Review: Not Planning on You by Sydney Landon

Not Planning on You

by Sydney Landon

(Danvers # 2)

 

Tags: Sweet, Claimed, Top Bitch (assuming this means the heroine was a no-nonsense, take charge kinda gal)

This was a hot, sweet, and good ride. It was a quick ride, but a good one, nonetheless. That said, it also had so many elements of what it so prominently selling right now - a book very similar in many ways to the Fifty Shades and Crossfire series. In some ways that was positive, and some ways, it was meh. But I'll get back to that in a moment.

Not Planning on You begins with our heroine, Suzy, an event planner for Danvers International located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, finding out that the uberhawt, ubersexy, all alpha male, CEO of Mericom, Grayson Merimon (Gray for short) will be spending a lot of time at Danvers in Myrtle Beach...much to her chagrin. She is still getting over the heartache of her fiance' cheating on her and putting her heart back together, and while Gray definitely sends her libido into overdrive, Suzy is not ready for a relationship or to give her heart out once again. Luckily, Gray is a very insistent man, and whittles away Suzy's strong layers, getting her to finally agree, not to a date of course, but to a night of some hot and heavy sex to help simmer the temptation that has been wracking both of them. While on their non-date, and prior to the amazing sex that is supposed to occur, Suzy has an accident, breaks an ankle, and finds herself needing to be taken care of for some time. Of course, Gray instantly takes charge, takes over, and refuses that anyone but himself take care of her.

The chemistry between Suzy and Gray jumps off the page from the get-go, and it is clear to see that they are going to set things aflame when they do finally get down to business. Suzy is a very strong, independent woman who knows who she is, what she wants, and what she doesn't. She is beautiful, full of confidence, and loves to dress in a way to show off her assets and style, topped with six inch stilettos. Gray, the dark, hot and brooding CEO, is equally as gorgeous, all male, and the perfect man in all senses of the word. After he gets Suzy back to his home (that he is able to purchase within a day, and with the mindset of making it their home eventually), his perfection goes into hyperdrive. Not only is he richer than rich and the most perfect male specimen to be found, he has a wonderful relationship with his brother and his parents, his manhood is well above average, AND he cooks from scratch. Believable for the reader? Not.At.All. Nonetheless, he takes care of Suzy, and through their time together, they get to know one another very well, and you can see how they are able to fall in love...not because they are beautiful and the sex (that they haven't yet had) is amazing, but because they really do click and enjoy each other's company.

Of course, there is always a problem in perfect-ville. For Gray and Suzy, it's Gray being stalked by a pesky ex-lover. This comes to haunt them in the worst way imaginable and drives a wedge between our hero and heroine. Are they able to survive it as a couple? You'll have to read it to find out. ;)

So going back to how Not Planning On You is similar to Fifty and Crossfire, and how that can be good and how that can be bad, I'll start with the good. It's good in that it gives the reader the perfection of man to dream about and with which to escape reality. Do we all want that? Hell yes! There are so many elements that I imagine women dream about and are enticed by: tall, dark, sexy CEO who is head over heels in love with the woman of his affections, he's rich, he does all the right things, he is blessed with his amazing manhood, AND he cooks! Sign me up, please!! Now the bad. Is it achievable? Hell no! NO ONE can be THAT perfect. Additionally, the hero's name is Gray. Really? Wow! If that doesn't send up a signal, I'm not sure what would. Also, I think the CEO part has become too cliche', and the hero should not be as well off and owning his own company. It would be nice to see that changed up a bit. Much like Fifty, too, the conflict was a bit far-fetched and way too easily overcome.

Not withstanding my minor criticisms, though, Not Planning On You was a fairly quick and enjoyable read. While some could say that Suzy and Gray fell in love too quickly, I actually enjoyed watching them fall in love in a way different than most contemporary novels these days. They didn't fall in love through their lust for one another, but because they actually spent a lot of time together, getting to know one another. And when they did finally get together, watch out! The sheets were set on fire. I also really enjoyed watching Gray fall to pieces when Suzy would say or do something to break down his hard exterior. He is definitely a kitten underneath his Tiger skin, and it was adorable to see. I also enjoyed the peripheral characters, most especially Beth and Nick, who I can only assume might be the main characters in the next Danvers novel. I know I will be reading it to find out.

*Review copy provided by publisher

Review: Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

Mystic City

by Theo Lawrence

(Mystic City # 1)

I want to start this review with the reason I picked up the book.  And that would be the author.  I was sitting at NY Comic Con last Saturday at a panel called "Myth Mixology: How Urban Fantasists Create the Perfect Cocktail" and to be honest the main reason I sat at the panel to begin with was to be in that room already and get good seats for the next panel "Hocus Pocus: Magic & Monsters in Science Fiction and Fantasy".  So I knew who Allison Pang, Faith Hunter and Nicole Peeler were (panelists for Myth and Mixology) but I've never read ANY of their books.  Have them though.  But through that panel only two jumped out at me that I had to read their books right away: Theo Lawrence and Faith Hunter.  As you can see Theo has been crossed off the to-read list within a week.  Why?

First was the fact that I really thought he was a sweet person, very friendly, making jokes even when a bit intimidated being the new kid on the block, but not scared to jump right in along with the other more known authors.  But then it was how he talked about his book and I'll share with you what sold it for me.   This story is post-apocalyptic, dystopian if you will, and with paranormal elements set in New York if after global warming New York was turned into a place like Venice with canals and gondolas.  There's a corrupt government and a lot of stuff happening but throughout all that there's a love story that the author wanted to draw on from Romeo and Juliet in a way.

So, I'm sold!  That was just too interesting to pass and after finishing this book today I can say it delivered.  I got the audiobook because I know normally I do better listening to stories of teenagers than "reading" them.  The narration was excellent!  Truly brought the characters to life.

But enough of that and lets talk about the story.  Aria Rose, the daughter of one of the rulers of Mystic City, wakes up without memories.  Her family tells her she OD'd and that she is lucky to be alive.  Oh yeah, and she's engaged to marry the son of one of their political enemy.  But things don't feel right and as Aria starts exploring she finds Hunter.  Hunter is a rebel mystic with the special power of walking through walls/floors (I can't even tell you how cool that is!!!) as well as healing.  He lives underground where mystics (people with powers, and they each have different powers) hide so they are not drained of their power by the government.  And with Hunter she feels things she doesn't understand but that feel right.  But Hunter is also not what he seems, and not a simple mystic.

While uncovering what was done to her, regaining her memory, and figuring out who is right and who is wrong, Aria and Hunter will have to go through EVERYTHING to be together.  Like the author said, at the core of this book there is a love story.  And the characters have to work hard to get their HEA.  But it's so worth it in the end.

The twists and turns of the story kept me interested, the world the author created has me enthralled.  Even though this story was a bit slow to start, once things got going they kept a good pace.  The last few chapters were just explosive!  The bad guys are bad, the good guys are strong and amazing.  And others are just not what they seem.  Action packed, heart racing and satisfying!

I am anxiously awaiting the next book!!!

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Fury's Kiss by Karen Chance

Fury's Kiss

by Karen Chance

Dorina Basarab #3

 

Dory wakes up in a lab with no idea of who she is or where she is with a red headed vampire crashing in saying he is trying to save her. But that is least of Dory's problems, with the Fey plotting and the vampires scheming Dory may just be facing an enemy she can't defeat.

I have been waiting for this book for so long! The Dorina Basarab series has definitely become one of the my favourite urban fantasy's. Packed full of manic action that gets your adrenal glands pumping, interspersed with funny, romantic and tender moments to soften the frantic pace; it is a rollercoaster of a read.

So much happens in this book; we breach the subject of Dory's vampire side, something that I hope you be explored more in the next book. We also see Dory's relationship with her father, Mircea, developing beautifully, as well as things between her and Louis Cesare really heating up. Dory alse seems to have acquired a vampire servant, Ray, and I doubt if I am alone in saying the hilarious, but sometimes touching, banter between Ray and Dory were some of my favourite parts.

What I really like about this series is that each book builds up from the next one; the relationships between the characters gets more complex and intense; the various factions and plots are getting more intricate and Dory's character has come to vivid life as we get to know her more deeply.

I am now dying to read the next book as Fury's Kiss had some highly unexpected events take place at the end and I can't wait to see what will happen next!   

*ARC provided by publisher

Review: Supernova by C.L. Parker

Supernova

by C.L. Parker

(Supernova Saga # 1)

She was determined that, together, they would find a way to use her gift to cure his curse.

Such an amazing story. This is my first book from C.L.Parker and I can say this, it will not be my last.  Where should I start? From the very beginning I was pulled into this fascinating world of ghosts, witches and gay best friends lol. The chemistry between the main characters was HOT. Dominic Grayson you sexy fictional character you!! Ahhh  I love how protective he was with Kerrigan, even from the very beginning! Love that C.L put some J.R Ward references in the book!!!

Kerrigan Cruz comes from a bloodline with the special ability to save peoples free will. Not knowing that she has these gifts, it takes the death of her grandmother for her to see that she is indeed special and very valuable. Dominic Grayson (sexy sexy man who I want to ravish) has a dark past and a dark secret, but with the help of Kerrigans grandmother he's able to straighten his life out. Right before she dies, Kerrigans Grans ask Dominic to watch over and protect Kerrigan. But will he be able to that having some many secrets?

The secondary characters had me rolling on the floor. Gabe OMG how I love this character. I wish he was my best friend because then there'll be no reason to be sad lol. I also love how Dom says "Querida" ooooo shivers down my spine! AN AMAZING STORY! I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a good laugh with a cute/sexy love story! Now on to book two!

Favorite Quotes:

“Back off, Dom-Dom,” Gabe warned. “You’ve been monopolizing every second of every day lately. I never get to spend any time with my Kerr Bear. If you try to take her away from me before I get bored with her, or meet some hot surfer boy, I swear I will climb up one side of you and down the other like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew.

So, you just carry your tight little ass back on over there with Hotty McHotterson and Spanky McSpank-me-some, then all three of you can strip your shirts off, and we’ll sit over here and enjoy the view. And so help me God, Dominic,” he took a breath. “If even one of these skanks so much as tries to lay a hand on any of you, they will get their weave snatched out their head. So, try to keep the flexing to a minimum, m’kay? And would it kill you to bend over every now and then? We’d like to check out your ass-sets.”

“Get off your fat ass, and go get the boy.” He shoved her off the couch with his foot, and then he started mumbling under his breath. “I swear to Oprah! Hetero bitches sit around moping all day, expecting Prince Charming to come to them, instead of taking some initiative and going after what they want. I am so glad that I’m gay and don’t have to put up with you timid little skanks.”

“Yeah, that would’ve gone over really well,” he said sarcastically. He changed his tone of voice to sound cheerful. “Hi, I’m Dominic Grayson. I’m living with your grandmother because she’s protecting me from this evil bitch who wants to steal my soul so that my dead father can take over my body. Yeah, I know…kind of sounds like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but really, it’s not the same thing. Said evil bitch tried it once, but in the end, all she managed to do was turn me into half a man, you know…’cause I’m a ghost at night and all. So, if you hear creepy noises in the house, don’t pay any attention to it. It’s just me, gettin’ my spectral spook on.”

*Review copy provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Death's Mistress by Karen Chance

Death's Mistress

by Karen Chance

Dorina Basarab #2

 

It seemed like a relatively simple job for Dory, find the vampire nightclub owner and take him to Mircea for questioning about smuggling from Faerie; so how did she end up protecting a headless body with a hoarde of vampires and fey chasing? Something has been smuggled away from Faerie that every vampire senate member wants their hands on and the Fey want back and Dory is stuck in the middle.

Another thrilling action packed book from Karen Chance! The stakes have been raised in Death's Mistress as Dory unintentionally gets involved in the lethal world of vampire politics.

What I loved about this book was that it gave you a much deeper insight into Dory, Mircea and Louis Cesare's character and their connection. Things were revealed, especially about Louis-Cesare that I have been dying to know since I started the Cassie Palmer series. And not only was Dory's smoking hot relationship with Louis-Cesare progressed in this book but you can see a slow bond forming between her and her father Mircea, which I hope will continue to flourish in the next book.

As well as having soem great character development the story in this was interesting and kept me guessing to almost the end. I liked how she didn't just have a massive information dump at the end; each layer of information was revealed through out the book ratcheting the tension up right to the final page.

A fantastic book that revealed more about Dory and Louis-Cesare and was paired up with a fast moving and fascinating story line as well as a good dose of humour and great writing; I can't wait to start on Fury's Kiss!   



Purchase Links: Amazon