ARC Review: Mr. Real by Carolyn Crane

 

Mr. Real

by Carolyn Crane

Code of Shadows #1

 



Everyone knows that Alix is a good time gal who just wants to have fun and doesn't take anything seriously, so when loads an occult computer programme on to laptop that materialises anything you click on in 24 hours time, she decides to do a little shopping....a nice new necklace, a new outfit and a new man! Sir Kendall, a super spy from a liquer advert is just what she needs, someone to take charge and bonk her brains out and who just happens to look like the man she has a huge crush on. Paul Reinhardt has the sudden urge to go on a road trip to Minnesota, however, when he gets there he sees the woman he loves with the character he despises: Sir Kendall, his childhood tormentor. But what has Alix unleashed? Eachday Sir Kendall seems to get stronger and more dangerous and has plans for Paul and Alix....

WARNING!! This book gives you FALSE expectations! I have been clicking and clicking on pictures of Captain Mal Reynolds aka the sexy Nathan Fillion, and what do I have NOTHING but a slighty achy index finger, a bucket load of horny and a bumper pack of condoms (safe sex people!)....


*clicks picture of Cap'n Reynolds...you never know*

But despite my ruthlessly smashed hopes of sexual bliss I loved this book! it was funny, touching, full of complex characters and an interesting storyline. It was also such a medley of genres, suspense, paranormal, romance, spy, thriller that it felt fresh and completely unique.

What Ms Crane seems to do best is create characters that you wouldn't normally expect; Alix at the beginning of the book, although likable and fun, was also a bit ditsy and used sex to reinforce her self esteem but throughout Mr Real she grew into something so much more and Sir Kendall, who was a two dimensional, cheesy super spy from an advert became interesting and dangerous, and it is sad but fascinating to watch him questioning his own existence as he realises something isn't quite right.

*clicks again and peeks out window*

As well as great characters this book also drew you in with its humour and the sweet 'n sexy romance going on between Alix and Paul. Paul was so adorable and I loved that everything that Sir Kendall thought was horrid about Alix Paul seemed to love, the way she dressed, the way she joked it really came through that everything about Alix made Paul love her more and more and brought him happiness, even if he didn't want it to.

*clicks frantically on PDF of Mal accidently knocking the condoms on the floor*

This was a great book with a winning combination of romance, fun and great storytelling, Carolyn Crane has once again come up with a quirky and strangely moving series and I can't wait to see what the next book brings.

*ARGH! Damn you Carolyn Crane *shakes first*....wait what was that noise....*

*ARC provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: The Marriage Mistake by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Mistake

by Jennifer Probst

(Marriage to a Billionaire # 3)

The Marriage Mistake is the third installment of Marriage to a Billionaire by Jennifer Probst.  I must say that this book is the best of the three.  Ms. Probst mastered the art of sexual tension, smexy scenes and managed to add a heart-warming element to the story, not to mention the swoon worthy hero. 

Max and Carina are two people who are career minded.  Max already established in the business world with Michael Conte, Carina’s older Brother.  Carina on the other hand, had just finished her MBA and had come to America to learn the family business.  Because Max saw her as his BFF’s little sis, he felt like he was babysitting and was a bit resentful of this assignment.  However, what he did not expect was that Carina has grown up to be a beautiful, sexy, very independent woman and has been in-love with him for years.   And that, shocked the heck out of him.

I was intrigued with Max and Carina being 20^th century career focused but with a very heavy cultural background.  In the melting pot of New York City, this is realistic and very believable.  How many of us battle between making your career a priority, love life or family life.  Max and Carina managed to get both.  Not only that their story was heartfelt, but had funny banters, family love, extremely high sexual tension and very sexy love scenes. 

The secondary characters were just as great.  Nick/Alexa and Michael/Maggie made their cameo.  Momma Conte was there again and she was a major factor to this love story.  You know what they say, mother knows best.  And the “Book of Spell” that has made its way from Alexa to Maggie and Alexa, made its cameo.  Looks like IT will make its way to the next heroine for Ms. Probst series. *crossing fingers*

Overall, if you enjoy a light read full of romance, heavy with sexual tension and ends with a Happy-Ever-After, this book is for you.  Correction, this series is for you!!!

*ARC provided by publisher

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison

4.5 Feathers

Lord's Fall

by Thea Harrison

(Elder Races # 5)

LORD'S FALL is a great love story with a hint of Hunger Games element with some Civil War action. As usual, Thea Harrison did not disappoint. She has given her readers a chance to peak beyond Pia and Dragos’ Happy-Ever-After (HEA) and a glance at what’s up and up with the Wyr Demesne.

It has been 7 months since Pia and Dragos have mated. If you have been following the Elder Races series, you know that Pia and Dragos are expecting Peanut and she is now taking on the role of Dragos’ mate. Her first mission is to repair the Wyr and Elves demesne’s relationship. Turns out that she’ll be doing more than just fixing a demesne quarrels, she’ll also be in the middle of a civil war between the Elves and their Ancients. Unfortunately, she will be doing this mission on her own and away from her mate. It's something both she and Dragos must overcome.

Meanwhile, at The Callubre Towers, Dragos’ Seven Sentinels are down to five. His top two, Tiago has mated with the Dark Fae Queen, Nininane aka Trix and Rune has mated with Carling, the Vampyre Queen. The need to replace them was inevitable so Dragos held the Sentinel Games. That’s right boys and girls, there will be new characters to look forward to. The Sentinel Games are pretty awesome and watching Dragos do his public appearance without Pia was pretty cute. I like that Thea keeps his character at a constant. He’s still very powerful, rich, sexy, overprotective but very sweet to his mate. He is the reason I am addicted to this series.

It was brilliant how Ms. Harrison brought Dragos and Pia back even after their HEA in Dragon Bound. This just shows you, even in our fantasy world, an HEA still needs a lot of work to keep going. There are also a few new relationships that are rekindled, few that are obviously brewing to be something more and new friendships were formed. This hopefully ensures us more of this world. If you have not read Dragon Bound, I highly suggest you do so. Pia and Dragos' characters and relationship building started there and it’s a shame to miss their courtship. 

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: No Greater Glory by Cindy Nord

No Greater Glory

by Cindy Nord

When Yankee soldiers take over widowed Southern Belle, Emaline McDaniel's plantation home in Falmouth, Virginia, she has no idea what she is in for when she comes face to face with Colonel Reece Cutteridge of the 6th Cavalry. Holding a rifle squarely at the Colonel, Emaline stands firm is protecting all that she has left. But Reece has a job to do and this stubborn female won't get in the way of getting his orders done, or will she?

Both the Colonel and the Southern Belle had lives before the war. Lydia had her marriage, not a happy one, but it was something. Once she meets Colonel Reece Cutteridge, all bets are off. The passiojn that stirs between the soldier and the lady is something than cannot be denied, and even when duty calls, love can prevail.

First, I must say that I am a history nerd. The Civil War holds great interest for me. Having said that, this book is not just about the Civil War, it's about two people from two different worlds, coping with the times and what life has thrown at them. Colonel Cutteridge is a true gentleman, and from history we know that is not always the case where women are concerned in situations with war. I love Reece, a character with such depth and such conviction. Emaline is a character who changes for for better. Leading a life of privilege at first then being tossed in the middle of the war has brought out the true woman she was meant to be.

This is Cindy Nord's first published book, and I enjoyed it immensely. I would love to see Reece and Emaline in the future. Ms. Nord really made you care for them and the outcome. I hope to see more from this author soon!

*Review copy provided by author

  Purchase Links: Amazon  You can find more of Kimberly's reviews at Book Obsessed Chicks.

Review: Iced by Karen Marie Moning

Iced

(Fever #6)

by Karen Marie Moning 

If you haven’t read the first five books of the Fever series, I strongly suggest you reconsider starting with this book. It’s not a spin-off. ICED is book 6 of the series. The events of ICED occur after some events in SHADOWFEVER. In ICED, you will encounter spoilers that will spoil the first five books, so you’ve been warned.

Readers say goodbye to Mac and Barrons (for now) and are introduced to the World of the Mega. Dani O’Malley is her name and don’t you forget it! Since the walls came down, the streets of Dublin are littered with Fae and violence. This is just one of the trubs that Dani is faced with. Dani is juggling a myriad of problems: Her ex best friend, Mac, is out to seek retribution, the Unseelie princes are dead set on killing her and Inspector Jayne has taken her sword, the only protection and weapon she has against the Fae. Like it could get any worse? KMM adds another weight to the Mega’s shoulder. Mysterious happenings are appearing all over Dublin where people are dying as they are frozen in spot, like some creepy version of freeze tag. It’s up to Dani to save what’s left of her city before it becomes too late.

I had the same concerns that I’m sure everyone else had about Dani. She’s young. 14 years old. Where does KMM think she’s going to take this story? But not surprisingly, KMM does a remarkable job of writing Dani’s POV so that it stands out without being too loud or rambunctious. There are times when Dani freaks out like a normal teen. It happens usually when she’s angry or stressed out. But I would rather have a heroine who is reacts rather than just lets things fly over her. KMM straddles the line. ICED is definitely not YA and by no means should be the norm for a young teenage girl. But that’s the thing I think people need to remember. Dani isn’t your average teen. At 14, she has seen and experienced things that have carved her into who she is today. The events from her past make her into a mouthy, independent superhero who doesn’t take shit from anyone. And I love it!

While I was reading this book, someone asked me if I was OK with all the sex that happens in this book, considering how young Dani is. My answer is: Would it really make a huge difference if she was of legal age? I doubt it. KMM’s writing is infused with rich depictions of sex and passion. If she had toned that down simply because of Dani’s age, I think readers would be furious. And if she had made Dani older, we wouldn’t have gotten the true story that KMM planned for Dani. Moning’s writing tends to cause strong reader reaction. Controversy is conflict. Needless to say, sex keeps the series interesting. And Dani’s age doesn’t define her. She has already proven that she can keep her legs closed until she decides she is ready.

Ryodan is the new man of the hour and oh my, he can nod at me anytime! Sleek and sophisticated, Ryodan’s got everything he needs to knock Barrons off that Top Alpha spot! There is so much more to learn about the boss of Chester’s and I’m definitely willing to wait another year just to find out!

I think it’s too soon to decipher who Dani will have her HEA with. But Ryodan, Christian and Dancer are definitely not bad candidates. Naturally, Ryodan gets my vote. I’m already a complete puddle of goo for him. Christian would be a good fit too but with the way he is now, I doubt the story would take the simplest route. Christian already believes that he is in love with her. If Dani suddenly decides that the she wants him, where would the story go? Dancer is like home for Dani. When she is with Dancer, she isn’t Mega the super-fast, super-smart superhero who is going to save Dublin. She’s just Dani. I’m just glad that all three of them know not just how amazing she will be when she is older, but also appreciate who she is now.

ICED just may be my favorite book of the year. Terrifyingly addictive, Karen Marie Moning has ruined me for any other author or book out there. Introducing Dani to an audience who are so passionate about the series was a risk, yet Moning has proven time and again that she is one of the premier authors of Urban Fantasy. ICED is an absolute must read!

Favorite Quote:

"This ain't no fecking campfire and cuddle!"

I was thinking along the same lines as she was. Dani just says what I'm thinking.

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

by Darynda Jones

(Charley Davidson # 4)

Darynda is an AMAZING WRITER and I have fallen in love with her and the books she writes…In a non-stalker way of course. Each book in this series has left my jaw on the floor or left me in fetal position, crying that the book had ended. So you can just imagine how I felt when I got my paws on this ARC. As I predicted, Darynda did not disappoint.

Charley, our super funny grim reaper, did not leave book 3 unscathed. Even with her powers, she is not beyond feelings of humanity. The near death experience, battling with demons, almost loosing people she cares about and then betrayed by family has left Charley with serious issues. I don’t blame her.

Darynda took a different route with Charley's story. Yes, she is still spunky, funny, smart mouth. But she is not our usual herione who keeps getting up even after a good emotional or physical beat down. She is suffering from depression and PTSD. It’s weird seeing Charley at a vulnerable state. She avoided everyone. She had flashbacks of her attack, inability to cope or live her daily routine and she shopped QVC until she was broke. It was hilarious that Darynda incorporated an “intervention” on Charley. Uncle Bob, Cookie and her sister Gemma decided to snap her out of her depression by getting together and bribing her with pastries. Okay, it was a serious moment but it was funny on how they went about it.

Luckily, there was a job offer for Charley that she could not refuse. Well, she was running out of money, so she had to take it. Harper is being terrorized and she needed help to solve the mystery. It was somewhat ironic that what got her out of her house, is a client also suffering from PTSD. She automatically connected with Harper as they share a similar childhood experience. I think Darynda did an awesome job making readers experience what Charley and Harper went through. The feelings were realistic, believable and heartbreaking to see.

Of course, Reyes was there too. Initially, he had stayed away from Charley per her request but he was never far. He still kept a close watch on our Reaper. I love that he tried to give her space and waited until she was ready. If you remember, our Son of Satan is out of prison and living his life…in the flesh. Oh yes, Reyes in human form is just as sexy as he was corporeal. Wait until you see what his current occupation is (hawtness) and whom he’s shackin' up with. I swear Reyes can make my blood boil in every way. But no worries, it was only for convenience. We all know his heart belongs to ME *coughs* I mean Charley. He will always continue to protect her. Between their disagreements, it’s still very clear that they're in love with each other.

Talk about love, not only that I have fallen for Darynda, Charley and Reyes…I also have fallen for Garrett and Donavan. Though they made their appearance, I wish there was more. Donavan, Charley's biker friend has been hanging with the wrong crowd and he has gotten himself in some deep kadoodeee. And well, you know Charley, she will always try to save the day. I keep thinking of where Darynda is going with his character because it’s obvious that there is something going on between him and Charley. We all know that relationship is not going anywhere but I feel like there’s more there. Garrett on the other hand, had also made his cameo but very, very brief. I was a bit disappointed because I felt connected with his character and I wanted more of him.. Like Charley, he went through hell (literally) and he’s not quite recovered from it. He’s been out and about but has been doing a lot of research as far as after life goes. I am predicting something bad is brewing in that pretty head of his.

Of course, this book will not be complete without Cookie, Amber, Ubie, Gemma, Elena, and Angel. Oh and Charley has a new friend Margaret. She is silent for the most part but very dangerous. It was of course great to see Artemis. She really took on the role of Charley’s Guardian and did a great job doing it. Charley’s dad was around as well. We already know that they have been having issues. By the end of this book, there will be clarity to his past actions. We will have to see where that goes but I’m hoping for the best.

Overall, Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet is another GREAT addition to this series. I don’t think Darynda can do wrong when it comes to her writing. She is a superb writer with a phenomenal imagination. As always, I am yet again in the mercy of this author, waiting for the next Charley installment.

*ARC provided by publisher