4 Stars

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

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: 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

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: 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.”

Review: The Wrath of Cain by Kathy Coopmans

April 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

The Wrath of Cain
by Kathy Coopmans
Series: The Syndicate #1

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on October 9, 2015
Genres: Erotic Romance
Pages: 282
Narrator: Stacy Hinkle

♥

Eloped at the age of eighteen. Separated at the age of eighteen. Disappeared at the age of eighteen. This is what happened to Calla Greer. Her perfect life was shattered on her wedding day when she caught her husband Cain with another woman just hours after they said I do. With her heart broken, she moves across the border to Windsor, Canada to get away from the nightmare she stumbled upon. Hell bent on going to college and fulfilling her dream of becoming a lawyer.
After six long years of still being married, Calla returns to Detroit to have Cain sign divorce papers.
Only Cain has changed.
He’s bitter, angry and for a good reason.
At least that’s what he’s been telling himself for the past six years.
Cain Bexley had fifteen minutes to destroy his marriage to protect the woman he loved.
He did the only thing he could think of to make her leave. He jumped in bed with a woman. Life at home was a lie. Lives were at risk. People are not who they seem.
Not even Cain’s dad or Calla’s parents are who they say they are. When Calla shows up begging for a divorce. He shows her exactly who he is and no way in hell will he sign those papers.
What happens when six years later she returns? The only woman he has loved. A woman who has changed herself! When all the lies surface will she be able to forgive everyone she has trusted in her life or will Calla turn to the man who destroyed her?

Review

I was really excited to read this book because of its blurb. It promised drama, angst, and danger. In that sense, it actually more than delivered. The Wrath Of Cain has a heartless hero who led an MC on his own, at a young age, I would add. He was a different man from the one that broke the heroine’s heart six years ago. This hero we get in the book was rough, dangerous, and fierce.

What I liked most about the book was actually the heroine. I mean, she wasn’t perfect, and not everybody will actually like her, but I enjoyed reading the chapters that were on her POV. I enjoyed reading the first part, despite it ending in heartbreak. I liked the growth and development she had over the years she spent in college and far away from the hero. I couldn’t like the hero the same way, but I could understand why he was the way he was, I guess. This book had thrill and suspense. A lot of the mystery was actually revealed early, so as a reader who doesn’t like surprises, this was something I appreciated. All in all, this is a solid story that will undoubtedly entertain any reader.

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.”

Review: 14 Weeks by Jessica Gadziala

April 20, 2020 Leave a Comment

14 Weeks
by Jessica Gadziala
Series: Investigators, #2

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on November 6, 2017
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 216

♥

I was a bit of a wild child. I had a past. I had gotten into trouble. All that was behind me, though. And for the first time in my life, trouble had found me.
When the other private investigators wouldn't help me, I found the huge, hulking Tig willing to lend his expertise. What I didn't expect was the growing attraction between us or the crazy series of events that would put our budding relationship to the test.

Review

I have to say that I liked this book way better than the first installment. Of course, I am a fan of the author. I like her dark, gritty stories filled with the anti-heroes and survivor heroines. In this book, I couldn’t wait to get to the part where they finally solved the mystery. And when I did, I was really surprised by the twists that the author took. I honestly did not see that coming. Although, if I think about it, the plot twist made sense.

I like the fast forward chapters at the end because it made me excited to read about the secondary characters. However, if you’ve read this book and know about the plot twist, you’d understand if I say that the resolution was kind of a sad one, especially those scenes in the ending. It felt too much like a loose end.

One thing I couldn’t get into with this book was the reference to so many characters from other series. While this book can be read as a standalone, I have to admit that there were moments when I felt lost because I was sure that if I read those other books, I would understand those side characters that were introduced in the story. Anyway, those are minor issues. I have no complaints about the story itself, so all is well, I guess.

Quotes

Poverty is the surest way to weigh down a soul. And weighted soul does whatever it can do to get some burden off.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Jessica Gadziala

Jessica Gadziala is a full-time writer, parrot enthusiast, and coffee drinker. She enjoys short rides to the book store, sad songs, coffee in Big Gulp-sized cups, and cold weather, and has recently developed an unhealthy obsession with acquiring houseplants. She lives in New Jersey with seven parrots and six dogs.

She is a big believer in snark, strong secondary characters, and bada$$ women.

She is very active on Goodreads, Facebook, as well as her personal groups on those sites. Join in. Shes friendly.

Review: 367 Days by Jessica Gadziala

April 20, 2020 Leave a Comment

367 Days
by Jessica Gadziala
Series: Investigators #1

Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
on November 11, 2016
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 304

♥

I'm not crazy.
It's not amnesia.
But I somehow lost a year of my life.
When the cops and doctors think you're out of your mind, but you still need answers, where else is there to turn but a private investigator?
Sawyer is nothing you'd want in a friend- a little detached, cool, sarcastic, cocksure. But he's everything you'd want in a private investigator- calm, capable, experienced, and just jaded enough by the darkness he'd seen to take a chance on some random girl who insists something more sinister must have happened to her than simple memory loss.
But thrown together, trying to get to the root of my mystery, feelings that were most definitely not client/professional start to emerge.

Review

I am a hug Jessica Gadziala fan. When I saw this book, I knew I just had to read it. There’s just something raw, dark, and thrilling about her books that entertain me no end.

All in all, this was a solid read. I really liked the heroine because even if she was victimized, abducted, and dumped, losing a year and two days of her life, she was still herself before being abducted. She had principles, a strong mind, and a brave spirit. I also enjoyed the hero because he was stable. He was also a bit funny and very loyal, especially to family.

The suspense and mystery in the book was predictable, but not outright. Once all the characters were mentioned, it was easy to guess who the perp was. But it was still fun to read how they solved the problem and just how much help the rest of the gang were. When I started this book, I didn’t know that this would be a first book in the series. But now that I know there are going to be books on the gang after this, well, I’m already excited and looking forward to them.

Quotes

“You might want to ease up on the perfume.”

“I’m not wearing perfume.”

“Sure you are. I think it’s called ‘Ode To Get The Fuck Away From Me’.” I looked at her face quickly enough to see her have to force her lips to stay in a straight line.

“Apparently I need to go put on some more,” she said.

Series Order and Buy Link

About Jessica Gadziala

She is a big believer in snark, strong secondary characters, and bada$$ women.

She is very active on Goodreads, Facebook, as well as her personal groups on those sites. Join in. Shes friendly.