you’re not), he’ll surprise you in this book. He’s made bad decisions, but he’s inherently a good guy, and I’m definitely excited to see how his story continues in his series!

The ending was something I… didn’t expect. I’m honestly still not quite sure how to feel about it, but the book overall was an epic ending to a series I adore. Sentinel isn’t my favorite of the series (I think it still might be Deity), but I’m so glad to have finally read it. I know I’d feel a lot worse leaving the Covenant world if there wasn’t the spinoff series, so I’m thanking the gods that JLA is giving us that!

Reading Order: Covenant series

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Tag Archives: book review

Early Review: Bidding on the Billionaire by J.M. Stewart

Reading Order: Seattle Bachelors series

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Release Day Review: The Power by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Reading Order: Titan series

Reading Order: Covenant series

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Release Day Review: Target on Our Backs by J.M. Darhower

Reading Order: Monster in His Eyes series

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Review: The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Reading Order: Titan series

Reading Order: Covenant series

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Review: Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Reading Order: Covenant series

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