Review: Addicted by Elle Kennedy

April 27, 2020 Leave a Comment

Addicted
by Elle Kennedy
Series: Outlaws #2

Published by Signet
on June 28, 2016
Genres: Science Fiction Romance
Pages: 354

♥

Lennox used to live in a paradise on earth with his best friend Jamie, in a place where visitors came and went, allowing their desires to run free. But everything changes when a deadly attack forces them to take up with Connor Mackenzie’s band of Outlaws. Lennox knows Jamie is hung up on someone else, but he’s always believed he’s the man for her—and won’t let her go without a fight.
Even though Jamie is well aware that Lennox is one hot specimen of a man, she refuses to let sex ruin the most important relationship in her life. But when the object of her interest spurns her, she indulges in a little pleasure-filled revenge with her very magnetic, very willing best friend. One thrilling night with Lennox is enough to awaken Jamie’s unexpected desires for him. And now that she’s had a taste, she’s not sure she can ever give him up...

Review

I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the first book. However, I think this is a solid sequel to the general series arc. Also, I’ve been introduced to both Lennox and Jamie in the first book, and Hudson even hinted at the more-than-platonic feelings that Lennox had for Jamie that Jamie had for Rylan. I had fun reading about how these two best friends who’ve known each other their whole lives moved on from being friends who’ve never been sexual to each other to being two people who could not get enough of each other in the bedroom.

I liked Jamie’s jealous streak. I mean, it was obvious from the get-go that Lennox was in love with her and protective of her. However, when she got jealous of Reese, it showed that Jamie’s feelings for him is actually already more than just deep friendship. There are some minor things that I found were anti-climactic to the individual story, but was a turning point in the general series plot.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Elle Kennedy

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle writes romantic suspense and erotic contemporary romance for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Review: Claimed by Elle Kennedy

April 27, 2020 Leave a Comment

Claimed
by Elle Kennedy
Series: Outlaws #1

Published by Signet
on October 6, 2015
Genres: Science Fiction Romance
Pages: 351
Narrator: C. S. E. Cooney

♥

After a devastating war decimated most of the world, Hudson Lane has only known the oppressive life under her own father’s tyranny. She finally escapes, branding herself an outlaw and hunted by the Enforcers. Her best chance at survival is Connor Mackenzie, an aggressively sensual fugitive who opens her eyes to the wicked possibilities of a world without rules.
As the leader of a band of outlaw fighters, Connor can’t resist the beautiful stranger who asks for his protection. Despite his reservations, he agrees to introduce her to a whole new way of life. But when Connor discovers Hudson’s connection to the enemies of liberty, he wonders how far he can trust the woman who has abandoned all inhibitions to challenge every forbidden desire.

Review

I loved Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series, so I dove into this one expecting another great time. I made a point to read the entire series before posting my review for each book, so here it goes. As far as post apocalyptic setting was involved, it was okay. The conflict and the reason for the new world was created well. I could just imagine a global council who controlled everything. I could also just imagine how there were always going to be people or outlaws who will repel the new world and its new laws.

I liked this first book because it gets the reader interested enough to know what happens next, so, like me, they’re going to get the next book because they want to know what happens to the outlaws over time. I enjoyed just how hot and sexy this book was. Seriously. There’s some serious sexing going on in the book, I tell you. Anyway, I kind of liked this book and because of that, I readily moved on to the second book. However, I would say that out of three released books for this series, so far, this one is probably the best it can go.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Elle Kennedy

Elle writes romantic suspense and erotic contemporary romance for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Review: Addicted by Lauren Landish

April 27, 2020 Leave a Comment

Addicted
by Lauren Landish
Series: Bad Boy Stepbrothers #1

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on January 21, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Narrator: Daniel Galvez II

♥

“Your lips would look great wrapped around my…”
Who in the world tells a girl that on their first meeting? Tyler Locklin, that’s who. He’s filthy rich and arrogant with a set of abs that is the envy of all young men everywhere, and did I forget to mention devilishly handsome? He’s a bastard of the first order. I can’t stand to be in the same room with him.
But with one wink or a flash of his mischievous grin, I go weak in the knees. It pisses me off. I’m supposed to hate him. He’s an asshole. Yet, I can’t help but be drawn to him because I’m . . . ADDICTED.

Review

This was was an okay read. The main characters had their good points individually. The hero sometimes came across as tactless and unfiltered. But he was an okay alpha male hero who entertained me, so I have no complaints there. The heroine was also enjoyable to read.

For a stepbrother/stepsister book, this wasn’t too taboo because that fact didn’t factor in when they first fell for each other. It’s steamy, but not over-the-top. It’s not really that amazing, but it’s not so bad either.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Lauren Landish

Lauren Landish is a WALL STREET JOURNAL & USA TODAY bestselling author and her books have garnered a legion of praise from her readers.

When shes not plotting about how she will introduce you to your next sexy as hell book boyfriend, you can find her deep, deep in her writing cave, furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.

Lauren, who lives in NC with her boyfriend and fur baby, warmly invites you to her worlds of rock hard abs, chiseled smiles, and men with deep, fat pocketsbut beware! These stories are guaranteed to have you addicted and needing your next fix!

Review: Addict by Lexi Blake

April 27, 2020 Leave a Comment

Addict
by Lexi Blake
Series: Hunter #2

Published by Dlz Entertainment
on September 22, 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy Romance
Pages: 310

♥

In order to destroy a legendary monster and save the royal family, Kelsey must make a deal with a devil…
When Kelsey Owens returns home to Dallas, she is a changed woman. After months of training with Marcus Vorenus , she has more control over her abilities. She’s ready to start her new job, even if it means dealing with the King of All Vampire and his partner, Devinshea Quinn. Her first assignment, however, will force her to face her past. Grayson Sloane is in trouble and she has to find him.
With the help of Gray’s brother, a full empath demon, Kelsey tracks her one time lover down. Before she knows it, she’s pulled into Gray’s undercover operation in a demon sex club and sitting across from a Duke of Hell. Abbas Hiberna plans to use her city to test his new drug, Brimstone. It doesn’t just give supernatural creatures a high. It also leaves them vulnerable to demonic persuasion.
When the king’s own men begin to turn against him, even the royal family is in danger. Keeping them safe will put Kelsey in the duke’s crosshairs and test her fledgling relationship with Marcus. With her new life crumbling around her, a dark secret about her former lover is revealed and Kelsey will have to choose between saving Gray Sloane and the revenge she’s waited a lifetime for.

Review

I loved the first book. I was really very excited for what would come next in Kelsey’s journey. Starting this book was something I’d planned since I finished book 1. Unfortunately, I am going to say that I think I will be quitting this series. Don’t get me wrong. I love Lexi Blake. Immensely. Her books are one of the ones I can always go back to when I just need to read something familiar. However, I’m done with this series.

This series has just become too Anita Blake-ish. With the harem and multiple partners and the need to co-exist with each other and depend on one another for sex, stability, and emotional connection, yeah, thanks, but no, thanks. I enjoyed Anita Blake, but eventually, the story got old for me. When a woman who is clearly as strong and fierce as Kelsey starts being unable to fully function without a man (whichever man was necessary in whichever situation) yeah, I’m out of there. Also, I fully support polygamy. However, Kelsey seemed to be attracted to almost every male she comes in contact with. At least, that’s how it appears to me. For sure, there’s a vampire and a demon, but there’s other entities too. Maybe we can add shifters, faes, gargoyles, and anything else to the mix?

I want to read the third book, but I just don’t want to be disappointed again, so I am going to leave this series, and just enjoy the other Lexi Blake books that I’ve been following.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Lexi Blake

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Review: Ripper by Lexi Blake

April 27, 2020 Leave a Comment

Ripper
by Lexi Blake
Series: Hunter #1
Published by Dlz Entertainment
on January 13, 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy Romance
Pages: 328

♥

Kelsey Atwood is a private detective with a problem. She came from a family of hunters, growing up on the wrong side of the supernatural world. Tracking down bail jumpers and deadbeat dads may not make her a lot of friends, but it's a lot safer than the life she turned her back on. She was hoping to escape from the nightmares of her past, but her latest case has brought them right back to her door.
A young woman has gone missing, and she didn't go willingly. When Kelsey discovers that the girl is actually a shifter, she knows she should drop the case and walk away. But this shifter was a sweet kid, and she's in serious trouble. More females are missing and the evidence points to a legendary killer. Bodies are piling up, and her case is becoming center stage for a conflict that could shatter the fragile peace between wolves and vampires.
As the hunt intensifies, she finds herself trapped between two men-Gray, a magnetic half-demon lawman, and the ancient vampire Marcus Vorenus. Both men call to her, but when a shocking secret about Kelsey's family is revealed, it could ruin them all. To stop the killer, she will have to embrace the truth about who-and what-she truly is.

Review

I freaking enjoyed the book. I’m not so big on paranormal romance because they tend to be similar or repetitive. I gave this a go because it sounded like it had a kick ass heroine and a story that was interesting and unique. I’m so glad I read this book. That girl was just bad ass. She had a dark past and was working on staying under the radar and away from the supernatural kind. However, she had the gift. Getting to know her character was really entertaining. The love triangle was even bittersweet. Kelsey had a strong attraction and connection with Marcus but she was not confused about her feelings because she knew that while Marcus had a hold on her, it was different from the way she felt for Gray. You will understand more if you read the book.

This is the first book in the series, and this is exactly how a series should be started. Lexi Blake successfully created the first book to be explosive and intriguing. It had enough of the whole series plot for a reader to decide if he wants to continue. On the other hand, it had just the right amount of suspense to make any reader excited to read the next installment. Aside from the thrilling action, the author was also able to squeeze in hot sex and romance for the heroine. Ripper is a book that had so many things going on in the best possible way. It is one of those paranormal romance novels that blends so well with the contemporary setting. The book has well-written characters, a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and a love triangle that will surely inspire fans into starting team Marcus and team Gray.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Lexi Blake

Review: The Absolution of Aidan by Kathy Coopmans

April 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Absolution of Aidan
by Kathy Coopmans

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on January 19, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 232
Narrator: Stacy Hinkle

♥

Aidan Hughes
I was cruel to Deidre La Russo. Said things I should never say to a woman. Seen things happen to her. Things darker than the bottle of liquor I consume. I felt helpless. Defeated. The memories are more tortuous than the act of her torture. Then she walks back into my life, only she's not alone.
Deidre La Russo
I have my reasons for leaving. I lived through hell. I was beaten, tortured. Drugged. I have secrets. I have to tell them. Danger brought us all together. Danger may rip us apart.

Review

I am proud to say that I actually followed this series. From Cain to Roan and now with Aidan. I liked Cain’s book. It was sad in the beginning, but it got very exciting towards the end. The second book was personally better for me. I guess it’s because I liked Roan better than I liked Cain. I was really looking forward to this book because it feels like the thrill and excitement just keeps getting up every time.

The Syndicate is a really good series. This book alone gives readers a heroine that’s a fighter and a survivor. It’s sometimes hard to imagine our perfect little heroines coming from the dark side, living a dark life. But that’s this book’s heroine. The most important thing about her is that she came out on top. After everything she went through, she showed that she’s tough where and when it matters. The hero was swoon-worthy. It’s illogical, but it’s hard not to root for him.

I really like Kathy Coopman’s style of writing a mafia series. It’s not too bloody or hopeless. There’s just enough romance, violence, and conflict for readers to enjoy. But it never goes over the top for readers to feel like there’s no redemption anymore. I will definitely be watching out for more books from this series.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Kathy Coopmans

USA Today Best Selling and multiple Amazon top 100 Author Kathy Coopmans is a Michigan native where she lives with her husband, Tony. They have two sons Aaron and Shane.

She is a sports nut. Her favorite sports include NASCAR, Baseball, and Football.

She has recently retired from her day job to become a full-time writer.

She has always been an avid reader and at the young age of 50 decided she wanted to write. She claims she can do several things at once and still stay on task. Her favorite quote is “I got this.”