Tag Archives: book review

Release Day Review: Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters
Series: Pure Corruption MC #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

“Some say the past is in the past. That vengeance will hurt both innocent and guilty. I never believed those lies. Once my lust for revenge is sated, I’ll say goodbye to hatred. I’ll find a new beginning.”

She came from a past Arthur “Kill” Killian never forgot. She made him sin and made him suffer. She tugged him from the shadows and showed him he wasn’t as dead as he thought. And with her resurrection came betrayal, deceit, and war.

But then they took her. Stole her. Imprisoned her.

Now Kill’s carefully laid plans for vengeance are complete. He craves action, retribution-the blood of his enemies. War has begun. War is all they’ll know until they’ve paid their penance. He will get her back-and rewrite their destiny . . .

I’d been dying to read Sin & Suffer ever since that cliffhanger in Ruin & Rule! I had pretty high expectations for this sequel, since I absolutely loved the first book and fell head over heels for Cleo and Arthur’s story. While Pepper Winters took me in a completely different direction than I expected with Sin & Suffer, I still really enjoyed it. There’s plenty of action, tons of steam, and the beautiful romance is as intense as ever. If you were a fan of Ruin & Rule, you definitely want to get your hands on Sin & Suffer to experience Cleo and Arthur’s raw and passionate ending.

“You are me. And I am you. We might have separate thoughts and minds, Buttercup, but we have the same heart and soul.”

Sin & Suffer picks up right where Ruin & Rule left off, with Cleo being taken and Arthur being attacked. As consumed as these two lovers are with each other, you know that there’s nothing Arthur won’t do to get Cleo back to safety. The highlight of this book is most definitely the gorgeous, all-consuming, dedicated love Arthur and Cleo have for each other. They’ve loved each other since they were children, lost their way for a few years, but now that they’re back together, there’s no force on earth that can keep them apart. I have to say, I loved the romance even more in Sin & Suffer than in Ruin & Rule – it’s in this book that you truly see the extent of their love for each other.

“There’s never been anyone like you. Never. You owned me since I was a boy. And you completely consume me now that I’m a man.”

Sin & Suffer surprised me by the depth of intelligence Pepper Winters has woven into the novel. It isn’t JUST a romance, and it isn’t JUST an MC book. Underneath all the layers of the story is a plan of vengeance that’s been years in the making. Arthur and his MC are fighting for something bigger than a personal revenge, something that will affect people on a much larger scale. It was quite fascinating to read, even if it did seem pretty overwhelming. Sometimes there were too many things going on at once, so I got frustrated with the story a bit. The action and suspense took away from the romance, which I really wanted more of.

“You’re my home, Cleo Price. And through life or death, I’m never letting you go.”

If you’re a fan of well-written MC romances, the Pure Corruption MC series is not to be missed. Everything about this series is addicting, intense, and unpredictable. The love story between Arthur and Cleo is truly unforgettable. Pepper Winters’ writing is also beautiful to read, almost lyrical – I honestly could read anything this woman writes. Overall, Sin & Suffer is an entertaining, worthwhile ending, and I’m so impressed with the way the author has created such a unique, intelligent read!

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Pure Corruption MC series

Ruin & Rule by Pepper Winters Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

#1 ~ Ruin & Rule: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sin & Suffer: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Release Day Review: Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by

Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey

Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey
Series: Crossing the Line #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 25th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Falling for a con man is the most dangerous game of all…

Con artist Austin Shaw’s been in disguise so long he’s not sure where his fake identities end and he begins. Now that he’s been strong-armed into working for a specialized undercover unit working with the Chicago police—criminals with unique “skills”—the last thing he needs is to risk his iron control. Especially when it comes to a certain stunningly sexy hacker who tempts him with every look of disdain.

Polly Banks will never, ever trust a con man. On the trail of a ruthless crook who destroyed the only family she’s ever known, Polly is unnerved by the shadow who follows her every move. The one who makes her pulse pound and breath short with lust. Austin. He’s infuriating, enigmatic, and pure sex appeal, and she’s determined to resist him.

But an untrustworthy man of disguise can become anyone he wants…including a man that Polly must trust if she’s to escape their dangerous game alive.

If you know me, then you know I love Tessa Bailey’s books, dirty-talking heroes and all. I love how each one of her men is completely besotted with his woman, how his alpha and protective instincts come alive around her. So of course I had high expectations for Boiling Point, especially since I loved the previous two books in the series, and Tessa didn’t disappoint! This read is another winner, full of steam, dirty talk, and suspense. I absolutely loved the way Austin and Polly were together – if you love books with fiery-hot chemistry between the main characters, you’ll want to pick this book up.

Goddammit, he’d never felt an ounce of possessiveness over another human being in his thirty-one years. But just then, he wanted more than anything to walk up behind Polly, wrap an arm around her hips, and drag her back against his lap. Look those tossers right in the eye as he licked up the side of her smooth neck. Mine, you pathetic drunks. You wouldn’t last a minute up against the brilliance of how she thinks. How she reasons and makes decisions. Piss. Right. Off.

While Boiling Point can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order. Each book leads up to the next, and you get a fuller understanding of the backgrounds of the characters. We first meet Polly, a hacker, and Austin, a con man, at the end of Risking It All, get to know them a little better in Up in Smoke and now we finally get their story in Boiling Point. To avoid going to jail, Polly and Austin have been recruited by the Chicago police along with several other interesting individuals to use the skills they’ve illegally honed to catch criminals. They get off to a very antagonist start, in spite of the insanely hot chemistry between them, but when they become partners for a case Polly personally wants to lead, they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other.

I loved how… different Polly and Austin were. Though Polly is a computer hacker, she uses her skills in a very Robin Hood-esque way. She’s pretty aloof and cold towards Austin, angry that he evokes such passion from her, and she is very stubborn when it comes to not falling for his advances. Austin is the con man of the group but beneath the cocky exterior and various disguises and personalities hides a man desperate to be seen – by Polly. He is utterly taken with her from the start, and when she needs his help for a case, he jumps at the chance to help her… and win her heart.

“All yours. You’ve been its cruel keeper for months.” He tilted his hips, presenting himself to her in a way that should have been crude, but on Austin, it was all animal grace. “At any time at all, you could have demanded me. Sent me to my knees to lick you off with one word. Grabbed my cock through my pants in front of everyone and told them who it belonged to.” His eyelids drooped as if the scenario was an aphrodisiac. “Please yourself with me, Polly. My boy. My cock. Own it all.”

An interesting change to Tessa’s typical dirty-talking heroes is that, even while still completely alpha, Austin hands over the reins to Polly when it comes to sex between them. I loved this exchange in control that allows Polly to trust in Austin and deepen the connection between them. And holy hell, the dirty talk. I’ve read almost every single one of Tessa Bailey’s books, but even Austin’s filthy mouth stunned me (and totally turned me on).

I loved Boiling Point – maybe not as much as Risking It All (because Bowen will forever be my all-time favorite hero), but this is still a fantastic, sexy, entertaining read that fans of the author don’t want to miss. I loved getting to see the previous couples in the series, but there’s also an introduction of a new character who will be the hero of the next Crossing the Line book. We get a little background on him, and to say I’m excited for Henrik’s story is an understatement. I can’t wait to see what Tessa has in store for Raw Redemption!

4.5 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Crossing the Line series

Riskier Business by Tessa Bailey Risking it All by Tessa Bailey
Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey

#0.5 ~ Riskier Business: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ Risking it All: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Up in Smoke: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Boiling Point: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Raw Redemption: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

ARC Review: Between Shadows by Chanel Cleeton

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Between Shadows by Chanel Cleeton

Between Shadows by Chanel Cleeton
Series: Assassins #1
Publication Date: January 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

A sexy new thriller about love and revenge from the author of the Capital Confessions and International School series…

X lives by three rules: Show no weakness. Trust no one. Don’t get caught. She lives by the rules they gave her.

The Academy—set in London, shrouded in secrecy—it trains spies, computer experts, and assassins. Their mission? Dispensing justice and altering the course of world politics. Or so they think. In a world where secrets are weapons and some kills are impossible to forget, everything X thought she knew about her life is about to change.

They taught her to fight. To blend into the shadows like a ghost, to operate on the fringes of society, to change her identity with ease. They taught her to kill.

She’ll need every skill they taught her, to stay alive.

What a thrilling, heart-pounding read! I love books that take me to the edge of my seat, and Between Shadows did exactly that. It’s suspenseful, fast-paced, and filled with action. There’s also a swoon-worthy romance with a dreamy hero, so what’s not to love about this book?

X is an assassin for the Academy – she’s been trained since a young age to be a deadly weapon. The most important thing in her life is her sister Grace, but even her love for Grace can’t bring X out of her cold heart ever since she killed the one friend she had. But everything in her life is turned upside down when Luke is still very much alive and comes back into her life to handle a mission together to bring to light the truths that the Academy has been lying to them about.

We were always together, and then one day I looked at him and I couldn’t look away anymore.

As X and Luke travel around the world to find out the Academy’s secrets, they’re constantly looking behind their backs. Chanel Cleeton did a fantastic job writing the suspense – every moment of the book is a nail-biter, and I kept wondering about what would happen and whether X and Luke would survive. Between Shadows is definitely a page turner, so if you’re a fan of thrillers, you should definitely pick this book up.

X and Luke were both fantastic, well-written characters. X is fierce, brave, and badass, yet she still has vulnerabilities that make her likable and relatable. Luke was X’s first everything – but the years Luke was away have turned him harder, more dangerous, and infinitely more sexy. I loved the two of them together after they reconciled the past. Luke is so sweet and patient with X, and I seriously fell for the way he cares so much for her.

“There’s a lightness about you despite everything else going on. How do you keep that lightness with you?”
He’s silent for a long time.
“Because there’s something I love more than I hate myself.”
Every muscle in my body stills. I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I feel like I’m having a strange out-of-body experience, one I have no idea how to handle. He can’t mean–
“I love you, X. Always.”

I thoroughly enjoyed Between Shadows. It’s well-written, unique, and action-packed. I would’ve loved a bit more romance, but I could appreciate the book being focused on X and Luke’s goal, rather than their relationship. This was a great first book to a new series, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next!

4 hearts
lacey

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

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Blog Tour + Early Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: My American Duchess by Eloisa James

Posted in 5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by

My American Duchess tour
Click the banner to follow the tour.

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for My American Duchess by Eloisa James!

My American Duchess by Eloisa James
Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Publisher: Avon
Add to Goodreads

The arrogant Duke of Trent intends to marry a well-bred Englishwoman. The last woman he would ever consider marrying is the adventuresome Merry Pelford — an American heiress who has infamously jilted two fiancés.

But after one provocative encounter with the captivating Merry, Trent desires her more than any woman he has ever met. He is determined to have her as his wife, no matter what it takes. And Trent is a man who always gets what he wants.

The problem is, Merry is already betrothed, and the former runaway bride has vowed to make it all the way to the altar. As honor clashes with irresistible passion, Trent realizes the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined. In his battle to save Merry and win her heart, one thing becomes clear:

All is fair in love and war.

Buy Links:
Amazon Ebook • Amazon Hardcover • Amazon Paperback • Audible
Barnes & Noble • iTunes • Kobo • Google Play

review button

Oh my god!!! This is my first Eloisa James book and I. Loved. It. It was sweet, funny, heart-warming – everything, from the wonderful story, to the incredible writing, to the intelligent characters, was brilliant. I love reading a good historical romance every once in a while, and My American Duchess turned out to be the perfect book for me – I adored every single thing about it!

Merry Pelford, an American heiress, has broken off two engagements, but she’s sure third time’s the charm. As an American in London, even if she is an heiress, having two jilted fiancés doesn’t bode well for her marriage options, so she’s determined to follow through with her engagement and make it all the way to the altar, this time with Lord Cedric Allardyce.

She was everything he’d ever wanted in a woman, and nothing he’d ever thought to find in a lady.

After a balcony encounter filled with chemistry and wit, the sixth Duke of Trent has found the woman he wants to marry. The only problem is that the woman turns out to be Trent’s twin brother’s betrothed… Merry. As much as she fires up his blood, as much as he doesn’t like Cedric, Trent won’t betray his brother and steal his fiancé. But every time Trent sees Merry, he has to remind himself that he can’t want her. Then, when Cedric’s true colors make their appearance, Trent is finally free to have the woman he desires more than anything. But with his aversion to love, can a marriage between them last, or will he fall for his American duchess?

With him, she wasn’t American, or a duchess, or even Merry.
She was home.

I adored the romance between Merry and Trent. It’s sweet, beautifully-written, and a delight to read. The chemistry sizzles between them, especially in the beginning of the book when it’s forbidden for anything to happen between them with Merry’s engagement to Cedric. I also loved that this book doesn’t end at a HEA proposal. Instead, Eloisa James gives us insight to Trent and Merry’s marriage. Merry is the total opposite of what Trent expected to find in a wife. She speaks her mind, doesn’t follow society rules, has a few adorable quirks, and definitely isn’t a shy wallflower. She’s a fantastic heroine I absolutely loved to read about. Trent himself is a dark, sexy, lovable hero who’s so sweet to Merry. It’s clear that he’s fallen for Merry through every word and action, even though he doesn’t believe love is a real, lasting thing. He’s seductive, passionate, and worshipping to his new wife, but can he accept love in their marriage?

“You are my American duchess,” Trent said gruffly, his finger tracing the shape of her cheek. “You pour milk into tea at the wrong time, but you do everything else the right way. I love the way you speak. And I love what you say. I’ve never met another woman who is as fascinating.”

This book charmed me beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the witty banter between Merry and Trent and the steamy scenes between them set me on fire. If you love romance, you must read this book. I already know it’s going to go on my list of favorite books of the year!

5 hearts
lacey

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

Now here’s an excerpt from My American Duchess! ❤

excerpt button

“Happily, I am ignorant about boils,” he said. “Are American ladies typically knowledgeable about such matters?”

“I can’t help recalling facts,” she confessed. “It’s a sad trial to me because it’s hard to remember in time that they ought not to be shared.”

“Why not?”

The corners of the man’s stern mouth had tipped upward in a most beguiling fashion. In fact, she found herself starting to lean toward him before she caught herself.

“There are few acceptable topics of conversation in London. It is quite wearying to try to remember what one is allowed to discuss,” she said with some feeling.

“Bonnets, but not boils?”

He must be something of a rake, Merry decided. The way his eyes laughed was very alluring.

“Exactly,” she said, nodding. “British ladies are discriminating conversationalists.”

“Don’t tell me you have ambitions to master the art of saying nothing.”

Merry laughed. “I fear I shall never become an expert at fashionable bibble-babble. What I truly dislike,” she said, finding herself confiding in him for no reason other than the fact that he seemed genuinely interested, “is that —”

She stopped, realizing that the subject was leading her to insult his countrymen. She was still a guest in this country, at least until she married Cedric; she should keep unfavorable opinions to herself.

The expression in his eyes was intoxicating, if only because no one else she’d met was interested in the impressions that an American had of their country. She loved London, if only for its marvelous public gardens, but there were aspects of polite society that she found tiresome.

“It’s the way people speak to each other,” she explained, choosing her words carefully. “They are clever, but their cleverness so frequently seems to take the form of an insult.”

Merry felt her cheeks growing warm. He must think her a complete simpleton. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate a witticism. But so very many remarks come at someone’s expense.”

He frowned at that. “Such people talk nothing but nonsense, and you should ignore them,” he ordered.

“Indeed, I am learning both to modify my subjects of conversation and to control my temper.”

“Admirable goals. Though I believe I’d like to see you in a passion.”

“You may mock me if you like, sir, but I can tell you that it is perishingly difficult for an American to transform herself into the perfect English lady! You should try it.”

He had a very appealing dent in his cheek when he smiled. “I’m quite sure I would fail. For one thing, I wouldn’t look anywhere near as appealing in a gown as you do.”

about the author button

Eloisa JamesA New York Times bestselling author, Eloisa James is a professor of English literature who lives with her family in New York, but who can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. (Her husband is an honest to goodness Italian knight!) Eloisa’s website offers short stories, extra chapters, and even a guide to shopping in Florence. Visit her at www.eloisajames.com.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

giveaway button

a $25 gift card to an e-book retailer of choice

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

ARC Review: The Baller by Vi Keeland

Posted in 2 hearts, Reviews by

The Baller by Vi Keeland

The Baller by Vi Keeland
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: January 18th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

The first time I met Brody Easton was in the men’s locker room.
It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster.
The famed quarterback decided to bare all.
And by all, I don’t mean he told me any of his secrets.
No. The arrogant ass decided to drop his towel, just as I asked the first question. On camera.
The Super Bowl MVP quickly adopted a new hobby—screwing with me.
When I pushed back, he shifted from wanting to screw with me, to wanting to screw me.
But I don’t date players.
And it’s not because I’m one of the few women working in the world of professional football.
I’d date an athlete.
It’s the other kind of player I don’t date.
You know the type. Good looking, strong, cocky, always looking to get laid.

Brody Easton was the ultimate player.
Every woman wanted to be the one to change him.
But the truth was, all he needed was a girl worth changing for.
Turned out, I was that girl.
Simple right?
Let’s face it. It never is.
There’s a story between once upon a time and happily ever after…
And this one is ours.

I was so looking forward to reading The Baller not only because of the smokin’ hot cover, but also the awesome blurb that totally hooked me in. Unfortunately, I didn’t love it the way I expected to. I usually adore sports romances, but The Baller missed the mark for me. The writing and characters were flat, and I had zero connection with any part of the book. I tried really hard to enjoy this, I really did, and I’m probably in the minority for this, but I was disappointed with The Baller.

Brody Easton is the quintessential star quarterback – he’s gorgeous, arrogant, and a total player on and off the field. Delilah Maddox, a sports journalist, needs to interview him, but right after she fires off one of her questions, he drops his towel right in front of her and screws up her whole interview. This part was probably one of the few in the book I enjoyed – Brody’s attempt to throw Delilah off is hilarious, but Delilah isn’t a girl easily intimidated. She can hold her own against Brody, and she continues to do so even when wants to pursue a relationship with her.

I’ve read one other book by Vi Keeland and really enjoyed it, so it’s hard for me to give The Baller a low rating. I honestly thought I would love it – I enjoyed Delilah and Brody’s amusing first interview, but everything after that fell completely flat. It felt like there was no depth to Brody’s character, and Delilah’s wasn’t much better. Brody is boring and tediously crude – all he talks to Delilah about is sex. They were two cliched new adult sports romance characters, and it didn’t feel like I really got to know them. Their romance also didn’t feel believable, at least on Brody’s part. Most of the chapters in his POV had NOTHING to do with Delilah, so I didn’t understand how or why he fell in love with her.

One thing that really bothered me about the book was the way the dialogue was written. As in, any time there was dialogue, there was ONLY dialogue, not even a ‘he/she said.’ The conversations between characters grew tiring to read, so I found myself skimming more of the book. And then, when Brody’s past reappears in the form of an ex-girlfriend, and that ex-gf ALSO gets chapters in her POV, I found myself not wanting to continue reading at all.

It’s more than likely that this is an ‘it’s me, not you’ kind of read. I’m sad I couldn’t like this more, especially since I had high expectations. If you’re a fan of sports romances, hopefully you’ll enjoy this one more than I did!

2 hearts
lacey

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.