Release Day Review: Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: March 6th 2018
Links: Ebook • Hardcover • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

In her bestselling Alpha and Omega series, Patricia Briggs “spins tales of werewolves, coyote shifters, and magic and, my, does she do it well” (USATODAY.com). Now mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham face a threat like no other–one that lurks too close to home…

They are the wild and the broken. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. Close enough to the Marrok’s pack to have its support; far enough away to not cause any harm.

With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf–but can’t stop blood from being shed. Now Charles and Anna must use their skills–his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker–to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn…

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Patricia Briggs is one of the best urban fantasy authors I’ve ever read. I adore her Mercy Thompson series, but the Alpha & Omega series is what I LIVE for. Charles and Anna are two of my all-time favorite beloved characters – the beginning of their romance was slow and sweet, but with each book, they prove just how much they are meant to be mates. I honestly could read about them forever, so to say I was excited about Burn Bright would be an understatement. If you’ve been a fan of the series, you’ll definitely want to pick up Burn Bright.

Ours, said Brother Wolf. She is perfect, our soul mate, our anchor, the reason we were created. So that we could be hers.

I don’t want to go much into detail about the plot because the blurb explains it perfectly. I do want to say that this book shouldn’t be read as a standalone – this is a complex, fascinating paranormal world that Patricia Briggs has created, and it’ll be easier to understand if you start from the beginning. Plus, more Anna and Charles 😉

Anna slipped her hand under Charles’ tee, just at the small of his back, and let her fingers rest against the skin there. Brother Wolf relaxed. Anna made Brother Wolf happier than killing their enemies would have.

The author’s writing always amazes me every time I open one of her books. It reads simply but beautifully, every word holding significance. I love the way she writes all the little details, especially about Anna and Charles, because it makes me more immersed in their world and in love with the characters. It’s usually hard for me to dive back into a series after a year or two wait, but Patricia Briggs is so skilled in bringing me back into the series as if no time has passed. It almost has me not minding the wait… almost.

Anna started to agree but then stopped and shook her head. “No. Then I wouldn’t have Charles. He’s worth all the rest.”
“Charlie?” said Sage. She started to say something else, but she shook her head and gave Anna a rueful smile. “Charlie sure thinks the sun rises and sets on you, that’s for sure.”

Each book in the A&O series is suspenseful and action-packed, and Burn Bright is no different. I loved reading about Charles and Anna again, and already want more of them. This book is a fantastic addition to an incredible series and I can’t wait to see where Patricia Briggs will take us next!

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

Series Order: Alpha & Omega series

#1 ~ Cry Wolf: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hunting Ground: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Fair Game: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Dead Heat: My Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Burn Bright: Ebook • Hardcover • Audible • Goodreads

The Alpha & Omega series is a spinoff of the Mercy Thompson series!

Reading Order: Mercy Thompson series

#1 ~ Moon Called: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Blood Bound: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Iron Kissed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Bone Crossed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Silver Borne: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ River Marked: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Frost Burned: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Night Broken: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ Fire Touched: My Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Silence Fallen: My Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Audible • Goodreads
#11 ~ Storm Cursed: Goodreads (March 2019)

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

5Mar2018

Early Review: Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Marriage of Inconvenience by Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #7 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: March 6th 2018
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

There are three things you need to know about Kat Tanner (aka Kathleen Tyson. . . and yes, she is *that* Kathleen Tyson): 1) She’s determined to make good decisions, 2) She must get married ASAP, and 3) She knows how to knit.

Being a billionaire heiress isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it sucks. Determined to live a quiet life, Kat Tanner changed her identity years ago and eschewed her family’s legacy. But now, Kat’s silver spoon past has finally caught up with her, and so have her youthful mistakes. To avoid imminent disaster, she must marry immediately; it is essential that the person she chooses have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever and be completely trustworthy.

Fortunately, she knows exactly who to ask. Dan O’Malley checks all the boxes: single, romantically indifferent to her, completely trustworthy. Sure, she might have a wee little crush on Dan the Security Man, but with clear rules, expectations, and a legally binding contract, Kat is certain she can make it through this debacle with her sanity—and heart—all in one piece.

Except, what happens when Dan O’Malley isn’t as indifferent—or as trustworthy—as she thought?

“Knitting means never having to say you’re sorry.”

Kat and Dan’s story has seemed like it has been a long time coming, but trust me, Penny Reid will not disappoint you! I binge read and caught up on all the KitC books I hadn’t read yet to prepare myself for Marriage of Inconvenience, which was SUCH a fun experience. It’s not necessary to read the entire series before starting Marriage of Inconvenience because I know, they are such big books, but I do recommend them, not only because they are all fantastic reads, but also for the lead-up to Kat and Dan’s romance.

Marriage of Inconvenience takes on the classic marriage of convenience trope, but in Penny Reid fashion, she delivers the trope in her own unique, intelligent, complex way. Kat has always been a bit of a mystery to not only readers, but also her group of knitting friends. We know that she’s richer than God, and has got a crush on Dan O’Malley since they first met. Both finally come into play when Kat needs a man to help save her family’s legacy, and who better than Dan the Security Man?

“I want it all, Kit-Kat. I want all of you.”
I nodded, sniffing. “I want all of you, too.”
He placed a gentle kiss over my mouth, and then brushed his lips over the tears on my cheeks before resting his forehead against mine and closing his eyes.
“And I want it to last.” It was a rough whisper.
The words sounded like a wish.

Despite it being fake, there are real, complicated feelings on both sides of this marriage. Kat and Dan both want this to work in the long run, but they’re terrified that the feelings they have for each other aren’t strong enough to last. I ADORED these two characters – they’re both clueless about love, but I couldn’t help but love them anyway. Kat is fierce and lovable – she’s had to be tough to survive in the ruthless world she grew up in. Dan is an absolute sweetheart with a heart of gold and mouth of unending curses. He is protective, kind, and devoted to making Kat happy and safe. And anyway, how can you not love a man who names his dog Bark Wahlberg? In between the lovey dovey stuff (where it’s OBVIOUS they’re meant for each other), there is some action and suspense that makes you unable to put this read down.

I don’t want to delve too much into the plot, because it’s best just to experience the wonder that is the knitting group and their men together. Penny Reid has created a wonderful, unforgettable cast of characters I could read about forever. I highly recommend Marriage of Inconvenience (and the rest of the series, for those who haven’t started) for fans of slow burn romances, with a little kick to them. And for those of you who’ve been patiently waiting for Kat and Dan, you don’t have to wait much longer!

“I’m in love with you. You’re my fucking–fucking sunshine. My goddamn everything. You’re the center of my whole fucking universe. I’d give up swearing for you, I swear. If you asked, I’d never say the word fuck every again, that’s how much I love you. I love you more than fuck, so that’s a whole-fuckavalot.”

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

Reading Order: Knitting in the City series

#1 ~ Neanderthal Seeks Human: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Neanderthal Marries Human: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Friends Without Benefits: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Love Hacked: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Beauty and the Mustache: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Ninja at First Sight: My Review • My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Happily Ever Ninja: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Dating-ish: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Marriage of Inconvenience: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (March 6, 2017)

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

5Feb2018

Release Day Review: The Coaching Hours by Sara Ney

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Coaching Hours by Sara Ney
Series: How to Date a Douchebag #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 5th 2018
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

THERE ARE NO DOUCHEBAGS IN THIS STORY.

Well, there are, but they’re not who this story is about.
This story is about me—the coach’s daughter.

When I moved to Iowa to live with my dad, the university’s take-no-prisoners wrestling coach, I thought transferring would be easy as pie—living with my father would be temporary, and he’d make sure his douchebag wrestlers left me alone.

Wrong on both counts.

ASSHOLES ALWAYS COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH.

A bet is placed, and I’m on the table. After one humiliating night and too much alcohol, I find the last nice guy on campus. And when he offers to rent me his spare bedroom, I go all in. It’s time for the nice guy to finish first.

Midnight chats and spilling my problems turn to lingering touches. Lingering touches turn to more.

And the ultimate good guy has the potential do more damage than any douchebags ever could.

It was a bittersweet moment when I realized we wouldn’t be getting anymore douchebags after The Coaching Hours. The How to Date a Douchebag series has been one of the most fun and entertaining new adult college romance series that I’ve read in a while. If you haven’t had the chance to read this series and you love anything NA, I highly recommend doing so – the writing, characters, humor, and steam are top notch. I always get addicted every time I start one of these books!

This final Douchebag book was everything that went against the title of the series, because there really are no douchebags in The Coaching Hours – or I should say, the hero is definitely not a douchebag. He is the epitome of a nice guy, and I fell for him as hard, if not harder, than the previous douchebags in the series. I won’t spoil who the hero is, but if you’ve been following the series, let’s just say you’ll be happy with who he is, because I definitely was.

The main characters were perfect for one another. Theirs was a slow burn, friends to lovers romance that I simply adored. They become roommates after the heroine needs a place to stay, both thinking they’ll keep things platonic, but boy were they wrong. The chemistry between them had me on fire – honestly, I think this was the hottest book of the series. I’m a sucker for the friends to lovers trope, and Sara Ney handled this one flawlessly. I couldn’t get enough of the story and I couldn’t put it down. If you’re a fan of the series, trust me, you need this final Douchebag book in your life!

Reading Order: How to Date a Douchebag series

#1 ~ The Studying Hours: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Failing Hours: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Learning Hours: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ The Coaching Hours: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

31Jan2018

ARC Review: Moonlight Sins by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Order: de Vincent series

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

30Jan2018

Release Day Review: Taming Him by Kennedy Fox

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

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

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

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

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

Even if it’s only temporarily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Order: Bishop Brothers series

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

Also by Kennedy Fox:

Reading Order: Checkmate Duet series

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

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

	Unlocking the Magic… on Review: A Promise of Fire by A…
	Lucas Middleton on Blog Tour // Review + Excerpt:…
	Van on Blog Tour + Release Day Review…
	Amber Elise @ Du Liv… on Audiobook Review: The Stand-In…
	daisyknox on Release Day Review: Tryst Six…

Booklovers For Life

Falling in love with romance one page at a time

Tag Archives: romance