Early Review: Reap by Tillie Cole

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Reap by Tillie Cole
Series: Scarred Souls #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 10th 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Raised as a prototype for the Georgian Bratva’s obedience drug, 221 fails to think, act, or live for himself; he’s his master’s perfectly-crafted killing puppet. Standing at six-foot-six, weighing two-hundred-and-fifty pounds, and unrivaled in to-the-death combat, 221 successfully secures business for the Georgian Mafiya Boss of NYC, who rules the dark world of the criminal underground. Until his enemies capture him.

Talia Tolstaia dreams to break from the heavy clutches of Bratva life. She dreams of another life–away from the stifling leash of her Russian Bratva Boss father and from the brutality of her work at The Dungeon, her criminal family’s underground death-match enterprise. But when she stumbles upon her family’s captive who is more monster than man, she starts to see the man underneath. A powerful, beautiful, damaged man whose heart calls to hers. But sacrifices must be made–blood for blood…life for life…souls for scarred souls…

I loved, loved, loooved this!!! Reap is an incredible, heart-pounding, romantic read I was utterly enthralled with. I’m such a fan of the way Tillie Cole writes – it’s dark, powerful, addicting. Her stories are riveting, and her characters are intense yet lovable. I had high expectations for Reap after loving Raze – and I’m so glad to say Reap is another winner from one of my favorite authors!

The Scarred Souls series is not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, gruesome at times, and yet I can’t stop reading it. Reap is the story of 221, also known as Zaal Kostava, and Talia Tolstaia. It could be read as a standalone, but I think it’s much easier to understand Reap if you’ve read Raze, because we also get some chapters in Luka’s POV, who was the main character in Raze. Reap is a bit of a continuation of Raze, though it is still firmly Zaal and Talia’s story.

For over 20 years, Zaal has been known as 221, an enslaved fighter who, under the influence of forced drugs, is a soulless killing machine for his ‘master’. He and his twin were abducted at a young age and forced into horrible, tragic circumstances. But it turns out that Zaal’s twin is none other than the one person Luka owes his life to, and Luka is determined to pay his debts by saving Zaal.

Talia, Luka’s sister, may be the daughter of one of the leading Russian mobsters, but she struggles with the responsibilities that come with the role. When she grows tired of the Bratva life, she runs away to a private beach house – but everything changes when Luka shows up with a feral, beast of a man and chains him up in the basement. Talia grows intrigued by Zaal, who’s the son of her family’s enemy, until her obsession with him grows and one day she can’t help but go to him.

Our desperate gazes met.
He took a deep breath.
Then he whispered, “You are … for me?”
And I knew I was done.
Trampled, heart-flattened, done.

This book kept tearing my heart open and filling it with love for the characters over and over again. My heart broke for Zaal, for the tragedy that happened to him and his family. I nearly wanted to cry, the story got so emotional sometimes. But then with Talia, Zaal finds family, love, again, and my heart would ache with happiness for the two of them. Tillie Cole has a talent at conveying such powerful love between her couples, and Zaal and Talia’s romance by far is my favorite.

“Zaal Kostava, you’ve stolen my forbidden heart.”

The Scarred Souls series is dark romance at its finest. The love story is stunning, written perfectly to balance out the dark parts of the book. I don’t know how Tillie Cole does it, but every time, I am just so blown away by the sheer brilliance of the writing and the gorgeous love between her characters. I have to admit, I loved Reap even more than Raze, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book (whose main character is one I’m SO excited for)!

“My heart, it is full, Talia. It is full, for you.”

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

Reading Order: Scarred Souls series

#1 ~ Raze: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Reap: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Ravage: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Riot: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1-2 ~ Scarred Souls: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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1Nov2015

Release Day Review: The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan
Series: Game On #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 1st 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

A beard-related dare and one hot-as-hell kiss changes everything.

NFL center Ethan Dexter’s focus has always been on playing football and little else. Except when it comes to one particular woman. The lovely Fiona Mackenzie might not care about his fame, but she’s also never looked at him as anything more than one of her brother-in-law’s best friends. That ends now.

Fi doesn’t know what to make of Dex. The bearded, tattooed, mountain of man-muscle looks more like a biker than a football player. Rumor has it he’s a virgin, but she finds that hard to believe. Because from the moment he decides to turn his quiet intensity on her she’s left weak at the knees and aching to see his famous control fully unleashed.

Fi ought to guard her heart and walk away; they live vastly different lives in separate cities. And Dex is looking for a forever girl. But Dex has upped his game and is using all his considerable charm to convince Fi he’s her forever man.

Game On

My god. I don’t know how Kristen Callihan does it, but each book in the Game On series (easily one of the best NA series I’ve ever read) gets better and better. I didn’t think I could love anyone as much as I loved Gray from The Friend Zone (my review here), but oh, how wrong I was. Dex is just… perfection. An absolute wonderful hero I’ve fallen so, so, sooooo hard for. AH, I can’t even fully describe how much I love him! And this series!!! This is truly one of the top NA series that I’d recommend to EVERYONE. The lovable, mature characters, the fantastic writing, the humor, the heartache… Kristen Callihan mixes all of these into a potent combination that will steal your heart and take your breath away.

I see Ethan Dexter; he shines for me. And I burn hotter than the sun when I’m in his orbit.

We previously met Dex and Fiona in The Friend Zone, and they were quite the opposites. Dex is quiet and reserved, the go-to guy when his teammates need advice. Fi is an out-going, feisty girl who doesn’t hold anything back. He’s a virgin and a football player; she’s open about her sexuality and hates dating football players. Fi doesn’t really notice Dex, but he’s had his eye on her since the moment they first meet. And for two years, Dex has kept to the shadows, always watching her from afar, but one dare and kiss changes everything, and this sexy lumbersexual is determined to fight for the one woman he wants.

“You’ve ruined me, Fiona. I’m not sure I know how to live without you anymore.”

I’m just a pile of melted goo now, after finishing this book. Dex makes my heart practically SING – he’s romantic, sweet, thoughtful, patient. He’s just the perfect man for Fi, and she’s the perfect woman for him. Fi gets Dex to open up and show his true self only to her, while Dex gives Fi an anchor, a foundation. God, I seriously loved this couple. The two of them truly bring out the best and most out of each other. You can’t read this book and NOT smile and clutch at your heart at seeing them interact with each other, at them being TOGETHER. Oh, and did I mention how freaking HOT this book is!? You will seriously need a fan because the chemistry between Dex and Fi is off. the. charts. And Dex’s dirty mouth… *flails* I loved it!

“Being with you. Loving you—You make me feel everything.”

I haven’t rated a book 5 stars in quite a while, but what better way to get me out of my book funk than with Dex and Fi!? The Game Plan is another brilliant, heart-wrenching, utterly romantic addition to this series that I will forever adore. Fi and Dex’s story isn’t perfect, as they have their ups and downs, but their story was written perfectly and I couldn’t imagine it better. I honestly never wanted this book to end. And, another plus, we get to see the other couples from the previous series, and the new NFL teammates! The banters, the bromances, and the camaraderie were all a joy to read. Gah, this book. Just thinking about it makes me smile. I loved it with my whole heart – I can’t recommend it enough!

“I love you. I don’t say that enough. Just know that whatever I do, wherever I am, it is a constant refrain in my heart. You color my world, Fi.”

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

Reading Order: Game On series

#1 ~ The Hook Up: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Friend Zone: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Game Plan: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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5Oct2015

Release Day Review: Ms. Manwhore by Katy Evans

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Ms. Manwhore by Katy Evans
Series: Manwhore #2.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 5th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

What lies ahead for Chicago’s most envied couple, Malcolm Saint and Rachel Livingston?

Sparks flew between them in Manwhore. Separated by deception, they felt the intensity and heat of their attraction turn up in Manwhore +1.

Will Chicago’s wealthiest and most notorious player finally settle down, or will one woman never be enough? Find out in Ms. Manwhore, the ultimate conclusion to their electric, breathtaking story.

I want to cry – Malcolm and Rachel’s ending is absolute PERFECTION!!!!!! I’m so incredibly happy for this couple but I’m also so, so sad that this is the end for them. NO MORE SAINT – how can I possibly live without him!?

Ms. Manwhore is a novella and the final installment in Malcolm and Rachel’s story, though we can only hope that we will have more in the Manwhore series (Tahoe and Gina!?). It’s jam-packed with all the SWOONS – Malcolm Saint fans, you are going to DIE of happiness in this novella. I laughed, I smiled, I melted… I honestly can’t imagine a better ending for Rachel and Malcolm than what Katy Evans gives us!

Is love like this? Where you keep falling and falling, every day that you look into his eyes?

This novella picks up straight from the ending of Manwhore +1, after Malcolm has proposed to Rachel. These two are now finally getting their much deserved happily ever after, and they’re scrambling to get to the wedding. Wedding preparations, dress picking, bachelor(ette) parties – it’s going to be HUGE. Rachel doesn’t really need this big spectacle of a wedding, but only the best for Malcolm Saint’s soon-to-be wife, right?

“Do you realize this is something I never thought I’d want? I can’t think of anything else but making you my wife. My priority is merging your life with mine.”

Could Malcolm Saint BE any more perfect!? I thought he couldn’t after Manwhore +1, but Katy Evans proves me wrong… AGAIN. I loved everything about this book – Malcolm, Rachel, their wedding… My heart nearly couldn’t handle the pure happiness radiating from the pages.

“I can’t wait to make you my lady. Your smiles drive me crazy.”

It’s not necessary to read Ms. Manwhore, but if you loved the first two books, you absolutely DO NOT want to miss this! While I was reading it, I couldn’t stop smiling, and my heart was just bursting with happiness by the time I got to the end. It’s a bittersweet ending for sure, since I don’t want to let go of these characters, but I’m so thankful Katy Evans wrote this novella – I can say goodbye to Malcolm and Rachel with a smile on my face!

I have a future to look forward to.
I have a storm to catch.
A leap to make.
A man to love.
A Sin to take.
And I’ve never looked forward to something in my life like I look forward to
MALCOLM
KYLE
PRESTON
LOGAN
SAINT.

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

Reading Order: Manwhore series

#1 ~ Manwhore: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Manwhore +1: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Ms. Manwhore: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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22Sep2015

Review: Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros
Series: Flight & Glory #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 10th 2014
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Three knocks can change everything…

“She knew. That’s why Mom hadn’t opened the door. She knew he was dead.”

Twenty years as an army brat and Ember Howard knew, too. The soldiers at the door meant her dad was never coming home. What she didn’t know was how she would find the strength to singlehandedly care for her crumbling family when her mom falls apart.

Then Josh Walker enters her life. Hockey star, her new next-door neighbor, and not to mention the most delicious hands that insist on saving her over and over again. He has a way of erasing the pain with a single look, a single touch. As much as she wants to turn off her feelings and endure the heartache on her own, she can’t deny their intense attraction.

Until Josh’s secret shatters their world. And Ember must decide if he’s worth the risk that comes with loving a man who could strip her bare.

“The fire you have within you is impossible to kill. The first breath you take when you’re free of all this, it will come roaring back. That’s what is so impossibly beautiful about you.”

WHY HAVE I NOT READ THIS BOOK SOONER!?

God, I loved this book. It’s been a while since I wholeheartedly LOVED a book as much as I loved Full Measures, but Rebecca Yarros has stunned me with this emotional, incredible, unforgettable read. I’m kind of mad at myself for not reading this when it first came out – but whatever, I’m now fully on the bandwagon that is the Flight & Glory series. And I have to say it: I LOVE JOSH WALKER!!!!

“It is the business of the living to keep on doing so. We are no exception. We are not the first family to lose a man to war, and I fear we will not be the last. But we will be resilient.”

Already in the first chapter, Rebecaa Yarros wrings out all the feels – three knocks on the front door shatters and changes Ember Howard’s life as she knows it. The death of her father, a doctor in the army, leaves Ember to have to pick up the broken pieces of her family. I had tears welling up at the pain and devastation Ember and her family were going through – the author truly has a talent at writing emotional scenes.

I liked Ember, I really did. I admired her inner strength, the continuous support for her mother and two younger siblings. She’s stubborn and a bit frustrating at times, but totally forgivable and understandable given her situation. But the true star of this book was Josh. Josh Walker, Ember’s crush back in high school, the bad boy senior to her freshman, who steps in to give Ember the love and support she never knew she needed.

“You’re so busy taking care of everyone else, you can’t see that someone needs to take care of you. So tell me what you need, and I’ll be that for you.”

Josh has changed a lot since high school. Now a mature, reliable man who’s a hockey coach to Ember’s brother, Josh is literally the perfect hero. Not in that too-perfect way, since he has his flaws and secrets, but in that remarkably sweet, loving, and swoonworthy way. I fell head-over-heels in love with Josh and his unwavering love and faith in Ember. He’s always there when she needs him, willing to do whatever it takes to make her live the happiest life. And I absolutely LOVED that Josh actually had a crush on Ember too back then – can he be any sweeter!?

“Just let me love you, December, because I can’t stop anyways. I’ve been at your mercy since I was eighteen.”

I enjoyed every minute of this book. I was hooked throughout the whole thing – my emotions were going crazy, wanting to cry one moment, then swooning the next. Equal parts heart-wrenching and sweet, Full Measures is undoubtedly an incredible read that fans of romances should not miss. And I’m so glad that I have the next two books in the series ready for me to read, because I just can’t get enough of the author’s writing and storytelling!

Reading Order: Flight & Glory series

#1 ~ Full Measures: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Eyes Turned Skyward: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Beyond What is Given: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Hallowed Ground: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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3Sep2015

Review: Archangel’s Enigma by Nalini Singh

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

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.

Reading Order: Guild Hunter series

#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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