Book Review: Conquer the Dark

Book Title: Conquer The Dark
Author: LA Banks |Website|

Publisher: Pocket Books
Format: Paperback

Series/ StandAlone:  Series
Genre: Christian Urban Fiction| Urban Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon| The Book Depository
Cost: $7.99

Pages: 339

How I got it: Library

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating: ★★★
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Synopsis:

The rapidly approaching battle between Dark and Light threatens to destroy mankind in this action-packed new series from New York Times bestselling author L.A. Banks.Celeste Jackson never had much hope for the future—and certainly never imagined that she would be living in an abandoned warehouse in Philadelphia with her magnificent protector Azrael, the angel of death, and a fierce battalion of warrior angels. But although her powers have bestowed the angels with the freedom to return to the Light or stay within the mortal realm, they need her more than ever. Celeste is one of the few remaining half-human, half-angel Remnant, with a unique ability to locate others of her kind. The search leads Azrael and his celestial brothers to Egypt to recover a powerful relic that can raise an army of bloodthirsty fallen if it falls into the wrong hands. It is a relic the dark angel Asmodeus will do anything to possess—and his quest puts Celeste in mortal danger. Soon Azrael faces an impossible decision: Can he surrender the woman who has become his salvation . . . or will he save her and allow all of humanity to perish?

My Review:
This is book two in the series, and it picks up a few months after book one took place.  I loved visiting this world again, meeting up with the characters and learning more about them.  Within the first chapter I got a new song, the one by Santana that one of the angels played. It's become a new favourite of mine. LOL, so while you read the rest of the review, click play and get into the feel of the book:

That first scene just blew my mind, I can't believe the author is no longer with us and won't be sharing more fun and fantastical tales.  I love Celeste & Az together, they just have so much chemistry, the struggle Az and the other angels feel as they get ready for the battle ahead, the way Celeste inspired them and gave them hope, just made me love her especially, after she comforted them.

Isda is the MAN!!! And he's so clearly Jamaican, I loved his character in this book, although his story was so sad, the heartbreak he must have felt knowing ... well I'll let you read and discover for yourself.  Aziza is my girl!! I loved her from the very beginning, she reminds me so much of several women I know that I couldn't  help but love her, the lessons she had to learn were clear though & man it's a lesson I needed as well.

The journey, the battle, the true stories shared within the fiction, the history lessons, I just was so floored, I kept going to google to see if what she was sharing (especially about the Founding Father, who broke the rules in Philly, yeah that was real too) was real and being surprised and happy when I found out they were. (then being freaked out that they were real..oh noo)

The few sex scenes between the couples were very sensual and well written, they just drew you in and were so sexy, hmmm.  Which is why I gave it the three stars,  not so much for the raunchy wildness but for the steamy love, especially on the train, WOW!!

Cons of the story, being the author passed away and wasn't able to finish the series, many of the characters' stories were just beginning to be told and having the series be incomplete meant that we only got the bare minimum on them, the battle isn't complete, it's just really beginning and it was left on a bit of a cliff hanger and I want to know what happened DAMMIT!!

Even though the rest of the series won't be done, each book does stand on it's own, the essential plot pieces for each book are taken care of in the book, but there are more pieces to the main puzzle that won't be revealed until the next one, which unfortunately won't be coming along.

It's a fabulous read, especially because the books are with strong black characters and have music within it. There are strong Abrahamic traditional information/messages within the book, so if you don't like Christian/Jewish/Arabic/Egyptian lore then this might not be for you, but if you don't mind that?? DIVE IN!!!

 

Book Review: The Officer Breaks the Rules

Book Title: The Officer Breaks The Rules (Semper Fi 2)
Author: Jeannetter Murray

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Romance
Format: ebooks, paperback

Cost: $6.99

Purchase: Amazon| Barnes & Noble| The Book Depository | Publisher
Pages: 336

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating:N/A




Synopsis:

Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty...both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the "friend code" and stay away from his best friend's little sister. Too bad Madison O'Shay doesn't believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she's been dreaming about for years. And she's ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.

My Review:
So apparently there is a book before this one & I'm sooo going to have to get it and the one after this?? Yes I NEED that one I can't wait to dive in. Navy Nurse Mad has been in love with Marine Jeremy ever since her brother brought him home from basic training many years ago.  But how does she show her brother's best friend that loving her doesn't break the rules??

I enjoyed the role reversal of the story. And that Madison didn't have to compromise her career, I loved it!!  This story was funny, quirky, immediately draws you in & keeps you hooked in. I really fell into the story because it was so beautifully written.  I also loved the wit and conversations between the characters. I really enjoyed Jeremy's journey to accepting what he wanted for himself and not what his Dad wanted for him, he struggled with his desire for Mad because he didn't want to ruin his friendship with his best friend but he so wanted her.  Jeremy got real clear when he realized that Madison was willing to move on and the thought of losing her made him get his stuff together real quick.

The growth that takes place between the characters as a couple and for Jeremy as a man was awesome and inspiring to read. I really loved Matthew & can't wait to read his story.

I really loved how well this book captured the love of service that many Navy Nurses feel; I enjoyed reading the military speak especially Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (WTF, incidentally this was used in my favorite show Scandal this season. & this was really perfect because I'm really trying to break my extremely bad habit of cursing up a storm).

I like how the author also confronted the aspect of them getting into trouble with the military for breaking the rules, even though they are in different branches, it's still a big deal.  So the title is very appropriate for all the rules he was breaking, his own personal rules, the military rules, his dad's rules, his belief of societies rules. Yeah this is one of my Favorites and I will be getting a physical copy for my shelf.  I highly recommend this book.

***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Book Review: Running for My Life

Book Title: Running For My Life
Author: Lopez Lamong

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Format: Hardcover

Cost: $24.99

Pages: 226

How I got it: From the Publisher's 

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A

Synopsis:

"Running for My Life" is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more. Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless. "Lopez Lomong's story is one of true inspiration. His life is a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around. Lopez is a true role model." ―MICHAEL JOHNSON, Olympic Gold Medalist "This true story of a Sudanese child refugee who became an Olympic star is powerful proof that God gives hope to the hopeless and shines a light in the darkest places. Don't be surprised if after reading this incredible tale, you find yourself mysteriously drawn to run alongside him." ―RICHARD STEARNS, president, World Vision US and author of "THe Hole in Our Gospel"

My Review:
When I was prepping for the Olympics ( to watch, not compete) the Visa commercial came on about Lopez Lamong and how he ran. I was so intrigued I started looking into his story, the publishing company for his book happened to be Thomas Nelson which is the originator of the Booksneeze book exchange program I was so happy. I had to snag that book immediately.

When I started reading I was immediately drawn in by his story.  I was both heartbroken and devastated when reading the book. To think that people who would do that to children, & to know that it wasn't being covered by the news, that the information wasn't being shared with the western world.

The book has strong religious overtones, but considering that his how he dealt with the trauma of his life, you can't escape how instrumental it is to his survival.

Reading about the life he had in the refugee camp and what happened there, about the food situation especially, just really made me sad.  How could the organization thing that one meal a day really helped?? I mean considering the option of starving, yes it helped, but to give only one meal?? What happens to all the money we donate?? Who the hell is getting it then?? Is it like the Reservation and Bureau of Indian Affairs, where when they were first created, white supervisors would take the food, blankets and aide sent by the government to the Native Americans forced onto the reservations, and would sell the best cuts, then give the rotting meat, the infested blankets and dirty tools to the Tribal members, until it was exposed and brought to the attention of the President.  Is that what is happening, because I don't understand how these organizations collect so much money each year and can only afford enough food for these refugees for one meal per day and meat only once a year.  I think we need to start asking questions about this.

I remember that moment in the Olympics as well; the moment that sparked his interest, that gave him something to hope for, watching Michael Johnson tear up that track was inspiring for me as a kid as well.  His story of writing the plea, of being on the plane and being too afraid to eat, to the language barrier, it all just pulled your heartstrings and pulled you in.

 I laughed when reading about his many discoveries when he immigrated to America, & I totally understood his determination to do more for himself and for the others that weren't allowed to immigrate as well.The devastation & fear he felt on September 2001, I totally get it, feeling you were safe then discovering that violence goes everywhere must have really thrown him for a loop. I know it did many of us that day.

Reading this story made me grateful, grateful for the family, friends and experiences I have had. It made me thankful for the relative peace we have had growing up.  It has made me re-evalauate many of the people & things I have allowed into my life, & has reminded me that not everyone is so lucky.  Yet he did it, he made something of himself, when many here can't.  He has done more with his opportunity than many of us Americans have.   it's a humbling experience and one I don't mind sharing.

This is a definite must read and a book we should all pass on to our friends and book lovers.

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Erotica Book Review: Table for Three

Book Title: Table For Three ( New York Book 1)

Author: Lainey Reese

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Format: ebook, paperback

Cost: $4.24 $11.90

Pages: 208

How I got it: Purchased from Publisher

My Rating:★★★★★

Erotica Rating: ★★★★☆

Synopsis:

She’s taking two bites out of the Big Apple. New York, Book 1 Riley Ramirez knew that moving to New York would change her life. She just didn’t expect it to start on her very first night in town. Her attraction to nightclub owner Kincade Marshall is instant, mind-blowing—and mutual. When she finds he is a Dom who requires her complete surrender, even when it comes to submitting to his best friend, Trevor Wellington, she finds herself willing and eager to embrace the sexual adventure. From their earliest days, Cade and Trevor have shared everything, including women. Yet it only takes one night with Riley to know she is their forever lady. Convincing her that this is more than a temporary fling, though, will take every tool in their sensual arsenal. As Cade and Trevor set their sights on Riley, however, they’re unaware—until it’s almost too late—that someone is targeting their fragile relationship. Someone who’s taking deadly aim at Riley. Suddenly their struggle to keep their forever woman is a fight to keep her alive… Warning: This book contains m/f/m ménage, bdsm play, lots of steamy p.d.a, and a fine dining experience that will leave you salivating for more.

My Review:

I got this book because a reviewer I love (Emily) gave it a high rating, & it sounded awesome (confession I only read the synopsis after i purchased it, because she loved it so it had to be good). OMgosh, I love this book. I loved this book, I laughed pretty hard @ nerdy moments, got really into the adventure of their love, & was really drawn in to their stories.

Riley is new to New York, and the first club she walks into belongs to slightly jaded Dom Cade, he thinks she doesn't belong there (and he is right) but he decides to get to know her and after he meets her knows that she is it, the one he and his best friend Trevor have been looking for.  This book for such a small tome really a had a great tale. I enjoyed it because the characters were well written, the adventure, the building of a couple trio was well written with all, even the 'side' characters.  

The villian in this story went all out, I mean really though?? Who does all that?? They don't even know you exist, but a woman scorned and all that jazz.  When Riley ends up in the hospital and all the nurses are betting on who is her boyfriend I had to laugh, because so sounded like a couple the nurses I know. 

Ummm I so need to read Brice's story, he was everything awesome. That scene with Cade & Riley, with Brice watching is just so hot. I can't even begin to describe how hot it was.  Riley was pretty good, someone I woul like to know, she had spunk, & according to her "gumption".  There is a slight BDSM theme in there, no real heavy stuff, but it is there, especially in that first scene between the trio & Riley couldn't  pick which was more dominant, yeah that was a good scene as well. And at dinner when Riley first met Cade, WOW!!  

I really enjoyed the book & it will definitely be a favorite re~read. I'm going to go buy the second book in the series, I'm sure it will be just as good. Happy Reading my loves

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Book Review: Three Musketeers: Midnight Heat

Book Title: The Three Musketeers # 3: Midnight Heat
Author: Donna Kauffman

Publisher: Loveswept: Random House
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 240

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★1/2
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Friendship is the most important thing in Dane Colbourne’s life—apart from his job as a determined investigator who never leaves a case unsolved. After the near-catastrophic midair collision of two planes, Dane focuses his laserlike intensity on the air traffic controller who appears to be responsible. But when she claims innocence with equal ferocity, Dane knows he may finally have met his match. Adria Burke has gone over the details of “the incident” in her head: She is certain there was a third plane in the air at the time of the collision, and that she actually saved hundreds of lives with her commands. But how can she convince Dane of the truth? As they try to ignore the fact that there is an undeniable spark between them, together Adria and Dane uncover evidence that there was something else going on in the sky the night of the incident. But will their passion leave both of them permanently grounded?

My Review:
Good story, this is the first book in the series that I read & I am looking forward to reading the rest. These men seem captivating.  This story in particular had well written characters, it's also apparently picking up where Born to Be Wild left off, which is great if you have read the other story (which I haven't done so yet).

Donna writes in a way that draws you in and allows you to fall in love with her characters.  they are so well written & rounded that you feel like you know them.  In this book she smoothly brings back the other characters without them taking over the book, but enhancing this story at the same time.  I enjoyed how Adria & Dane met, especially because they both had to hold back their natural inclinations: to be a smart ass in Adria's case and rampant curiosity & attraction in Dane's care. Right away you could tell they were going to be a fun couple to read & they didn't disappoint.

Adria's & Dane's love & passion for flying planes & being around planes provided them with great common ground & so did their past, both having had tough times with deep loss.  I loved that they were drawn to each other & decided to explore it.  Despite everything going on around them they still made the decision to be together.

Adria has a few issues she needed to deal with and when it seems like Dane has gone against everything she thought they had, she decided to take matters in her own hands.  That final confrontation between then was both sad and endearing because here were two people trying to decide if they were in it together or if they should stand behind their pride.

Poor Adria, her whole career in the balance, being threatened, a co-worker who allowed her to take the rap for him, considering their job, she actually was being foolish there, but I get helping out your friends. The only thing good out of this situation had to be meeting Dane, and the family he brought along with him.


This is perhaps out of the two I read that is most dated, they talked of beepers, and payphones, while talking about cellphones, but I get it, some places still have payphones (not DC where they are but some still do)

A very good, quick read, I highly recommend this one as well as the rest of the series.

Happy Reading my loves

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

ARC Book Review: Three Musketeers: Surrender the Dark

Book Title: The Three Musketeers # 1: Surrender the Dark
Author: Donna Kauffman

Publisher: Loveswept Harlequin
Format: ebook

Cost: $2.99

Pages: 240

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: 
Synopsis:

They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Jarrett McCullough values those bonds as seriously as he values his job heading a covert group of operatives skilled in handling sensitive international information. But his current mission has suddenly gone very wrong—and he finds himself wounded and near death in the last place he ever expected to be. Rae Gannon is stunned to find her ex-boss bleeding from a gunshot wound, mere paces from her front door. It has been two years since her move to the remote Blue Ridge Mountains, where she tried to erase the memories and the pain she suffered from having been part of McCullough’s team. Yet as Rae tends to Jarrett’s battered body she realizes that the air between them is still sizzling with a slow-burning need. But this time there are more than just hearts at stake. The mission that almost got Jarrett killed threatens to put Rae back in harm’s way. And if they surrender to their desires, it may cost them their lives.

My Review:
It's a re-issue that has been updated for the times, this is the first time I am reading it however.  I read this book after the third in the series, so I got a glimpse of the characters before reading their story. I really enjoyed reading this book. It's emotional, the characters are well rounded and written in a way that makes them easy to love.  Of the three men who grew up together Jarrett is the one who goes into military intelligence, it's a job that suits him, it gives him something to look forward to and is a way for him to honor his father, his inspiration & hero.

It's a beautifully written story about the healing power of love, of knowing that there is one person in the world to whom you matter and who matter to you.  Rae got out of her job away from those she considered a family two years ago, when all that was important to her was tainted.  Lost, confused & broken, she retreats to the seclusion & safety of the mountains.  Using crafting as a healing therapy  she slowly comes to create her own haven & finds peace.

Then a little pup comes knocking at the door & with it her old world comes crashing back in.  She does what she has to do to protect the wman who trained her with the goal of kicking him out the second he's conscious  but it all changes and slowly they both learn to open up to their emotions and to each other.  It doesn't take long before the walls begin to crumble and in their place stand two lonely and world weary people who are battered by their fight for justice and the battles that has chosen them.

It's a beautifully written story that bring you in, this glimpse of Jarrett & rae was both heartbreaking & endearing, they both desperately wanted to belong to someone but feared sharing their world with anyone, because who else would understand what they need from each other?  I liked that the characters are well written, well rounded & fully vibrant. They clicked well, which made their sparing moments awesome & when they stripped themselves raw you just felt the emotion.

I loved it.   The emotions felt so real and were strongly described, the sense of growth, of love of belonging, just amazing. I especially loved that they were strong separate but choosing each other made them even stronger; which then of course made their intimate moments beautiful.

Because it's a re-issue some of the 'age' shows especially in the comment about women and equality and fighting in the front. Sadly even though this was written many years ago it's still applicable to now. It's an amazingly fast read as well, so make sure to go get it!!!

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

ARC Book Review: A Scandal, A Secret, a Baby

Book Title: A Scandal, A Secret, a Baby
Author: Sharon Kendrick

Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Format: ebook

Cost: $3.82

Pages: 384

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★ 1/2
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:

One sinful night…Dante D'Arezzo is the last person famous songwriter Justina Perry wants to see at her best friend's wedding. The wickedly sexy Italian is ruthless to the core. He broke her heart once; she won't surrender to his insatiable desire again. But what Dante wants… One very big scandal! Justina's pregnancy hits the front page and Dante knows he's the father. He'll make her pay for trying to keep his child from him. His Miss Independent is about to become completely dependent…on him! This Italian will claim his heir and—if he wants her—a wife! Plus a Sharon Kendrick reader-favorite: Marriage Scandal, Showbiz Baby!

My Review:
I'm a huge murder`mystery  paranormal & erotic romance lover. I love reading book that get your adrenaline kicking, heart racing, and your mind engaged, but every once in a while i need to gear down and read something simple, for that I read simple romance like these, they are little bites that aren't too deep, too drastic or too overwhelming   It's like sniffing coffee beans after smelling lots of perfumes, it just cleanses the palate.

I liked this book, it's simple and it's actually two books in one.  I believe the male characters are related they both have the same last name anyway, but there was no real mention in the second book of relatives.  so I can't be sure.  Each book is about famous people and the rigors of that fame.  Personally it did kind of make me feel sorry for those in the spotlight but then I thought about it, you choose that life. The first story really pulled me in because these were two headstrong people who just didn't know the meaning of the word "compromise".  The situation that they found themselves in could have been prevented if they talked about it, but you know hindsight being what it is, they never realized how much they had until it was gone.  Dante' believed women should have their lives then marry and then their lives become their husbands and their children, Justina is a woman who grew up with a broken mother who found herself through the men she snagged from their wives, so Justina swung the other way trying not to be like that AT ALL.  Control became her savior and her success kept her together.  I get why she was like that, I understand her fear, but I just don't understand Dante' hard line, like did you not grow up in the 21st century?? I get it your old school but umm my man, no, just no.

As for the second book??? Once a cheater always a cheater, I don't care how or why you cheated. You made the  decision to step out on your partner, that makes you the bad guy.  As for Jennifer, she wanted to prove that she wasn't just there because of her husband's fame, and she then took her great relationship and threw it away. Just because other women are idiots and disrespect your marriage doesn't mean you have to blame your partner, he choose you, and he's here with you, so what if the waitress is giving him the eye balls?? Stop being an idiot.

I love these books because they are small and quick to read, but because they also remind of what the heck not to do. Both of these women had me rolling my eyes at their stupidity  then sympathizing because let's be real, how many of us have done the same thing?? *raises hand*  I'm not sure if I like Matteo, he was a bit of an ass, but i did like Dante' because he really strives to change when he realized he lost the woman he loved because he was archaic in his views, Matteo?? he cheated I'm not sure I can forgive that.  Although his panic at the end?? Yeah I totally liked him a little better since he wasn't so damn sure of himself.

I do however give mean O_o to the mothers of both the women in the story, lets just say broken women raise broken children. Get your stuff together and stop passing that crap on. Grrr also one to Dante's mother too but for being such a know it all.

So there you have it, I liked the book, it's a check it out when you have a chance, and if you love little romance books that are quick reads; then this is perfect.

Happy Reading

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Follow Up & Follow Friday (15)

Welcome back to another fun week of Follow Friday. It's a chance to share about the things I love and think you should take a quick look into, we are also looking to share some serious blogger love.

This Week's Blogger to Love is:

Ahh man, if you haven't met Kallan Kennedy you are missing out. She's sharp, witty & has a deep & keen sense of humour. Her rants are legendary & awesome. She shares her insights and deep love of her path with us as well as lots of good information, whenever I need the news I turn to Kallan's Sunday Stew, where she shares the latest news for pagans to be interested in & lots of pertinent information for us for that week.  She's on Facebook as well so make sure to check her out as well.  Because of Kallan I have found many different blogs to read and many new bloggie friends.  I'm so glad the day I 'met' her.

Have a great blogger for us to check out? Please share in the comments, I'm sure we would love to all check it out. Now on with the show:

Here's a run down of the last week of reading. * indicates an ARC (advanced readers copy of the book)

What I have Read So Far: 

Million Dollar Mistake by Meg Lacey *

Lana's Lawman by Karen Leabo *

Three Musketeers: Midnight Heat by Donna Kauffman *

Recent Reviews Posted: 

• Down in New Orleans by Heather Graham
• With this Collar by Sierra Cartwright
• Good Cop, Bad Cop by Lily Harlem
• Teamwork Hot Ice #4 by Lily Harlem
• Anything for HIm by Lily Harlem

What I'm Currently Reading :  

Candle & The Crossroads by Orion Foxwood *

What's Going on: 
I have recently joined the 365 Picture Challenge. It's basically a picture a day challenge, it means getting out and getting down and dirty in your surroundings. It means paying attention, being present, it's basically meditation. There is a prompt to help you find things to take pictures of & inspire you to keep going.  Here is my favorite picture of this week:

This was taking just a few days before Snow Storm Nemo came to visit.  These are the trees that line the local green at the center of town. I just love the look of the old lamp posts and the lines of trees. Simply beautiful.

As for my No Soda No fast Food Challenge, once again it's been an awesome week of not having either of them. That's a total of twenty~two days this month & a total of 52 days of no soda, no fast food!! Wooohoo Go me!!

How are you dong on your challenges?? How is your reading coming along?? Share in the comments my loves and have a blessed weekend & a great time making your goals this week!!

ARC Book Review: Down In New Orleans

Book Title: Down In New Orleans
Author: Heather Graham

Publisher: Open Road
Format: ebook, 

Cost: $7.69

Pages: 325

How I got it: NetGalley

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis:

When artist Ann Marcel tries to help her husband Jon clear his name of a shocking murder charge, she steps into the shadowy and sensual New Orleans world of erotic clubs and after-hours jazz joints. Racing against time and the detective determined to send Jon to prison, Ann is soon embroiled in a fight for her life.

My Review:
It wasn't until I was searching for the links for this book that I discovered that it is a re-issue with a new cover & I'm sure some updating on the language& things like cellphones.  since i have never read it, I'm intrigued by it.

This is a different take on the typical Graham book, this time the woman isn't a cop, or even close to being a cop, she's an artist.  For a book placed in New Orleans the only Voodoo participant is a secondary character & there aren't any ghosts this time.  Ann is an artist & the ex-wife of an artist hersefl.

Ann's not a native of New Orleans, she's however fallen in love ( I mean who wouldn't it's New Orleans) with the city & made it her home, on what should've been a typical day, her ex shows up, late to their meeting and when she answers the door, he's covered in blood & almost dead, but he insists " I didn't do it, I didn't do it".   The cops seem to want an easy case, he's the most likely suspect but Ann can't accept that, the man she was married to would never do this & it's up to her to prove that to the cops.

Now I'm all for woman power, & doing what needs to be done; but I also know that barreling into a place where Angels fear to thread is a fool's gamble, yes eventually she did something right, but in the process she almost got killed, almost got several other people killed all to prove 1 person innocent. O_o. While I was reading on Goodreads I stated : "Sometimes I dream,  that idiotic characters get killed just so they learn their lesson the hard way. Your not a cop, even if you are right you shouldn't be a bigger idiot insisting on doing it your way."  Why trust complete strangers but not the cop, you may or may not be dating?!?!? 

I liked Ann, she was older, a mother a woman comfortable in her own kin, a little headstrong, & bullheaded but with a heart of gold. She cracked me up when she started taking lessons on dancing, even though she had never been a strip club before. Her inner monologue of how not to stand out had me cracking up.  Mark was a great guy, one who clearly knew himself & what he wanted, although he kept telling himself to leave Ann alone he just couldn't.  Together they just fit & I liked it, I loved knowing they had great loves before & weren't necessarily unhappy people until they met each other.  Mark's granddaughter was cute & provided the necessary levity when needed. 

There were several viable prospects as the villain, from the smooth (almost too smooth) strip club owner, to the cop who might be dirty, to the cousin who was also a little smooth. I mean it jumped from person to person, depending on the layers being revealed, which of course kept me glued to it.

The villain in this novel took the concept of keep your friends close & your enemies closer. I so didn't know who to suspect but still wouldn't have picked them as the one. Just didn't see it at all.  I loved the slow burn of the romance, especially their visit to the bayou. Can I get one of those please?? I didn't know the difference between Cajun & Creole but it explains so much now. 

It's a really good story & a great read.  I loved it. It's of course by one of my favorite authors, so it's well worth reading.  

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy for free from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest & unbiased review**** 

Erotica Book Review: With This Collar

Book Title: With this Collar Mastered Book 1
Author: Sierra Cartwright

Publisher: Ebound
Format: ebook

Cost: $5.18

Pages: 167

How I got it: Author

My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis:

Book one in the Mastered Series Julia Lyle will have nothing to do with domineering men, no matter how tall, dark, and sexy. But Dom Marcus Cavendish will be satisfied with nothing less than collaring the fiercely independent Julia. Nothing could have shocked her more… Julia Lyle is invited to her best friend’s wedding and is stunned when Lana kneels to accept her husband’s collar. When Julia starts to object, firm, relentless hands land on her shoulders. The man behind her threatens to turn her over his knee if she interrupts. She’s outraged, but there’s no doubt he’s serious. After the ceremony, he offers her a glimpse into her friend’s lifestyle, if she’s brave enough to accept. Master Marcus Cavendish is everything she doesn’t want in a man—dominant, self-assured and arrogant. So why can’t she resist him? Telling herself that learning about the lifestyle will make her a better friend, Julia agrees to submit to Master Marcus, but only for the evening. Firm and unrelenting in his handling of her, he introduces her to his tawse and the pleasure/pain of a spanking delivered by a competent Dom. The experience unnerves her, making her question everything she thought she knew about relationships, and his forced orgasms leave her shattered. No doubt the scene seduced her, and that makes her doubly determined to avoid him. She has fought hard for her freedom and vowed only to date nice men, and Master Marcus is anything but safe. Marcus is undeterred. Julia is a natural sub. The way she responded to his touch, his voice, his punishment proved it. Now he has to convince her to yield to him, submitting to his tawse as she kneels to accept his collar.

My Review:
Holy Hotness Batman!! I remember reading Sierra's Dangerzone from the Hawkeye Series. ( I constantly re-read it, because woozer that Dom is hot!!) It's a good, well written story &amp it flows well, the characters were realistic and very good together.  So when she mentioned that she had gotten her author's copies in of her newest book, I was all over it.  My only other information about the story was "do you like hardcore BDSM"??  Do I ??!! Hell Yeah!! O_o  I do  have to say was good Goddess it is HOT!!

I'm glad I had no preconceived notions about the book, but then the book would have kicked them to the curb anyway.  It's only a little less than 200 pages. It took me 3 days because life just kept intervening.  Sierra managed to do an introductory BDSM while showing the possibilities of sub life, she captured just how (boring) & necessary all the talking can be while still making it erotic not an easy task but one that is done rather well if you ask me.  Master Marcus did well in showing Julia the different types of types of relationships that were there & allowed her to set the pace while still being the Dom.

That first scene at the wedding was both touching & hilarious because of Julia's reaction. Her inner monologue sounded a lot like mine, which is probably why I like her so much.  I liked that she was willing to take a chance & learn something new.The scenes between Julia & her Dom were good, I mean really good ( and realistic). My favorite part has to be her learning to put the Dom's feelings first, even her reactions to it were very real & right on point for the character's previous behavior 

I loved that Master Marcus made the dungeon specifically for Julia & that even though he's had a bad relationship he was still willing to move forward when he realized that Julia was it for him.  I loved that Lara was so real with Julia and made her see the truth without being a know it all.  That final scene when she slipped in " as many over the knees as you desire" had me cracking up, still hanging on to her independence even while submitting.

I do know I would love to read Lana's story & I can't wait to read Master Damien's story & of course Gideon's as well.   Those stories should be ...well let's just say 'fun' is too tame a word.  I can't quite convey how good the story is. You'll have to read it don't just take my word for it.

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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Erotica Book Review: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Book Title: good Cop, Bad Cop
Author: Lily Harlem

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Format: ebook

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 237

How I got it: Kindle Freebie via Author

My Rating:★★★☆☆
Erotica Rating:★★★★☆ 
Synopsis:

Fame and fortune is a blessing that, for me, has changed its taste from sumptuously sweet to murderously bitter. Leaving me no choice but to look over my shoulder at every turn and question the scruples of even my most faithful friends. I would give up all the glowing adoration from my fans in a heartbeat in exchange for not running for my life. But fate doesn’t deal cards that way, and instead I find myself far out at sea and being bounced between two hot cops—one so chilly just his glance gives me frostbite, and the other showing a kindness that barely covers his own demons. So with nowhere else to turn, quite literally, I have to trust two men I hardly know with my life and cope without the luxuries my status usually affords me. But it’s not long before I discover when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Turns out these cops are not only the wrong guys to mess with, they also have partnership skills above and beyond the requirements of their day job. And for once, while just being me without the frills, I get to discover that they are as sinfully bad as they are dreamily good in every department, and it seems, I am the one they want cuffed and controlled at the same time as they are protecting and serving.

My Review:
An erotic quick read.  This book has some seriously erotic scenes & then some random 'action' scenes. India Moore is a country & western singer who has been receiving a few pieces of hate mail, recently they have increased in number & their threats have gotten worse. As time passes she become increasingly agitated & paranoid, so much so that when she is at dinner with friends she thinks she is being followed and jumps out the bathroom window.  While running from a stalker India climbs on to a random boat & luckily for her it belonged to two cops Jose & Dillon.  Jose is starstruck when his favorite country & western musician India is found on his boat, he is willing to do whatever necessary to keep her safe.  His friend Dillion however isn't fond of celebrities because the ones he had to work with were too high maintenance for his taste; which made him a bit harsh with India when he discovered who she was. Jose & Dillion decide to help her even though Dillion isn't on board at first.

Dillion at the start was a little bit of a jerk because she was a case when he needed some serious down time. Then when he's faced with giving her up he decides that he rather take care of her himself.

It was good, the erotica took over the story (you will hear no complaints from me that's what I'm here for).  The stalker angle was good it helped move the story ahead; giving the heroes a chance to be 'heroes'  I particularly loved the Dominant in the situation & then I'm left wondering if there is going to be another story, based on how it ended. That shower scene?? Yeah all kinds of hotness.

Cons:
Although the stalker angle allowed them to meet, when it kept cropping up during the story it broke the continuity.  I get it, you want to indulge in each other but with your life on the line & you have no idea who the criminal is, why not call for help??  Why not return to land where you can get some back up & take on the case more seriously? Then there is trusting this random stranger to tell them where to go??  How do you know it wasn't a set-up with more than one assailant??

The random guy we tracked them down?? India not listening & putting them all in danger?? It just didn't go with the story.  I think it should have just stayed an erotica, with the action kinda taking place in the background or off stage. Putting it in didn't really spice up the story; especially because the end seemed rushed to just hurry up and get him out of the way.  While I really liked the erotica/love affair, I could have done without the 'action'.

It's a good romp & a quick read. Enjoy!!

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